On Demand Weekly

VOD not only offers PPV Movies that screened in theaters, but cutting edge, independent films the SAME DAY AS THEATERS. Whether you want to see films made outside the Hollywood system or future stars in breakout performances, see the latest from the film festival circuit in the comfort of your own home.

IFC IN THEATERS ON DEMAND

Antichrist (109 min)

How do you spell disturbing, yet engrossing drama in the woods with scenes you can not un-see? Lars Von Trier of course.

ODW rounds up stories affecting the VOD Industry.

Comcast boasts new releases on-demand, same day as DVD

Comcast announced ten blockbuster movies available this month on-demand, day-and-date with the Blu-ray and DVD releases. Some titles available simultaneously with disc releases include The Taking of Pelham 1 2 3,  Brüno, and Angels & Demons, and all available in both standard and high-definition quality... (HD Report)

Why VOD is turning into a profitable avenue for indie filmmakers

VOD is certainly here to stay and growing at 20 percent annually, according to recent industry estimates, which has prompted more and more distribution companies, from the biggest studios to the smallest indies, to stake their future on it... (Filmmaker Magazine)

Success stories for video-on-demand

Low-budget supernatural thriller "Dark Mirror" premiered at the New York Latino Film Fest in 2007. Since then, it hasn't played in a single U.S. theater, but it's become the top-selling title in IFC's video-on-demand library, racking up an estimated 110,000-120,000 buys... (Variety)
 

ODW rounds up stories affecting the VOD Industry.

Comcast launches 100th VOD day and date with DVD

“More than 100 times this year, there was no faster way to watch a new release movie at home than with Comcast On Demand,” said Derek Harrar, senior VP/general manager of video and entertainment services for Comcast. “We pioneered day and date, so we’re thrilled that our studio partners were able to nearly triple our day-and-date movie offerings in favor of our customers.”...(Video Business)

Independent Film in 2009: An Analysis Through Quarter 3

Turning to (Video On Demand) distributors, the most prolific were Magnolia Pictures, IFC Films, and Sony. In Q1-Q3, Magnolia released 21 new specialty titles, followed by IFC with 19, and Sony with 17, mostly through Sony Pictures Classics. The next closest was Here Films with 11. Signifying the rise of video-on-demand (VOD), all of IFC’s releases, and nearly half of Magnolia’s, were released in tandem with a VOD release......(Blogger News Network)

A Christmas (and Hanukah) List to Help Save Independent Film

Support Indie Films on Video On Demand. An emerging distribution outlet for many indies is day and date VOD, in which the film is available in a few theaters across the US and simultaneously available on VOD. Unfortunately, many VOD menus favor studio films and make it difficult to find independents. However, if you look, you can find them. Check out IFC, Film Buff and other new independently oriented VOD channels. When you find a new film, invite your friends over and watch it together one night this holiday season. By initiating yourself and your friends into the VOD experience, hopefully you will continue to use it as a way to watch independent movies which will in turn support them...(Huffington Post)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: CELL 211 (winner of 8 Spanish Goya Awards, including Best Picture, Best Director and Best Actor). Email Lorisa here.

Director Daniel Monzón’s CELL 211 brings to the screen an intense prison drama that is engaging, suspenseful and compelling. With a carefully crafted storyline and powerfully lensed prison riots, Monzón does an amazing job creating a heightened tension between the characters battling within the prison walls and the outsiders gathered to protest the mayhem.

Prison guard Juan Oliver (Alberto Ammann) finds himself trapped on the wrong side of the bars in CELL 211. While touring the prison with his colleagues, Juan becomes stranded among the harshest and most violent criminals when a calculated riot breaks out.

ON DEMAND WEEKLY LAUNCHES FREE DAILY EMAIL NEWSLETTER TO SERVE RISING VIDEO ON DEMAND CONSUMER AUDIENCE

10 New Writers To Contribute To The First and Only Consumer Website and Newsletter Dedicated to the Nearly 50 Million Home VOD Market

On Demand Weekly announced the launch of a free email newsletter to send the most topical Video On Demand news and editorial to subscribers on a daily basis. The email newsletter will officially begin on September 15. Readers can subscribe at www.ondemandweekly.com

On Demand Weekly will inform readers about the best of VOD with an entertaining and informative voice in the vein of other niche email newsletters such as the Comcast-owned Daily Candy. The independently owned and operated On Demand Weekly will follow the below daily editorial schedule:

• Monday: Top 10 Movies On Demand and Music On Demand Lists;
• Tuesday: The Week’s New Movie and New Music Video On Demand Releases;
• Wednesday: Exclusive New Independent Movie On Demand Reviews;
• Thursday: VOD Hidden Gems (Exclusive to Email Newsletter Subscribers);
• Friday: Premium Picks - The Best VOD Programming from Premium Networks (HBO, SHO, Starz, etc.)

