Ovation Launches Digital Travel-Lifestyle Channel Journy

Ovation has rolled out in the U.S. on Roku devices and the Xumo connected-TV platform Journy, a new multiplatform VOD travel-lifestyle service featuring original series and specials, as well as newly acquired content such as Jared Leto’s Great Wide Open.

Directed by Leto, the documentary series Great Wide Open celebrates America’s National Parks and the adventurers who explore them. Each episode features Leto alongside explorers as they travel through the nation’s parks. Other acquired titles include the series Droned, which follows a team of eccentric adrenaline junkies as they bring travel adventures to life using drone technology from their company Pigeon Vision; The Wanderers, profiling six Australian muralists who take viewers along to a location of their choice as they use their art to learn more about the place and how each new environment influences their individual artistic style; and Finding the Warrior Within, which spotlights Guillaume Sanchez, a dancer who challenges himself to learn the indigenous dance of the Dayaks, the native people of Borneo.

Journy will also feature several arts and travel-themed original series from Ovation, including episodes of The Art Of, Southern Uncovered with The Lee Bros., The Da Vinci List, The Method and American Canvas.

“Although Journy has its own distinct personality, we like to say it’s ‘powered by Ovation,’ which is to say that the artful, creative spirit of Ovation is very much there,” said Will Marks, the VP of new business development and digital at Ovation. “Since millennials celebrate experiences, we’re launching Journy as a place where our culturally curious consumer will connect with their adventurous side and be inspired.”  

“We’re excited Journy is joining our lineup of primarily digital-first channels available on Xumo,” said Stefan Van Engen, the senior VP of content programming and acquisitions at Xumo. “Our audience looks to Xumo for variety, depth and the opportunity to lean back and enjoy quality streaming on their smart TVs. Journy checks all the boxes.”

“Journy is all about celebrating diversity and unique storytelling,” said Elba Flamenco, the senior director of content partnerships at Journy. “We’re interested in working with indie producers and creators that embody this spirit. Our millennial audience wants to watch programming that’s immersive, character-driven and emotionally uplifting. Creatively produced programming of all types and formats is liberating and we’re looking at it all. This group of titles is a great example of our range.”