Hulu has set an output pact with IFC Films that will give the streaming giant early SVOD access to a range of documentary films including Sundance title “Weiner,” from the IFC Films, Sundance Selects and IFC Midnight banners.
The IFC pact marks the first time Hulu has cut a deal for access to film titles following the theaterical and rental VOD windows. The first titles coming to the platform in the fall will be “King Georges,” a look at famed French restaurateur Georges Perrier as he tries to sell his business after 40 years,” and “City of Gold,” following food critic Jonathan Gold on a culinary tour of Los Angeles.
“Weiner,” the study of Anthony Weiner’s ill-fated New York City mayoral bid, will head to Hulu following its pay TV run on Showtime.
“IFC Films and Sundance Selects take great pride in the quality of the documentaries that we acquire and release every year and we are thrilled to have Hulu as a destination for them. Hulu is the ideal partner for first window exhibition and will provide a terrific opportunity in promoting each films’ theatrical release,” says Lisa Schwartz, IFC’s exec VP of distribution, operations and business development.
The deal is another sign of streaming giants chipping away at traditional release windows for film and TV productions. While IFC Films’ docu releases are not big bucks in VOD rentals, they are valuable in the long-tail SVOD market place.
