A streaming service called Screening Room intends to give users the ability to watch major movies still in theaters from the comfort of their homes for $50, but the plan is not going well: studios cannot seem to agree on a period in which new movies would be available for streaming (it seems there was never any intention to provide VOD options on the day of theatrical release), nor are distributors and cinemas happy with the cut they would be getting. While there are companies aside from Screening Room attempting to accomplish the same thing, it seems more likely each studio will try the idea with their own platforms. Some think there is already an avenue via iTunes; Apple supposedly championed the idea of early movies back in December.



Fox and Warner Bros. have reportedly considered a $30 rental fee for streaming movies after they’ve been in theaters for 30 days, while other studios have suggested slightly different options. Disney has said it’s not interested in shortening the theatrical-release window. The holdup is the debate between studios and exhibitors on some major issues, specifically what the price point for PVOD will be and how soon after a movie opens it will be available to stream. Once those questions are answered, Screening Room will be on the minds of those in the industry.

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