posts tagged:
content
paidContent.org, the online news site started by Rafat Ali, and later sold to Guardian Media, has been sold to GigaOM, the online news and media site founded by Om Malik. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. According to p... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
OVGuide Buys Live Matrix
Los Angeles-based OVGuide, the online video guide site backed by Baroda Ventures, said today that it has acquired Live Matrix, a provider of an online guide to live events on the web. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. A... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 8, 2012
D3Publisher, DreamWorks Tie On Three Titles
Los Angeles-based D3Publisher, a developer of interactive entertainment software for the Wii, DS, and 3DS, Playstation, Xbox360, and the PC, said it has inked a deal with DreamWorks Animation SKG. D3Publisher said the deal gives its rights ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 7, 2012
OK Go Super Bowl Video Illustrates Collision Between Content, Technology
What do you get when you mix the desert around Mojave, two months in a Van Nuys warehouse, an MIT engineer, and a band which has risen to prominence as a YouTube phenomenon? Not a tech startup, but one of the more intriguing ads debuted dur... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 6, 2012
Machinima, Lionsgate Renew Deal
Machinima, the online video entertainment firm focused on gamers, and studio Lionsgate, said today the two have renewed a deal around Machinima's zombie comedy series "Bite Me." The firms, both of which are located in Los Angeles, said the ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 3, 2012
THQ To Cut 240 Employees
Agoura-based THQ said Thursday that it is chopping 240 jobs as part of a "realignment" of its organization, as it exits the kids licensed video game market. The layoffs come after the firm missed Wall Street estimates, with revenues of $404... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 2, 2012
StyleHaul Raises $4.4M
Los Angeles-based StyleHaul, an online video network focused on fashion and beauty, said today that it has raised $4.4M in a Series A funding round. The round was led by RezVen Partners, and also included Juvo Capital, Siemer Ventures, Tami... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 2, 2012
Report: THQ Cutting 170
Calabasas-based videogame developer THQ has reportedly cut 170 of its employees, according to reports Wednesday. According to reports on gaming sites, the cuts are expected to be announced along with THQ's earnings tomorrow. The report of t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 1, 2012
BUZZMEDIA Snags Sales VP From Break
Los Angeles-based BUZZMEDIA, the online music blog publisher and pop culture publishing firm which owns Celebuzz, Idolator, Stereogum, and other sites, is continuing a hiring roll today, saying it has named Michael Ziegler as Senior Vice Pr... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012
EdgeCast Doubles Revenues, Headcount
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast Networks, the content delivery network (CDN) provider headed by Alex Kazerani, said today that it doubled its annual revenues and headcount in 2011, over its 2010 numbers. The privately held firm--which did not d... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Demand Media Sees Executive Exodus
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online content publisher headed by Richard Rosenblatt, has seen the exodus of three of the firm's EVPs and founders. The move was first uncovered by Paidcontent.org. Larry Fitzgibbon, Joe Perez, and Ste... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 30, 2012
BUZZMEDIA Hires Music VP
Los Angeles-based BUZZMEDIA, the pop culture and music blog publisher which runs such sites as Celebuzz, Sterogum, Buzznet, and Idolator, announced today that it has hired Bill Jensen as Vice President/General Manager of Music. The company ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Internet Brands Buys The Frugal Travel Guy
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands is building out its travel vertical today, saying that it has acquired The Frugal Travel Guy, an online travel blog. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Internet Brands said the acquisiti... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 23, 2012
LA Studio Takes On Cute YouTube Pet Videos
Looking to corner the market on cute YouTube pet videos, a Los Angeles studio said this morning that it has launched a new YouTube channel called Petsami, entirely dedicated to pet videos. The studio, FishBowl Worldwide Media, said it was f... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 23, 2012
Evolve Media Buys RealityTea.com, WebEcoist.com
Los Angeles-based Evolve Media Corp., the parent firm of AtomicOnline, SheKnows, and a network of other digital media sites, announced this morning that it has acquired two sites--RealityTea.com, focused on reality entertainment, and WebEco... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 20, 2012
HitFix Closes Funding Round
Los Angeles-based HitFix, the online film, TV, and entertainment news site founded by Gregory Ellwood and Jennifer Sargent, said today that it has closed a funding round. Size of the round was not announced. Hitfix said the round included i... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 20, 2012
XAP Names Knepper CEO
Culver City-based XAP, a developer of online college information tools and electronic college application and transcript services, announced today that it has named Peter B. Knepper as its CEO. Knepper has previously served at International... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 20, 2012
Break Media Launches New Ad Unit
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online content publisher which runs Break.com as well as a number of other sites, said it has launched a new advertising unit it is calling "Social Video Accelerator". The firm said that the unit provides ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Interview with Greg Borrud, Seismic Games
