An online video player has been launched by the British Film Institute (BFI). The video-on-demand service allows viewers to watch online a selection of some of the best films ever made alongside an archive of historically important titles.
Based on the Capablue Connected platform, video services company Ooyala has also worked on the development of the site.
“Audiences increasingly want access to great films on demand, and the BFI Player is the perfect platform to meet these needs,” said Edward Humphrey, Digital Director, BFI. “The BFI Player is all about the audience, placing them at the heart of the experience and giving them the freedom to watch what they want, as and when they choose.”.
Using its Connected platform, Capablue was able to create a user centric site with an intuitive and easy to use interface that reflected the look and feel of the BFI brand. It also implemented a number of account management capabilities into the player, making it easy for viewers to search, buy and download their favourite films. Capablue has a wealth of experience in developing VOD services, having recently developed players for UKTV’s free-to-air channels Dave, Yesterday and Really.
“We are proud to be supporting the first ever online video player from the BFI, especially at a time when web and TV convergence is booming,” commented Chris Alner, Commercial Director, Capablue. “For organisations such as the BFI, VOD is becoming an increasingly important factor to consider, and we were delighted to have been chosen to develop the initial phase in the company’s VOD strategy. Together we have demonstrated how valuable it can be to deliver a compelling on demand portal which marks a proven avenue to helping content owners extend their offering and deepen viewer engagement. We are genuinely excited to have worked with the BFI, and look forward to partnering again on future developments.”
The BFI Player will go live on 9th October, the opening day of the 57th BFI London Film Festival, taking place from the 9th-20th October 2013.