OTT + SVOD
If Netflix wants to keep pace overseas, it needs to churn out its own localized content. For example: African streamer Showmax has started production on its first original shows, including an eight-part mockumentary series (title: Tali’s Wedding Diary) starring YouTube star Julia Anastasopoulos. The service has also started production on crime drama iNumber Number, an adaptation of a 2013 film of the same name.
Amazon Channels is tacking on some new services. The Amazon video service, which offers Prime members access to premium TV Everywhere services from the likes of HBO and Showtime, will now let users log into networks’ standalone streaming apps as well. Instead of entering one’s pay-TV credentials to gain access to an app, users will be able to simply enter in their Amazon account info.
J. Walter Thompson ’s work for Alcoholics Anonymous got some love from Facebook, when the platform announced the winners of its Facebook Awards, singling out best campaigns. Also honored was Amnesty International’s use of Facebook Live to stream video of refugees meeting people in their new settlement countries. The goal of the Facebook Awards is simple: To show advertisers what it’s possible to produce on Facebook and Instagram. See the full winners’ list here .
CYNOPSIS RISING STAR AWARDS
Nominations are open for the 3rd Annual Cynopsis Rising Star Awards, and we hope to have you and your team represented as we celebrate the media industry’s most inspiring young professionals. The deadline is just days away, so don’t miss this chance to show off the innovative work of your 30-and under colleagues. Nominate before June 21.
DIGITAL PROGRAMMING
Sony’s Crackle is adding all episodes of the NBC drama Heroes – as well as the 2015 Heroes Reborn event miniseries – to its platform. Episodes will be available starting July 13.
RESEARCH
Cord-cutting’s not the only game in town. According to a new study from IBB Consulting, about 63% percent of U.S. streaming service subscribers also have a cable sub. Forty-nine percent use one streaming service, while 33 percent use two and 18 percent use three or more. (Millennials were the most likely demo to be in the three-or-more group.) Another notable tidbit: Among current streamers, 61% say they would be willing to pay up to $2 extra per month for their subscriptions if prices went up. The study surveyed more than 1,000 OTT subscribers in the U.S.
EXECUTIVE MOVES
In the latest sign that Apple is getting serious about original content, the tech giant has named Sony Pictures Television Presidents Jamie Erlicht and Zack Van Amburg to oversee global video efforts. Apple hasn’t fully detailed their job descriptions just yet, but the hires come just as the tech giant is launching its first original video content for the Apple Music streaming service. Erlicht and Van Amburg will report to Eddy Cue, SVP of Internet Software and Services.
UPCOMING DIGITAL PROGRAMMING
… for the week of Monday, June 19 , through Sunday, June 25
– People Now at People.com, Monday-Friday at 8:30a ET and 11:30a ET. Guests include actor Anthony Anderson (ABC’s Black-ish), actress Kate Walsh (Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why), and director/actress team Sophia Coppola and Kirsten Dunst (Focus Features’ The Beguiled)
– Acorn TV: Scottish crime drama Loch Ness debuts today, June 19
– Netflix: Rory Scovel Tries Stand-Up for the First Time, a new comedy special, debuts Tuesday, June 20
– Seeso: Doug Stanhope and Friends, a new comedy special, debuts Thursday, June 22
– Seeso: The newest season of comedy showcase The Guest List debuts Thursday, June 22
– Netflix: Period comedy series GLOW debuts Friday, June 23
– Netflix: Family-oriented series Free Rein debuts Friday, June 23
– Netflix: Nobody Speaks: Trials of the Free Press, a new documentary, debuts Friday, June 23
– Netflix: You Get Me, an original thriller film, debuts Friday, June 23
TRIVIA
Hulu’s anime catalogue includes shows such as Attack on Titan and Cowboy Bebop that are licensed from an anime-focused entertainment distributor. What’s the company called? (Email [email protected] with your answer and be sure to include your name, company, city and state.)
Our Last Trivia Question: In the recently released Netflix original film War Machine, Brad Pitt plays a four-star general named Glen McMahon. The character is based on a real-life U.S. general; who is it? Answer: Stanley McChrystal. Kudos to Chris Surowiec-Mercer/NY, Andy Pittman-TAMU/TX, Luke Watson-Roker Labs/NY, Matthew Archambault-We Are The Mighty/CA, David Westberg-SAG-AFTRA Federal Credit Union/CA, Lorrie Shilling/CA, Susan Nessanbaum-Goldberg-M and S Entertainment/CA, Dan Haberer-Creo Entertainment/CA, Tom Moore-Kalt Productions/CA, Alejandro Sacasa-Albavision/FL, and Mathew Tombers-Intermat/NY
