Content delivery startup FilMe has got the rights to recently released films like Bala (2019), Angrezi Medium (2020) and Love Aaj Kal (2020). It allows filmmakers to bring their films to a previously inaccessible audience and it is a new set of rights for makers to monetize as it doesn’t overlap with current distribution rights like digital, satellite, AVOD, SVOD or TVOD.
Available in the form of a business card-sized form factor, the content can be directly accessed on a mobile phone. The global company, founded in Australia, has patented technology to deliver this content through a physical card via a QR code. To send the content during offline mode, the movies can be embedded on a microchip on the FilMe card to be viewed later. The company is also preparing an online offering which will be unveiled later.
To watch films on FilMe, the viewer does not require an internet connection or a subscription or even to download an application. With FilMe’s technology, consumers can watch three films for as little as Rs49. The company will be rolling this out after the present phase of the lockdown ends, and consumers can view films like Stree (2018), Made In China (2019) and Social Media Murder Society (2019).
Founder Abhishek Shukla said in a press release, “We have developed this technology keeping the end consumer in mind. There is no learning curve and it is immediately ready to use. It’s for consumers who would prefer personal entertainment without the burden of paying for multiple subscriptions to various OTT platforms.
"Our target is to bridge the gap of present reach and affordability without affecting any platform’s operations in any way. The offline mode can actually be called 'DVD for smart phones' as it is a physical form of distribution of films. For the producers and studios, we are confident of delivering additional revenues for their content,” he added.
The company is planning a pan-India set-up to sell the FilMe retail cards, which will be available at mobile retail stores, electronic superstores like Reliance Digital, cafes, stationery stores, booths at shopping centres, train and metro stations, and departmental stores.