Veteran actor Morgan Freeman is teaming up with Intel Corp. (INTC) to release same day independent films in theaters through a new Web site called Clickstar.
It is scheduled to launch on December 1, to coincide with Freeman's new low-budget film "10 Items or Less." The way the company is set up now, it won't be a simultaneous release, but will be available two weeks later. Clickstar Chief Executive James Ackerman said his goal is "day-and-date" downloads. Prices per download have not been decided at this time.
While the Internet strategy is new, the concept has been tried earlier this year as Texas businessmen Todd Wagner and Mark Cuban released director Steven Soderbergh's film "Bubble" simultaneously in some theaters, on DVD and cable TV.
The Web site will also include an original content channel called "Jersey Docs" which will be hosted by Danny DeVito. It will be focused on showing off portions of various documentaries. There will be another channel called "Golden Age of Movies" which will feature discussion by director Peter Bogdanovich concerning classic movies.
For Intel, it is a piece of their strategy with their new Viiv PC which will deliver wireless Web video to home TVs.
Theater owners aren't happy as they believe it will cut into their profits if shows are offered on the day of release.
"It is a controversial issue, but (it) will increase the reach of the film and increase the efficiency of the marketing," Ackerman told Reuters. "I don't think we are going to adversely impact theater attendance."
I like this whole concept as Web TV channels like this pave the way for the 'a la carte' demand consumers have had for a long time.
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