Looking to serve the expanding video-on-demand market, former Sundance Channel veteran Britt Bensen has teamed with publishing and film executive Doug Turner on what they say is the first online publication dedicated to the space.
On Demand Weekly sorts through the myriad content offerings and categories to tout the best of video-on-demand programming, as well as hidden content gems.
Initially, ondemandweekly.com is providing information about the VOD product available on Comcast and Time Warner Cable's on-demand platforms. Discussions with other distributors are also underway, according to a spokeswoman for the service.
Coming out of the gate, the ad-supported service looks at the top three selections in the 12 most prominent VOD categories: drama, comedy, reality, premium TV, pay movies, free movies, sporting edge, events and specials, preschool, kids, music videos and home and nature.
Additionally, the site features a "vodder' section that apprises users about the latest VOD industry news and promotions, while serving as a forum for viewer feedback.
"As fans of video on demand, we realized there wasn't an independent voice covering all that VOD has to offer," said co-founder Britt Bensen, who worked at Miramax Films and in affiliate and VOD sales and marketing for Sundance Channel, in a statement.
"On Demand Weekly helps short-on-time consumers find the best video on demand programming faster," added co-founder Turner, whose resume includes positions at Miramax, Dennis Publishing and CBS Interactive.
On Demand Weekly's advisory board comprises Larry Aidem, president and CEO of RayV and the former head of Sundance Channel; Graham Leggat, executive director of the San Francisco Film Society; and filmmaker Doug Pray (Hype!).
"I firmly believe On Demand Weekly has the potential to help both cable operators and programmers cut through the clutter and provide viewers with a destination that promotes the best programming on video on demand," said Aidem.
