Sony Pictures Begins Online Screening of 'The Interview'

Sony Pictures, which claims its website was targeted by hackers due to its decision regarding the release of the film 'The Interview', began online screening of the film on Wednesday, December 24. The film started streaming at 6 PM GMT on YouTube, where users must pay $5.99 to view it. The agreement between Sony Pictures and YouTube was reached just one day after the company announced its new decision for a limited theatrical release of the film. Sony had previously stated that it canceled the release of 'The Interview' due to security threats. CNN reports that 200 theaters have agreed to show the film, and a source from Sony Pictures indicated that the number of theaters screening the film could reach 300. This is the first time a film studio has simultaneously released a film online while also showing it in theaters. Typically, video versions of films become available to the public several months after their theatrical release to maximize box office revenue. According to the Associated Press, Sony Pictures is expected to announce additional platforms for streaming 'The Interview'. CNN has reported that no other cable or satellite networks have agreed to show 'The Interview' yet. Sony Pictures has also held negotiations with Apple to release the film on the iTunes store, but CNN states that these negotiations have failed. The fictional plot of the comedy 'The Interview', which revolves around the assassination of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, led to cyberattacks on Sony Pictures. The U.S. government has identified North Korea as responsible for these attacks, but the country denies the allegations.