According to a report by Kidscreen [1], the deal will see the two channels, which target kids ages 12 and up, extend to digital store fronts, VOD, SVOD and home entertainment platforms. A pilot program is also in the works to bring Alloy’s content brands to US movie theaters, and the two companies are looking to develop alternative content channels for theaters, as well as launch independent film ventures.
The first project of the new partnership will see Smosh and Clevver develop a series of specials that Cinedigm will distribute to transactional sales platforms.
Since July 2011, Alloy has acquired four content providers including Smosh, which is now the third most-subscribed YouTube channel overall. Smosh’s spinoff channel Shut Up! Cartoons (Do’s and Don’ts: A Children’s Guide to Social Survival, Pubertina and Zombies Vs. Ninjas) has also become top-ranked in subscribers among YouTube’s funded original content channels, and both Smosh and Clevver have topped one billion views on YouTube.
The partnership comes on the heels of Cinedigm acquiring entertainment distributor New Video in April. That deal allows Cinedigm to buy and distribute indie films and specialty content for theaters and across digital, mobile and home media platforms.
Links:
[1] http://kidscreen.com/2012/11/02/cinedigm-and-alloy-digital-to-take-smosh-beyond-youtube/