“While the plan could be a boon for consumers, it stands to be highly disruptive for the movie business…”
Distribber’s Adam Chappnick tipped me to this WSJ article on Time Warner Cable’s pitch to Hollywood to open up a new distribution window that “would allow consumers to watch a movie at home just 30 days after its theatrical release—far earlier than the usual four months—for roughly $20 to $30 a pop.”
Variety has now chimed in on the window issue, and not surprisingly, they seem to want to keep it open longer. They also getting into the price point of it all, both stating that Hwood feels the $20 price too low, but also pointing out that VOD sporting events that once the price gets close to $50, people tend to watch in groups.
What works for Hollywood product does not necessarily apply to Indie, or TrulyFree, films though. Hollywood’s been manufacturing the desire for their type of work for a century. They have trained their audience well. Indie film’s audience remains relatively clueless about what work is out there, much less understanding why they might want it. Desire for Hwood stuff is highest when it hits the screen. Indie work needs time to build that interest. How we do that is still a major question.