"A publication like On Demand Weekly is going to do a great service to the VOD industry," said Mark Cuban, Chairman and Co-Founder of HDNet. "It will be very beneficial to have a source in which readers can get the latest in VOD offerings, including information on our monthly Sneak Preview movies that are available on VOD before they are in theatres."

Writer/Director/Actor Ed Burns exclaimed On Demand Weekly is a "very cool site you should check out if you find yourself watching more and more movies on demand than in theaters," via Twitter @edward_burns.

"Nothing could be more welcome than a go to source to what's on demand for consumers.  Every day there are more choices and On Demand Weekly's email newsletter is just what consumers need," commented Ryan Werner, SVP Marketing & Publicity, IFC Films.

“Comcast is thrilled to extend the reach of independent movies into living rooms across the country, providing more exposure for these films, which have a passionate following,” said Diana Kerekes, Vice President of Entertainment Services for Comcast. “It’s all part of giving our customers more choice, value and a sense of excitement and closeness to indie filmmakers. With the popularity of indie films, we’re proud to be working with leaders in this field, like Edward Burns, Tribeca Film, SnagFilms and others, to make that happen.”

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: HIGH LANE, premiering today and simultaneously at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX.
Email Sky


What begins as a surprisingly intense physiological analysis of translating real fear on screen, divulges into little more than your typical cannibalistic forest dweller attacking innocent young hikers in HIGH LANE. This French thriller directed by Abel Ferry, centers around a group of extreme mountain climbers who find themselves trapped on a forlorn peak- where the only way off appears to be death.

For those readers fearful of heights, stay away from the first 30 minutes of the film as the high octane climbing scenes, filmed with extreme clarity (climaxing as the repel lines break), provoke even the most iron of stomachs into a fit of nausea. Complete with incoherent flashbacks of a deranged hospital stay that is never fully explained, the beginning of the movie succeeds by instilling real fear in viewers.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: PRIMAL, one of four films premiering today and simultaneously at Fantastic Fest in Austin, TX.
Email Sky

The Australian wilderness provides an expansive backdrop for this gory but simplistic horror film. In PRIMAL, a group of young men and women embark on a camping expedition in search of ancient Aborginal paintings. Although these cave etchings are rumored to possess supernatural powers, the group fearlessly approaches the site to take pictures.

When one of their crew suddenly falls ill, it is quickly apparent that she is not just suffering from any ordinary virus. As the attractive blonde morphs into a pointy-toothed cannibal with no cognizance of her formal self, she begins savagely attacking her friends. While the campers debate whether or not to kill their possessed friend, she goes on a tyrannical rampage, mauling every creature of the Outback in sight.

AN ODW EXCLUSIVE

On Demand Weekly is thrilled to welcome fillmaker Ed Burns to our Advisory Board and our terrific roster of contributers. Ed recently blazed a new trail for digital distribution and marketing for the recent premiere of his film NICE GUY JOHNNY. Every month, Ed will share with our readers the list of independent films currently available On Demand he's most interested in watching and offer insight as to why each film makes his Hot List. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your feedback. - ODW

As an indie film lover, and parent, who doesn't get to to the theater like I used to, I now watch most movies at home. I wanted to reach out to other like-minded people, who are looking for good movies to watch on their On Demand services. Many of these titles I used to catch in the arthouse theater, and sadly, most of them have been slipping through the cracks.

So you can find me here once a month and I will tip you off to the films I'll be watching On Demand.

- Ed

Indie Movies on Demand Hot List - November, 2010

ALL GOOD THINGS (Magnolia Pictures)
- Some terrific actors, including Ryan Gosling, Kirsten Dunst and Frank Langella, and a real life story set in New York in the 80's, makes ALL GOOD THINGS a movie I don't want to miss.

TINY FURNITURE (IFC Films)
- I am excited to check out TINY FURNITURE, written and directed by Lena Dunham, who also starred in the movie, and has generated terrific press for making this on a tiny budget with friends and family, including her mother and sister. Sounds like an authentic New York story, which I am a big fan of.

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP (FilmBuff)
- EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP is a compelling documentary that will have your head spinning and questioning the lines between art and manipulation. The movie is a truly unique glimpse into some of the most compelling and talented street artists around (most notably the enigmatic Banksy).

