After launching the ad-free $9.99 a month YouTube Red service earlier this year, it looks like the video sharing site is in talks with Hollywood studios and production companies to bring TV shows and movies to the service. That’s according to The Wall Street Journal, citing the proverbial people familiar with the matter.
While the talks are said to be in early stages, the publication notes that YouTube is looking to bolster content offerings for its premium subscribers, which also includes original programming featuring the likes of Felix Kjellberg, also known as “PewDiePie.” MTV’s former programing chief Susanne Daniels and Kelly Merryman, a former Netflix content executive, both of whom now work at YouTube, are said to be involved in the discussions.
At least ten movies and series are slated for 2016, which will be in addition to content licensed from production studios:
The shows or movies may be streamed exclusively on YouTube Red, or could be released through traditional channels like movie theaters, cable networks and DVDs alongside the YouTube subscription service, the person added. YouTube is still deciding how much content to license, but it is eager to have a robust collection of original programming and licensed programming in 2016 and beyond, the person added.
Adding original TV shows and movies will make YouTube Red much more alluring, with the service currently offering ad-free streaming and the ability to download videos for offline viewing. Also included is access to Google Play Music, and YouTube’s recently-launched Music service.
Source: The Wall Street Journal