Through Front Row Networks, Inc., Writers’ Group Film Corp. is a live concert production and distribution company that produces live concerts in 3-D for initial digital broadcast into movie theaters in North America. Following their theatrical run, the films are then licensed to US and international broadcasters, pay channels, PPV markets, DVD and Blu-Ray distributors, and sold on the internet as downloads.
3D content has become a worldwide phenomenon. From 2008 to 2010, Hollywood 3D releases jumped from 2 to 22, and more than 30 major 3D releases are expected in 2011. Last year, the extra revenue from the 22 3D movies offset a 5.2% attendance drop. Overseas, where 3D is wildly popular, the six major studios collected $12.7 billion in grosses, a 20% leaped compared to 2009.
Front Row Networks’ initial production, acquisition and distribution strategy is to bring the much desired live concert experience to a massive worldwide fan base. The company intends to reduce distribution costs by capitalizing on existing concert promotions and advertising, by leveraging its catalogue with worldwide distribution partners, and by broadcasting content directly to theaters.
This morning, Writers’ Group Film Corp. announced the appointment of Mr. John Diaz as President and Director of the company and its wholly owned subsidiary Front Row Networks. Mr. Diaz has enjoyed a nearly forty-year career in music and video production and distribution. He has worked with the world’s most popular and well-known artists, and helped to deliver music and video entertainment to literally hundreds of millions of fans around the world.
Among his career highlights, Mr. Diaz has produced domestic and international TV for some of the largest music events in history, including specials with Michael Jackson, Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, Sting, The Rolling Stones and numerous others. The number of music videos, TV specials and concerts he has produced are “too many to count.” Even more important, he has shot more concerts in 3D than any other producer in history, making him a perfect fit.
Mr. Diaz commented, “I am excited about the opportunity to develop Front Row Networks into a world class entertainment Company, and I look forward to taking the same strategic plan that mp3.com had in the early stages, and using that with this venture.”
“We are assembling a world class management team to execute our vision to create an identity as the premier brand in 3D theatrical events,” he continued. “We intend to package new 3D concert theatrical events with our existing 2D and 3D catalogue, as well.”
Let us hear your thoughts below: