The Scene - root of all files

I can't believe i didn't know about the show called TheScene until 2007 (1-1-2007 to be precise). Quite good, and quite strange. I didn't regret spending hours downloading and watching 15 episodes, for the simple reason that it tell an "authentic" story about origin of pirated files. The file-sharing world all begins from a place named "The Scene".

This *free-for-download* show answers questions you may have encoutered: how the Chinese gets hold of crystal-clear DVD-quality movies way before releases ? As it's made clear during the show, no one can imagine that behind was a whole infrastructure, where security, mutal-trust relationship, and anonymity are at uttermost importance.

1. A famous ripping group called CPX, which is speialized in releasing DVD-quality priated movies, and has gained their reputation of being the fastest, most reliable ripping group in the world. I have seen some files containing substring of CPX in it, or am i just imagining ?

2. Member of this group consists of:
* A source: a person ideally working at a DVD pressing plant (in Hollyword). He would have access to latest, newest movies right after them being edited/made. This is the root of the chain, where everything gets started.
* Encoders/Ripping experts: after acquiring the source, at least two people would rip and encode the original data into DVD-files and the priated versions of the data would be ready to run within one or two hours.
* Uploader/Distributor: this guy knows a lot about security and is responsible for uploading "products" to a extremely secure FTP server, and then controls access to those files.

3. Mutual trust if crucial for the group to run. To my surprise, however, none of those members know each other in person. They were all using an IRC chatroom for that, and known by their nickname. They all work hard to build great reputation for these nicknames, because it's the only base for trust, relationship, source access and for the money.

4. Anonymity means jail or no jail: they are working secretly under searches of the federal polices. They make deal with so-called "Asian mafias" who are capable of whatever you've seen in the movies. They have to upload content to a thrid-party FTP server, where logs are available on-demand of the RIAA or MPAA. Millions of risks. They handle it in simplest way possible, by spoofing their IP address.


Even though there are things i still don't quite understand. But a lot have been learned from the first 15 episodes:

a) Everyone thinks that P2P is the main distribution chain for pirated movies as well as other material. True. But after all, FTP is still, still the only mechanism used for making them all available. A ripping group creates the movies, uploads them to a FTP server, closes deals and makes ton of money from allowing access to these. And after a while, they will move down to a next level of the distribution chain: P2P, just for normal/home users to download and enjoy.

b) How powerful a person could be with just one comptuer and a handful of equipments. Members of the CPX group all have a normal job, normal life. Leader of the group, presumably a NYU student, doesn't even take a computer science course, he's not even a hard-core hacker (but does have a friend who is); yet seen as the most powerful person behind the files that are being distributed legally.

c) How the music/recording industry can't solve their problems by sueing P2P file-sharer/individual users for what they download. The true problem all lies in their process of mananing the making and distribution of their products. Remember, no pirated releases without person in the industry/DVD-pressing plant leaking the content.


... And many more after you seeing the shows. All are here. They are made for free download. Note that season 1 can be found at some mirror sites listed in there.