It looks like Roku is planning to add original content to its current content library. From a mailing list originally reported by Protocol, it appears that Roku was looking for a lead production lawyer with “extensive experience in television and film production at a studio, network, streaming service or entertainment company.”
The list, which no longer accepts applications, states that the role is’ all types of development and production agreements, including option purchase agreements, mini-dissertation acquisition agreements, life rights agreements, agreements to employ writers, actors, directors and individual producers take, will include. production services agreements, below-the-line agreements, including for department heads, location agreements, clearances, rental agreements, exemptions and credit notes. All signs indicate the production of original content for the platform.
Roku recently entered into an agreement to acquire rights to Quibi’s original content, including 75 programs and documentaries created for the shortstream service and more than a dozen titles that never made it to the platform. Roku reportedly paid “significantly less” than $ 100 million for the content.
New original content is likely to join Quibi on The Roku Channel, Roku’s free streaming service. The move will help the Roku Channel compete with both free services and paid streamers such as 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 is not just free content. Through the app, users can also subscribe to premium channels. When the Quibi content agreement was announced, Roku noted that the content will be free for all Roku users in 2021. After that, it is possible that the content may move to a paid channel where new original content may also appear.
Roku has not yet commented on the mailing list or potential plans for original content.
Jess Barnes