Microsoft is set to distribute a number of original shows over Xbox Live Video Marketplace from Safran Digital Group, a company headed by Hollywood producer Peter Safran.
The shows will be around ten minutes long and focus on genres that appeal to the core male 14-34 year-old Xbox Live user base. Safran Digital Group intends to recruit established filmmakers for the productions but isnt planning on recruiting major movie stars.
The shows, some of which will be supported by advertising, will be available exclusively via the Xbox Live platform beginning this fall, although they may become available on other formats at a later date, reports The New York Times. The Xbox is unique. It operates at a level outside of what we generally consider Web entertainment, said Safran.
Scott Nocas, global marketing manager for Xbox Live programming, said that the company hopes to announce more original video programming for platform. We definitely look at this as the first of many, he said.
I know I am probably going to check these out when they come out...and I know I am going to hate myself for doing it. XBL has seemed to become quite the media outlet, and I can't wait to see what appealing to the demographic of males ages 14-34 will consist of (Swimsuit episodes and ads for condoms...?).