How do you take what you've learned, having been part of the growth and creation of the traditional, videogame industry, and apply that to the new world of social games? That's what Los Angeles-based Seismic Games (www.seismicgames.com) i... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Rumors Swirl Around THQ
Rumors have been swirling around Agoura Hills-based THQ since this weekend, when a gaming industry analyst, Peter Skerritt, reported that the videogame maker was either looking for a buyer or shutting down its videogame development efforts,... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 16, 2012
Hulu Launches New Original Programming
Los Angeles-based Hulu said over the weekend that it has launched a new slate of original programming on the site. Hulu said it has launched a new, scripted series called "Battleground", a politics-themed series produced by JD Walsh, Hagai ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 16, 2012
Hulu: $420M In Revenues, 1.5 Million Paying Subscribers
Los Angeles-based Hulu CEO Jason Kilar said Thursday afternoon that the company brought in approximately $420M in revenues in 2011, up 60 percent from 2010, and now has more than 1.5 million paying subscribers to Hulu Plus. According to Kil... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 12, 2012
JewelMint Launches Online Series, National TV Ad Campaign
Santa Monica-based JewelMint, the jewelry service run by former MySpace co-founder Josh Berman and Diego Berdakin, said Thursday that it is launching an online "fashion film" series featuring Kate Bosworth, along with a national television ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 12, 2012
EdgeCast Extends With Telecom Carriers
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast, the content delivery network (CDN) provider, said this morning that it has launched a "Licensed CDN" program, after it successfully built out a production content delivery network for a major carrier, and signed... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 9, 2012
NMA Group Sold To Corbis
Los Angeles-based NMA Group, which provides product placement into movies and television shows for electronics and other firms, is being acquired by Corbis, the digital media licensing firm owned by Microsoft founder Bill Gates. Financial t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 9, 2012
Wemo Media Gets $2M For TheBlu
Los Angeles-based Wemo Media, the company led by Neville Spiteri which is developing the interactive ocean environment TheBlu, said today that it has raised $2M in a seed funding round for the firm. The firm did not announce the investors i... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 9, 2012
HitFix Snags VP From The Hollywood Reporter
Los Angeles-based film, TV, and entertainment site HitFix said today that it has snagged the former General Manager for Digital for The Hollywood Reporter, Alex Boyce, as its new Senior Vice President of Business Development and Strategy. B... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 9, 2012
Insights and Opinions: Punk Rock Circa 2012
For this morning's Insights and Opinions section, where we feature useful and interesting articles from the community, investment banker Megan Lisa Jones talks about why today's world of content is like the Punk Rock revolution. Or... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Online Holiday Sales Up 15 Percent, Hit $35.3 Billion
Online holiday sales this year were up 15 percent, hitting $35.3 billion, according to the latest tracking by Internet metrics firm comScore. comScore said that the e-commerce spending for the first 56 days of the holiday season was helped ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 28, 2011
Fandango Adds PayPal To iPhone, Android Apps
Los Angeles-based Fandango said Wednesday that it has added support for PayPal on its iPhone and Android apps. Fandango's apps provide movie showtimes, information, and ability to purchase tickets from a mobile phone. Fandango said that cur... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Interview with Cliff Boro, KidZui
Last week, San Diego-based Kidzui --the kid's website and kid-friendly browser developer, announced another round of funding, and also launched Zui Studios, a new effort to create original content for the portal. We thought it would be inte... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 19, 2011
Double Fusion Acquires NeoEdge Networks
Santa Monica-based Double Fusion, which operates an in-game advertising network, said Wednesday that it has acquired NeoEdge Networks, a social and casual in-game advertising firm. Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. Doub... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
KidZui Lands $2.4M More, Launches Original Video Efforts
San Diego-based KidZui, the developer of a service which provides kid-safe content via a search engine and browser, announced this morning that it has raised $2.4M in new funding, and will start creating its own, original video content. The... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Legend3D Scores $19M
San Diego-based Legend3d, a developer of 2D to 3D movie conversion technology, has raised $19M in a Series E funding round. The firm said the round was led by Northwater Capital Management, and also included prior investors PAR Investment P... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Hulu Launches Spanish Language Programming
Los Angeles-based Hulu reported this morning that it has launched its Spanish language programming service, "Hulu Latino", offering up Spanish language programs from Univision, Azteca America, Butaca, Caracol Televisión, Comarex, Estrella T... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 13, 2011
Machinima, THQ Team To Promote Nexuiz
