Fandango Ventures into Film Distribution with 'House of Worship' and Eyes Expansion

Movie-ticketing powerhouse Fandango has made its debut in film distribution with "House of Worship," a faith-based concert film that premiered in approximately 400 theaters last weekend for a three-day run. The film features 25 popular Christian music artists.

This move marks a significant expansion for Versant Media, Fandango's parent division, as it aims to broaden its scope beyond its core ticketing business. Following a rebranding of its streaming services last month, Fandango plans to guide its content through its integrated entertainment ecosystem, encompassing theatrical releases, Premium VOD, TVOD, AVOD, and eventually library placement.

"House of Worship," which also has a companion album released in January, was executive produced by gospel music legends Darlene Zschech and Michael W. Smith, along with Grammy-winning producer Paul Mabury and John Hartley. Directed by Elliott Eicheldinger, the film has reportedly garnered strong engagement from its target faith-based audience, though specific box office figures have not been disclosed. Jerramy Hainline, Versant’s EVP of Digital Platforms & Ventures, noted that the theatrical release is "not the whole picture" and views the current deal as a year-long initiative covering the film's entire lifecycle.

Fandango has a history of facilitating non-traditional theatrical screenings, including WWE events, the Winter Olympics, a Spanish-language FIFA World Cup presentation in partnership with Telemundo, and "Love Island USA."

Established in 2000 as a joint venture of major U.S. theater chains and venture capital firms, Fandango was acquired by Comcast in 2007, with Warner Bros. Discovery holding a minority stake. In 2024, Fandango integrated Vudu, a streaming and VOD service acquired by Comcast in 2020, rebranding it as Fandango at Home. The "at Home" suffix was later dropped to consolidate its digital storefront and ticketing under the unified Fandango brand, expanding its free, ad-supported content. Future initiatives include developing a single app for ticketing and streaming, closer integration with Rotten Tomatoes, and international expansion. The Rotten Tomatoes app is currently available in Canada, the UK, and Ireland.

Versant Media, which oversees most of the cable networks previously under NBCUniversal, is actively diversifying its revenue streams to reduce reliance on linear television. In an interview, Hainline discussed the new film and Fandango's role as a key driver of its parent company's digital strategy, complementing the rapidly growing Golf business.

In the interview, Hainline elaborated on Versant's strategy as a hybrid company spun off from Comcast. He explained how they leverage cash-generating linear cable assets by building complementary digital businesses, citing the transformation of Golf Channel's revenue from 85% linear to a 50/50 split with digital transactional services like Golf Now and Golf Pass. This model is being replicated across Versant's other verticals, including finance (CNBC), news (MS NOW), and entertainment/sports (E!, USA Sports Network), with Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes central to the entertainment vertical's integration.

Regarding Fandango's entry into theatrical distribution, Hainline highlighted its gradual evolution. The company has been placing content in theaters for years, starting with events like the Olympics opening ceremony, followed by sporting events and even a Fortnite Pro AM Series. After a successful partnership with Telemundo for the World Cup, Fandango began receiving unsolicited inquiries from content owners seeking distribution. "House of Worship" emerged from such a connection, with Hainline recognizing its potential and leveraging Fandango's extensive theater network and infrastructure to secure a theatrical run and a subsequent lifecycle through Fandango's ecosystem. He anticipates strong marketing support from the featured artists' large social media followings. Hainline emphasized Fandango's commitment to supporting the theatrical industry and its role in driving audiences to cinemas, while acknowledging that theatrical is just one component of a broader content strategy.

Looking ahead, Hainline is exploring various content opportunities for theatrical release, including sports leagues like Bundesliga, LOVB Volleyball, WNBA, and NASCAR, as well as reality television franchises like "Real Housewives." He noted the positive reception and increased trust from rights holders and studios due to Fandango's proven track record with previous non-traditional theatrical events, such as the sold-out "Love Island USA Casa Amor" screenings.

Despite the dominance of ticketing revenue, Hainline addressed the impact of exhibitor loyalty programs. He stated that Fandango aims to be an extension of exhibitors' efforts, not a competitor. The company plans to actively support and integrate with these loyalty programs, ensuring that benefits like waived fees are honored on the Fandango platform, thereby enhancing the customer experience and reinforcing Fandango's value proposition as a convenient platform for discovering and booking movie tickets.

Hainline also discussed the evolution of Fandango's AVOD (Advertising-based Video on Demand) offerings. The service, previously branded as Fandango At Home, is now simply Fandango, with AVOD prominently featured alongside TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) options for rentals and purchases. This integrated approach allows users to rent, buy, watch, and access a significant amount of free content, reflecting Fandango's strategy to move beyond just selling movie tickets and diversify its revenue streams for continued success.

Fandango Steps into Distribution with 'House of Worship' Concert Film

Fandango, the prominent movie ticketing company, is expanding its operations into film distribution with its first project, "House of Worship." This faith-based concert film, featuring 25 popular Christian music artists, recently opened in around 400 theaters for a three-day engagement. This initiative is part of a broader strategy by Versant Media, Fandango's parent division, to diversify beyond its core ticketing business. The company is aiming to manage content across its entire lifecycle, from theatrical releases to various digital platforms like Premium VOD, TVOD, and AVOD.

"House of Worship" was executive produced by Darlene Zschech and Michael W. Smith, with production credits going to Paul Mabury and John Hartley. Directed by Elliott Eicheldinger, the film is reportedly resonating well with its target audience, although box office figures are not being reported. According to Jerramy Hainline, Versant's EVP of Digital Platforms & Ventures, the theatrical release is part of a year-long plan to explore the film's potential across Fandango's ecosystem.

Fandango has prior experience in orchestrating theatrical releases for non-traditional content, including sporting events and reality shows. The company, acquired by Comcast in 2007, integrated Vudu in 2024, rebranding it as Fandango at Home, which was later simplified to Fandango to unify its digital offerings.

Hainline explained that Versant's strategy involves building digital businesses around its existing cable assets, similar to how Golf Channel transformed its revenue model. He sees Fandango and Rotten Tomatoes as crucial components of the entertainment vertical.

The decision to venture into theatrical distribution for films like "House of Worship" stems from Fandango's established relationships within the exhibition sector and its ability to secure screenings. Hainline views this as an opportunity to test new content models and support the theatrical industry while integrating it into Fandango's wider digital strategy.

Fandango is also exploring other content types for theatrical distribution, including sports and reality television. Hainline noted that their proactive engagement and proven track record have led to more receptive conversations with rights holders and studios.

While ticketing remains a significant revenue source, Fandango is also focusing on partnerships with exhibitors, including supporting their loyalty programs, to enhance the customer experience and avoid being seen as a competitor.

The company's AVOD service, now simply branded as Fandango, is a prominent feature, offering free content alongside transactional options. This multi-faceted approach, extending beyond movie ticket sales, is driving Fandango's growth and success.