It's been barely more than three months since I repeated my argument that George Lucas was ludicrously misguided with his predictions about the film industry:
"You’re going to end up with fewer theaters, bigger theaters with a lot of nice things. Going to the movies will cost 50 bucks or 100 or 150 bucks, like what Broadway costs today, or a football game....There’ll be big movies on a big screen, and it’ll cost them a lot of money. Everything else will be on a small screen" (George Lucas)
Then news breaks of 'The Screening Room.'
A new tech startup lead by Sean Parker, formerly of Napster fame and the guiding hand of a small company (you may have heard of) called Facebook. 'The Screening Room' will provide streaming access to new release films for subscribers.
"...(cough)...Netflix...(cough)" you say.
But this is different. 'The Streaming Room' is not offering the traditional 'new releases' of the local video store, now itunes. This service streams actual NEW RELEASES, as in films that are playing in cinemas. The idea is to allow those audiences who simply refuse to attend a cinema, to see the films they want in the comfort of their own home. Good for audiences. Great for the business.
Another stake in the heart of film piracy.
The cost? $50 per 48 hour movie rental.
A premium movie service for the modern hermit with disposable income.
Yes, I know this is exactly the opposite of what George Lucas predicted. That he suggested the plebeians would pay a high price to visit a scarce movie theatre, for a 'big screen event' film. Viewing from home was never in the equation.
And I know that the service is far from available. That the the traditional film distribution guardians have erupted into white-hot rage, even while numerous top filmmakers support the idea.
Still, a $50 movie. That's essentially a bullseye for ol' George.
But where does that leave the rest of us?
Should we be pleased that someone is finally attempting a new method of release to the stalwarts of the film viewing world?
Excited that the film establishment have leaped so quickly to the defence of the cinema experience?
Proud that George Lucas managed to get at least one element of his prediction correct?
Clearly I'm not qualified to answer that, given I was wrong in the first place.
But I am left with one troubling question about this new proposal. One I won't hazard an answer to. Perhaps you can ponder it for me.
What person, who steals movies for free, would pay $50 for them instead?
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