Mar 20, 2020
Early digital releases: why the first days at home matter most
A digital release produces a high-quality copy that can be shared within hours.
In short: in March 2020, with cinemas closed, several studios made new films available to rent at home within weeks of their cinema release. A digital release gives pirates a clean source, so protection needs to be in place on the first day, not after the first copies appear.
Why day one matters
Copies from a digital release are usually of much higher quality than recordings made in a cinema. They spread quickly through file hosts, streaming sites and apps, and early demand is at its highest.
What to plan before release
- Confirm titles, release dates and territories with whoever runs protection.
- Start monitoring before release, so pre-release leaks are caught too.
- Agree how quickly notices go out once a copy is found.
- Consider watermarking screeners and review copies.
After the first week
Demand drops but does not stop, and copies keep returning. Keep checking at a lower rate rather than stopping when the release window ends.
Related service: Media & entertainment.