MUMBAI: DirecTV has decided to offer films on its platform a month after their theatrical release. Previously it used to take three months for films to be beamed into the living room after their theatrical debut.
The pay-TV service had said last week that it was talking with studios about video-on-demand offerings within the earlier window.
The initial price being discussed is $30 for a one-night rental, it is understood. It is in advanced talks with Hollywood’s studios to be their first partner for early video-on-demand.
In a conference call DirecTV Chief Executive Michael White is reported to have said that his company was talking to studios about launching a ‘trial’ by the middle of the year in which "perhaps we‘ll try something that‘s four to six weeks from theatrical release."
The plan represents a significant step in Hollywood‘s strategy to make films available at the home earlier and in new ways to generate fresh revenue as DVD sales continue to fall and domestic box office has been stagnant.
DirecTV is looking to introduce this service by the end of June with films from 20th Century Fox, Sony Pictures and Warner Bros. It is said that Walt Disney Pictures is also likely to join the initiative, but Paramount Pictures and Universal Pictures are not expected to participate initially.
