Google's YouTube to screen MGM feature fims
11 Nov 2008
The largest video-sharing website, Google-owned YouTube, has struck a deal with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to show full-length television shows and films from the production house's archives, even as Viacom's copyright lawsuit against the online social video site continues.
MGM Studios will launch the partnership by posting episodes of its decade-old "American Gladiators" programme to YouTube on one channel, under the deal signed between YouTube and MGM Worldwide Digital Media that allows people to discover, watch and share originally created videos, today announced a multiple channel commitment that kicks off with ''Impact,'' a channel dedicated to promoting MGM's VOD high octane action programming and ''American Gladiators'', the classic show that took America by storm during the 1980s and 1990s.
MGM's ''Impact'' launched as a VOD offering in partnership with Comcast. It has quickly become one of the cable operator's most popular on-demand offerings, amassing more than 12 million views since launching in August, with MGM and Comcast working together to offer customers exceptional offerings available at any given time. The "Impact" channel on YouTube is an extension of the popular brand dedicated exclusively to action programming to promote the MGM ''Impact'' channel. The YouTube "Impact" channel will feature a host of exciting clips from classic MGM action films such as ''Rocky,'' ''Ronin,'' ''Legally Blonde,'' and ''The Magnificent Seven'' in addition to a sampling of exciting and popular action television shows and full length movies like ''Lone Wolf McQuade'' and ''Bulletproof Monk'' as well as a variety of clips from classic MGM action films similar to those shown on its Comcast counterpart.
"We're looking to mine the breadth and depth of the MGM library to build out and promote branded, multiplatform opportunities on demand, online and wherever viewers consume their entertainment," said Jim Packer, co-president, MGM Worldwide Television.
''Our agreement with YouTube opens the door to a number of themed broadband channels that will both serve the consumers' growing appetite for entertainment media consumption in the digital space and 'on demand' space.''
''YouTube is committed to helping our community of fans discover new content and reconnect with their all-time favorite TV shows and movies,'' said Jordan Hoffner, director of content partnerships for YouTube. ''
Hoffner added, "By partnering with MGM, YouTube is strengthening its position as an entertainment destination where Hollywood studios can reach a global audience and where our audience can watch their favorite full-length films, TV shows, and clips.''
The ''Impact'' and ''American Gladiator'' YouTube channels will be refreshed with new videos every month and will be ad-supported. MGM has plans to launch additional channels on YouTube in the near future.
