Simon Cowell's 'One Chance' Biopic to Stream Free on Yahoo
In one of the gutsiest cinematic promotional tactics in some time, The Weinstein Co. and Yahoo are partnering up to make the upcoming biopic One Chance, produced by Simon Cowell, available for streaming for free this fall to all Yahoo Screen customers. Normally, this wouldn't be such a big deal...except for the fact that the film is being made available 10 days before it hits theaters in the U.S. on August 29.
The film, directed by The Devil Wears Prada helmer David Frankel, is a biopic that tells the story of Paul Potts, the amateur opera singer who captured the imagination of the public after appearing on (and eventually winning) Britain's Got Talent in 2007. The film, released last fall in the UK to surprisingly strong reviews, and a Golden Globe nomination for Taylor Swift's "Sweeter Than Fiction," which was on the soundtrack to a Paul Potts movie for some reason. One Chance stars Tony winner James Corden in the role of Potts, and Oscar nominee Julie Walters as his tirelessly supportive mother, Yvonne.
Further details via The Hollywood Reporter:
Looking to preserve the theatrical experience, cinema operators have long been opposed to playing a movie that is being made available early on digital platforms or DVD. However, some make exceptions when it comes to independent titles, such as One Chance, that only play in select theaters, versus launching nationwide.Also, distributors have the option of renting theaters (known as four walling) if exhibitors are reluctant to strike a traditional deal. In the case of One Chance, TWC will indeed end up renting some locations.
TWC isn't a novice when it comes to shortening the theatrical window. Division Radius is largely dedicated to making films available theatrically and digitally at the same time, or within several weeks of each other, including current release Snowpiercer. One Chance ups the ante in terms of streaming first and then playing on the big screen.
Harvey Weinstein's team originally intended to open One Chance in February following its premiere at the Toronto Film Festival in September 2013, but pushed back its release to March and then to Aug 29. Insiders say the dramedy now won't hit theaters until the fall following its exclusive Yahoo engagement (no specific date has yet been made public).
One Chance is a part of Yahoo's ambitious programming expansion, which had its first big get earlier this month when it resurrected Community for a sixth season. This is in addition to the deal Yahoo Screen made with Live Nation to stream a live concert every single day for a full calendar year. In short, Yahoo is serious about challenging Netflix and Hulu Plus for subscription streaming supremacy.
“Every day we help Yahoo users find inspiring and entertaining content. We are excited to bring One Chance, a fresh and emotionally compelling film, to Yahoo Screen, thanks to our new partnership with The Weinstein Co.,” Yahoo chief marketing officer Kathy Savitt said in a statement.
"In today's digital era, technology has developed and changed the landscape of how many people watch movies and TV," added TWC COO-president David Glasser. "Our partnership with Yahoo has allowed us to adapt and expand our reach to limitless audiences."
The movie certainly looks like a tearjerker of the inspiring sort, which is a lot like the actual story of Paul Potts. It currently holds a 68% on Rotten Tomatoes, which is significantly higher than some movies I actually like a lot, so maybe I'll have to give this one a look. Lord knows, I'll be joining Yahoo Screen anyway for Community.
Credit: The Weinstein Company