Introduction

MovieBloc is a revolutionary Web3 platform for the distribution of independent films and short-form content, aiming to reshape the film industry. As the world’s first blockchain-based OTT (Over-the-Top) platform for independent films, MovieBloc empowers creators with transparent revenue sharing and equal screening opportunities. At the same time, it enables audiences to enjoy diverse cinematic content and earn participation rewards.

The platform’s core features include decentralized control, audience empowerment, global influence, and innovative financing models. The MBL token plays a critical role in the ecosystem, facilitating content access, membership benefits, creator incentives, and community governance.

MovieBloc is spearheaded by an experienced team, backed by South Korea’s media giant PandoraTV, and supported by renowned investors such as Ontology and FBG Capital. With its unique ecosystem—including online film festival services and Real-World Asset (RWA) exploration—MovieBloc is driving the sustainable growth of independent films, creating a fairer, more transparent, and innovative future for the film industry.

MovieBloc (MBL): A New Era Reshaping the Film Industry

About MovieBloc

MovieBloc is an innovative Web3 platform for distributing independent films and short-form content. It was co-founded in 2019 by Peter Kim, Chris Kang, and Jeffrey Jin. As the world’s first blockchain-based OTT (Over-the-Top) platform dedicated to independent films, MovieBloc is committed to revolutionizing the film industry.

Through a decentralized film and content distribution system, the platform ensures that creators receive transparent revenue sharing, access to audience data, and equal screening opportunities. At the same time, audiences can enjoy diverse film content while earning rewards for contributing to curation, subtitling, and promotional activities.

The platform’s native token, $MBL, is integral to the ecosystem. It is used for accessing premium content, translation services, donations, and rewarding users for reporting illegal content and writing film reviews. This structure creates a collaborative and transparent environment for creators and audiences alike, effectively challenging the dominance of corporate conglomerates in theater and home entertainment markets.

Since officially launching its service on December 31, 2019, MovieBloc has expanded. In 2020, the company solidified its position in the blockchain-based film industry by acquiring the Korean crypto community service Cobak and establishing MBL Media, focusing on content IP development and management.

OTT: A Comprehensive Collection of Short Films and Independent Movies

OTT (Over-the-Top) services refer to streaming media platforms that deliver content directly to viewers via the internet, bypassing traditional broadcasting or cable systems. MovieBloc’s OTT platform showcases over 1,000 short films and independent movies from around the globe, engaging a vibrant community of more than 70,000 members. Filmmakers can upload their works anytime, anywhere, and earn revenue through the platform.

Online Film Festival Services: A Global Film Festival Experience

MovieBloc offers a diverse array of film festival services, including online festivals based on the GISFF (GwangHwaMun International Short Film Festival) and an open platform for independent film festivals. To date, the platform has successfully hosted over 40 online film festivals, showcasing hundreds of entries.

This service enables users to enjoy festival films from anywhere at any time and lowers the barriers to hosting a film festival. Anyone can create their own film festival without restrictions, sharing unique cinematic experiences with a global audience.

Venturing into RWA

MovieBloc is exploring Real-World Asset (RWA) tokenization by introducing a fair and transparent blockchain-based investment process for film equity. Through this initiative, creators gain access to funding, while investors have opportunities to participate in equity investments in films.

Key Features of MovieBloc

MovieBloc, as an innovative independent film platform, offers the following key features:

• Decentralized Control:
  Filmmakers retain full ownership and control over their content, with the freedom to set distribution terms independently.

• Audience Empowerment:
  Viewers can directly support creators, participate in content evaluations, and contribute to enhancing transparency and fair distribution on the platform.

• Global Reach:
  Movies can reach audiences worldwide through its translation network, significantly increasing international exposure.

• Security Token Offering (STO):
  Supports the tokenization of films, enabling decentralized investment and profit-sharing mechanisms.

• DAO Governance:
  Users can engage in decentralized governance by participating in voting and decision-making processes.

• Innovative Financing Models:
  Offers diverse funding options, including revenue-based and donation-based crowdfunding, as well as STOs, catering to the needs of different types of films.

• Profit-Sharing Mechanism:
  Through tokenized securities, investors and sponsors can share in the profits of successful projects.

• Translation Network:
  Promotes cross-cultural communication and broadens the global reach of films.

• Feedback Mechanism:
  Encourages direct communication between creators and audiences, improving content quality and viewer satisfaction.

• MBL Token Ecosystem:
  The MBL token is used across the platform for content access, membership benefits, creator incentives, and community governance.

