Base79 | Welcome

ABOUT US

Founded in 2007, Base79 simplifies the digital video landscape to create new profits for leading rights holders across the globe.

With offices in the world’s leading advertising markets, we create new profits within the fast-expanding world of online video and connected devices for all rights holders.

Base79′s unique rights management technology and media relationships create a generation of new, safe and powerful revenue opportunities for its partners. Our extensive catalogue of over two million videos from over 300 leading rights producers and independent production companies currently generates more than 20 million daily views globally.

Base79 is the new name for myvideorights. For more information please click here

Our evolution from myvideorights to Base79 reflects our vision to be the leading creators of content driven value on the PC, Tablet and Connected TV. Our new name is built out of a core truth. Regardless of whether they are buying iPods, subscribing to Netflix or searching on YouTube, all consumers really want is relevant content. Content must always be the foundation, or base, for their engagement. With our expertise, connections and technologies, we build on this base to create new value, the post-industrial gold of our time, for all. 79 is the atomic number of gold.

THE TEAM

Ashley MacKenzie – Founder & CEO

Ashley MacKenzie is Founder & CEO of Base79, the leading digital rights management agency. Over the last three years, Ashley has led the company to 805% growth, placing Base79 as the second fastest growing media company in the prestigious 2011 Media Momentum List. This accolade followed the company being named as one of four ‘cool vendors’ in Media by Gartner in May 2011.

Ashley began his career in advertising at Carat (UK) Ltd. He left Carat to be a founding Director of Entertainment Marketing Ltd and in 1998 he joined an MBI team as Sales Controller for Talk Radio, before becoming General Manager for TalkSPORT. The company grew into The Wireless Group Plc and Ashley took responsibility as Group Managing Director for Independent Local Radio, purchasing loss-making radio stations and turning them into a profitable national network, employing 400 people with a turnover of £21million.

In 2002, Ashley gained commercial responsibility for the group as Managing Director of Impact, The Wireless Group’s wholly-owned national sales house. The Wireless Group plc was sold in 2005 to UTV Plc for £98.5m.

Prior to founding Base79 in July 2007, Ashley led the commercial operations of Music Choice, a provider of interactive music channels that reach over 100 million people worldwide.

Richard Mansell – Global Head of Operations

Richard Mansell is co-founder, Managing Director UK and Global Head of Operations for Base79.

With over 14 years experience in Information Technology and IT services, Richard has a passion for technology advancement and operational excellence.

Starting his career in the technology consulting industry with Andersen and subsequently Deloitte, Richard worked predominantly large on IT, strategy and business process engagements. In 2003, Richard left to become Head of IT and Operations of commodity brokerage Spectron. Prior to co-founding myvideorights in 2007, Richard was Director of Technology Consulting at Protiviti, a global business consulting firm specialising advisory and transaction services.

Kevin Deeley – Chief Finance Officer

Kevin is a Chartered Accountant with 23 years operating company Finance experience spent running teams “hands on” across Europe and the USA.

The last fourteen years have been spent in the Media sector, the last ten at Board level. He has substantial VC experience, having been a team member in eight fundraising rounds, for both equity and debt, raised in UK and USA.

Kevin graduated from City University, London in Economics, and has undertaken subsequent study at London Business School (Corporate Finance) and Chicago University Business School (Corporate Strategy).

Gullliver Smithers – Chief Technology Officer

Gulliver has 15 years experience working across a wide variety of technology businesses in the international broadcast market. He joins Base79 from ITV where he spent 6 years
overseeing and managing a variety of projects from outsourcing of the broadcaster’s transmission operations to the rollout of the multi-platform ITV Player.

Prior to ITV, Gulliver developed digital television hardware and software solutions at Strategy & Technology Ltd and managed the roll-out of Sky’s innovative interactive advertising products.

Gulliver has a MA (Hons) in Artificial Intelligence & Linguistics from The University of Edinburgh.

Kelvin MacKenzie – Chairman

Kelvin is one of the UK’s leading media personalities. From 1982 until 1994, Kelvin was Editor of The Sun newspaper. He was formerly Managing Director of BSkyB Group Plc before joining the Mirror Group as Deputy Chief Executive and Managing Director of Live TV Ltd. Kelvin was Chairman and Chief Executive of The Wireless Group Plc until June 2005 when he successfully sold the Company to UTV Plc.

With a career that spans four decades and every consumer entertainment medium, Kelvin regularly features on TV and is widely regarded as one of the best judges of popular culture in media today.

In 2011, Kelvin funded and launched live sports broadcast channel Sports Tonight – his latest contribution to sports media.

