FilmFlex is to launch a new online movies on demand portal on behalf of Channel 4’s Film 4. The new Film4oD has more than 500 titles at launch and is already claiming to have more movies available than either iTunes, LOVEFiLM or Blinkbox.
“We believe streamed movie rental is now becoming a much more satisfying choice for many movie fans,” said Andrew Keyte, chief executive of FilmFlex, the Sony-Disney joint venture that has managed UK cable’s VOD since 2005. “The industry has been waiting for a mainstream, mass market and legitimate online movie service and we are delighted to be partnering with a film brand as widely respected as Film4.”
Content has been secured with the majority of the major studios including the rights to retail films on the same day as their VOD release. Independent studios have also been contracted and films will also be available from Film 4 Productions. Initial movies include The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, Shutter Island, Four Lions and Slumdog Millionaire and will be available to rent at between £0.50 to £3.99.
The on demand service is being designed to reflect the editorial tone of the Film 4 channel, which is distributed in basic across all of the UK’s major pay-TV platforms.