Facebook is reported to be showing a keen interest in CinemaWell.com, a new Russian online social network that gives cinema fans the opportunity to communicate directly with filmmakers. The Yekaterinburg-based company claims that its “killer app” is its Internet Video Co-Viewing IVCV feature which enables shared online viewings and which its founders say could easily be integrated into social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and Russia’s own VKontakte.
“It’s the first project on the Russian film market where filmmakers can get to know each viewer since all of them can access the online cinema through their social network accounts,” founder Serge Petrov said. “Moreover, millions of people can attend a film’s premiere on CinemaWell.com as the virtual cinema can host unlimited number of viewers.”
Although some sources are reporting that Facebook has already bought Cinemawell for $95m, neither side was either confirming or denying this last week. rbth
Facebook eyes up Russian social media start-up for film buffs
Sarawut Aiemsinsuk