Peter Bazalgette – Non-Executive Director

From 2004 to 2007 Peter was Chief Creative Officer of Endemol, to whom he remains an adviser. He has personally devised several internationally successful television formats such as Ready Steady Cook and Changing Rooms. He also brought Big Brother to the UK. Peter’s book about the international business of TV formats, Billion Dollar Game, was published in 2005. Peter is a Non-Executive Director of YouGov and a former Board member of Channel 4.

He is building a portfolio of investments in digital growth companies. Peter also serves as Deputy Chairman of the National Film and Television School and on the Board of the English National Opera.

Patrick Walker – Non-Executive Director

Patrick Walker leads the development of content strategy and partnerships for YouTube in Europe, the Middle East and Africa and has over 15 years of experience in the television, radio and online media industry. During his tenure as General Manager for RealNetworks, Patrick was instrumental in launching Real’s first premium audio and video services in Europe, Asia and Latin America and was responsible for developing direct-to-consumer broadband video products.

Patrick began his career in international media and technology as a TV producer for Japan’s public broadcaster, NHK. He has formerly held roles at BBC News as a Senior Broadcast Journalist in Japan and South East Asia and with TWI’s management team in 2000, launching one of the earliest ‘converged’ web and TV services

Rupert Dilnott-Cooper – Non-Executive Director

Rupert is the former CEO of Carlton’s Content Division and Managing Director of Carlton International, where he was responsible for production, distribution and all rights management matters.

A qualified lawyer, Rupert has worked in legal and business affairs for various UK Broadcasters and was a founding director and former Co-Chair of the British Television Distributors Association. He is currently Chairman and Non-Executive Director of a number of financial and media organisations, including pan-European TV group, Zodiak TV Plc.

MAPS

WHERE TO FIND US

Contact our London, New York and Madrid Teams

London Office
The Tower Building
11 York Road
London
SE1 7NX

Tel: +44 20 7928 7604

New York Office
275 Madison Avenue
Suite 422
New York
NY 10016

Tel: +1 212 878 8870
Map

Madrid Office
Calle Almagro 30,
Bajo Izq.
Madrid
28010

Tel: +34 91 391 1385
Map

Click here to email us

MAPS

WHERE TO FIND US

Contact our New York, London and Madrid Teams

New York Office
275 Madison Avenue
Suite 422
New York
NY 10016

Tel: +1 212 878 8870

London Office
The Tower Building
11 York Road
London
SE1 7NX

Tel: +44 20 7928 7604
Map

Madrid Office
Calle Almagro 30,
Bajo Izq.
Madrid
28010

Tel: +34 91 391 1385
Map

Click here to email us

MAPS

WHERE TO FIND US

Contact our Madrid, London and New York Teams

Madrid Office
Calle Almagro 30,
Bajo Izq.
Madrid
28010

Tel: +34 91 391 1385

London Office
The Tower Building
11 York Road
London
SE1 7NX

Tel: +44 20 7928 7604
Map

New York Office
275 Madison Avenue
Suite 422
New York
NY 10016

Tel: +1 212 878 8870
Map

Click here to email us

WORK WITH US

We are always keen to hear from creative people who can take our business to new levels. If you would like to join a talented team, please click here to apply for any of the roles below.

12/12/12

Country Manager (Spain)

(UK) The Country Manager role will work very closely with the global leadership team, leading on all aspects of the Spanish operations with particular focus on acquiring new, profitable content partnerships and development of revenues from our advertising sales activity. This position offers the opportunity to make a real difference and herald in the new marketplace for online video globally

01/12/12

Technical Operations

Base79's growing user base provides unique challenges and new responsibilities every day. Fast-paced, dynamic and proactive, the Operations team serves Base79's advertisers and production partners around the world. The role will be responsible for supporting the internal and external teams, working with media partners and helping drive the business forward.

08/26/11

VP Business Development – Digital (New York)

Base 79 is looking for an exceptional Business Development executive to acquire digital content and maximize the distribution of quality videos across online platforms and social networks such as: YouTube, Face Book, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon and other web portals, tablets, mobile, and internet TV. Base 79 is the global expert in digital rights management, and [...]

12/12/12

Country Manager (Spain)

Background

BASE79′s large audience, unique rights management products and advertising/media relationships allow us to create a generation of new, safe and powerful revenue opportunities for its partners. Our extensive catalogue of over three million videos from over 200 leading rights producers and independent production companies currently generates c.20 million views globally daily.