These features collectively build a transparent, fair, and inclusive film ecosystem, providing new opportunities for independent filmmakers while offering audiences a wider variety of high-quality content.

Team Background and Investors

MovieBloc is backed by Pandora TV, a pioneering South Korean multimedia platform launched in 2004 as one of the world’s earliest video-sharing platforms. Pandora TV is a long-established internet company in South Korea. It also owns KMPlayer, a widely popular media playback software. KMPlayer has been one of the most downloaded media players globally, with over 820 million cumulative downloads across 150 countries.

Core Team

MovieBloc is a team primarily composed of South Korean members. CJ E&M is South Korea’s largest entertainment and mass media company, with business areas covering film, television, live performances, music, media, and gaming. CJ enjoys an excellent reputation in South Korea.

• Chris Kang, the CEO of MovieBloc, has a background in film. He graduated from Boston University with a major in Film and a minor in Business Management.
• Jeffrey Jin, the COO, is a serial entrepreneur. Both Chris and Jeffrey previously worked at CJ E&M and Pandora TV. Earlier in his career, Jeffrey worked at L.E.K. Consulting, specializing in data science.
• Peter Kim, the Chief Strategy Officer, is the founder of Pandora TV, which is a representative UGC video-sharing platform in South Korea.

Source: icodrops

Partners and Investors

MovieBloc has rich film and content resources in both Web2 and Web3 ecosystems, and maintains close collaborations with various partners, including decentralized content platforms such as Contentos and Piction Network, South Korea’s Independent Producers and Directors Association, as well as film and festival companies like Centralpark, DMZ, and Rainydays Pictures. It also collaborates with distributors such as Picord Film and Radiator IP Sales, along with blockchain partners Ontology, TomoChain, and Theta Network. Due to its deep collaboration with Ontology (ONT), there is a saying in the community that “MBL is ONT’s child.”

Source: MovieBloc Medium, ICODrops

How MovieBloc Operates

As a content marketplace, MovieBloc allows creators to upload their films, set distribution terms, and retain full control over their works. It comprises several core components:

• Creators: They upload content, generate revenue, and receive feedback from the audience.
• Audience Participation: Viewers play a vital role in the platform’s sustainable development by supporting creators through purchases and feedback.
• Translator Network: By translating films into different languages, this network expands the reach of content, promoting global accessibility.
• Feedback System: Creators can refine their works based on insights provided by the audience.

The platform uses MBL tokens for transactions, which include content access, rewards, and governance voting.

Infrastructure

MovieBloc is built on the Ontology blockchain, a high-performance Layer-2 public chain known for its speed and low cost. It provides enhanced security, transparency, and efficiency in data exchange and verification processes. Ontology offers many services, including smart contracts, decentralized identity management, and data exchange protocols. Its modular and pluggable design ensures flexibility and adaptability, meeting the diverse needs of various industries.

By leveraging Ontology’s blockchain technology, MovieBloc aims to enhance service coverage and user experience through innovative investment methods, improved service management practices, and an expanded blockchain-based network. The improved architecture integrates three layers—decentralized core layer, service core layer, and application layer—to achieve high transparency, security, and scalability.

The decentralized core layer consists of four main modules: Tokens, Network Bridge, DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), and ST (Security Token)/DEX (Decentralized Exchange). This layer ensures the transparency of token flow and the management system among platform participants. It enhances network coverage and stability through token mobility and collateral management while ensuring the integrity of token issuance and transactions via smart contracts. Decisions made by the DAO are recorded on the blockchain, preserving immutability.

The service core layer transforms the decentralized core layer into functional services. The BLOCKCHAIN module integrates the functionalities of TOKEN, NETWORK BRIDGE, and ST/DEX. The GOVERNANCE module implements the DAO’s capabilities. Additionally, it includes the SERVICE module and a Film Festival module, which are crucial for building the MovieBloc service ecosystem.

The application layer combines the decentralized service core into the MovieBloc DApp, which is available in multiple formats: PC, mobile web, iOS, and Android apps. This ensures accessibility across various platforms for users and creators.

Source: MovieBloc Whitepaper Ver2.0

Final Goal: The STO Model

STO, or Security Token Offering, refers to a blockchain-based method of securities issuance. This financing method digitizes traditional securities assets, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate, into digital tokens that can be issued and traded on the blockchain.

The STO model represents an innovative sponsorship framework in the $MBL ecosystem, utilizing tokenized securities. This model consists of two key stages: first, the tokenization of already-produced, trusted films rather than raising pre-production funds through traditional sponsorship; and second, enabling profit-sharing through this process.

