Comcast Delivers More Independent Film Content to Customers Through Its On Demand Service

Comcast announced today that it will bring more independent (indie) film content to its customers through the creation of the Indie Film Club via its On Demand service, further enhancing its programming around indie films.  The new On Demand offering, which builds on a similar online initiative Comcast launched earlier this year, is available to Comcast digital video customers and brings viewers additional access to the independent film industry.  The dedicated On Demand folder will include indie films, exclusive material, movie trailers, guest editors' picks, extras, interviews and other special content.  

"Comcast is thrilled to extend the reach of independent movies into living rooms across the country, providing more exposure for these films, which have a passionate following," said Diana Kerekes, Vice President of Entertainment Services for Comcast.  "It's all part of giving our customers more choice, value and a sense of excitement and closeness to indie filmmakers. With the popularity of indie films, we're proud to be working with leaders in this field, like Edward Burns, Tribeca Film, SnagFilms and others, to make that happen."

Through the Indie Film Club, on October 26th, Comcast will debut Edward Burns' latest film and romantic comedy, Nice Guy Johnny, On Demand the same day it is released nationally across numerous digital platforms including iTunes and DVD. Comcast's Nice Guy Johnny offering will include an exclusive interview with Burns, behind-the-scenes content, along with a live online chat with Burns.  Comcast will also feature Burns as a guest editor On Demand with Edward's "Picks and Flicks," which will include his beloved first two features The Brothers McMullen and She's The One, as well as his top recommendations for independent films. 

"I'm excited to be working with Comcast on this new venture as they continue to help broaden the reach and audience of independent films," said Edward Burns. "I believe this On Demand release model truly complements the current independent film distribution model by offering these films to tens of millions of people around the country. This approach will have a long-term impact on the way specialized films are distributed. Now when someone asks, 'where can I see your movie if I don't live near an art house theater?' I tell them, 'anywhere you want.'" 

In addition to the existing broad indie film line-up On Demand, earlier this year, Comcast expanded its independent film offering through partnerships with Tribeca Film, in which the company offered seven films from the Tribeca Film Festival On Demand prior to their festival release; and with SnagFilms, which will feature select documentaries On Demand.  Currently, Comcast is offering indie films such as Freakonomics and Centurion and exclusive footage On Demand and online from Joaquin Phoenix's I'm Still Here, which is currently in limited theater release.  Phoenix's film will debut on September 24th On Demand.  

Today, Comcast is rolling out more than 2,000 independent films to its customers in markets throughout the country.  Each month, independent films receive more than 200,000 views On Demand and since 2008, independent films have been viewed more than four million times On Demand.  Comcast currently offers the best independent films from industry-leading festivals, pre-theatrical and same-day-as-theatrical films, thought-provoking and entertaining documentaries and films from independent film providers such as IFC, Sundance, Magnolia, National Lampoon, Brainstorm, Gravitas, among others. Additionally, through XfinityTV.com, consumers have access to free indie features and documentaries, plus thousands of trailers, news and interviews dedicated to the independent film industry.  

About Comcast Corporation

Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA, CMCSK) (www.comcast.com) is one of the nation's leading providers of entertainment, information and communication products and services. With 23.2 million video customers, 16.4 million high-speed Internet customers, and 8.1 million Comcast Digital Voice customers, Comcast is principally involved in the development, management and operation of cable systems and in the delivery of programming content. 

Comcast's content networks and investments include E! Entertainment Television, Style Network, Golf Channel, VERSUS, G4, PBS KIDS Sprout, TV One, 11 regional sports networks operated by Comcast Sports Group and Comcast Interactive Media, which develops and operates Comcast's Internet businesses, including Comcast.net (www.comcast.net).  Comcast also has a majority ownership in Comcast-Spectacor, which owns two professional sports teams, the Philadelphia 76ers NBA basketball team and the Philadelphia Flyers NHL hockey team, and a large, multipurpose arena in Philadelphia, the Wells Fargo Center, and, through Global Spectrum, manages other facilities for sporting events, concerts and other events.