By MCN Editor editor@moviecitynews.com

Constellation introduces Virtual Theatrical (“VT”) Exhibition

Posted Wednesday, November 30th, 2011 - Comments Off on Constellation introduces Virtual Theatrical (“VT”) Exhibition
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York – As the consumption of media content has changed dramatically over the last few years to include subscription on-demand streaming services like Netflix; and online rentals and downloads via iTunes, YouTube, Facebook, and others, a new form of film distribution is now in place – virtual theatrical (VT) exhibition.

CEO James Lawler and co-founder Reid Carolin have announced the launch of Constellation, an online movie theater where audiences watch films and special events at specific showtimes, with an initial schedule of films that include Focus Features’ “The Eagle,” and the award-winning documentaries “The Carrier” and “Bombay Beach.”  For many showtimes, VIP guest hosts, including Albert Maysles for “Grey Gardens,” actor Channing Tatum for “The Eagle,” and musician Jack Johnson for the documentary “Bag It,” are available live to the audience via webcam to interact and answer questions during and after the film.

Similar to a traditional movie theater, Constellation’s patent-pending VT technology allows audiences to purchase tickets to attend scheduled showtimes, or create their own showtimes to watch when they want with friends.  “A Constellation experience is the closest thing there is online to a brick-and-mortar live movie theater experience short of going to a physical theater,” says Lawler.  “But many movies you may hear about and want to see aren’t in a theater near you, or might not yet be available on other platforms.   That’s where Constellation comes in – a virtual theater where you can watch new films, enjoy social experiences around films you know, and interact live with actors, directors, and other creators.  From a rights holder’s perspective, Constellation is a tool to broaden the scope of a film’s release, increasing awareness and revenue around new titles.”

“We constantly heard from filmmakers, producers, and actors that they wanted to engage their fans and followers more around their content, and we saw how online audiences were yearning for more interaction with the content and VIPs they followed,” said Carolin.  “So we built a platform to bridge the gap.”

Actor Channing Tatum, who hosted “The Eagle” on Sunday, said, “Hosting a film on Constellation brought me closer to the audience than ever before.  Beyond being an incredibly fun way to watch movies, it delivered an experience that is, in many ways, far richer and more personal than a physical theater.”  Allison Anders, director of the documentary “Border Radio,” said, “Interacting with the Constellation audience was a revelation!  A whole new way to watch and talk about movies.  It was every bit like a film festival experience within your own home.”

Each month, Constellation will unveil a new, exclusive line-up of movies and TV shows.  Upcoming special VIP screening hosts include Channing Tatum (“The Eagle” on November 17th at 8:00pm EST), director Rob Epstein (“The Times of Harvey Milk” on November 16th at 8:00pm EST), Jack and Kim Johnson (“Bag It” on November 20th at 8:00pm EST).

For filmmakers or distribution companies, Constellation presents a different business model for their film to reach audiences.  From a competitive revenue split, to zip code-specific geo-blocking that will prevent cannibalizing traditional theatrical box office revenues, and the highest level of streaming security and content protection available, Constellation is also a platform that can be directly leveraged by a distributor or producer to combine seamlessly with a film’s theatrical release.

Constellation was co-founded by James Lawler and Reid Carolin.  Lawler’s previous experience includes producing credits for 2010’s “The Lottery” and ESPN’s 30-for-30 “Fernando Nation,” while Carolin previously worked as a digital marketing manager at Paramount and produced numerous films including “Stop-Loss,” HBO’s “Earth Made of Glass,” and Steven Soderbergh’s upcoming “Magic Mike.”  Lawler and Carolin met in college and worked together “Stop-Loss” with Carolin working for the film’s director, Kim Peirce, and Lawler working for the film’s producer, Scott Rudin.  Darcy Heusel has recently joined as Constellation’s Director of Programming from Screen Media Films.

ABOUT CONSTELLATION

Constellation is the leader in virtual theatrical exhibition, and your online movie theater.  Just like a traditional theater, users purchase tickets to attend scheduled showtimes of films, or create their own showtimes.  However unlike other online platforms, watching movies on Constellation is a social experience.  Users can invite friends to showtimes they’re attending and watch together.  Many movies are presented by VIP hosts, such as the films’ directors, actors, or other notables, who appear live in the online theater to answer questions from the audience during and after the film.

Visit us: www.constellation.tv

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ConstellationTV

Tumblr: http://constellationtv.tumblr.com/

Twitter: @constellation.tv

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