Movie studio Universal has agreed to shorten the window for films in the cinema and allow them to launch on digital platforms sooner. The reduced window is part of a new multi-year agreement with AMC Theatres in the US.
The agreement means new movies from Universal Pictures and Focus Features will have at least three weekends (17 days) of theatrical exclusivity, after which the studio has the option to release the titles to premium VoD platforms, including AMC Theatres On Demand. That compares to a minimum 75 days in cinemas previously.
In the coming weeks, the two companies will begin discussions on similar deals for markets served in Europe and the Middle East by AMC. Universal’s traditional windows for electronic sell through and video on demand remain unchanged.
