CinemaLive
CinemaLive is a London-based distributor of event cinema founded in 2008, specializing in Ukrainian film content delivered globally through streaming/VOD and theatrical exhibition channels, powered by Usheru platform technology.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersLondon, United Kingdom
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingDigital Commerce or Content
What CinemaLive does
CinemaLive is a London-based private company founded in 2008 that produces and distributes event cinema, with a specialization in Ukrainian film content. The company operates as a content aggregator and distributor in a niche cultural vertical, making Ukrainian films available to global audiences through two complementary channels: streaming/video-on-demand for at-home viewing and theatrical distribution for cinema exhibition.
The company's core technology infrastructure is built on the Usheru streaming platform, which powers the at-home viewing experience and provides the ticketing and distribution backend. This platform dependency means CinemaLive's technical stack is substantially externalized rather than proprietary. The product surface comprises two distribution windows — a self-serve/PLG streaming channel targeted at individual consumers and SMB buyers, and a direct-sales theatrical channel targeting enterprise cinema operators.
CinemaLive's revenue mechanics are not publicly disclosed, but the business model appears to combine consumer streaming (transactional or subscription VOD) with B2B theatrical distribution to cinema exhibitors. The customer base consists of film enthusiasts interested in Ukrainian cinema, served globally. The company operates with a very small team (1–10 employees), suggesting a lean content-rights and distribution operation rather than a technology-heavy build. Significant data gaps exist around funding, ownership, financial performance, and management depth beyond the two listed directors.
CinemaLive firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- CinemaLive
- Website
- https://cinemalive.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- CinemaLive is a London-based distributor of event cinema founded in 2008, specializing in Ukrainian film content delivered globally through streaming/VOD and theatrical exhibition channels, powered by Usheru platform technology.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
CinemaLive industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Event Cinema Distribution
- NAICS
- Motion Picture and Video Exhibition (51213), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (51212), Motion Picture and Video Distribution (512120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (5162)
- SIC
- Services-Motion Picture Theaters (7830), Services-Motion Picture & Video Tape Distribution (7822), Services-Allied To Motion Picture Distribution (7829)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera) (MPADAKAG)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Home Entertainment Distribution (Digital: TVOD/EST) (MPADAJAE), Theatrical Distribution (International) (MPADAJAB), Independent & Art-house Cinemas (MPADAKAB)
Keywords
Where CinemaLive is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- London
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Markets served
CinemaLive business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Digital Commerce or Content
- Cost components
- Personnel, Technology or R&D, Operations, Marketing or Sales
Distribution channels2 records
CinemaLive product offering
Product offeringCore offering
CinemaLive produces and distributes event cinema, with a specialization in Ukrainian films. The company operates two main distribution channels: streaming/video-on-demand for at-home viewing (powered by Usheru technology) and theatrical distribution for cinema screenings. The company is based in London, UK and operates globally with a particular focus on Ukrainian cultural cinema.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Ukrainian Film Streaming/Video-on-Demand Streaming/VOD service that delivers Ukrainian films directly to individual viewers at home. Powered by Usheru technology infrastructure, this service allows film enthusiasts to watch Ukrainian cinema content on demand globally.
- Ukrainian Film Theatrical Distribution Theatrical distribution service that supplies Ukrainian films to cinema operators for in-cinema screening. Targets enterprise customers (cinema operators and theater chains) seeking differentiated event cinema programming.
Companies that use CinemaLive
Customer profileSegments1 record
Ideal customer profiles2 records
CinemaLive technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
CinemaLive partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
One partnership is on record.
- UsherucoreUsheru provides the streaming platform technology infrastructure powering the CinemaLive service. The platform enables video-on-demand streaming functionality for Ukrainian films. The partnership appears to be technology infrastructure related rather than content distribution focused.
Expansion highlights4 records
CinemaLive competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Curzon: UK-based arthouse cinema chain with an integrated streaming platform (Curzon Home Cinema), combining theatrical exhibition with VOD — a near mirror of CinemaLive's dual-channel model.
- Picturehouse Cinemas: UK independent cinema operator with a strong arthouse and international programming slate, overlapping with CinemaLive's exhibition focus on curated cinema.
- MUBI: Global streaming service plus theatrical distribution focused on curated, arthouse and international cinema. Closely comparable to CinemaLive's combination of niche cinema streaming and cinema exhibition.
- Modern Films: Independent distributor curating world cinema and international arthouse titles for UK theatrical and home viewing, directly comparable as a niche international cinema distributor.
- Altitude Film Distribution: Independent UK distributor of arthouse and foreign-language films, active in both theatrical and home entertainment. Directly comparable in terms of indie international cinema distribution.
Emerging players
- National Theatre Live: Pioneer of event cinema, broadcasting live and recorded theater performances to cinemas worldwide. Highly comparable as an event-cinema exhibition concept aligned with CinemaLive's positioning.
- Pecca (formerly Eagle Rock Entertainment): Event cinema and music/concert film distributor that brings live and recorded performances to cinema screens, directly comparable to CinemaLive's stated event-cinema producer/distributor positioning.
- Dogwoof: UK-based independent distributor specializing in documentary and arthouse films with theatrical and home entertainment releases, comparable in distribution structure and curation approach.
Others
- Usheru: Streaming platform technology provider that powers CinemaLive's VOD service and also operates its own channels for niche/regional cinema. Comparable as an enabling technology and adjacent content platform.
Broad incumbents
- Studiocanal: Major European film studio and distributor with broad theatrical, home entertainment, and digital distribution across international titles. Comparable as a large-scale incumbent in the same value chain.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights5 records
Customer concentration
CinemaLive social profiles
Digital presenceCinemaLive financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
CinemaLive leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles2 records
CinemaLive funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
CinemaLive M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about CinemaLive
What does CinemaLive do?
CinemaLive produces and distributes event cinema, with a specialization in Ukrainian films. The company operates two main distribution channels: streaming/video-on-demand for at-home viewing (powered by Usheru technology) and theatrical distribution for cinema screenings. The company is based in London, UK and operates globally with a particular focus on Ukrainian cultural cinema.
When was CinemaLive founded?
CinemaLive was founded in 2008. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is CinemaLive based?
CinemaLive is headquartered in London, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
Who are CinemaLive's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Curzon, Picturehouse Cinemas, MUBI, Modern Films and Altitude Film Distribution. Emerging players are National Theatre Live, Pecca (formerly Eagle Rock Entertainment) and Dogwoof. Usheru is listed as an others. Studiocanal is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does CinemaLive have an API?
No public API is recorded for CinemaLive.
What industry is CinemaLive in?
CinemaLive's product category is Event Cinema Distribution. Its primary akta.pro industry code is MPADAKAG, Alternative Content Exhibition (Live Broadcasts, Concert Films, Sports, Opera), with a secondary code of MPADAJAE, Home Entertainment Distribution (Digital: TVOD/EST). Its NAICS code is 51213 and its SIC code is 7830.