VoD company Rakuten TV has announced the launch of a new cinema arm, which aims to disrupt the current film distribution model.
Rakuten Cinema will release content simultaneously into cinemas as well as VoD.
The first film to be distributed by Rakuten Cinema, Hurricane, will be released in cinemas and on VoD this autumn.
Rakuten Cinema will both co-produce and distribute content by acquiring exclusive rights, with the aim of reducing the theatrical window by offering movies in the way audiences are demanding.
Jacinto Roca, CEO of Rakuten TV, said: “The entertainment industry is going through a deep revolution and we want to lead it. Our vision is to empower people to watch and enjoy great stories without waiting months between its cinema and home entertainment release. We don’t want to substitute cinemas but instead complement and offer film loving consumers as many ways as possible to watch good movies whenever and wherever they want.
“Alongside our future distribution partners, we are passionate about leading a change in how good quality movies are being distributed in Europe, and supplying an increasing demand for the latest films at home now.”
