Professional Motion Picture Production and Distribution NEWS
FirstRun.tv � New Television Network Aimed at Mobile and Online Audiences Launched by Veteran Disney Studios Executive
By StudentFilmmakers.com Staff
posted Jul 13, 2011, 19:15
FirstRun.tv is a new television network launched by veteran Disney Studios executive, Gary Kleinman. FirstRun.tv features ten channels of new shows from independent producers, aimed at mobile viewers with smartphones, tablets, laptop computers, and other mobile devices.
FirstRun.tv is a new television network launched by veteran Disney Studios
executive, Gary Kleinman. FirstRun.tv features ten channels of new shows from
independent producers, aimed at mobile viewers with smartphones, tablets, laptop
computers, and other mobile devices.
(Los Angeles, CA) With the use of smartphones and tablet computers growing
exponentially, former Disney Studios Vice President of New Media Technology,
Gary Kleinman, has announced the launch of FirstRun.tv (www.FirstRun.tv)
– a new television network designed to provide new and original programming
for online and on-the-go viewers. Kleinman, who was with Disney for 23 years,
announced that FirstRun.tv will offer ten channels covering popular genres including
comedy, sports, action, drama, reality, kids & family, talk, instructional,
animation, and more.
“Everywhere you look, people are holding the equivalent of a little wireless
television set in their hands,” said Kleinman, making reference to iPhones,
Droids, other smartphones and tablets. “With properly built apps, optimized
streaming technology, and improving infrastructure, a good viewing experience
is now possible on most newer devices virtually anywhere - and it keeps getting
better as next-generation smartphones tablet are introduced,” he added.
FirstRun.tv will offer free viewing of original programs produced specifically
for mobile and online audiences. The source of content will primarily be independent
producers and creative talent that connect and collaborate via FirstRun.tv’s
new sister site, tvPRODigies.com (www.tvPRODigies.com). tvPRODigies is a free
networking site with a structure similar to Facebook, but focused specifically
on the independent production community. Kleinman says, “The idea is to
encourage people with great ideas and unsold scripts to use the online resources
to bring their own projects to life.” FirstRun.tv will also produce original
series via its production arms, StoryArc New Media and HybridSports.tv. “FirstRun.tv
is not another clip upload site. It will operate with a weekly programming schedule
of strategically selected original shows and series,” said Kleinman.
“We are embracing a new way audiences can watch shows, and we’re
advocating a new way to produce them as well,” said Kleinman, “not
only because it’s dictated by the vastly different economics of the web,
but because you can produce in a new way,” he added. “The new wave
of affordable HD cameras are of exceptional quality. Combined with readily available
desktop computer editing software, virtually anyone with a great idea, some
know-how, and ambition, is now empowered to produce their own shows.”
Kleinman points to the music industry, where this transition has already taken
place. “Much of today’s music is recorded with Pro Tools software
on a Mac in somebody’s home studio. There is a world of talented writers,
actors, directors, and editors out there, and an emerging breed that is very
tech-savvy, so the same type of shift is happening with visual entertainment.”
Kleinman notes that an alternative production approach was recently used on
a new sitcom, "THE CYA," produced by StoryArc New Media. The series
centers on an obsolete, hidden top secret agency – so top secret and so
hidden – the government forgot it still exists today. “It’s
the ultimate game of hide and hope nobody starts seeking,” said Kleinman.
“Four web episodes were shot using a Canon HD camera and Sony Vegas editing
software,” he added. "THE CYA" is now featured on FirstRun.tv.
Also premiering with FirstRun.tv’s launch is a horror film spoof series,
"Almost Scary." Other new shows gearing up for production include
the sitcom, "Hard Liquor" and a sports show called "Golf Rescue
Squad."
Independent producers and content creators can submit scripts, shows and ideas
at: www.FirstRun.tv/newshows.htm,
and join tvPRODigies.com
to collaborate with others. FirstRun.tv shares revenue from advertising, product
placement, and merchandising with producers.
Resources:
www.FirstRun.tv
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