Connecting Films, Merchandise and Spaces: Next-Generation Art and Indie-Film OTT MovieLAB Launches Oct. 1

The full experience of watching a film — reading about it, collecting something from it and visiting an offline space — is coming together on a single platform. MovieLAB said it will officially launch MovieLAB, a film lifestyle platform connecting film streaming and curation with articles, merchandise and affiliated offline spaces, on Oct. 1, while beginning a seven-day free trial.

■ Move over, watch-only OTTs: Bringing together the entire experience before and after viewing

Built around the slogan “Every way to love movies, all in one place,” MovieLAB aims to be a next-generation OTT service that goes beyond simply playing content. It is designed to help users engage deeply with films, document their viewing and explore related merchandise and offline spaces.

The platform’s core streaming section, “MOVIE,” sets itself apart from existing OTT services focused primarily on commercial films with a lineup built around art and independent films, classics, and a diverse selection of works by acclaimed directors from South Korea and abroad. Personalized collections organized by director and subject make it easy to find films that match users’ tastes. The service also includes a “screening request” feature that lets users suggest films they want to watch.

Creators active in fields including film and music will also participate as curators, sharing personally selected recommendations and viewing insights. Users can discover works that offer fresh inspiration by following the sensibilities of creators they like, and the roster of participating curators will continue to expand.

■ From “LAB,” where users read and analyze, to “SHOP,” which satisfies the urge to collect

The platform has also significantly expanded content and commerce features designed to deepen the film experience.

The film-article section, “LAB,” explores directing, as well as the philosophies of directors and actors, through features including “Anatomy of a Film,” “Character Archive” and “Cinema Chronicle.” Users can read an article before watching a film, or return to it afterward to develop a deeper understanding. In the personal journaling space “MY” and the community, users can record their favorite films and reviews and share their tastes with fellow film enthusiasts.

“SHOP,” where users can preserve the afterglow of a film through physical items, will launch alongside the service. Its offerings will include film posters; OST vinyl records (LPs) and CDs; Blu-rays; screenplay books and film-related publications; clothing; and other offline objects. Streaming members will receive special discounts, with annual members eligible for discounts of up to 20% and monthly members for discounts of up to 10% on merchandise.

■ Offline theater and cafe benefits: A cinematic life through “SPACE”

The platform also aims to build mutually beneficial ties with offline venues. The “SPACE” tab will provide information on film-related destinations nationwide, including independent and art-house cinemas, specialty bookstores, merchandise shops, and film-themed cafes and bars. Users will be able to search by region and type, making the service a guide for outings by film fans. MovieLAB plans to continue expanding its network of affiliated independent and art-house cinemas and gradually add practical offline benefits, including discounts on admission.

MovieLAB will be available beginning Oct. 1 through its official website and dedicated iOS and Android apps. Membership will cost 9,900 won per month or 99,000 won per year, while the “LAB” service’s film-analysis articles will be freely available to everyone without a paid subscription. Details of the seven-day free trial launching with the service will be available on the official website on Oct. 1.