--Launches Initiative to Identify New Talent and Programming
--Secures Advertising Deal with Michelob Brewing
Revision3, a company which bills itself as "an actual TV network for the Web" and which develops and produces original broadband TV shows, says that it will begin syndicating its entire content catalog--including such shows as "Tekzilla," "Diggnation," "Wine Library TV" and "The Totally Rad Show"--to broadband video service, Joost (note: the shows are also available on Revision3's own Web site and on each show's dedicated site). "Web entertainment is about putting the viewer in charge, letting them watch groundbreaking material wherever and whenever they want--on any service," Revision3 CEO, Jim Louderback, said in a prepared statement. "Joost offers one of the most enjoyable ways to experience online video, and we're proud to be a part of their offerings." Revision3 says that it will make the shows available on Joost in multiple high-quality audiovisual formats. (Note: Joost, which was founded by Skype co-founders, Janus Friis and Niklas Zennstrom, recently began offering a version of its service that requires users to install only a small plug-in app; the need for end-users to download a large client before using the service has been widely blamed for its relatively slow uptake. The company plans to shortly make its service available through the browser via Flash, without requiring any proprietary plug-ins or viewing applications to first be downloaded. Joost also recently rolled out a number of new social features, including a service called JoostFeed, which alerts users to the shows that their online friends are watching.)
In other Revision3 news:
- The company has launched an initiative, dubbed Revision3 Beta, to identify new talent and programming for its content line-up. It is partnering on the initiative with broadband video site, Viddler, with which it has co-developed a site where consumers can upload videos showcasing their user-generated shows or show ideas: "We're big fans of Viddler's easy-to-use interface and powerful player," Revision3's Louderback said in a prepared statement. "By combining our creative expertise with their platform, we're creating an environment that lets talented video creators build their expertise and audience." Revision3 says that it is interested in cultivating short-form shows in "every genre" through the new initiative, including programming on high tech, scripted comedies, dramas, DIY shows and documentaries. The initiative is headed up by Revision3's director of acquisitions, Martin Sargent: "Revision3 is establishing what we're calling a 'farm team' of new shows," Sargent explained. "Shows that succeed in the farm system of Revision3 Beta--by acquiring audiences and building communities--have the opportunity to be called up to the majors of the main Revision3 site. Revision3 Beta will identify exceptional content producers and expose their programs to our vast fan base, parlaying these awesome new shows into the next big thing."
- The company has secured a six-week advertising deal with Michelob Brewing for its most popular show, "Diggnation" (showcases top stories on Digg.com). During the campaign, the show's hosts--whose on-air beer consumption is part of "Diggnation's" schtick--will drink a different Michelob microbrew each episode.
- The company has added "Hak5" to its weekly line-up of pop culture- themed shows. The show, which is billed as fusing "underground culture and mainstream IT," focuses on such topics as network security, open source software and forensics, high-tech DIY projects and the homebrew scene. It was originally launched in 2005.
