Fandango, the movie ticket buying service that’s part of NBCUniversal, will be expanding into the world of digitally-distributed movies and TV shows after acquiring M-GO, a joint venture of Technicolor and DreamWorks Animation founded in 2012.
M-GO sells and rents digital titles via a range of connected devices, including Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, Web browsers, Samsung, Vizio and LG smart TVs, on Roku players and Roku TVs, and is optimized for the Google Chromecast.
Fandango said it will use M-GO to create theatrical ticketing and home entertainment bundles, including "movie catch-up" bundles, home entertainment pre-sell opportunities, and bundles with bonus content, and collectibles.
Additionally, FandangoLabs will tap the M-GO platform “in the creation of new moviegoing products and services,” and Universal Filmed Entertainment Group and Technicolor will collaborate on “next-generation video technologies,” including augmented and virtual reality.
NBCU corporate cousin Comcast currently sells and rents movies and TV shows via its own EST service, enabling playback on mobile devices and set-top boxes. M-GO's EST competition also includes Apple iTunes, Amazon, Vudu, and Google Play, among others.
Fandango said it is acquiring M-GO after a record-breaking year in which it saw 81% growth in ticketing dollars, and added 1,600 screens to its platform, expanding that total beyond 27,000.
"With the addition of M-GO, we'll be able to accelerate the ticketing momentum achieved in a record-breaking 2015 by creating compelling new digital products that serve consumers throughout the movie lifecycle," said Fandango president Paul Yanover, in a statement. "We're excited to start working with our studio and exhibition partners to bundle theatrical tickets and home entertainment products in the form of 'super tickets,' gifts with purchase, and other promotional offers."
