Peer distribution doesn't have to include complete, polished videos. Some video producers are opting to upload their raw media to P2P networks. This way, others are asked to join in on the production process. Arin Crumley of the From Here to Awesome project started by uploading all of his unique video media along with his Final Cut Pro project file. Asking his friends (and fans) to download everything and edit their own video allowed more people to share in the creative experience. Since Arin only uploaded media that he owned, his participants didn't have to worry about copyright issues. In this case, P2P distribution helped the video producer to complete an unfinished project.

With so many choices to distribute your video, P2P networks may only be one part of your video distribution strategy. You may fulfill different audiences by offering some video content that streams on YouTube alongside your video torrent. Sending full-quality video files using P2P is also much quicker than sending them using a single server. Although P2P still has some way to go before it becomes the de-facto choice for HD video distribution, it is essentially a good way to get your video to the masses. Currently, web developers are working on making P2P even more cost effective, calling it P4P. This newest approach will offer shared video regionally as well as internationally, because downloading a video all the way from Japan costs more if you live in another part of the world. Why not download locally? Look for P4P to add sparks to the peer-to-peer distribution of HD video.

Contributing editor Andrew Burke is an independent producer and has worked in all areas of video production on three continents.