RHI Entertainment is giving several top cable operators access to never-before-seen movies by allowing the original movies to premiere on the MSOs’ on-demand tiers.
RHI Entertainment signed early distribution agreements with Time Warner Cable, Bright House Networks, Cablevision and Cox Communications for movies that include action, thriller and horror genres.
While cable operators have long wanted to offer movies on-demand the same day they’re released to movie theaters, Hollywood has resisted to date. The deal with RHI, a large producer of made-for-TV movies, bolsters cable operators’ VOD lineups. The movies include stars such as Gary Busey, Judd Nelson, Marilu Henner and Kevin Sorbo.
A total of 24 original world premiere movies are being offered in the first year, with two new movies premiering each month. Cable TV customers will be able to choose from six RHI movies available for a fee at any given time. RHI also laid claim to being the first company to produce and offer movies in both high definition and standard definition for premiere on VOD.
“RHI Entertainment has been producing first-rate movies, miniseries and series for television for many years,” said Robert Halmi Jr., president and CEO of RHI Entertainment, in a prepared statement. “We’re looking forward to expanding our products on these new platforms and growing relationships with our distribution partners.”
A part of the overall package, RHI is also offering many of its classic movies from its “Free on Demand” service.
After the movies premiere on the VOD platforms, they’ll become available for downloads on iTunes before cable networks such as SCI FI, Spike TV and Lifetime will telecast the original movies in their premiere broadcast/cable windows. Genius Entertainment will release the movies on home video.
