Europe's International Union of Cinemas spoke out against distributors breaking the theatrical window and releasing films directly to VOD. 'It is not in the interest of either the [theater] sector or audiences.' Details:
available on demand, while Sony has announced a March 24 on-demand release of the Vin Diesel movieThe Way Bac k, making the film, currently on theatrical release, available for electronic sell-through stateside on Tuesday, March 24, with an EST rollout in international territories to follow.
Lionsgate has done something similar for its faith-based dramaThere have been a handful of similar moves among independent distributors in Europe. Kino Swiat made, the new film from Oscar-nominee Jan Komasa available on VOD 12 days after its theatrical premiere. Munich-based distributor eksystent Filmverleih has done a direct-to-VOD launch in Germany forBut on Friday, the UNIC called the straight-to-VOD development one that is not "in the interest of either the sector or audiences ... . We anticipate that the overwhelming majority of films, which have been delayed by the current difficulties, will be rescheduled for cinema release as life returns to normal." The UNIC, which represents major independent theater chains and national theater associations in Europe, called for solidarity within the film industry as it faces the "unparalleled challenges presented by the global coronavirus outbreak."that the association was encouraging its members to seek government support and backed European-level initiatives, such as the Temporary Framework for state aid, approved Thursday by the European Commission, which allows direct grants, state-guaranteed loans and other forms of aid for companies hit by the COVID-19 crisis. But the UNIC is telling its members not to encourage or participate in programs that collapse the theatrical window and send new movies direct to VOD. "Every part of the sector faces losses at the moment," the rep said. "We recognize that companies face extremely difficult decisions in these unprecedented times and our message is that we should stick together." To ensure the "long-term health of our sector," the UNIC concluded, European cinemas need to demonstrate "a unity of purpose and a shared sense of responsibility... . In these unprecedented times, it is crucial that the entire industry comes together and prepares for the day when we can welcome audiences back to once again enjoy the unique big-screen experience."
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