We all might soon be enjoying movies in a whole different way; with DreamWorks boss Jeffrey Katzenberg proposing that films move to a “pay by the inch” system.
Well, that’s not as rude as it might sound at first. As film download and streaming rates continue to increase and the time between theatrical release and digital releases shrinks, Katzenberg has hinted that films will soon be sold at prices dependent on the screen size of the device on which they are viewed.
Additionally, the head of DreamWorks has claimed that films will soon be available for digital download within just 18 days of their first theatrical release.
“I think the model will change and you won’t pay for the availability window,” Katzenberg said of the changing film industry.
“A movie comes out and you have 17 days, which is exactly three weekends, which is 95 percent of the revenue for 98 percent of the movies.”
During a conference on corporate leadership in the US, he added: “On Day 18, these films will be available everywhere and everywhere, and you’re paying for the size.
“A movie screen costs $15. A 75 inch TV costs $4.00. A smartphone costs $1.99. This company will exist all over the world. When that happens, and it will happen, it will reinvent the enterprise of film.”
For those of you worried about spending more money to watch movies on your Smart TV, no worries. According to Katzenberg, this new film model won’t be introduced for another 10 years, by which time we’ll all have 150-inch home theaters with 8K projection, right?
The DreamWorks boss has yet to detail how film publishers plan to ensure cheaper smartphone downloads aren’t simply ported to the larger screens at home.
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