Brightcove announced that it’s been tapped to build a new transactional video on demand service for Bollywood producer LoneRanger. The service is expected to launch in mid-November.
LoneRanger is a studio specializing in mystery and suspense content that is run by Vikram Bhatt, a Bollywood veteran who has directed films including “Ghulam,” “Raaz,” and “1920.”
“Today’s viewing experience is as much about mobile delivery as it is about television. So we were looking for a partner that could help us revolutionize the user experience for Bollywood fans on all platforms,” said Bhatt in a statement. “Brightcove’s platform performance, player speed and technology stack were real differentiators in creating a service that was theater-like for our viewers. We also wanted a vendor that could help us get to market quickly and, using the Brightcove platform, we anticipate being able to stand up our service within weeks after signing the contract.”
“When we opened our office in Mumbai earlier this year, we did so believing India posed an enormous opportunity because of the explosive growth in online video in the region,” said Brightcove CEO Andrew Feinberg in a statement. “Our rapid penetration into the Bollywood production market is evidence of the opportunity, and I couldn’t be more pleased that it is with a brand and director the caliber of LoneRanger and Mr. Bhatt, respectively.”
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A U.S. video firm like Brightcove working with a Bollywood producer on a streaming service comes as streaming services like Netflix and Amazon are attempting to get a foothold in India via original content deals. Late last year, Netflix signed a deal with Indian production company Red Chillies to distribute the studio’s films. Shortly after, Amazon announced its own content deal in India with Xilam Animation, making Amazon the exclusive streaming platform for kids' shows including “Oggy & the Cockroaches” and “Zig & Sharko.”