After snapping up much of Quibi’s content, it looks like Roku may be exploring the development of his own originals – just like any other existing streaming service.
As seen by Revealera and reported by Protocol, Roku appears to have recently listed a position on the LinkedIn for a Leading Production Lawyer, although the role is no longer to accept applications. According to the list, the role would focus on Roku’s “expansion of original content” and would function “as a production lawyer for Roku’s original episodic and feature films.”
In addition, the list states that the function would negotiate agreements and consult on legal issues relating to “all types of development and production agreements, including option purchase agreements, script acquisition agreements, life rights agreements, agreements for hire writers, actors, directors and producer individuals, production service contracts, sub-line contracts, including for department heads, location contracts, releases, object rental contracts, similarity postings and credit notes. ”That sounds as new content, rather than anything related to the things that Roku already owns with his recent acquisition of Quibi assets.
Roku declined to comment.
Following Quibi’s death Last year (RIP), Roku acquired much of Quibi’s catalog in a deal valued at less than $ 100 million, Deadline said at the time, citing unidentified sources. Although the agreement excluded some daily programs, it included more than 75 programs and documentaries that, according to the service, would be made available for free on the Roku Channel in 2021. The content will be supported by advertisements, however.
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This all matches with a Digiday Last year, Roku met with media and entertainment companies about creating originals for its platform. Citing sources familiar with the matter, the report indicated that these negotiations may not have progressed. And at the time, a spokesman for Roku told the channel that he was not “creating any original programs and had no plans to do so”. But that was in March, and a lot has changed then – including Roku’s agreement to transport Quibi.
It also makes a lot of sense that Roku is building his Roku Channel with the originals, just like many of his competitors do. Amazon, for example, creates content and also sells streaming devices with its Fire TV sticks and set-top-box. Likewise, Apple creates content offered through its Apple TV + platform and on its own hardware. Creating content available to your Roku users can help the platform to dominate the streaming space even more – although it largely depends on the quality of the content itself.
After all, their devices offer users dozens of video-on-demand applications that allow them to stream content from virtually any service they subscribe to. And at this point, no one needs another streaming option more or less. Please, God, no more.
Added response from Roku.