Head-quartered in London, with offices in Sydney and US, the company manages content for companies and artists including the Blanco Y Negro, IMG, The Football Association, BBC Worldwide, SyCo, Digital Rights Group, ITF and Ministry of Sound, licensing this content to online publishers including YouTube, Hulu and Netflix and building new, profitable audiences. BASE79 currently manages a network of content that generates over 500 million views per month making us YouTube’s largest independent partner across EMEA. Base79 was recently made the largest recipient of YouTube’s Original Programming initiative outside of the US with Google investing in 4 channels it owns..

Base79 is backed international venture capitalists and a stellar group of global media executives.

Role & Responsibilities

The Country Manager role will encompass the following:
Working very closely with the global leadership team, lead all aspects of Spanish operations with particular focus on acquiring new, profitable content partnerships and development of revenues from our advertising sales activity.
Be responsible for creating, managing and delivering the Spanish P&L in conjunction with the CEO as a stand-alone business unit
Work in partnership with internal BASE79 teams (technical, product, advertising sales, financial, marketing, Operations & Audience Development etc) and resources to ensure successful operations and management of content, syndication partnerships and advertising sales in the Spain
In conjunction with the leadership team, shape and implement BASE79’s Spanish business and content acquisition strategy

Identify key IP owners for acquisition
Take on current Spanish IP owners and prospects
Create, and convert, leads from key targets and manage the pipeline to achieve the required growth rates
Account management current and future content owners already acquired to ensure delivery of objectives, growth in catalogue under-management and retention of client at renewal
Develop Partner Development Plans for each partner
Act as Spanish voice within the organisation ensuring we add most value to Spanish content owners objectives

In conjunction with the leadership team, shape and implement BASE79’s Spanish advertising sales strategy

Develop launch strategy
Create effective trade marketing plan
Build high profile in the Spanish advertising marketplace
Personally prospect, source, negotiate, close and deliver ad.deals
Create, and convert, leads from key targets
Manage established partners and grow relationships and businesses
Increase to eCPM’s from BASE79 owned inventory to exceed plan

In conjunction with the leadership team, shape and implement BASE79’s Spanish syndication strategy
Identify key new licensees to approach
Create, and convert, leads from key targets
Manage established partners in the US and grow relationships and business from that patch
Grow distribution to increase available inventory for sale for the US advertising sales team
Liaise and communicate with UK and other international offices and operations to ensure best practice and ensure maximum international value of prospective deals and business development activity.
Track usage and success of different content types and feed this back in to the Spanish content acquisition activities
Recruit expert Spanish launch team to initiate the launch phase of BASE79 Spain with full operational ability

Business Development executives (x2)
Operations Executive (x1)
Advertising Sales executive (x2) (Q2’13)

Set an exemplary standard in discipline, reporting and account management of all internal teams and external partners at least matching BASE79’s high profile and positive industry reputation in the Spain.

Experience:

Minimum 10 years commercial media experience in digital VoD content distribution/acquisition in Spain
Particularly deep experience in at least one of Music and Sport verticals probably garnered from working inside leading rights-holders
Experience of structuring and negotiating VoD distribution deals under ad-funded models
Active knowledge of the YouTube platform and ecosystem
Strong understanding of IP issues as they relate to online video and IP-connected devices
A successful track record with a history of exceeding quantitative and qualitative goals
MBA or post-graduate qualifications an advantage

Attributes:

Strong relationships with relevant content owners across Spain
Good understanding of advertising industry and, in particular, the advertising VoD market and YouTube
Excellent interpersonal, communication, presentation and negotiation skills
Experience of fast-moving environments where decision-making and agility are key
Proven self-sufficiency with an ability to balance tactical responsibilities with strategic focus
Material Entrepreneurial and start-up experience a distinct advantage
Minimum language skills required of fluency in English and Spanish
MBA or post-graduate qualifications an advantage

We offer a hugely dynamic company, the opportunity to make a real difference and herald in the new marketplace for online video globally. The right candidate will participate in the Company’s share-option scheme allowing them to truly benefit from their hard work and value they create.

If you are interested in applying for these roles, please send a current CV and introductory letter to jobs@base79.com

01/12/12

Technical Operations

Job Title
Technical Operations

Reports To
Head of Operations

Department
Operations and Technology

Location
New York, USA

The Company
With offices in the world’s leading advertising markets, we create new profits within the fast-expanding world of online video and connected devices for all rights holders.

Base79′s unique rights management technology and media relationships create a generation of new, safe and powerful revenue opportunities for its partners. Our extensive catalogue of over two million videos from over 100 leading rights producers and independent production companies currently generates more than 12 million daily views globally.