- Ed Burns

Ed Burns gained international recognition for his first feature film THE BROTHERS MCMULLEN, which won the 1995 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury prize. His most recent film, NICE GUY JOHNNY, the darling of the 2010 Tribeca Film Festival, was released on October 26, 2010. A pioneer for independent filmmakers, Burns continues to innovate in this category, premiering PURPLE VIOLETS exclusively on iTunes and more recently, releasing NICE GUY JOHNNY via a multi-platform digital distribution plan. Ed recently joined On Demand Weekly's Advisory Board.

-----------

Ed will be back next month with new films he's looking forward to seeing On Demand. Let him know what you think of his picks above or future films he should consider on Twitter @edward_burns.

Ed's new film NICE GUY JOHNNY, is available now On Demand.

ODW Reviews of the films:

ALL GOOD THINGS

TINY FURNITURE

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP - Now Available!

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Spirit Awards and the Los Angeles Film Festival, announced nominations for the 2011 Film Independent Spirit Awards. Three of the five nominees for Best Feature (Greenberg, The Kids Are All Right and Winter’s Bone), as well as many of the most nominated films, are already available to watch On Demand.

(Eva Mendes, Jeremy Renner)

Selected from 220 submissions, this year’s winners will be announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. on the beach in Santa Monica. The 26th annual awards show will be hosted by Joel McHale ("The Soup," "Community") and air exclusively that night on IFC at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT.

On Demand Weekly has noted which films are available now On Demand so you can catch up at home on the independent films everyone is talking about this week. Enjoy!

FILM TITLE (# OF NOMINATIONS)
Winter’s Bone - Roadside Attraction (7) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
The Kids Are All Right - Focus Features (5) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Black Swan - Fox Searchlight (4)
Greenberg - Focus Features (4) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Rabbit Hole - Lionsgate (4)
127 Hours - Fox Searchlight (3)
Jack Goes Boating - Overture Films (3)
Tiny Furniture - IFC Films (3) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Daddy Longlegs - IFC Films (2) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Life During Wartime - IFC Films (2) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Exit Through the Gift Shop - Producers Distribution Agency / FilmBuff (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Lovers of Hate - IFC Films (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND
Night Catches Us - Magnolia Pictures (1) AVAILABLE NOW ON DEMAND

2011 SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS

Who Isn't Tempted To Check Out This Cast Of PEEP WORLD: Michael C. Hall, Sarah Silverman, Rainn Wilson, Ben Schwartz, Judy Greer, Kate Mara, Taraji Henson, Lesley Ann Warren and Ron Rifkin?

See the IFC Films trailer below...

AN ODW EXCLUSIVE

Every month, filmmaker Ed Burns will share with our readers the list of independent films currently available On Demand he's most interested in watching and offer insight as to why each film makes his Hot List. We hope you enjoy and look forward to your feedback. - ODW

As an indie film lover, and parent, who doesn't get to to the theater like I used to, I now watch most movies at home. I wanted to reach out to other like-minded people, who are looking for good movies to watch on their On Demand services. Many of these titles I used to catch in the arthouse theater, and sadly, most of them have been slipping through the cracks.

So you can find me here once a month and I will tip you off to the films I'll be watching On Demand.

- Ed

Indie Movies on Demand Hot List - February, 2011

IFC Films released the official poster to Rainn Wilson's upcoming film SUPER. Wilson is a a DIY superhero called Crimson Bolt, along with his sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page).  Also starring Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.

Look for the film on April 1, 2011. We're not kidding. Check out a clip...

When Hollywood is looking for its next beefcake to fill a super-hero role, Rainn Wilson ("The Office's" Dwight) probably doesn't come to mind. Until now!

Check out the Crimson Bolt, along with his sidekick Boltie (Ellen Page), in the new trailer for SUPER. Shut up crime!

Dwight would be so proud! 

Available On Demand April 13 (and in theaters April 1). Also starring Liv Tyler and Kevin Bacon.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: WRECKED (Phase 4 Films).

Adrian Brody / WRECKED (IFC Films)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: CHOOSE (IFC Midnight), below the interview.

Editor's Note: On Demand Weekly interviewed CHOOSE producer Allen Bain about the film and distriubting it on VOD.

ON DEMAND WEEKLY: You’ve been a part of many films [including MANITO, XX/XY, CAMP]. What prompted you to produce a horror film?

ALLEN BAIN: I've been a  horror fan since I first saw HALLOWEEN as a pre-teen. I believe that horror is a great medium to explore serious social issues while keeping the audience entertained (and scared). CHOOSE is really a movie that poses the question of  nature vs nurture if you think about it. 

 

CHOOSE (IFC Midnight)

 

ODW: How are you promoting CHOOSE to the at home, Video On Demand [VOD] audience?

AB: The fun thing about CHOOSE is that it's not over when the end credits roll.  The movie will keep you asking yourself what choice would I make when presented the impossible choice. It's a game we all play in our daily routine.  We are promoting the film and the concept together.

