Sky Q signs more content deals
January 15, 2016
Ahead of the launch of Sky Q later this year, the next-generation streaming platform has signed content deals with digital video producers Barcroft TV, Electus and Funny Or Die to expand the catalogue of short-form content that users will be able to access via its EPG.
Barcroft, which has attracted 1.7 million subscribers and 1.6 billionn video views to its YouTube channel, will work with Sky to curate 400 videos depicting “the amazing side of life”. The shorts will span areas including natural world, heart warmers and adventure sport.
Electus Digital, the US producer responsible for YouTube comedy channel CollegeHumor and its sister site Dorkly, will offer strands including Today In Nerd History and Downton Abbey spoof The Britishes.
Funny Or Die, the comedy site founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay, will feature a selection of its celebrity videos and topical political commentary frpnted by the likes of Samuel L Jackson and Zach Galifianakis.
Sky’s director of new products Andrew Olson said the move was in response to consumer demand for online video. “Customers will have even more things they love to watch, from blockbuster drama right through to the best of the web,” he added.
The likes of GQ, Vanity Fair, Vogue, Wired, Red Bull and Whistle Sports have already signed content deals with Sky Q.