Production company Roadside Attractions signed today a multi-year output deal with Hulu, giving the service exclusive rights to stream the studio’s upcoming movies in the U.S.
Hulu will kick off the agreement by streaming Roadside Attractions' “Call Jane” and “Gigi & Nate” after they premiere in theaters, as part of a post-theatrical pay-one window.
Specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, but Roadside Attractions said the agreement was partly negotiated by Lionsgate. Lionsgate, which owns a 43% stake in Roadside Attractions, distributes the studio’s films across U.S. home entertainment.
“Our new relationship with Hulu is a win for everyone – but especially the talented producers whose films we acquire for distribution,” stated Eric d’Arbeloff and Howard Cohen, co-presidents at Roadside Attractions.
“It means we at Roadside can focus on maximizing our films in theaters with the confidence they will find a corresponding home on Hulu’s premium streaming platform, which delivers the industry’s highest caliber and most entertaining independent cinema,” they said.
Hulu’s theatrical output deal comes as the streamer is shifting content on its platform. Several NBC and Bravo TV shows will move from Hulu to Peacock starting next month, and the comedy series “Schitt’s Creek” will be available on Hulu from October 3.
“Delivering great storytelling is a core objective shared by Hulu and Roadside Attractions,” said Hulu President Joe Earley in a statement. “We are fortunate that their highly anticipated new titles will be available to our viewers as a part of our industry-leading independent film slate.”
Hulu is pulling in numbers for its original content. “Prey,” an action thriller movie released earlier this month, saw record premiere viewership in the first three days of its debut. As of the second quarter, Hulu’s subscriber count stands at 46.2 million.
Other streaming services are also getting into theatrical output deals. Roku in April signed an exclusive agreement to stream Lionsgate feature films after they initially premiere on Starz – a first for the smart TV provider.
Fox’s Tubi struck a similar deal with Lionsgate in June, planning to add 30 upcoming films to its platform.