The Operations Role
Base79′s growing user base provides unique challenges and new responsibilities every day. Fast-paced, dynamic and proactive, the Operations team serves Base79′s advertisers and production partners around the world. The role will be responsible for supporting the internal and external teams, working with media partners and helping drive the business forward.

Technologies and Core Skills

Knowledge of online video and experience in online entertainment or new media with an understanding of the online entertainment space.
Expertise in online video players, video codecs and transcoding systems.
Social media video distribution including Youtube, Facebook and Twitter.
Knowledge of Youtube CMS an advantage.
File and metadata distribution including FTP and MRSS.
Test & QA functions.

Qualifications, Training and Experience

Educated to degree level or equivalent
Previous experience in new media or online video distribution
Able to manage workload across multiple projects
Works well in a collaborative atmosphere and also can work independently
Experience of working with content management systems
Exceptional verbal and written communication skills

Environment
This role is based in the New York office but the international focus demands a flexible approach to working environment and hours.

08/26/11

VP Business Development – Digital (New York)

Base 79 is the global expert in digital rights management, and our mission is to simplify the digital video landscape to create new profits for leading rights-holders around the world. In a relatively short period of time the U.S. office has achieved a strong client base of premium content owners including top cable networks and independent record label companies. We are now looking to aggressively expand our effort to increase both our premium content library and distribution. Your duties will include: – prospecting, sourcing, negotiating and closing profitable deals with content owners from: Cable TV, Broadcasters, sports organizations, music labels, and film and entertainment studios and production companies. You will also be responsible for identifying and closing agreements with new distributors to support our entertainment, sports and music clients. The position of VP Business Development reports to the COO, North America.

Requirements

BA/BS or equivalent: MBA is a plus (not required)
7+ experience in Business Development in Digital media related to video content acquisition, licensing and distribution
A strong network of clients who hold rights for content, or hold decision making responsibilities for digital distribution of content from cable networks, record labels, studios and production companies.
Strong relationships with online video distributors and publishers
Excellent negotiation and analytical skills
You must be a team player, but also enjoy working within a startup environment
Good sense of humor

This is a fantastic opportunity for a candidate who is passionate about digital media, online video and business development! Hurry your resume over today to avoid disappointment!

Back to Jobs List

NEWS FEED

11/14/12

Base79 Announces New Investment From The Chernin Group

10/08/12

Base79 Brings Four New Channels to YouTube

(UK) UK-based media innovator secures four new channel partnerships, making it Europe’s largest YouTube original programming partner

07/13/12

Our very own CEO Ashley MacKenzie offers entrepreneurs advice and the secrets behind Base79′s global success

Hard work, commitment and a great wing man/woman! These are some of the tips from Base79′s CEO Ashley MacKenzie in his exclusive interview with business publication ‘YHP’. The magazine offers an insight into some of the UK’s most successful businesses. Click here to read more on his journey so far: http://yourhiddenpotential.co.uk/2012/07/12/ashley-mackenzie-base79/

10/21/11

The Explosion of Video Content – Base79 speaks at CMJ Music Marathon – New York 2011

10/20/11

Base79 Expands into Connected Devices with Hire of New CTO and Head of Product Management

Gulliver Smithers and Gideon Summerfield join Base79 from ITV and BBC respectively to head expansion into connected devices market

09/14/11

myvideorights Rebrands to Base79

myvideorights, the UK's leading digital rights management and monetisation company, today rebrands to Base79 with the announcement of £2.75 million funding led by its principal investor, MMC Ventures.

05/11/11

myvideorights Brings Mr. Bean to Hulu

Hulu begins distribution of Mr. Bean and Rowan Atkinson videos

coolvendo2011
05/10/11

myvideorights Named "Cool Vendor" in Media by Leading Analyst Firm

myvideorights selected as one of only four companies highlighted in Gartner Inc's prestigious Cool Vendors in Media, 2011 report.

05/03/11

myvideorights Expands Record Label Portfolio with Addition of Robbins Entertainment

myvideorights to monetize, distribute the dance label's music videos online while increasing audience, protecting content and generating new revenues

ultra_music
03/22/11

Ultra Music Selects myvideorights to Monetise and Distribute its Music Videos Online

Popular dance label expands already-significant online audience, protects content and opens new revenue stream

11/14/12

Base79 Announces New Investment From The Chernin Group

Base79, one of Europe’s leading online video companies and the largest YouTube network in the Europe, Middle East and Asia (EMEA) region, today announced that it has received a strategic equity investment from The Chernin Group (“TCG”), alongside continued participation from existing investor MMC Ventures. Proceeds from the round will be used to accelerate Base79’s expansion across Europe and into other global territories, to build owned-and-operated brands and channels, and to invest in the Company’s products and technology. Founded in 2007, the Company has offices in London, New York and Sydney, and has plans to increase its presence in continental Europe within the next 12 months.

