Company Information

LOS ANGELES, CA - Kaleidoscope Media is launching the first complete multimedia system that allows artists to buy and sell over the Internet. The system, Kaleidospace(tm), utilizes world wide web software to showcase the work of independent artists, musicians, writers, filmmakers, performers, CD-ROM authors and software developers to the 20 million users connected to the Internet. Anyone with a computer and modem will be able to access the service. Membership in an online service such as Compuserve is not necessary, and access at most universities and corporations is free.

Kaleidospace is an online electronic catalog with a highly intuitive graphical interface on which artists may display short excerpts from their products. Musicians might showcase 30 second cuts from their albums, and filmmakers may provide short scenes or trailers from their work. Additional promotional information, such as bios and interview footage, are also available. Users interested in the products fill out electronic order forms and send them over the Internet. Orders are also accepted by phone, fax or mail. Artists retain full rights to their work and pay a monthly fee--rather than losing a major percentage of their unit sales to a large company.

Kaleidoscope Media joins other groups creating multimedia online marketplaces (MOMs), virtual shopping malls and electronic bazaars on the Internet. According to Peter Markiewicz, "We call our site a digital art deli (DAD) because we operate out of one room in our apartment--like any corner store--and we've got lots of tasty stuff for our customers to sample. It makes sense in Los Angeles, where the recent earthquake has focused attention on telecommuting as a job option."

The goal of the service, according to Jeannie Novak, is to empower independent artists who have been ignored by major record labels, publishing houses and movie studios. Inspiration for the service came when she began independently producing her own CD. According to Jeannie, "We believe that as the cost of producing creative works drops and the information highway grows, it will be commonplace for artists to independently produce and promote their products. Kaleidoscope Media solves the distribution problem by allowing millions of Internet users to experience and order the results. By this time next year, large numbers of people will be able to buy and sell in cyberspace."

The opening is scheduled for Thursday, March 31, 1994 at 7:30pm at the Electronic Cafe in Santa Monica. Attendees will get hands-on experience with the system.

Kaleidoscope Media is presently seeking work from independent artists and small companies producing graphic and fine arts, CD-ROMs, music, written works, film, performance, animation, video and creative services. Artists need not be computer literate to work with the service. The company also provides consulting to individuals and groups who wish to connect to the Internet.

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