FilmFlex partners with Film4oD for downloads-to-rent

Film 4’s online on-demand service will now allow users to watch films offline for the first time (after they have saved movies to their computer). The cost will be £0.99 to £3.99 per film rental, which is unlimited viewing up to 48 hours after the first play (each film has a rental period of up to 30 days).

Only users in the UK will be able to use the service, which is DRM protected.

Titles available upon launch include Attack The Block and Arthur, available concurrently with their DVD launch dates.

This new functionality also allows viewers to start watching a film while it is being downloaded.

Film4oD (www.film4od.com) was launched in November 2010 and has 50,000+ registered users. It will also continue to offer its streaming service in addition to the new download rentals.

Jeff Henry, CEO of FilmFlex, said: “The download to rent service makes it easier for those with low bandwidths or those on the go to enjoy the greatest selection of movies online. Download to rent is yet another enhancement of our offering to our brand partners as we continue to extend FilmFlex’s leading white-label position into new platforms and new markets.”

Julia Wrigley, Head of Film4 Channel, added: “Video on demand continues to soar in popularity with viewers enjoying the freedom to watch their preferred content on their own terms. We’re excited to extend our relationship with FilmFlex to offer ‘download to rent’, further strengthening the viewer experience alongside the Film4oD online streaming and Film4 channel.”
FilmFlex also manages the VOD service on Virgin Media (since 2005). The company has content deals with more than 30 content owners, including all the major studios.