The Chronic Consumer

Like most people, IMDb.com is the first place I go whenever I need to find info related to movies, TV shows, or actors. The regular site is completely free, but there’s also a “Pro” site that requires a paid membership. IMDb Pro promises more in-depth information about productions, from business figures to contacts and analysis. The site is also promoted as a way to network with others in the industry to find jobs or perhaps even get funding for a project.

I thought the site sounded interesting, so I decided to sign up for the IMDb Pro free trial which grants two weeks of access in exchange for a credit card number. I didn’t get charged anything, but if I don’t cancel within the proper time frame, I’ll be out $12.95/mo until I do cancel.

I’ve spent the last few days browsing around the IMDb Pro site, and I honestly don’t think the information is any better than what’s available on the free site. From what I understand, the info on IMDb Pro is still user-contributed, meaning that it’s not any more reliable than on the free site. Moreover, the “job board” mostly consists of independent screenwriters and out-of-work actors hoping that someone will notice them. If you’re looking to break into the business, I don’t know how useful this type of information would be.

IMDb Pro also purports to list contact information for actors, directors, agents, producers, etc., so I had a look at what that was all about. Johnny Depp was listed at the top of the first page, and by clicking on his link, all I found was the phone number and address for his talent agency. I obviously wasn’t expecting to get aerial views of his French home, but still… agency stuff isn’t exactly top-secret info that would justify paying $12.95 per month or $99.95 per year.

The bottom line is that while IMDb Pro might sound like fun because of the feeling of being on the “inside”, the truth of the matter is you’ll be just as far away from Hollywood and celebrities as ever. I see absolutely no reason to spend $100 per year on the site, so my recommendation is that you save your money!

(Click all thumbnails to enlarge.)