Web-video content from hot digital studio RocketJump will appear in China following a deal with leading Chinese streaming platform Youku Tudou.
Youku Tudou, which is currently listed in the U.S. and is in the process of being acquired by Alibaba, will begin hosting RocketJump content over the coming months. They have plans to collaborate on original content creation starting next year.
"Viewing habits in China are shifting towards higher quality, web-native content. Partnering with digital entertainment innovators like RocketJump pairs perfectly with our commitment of furthering our entertainment and media ecosystem through showcasing and fostering top content like this for our users, both viewers and producers alike,” said Teddy Gu, chief product officer, Youku Tudou.
RocketJump, co-founded by Freddie Wong, Matthew Arnold, and Desmond Dolly, began in 2010 as the FreddieW YouTube channel. It has grown to become a force in the digital direct to consumer new media landscape and has amassed a catalog of original action, comedy and family-oriented videos, and some 7.5 million subscribers on YouTube alone.
"Having the opportunity to gain exposure to wider audiences while forming a meaningful collaborative relationship in China is a huge step for our company,” said Jamie Lukaszewski, CFO of RocketJump.
RocketJump was represented in the deal by lawyers Adam Kaller and Duncan Hedges of Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman, Newman, Warren, Richman, Rush & Kaller LLP. The studio was advised by talent management and production company East West Artists partners Jaeson Ma, Albert Bae and Sharlot Yap and Hollywood Lawyer attorney David Kim.
In the U.S., RocketJump’s original docu-series for Hulu, produced in association with Lionsgate Television, will premiere on the site Dec. 2.