iflix, Next 10 to Develop Asian Short-Form Content

iflix is working with Next 10 Ventures, founded by former YouTube exec Benjamin Grubbs, on an initiative to fund and develop short-form video content in Asia.

The 12-month iflix Creators Hub will invest up to $5 million on projects from 30 select content creators across Indonesia, Malaysia, Bangladesh and the Philippines. The program will be overseen by Next 10 Ventures. It kicks off in April with a boot camp in Bali. The two companies will also pilot a live event experience in Jakarta in the second half of 2019.

“Given the low penetration of paid TV and mobile-first nature of emerging markets, there is a huge opportunity to reach audiences through authentic, short-form content,” said Craig Galvin, global head of content at iflix. “Since launching iflix Snacks in April, we have seen immense gains in engagement from this category, particularly our local originals. Working with local content creators, we have been consistently inspired and impressed with the level of talent and creativity that exists natively in our markets. We are very excited to partner with Next 10 Ventures to invest in, develop and support this and future generations of filmmakers through the iflix Creators Hub.”

“We’re excited about our partnership with iflix and are fully aligned with them around a common vision to support the next wave of original content creators,” said Grubbs, CEO of Next 10 Ventures. “We are combining iflix’s reach and commitment to supporting local storytellers with our years of experience working with online content creators. This program will bring creators in Southeast Asia a new way to realize their creative vision and set themselves up for a long-lasting career.”