It looks like Roku is making plans to add original content to his current content library. A list of jobs originally reported by the Protocol showed that Roku was looking for a Leading Production Lawyer with “substantial television and filmmaking experience in a studio, network, streaming service or entertainment law firm”.
The list, which is no longer accepting applications, mentioned that the role would include “all types of development and production agreements, including option purchase agreements, script acquisition agreements, life rights agreements, agreements to hire writers, individual actors, directors and producers, production service contracts, sub-line contracts, including department heads, location contracts, releases, object rental contracts, similarity postings and credit notes. ”All signs point to the production of original content for the platform.
Roku recently made a deal to acquire the rights to Quibi’s original content, including 75 programs and documentaries created for the short-lived streaming service and more than a dozen titles that never made it to the platform. Roku reportedly paid “significantly less” $ 100 million for the content.
The new original content would likely join Quibi on The Roku Channel, Roku’s free streaming service. The move would help the Roku channel compete with free services and paid streamers like Netflix and Prime Video, which use original content to attract subscribers with the promise of content that cannot be found elsewhere.
However, the Roku channel doesn’t just offer free content. Through the application, users can also subscribe to premium channels. When Quibi’s content agreement was announced, Roku noted that the content will be free in 2021 for all Roku users. After that, it is possible for the content to be moved to a paid channel where new original content can also be published.
Roku has yet to comment on the list of jobs or potential plans for the original content.
Jess Barnes