Entrepreneur Vincent DeVille: VOD Tech Is “Good News” for Film Distributors
Vincent DeVille, a successful entrepreneur who has achieved major success with his leasing company, OMG Travel, is also the technology pioneer who created the first program that made Video on Demand (VOD) possible. Deville is the current CEO of Popcorn Movies LLC. Born in Budapest, Hungary, he has lived in the United States since 2003, with homes in Los Angeles and Miami. He also has residences in Rome and Budapest. He speaks six languages, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Law, and a Master of Science in Business Economics.
In 1997, Deville was in a car accident that caused him to be sedentary for several months. During that time, he watched lots of films and spent hours on his computer. From that experience sprang the idea that it would be really good if he could get any film he wanted on his computer when he wanted it. He ran with the possibility, and with the expertise of some friends, he developed a program that would do just that: Fast Cinema.
IFQ: What circumstances led you to form your current VOD business?
Vincent Deville: I have always had an interest in computers, and was, in fact, a pioneer of Video on Demand in 1997. But, my ideas were premature for a viable business, because broadband and other technologies for licensing were not available at that time, so I lost interest for a few years.
IFQ: I read that you licensed your first product for a monthly fee. Tell us how that idea led you to develop your current application package that can be customized for specific VOD markets.
VD: I am the only business that sells my specific product. For example, previously, companies that wanted to go into VOD distribution had to hire teams to create and customize VOD technology. That could take two or more years and cost $300,000 to $500,000. The application package I sell can be set up in two weeks from a cost of as little as $50,000, for companies that distribute to smaller markets, to a little over $300,000 for companies that distribute to larger markets. Our product, Fast Cinema, has already been approved by major studios, so our customers save time on what can seem like an endless process for distributors who create their own package.
IFQ: How do you think greater access to VOD will impact independent film producers?
VD: Independent producers will still have to network and market their product to create public interest. But, if distributors who set up low cost subscription services include independent films in their VOD catalogs, those films will be easier for customers to access.
IFQ: How do you stay competitive with other businesses?
VD: I stay with a simple business plan: I offer a good product, I guarantee a lower price than competitors, and I follow through.