Studios, YouTube Seek Premium Distribution Deal

LOS ANGELES — Major motion picture studios, long suffering from many of the same dwindling sales and other issues impacting many adult studios, are looking to YouTube to fill a gap in their distribution chain.

According to the Wall Street Journal, YouTube is reportedly discussing premium content streaming with studios such as Lions Gate Entertainment, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Sony and Warner Bros., with plans to offer the VOD versions of first-run films as soon as the DVD/Blu-ray versions are released — if not sooner.

The move is seen as a way for content producers to bolster their bottom lines in the face of a sagging physical media market, which has endured annual double-digit declines.

While it is unclear if YouTube's core market, trained to expect content to be freely available on the Internet, will embrace having to pay a rental fee in order to view certain videos; it is clear that Hollywood and beyond is trying to monetize a shifting marketspace and rapidly evolving consumer demand — and for many studios it seems, partnering with Google-backed YouTube may be the best way to establish a new — or leverage — an existing online presence.

Although Hollywood has been hesitant to release features online, where piracy is rampant and downloads can cannibalize DVD sales, the current market realities are compelling the studios to take action — even if it means hard choices as to timing and the scope of these efforts, as well as where YouTube would fit into a particular distribution chain.

Retail pricing would reportedly be in line with iTunes, or around $3.99 per movie; with the revenue share said to be 70/30 in favor of the studio.

Expectedly, response to the news was mixed among YouTube users.

Commenting on the LA Times blog, "Gihan" wrote in opposition to the move, stating that "YouTube is a place for us amateur film makers to express ourselves and showcase our hard, meaningful work. We don't have millions like these studios do; we have our digital camcorders, some friends and a YouTube account … don't take over and destroy us aspiring directors/producers/screenwriters/actors etc."

"Steve," however, offered an alternative view, stating that "Finally these morons are starting to get it, this is the future of media."

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Taliban Restricts Access to Adult Content by Shutting Down Internet

The Taliban has shut down internet access across a large portion of Afghanistan in a move to prevent what it deems "immoral activities."

Go.cam Launches Video Spoofing Protection

Go.cam has announced that its verification solution now features security against video spoofing.

SexLikeReal Releases 'VR Self-Care' Guide

SexLikeReal (SLR) has published a blog post spotlighting “VR Self-Care.”

Brady Mills Agency to Launch 'AgeWallet' Subscription AV Solution

Tech company Brady Mills Agency announced that its subscription-based merchant age verification solution, AgeWallet, will launch in November.

EU Advocate General: France Can Require Foreign Sites to Implement AV

An advocate general of the European Union’s Court of Justice on Thursday advised the court to rule that France may require pornographic websites based in other EU states to implement age verification in accordance with French law.

Hentaied Founder Romero 'Mr. Alien' on Fetish, Fantasy and Finding Order in Chaos

A sharp sting pierces the woman’s skin. Something foreign slips beneath the surface. Eggs, maybe. She doesn’t know it yet, but soon her body will become a vessel, a hive, a source of contamination.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches for July, August

AEBN has published the top search terms for the months of July and August from its straight and gay theaters in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.

The Guardian Devotes Feature Article to XBIZ Amsterdam

British newspaper The Guardian sent a reporter to cover XBIZ Amsterdam earlier this month, resulting in a lengthy article about the annual European adult industry conference.

Pineapple Support Taps Char Borley as Brand Ambassador

Pineapple Support has named Char Borley as its newest brand ambassador.

Michigan Legislators Propose Online Porn Ban

Michigan lawmakers have introduced a bill that would make it illegal to distribute pornography via the internet in the state.

Show More