In Hollywood circles, Amazon.com, Inc. (Nasdaq: AMZN)'s Internet Movie Database (IMDb) is a mega brand (the site gets more than 50 million unique visitors per month). Basically, it's the place to go if you want to know just about anything about the entertainment industry.
Now, Amazon.com is expanding things even further; that is, the company has agreed to purchase Withoutabox.
All in all, it looks like a nice fit. Basically, Withoutabox operates a platform that allows indie filmmakers to submit their work to festivals. There are also tools to help with promotion (especially online methods). The company, which got started in 2000, has a community of more than 150,000 filmmakers.
But, by now being a part of IMDb, Withoutabox should get a nice boost. And, with the Hollywood strike, maybe people will have more time to check out indie films -- which should be easier with this deal.
Tom Taulli is the author of various books, including The Complete M&A Handbook
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