Crackle, Sony Pictures’ multi-platform video entertainment network, has launched in the UK and Australia. Advertiser supported, Crackle features original short-form series, full-length and short-form television shows, and motion pictures from the Sony Pictures library.
Crackle’s content can now be found in both markets, as well as in the US, at the Crackle website, as well as at AOL, Bebo, Boxee, Break, Dailymotion, Friendster, Metacafe and YouTube, and via Sony’s Bravia internet video enabled television sets.
“With unmatched premium content, from acclaimed originals to movie favorites, Crackle has built a proven distribution and ad network in the US that we’re replicating now around the world,” said Eric Berger, senior vice president, digital networks, in a statement. “Our content is chosen and programmed for the true video buff who loves movies and television shows and also wants to discover the best new content on the web.”
“Crackle is a great example of SPT’s strategy to bring great content to consumers and advertisers on a variety of platforms,” said Paul Littmann, senior vice president, pay television and new media, international distribution, Sony Pictures Television (SPT). “Given its success in the US, it’s the perfect time to extend Crackle’s reach internationally.”
A sampling of Crackle’s current lineup includes: short form series such as Star-ving, The Esquire Digital Man, The Groundlings and Dusty Peacock. Television shows include The Dana Carvey Show, The Three Stooges and Max Steel. Motion pictures available are Hardcore, The Three Stooges In Orbit, Blankman and The Bride.
Crackle’s programming will appear on partner sites via the proprietary Crackle player, which provides content protection and consolidated, dynamic ad serving, available across all territories. Crackle’s advertising inventory will be managed in the UK by Unanimis Consulting and in Australia by Ignite Media Brands Group.
Sony Pictures acquired Crackle in 2006, when it was called Grouper, a technology platform using P2P file-sharing. In 2007, Sony relaunched the Grouper online video sharing site branding it as Crackle. Now it takes the site international.
