MGM Studios Invests in Interlude

Jeff Baumgartner — Tue, 08 Dec 2015 17:30:00 +0000

Interlude, a New York-based startup that develops interactive TV shows with a personal twist, said it has locked in a “strategic investment” from Metro-Goldwyn Mayer Studios.

The amount of MGM’s investment was not disclosed, but it was part of an $18.2 million round in Interlude by Warner Music Group, Samsung and returning investors that include Sequoia Capital and Intel Capital. Tied to the investment, MGM chairman and CEO Gary Barber has signed on a “board observer” at Interlude.

Interlude said it will use the funding to broaden content development in areas such as drama, comedy, pop culture, news and music.

Interlude adds interactive elements to the mix by letting users engage directly with programs, by answering polls and questions, selecting camera angles and making decision on the direction of the story being told. Speaking at the Next TV Summit in New York, Interlude president and COO Jim Spare said viewers spend an average of seven minutes clicking on different outcomes.

“We’re finding that young audiences love the idea of being able to talk to a video and interact with a video,” he said then. “It’s truly personal and it’s driving retention and engagement rates.”

“Though video has always been a very powerful storytelling medium, it has not, to date, been able to adjust and adapt from viewer to viewer,” Yoni Bloch, founder and CEO of Interlude, said in a statement about today’s funding announcement. “But we are aiming to allow filmmakers and content to form a unique connection with each viewer. This has the potential to change the relationship between film and individual audience members.”

“MGM continues to expand its footprint by identifying innovative platforms and technologies, such as Interlude, to introduce new audiences to our creative content,” added Barber.

MTV and BBC are among examples of programmers that have developed Interlude-powered content.

Next TV: Tellem Says Interlude Tells Stories New Ways

jessika.walsten@futurenet.com (Jessika Walsten) — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 20:30:00 +0000

Santa Monica, Calif. — With Interlude technology, the storytelling possibilities are virtually endless.

“Using the technology is really an opportunity to enhance the video experience and what I love about it is that it can change the storytelling,” said Nancy Tellem, Interlude’s executive chairman and chief media officer, Thursday at the 2015 Next TV Summit & Expo Los Angeles.

Interlude adds a gaming element to content, allowing consumers to choose how they want the story told.

Tellem, who spoke during a Fireside Chat moderated by Broadcasting & Cable editor Dade Hayes, showed a music video for Aloe Blacc, which followed Blacc through the shoot and then allowed viewers to click on various characters and experience the video through their points of view.

The exec offered additional examples of the technology, including an interactive Madewell commercial as well as video that looks at Bob Dylan’s "Like A Rolling Stone" through the lenses of mock television channels.

The technology gives clients a wealth of data on consumer behavior, such as the insight that more viewers clicked on the Madewell ad option that looks at shoes as opposed to handbags.

“What I love about it is the world has completely changed and there’s so many opportunities, there’s so many different platforms…and there’s so many ways of storytelling,” said Tellem. “And that’s what got me excited.”

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MGM Studios Invests in Interlude

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