Director Patrick Yip shifts film distribution to streaming platforms

Hong Kong film director Patrick Yip is adopting a new distribution model for his upcoming romance film, ‘Love is Like a Battlefield’. Instead of a traditional theatrical release, the film will debut directly on the streaming platform Disney+.

Facing a challenging period for the Hong Kong film industry, Yip aims to mitigate financial risks for investors by selling the broadcasting rights directly to streaming services. This approach bypasses the high costs and uncertainties associated with theatrical box office splits, marketing expenses, and the struggle to secure screen time against major blockbusters.

Yip suggests that the role of cinemas may shift toward high-end sensory experiences, such as IMAX or 4K restorations, while mid-to-low budget films find a more stable home on streaming platforms. The new project, starring Louis Cheung and Lingman Wong, represents an experimental attempt to find a sustainable path forward for local cinema.