Having obtained much of Quibi’s content, it seems that Roku is exploring the development of its own originals, just like any other streaming service.
As you saw by Revealer and denounced by Protocol, Roku seems to have recently listed a position in LinkedIn for a lead production attorney, although the role is no longer to accept applications. According to the list, the role will focus on Roku’s “original content stack” and function “as the lead advocate for the production of Roku’s original episodic and feature films.”
In addition, the listing indicates that the role would be to negotiate agreements and consult inquiries on legal issues relating to “all kinds of development and production agreements, including option purchase agreements, script acquisition agreements, rights agreements. life, agreements for hiring writers, actors, directors and producers, agreements for production services, agreements below the line, including heads of department, location agreements, authorizations, equipment rental contracts, similar releases and credit notes.This sure looks like new content, rather than anything related to the things Roku already has with its recent Quibi asset acquisition.
Roku declined to comment.
Following The disappearance of Quibi last year (RIP), Roku acquired much of the Quibi catalog in a deal that is rumored to be valued at less than $ 100 million, Deadline reported at the time, citing unnamed sources. Although the deal was said to exclude some daily programs, it included more than 75 programs and documentaries that the service said would be available for free on Roku Channel sometime in 2021. However, the content will be advertising.
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All with a report from Digiday last year, Roku had teamed up with media and entertainment companies to create originals for its platform. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report indicated that these talks may not be advanced. And at the time, a Roku spokesman told the media that he was not “creating any original program and had no plans to do so.” But that was in March, and then a lot of things have changed, including Roku’s deal with Quibi transport.
It also makes a lot of sense for Roku to be building its Roku channel with originals, as do many of its competitors. Amazon, for example, creates content and also sells streaming devices with its Fire TV and set-top-box discs. Similarly, Apple creates content offered through its Apple TV + platform and on its own hardware. Creating content available to Roku users could help the platform further dominate the streaming space, although this would largely depend on the quality of the content.
After all, their devices offer users dozens of video-on-demand applications that allow them to stream content from almost any service they subscribe to. And right now, no one needs it another such fluid transmission option. Please God, no more.
Roku’s answer has been added.