FremantleMedia, MGM Ink YouTube Deals

LONDON/LOS ANGELES,
November 10: FremantleMedia has clinched a deal with YouTube that will see it
offering up two different strands of programming on the site, while MGM will
become the first Hollywood studio to feature full-length movies on the video
destination.

FremantleMedia is set to
create a range of new online formats that will be distributed exclusively via
YouTube and will use the site as a platform for several TV shows. A number of
FremantleMedia series already have branded channels on YouTube, among them
Australia’s Hole in the Wall and the
British version of The X Factor 2007.
In addition, YouTube already houses various original shows from FremantleMedia,
such as ToyBoize, Project V, JUH-show and the comedy channel Atomic Wedgie. FremantleMedia and
YouTube will share all advertising revenues generated from the channels and
videos on the site. FremantleMedia will also be among the first major media
companies to use YouTube’s VideoID technology.

Claire Tavernier, the
senior executive VP of FMX at FremantleMedia, noted: "The consumer continues
to seek out rich and varied online video entertainment driven by the burgeoning
growth of new media around the world. This agreement between a successful
online platform like YouTube and a globally renowned content provider such as
FremantleMedia means that there will be more opportunities for global consumers
to benefit from strong programming delivered over the Internet."

She continued: "This
agreement means that FremantleMedia's production teams will be able to
automatically consider YouTube as part of their creative process for
developing, distributing and promoting new television series. The implications
for global rollout, brand extension and sponsorship partnerships are
impressive. FremantleMedia's global strategies are a perfect complement to YouTube
and the scale of this arrangement is unique."

Patrick Walker, the
director of video partnerships for EMEA at YouTube, added: "We are pleased
that, following a period of creative experimentation, FremantleMedia is
cementing its relationship with us for content distribution and use of our
VideoID tools. FremantleMedia is an innovative company that knows how to
embrace change—the tremendous success of their YouTube channels so far is
a testament of their ability to engage with YouTubers. As the global video
community continues to expand, there will be even more demand for
FremantleMedia's cutting-edge professional content. We are excited about the
opportunity that lies ahead."

MGM Worldwide Digital
Media also announced a deal with YouTube today. The first part of the agreement calls for a
branded channel, Impact, promoting the action programming VOD service MGM
operates with Comcast. The YouTube
Impact channel will feature clips from classic MGM action films such as Rocky, Ronin, Legally Blonde and
The Magnificent Seven, plus
full-length TV shows and movies like Lone
Wolf McQuade and Bulletproof Monk.
MGM is also launching an American
Gladiators channel on YouTube, featuring content from the 1980s and 1990s
iteration of the show.

"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, the co-president of 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."

Jordan Hoffner, the
director of content partnerships for YouTube, added: "YouTube is committed
to helping our community of fans discover new content and reconnect with their
all-time favorite TV shows and movies. 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."

Both 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.

—By Mansha Daswani