Will Produce Original Content Based on Adventure, Special Operations, Survival and Lifestyle
Viewers Can Interact to Shape the Content of Episodes
EL SEGUNDO, Calif., Oct. 18, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NuBlu, a state-of-the-art “Over The Top” (OTT) digital content platform offering interactivity and giving viewers the power to weigh in on the content of future episodes, makes its debut today at www.NuBlu.com.
The channel, which is free and offers viewers the ability to comment and vote on content is backed by two Silicon Valley veterans and two Hollywood executives. In an effort to become a significant player in the rapidly growing OTT space, initial focus is on the highly popular themes of adventure and action.
The OTT industry refers to video, audio and other media transmitted via the internet as a standalone product -- that is, without an operator of multiple cable or direct-broadcast satellite television systems, or so-called multiple system operators. It is growing at a time when networks and other traditional video production houses face mounting pressure from “cord-cutting” and app-based SVOD (Subscription Video on Demand) content.
NuBlu’s flagship show, “Time Warriors,” centers around seven ex-Navy SEALs and British SAS special operations veterans who revisit history to fight legendary battles with foes such as Blackbeard, Adolph Hitler and the Confederate Army. The U.S. and British fighters customize their weapons, material and equipment – all drawn from the appropriate historical period -- to level the odds against a larger enemy, much as SEALs do today.
Additional programming, such as “The Art of Primitive Living,” “Guns & Whiskey” and “Tide Travelers,” will also appear on NuBlu’s initial channel lineup.
NuBlu History
NuBlu is a collaboration between Daniel Weinand, co-founder of Shopify, a $10 billion, Canadian-based e-commerce company that creates software platforms for online stores, and Michael Janke, a five-time technology entrepreneur and co-founder of DataTribe, a cybersecurity startup studio. Janke is also a former member of SEAL Team 6. The other half of the team consists of Matt Bartley, a Hollywood veteran and director of series such as “The Apprentice” and “The Biggest Loser;” Chris Campbell, a former executive at Mark Burnett Productions; and Endemol Shine Group, whose experience spans iconic shows “The Biggest Loser,” “Survivor” and “MasterChef," among other shows.
The OTT industry is booming. A report by technology industry watcher Gartner predicts that consumer spending in the space will rise from $18.7 billion in 2017 to $30 billion by 2020, and two-thirds of internet traffic today is streaming video and and expected to continue to grow. More than 62 percent of the world’s internet users will view video content in 2017, according to an eMarketer report.
Not Everything About OTT is Sunny
All is not smooth sailing, however. There is a perception among venture capitalists that new digital media ventures are risky because of already fierce and growing competition. Investment in early-stage deals has declined markedly in recent years, according to CB Insights. In addition, SVOD services, such as Netflix, Hulu and Dish Network’s Sling TV, are growing briskly and expanding.
What sets NuBlu and select other technology-leading OTT players apart is their ability to quickly offer original video and other services to customers, whenever they want and on their preferred devices. NuBlu has the flexibility to offer viewers a combination of the best of Netflix-like binge watching with the substantial interaction of a Reddit-like experience. Some independent online streaming experts believe the OTT market will easily meet, if not exceed, predictions for 2020.
NuBlu’s founders, frustrated with the archaic business model of TV content production, set out to build a new technology platform offering heightened interactive and personalized experiences, and for free. NuBlu delivers original form content centered on adventure, history and lifestyle. The channel uses real people, not actors, including elite former Navy SEALs and other Special Operations personnel, intelligence professionals, hackers and others.
One NuBlu Advantage is Speed
“NuBlu is built around cutting-edge production and delivery technology, enabling us to create, produce and deliver content much faster than traditional networks,” Bartley said.
The company’s production technology is not its only disruptive feature. By capitalizing on Silicon Valley innovation and startup business methodologies, NuBlu can produce and deliver content faster and much cheaper than traditional network production. By incorporating unique production techniques and cloud-based technologies, combined with deep viewer feedback, NuBlu produces and delivers customized content based on deep analytics and viewer input.
The Future is Customized Content
As the United States and other nations increasingly segment into different constituencies with different tastes across the entertainment and information spectrum, the key to success has become creative catering to sizable and affluent niches, as well as finding other ways to attract viewers. “Content is king, but success depends not only on the video itself but on what happens when the video finishes playing,” Janke said, adding that the ability for viewers to shape future episodes enables them to develop an emotional attachment.
“We will roll out aspects of our technology and formats over time, allowing us to interact with viewers to shape content in a way that viewers want,” said Campbell, COO of NuBlu. “The future is about customized and curated content.”
About NuBlu
NuBlu is a new internet over-the-top (OTT) platform built by the founders of Blue Pacific Studios, a unique El Segundo, Calif.-based production and technology company founded by two Silicon Valley veterans and two experienced Hollywood executives. The platform’s initial offering will be free short-form shows, of five to 15 minutes duration, oriented toward adventure, history and lifestyle, and featuring interactive and personalized experiences.
For media inquiries, contact Steve Kaufman at steve.kaufma@centurylink.net or call (352) 633-3716.