As controversial as the porn industry may be, the nudie films from its early beginnings were one of the only platforms for student filmmakers to share their work.

"It was frustrating to make a movie and not have an audience,” said James Goldner, who attended UCLA’s film school during the ‘60s. “Nudie films were where the audience was.”

Now, with video Web sites like Azureus.com, large media files can be shared easily over the Internet, helping budding filmmakers gain viewers and share their creativity.

"New technology provides us with grand possibilities," said Goldner of online distribution methods.

Since its inception in 2004, the Web site has used technology to create Zudeo, a video-sharing platform similar to YouTube. But unlike the low-resolution video offered by competing services, Zudeo offers video in high definition (HD), DVD quality, giving student filmmakers a free and easy way to share their work in its best form.

To enable the service, users must first download Zudeo to their computer, much like music sharing sites Kazaa or LimeWire, which gives them access to over 100 million files, with 18 different HD "channels," ranging from documentaries to extreme sports.

There is also a Student Films Channel that showcases student work from about six schools across the nation. Top executives from Azureus plan to segment this channel into exclusive college chapters and have been in communication with several universities, including SF State.

SF State cinema professors like Goldner believe that this could encourage more tight-knit student communities while also providing a platform to change the lingering preconceptions of SF State’s off-beat, experimental, and “non-Hollywood” film department.

“It could help redefine our cinema department,” said Goldner. “So when people see our other work [on the site] they’ll be surprised and say, ‘oh boy, that’s really hot!’” said Goldner about Azureus.

But it’s entirely up to students to maintain the site.

"Schools need to make sure they have enough content, at least 10 pieces to start with and then be able to update it frequently to keep it fresh," said Deniz Lanyi, Azureus’ marketing manager.

Student filmmakers like senior cinema major Brett J. Fox recognize the need of online video circulation.

"Most students have a hard time finding a platform to exhibit their movies other than in class. Festivals cost money and there are no guarantees that they'll be accepted," said Fox, 25.

"This will be a great benefit to the cinema students at SF State and I look forward to getting to see more of my peers' work,” said Fox.

Other filmmakers are skeptical about using the Web site.

"It sounds cool. But I wonder how practical it will be when Google Video and YouTube is already so popular," said former SF State cinema student Jeanette Aguilar, 24. "I’ll have to tell people to access this new site they’ve never heard of before to access my films."

Aguilar also expressed doubts about giving the public authority to download her work.

"If you are trying to get exposure, [Zudeo] would be a perfect platform for others to download and share your works," said Aguilar. "But again with the fear of downloading bugs, I would personally be more apt to browse YouTube and watch videos."

According to Lanyi, Azureus protects its publishers by giving them the option to prevent their work from being downloaded, and that the files are non-executable or run from a protected location, so there’s “no possibility of getting a bug.”

And unlike more comparable HD video sites like Jaman.com which limit users to one gigabyte uploads for publishing content, Zudeo accepts films of any size, giving filmmakers the ability to show lengthier films.

"It's ideal for students who want to syndicate their work," said Lanyi.

Such advancements are impressive, but worrisome for some student filmmakers who believe online video sharing has caused serious filmmakers to lose their credibility amongst a swarm of amateurs.

“The Internet is such a convoluted market consisting of self-owned and gagged videos,” said senior cinema major Sam Kim, 26.

But for filmmaking veterans like Goldner, the expansion of audience, in any form, is a positive thing.

“After you go through the effort of making the film, post-production, you want to show your work to the world,” said Goldner. “More people — young or old people, even retiring — just need an outlet to express themselves.”