Tubi, the Fox-owned ad-supported streaming service, launched “Stubios,” a new beta program that invites aspiring filmmakers to submit their own original content, on Tuesday. In addition to receiving personalized guidance and direct feedback from admirers, candidates will also receive assistance from actress Issa Rae, the creator of the television series “Insecure.”
Previously, the streaming service placed bets on up-and-coming directors, accepting five original scripts from these writers via a collaboration with The Black List last year. Nevertheless, this marks Tubi’s inaugural solicitation of viewer input during the preproduction phase.
Users will have the ability to follow creatives on the Tubi app later this month and offer feedback on greenlit projects, including recommendations for casting, the screenplay, trailer, and key art, among other things. In addition to publishing behind-the-scenes snippets and other short-form videos showcasing their work, filmmakers can also create polling.
After completing the program, filmmakers produce a final, refined product for which they receive an undisclosed, one-time fee. Every completed endeavor on Tubi receives distribution and promotion.
The chief technology officer at Fox told Eltrys, “Instead of our traditional gatekeeping and offline processes, fans will be able to participate dynamically and have that interactive experience.” Tubi intends to incorporate a remark function that would allow enthusiasts to participate in candid dialogues about the project.
Particularly in light of the 2023 Hollywood strikes, it is encouraging to see a major media company supporting filmmakers who may be struggling to make it in the film and television industries. However, betting on newcomers can be a hazardous endeavor for streaming services, especially Tubi, which is not renowned for producing high-quality original content like Max and Netflix. The new initiative by Tubi may enable the company to obtain audience feedback and enhance pre-release content.
Furthermore, it is uncommon for up-and-coming filmmakers, such as Issa Rae, to receive one-on-one guidance from an industry titan. In 2014, Tubi established her management firm, ColorCreative, with the mission of assisting diverse creators. Tubi states that creatives will have the opportunity to engage in direct communication with Issa and the ColorCreative team, who will offer support for script development and creative production.
Already selected is the first cohort of creatives (or Stubiorunners, as Tubi calls them); among them is the musician Lady London, who is developing a documentary series about her debut album. Later this month, Tubi will reveal the remaining approved directors.
The organization is currently accepting applications and actively seeking underrepresented perspectives, with a profound aspiration to enter the Hollywood industry and produce original content for underrepresented audiences.
Anjali Sud, CEO of Tubi, said in a statement, “Stubios is a way to give creatives with invested fanbases an opportunity to tell stories that might not otherwise be greenlit in Hollywood, and it will enable Tubi to ensure our programming reflects culture as it is occurring.”
As part of a broader content strategy, Tubi produces a greater variety of original content to appeal to younger audiences (Stubios). Tubi’s most recent The Stream report indicates that millennials and Generation Z are growing weary of the proliferation of reboots and protracted franchises. A majority of respondents (71%), expressing a preference for original content over remakes, are interested in viewing television programs and films produced by independent and lesser studios. Furthermore, 74% of respondents from the same demographic desire more diverse content.
