FILMATIQUE, A U.S.-BASED video streaming service targeting fans of auteur movies, is expanding to Canada as a first step in its international roll-out.
Lorenzo Fiuzzi, co-founder of the movie-themed SVOD, told Cartt.ca the Canadian launch, timed for Friday (tomorrow) and the start of the Toronto Film Festival, will be followed by a focus on emerging Canadian filmmakers in late 2017, or early 2018, to win over new subscribers.
The Canadian service, which acts like a traditional repertory theatre, albeit online, will be priced at US$4.95 per month, with a one month free trial.
Filmatique releases one film every week, and each month curates a different focus. Films are then available to the streamer's subscribers for six more months after their release.
As well, the first 1,000 users to sign up in Canada will get 25% discount for the first three months, using code FLMTQCANADA.
Fiuzzi said his service's main competition is not Sundance Now and Fandor, both streaming services of indie movies that have already launched in Canada, but MUBI, formerly The Auteurs.
"I would say that our main competitor is MUBI as our approach to curation and editorial are very much aligned," he explained.
