The early narrative surrounding Sean Parker‘s premium VOD service The Screening Room suggests that it would be good for the industry, an argument bolstered by the support of filmmakers like Steven Spielberg, J.J. Abrams, Brian Grazer, Martin Scorsese, Ron Howard and even Peter Jackson. But pushback towards the plan, which would see customers pay $50 to watch new films at home the same day they open in theaters, is starting to gather momentum. The Art House Convergence, which represents 600 theaters, issued an open latter against the proposal, and now the biggest cinema group in the country has followed suit.
READ MORE: Review: Napster Documentary ‘Downloaded’
The National Association Of Theater Owners has circulated an open letter making it clear that The Screening Room model represents a threat to the brand value and artistic intention behind the business and the art of filmmaking. Here’s the open letter:
