BitTorrent, Rapid Eye original content
February 12, 2015
Following Netflix’s lead, BitTorrent has entered into an exclusive partnership with Rapid Eye Studios to identify, produce, and distribute original video content for the BitTorrent Bundle platform, to be known as BitTorrent Originals.
BitTorrent Originals represent first-run video content debuting exclusively across the global Bundle platform for 30 to 60 days. After the BitTorrent exclusive window, each project will be available through any other distribution channel. Each BitTorrent Original will receive marketing support across the entire BitTorrent ecosystem in addition to a 90/10 split in favour of the content creator. Creators may choose to offer the content through an advertiser supported or EST (Electronic Sell Through) model.
“This landmark deal with Marco (Marco Weber, CEO of Rapid Eye Studios) is a major milestone for us and an aggressive expansion into the media space for BitTorrent,” stated Eric Klinker, CEO for BitTorrent, Inc. “In the last two years, we’ve become a trusted and valid channel for creators and publishers to reach a monthly global audience of 170 million fans directly. Expanding into the world of original content is a move that makes us a serious player in the media business, and takes us another step closer toward our goal: creating a sustainable digital future for creators of all kinds.”
Criteria for BitTorrent Originals will include a focus on stories appealing to a young, creative, and influential group of 14-25 year-olds that make up the BitTorrent audience of 170 million monthly active users. The first project, Children of the Machine, was announced in 2014 with additional BitTorrent Originals to be revealed in the coming months.