A Sony-owned online video entertainment site is expected to unveil its latest season of Internet programs on Monday, as the media giant moves to beef up its online entertainment content.
Crackle.com, which Sony bought in 2006 when it was known as Grouper, will showcase shows that include sketch comedy by "The Groundlings" and Anytime with Bob Kushell, a 5-minute talk show hosted by a Hollywood writer, Reuters reported Sunday.
Crackle has adopted the television practice of rolling out new programming in seasons instead of rolling out episodes when they are completed. Crackle's season begins December 1, according to the report.
The six new shows, which will often be no longer than 5 minutes long, will apply the same production techniques used in TV and films, Reuters reported.
"Just because it has higher production values doesn't mean we're trying to mirror movies and TV," Eric Berger, a Sony executive in charge of Cra... More »
Daily video blog Rocketboom has handed over its distribution and ad sales to Sony Pictures in return for a seven figue guarantee plus a share of the revenues. Rocketboom will be distributed on Crackle as well as other Sony platforms including PS3, PSP and Bravia I-Link TVs.
To quote: Rocketboom founder Andrew Baron says he went with Sony because of Sony's distribution strengths and the deal allows him to maintain control of the business. (Whereas selling the business to another media buyer, such as WallStrip did to CBS a year ago for $5 million, would have required him to give up his baby).
The deal is structured as a distribution and advertising deal, and sounds like it could lead to a closer relationship or outright sale if things go well. But if they don't, Rocketboom would regain complete control of distribution and ad sales after the contract expires.
Rocketboom's current distribution thro... More »
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