Base79 partners with leading video rights holders and producers to build online audiences and brands, claim and protect their intellectual property, sell premium advertising, and generate new revenue streams on YouTube and other OTT platforms. The Company’s proprietary technology and processes for increasing YouTube channel subscribers and views, and establishing ad sales leadership, enables its clients to significantly increase their reach and revenues in online video. With more than 300 premium content partners, including BBC Worldwide, Endemol’s Tiger Aspect, IMG Media, Simon Cowell’s SyCo, Ministry of Sound, Guinness World Records as well as a number of leading YouTube content creators, Base79 generates more than 550 million views per month across nearly 550 channels on YouTube, and is the largest YouTube multi-channel network based in the UK. Base79 recently received four original programming grants from YouTube, more than any other company in Europe.

“We’re thrilled to receive this additional investment and recognition for our business from The Chernin Group, in addition to ongoing support from MMC Ventures. TCG’s industry leading expertise and track record in content, digital media, brand building, international expansion and monetization will be invaluable as we accelerate the Company’s international growth and distribution of premium video content across multiple platforms and devices,” said Ashley MacKenzie, founder and CEO of Base79. “We have experienced extraordinary growth and believe this partnership will allow a new chapter of even greater opportunity.”

“Base79 has established itself as one of the clear leaders in online video, an exciting space that we believe is positioned to grow faster than any other area of media,” said Peter Chernin, founder & CEO of TCG. “Base79 is one of Europe’s fastest-growing young media companies, and we look forward to partnering with the Company and its management team to help build on its vision and capitalize on further opportunities for growth.”

Alex Carloss, YouTube’s Global Head of Entertainment, said: “We view The Chernin Group’s investment in a key partner like Base79 as a sign of the growth of the YouTube ecosystem in Europe. Base79′s deep expertise in rights management and the YouTube platform will continue to help partners control and grow their content businesses on YouTube.”

Bruce Macfarlane, Managing Partner, MMC Ventures, said: “MMC Ventures has always believed in Base79 – its concept, technology, and team – and have been excited to invest from an early stage. We are therefore delighted to be continuing our support for Base79, alongside The Chernin Group, and look forward to its further growth and success.”

In October 2012, after securing four new channel partnerships as a part of YouTube’s new original channels initiative, Base79 announced that it had become Europe’s largest YouTube original programming partner. The four new channels resulting from the partnership are:

/Football

With leading sports media company IMG as a key content producer, Slash Football is a premium video football network centered and driven by football fans. Base79 will create a series of programs that focus on and appeal to football fans, providing real, reactive and opinionated views and discussions.

/Flow

Flow is a celebration of movement sports, in particular parkour. It brings together compelling new content from the world’s best urban movement athletes, powered by Base79′s parkour hub of more than 60 athletes and free-running content creators. Flow is a brand and platform to inspire and encourage young people to be active and adventurous.

Guinness World Records: OMG!, from Base79 and Guinness World Records

“Guinness World Records: OMG!” is a new YouTube channel highlighting YouTube stars who challenge and encounter record-breaking people and places. The channel features 100% new and original material from the legendary arbiter of all things record-setting and record-breaking.

Bad Teeth, from Base79 and Hat Trick Productions

Bringing sketches, animation, and celebrity guest-hosted pranks together for a thoroughly entertaining experience, Bad Teeth blends the funniest and most popular YouTube stars with mainstream celebrities from the Hat Trick stable to create unexpected, water-cooler content people will want to share.

10/08/12

Base79 Brings Four New Channels to YouTube

UK-based media innovator secures four new channel partnerships, making it Europe’s largest YouTube original programming partner

8th October 2012 – Base79, one of Europe’s leading digital rights management and original programming companies, is bringing four new channels to YouTube as part of YouTube’s new original channels initiative, announced today.

After launching almost a hundred channels in the US, YouTube has announced has launched 46 new original channels in the UK, France and Germany, created specifically for today’s connected viewers, to its platform.

