"Marley," a documentary about reggae legend Bob Marley, will become the first U.S. release to debut on Facebook the same day it opens in theaters.
The biographical documentary, directed by Kevin Macdonald (“Last King of Scotland”), will become available on Facebook April 20 for $6.99. That same day, it will debut in theaters and via video-on-demand. Proceeds will go to Save the Children, a charity for underprivileged children.
“We are proud to have the ‘Marley’ documentary support Save the Children,” executive producer Ziggy Marley, Bob’s eldest son, said in a statement. “Helping underprivileged children is something that our father would do every day, so it is very appropriate for ‘Marley’ the film to be partnering with a charity whose main focus is helping children. Bob would be very happy."
Facebook has offered movie rentals since March 2011 and is one of several players in the crowded digital streaming field along with Netflix, Hulu and others. But this same-day release strategy marks a new step in digital distribution.
The film is produced by Steve Bing’s Shangri-La Entertainment and Charles Steel. It will be distributed by Magnolia Pictures.
