‘It Follows’ Expanding Nationwide in Theaters, Delays VOD Push

Pushing the bounds of its business model, Radius-TWC is delaying the VOD release of David Robert Mitchell‘s It Follows in favor of expanding the critically acclaimed horror film in theaters nationwide.

On Friday, It Follows will play in 1,200 theaters, by far the widest release in Radius’ three-year history. Radius, a division of The Weinstein Co., was launched by co-presidents Tom Quinn and Jason Janego, with an eye to distribute its titles on a myriad of platforms, versus relying solely on the traditional theatrical route. An exception has been documentaries, including Oscar-winning films CitizenFour and 20 Feet to Stardom.

Otherwise, all of the narrative features released by Radius have been quickly available on VOD, meaning they only play in select theaters, since most exhibitors refuse to give screen time to a movie defying traditional windows (to date, the biggest Radius release was Snowpiercer, which played in 356 cinemas at its widest point).

In order to secure so many theaters, Radius had to delay It Follows‘ VOD release, originally set for March 27.

Radius believes it could have a sleeper hit on its hands. When debuting in New York and Los Angeles two weekends ago, It Follows scored the best location average for a horror title since Paranormal Activity, which also first opened in only a few theaters.

It Follows, acquired by Radius out of the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, begins with a strange sexual encounter that leaves a teenager plagued by disturbing visions and the inescapable sense that something is following her.

The indie film features an up-and-coming ensemble cast that includes Maika Monroe (Labor Day), Keir Gilchrist (It’s Kind of a Funny Story), Daniel Zovatto (Laggies), Jake Weary (Zombeavers), Olivia Luccardi (Girls) and Lili Sepe (Spork).

Related Stories

Related Story

Studio Profitability Report: Who's Up and Who's Down