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A DVD concierge licence, enabling guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels to legally offer DVDs to their guests for in-room use, will launch on 1 May 2009, with the first 25 properties to sign up taking home a starter-library DVD pack worth more than £150.
There are approximately 32,000 bed and breakfasts, guest houses and hotels in the UK, many with in-room DVD facilities. With the introduction of the DVD Concierge Licence, Filmbank, the leading supplier of Hollywood movies to guest rooms, is providing UK properties with the ability to offer DVD lending without contravening copyright law.
This licence is for hoteliers and B&B owners who wish to offer guests a selection of DVDs whilst in the property. Licence holders (proprietors) will pay an annual fee of £48 +VAT per room, per annum, which then enable them to offer their guests unlimited movies from the participating studios during their stay.
A licence for seasonal properties will also be available, negotiated in consultation with VisitEngland, which offers the same cover for properties open eight months of the year or less for £32 +VAT per room, per year.
“We were delighted to work with Filmbank to offer a reduced licence fee for seasonal properties and feel sure the businesses in this sector will appreciate the reduction,” says Alison Barham, Quality Development Manager, VisitEngland.
Filmbank will also launch a website, www.filmbank.co.uk/dvdconcierge, in April which will run trailers and provide news on the latest DVD releases to help proprietors manage their DVD Concierge service effectively. Accommodation owners can also consult with Filmbank’s specialist sales team to discuss needs they may have and specific ideas.
Filmbank Distributors Limited, who is launching the licence, represents more than 16 Hollywood studios who hold the copyright for the movies. Hotel and guest house owners will be required to report quarterly to Filmbank on the titles offered, so royalties can be accurately distributed.
Majella Griffin, General Manager, Filmbank, says: “Guest demand has led to many guesthouses, B&Bs and hotels offering in-room DVD facilities. The provision of a DVD concierge service for guests is an excellent value added service and offers proprietors a great opportunity to attract guests and help boost customer satisfaction levels. Through www.filmbank.co.uk/dvdconcierge, licence holders can take advantage of Filmbank’s unique ties with Hollywood to stay up to date with movie news and future film titles they will be able to offer.”
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
