Miramax in Facebook streaming venture (PC, VAR)
By Nancy Tartaglione
PaidContent reports that Miramax is poised to launch the largest-scale Facebook streaming venture yet to come down the pike. The Miramax eXperience will first go live in the US, the UK and Turkey followed by France and Germany.
Per PC, 20 titles will initially be available for rent in the US and 10 each in the UK and Turkey.
Miramax films available in all three of the launch sites include "Chicago," "Cold Mountain" and "Good Will Hunting."
According to PC, Miramax CEO Mike Lange originally considered a separate storefront for Miramax.com. But, he shifted gears, explaining, "We wanted to fish where the fish are. We could have created the most robust Miramax.com in the world and other than my family members, who would be there?"
Along with a multi-year non-exclusive distribution deal Miramax signed with Netflix in May, Variety notes the Facebook move is a further sign that Miramax is ramping up its activity on digital platforms.
There is also a social element to The Miramax eXperience: A game will allow people to cast friends in various roles of Miramax movies; as they play, they can unlock bonus content that's not otherwise visible.
PC:
Facebook's Dan Rose is careful not play favorites with movie apps. "We're talking to all the movie studios," he said. But he appreciates the touches in the Miramax effort. "One of the things Miramax approached us about was the notion of being able to buy on Facebook and watch on other platforms*...We can be the identity platform behind that type of experience."
(*Films rented on Facebook can be watched on the iPad through a browser-based player and on Google TV, PC noted.)
In the past year, Warners, Universal and Paramount have also moved into Facebook rentals.
Related Links
Miramax Launching Multi-Title Facebook Movie App In U.S., UK & Turkey (PC)Miramax makes friends with Facebook (VAR, sub)
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