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Napster: The Movie

Posted by chrisd on from the when-the-weird-turn-pro dept.

Joey Patterson writes "Looks like the story of Napster founder Shawn Fanning is headed to the small screen. CNET News.com reports that Fanning has signed a deal with MTV to turn his life story into a movie, which will focus on his personal saga during Napster's rise and fall. There's no word yet on who the cast will be (although Fanning may play himself), but Alex Winter (who played Bill in the "Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure" movies) will write (and possibly direct) the film."

6 of 249 comments (clear)

  1. But which point of view? by octalgirl · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Curious to see what type of spin they will put on this - either the RIAA will come out looking like justified heros, or Fanning will look like the media scapegoat.

  2. Should be good TV by LionHeartCJ · · Score: 4, Interesting
    MTV is not known for good TV in my book. All their shows are terrible and occasionally they show a crappy video.

    They have a chance to change turn this all around. I think this movie would be very intersting if they focus more on Fanning's transition from college life to the startup of Napster.

    Everyone knows what happens after Napster hit it big. I'm more interested in the startup side of Napster, before they were a success.

  3. One big ad campaign against filesharing by Rai · · Score: 4, Interesting

    MTV (business associate of the RIAA and music industry in general) is making a movie (MPAA territory) about Napster (one-time arch-nemesis of the RIAA and not exactly on good terms with the MPAA either.) Being that this is an MTV movie, it will make the attempt of appealing to a younger crowd (RIAA and MPAA will use their influence to basically make this one big ad campaign against filesharing.)

    I expect this to blantantly portray Fanning as a common thief on every level. They'll probably even have scenes where he's shoplifting, forceably taking candy from children, or anything else that gives the public the impression he's a cleptomania.

    No, I think I'll watch something else when this airs. A 90-minute ad against Napster-clones doesn't interest me in the least.

    1. Re:One big ad campaign against filesharing by SablKnight · · Score: 2, Interesting

      Absolutely, but...

      Fanning will have a wonderful idea for a new utopian world, with filesharing for all as a new medium in the exchange of ideas, but the EVIL PIRATES of the world twist his work to EVIL PURPOSES and destroy his life's work. Luckily, the RIAA is around to help him out, punishing the EVIL PIRATES and accepting him into the fold.

      Expect rave reviews of the SEX SCENE between Fanning and Rosen! Tremble in terror as the hideously deformed PIRATE GEEKS (evil) shred Fanning's dreams! Cheer when the HEROIC LAWYERS and the dashing HOLLYWOOD-STYLE NERDS save the day by delivering subpoenas and hacking the EVIL PIRATES' boxes!

      or something...

      SablKnight

  4. This could be good, but. by autopr0n · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Well first of all no one has any idea if this guy can actualy act. If he can't, he'll need to have a good director that can work around his lack of abity (cf. The Matrix).

    But I doubt this will be any good. I used to watch MTV a lot, and all their movies, without fail, sucked.

    --
    autopr0n is like, down and stuff.
  5. Eminem? by peter303 · · Score: 4, Interesting

    Its a far-out choice, but Eminem has anti-establishment 'tude' and a gen-xy look. Both Eminem and Shawn are heavily involved in the music industry. And early reviews of Eminem's "8 Mile" movie, in general release next month, are good.