Hulu in talks to launch internationally

Hulu today acknowleged that it’s in talks to expand its Internet TV streaming service to other countries beyond the US. The NBC/Fox/Disney joint venture’s senior VP of content acquisition, Andy Forssell, tells FT that negotiations are underway to bring Hulu to the “top six to eight markets” for TV and that deals have already been struck to bring shows from UK producer Endemol to the US. How soon either would arrive isn’t mentioned.

The expansion outside of the US follows the addition of Disney just last week and sets up Hulu to be one of the largest single video websites. It ranks third in the US, competing with very high profile sites such as YouTube, and is one of the few to offer free, legal TV shows that isn’t tied to a commercial website. Most other cross-platform video is limited to pay-to-play stores such as iTunes and the Zune Marketplace.

source:electronista

Denis Leary's Upcoming Hulu Commercial

Following contributions from Alec Baldwin, Eliza Dushku and Family Guy’s Seth McFarlane, Rescue Me’s Denis Leary stars in Hulu’s latest TV commercial, to be aired during this weekend’s Kentucky Derby. Now that Disney’s a Hulu part-owner, will Miley Cyrus star next?

I think these Hulu commercials are great. This one’s for you Natalie & Brenton, and of course Jon too.

source:businessinsider

Disney gets stake in Hulu

Is this a good thing, or a bad thing? Disney this morning said it has obtained an equity stake in Hulu. The deal, which puts three Disney executives on the Hulu board, gives the studio equal influence along with original founders NBC Universal and News Corp. (Fox) in addition to the ability to publish content on the streaming web video service. Most of its initial lineup will center on current and back-catalog TV shows from ABC and Disney, such as Lost and Dancing with the Stars, but should also include “popular library titles” from Walt Disney Studios.

source:electronista