Tubi, the ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox, launched a new beta program on Tuesday called “Stubios”, inviting aspiring filmmakers to submit their original content. Specifically, applicants will receive feedback directly from fans as well as one-on-one coaching from actress Issa Rae, creator of “Insecure.”
The streamer has bet on up-and-coming filmmakers in the past, accepting five original scripts from up-and-coming writers through a cooperation with the Black List last year. However, this is the first time Tubi has invited viewers to participate in the pre-production process.
Later this month, users will be able to watch creatives in the Tubi app and provide their opinions on greenlit projects, such as making suggestions about casting, script, trailer, core projects and more. Filmmakers can create polls, as well as post behind-the-scenes clips and other short videos showcasing their work.
Once filmmakers go through the program and produce a final, polished product, they are compensated for their work with an undisclosed, one-time fee. All completed projects are distributed and promoted on Tubi.
“Instead of using our traditional gatekeeping and offline processes … fans will be able to dynamically participate and have that interactive experience,” Melody Hildebrandt, chief technology officer at Fox, told TechCrunch. Tubi plans to add a comment feature for fans to engage in open discussions about the project.
Image Credits: Tubi
It’s encouraging to see a major media company supporting filmmakers who may be struggling to make it in the film and television industry, especially in light of the Hollywood strikes in 2023. However, it may be a risky move for streaming services to they are betting on new faces, especially Tubi, as it is not known to have quality original hits like Max and Netflix. Tubi’s new initiative could help it gain insights into how audiences will respond and refine new content before it goes live.
It’s also rare for upcoming filmmakers to receive one-on-one mentoring from a notable industry figure like Issa Rae. In 2014, he founded the management company ColorCreative, which is dedicated to supporting diverse creators. According to Tubi, creatives will be able to speak directly with Issa, along with the ColorCreative team, who will provide scripting and creative production support.
The first group of creatives (or Stubiorunners, as Tubi calls them) has already been selected, including music artist Lady London, who is working on a documentary about her debut album. Other accepted filmmakers will be revealed later this month.
The company is currently accepting applications, specifically seeking unheard voices who have a strong desire to break into Hollywood and create unique content for underserved audiences.
“Stubios is a way to give creatives with invested fans the opportunity to tell stories that might not otherwise get greenlit in Hollywood, and will allow Tubi to ensure our programming reflects culture as it happens,” said Anjali Sud , CEO of Tubi. in a statement.
Stubios is part of Tubi’s broader content strategy, which involves producing more diverse originals aimed at younger audiences. According to Tubi’s latest The Stream report, Gen Z and millennials are fed up with the influx of reboots and long-running franchises. Seventy-four percent of respondents said they prefer originals to remakes, and 71% want to watch TV shows and movies from indie and smaller creators. Additionally, 74% of participants in the same demographic want more diverse content.