Film Tokenization
Creators can tokenize their films into securities, ensuring ownership transparency while maintaining control over intellectual property rights and facilitating fundraising.

Automated Profit Sharing
Revenue generated within the MBL ecosystem is automatically distributed to token holders on the MovieBloc platform using MBL tokens. This eliminates the need for complex adjustments, ensuring both efficiency and fairness.

Profit-sharing screenings are offered in limited quantities to maintain uniqueness and value. Once the sales target is met, tokenized works transition from profit-sharing screenings to regular screenings, continuing to generate viewing revenue during this phase. MovieBloc’s tokenized securities sponsorship model provides creators with a transparent and efficient way to raise funds and share profits, bringing innovation to film financing.

Source: MovieBloc Whitepaper - Independent Film STO Process

MovieBloc Ecosystem

At its core, MovieBloc is a digital marketplace where creators can showcase their works, audiences can discover and engage with diverse content, and translators can enhance global accessibility. By adopting decentralization principles and innovative features, MovieBloc redefines the traditional film industry, creating a transparent, fair, and inclusive ecosystem for all participants.

Core Platform Features

Content Marketplace

The content marketplace is the heart of MovieBloc. It provides a platform for creators to upload independent films and generate income. Creators retain full rights and control over their content, setting their own terms and pricing. MovieBloc ensures that transactions are secure and efficient throughout the process.

Audience Participation

Audiences play a pivotal role in the MovieBloc ecosystem. They actively consume content, provide feedback, and support creators through purchases or donations. Their engagement fosters a vibrant community of film enthusiasts, driving the platform’s growth and sustainability.

Translator Network

The translator network expands content reach by translating films into multiple languages, enabling diverse global audiences to access these works. Translators play a critical role in breaking language barriers and promoting cultural exchange.

Feedback Mechanism

MovieBloc encourages direct communication between creators and audiences through feedback mechanisms such as ratings, reviews, and comments. This collaborative environment enables creators to refine their works based on audience insights, resulting in higher-quality content and improved viewer satisfaction.

MovieBloc Tokenomics

MovieBloc faces several challenges, including token volatility, insufficient community engagement, and an underdeveloped funding support system, all of which impact the growth of its ecosystem. The platform has introduced a series of innovative solutions to address these issues and create a sustainable and thriving ecosystem that better supports independent filmmakers. These include membership programs, profit-sharing models, STOs (Security Token Offerings), DAO governance, staking features, and decentralized exchanges (DEX).

• Utility of MBL Tokens: MBL tokens serve as the core currency within the platform, enabling access to premium content, supporting creators, staking, and facilitating community governance.
• Token-Based Economy: The token economy is designed to incentivize both creators and audiences. Creators earn MBL tokens based on the engagement and success of their films, while users benefit from token-based loyalty programs, discounts, and rewards.
• Profit-Sharing Model: Through tokenized securities, MovieBloc introduces a profit-sharing model that allows film sponsors and investors to share in the profits of successful projects.
• Future Financing Mechanisms: The platform is exploring staking and security token mechanisms to fund film projects, with MBL tokens intended to serve as collateral for these investments.

Application of $MBL Tokens and Current Challenges

The token economy within MovieBloc is dynamic and continuously evolving to support the growth of the independent film industry. MBL tokens play multiple roles on the platform, including access to content, membership benefits, creator incentives, and community governance.

However, the platform faces challenges like MBL token volatility, insufficient community engagement, and an inadequate funding support system. To address these, MovieBloc has proposed the following innovative solutions:

1. Membership Program: Users can use MBL tokens to access premium features and exclusive content, enjoy discounts, and receive VIP benefits.
2. Profit-Sharing Protocol: MBL token holders can invest in tokenized content and receive returns.
3. Security Token Offering (STO): Token holders can invest in their favorite films and share in the profits.
4. DAO Governance and Staking Features: Increase community engagement by enabling token holders to participate in platform decisions.
5. Planned Decentralized Exchange (DEX): Provide a transparent, low-cost, intermediary-free trading platform.

These measures aim to enhance the utility and value of MBL tokens, creating a sustainable platform ecosystem. They also provide more opportunities for users, creators, and stakeholders to engage and contribute to the platform’s growth.

MovieBloc’s Innovative Financing System

MovieBloc provides a comprehensive and innovative financing ecosystem for independent filmmakers, designed to address industry challenges and create new opportunities. This system consists of three main phases:

1. Initial Production Cost Support Based on Donations: Early funding to support pre-production.
2. Raising Funds via Security Token Offerings (STO): Financing during the production phase through blockchain-enabled tokenization.
3. Post-Production Ongoing Profit Sharing: Long-term revenue distribution to stakeholders.

