Downloaded is a 2013 documentary directed by Alex Winter that delves into the rise of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-sharing through the creation and evolution of Napster, a revolutionary music-sharing platform. The film includes interviews with Napster's creators, Shawn Fanning and Sean Parker, as well as musicians such as Henry Rollins, Noel Gallagher, and Lars Ulrich of Metallica, who were among the most vocal critics of Napster's impact on the music industry.
The documentary explores the cultural and economic implications of the rise of digital media sharing on the internet and addresses the legal battles that Napster faced as a result of copyright infringement lawsuits filed by major record labels and the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The film also highlights the ways in which Napster paved the way for subsequent innovations such as iTunes and Spotify, which have ultimately changed how people consume and discover music.
Downloaded takes an in-depth look at the societal implications of the digital revolution, questioning the impact that technology has had on the music industry, the broader entertainment business, and the way that people interact and communicate with one another in our digital age. As such, Downloaded is a thought-provoking and enlightening exploration of the ongoing shift towards a media landscape that is increasingly driven by the internet and interconnected digital platforms.