 

ODW: What is the advantage of watching films at home on VOD?

AB: I've been producing films for over a decade and when I started people had these giant, heavy TV's with small screens. Now most people have big, sleek, HD flat screens, and home stereo systems.

 

Hollywood is constantly trying to one-up itself in regards to spectacle so that it can get seats filled in the local theaters. Everyone seems upset that the DVD market is dying, let it die and let's move on. VOD is the ultimate form of instant gratification. The quality is close to what you get in a theater, the price is reasonable and the convenience is unbeatable.

It's Time To CHOOSE
By Lorisa Bates

CHOOSE (IFC Midnight)

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: THEY’RE OUT OF THE BUSINESS (IFC Films).

THEY’RE OUT OF THE BUSINESS Looks For Biz On Demand
By Chris Claro

Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, the early 90s, when the indie film sandbox was filled with boys named Quentin, Kevin, Spike, and of course, Eric. “Eric who?” you ask. Why, Eric Schaeffer, of course. The heir apparent to Woody Allen – in his own fevered imagination, anyway – Schaeffer’s niche was the New York-based comedy, in which the lovably neurotic, Upper West Side Jew, almost always portrayed by Schaeffer, contemplated life, love, and his own supposedly rakish charm.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: KABOOM (Sundance Selects).

KABOOM is a film that’s so absurd, so over the top; the storyline defies all imagination, plus Director Gregg Araki has cast nothing but gorgeous youngsters and a couple gorgeous not-so-young folk, too. KABOOM exists entirely for the moment, in the moment.

 

Greg Araki

 

It’s the Kuchar Brothers mixed with John Waters mixed with early Gregg Araki…which means, it’s not for everyone, but it’s thoroughly entertaining. Just don’t think or look too hard for meaning. In the end, you’ll get it if you let yourself go for the ride.

 

The story: a college freshman, Smith (Thomas Dekker), who is sexually “undecided” arrives at a UCLA–like university with his best high school buddy, Stella (Haley Bennett) who just happens to be a lesbian. His roommate, Thor (Chris Zylka) is a hunky surfer-dude, dumb as a doorpost, who lusts for waves and girls. Their resident advisor is a druggy, older student called The Messiah (James Duvall). Or so it all seems…

 

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of movies on demand from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: FLYPAPER (IFC Films).

FLYPAPER - On Demand
By Amy Slotnick

FLYPAPER is a hybrid that combines the heist film genre with comedy, in which two teams of bank robbers descend on the same bank at the same time, while the bank’s security system is down for several hours of upgrade.

The bank robbing teams are opposites - one is a group of sleek, seasoned criminals with the equipment and experience to do the job, and the other is a pair of hillbillies who lack any clue as to what they are doing. The two groups resolve to work together and share the hostages, who include Patrick Dempsey as a charismatic savant, and Ashley Judd, as a practical and beautiful bank teller.

As people begin to be mysteriously killed, Dempsey’s character pieces together that another burglar with his/her own agenda exists among them. Like in an Agatha Christie story, he is able to solve the whodunit by process of elimination. However the plot has some holes and lacks suspense and believability.

On Demand Weekly provides new movie reviews of hot movies on demand and from the POV of watching from the comfort of your home. Today’s review: AUTOEROTIC (IFC Films)

Click Here For On Demand Weekly's Exclusive Interview With Director Joe Swanberg

AUTOEROTIC - Mumblcore On Demand
By Chris Claro

The genre that forces you to crank the volume all the way up, mumblecore, marches on with AUTOEROTIC, directed by Joe Swanberg (UNCLE KENT) and Adam Wingard, a rambling and digressive examination of the sexual foibles of a group of Chicagoans. Swinging wildly from outrageous farce to creepy voyeurism to – one or two – moments of tenderness, the film is explicit, prurient, and not the least bit sexy.

Using naturalistic settings and lighting, Swanberg and Wingard, who wrote the script with Simon Barrett, dive deep into dysfunction, shining a light on a panoply of sexual maladies, including chronic masturbation, anaorgasmia, online porn addiction, and self-asphyxiation as sexual aide. It’s all as much fun as it sounds, and it features a crew of self-absorbed hipsters who make sex look about as inviting as a visit to the DMV.

The film opens with a vignette featuring a guy who thinks he isn’t packing enough to satisfy his girlfriend. Despite her assurance that he’s wrong, the guy breaks up with her and starts a regimen of penis enlargement pills. Satisfied with the initial results, he starts popping them by the jarful. When it appears he’s about to score with a girl, she runs, screaming and naked, from his monster member (which is never shown on camera).