Popcornflix
 | |
| Type of business | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Founded | July 2010 |
| Dissolved | June 2024 |
| Headquarters | , |
| Parent | Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment |
| URL | Archived official website at the Wayback Machine (archive index) |
| Registration | None |
| Launched | March 2011 |
| Current status | Closed |
Popcornflix LLC was a website and over-the-top (OTT) service offering free ad-supported streaming video of feature-length movies and webisodes owned by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.[1][2]
History
[edit]Popcornflix was conceived in July 2010, and went into live beta in March 2011. The site primarily streamed independent feature films, many of which come from Screen Media's library.[3] The service is accessible in the United States and Canada, with plans to launch in more territories.[4] In 2017, Popcornflix's owner, Screen Media Ventures, was acquired by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.[2]
On April 23, 2024, Chicken Soup for the Soul announced a $636.6 million loss in 2023, and warned that without any options to generate additional financing, the company may be forced to liquidate or pause operations, and seek a potential Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection filing.[5] On June 29, 2024, the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after missing a week of paying its employees and failing to secure financing.[6] On July 11 the U.S. Bankruptcy Court approved a conversion of the bankruptcy to Chapter 7, which would signal a liquidation of the company's assets, and the cessation of its subsidiaries, including Popcornflix.[7]
Platforms
[edit]Popcornflix was available on the following platforms:
- Popcornflix.com (web based access)
- Roku[8]
- Amazon Fire TV
- Xbox 360
- Xbox One
- Xbox Series X/S
- Apple TV
- iPhone
- iPad
- iPod Touch
- Android TV
- Chromecast
- PlayStation 3
- PlayStation 4
- PlayStation 5
- Kodi
Programming
[edit]In addition to full-length independent movies, Popcornflix featured original content including web series and film school originals.[9][10] The service was accessible in the United States and Canada, and plans to launch in more territories were cancelled.[4]
References
[edit]- ^ Hachman, Mark (March 21, 2011). "Popcornflix.com: a (Free) Hulu for Big Stars, Obscure Movies". Yahoo! News. Retrieved October 5, 2011.
- ^ a b McDonald, Andrew (November 7, 2017). "Popcornflix acquired by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment". Digital TV Europe. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
- ^ Hoffelder, Nate (March 23, 2011). "Hulu has a rival – Popcornflix.com". Mediabistro.com. Archived from the original on September 13, 2011. Retrieved October 7, 2011.
- ^ a b "Screen Media Ventures Chooses Brightcove to Support Free Online Digital Movie Platform Popcornflix.com". Satellite Spotlight. April 25, 2011. Archived from the original on July 10, 2012. Retrieved August 8, 2024.
- ^ "Chicken Soup Reports $637 Million Loss for 2023, Preps Investors for Bankruptcy". NextTV. April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
- ^ Hayes, Dade (June 29, 2024). "Redbox Owner Chicken Soup For The Soul Entertainment Files For Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
- ^ Harding, Scharon (July 11, 2024). "DVDs are dying right as streaming has made them appealing again". Ars Technica. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
- ^ "Popcornflix App on Roku". Roku Guide. September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
- ^ Luchter, Les (June 6, 2011). "Popcornflix Joins Ad-Supported Streaming Movie Race". MediaPostNews. Archived from the original on August 4, 2011. Retrieved September 20, 2011.
- ^ Knutson, Chastity (May 11, 2017). "Popcornflix – Free Movie Streaming Alternatives". Owl Ratings. Retrieved October 19, 2011.
External links
[edit]- Official website (Archive)