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Utah-based movie-filtering service VidAngel to fight injunction

Posted at 10:48 PM, Dec 13, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-14 09:28:27-05

PROVO, Utah -- Utah-based movie-filtering service VidAngel hit a hurdle this week after a federal judge granted a temporary injunction requested by major Hollywood studios, which blocks the company from conducting business.

VidAngel officials say this is only the beginning of the battle, which they plan to take to the Supreme Court.

While the company was hit with the injunction Monday night, Tuesday they announced they'll be launching VidAngel studios, which will create its own family-friendly content.

“The studios have a history of not wanting to play ball in the way families have asked and asked and asked,” said Neal Harmon, CEO VidAngel.

The Provo company has one goal: to provide family-friendly content filtering whatever customers want -- a point driven across in their ads.

VidAngel is prepared to fight for its right to filter movies and shows.

“It's clear to us the studios don't want this to be possible for families,” Harmon said.

VidAngel raised $5 million to launch their own studios and another $5 million to take this issue to the Supreme Court.

The company makes it clear it’s not trying to get around the law. However, arguing filtering content coming into the home is the law under the Family Movie Act of 2005.

“When you buy a book you're not required to read every page so why should you be required to listen to everything in a movie or see everything in a movie? Why can't you decide it should be edited,” said David Quinto, General Council for VidAngel.

Exactly how people who use the service feel.

“They're coming after VidAngel because they say they're the ones that are editing the video when in reality it's me that's editing it. I get to choose if I don't want to watch, or if I don't want to see nudity or hear swear words," said Ogden resident Adam Aurich.

Whatever the outcome, it will be big for movie-filtering companies.

“I think this will establish a number of important presidencies,” Quinto said.

The company is looking forward to VidAngel Studios.

“This provides a path forward for family-friendly content regardless of the outcome of the lawsuit but ultimately because our customers have given us the funds to fight this we believe we will ultimately prevail,” Harmon said.

Company officials say this injunction is a bump in the road. The company says three movies from VidAngel studios will be released this month.