YouTube Red is following in the steps of SVOD rivals Amazon and Netflix by planning a theatrical release for its upcoming film “Vulture Club.”
The film, which stars Susan Sarandon and is being produced in-house by YouTube, has yet to find a theatrical partner, according to IndieWire. Though YouTube has tried theatrical runs before by last year booking a short showing for the documentary “This is Everything: Gigi Gorgeous” in New York and Los Angeles, it has previously indicated that its films will remain on YouTube Red.
The film, which also stars Edie Falco and Matt Bomer, does not yet have a release date. According to IMDb, the film is in post-production.
As the report pointed out, YouTube’s plan to release the film in theaters could be a play for more prestige, given the film has a fairly bankable cast.
Last year, Amazon scored a Best Picture nomination for its film “Manchester by the Sea,” which also got a theatrical release. According to Box Office Mojo, the film has grossed nearly $39 million at the U.S. box office. Netflix has tried similar approaches in the past as well, giving theatrical releases to original films like “Beasts of No Nation.”
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On the other side of that equation, some more traditional production companies were reportedly in near talks to begin offering films on-demand in a shorter window after their initial theatrical releases.
According to the Hollywood Reporter, many studios have suggested varying timetables and price points for early video release films. Comcast-owned NBCUniversal is suggesting making films available for streaming 10 days after initial release for $40. Warner Bros.—which is in the process of being acquired by AT&T—is suggesting pricing films at $50 after 17 days. 21st Century Fox has proposed a $30 price after 45 days.
The current window for DVD and VOD releases after theatrical releases is about 90 days.