Popcornflix

Last updated
Popcornflix LLC
Popcornflixlogo21.png
Type of business Subsidiary
FoundedJuly 2010;14 years ago (2010-07)
Dissolved June 2024;6 months ago (2024-06)
Headquarters,
Parent Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment
URL Archived official website at the Wayback Machine (archive index)
RegistrationNone
LaunchedMarch 2011
Current statusClosed

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]

Contents

History

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 Entertainment 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

Popcornflix was available on the following platforms:

Programming

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]

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References

  1. Hachman, Mark (March 21, 2011). "Popcornflix.com: a (Free) Hulu for Big Stars, Obscure Movies". Yahoo! News . Retrieved October 5, 2011.
  2. 1 2 McDonald, Andrew (November 7, 2017). "Popcornflix acquired by Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment". Digital TV Europe. Retrieved June 22, 2019.
  3. 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.
  4. 1 2 "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.
  5. "Chicken Soup Reports $637 Million Loss for 2023, Preps Investors for Bankruptcy". NextTV. April 23, 2024. Retrieved April 23, 2024.
  6. 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.
  7. Harding, Scharon (July 11, 2024). "DVDs are dying right as streaming has made them appealing again". Ars Technica. Retrieved July 12, 2024.
  8. "Popcornflix App on Roku". Roku Guide. September 30, 2011. Retrieved October 10, 2011.
  9. 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.
  10. Knutson, Chastity (May 11, 2017). "Popcornflix – Free Movie Streaming Alternatives". Owl Ratings. Retrieved October 19, 2011.