James Cameron and Peter Jackson are among 23 filmmakers who joined cinema owners in protesting plans by studios to offer 48 hour rentals through video-on-demand on DirecTV 10 weeks after their release in theaters.
Making movies available for home viewing early may “irrevocably harm the financial model of our film industry,” the filmmakers said in a letter distributed today by the National Association of Theater Owners.
Cinema owners and filmmakers are challenging a plan by four studios to release some films for rental starting tomorrow through DirecTV, the largest satellite-TV operator, for $29.99. Early release to home video will cost the industry millions of dollars in ticket sales and force some theaters to close, according to the letter.
“We ask that our studio partners do not rashly undermine the current — and successful — system of releasing films in a sequential distribution window that encourages movie lovers to see films in the optimum, and most profitable, exhibition arena: the movie theaters,” according to the letter.
Other filmmakers who signed the letter include Michael Mann, who directed “Public Enemies,” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” director Gore Verbinski.
