LoveFilm to stream Optimum movies

LoveFilm has agreed a "substantial streaming deal" with UK independent film and cinema operator Optimum Releasing, giving its members "first access" to more than 100 titles.

The deal, which goes live today, enables LoveFilm subscribers to stream movies over the internet or on connected devices from Optimum's 2009/10 release slate at no extra cost.

Titles include Darren Aronofsky's The Wrestler, Roman Polanski's thriller The Ghost, Vicky Cristina Barcelona by Wood Allen and Oscar nominated films, A Prophet and Coco Before Chanel.

The deal allows LoveFilm to show more than 30 new films on its streaming service during their pay TV windows, as well as including a wide range of library titles from Optimum's catalogue, including The Deer Hunter, Mulholland Drive and The Pianist.

Many of the titles will be streamed first in the UK by the Amazon-owned LoveFilm on PCs, connected TVs and Sony's PlayStation 3 console.

"We are very excited to be partnering with such an influential and innovative distributor as Optimum," said LoveFilm chief executive Simon Calver.

"This announcement means we can offer consumers great films like The Wrestler and The Ghost instantly as part of their subscription. LoveFilm's catalogue is going from strength to strength with more and more distributors and studios joining our Watch Online service."

Robb Smith, head of television and new media at Optimum Releasing, added: "We've watched LoveFilm transform into a hugely popular hybrid service and we're impressed by their continued expansion onto new device platforms.

"This is an important step for us as we roll out our digital strategy and continue to pursue emerging platforms and partners to maximise income from our content."

Last month, LoveFilm agreed a video on-demand deal with The Walt Disney Company, becoming the firm's first major subscription VOD partner in the UK outside of the pay-TV window.