Headquartered in London and one of Europe’s fastest growing media companies, Base 79 is the largest original programming partner in Europe working with YouTube on these partnerships. The four great channels brought by Base79 are:

Guinness World Records: OMG, from Base79 & Guinness World Records

Launching on November 1st

Follow YouTube’s stars as they meet with some of the world’s most amazing record-breaking people and places, and challenge some records of their own!
“Guinness World Records: OMG!” is the brand new YouTube channel from the world’s global authority on record-breaking achievement. The channel features 100% new and original material from all 4 corners of the Guinness World Records globe.

www.youtube.com/gwromg

Bad Teeth, from Base79 & Hat Trick Productions

Launching on 30th December

Bad Teeth is mischievous, reactive and in need of a good dentist, this network brings sketches, animations and celebrity guest-hosted pranks for a thoroughly entertaining experience. Bad Teeth blends the funniest and most popular YouTube stars with mainstream celebrities from the Hat Trick stable to create unexpected, water-cooler content people will want to share.

www.youtube.com/badteeth

/Football

Launching on November 12th

With leading sports media company IMG as a key content producer, Slash Football is a premium video football network centred and driven by football fans. We have created a series of football shows that focuses on and appeals to football fans, to give real, reactive and opinion lead views and discussions.

www.youtube.com/football

/Flow

Launching soon

Flow is a celebration of Movement sports, in particular Parkour. It brings together compelling new content from the world’s best Urban Movement athletes, powered by Base79′s Parkour hub of over 60 athletes and free-running content creators. Flow is a platform to inspire and encourage young people to be active and engage in sports and fitness activities.

www.youtube.com/flow

Ashley MacKenzie, CEO, Base79 comments: “Today marks a great day in the development of our industry. The scale and opportunity for content creation is at a tipping point with genuine sustainability upon us at a mass level. We are hugely excited to be the largest partner in Europe working with YouTube on these partnerships bringing new content to 800 million people across the world”.

Base79 is exhibiting at MIPCOM, 04.29

Show media contact – Lucy Skinner on +44 (0) 7888753904 lucy.skinner@base79.com

About Base79
With offices in the world’s leading advertising markets, Base79 creates new profits within the fast-expanding world of online video and connected devices for all rights holders.

Base79′s unique rights management technology and media relationships create a generation of new, safe and powerful revenue opportunities for its partners. Our extensive catalogue of over three million videos from over 300 partners and independent production companies currently generates more than 20 million daily views globally.

Media Contacts

Lucy Skinner, Audience Development Manager UK
Tel: +44 (0) 207 928 7604 / +44 (0) 7888753904
lucy.skinner@base79.com

Blaise Hammond, Terranova PR
Tel: 07713 684597 / blaise@terranovapr.co.uk

07/13/12

Our very own CEO Ashley MacKenzie offers entrepreneurs advice and the secrets behind Base79′s global success

Hard work, commitment and a great wing man/woman!

These are some of the tips from Base79′s CEO Ashley MacKenzie in his exclusive interview with business publication ‘YHP’.

The magazine offers an insight into some of the UK’s most successful businesses.

Click here to read more on his journey so far:

http://yourhiddenpotential.co.uk/2012/07/12/ashley-mackenzie-base79/

10/21/11

The Explosion of Video Content – Base79 speaks at CMJ Music Marathon – New York 2011

How to monetize video and build audience continued to dominate many of the discussion points of CMJ this year. Our New York COO – Ron Schneier joined an esteemed panel from Vevo, Baeble, Livestream and INDMUSIC to discuss effective distribution for independent artists, and how to grow their profile online. The range of topics included how to create a better fan experience on YouTube and the importance of developing original programming frequently and updating fans. In addition all of the industry players offered their views on accessing a variety of options for mobile, tablet and connected TV.

For more information go to:- http://schedule.cmj.com/speaker/ron.schneier/list/descriptions/

Review of the panel: http://www.cmj.com/live/the-explosion-of-video-content-panel-nyu-october-21-2011/

10/20/11

Base79 Expands into Connected Devices with Hire of New CTO and Head of Product Management

Gulliver Smithers and Gideon Summerfield join Base79 from ITV and BBC respectively to head expansion into connected devices market

London, 20th October 2011 – Base79, the UK’s leading digital rights management and monetisation company, today announces the appointment of Gulliver Smithers as Chief Technology Officer and Gideon Summerfield as Head of Product Management.

Smithers and Summerfield will join Base79 to drive the company’s expansion into the connected devices market, focusing on the development of new products and applications for SmartTVs.

The dual appointment is part of a larger move to expand Base79’s business and technology beyond the web, and provide video-on-demand (VOD) services and content through a range of connected devices. Right-holders and advertisers will be able to engage with viewers through these new form factors, increasing and diversifying revenue opportunities from video consumption.

