Key Facts
- ✓ Pijama was founded by Oscar-nominated filmmaker Pablo Larraín and his brother Juan De Dios Larraín, combining their extensive production expertise.
- ✓ The platform utilizes a TVOD model, allowing users to purchase or rent individual films rather than subscribing to a monthly package.
- ✓ Filmmakers retain significant control over their work, including the ability to set specific pricing for their films in different territories.
- ✓ The service is specifically targeted at independent and undistributed films, filling a gap left by major streaming aggregators.
A New Digital Stage
Renowned filmmaker Pablo Larraín and his brother, producer Juan De Dios Larraín, have unveiled a new venture poised to reshape the landscape for independent cinema. The duo has launched Pijama, a streaming platform dedicated to films that have struggled to find a traditional distribution home.
This initiative represents a significant shift in digital distribution, offering a direct-to-consumer model that bypasses traditional gatekeepers. By leveraging their decades of industry experience, the Larraín brothers are building a specialized ecosystem for content creators seeking autonomy over their work.
The Pijama Model 🎬
The platform operates on a TVOD (Transactional Video on Demand) basis, a model that distinguishes itself from subscription services like Netflix or Hulu. Rather than a flat monthly fee, viewers pay for individual titles, ensuring that revenue flows directly to the creators.
Pijama is engineered to give filmmakers unprecedented control over their releases. The infrastructure allows producers to bypass the lengthy and often restrictive process of securing traditional distribution deals.
Key features available to filmmakers include:
- Direct uploading of film files
- Selection of specific release territories
- Autonomy over pricing structures
- Tools to run digital marketing campaigns
"We’ve been [filmmakers] for 25 years…and […]"
— Pablo Larraín, Co-founder of Pijama
Empowering Creators
The motivation behind Pijama is rooted in the Larraín brothers' extensive history in the film industry. Having spent 25 years navigating the complexities of production and distribution, they have intimate knowledge of the hurdles independent filmmakers face.
Many high-quality films are left undistributed annually due to market saturation or a lack of commercial appeal for major studios. Pijama aims to solve this by providing a dedicated venue where these films can reach audiences directly.
We’ve been [filmmakers] for 25 years…and […]
This background informs the platform's user-centric design, prioritizing the needs of the artist over the demands of a studio boardroom. It bridges the gap between creation and consumption for niche audiences.
Market Implications
The launch of Pijama arrives at a critical juncture for the entertainment industry. As major streaming services consolidate and focus on tentpole franchises, a vacuum has formed for independent and arthouse content.
By offering a specialized platform, the Larraín brothers are catering to a specific demographic of cinephiles hungry for diverse storytelling. The ability to set pricing and manage marketing allows filmmakers to experiment with release strategies that would be impossible within a rigid corporate structure.
This move highlights a growing trend of creators reclaiming ownership of their distribution channels, ensuring that artistic vision is not compromised by commercial pressures.
Looking Ahead
The establishment of Pijama marks a pivotal moment for independent film distribution. By providing the tools for self-release, the Larraín brothers are democratizing access to audiences worldwide.
As the platform grows, it will serve as a case study for whether specialized, creator-first streaming models can thrive alongside industry giants. For now, it stands as a beacon of hope for filmmakers whose stories deserve to be seen, regardless of their commercial potential.
