FilmOn buys movie and TV store CinemaNow

Live TV streaming service FilmOn TV Networks has bought CinemaNow, a US-based digital rental and download store for films and TV shows.

FilmOn acquired the transactional video-on-demand service from Regent Equity Partners, and with the deal has appointed former Rovi, Paramount Pictures and NBC Universal executive, Donna Smith, as president of CinemaNow.

FilmOn’s chief strategy officer, David Goldsmith, will head up the integration of the FilmOn and CinemaNow platforms, while FilmOn’s chief content officer, Kim Hurwitz, will integrate FilmOn content on CinemaNow.

“Our goal has always been to advance legal access to great content for the benefit of the consumer. Now we’re working with all the major studios and broadcasters to build the future of entertainment together,” said FilmOn CEO Alki David.

“This is the first of many substantial acquisitions FilmOn TV Networks will make in 2016. Movie libraries, VR patents, original content: more game changing moves changing the entertainment business.”

CinemaNow will continue to new release movies and TV episodes to buy, rent and view from companies like 20th Century Fox, NBC Universal, Lionsgate, eOne, Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Warner Bros and The Walt Disney Company, according to FilmOn.

It will also distribute exclusive FilmOn-owned content, including FilmOn TV Network’s original programming and its libraries of content, as well as content made by David’s Hologram USA company.