While the major exhibitors and distributors are close to an agreement to shorten release windows from 120 to 90 days next year, the chances of a far more flexible regime for Australian and other independent films appear remote.
It’s not a done deal but talks between distributors and exhibitors are progressing, perhaps inexorably, towards a far more flexible regime for releasing films theatrically and on home entertainment in 2016.
The case for flexible release windows for Australian and other independent films has been reinforced by the weekend debuts of My Mistress and Rise.
By Christmas at least six Hollywood films will have been released this year on DVD and VoD roughly 90 days after their theatrical premieres, a departure from the traditional 120-day holdback.