Channels Go OTT - AMC Beta Testing Horror-Themed SVOD Service Shudder
Sep 22, 2015 07:52 UTC Channels go OTT - AMC beta testing horror-themed SVOD service Shudder
Premium, basic pay and free TV channels around the world are looking to OTT and direct-to-consumer services to reach customers who are leaving the traditional TV space, or those that were never there in the first place.
Getting the established pay TV channels to talk over-the-top and direct-to- consumer (D2C) can be challenging, largely because they are mindful that while there is a real opportunity, they need to carefully manage the relationship with the pay platforms that, today at least, pay them a sizable chunk of their revenues in the form of carriage fees. Several of the biggest players have, however, made the leap into D2C and OTT.
The latest programmer to develop an OTT SVOD platform is AMC Networks, known for critical hits including Mad Men, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead and the recently launched Fear the Walking Dead.
As first reported by Variety, AMC Networks is beta-testing their horror-centric video service Shudder. The service offers streaming access to full-length ad- free horror movies, and wants to eventually launch on a number of TV streaming devices. Shudder currently offers access to more than 200 movies, including titles like the Korean horror movie “A Tale of Two Sisters,” cult classic “Nosferatu” and Swedish cult vampire movie “Let the Right One In.” The site also features curated collections for topics like “urban decay” or “romantic bloodsuckers.”
The services, Shudder, target a smaller but highly engaged audience, a niche SVOD service that we’ll see a lot more of. A recent study by TDG Research, shows that as the middle class evaporates and the ‘barbell’ economy takes its place, television is transforming from a mass-market broadcast medium into a series of highly-customized entertainment services consumed on a personal basis. This requires operators to fine tune offerings to meet the demands of increasingly-specific user segments.
AMC Networks speaking at Nordic Media Summit in Copenhagen Marco Frazier, Senior Vice President of Global Distribution and Business Development for AMC Networks International at AMC Networks will be speaking at the 6th Nordic Media Summit in Copenhagen September 24th. Marco oversees global distribution for the company’s international properties in territories throughout Europe.
Frazier has over 20 years of experience in securing distribution for various media ventures. Since 2009, he has worked with Sundance Channel Global on international business development and global distribution and helped launch Sundance Channel in territories throughout the EMEA region.
In Marco’s previous role as Vice President of Global Distribution, he focused on growing Sundance Channel Global in EMEA. Prior to this, Frazier was instrumental in launching multiple thematic pay TV channels and brands and contributed to building up multi-million pound revenue streams. As Vice President of Business Development at Creative Networks International, he was pivotal in launching Cult Network Italia. At Sitcom S.p.A he secured distribution enabling the launch of three new channels including: Nuvolari, Alice and Leonardo. Additionally, he led ESPN Classic EMEA’s Affiliate Sales and Distribution department to build a paying subscriber base of more than 35 million homes.
More information about Nordic Media Summit, speakers, agenda, attendees etc at www.nordicmediasummit.com
About AMC Networks Dedicated to producing quality programming and movie content for more than 30 years, AMC Networks Inc. (NASDAQ: AMCX) owns and operates several of the most popular and award-winning brands in cable television. AMC, IFC, SundanceTV, WE tv, and IFC Films produce and deliver distinctive, compelling and culturally relevant content that engages audiences across multiple platforms. The company also operates BBC AMERICA through a joint venture with BBC Worldwide. In addition, the company operates AMC Networks International, its global division. More information is available at www.amcnetworks.com Sources: Variety & TDG Research
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