Plague.
Australia horror/thriller pic Plague will be the latest title to test the viability of the multi-platform release.
The debut feature by co-directors Nick Kozakis and Kosta Ouzas will launch on digital platforms on June 24 followed by DVD release through Monster Pictures in September.
Scripted by Ouzas, the plot follows a small group of survivors who seek shelter from an infection that has spread like a plague.
Evie (Tegan Crowley) and her fellow survivors find refuge and wait for her husband John’s (Scott Marcus) return. After the infected attack, Evie refuses to abandon her husband against the wishes of the group, who revolt leaving Evie to an uncertain fate.
With the unexpected arrival of Charlie (Steven Kennedy) what appears to be an opportunity at a new beginning quickly turns into a horror as menacing as the infected that pursue them.
Shot on location last year in Mansfield, Victoria, the film was financed by the two directors and Melbourne-based producer/distributor Alexi Ouzas, who launched Exile Entertainment in March.
Alexi tells IF, “The idea came about as Kosta wanted to test two different ideas in a post-apocalyptic film: selfishness vs. selflessness. By playing these off one another the central conflict explores what it truly means to be human in a world with no rules, no hope and no mercy."
Explaining the release strategy, Alexi said, "We are releasing the film on iTunes because we want to embrace the disruption currently occurring in the distribution business and iTunes is the ideal platform for us to use.
"We will release part of the film for free online and then let the viewer decide whether or not they would like to purchase the complete movie. We will also provide additional content as a bonus, such as behind the scenes footage and directors’ commentary."
Last January Screen Media Ventures acquired worldwide sales rights excluding Australasia and it screened the film at the Cannes Film Festival market where it sold to multiple territories.
Screen Media launched Plague in the US on cinemas, VOD and DVD on May 12.
The film will screen at the Perth International Film Festival on July 4. Madman Entertainment is providing the digital aggregation service.
Exile will co-distribute with Monster Pictures Gaspar Noé’s Love, the first 3D porn movie ever screened in official selection at the Cannes Film Festival.