Cinema chain Showcase launches TVOD platform

Cinema chain Showcase Cinemas has announced the launch of a new transactional video on-demand service called Showcase At Home.

The app, available for free on iOS and Android, has been launched to “complement and expand upon” Showcase Cinemas’ theatrical Event Cinema, Flashback and Spotlight programming, as well as the company’s theatrical distribution business.

Showcase At Home promises to offer a variety of new digital releases, older titles, independent movies and event cinema productions including theatre, musicals, stand-up comedy, exhibitions, and concert films.

Showcase has distribution deals in place with a number of major film companies such as  Paramount, Lions Gate, Altitude, Signature, Vertigo and Verve along with specialist programming from companies such as Eagle Rock, Seventh Art, Liberator, and All the Anime.

The service launches with the release of boxing documentary Becoming Rocky: The Birth of a Classic and has a wide range of films and shows available to rent or buy, starting from £3.49.

James Dobbin, director of Event Cinema, UK & International, Showcase Cinemas said: “Over the last 30 years, Showcase has consistently innovated and led the way in the UK cinema industry, and the launch of Showcase at home is the latest instalment in our pioneering approach to film and entertainment – giving customers enhanced accessibility, choice and diversity.

“The forced temporary closure of our cinemas obviously has been a difficult period, but one positive is that it’s allowed us to develop and launch this platform. The big screen will always be our first priority but it’s very exciting to have a streaming platform that will give our audiences another chance to watch shows they missed at our cinemas, and also encourage them to try content they might not usually choose for their night out.

Matt Smith, Co-Head of Theatrical, Lions Gate UK, said: “Being able to extend our relationship with Showcase and their audience from the large screen to the small screen is a really exciting development for Lions Gate.  We’re looking forward to seeing our highest quality films on Showcase at home, from new releases including The Personal History of David Copperfield, through to heart-warming classics like Wonder, and to musicals such as La La Land.”