Following the decision by Walt Disney Studios to release Pixar’s Soul directly onto its Disney+ streaming platform, the International Union of Cinemas, representing European cinema operators, has issued the following statement: “Walt Disney Studios’ decision to release Soul directly onto their Disney+ streaming platform, depriving many audiences across Europe from seeing it on the Big Screen, has shocked and dismayed all cinema operators.
Theatrical distribution software developer Maccs, a Vista Group Company, has released TDS X, the latest version of its Core TDS software. The company says that TDS X is faster and more responsive with optimizations across the system that improve the overall user experience and performance in addition to providing new functionality.
Abramorama today announced Abramorama Selects, a new imprint to handle global digital distribution and marketing for non-fiction feature films and television series. As a part of the newly expanded services offered by Abramorama, the company has entered into a multi-year agreement with Giant Pictures to be their preferred partner. The first film to be released under Abramorama Selects is the feature length documentary Herb Alpert Is… about the legendary musician and music industry titan.
Award-winning animation studio Laika has named Park Circus to be the repertory sales representative for the studio’s award-winning library of legacy films. The BAFTA and Golden Globe-winning Laika is best known for its five Oscar-nominated films: Missing Link (2019); Kubo and the Two Strings (2016); The Boxtrolls (2014); ParaNorman (2012), and Coraline (2009). The agreement covers most international territories in addition to the United States and Canada.
MetaMedia has announced that it has added five major and independent cinema chains across the U.S. and Canada to the MetaMedia Entertainment Network, what the company calls the first global cloud-based distribution platform for content producers and cinemas.
Distribution software developer Maccs has announced the launch of Mica, a new system for independent distributors at a crucial time in the global cinema environment. According to the company, Mica enables distributors to easily create and manage bookings and terms, automatically generate shipment orders for content and keys, automatically collect box office returns and inform release strategies through comprehensive data analytics
Screen Media has announced that ahead of its limited theatrical and video-on-demand release of Roger Michell’s Blackbird on September 18, they have partnered with Fathom Events for an exclusive nationwide cinema premiere on September 14 and 15. Each screening will be accompanied by a special introduction from Michell and exclusive behind-the-scenes footage.
Draken Film, Sweden’s leading streaming service for art house cinema, has launched an initiative to coax audiences back into theatres in a unique collaboration with the country’s cinemas, as they prepare to re-open after months-long closures. Starting today, Draken Film subscribers will have access to the opening weekend screenings of a hand picked selection of new releases as part of their monthly subscription offer.
Theatrical distributor Abramorama will host the world premiere of the documentary Herb Alpert Is…. The global event will take place October 1 via Facebook Live and will feature a Q&A with Herb Alpert and director John Scheinfeld moderated by the Grammy Museum’s artistic director Scott Goldman immediately following. On October 2 the film will be available via a nationwide virtual cinema release and globally on demand through Amazon, iTunes and other video-on-demand providers. The film will also be available on Blu-Ray and DVD via Amazon.
The Digital Citizens Alliance and Nagra have jointly an investigative report showcasing how illegal piracy subscription services in the United States have grown into a billion-dollar industry that steals from creators, circumvents legitimate TV operators, and poses risks for consumers. The report, entitled Money for Nothing, details how a sophisticated ecosystem of thousands of retailers and wholesalers – through content theft and enabled by legal businesses – provides illicit piracy services to at least nine million U.S. households.