Smithers joins Base79 from ITV, where he spent six years overseeing and managing a variety of projects. During his time at ITV Smithers oversaw the rollout of the ITV Player across multiple platforms, headed ITV’s YouView project, launched several television channels in the UK and managed the outsourcing of ITV’s transmission operations. Prior to this, he worked on the development of digital TV hardware and software at Strategy & Technology Ltd and spent two years at BSkyB managing Sky’s interactive advertising products.

Summerfield spent over three years at the BBC prior to joining Base79, where he oversaw the expansion of the BBC iPlayer onto multiple connected platforms. This included working with device partners Sony, Nintendo, Sky, Microsoft, BT and Samsung to adapt the service to new devices, as well as managing an award winning HD catch-up service for Virgin Media.

“The increasing number of connected devices on the market is leading to greater demand for high-quality, on-demand content” comments Ashley MacKenzie, CEO, Base79. “With these appointments, we now have a strong and uniquely qualified team capable of building technology platforms for connected devices and SmartTVs.

“By developing new services and platforms, we’ll provide right-holders and producers with a unique opportunity to monetise their video content in this rapidly developing marketplace while giving advertisers the ability to target engaged viewers through these applications, as they currently do on the web.”

“With this opportunity in mind, we’re pleased to welcome our new team members and are confident they can capitalise on the continuing increase in demand for high-quality VOD content”.

09/14/11

myvideorights Rebrands to Base79

London September 15th 2011 – myvideorights, the UK’s leading digital rights management and monetisation company, today rebrands to Base79 with the announcement of £2.75 million funding led by its principal investor, MMC Ventures. The Board and its existing angel investors have also participated in the funding round.

Based in London and New York, the company manages content for companies and artists including the Football Association, Mr Bean and Ministry of Sound, licensing this content to online publishers including YouTube, Hulu and Netflix. Base79 currently manages a network of content that generates over 375 million views per month.

The funding will be used to accelerate both the company’s international expansion across the US and Europe as well as significant product development initiatives that further improves its ability to distribute premium quality content across multiple platforms and devices.

The rebrand to Base79 reflects the company’s vision to be the leading creators of content driven value online. The company simplifies the digital video landscape to create new profits for rights holders, content publishers and advertisers throughout the world in TV entertainment, sports and music markets.

The rebrand and funding announcement comes as the company posted growth in revenues of 805% over the last two years, placing the UK innovator as the second fastest growing media company in Europe according to the GP Bullhound 2011 Media Momentum List. This accolade followed the company being named as one of four Cool Vendors in Media by Gartner in May 2011.

Ashley MacKenzie, Founder & CEO, Base79 comments: “Our offer is playing very well. We’re excited at the opportunities presented by an ever more connected world and there is no doubt in my mind that SMARTTV’s will revolutionise the TV value chain within 5 years allowing our video content to eventually reach a huge and engaged audience of billions, seamlessly. Our rebrand to Base79 is an exciting step in our evolution as a company with the vision to be the world’s leading creators and generators of content value online.”

“The investment led by MMC Ventures is a vital ingredient for tuning our operations to meet an aggressive growth plan. International expansion and product development including investment in technology underpinning content distribution to connected devices will accelerate our growth both in the UK and internationally.”

“MMC invests growth equity in dynamic young UK companies. We back companies at an early stage and work in partnership with them to grow to substantial scale and profitability,” says Tracy Dorée, MMC Ventures. “It’s clear that Base79 is realising its enormous potential and we’re excited to provide the investment that helps the company meet its international ambitions and expand its product offering for the benefit of their partners.”

05/11/11

myvideorights Brings Mr. Bean to Hulu

New York, 11 May 2011- myvideorights (MVR), the expert in actively managing, distributing and monetizing professionally produced video online, has entered a distribution agreement with Hulu. The award-winning Rowan Atkinson
Live, Mr. Bean Live Action Series and Mr. Bean: The Animated Series will be distributed via the free, ad-supported Hulu.com and the Hulu Plus subscription service beginning today.

“We are continually working to optimize the distribution of our premium content worldwide and are very pleased to work with Hulu,” said Ron Schneier, COO of MVR North America. “This new opportunity enables Mr. Bean content to be accessed by the millions who watch quality videos on this online platform. We are very excited about further expanding our content library with Hulu.”

