mm2 Asia Unveils New TVOD Service for Movies

Cathay CineHOME is planning to roll out in Singapore offering on-demand access to movies immediately after their theatrical window, with parent company mm2 Asia also looking to expand the service into other markets in the region.

mm2 Asia owns Cathay Cineplexes, which operates eight movie theaters across Singapore. Cathay CineHOME will deliver movies following the theatrical window, as well as Chinese “online movies.” Titles will be available on a TVOD basis. mm2 has not finalized the business terms and pricing plans with studio and producer partners but is looking to launch the service in Q3.

“With Cathay CineHOME, mm2 intends to develop a complementary platform to the cinema exhibition business,” said Melvin Ang, executive chairman of mm2 Asia. “Many people want to watch the latest movies but may be unable to find the time to go to the cinema. They used to be able to rent DVDs from the neighborhood video shop, but the majority of those shops are no longer around. If you miss a film at the cinema, Cathay CineHOME will offer movie lovers an invaluable and flexible option to enjoy their favorite films at their own personal preferred timing. This service will not replace the experience of going out to the cinemas. We have always wanted a complementary platform to our cinemas to address the needs of movie lovers to achieve our long-announced OTT ambitions. The coronavirus situation has simply accelerated the group’s total digital strategy.”