AFI BLOG: Media and Technology

Babelgum invests $15 million in shorts - Variety

Investment to look into exclusive content

Internet TV network Babelgum has earmarked Euro 10 million ($15.4 million) fund that will invest in new, original and exclusive content.
The coin will fund specially commissioned 15-minute documentaries and narrative shorts.

Longer-form docs on specific themes — the environment is one major area of focus — may also be tapped, although these are likely to be produced in 15-minute sections for easy viewing online.

Babelgum is “transforming into a digital media studio,” spokesperson Andrea Giannotti said of the company, which uses peer-to-peer technology to deliver professionally produced content, instead of the user-generated clips of sites such as YouTube.

All the content will be exclusive online to Babelgum users, although execs at the web platform are also looking into other ways to monetize the material, including the possibility of selling longer versions on DVD or to TV broadcasters

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