EPIX & Verizon Partner with Rooftop Films to Bring Free Films to NYC This Summer
The cable and multiplatform VOD service EPIX is partnering with its exclusive cable distribution partner Verizon FiOS and Rooftop Films to provide the programming for New York City’s various summer free film series. A feature film from the EPIX library will anchor every screening, while Rooftop Films will program a short film from its 2011 lineup to accompany each feature. Some of the EPIX titles screening at the various series include: “Justin Bieber: Never Say Never,” “Biuitiful,” “Raging Bull,” and “Annie Hall.”
In addition to the pre-existing series, Summer Screen in Williamsburg, at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Queens, and in Tompkins Square Park, the partners will program a new series of films in Coney Island. A full schedule of the summer’s screenings can be found here.
Full release follows.
EPIX, VERIZON FIOS AND ROOFTOP FILMS PARTNER TO EXPAND OUTDOOR MOVIES FOR NYC AUDIENCES
EPIX Movie Free-for-All powered by Verizon FiOS runs June 30 to September 12 in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens
New York, NY, May 16, 2011 – EPIX, the multiplatform premium service available on television, online and on mobile devices, is expanding to a new set of screens this summer at outdoor venues throughout New York City. EPIX and its exclusive cable distribution partner in New York City, Verizon FiOS, announced today the first annual EPIX Movie Free-for-All powered by Verizon FiOS, providing movies and underwriting for local programs that will draw up to 100,000 attendees in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Queens this summer.
Working with New York based non-profit festival producer Rooftop Films, EPIX is partnering with a number of local organizations to expand free outdoor movie screenings to more communities throughout the City, adding more events and bigger movies:
· Coney Island Flicks on the Beach presented by EPIX, Verizon FiOS, NYC & Company and the Coney Island Development Corporation, a new summer series developed by NYC & Co. and the Coney Island Development Corp;
· Summer Screen in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, created by The L Magazine;
· Socrates Outdoor Cinema at the Socrates Sculpture Park in Long Island City;
· Films in Tompkins, presented by Downtown Diversified and Tompkins Square Park in downtown Manhattan.
“We are proud to be working with leading cultural organizations to make free movies available to more communities and to bring New Yorkers together around film,” said Mark Greenberg, CEO and President of EPIX.
“Our partnership with EPIX and Rooftop Films is an opportunity for New Yorkers and visitors to enjoy the best in film this summer, in a great atmosphere. Verizon FiOS, is pleased to co-present this popular selection of films this summer and deliver these, and thousands more titles year-round to our FiOS TV EPIX subscribers,” said Susan Retta, Verizon Vice President of Marketing.
Over 30 new release and classic films will be screened at the four venues, beginning June 30 and running through September 12. EPIX will present films drawn from its inventory, including Justin Bieber: Never Say Never, Rango, Biuitiful, Iron Man 2, Star Trek, Raging Bull, Annie Hall, Flashdance, Top Gun and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Additionally, each of the screenings will open with short films from the Rooftop Film Festival presented by Rooftop Films, expanding the audience for new films and filmmakers.
“This summer we are proud to work with EPIX and Rooftop Films to broaden the reach of their popular film series with a new event that will appeal to a variety of ages and interests,” said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. “By adding Coney Island as a destination to enjoy free outdoor entertainment, the City continues to make itself accessible to locals and visitors alike across the five boroughs.”
“With the addition of this summer film series, we are making amazing progress towards establishing Coney Island as a year-round, 21st century amusement and entertainment destination,” said Coney Island Development Corporation President Nathan Bliss. “These films will activate the beach throughout the summer and, along with the new Scream Zone and Luna Park, will help us attract more visitors than ever before.”
Kicking off the series June 30 at Tompkins Square Park, boxing promoter, Don King, will introduce the first feature, Raging Bull. Promotional events are planned for the screenings throughout the summer, including contests, iPad giveaways and more. More information and complete schedules are available at www.epixhd.com/freeforall.
