Sky to Release Original Films on Sky Cinema with Day-and-Date Cinema Launches

European satellite television provider Sky has announced plans to expand its original-content output by releasing feature films directly to Sky Cinema subscribers on the same day those films debut in cinemas. The company unveiled the initiative on Thursday, 25 January 2018, confirming a day-and-date release strategy that gives paying Sky Cinema customers immediate access to new original films at home on the day they premiere at the box office.

The first Sky original film scheduled under this plan is the animated monster comedy Monster Family, set for release on 2 March 2018. The voice cast includes Emily Watson, Nick Frost, Jessica Brown Findlay, Ethan Rouse, Catherine Tate and Jason Isaacs. Sky’s early slate of original titles also includes Rob Cohen’s disaster film Hurricane Heist, starring Clive Owen and Amanda Seyfried, followed by the action-thriller Final Score with Pierce Brosnan and Dave Bautista.

Sky Cinema group director Ian Lewis framed the move as a natural extension of the company’s existing film offer. He emphasised that Sky Cinema already presents one of the broadest and most accessible movie propositions in the market, built on significant output deals with studio partners and a large on-demand library.

According to Sky, the service already provides more than 1,000 on-demand films and guarantees customers a premiere every day. That volume is supported by acquisitions from both independent producers and major studios, and Sky says subscribers have expressed demand for even greater variety—particularly more mainstream British and American titles.

For 2018 Sky Movies expects to release between five and seven original films, with production budgets ranging roughly from £5 million to £35 million. The company says its approach is intended not only to grow its own catalogue but to benefit the broader industry: marketing for these originals will promote theatrical attendance as well as the Sky release, aiming to drive audiences into cinemas and engage moviegoers who might not otherwise attend.

Ian Lewis described the strategy as an attempt to evolve the industry’s release model in a way that supports both exhibition and home viewing. Rather than limiting these films to Sky customers alone, Sky plans promotional campaigns designed to raise awareness of each title across multiple channels, encouraging cinema visits while also providing the convenience of same-day access for subscribers.

Separately, Sky is reported to be in talks with regulatory bodies over its sale to 21st Century Fox, which currently holds a 39% stake in the company. Despite that ongoing ownership discussion, Sky has indicated it will handle distribution for these titles across the UK and Irish box office for the time being, reducing the likelihood of direct competition between Sky and Fox at the domestic box office.

Sky Cinema is available as a subscription service for £10 per month and can be purchased as part of a satellite television package or via the company’s on-demand offering, Now TV. The day-and-date release model is intended to add value for existing subscribers while attracting new customers who prioritise early access to major releases.

This initiative places Sky among a growing group of platforms experimenting with alternative release windows and hybrid distribution, balancing theatrical releases with on-demand availability. By combining first-run cinema premieres with same-day streaming for subscribers, Sky aims to offer flexibility that meets contemporary viewing habits while still supporting theatrical exhibition.

Follow @thefilmagazine on Twitter to stay up to date with more breaking news.