Last week on a panel of content producers at the Video 2.0 meetup Rocketboom founder Andrew Baron hinted his company was close to announcing a major distribution deal. The consensus at that event was that the real money new media distribution is still controlled by mainstream media. Today, some confirmation; Sony Pictures Television announced they have acquired worldwide distribution rights to Rocketboom for at least a million dollars.
In a blog post which should be required reading for anyone in this space Baron gives a good overview of the current digital content marketplace and points to the distraction of selling ads and sponsorships while staying completely independent and focused on creating compelling content on a daily basis.
Other content networks like Revision3 and Next New have successfully built larger audiences by aggregating niche content, though the hit shows which spawned the networks have in most cases not been replicated by their predessors and these companies are beholden to VCs.
After running out of money twice this year, Rocketboom found a deal that allows them to keep their independence and lays the groundwork for more lucrative distribution through Sony’s power over existing digital channels via Crackle’s syndication network and access to emerging platforms including the PS3 and Bravia i-Link.
Congrats to Andrew and the Rocketboom team. Good to see them finally get the financial backing they deserve.
[...] But, who cares what I say, let’s go to the horse’s mouth, Rocketboom co-founder Andrew Baron. [...]