Lights cameras and
action
By the end of the year a Viacom-led alliance of Hollywood studios
will launch a website where Internet users can view exclusive films or
television shows on demand.
The Studio 3 Networks alliance said that he
"next-generation entertainment service" will be called epix and offer
productions from Paramount Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, United
Artists, and Lionsgate films. Epix is the first brand to hold exclusive
exhibition rights to movie content that can be delivered anywhere,
anytime.
Films available at launch will include the recent Brad Pitt hit
"The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" along with "Iron Man" and a "Pink Panther"
sequel starring Steve Martin. In addition there will be directors' notes,
outtakes, audition clips and other extras will accompany online films.
It is
expected that the service will probably end up being flogged to cable companies.