MVR will add the following videos to Hulu’s library:

Rowan Atkinson Live, a one-hour compendium of the comedian’s live performances from 1981 to 1986
14 episodes of the Mr. Bean Live Action Series
More than 50 episodes of Mr. Bean: The Animated Series.

coolvendo2011
05/10/11

myvideorights Named "Cool Vendor" in Media by Leading Analyst Firm

New York, USA – 10 May 2011 – myvideorights (MVR), has been selected as one of only four companies highlighted in Gartner Inc’s prestigious Cool Vendors in Media, 2011 report. The list highlights innovative companies that have the potential to change or affect the market in a significant way and are at the forefront of some of the more vexing challenges facing media companies: monetization, tracking content assets and audience engagement across multiple platforms and networks, and how to reimagine new and compelling content experiences by linking two media formats – print and video.

“We feel our inclusion in Gartner’s Cool Vendors in Media report is validation of myvideorights’ expertise and the importance of managing and monetizing premium online video content,” said Ron Schneier, COO of MVR North America. “We continue to expand our portfolio of exclusive video content and work with a wide range of clients across music, sports, entertainment, documentary and film to grow their online audiences, protect their valuable content and achieve new revenue streams.”

This year’s Cool Vendors in Media report found that online video consumption continues to soar and usage trends will continue to put pressure on the licensing infrastructures and processes for rights holders while generating considerable consumer usage data that will need to be mined by advertisers.

05/03/11

myvideorights Expands Record Label Portfolio with Addition of Robbins Entertainment

New York, 3 May 2011 – myvideorights (MVR), the expert in actively managing and monetizing professionally produced video online, today announced the continued growth of its portfolio of record labels with the addition of Robbins Entertainment, a leading U.S. dance music label. The partnership is a result of record labels’ increased recognition of the importance for dedicated management and protection of music videos online.

Among Robbins artists are Cascada, whose smash “Evacuate The Dancefloor” was certified platinum for over one million downloads, and September, whose “Cry For You” was recently certified gold for more than 500,000 downloads. Other Robbins artists include Afrojack, DHT, Darude, Lasgo, Kim Leoni, AnnaGrace and DJ Sammy. Through its Active Rights Management, MVR will manage the label’s video digital rights and distribute its exclusive video content online via branded channels across video sharing and social media sites as well as new platforms such as mobile and Internet TV. Incorporating pre-roll advertising within Robbins’ premium content MVR will offer advertisers unprecedented exposure.

“Robbins Entertainment has an incredibly popular, valuable catalogue of artists and hit songs and they’re at the forefront of incorporating technology-enabled distribution into the business. The label already has a strong fan base within social networks and we will help expand its online audience, protect the artists’ content while delivering new revenue streams for Robbins,” said Ron Schneier, COO of MVR North America.

“Millions of fans view our artists’ videos online and it’s integral to our business that we properly manage and protect these assets,” said Lisa Levy, VP Sales & Production for Robbins Entertainment. “We’re excited to have myvideorights as a partner to help us better manage our rights and monetize our premium video content much more effectively.”

ultra_music
03/22/11

Ultra Music Selects myvideorights to Monetise and Distribute its Music Videos Online

New York, USA – 22 March 2011 – myvideorights (MVR), the expert in actively managing and monetizing professionally produced video online, today announced a deal with Ultra Music, an independent electronic dance music label. Through its Active Rights Management, MVR will manage Ultra Music’s digital rights and distribute the label’s content online via branded channels across video sharing and social media sites as well as new platforms such as mobile and Internet TV. Incorporating pre-roll advertising within Ultra’s premium content MVR will offer advertisers unprecedented exposure.

Ultra Music was the most played dance label in 2010 Billboard and won the award for “Best American Dance Label” for the fifth year in a row at the 25th Annual International Dance Music Awards in March 2010. The label’s A&R division handled the certified double platinum 2009 hit “I Know You Want Me (Calle Ocho)” featuring Pitbull and earned the acclaim of being the #1 watched music video on YouTube in 2009. Last month the label achieved more than 80 million views worldwide. The label represents popular artists including TiÃ«sto, deadmau5, Benny Benassi, Kaskade, Armin van Buuren, and more.

“myvideorights is well-known for its successful work with music companies in Europe and we’re excited to bring this expertise to the U.S. market with Ultra Records,” said Ron Schneier, COO of MVR North America. “We are extremely pleased to have Ultra as our partner as they have a premier catalog of quality artists. Ultra is one of the top-viewed record labels online and MVR will help further grow that audience while giving advertisers access to over 15 million unique monthly viewers.”

“Ultra’s massive success on YouTube demonstrates intense demand for high quality dance music videos. After several years of success on our own, we needed to find the right partner to help us manage our rights and monetize our video content effectively,” saidElliott Walker, Senior Director of Digital Development and Distribution at Ultra. “myvideorights has both the tools and the people to generate the results we need. I’m excited to be working with MVR to further our digital business.”

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