Sony Pictures Television has signed a multi-year distribution deal in the U.K. with curated video-on-demand subscription service MUBI, which marks the first major studio deal for the art-house movie platform.
MUBI subscribers will now have access to Sony movies such as “Taxi Driver,” “Closer,” “Punch-Drunk Love,” “All That Jazz,” “Adaptation,” “Dr. Strangelove,” “Buffalo 66” and “Snatch.” The Sony partnership follows MUBI’s recent deals with other leading distributors, including eOne, Icon and Studiocanal.
MUBI, which was founded by London-based Turkish entrepreneur Efe Cakarel in 2007, differs from other SVOD services in two respects. First, it specializes in independent, cult, classic and festival films, with an emphasis on foreign-language titles. Second, it is curated by the service’s staff: At any one time there are only 30 films to choose from, with the titles constantly rotating. Everyday a new film is introduced, and one drops off. Each film is available to watch for 30 days. The service is available in more than 200 countries and across multiple devices. The U.K. subscription costs £4.99 ($7.71) a month, or £39.99 ($61.79) for a year.
The Sony deal represents a ramping up of U.S. content on the site. Cakarel said: “MUBI is already curating the best of cinema for its audience. International film has been at the core of our film selection, but this deal will allow us to program some of the greatest and most popular films ever made.
“As our industry and consumer habits continue to evolve, it is increasingly important to ensure film fans have access to high-quality entertainment wherever and whenever they want, and this new partnership with Sony Pictures Television will allow us to deliver an even richer experience for our members.”
