BT could expand its investment in original content to independent cinema, according to the Telegraph.
The paper reports the ISP and broadcaster is considering backing a new investment fund being led by Curzon World, owner of film distributors Artificial Eye and six cinemas specialising in independent films.
Curzon also operates a movie streaming service which is available online and via player apps on BT’s TV service and Freesat.
Its slate of titles include Blue is the Warmest Colour, which won Palme d’Or at last year’s Cannes, and Roger Michell’s Le Weekend.
According to today’s report, BT’s involvement in the £30m fund would secure it exclusive access to financed titles, expanding its first run content beyond sport.
The multi-billion pound investment in sport has grown BT’s share of new broadband sign-ups and boosted its TV subscriber numbers which recently passed 1m for the first time.
Investing in original films could help BT increase the appeal of its TV service to non-sports fans.
