Deron Generally
Deron GenerallyWriter/Director and podcast pioneer Kevin Smith is teaming up for a new audience powered comedy series with Rivit TV.
Rivit TV, the first audience powered, commercial-free television platform that gives fans the ability to greenlight all-new original TV series, today announced that the company is launching with a pilot produced by, and starring iconic filmmaker and comedian Kevin Smith. Rivit TV enables established creators to connect directly to their fans to watch a free pilot and choose what they are willing to pay for a full season, ultimately determining whether the show is greenlit to go into production.
“This platform allows our industry’s top creators like Kevin Smith to focus on passion projects that resonate with their fans without worrying about a committee of executives or advertisers. Our goal is to directly connect creators with their fans, liberate the creative process and invite the audience to greenlight shows from their favorite storytellers.” says Marcus Wiley, Chief Content Officer at Rivit TV. Wiley was responsible for developing Bob’s Burgers, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, New Girl and The Mindy Project, amongst other series.
HOLLYWEED, a stoner workplace comedy starring Kevin Smith in his first major speaking role, is now streaming for free on www.RivitTV.com. Following two potheads navigating the ups and downs of managing a small business in their quest for profits and the perfect bud, the HOLLYWEED pilot is written and directed by Smith and also stars Donnell Rawlings, Adam Brody, Jason Mewes and Ralph Garman. Smith will serve as showrunner and Executive Produce alongside longtime collaborators Jordan Monsanto and Liz Destro.
Rivit TV pilots are always free. Fans can sample the creator’s vision and choose to bring the season to life by setting a price and sharing it with their friends to encourage their participation. There is a 45-day period when fans select the per-episode price (from $1.99 to $5.99) they would be willing to pay to get the season made. The higher the price point chosen, the fewer the amount of people who are needed to greenlight the season.
The season is greenlit at the end of the 45-day timeframe, or when the price-per-episode reaches $1.99. Only then are credit cards charged. There is no charge if the season is not greenlit. Episodes of the new season will begin releasing weekly, approximately 75-90 days after the end of the pricing period. For more information on how Rivit TV works, click here.
It’s an interesting experiment and leave it to Smith to try something new before everyone finds a way to jump on board. Let me know what you think in the comments below.
