Movies

Film Industry Can't Decide If Streaming New Movies Is Satan Or Savior

The movie industry isn't thrilled about Screening Room, a new service that would let people stream new releases at home.

Film Industry Can't Decide If Streaming New Movies Is Satan Or Savior
Getty Images / Jemal Countess
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The movie industry is unsurprisingly split over Sean Parker's recently revealed streaming service, Screening Room.

The service would let people watch new theatrical releases  from home for $50 a film and the cost of a $150 set-top box.

It's got the support of some heavyweight creators, like Steven Spielberg, Peter Jackson and J.J. Abrams. Abrams recently addressed his support for the service at CinemaCon, saying the industry has to adapt to keep itself viable.

But those feelings aren't shared across the industry. Director James Cameron said, "It's essential for movies to be offered exclusively in theaters on their initial release."

Which was obviously echoed by theater companies and movie distributors, which see Screening Room as a serious threat. But the service doesn't cut them out entirely.

Streaming Room would set aside up to $20 per movie for theater owners and pay distributors and production companies for the films.

Parker reportedly did land a few closed-door meetings at CinemaCon, so even though companies don't seem excited about it, they are definitely paying attention.

That could be a smart move because streaming has proven to be a pretty hard trend to fight. Just look at what's happened with television and music.

This video includes images from Getty Images and clips from Warner Bros. Pictures / "Batman V. Superman: Dawn of Justice," Discovery and Walt Disney Studios.