AtomFilms, a pioneer and leader in next-generation entertainment, announced
that it has entered into an agreement with Blockbuster, the global leader
in rentable home entertainment, for selected, syndicated, short-form,
digital content from AtomFilms to be video streamed on a co-branded section
of blockbuster.com. Beginning Spring 2000 and lasting for 2 years,
AtomFilms will provide both content and streaming-related technologies for
the short-form content component of the Blockbuster Web site. The
partnership helps grow the offerings on blockbuster.com and moves the
company closer to its long-term goal of electronically delivering
entertainment into the home. This deal comes on the heels of last month's
announcement that TiVo, the creator of personal television, will develop
video on demand for blockbuster.com. In addition, Blockbuster signed a
multi-year strategic partnership with America On-line to produce broadband
content and delivery opportunities. Also in January, Blockbuster announced
an agreement with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc. to test and develop a business
model to make selected MGM films available for digital streaming and video
downloading via the Internet and other home delivery technologies.