By combining crowdfunding with blockchain technology, this financing approach offers creators flexible funding options while enabling investors to participate in film production and share in long-term profits. MovieBloc’s model helps independent filmmakers overcome financial barriers and promotes a more transparent, inclusive, and sustainable film industry ecosystem. Through these diversified financing models, MovieBloc offers independent filmmakers increased opportunities while fostering active participation from users within the ecosystem. This approach creates a sustainable development environment in the highly dynamic and competitive independent film industry.

Source: MovieBloc Whitepaper 2.0 - Revenue-based crowdfunding in the film industry typically involves soliciting investors before production, with returns calculated based on audience numbers. Profits are realized after screenings conclude, and contracts are finalized at that time.

Theater Feature: STO Profit-Sharing Cinema

The profit-sharing cinema fosters collaboration between creators and audiences while enabling continuous revenue generation. Through transparent and equitable profit distribution, it contributes to the sustainability of the independent film industry.

Profit-sharing cinemas represent an innovative screening model on the MovieBloc platform, designed to establish a mutually beneficial ecosystem for creators and audiences. This model leverages tokenized securities to facilitate revenue sharing, strengthening the connection between filmmakers and their viewers.

Operational Principles and Revenue Distribution

The cinema exclusively screens films that have issued security tokens (STOs). For example, a film may issue 1,000 tokens, each priced at 10,000 KRW, with 50% retained by the creator and the remaining 50% available for purchase by audiences. All revenue generated within the MovieBloc ecosystem is automatically distributed among creators and token holders according to their share of ownership.

This process is powered by blockchain technology, ensuring transparency and efficiency. Revenue distribution typically occurs on a monthly or quarterly basis.

Cinema Transition and Continuous Revenue

Once the predetermined sales volume is reached, the profit-sharing cinema transitions into a regular cinema. However, even after this transition, movie revenues continue to be fairly distributed among all token holders, maintaining long-term earning potential.

This innovative model not only strengthens collaboration between creators and audiences but also provides a transparent and fair revenue-sharing mechanism, paving the way for the sustainable development of the independent film industry.

Source: MovieBloc Whitepaper 2.0 - Theater Features

MBL Tokenomics

Token Sale

• Gate.io Launch: The token sale was conducted on May 3, 2019, at a rate of 1 MBL = 0.0012 USD, raising 2.88 million USDT. This sale accounted for 8.00% of the total token supply.
• Private Sale: Conducted on April 30, 2019, at a rate of 1 MBL = 0.00133 USD, raising 1.20 million USDT. This sale accounted for 3.00% of the total token supply.

Token Distribution

The total supply of MBL tokens is 30 billion, issued on the Ontology blockchain. The allocation is as follows:

• Private Sale: 3%
• Initial Exchange Offering (IEO): 8%
• MBL Ecosystem: 43%
• MBL Foundation: 10%
• Team: 15%
• Ontology Foundation: 10%
• MBL Airdrop: 11%

Source: MovieBloc Whitepaper Ver2.0

Conclusion

MovieBloc represents a revolutionary shift in the film industry, akin to how Netflix disrupted traditional television and film distribution. However, MovieBloc goes further by leveraging blockchain technology and tokenomics to create an unprecedented interactive platform for independent filmmakers and audiences.

This ecosystem offers diverse financing options and enables the tokenization of films through Security Token Offerings (STOs), allowing audiences to directly engage with the film projects they love. MovieBloc’s revenue-sharing cinema model innovatively connects creators and viewers, fostering a symbiotic, win-win relationship.

Unlike Netflix, which focuses on content distribution, MovieBloc builds a comprehensive film ecosystem encompassing the entire process—from financing and production to distribution. The MBL token serves as a central element in this system, acting not only as a medium of exchange but also as a governance tool, enabling community members to participate in platform decision-making.

While MovieBloc faces challenges such as token volatility, its innovative solutions, including membership systems and DAO governance, demonstrate adaptability and forward-thinking.

Overall, MovieBloc is redefining how independent films are created and distributed, injecting new vitality into a field rich in creativity but often constrained by a lack of funding. By integrating blockchain technology, tokenomics, and the traditional film industry, MovieBloc is paving the way for a more democratic, transparent, and sustainable future for cinema. Nevertheless, conducting thorough research before investing in any volatile, niche tokens is essential.