Cinedigm’s Docurama label and Gravitas Ventures have separately launched paid channels on YouTube, while Roger Corman and producing partner Julie Corman plan to debut Corman’s Drive-In this summer.

The Docurama announcement follows the start of the inaugural series of documentary screening events currently booked in theatres across the US through Jun 16. 

The Docurama YouTube paid channel opens with a curated playlist of feature-length documentaries, a quarter of which are new or recent releases. The parties have set the introductory monthly subscription price at $2.99. Content will be refreshed weekly, including films from the current Docurama theatrical series.

The YouTube channel will draw from Cinedigm’s library of 1,250 titles that includes Hell And Back Again [pictured] and recent hits Happy, Transcendent Man, Woody Allen: A Documentary, Hungry For Change, King Corn, and Sing Your Song: Harry Belafonte.

The YouTube channel will provide access to bonus content such as filmmaker interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and other short-form material not offered in theatres.

“This is the start of our foray into the curated channel business,” said Cinedigm chairman and CEO Chris McGurk. “Leveraging our library of independent digital rights – the largest in the world – makes this a natural evolution for us and we expect to launch additional curated channels in the near future.”

Gravitas Ventures’ new Gravitas Movies destination launches with a roster of 75 titles at the $4.99 monthly price point.

The initial selection includes SXSW documentary American: The Bill Hicks Story, 5 Star Day starring Cam Gigandet and Jena Malone and the Steve James documentary Head Games.

Gravitas Ventures will add 10 to 15 new titles to the platform each month.

“We’re really excited about the prospect of this direct-to-consumer offering,” said Gravitas Ventures president Michael Murphy. “With their global reach and ubiquitous brand, YouTube is the perfect platform for this launch.”

Corman’s Drive-In, meanwhile, will arrive under the umbrella of Corman’s New Horizons Picture Corp. Offerings will include library titles like Deathrace 2000, Piranha and Jack Nicholson’s first film The Cry Baby Killer, as well as new product.

“I have always approached filmmaking with the desire to reach a broad audience, and YouTube is clearly where the viewers are now,” said Roger Corman. “In today’s ever-connected marketplace, I couldn’t think of a better platform on which to unveil Corman’s Drive-In.”

“This exciting launch on YouTube creates a myriad of opportunities for us, especially as we continue to develop and produce new titles to complement the existing film catalogue,” added Julie Corman.




 

 

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