Learn more about Focus World:

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When did Focus World launch?

Back in February 2011, with the Russian fantasy thriller Black Lightning from producer Timur Bekmambetov, with whom we had made 9.

Why has Focus gotten into this digital business now? How is this complementary to Focus' core theatrical business?

It is really an organic evolution of the core Focus business, expanding our portfolio digitally. Not only do we have the bandwidth to acquire digital premiere titles, we also already have an established and trusted brand that signifies quality, daring, bold filmmaking to consumers.

How and where are the Focus World titles available?

Focus World titles premiere across VOD (Video on Demand) and EST (Electronic Sell-Through) platforms including cable/satellite providers, iTunes, Vudu, xBox 360, PlayStation, YouTube, and more. They are also available on DVD, through subscription video-on-demand services, and in other formats.

Could you elaborate on the delivery services? What are your platforms for the plan, and how do past Focus title figure into this?

Focus World titles will be part of Focus Features’ multi-platform ecosystem, and will premiere simultaneously on EST, iVOD, and VOD through MSOs (cable and satellite companies). Films will also be strategically grouped, so debuts can happen alongside a curated selection of Focus Features films past and present in a themed offering on digital platforms.

In several instances, to house these curated selections, the set top box VOD and EST services will have Focus Features “folders” or branded collections. These will instantly make available library titles – including some of our top award-winners – as well as recent releases imminently due out on DVD. The Focus titles, whether recent releases or library titles, will be supplemented with bonus content and links. The Focus World digital Premieres will be an important part of the “folders” and collections.

How many films per year will you have the bandwidth to distribute via Focus World?

For now, 10 to 12. Some will be acquisitions, some will be found from Universal Pictures International (UPI). One of the recent Focus World Premieres was Adrift, a sexy drama from Brazil, produced by Fernando Meirelles, that stars Vincent Cassel of Black Swan; it was made by UPI. Adrift was made available in May 2011 on Focus World.

What kinds of films is Focus looking to acquire for this new venture?

We are open to all kinds of films. Beyond Adrift and other narrative titles, there are already several documentaries on tap; Resurrect Dead premiered in August 2011.There’s also Africa First Volume 1; from our initiative begun back in 2008, it’s a two-hour compilation of short films from our Africa First Program.

As ever, we’re looking for movies from distinctive filmmakers – particularly ones that will have passionate advocates. In this domain, discerning film viewers will be even more of a bedrock for us than usual. So the titles might be even more challenging and unique than usual.

We are always pleased when there is a film that comes with a connection to our library. Submarino, which Focus World released in September 2011, is directed by Thomas Vinterberg, who had earlier made The Celebration, which is in our library. That title is now being released by us on VOD and iVOD for the first time in this country, so we’re able to bring attention to both movies.

With one new showcase title a month, we’re going for quality rather than quantity, since the quantity is already in place with our library. And the quality is already in place there too, of course…!

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