Machinima, the Los Angeles animated videogame content developer and publisher, and Agoura Hills-based game developer THQ said today that they have teamed on a new, downloadable shooter game called Nexuiz. The firms said they will publish an... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 12, 2011
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Tops $1 Billion In Sales
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing said this morning that its new title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, has just topped $1 billion in sales. Activision Publishing, which is a subsidiary of Activision Blizzard, said it took only 16 da... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 12, 2011
Hulu Applies Face Matching To Shows
Have you ever wondered what the name of that actor is on your favorite show? Los Angeles-based Hulu has just rolled out a unique feature to the video streaming service today, saying that it is applying facial recognition techniques which wi... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 8, 2011
Deca's KinCommunity Debuts On YouTube
YouTube's foray into professionally produced, video channels has launched today, with the debut of a channel from Los Angeles-based Deca, called KinCommunity. Deca launched KinCommunity, and online, women's lifestyle "channel" featuring foo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 6, 2011
RealD Lands Chinese Theater Chain
Los Angeles-based RealD, which provides 3D movie projection technology, said over the weekend that it has inked a deal with Chinese language film producer and distributor Mei Ah Entertainment Group Limited (MAEG), to install its 3D technolo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 5, 2011
RealD Wins Another Museum
Los Angeles-based RealD is reporting another large format, museum theater win today, this time with The Wildlife Experience, a museum focused on the world's wildlife and ecosystems based in Parker, Colorado. Financial details of the win wer... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 1, 2011
Sweety High Launches Site for Tween Girls
Sweety High, a new startup based in Manhattan Beach, is hoping to reach tween girls with its new social gaming and entertainment site, saying this week that it has launched out of private beta. The site says it is hoping to create a social ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Sonos Upgrades Software
Santa Barbara-based Sonos, the maker of the user-friendly, multi-room wireless music systems, has upgraded its product, saying it now supports Android tablets, Slacker Radio, new features on Spotify, in addition to a number of other improve... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 30, 2011
Fandango Sees Boost From Mobile Ticket Sales
Los Angeles-based Fandango, the online movie ticket and entertainment site, reported Tuesday that it is seeing a surge in sales of tickets via mobile phone. The firm said it saw a 60 percent, year-over-year increase in Thanksgiving holiday ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Nami Media Acquired By TV Broadcaster
Los Angeles-based Nami Media, a provider of online advertising technology, has been acquired by Providence, Rhode Island-based LIN TV Corp., a publicly traded operator of 32 broadcast television systems. According to LIN TV, it has acquired... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Slacker Launches New Stations With ABC
San Diego-based personalized Internet radio service Slacker has teamed with ABC, to expand out its content, the firm said today. According to the company, it has launched new "Lifestyle" stations, covering things such as healthy living, rel... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Interview with Neville Spiteri, TheBlu
Neville Spiteri is co-founder of Venice-based WEMO Media (www.wemomedia.com), a new, digital studio whose flagship product is TheBlu (www.theblu.com) an online, interactive experience focused on the world's oceans. WEMO Media is an intere... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 28, 2011
Paramount Sends Mission Impossible To Facebook
Los Angeles-based Paramount Pictures said Tuesday that it is making its entire line of Mission: Impossible movies available on Facebook. Paramount said that Mission: Impossible, Mission: Impossible II and Mission: Impossible III will all be... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2011
Call of Duty Elite Hits One Million Members
Santa Monica-based Activision reports that its Call of Duty Elite online networking service for players of Call of Duty has hit one million memberships, just six days after launch. The service--launched in conjunction with Call of Duty: Mod... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 22, 2011
ContentNext Up For Sale
Guardian News & Media, the firm behind web publisher ContentNext, is in discussions with potential buyers about a possible sale, according to a report from the firm's own site, paidContent. ContentNext--which had been founded by Rafat Ali i... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 21, 2011
GotCast Debuts Holiday Gift Package
Los Angeles-based GotCast, the online talent casting service, said today that it is offering up a new holiday gift package for its members and others. The offering--the first foray into added services for the site--will provide professional... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 21, 2011
Interview with Sara Bordo, NowLive
Despite the proximity to Hollywood and the entertainment world, in the world of Southern California startups, actually combining the two world is quite difficult. NowLive is trying to do just that, leveraging both technology and the enterta... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Tops $775M In Sales
Santa Monica-based Activision reports this morning that sales of its latest Call of Duty title, Modern Warfare 3, have topped $775M worldwide, in what it says is its record setting five day worldwide sell through. The firm said the sales to... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Warner In Deal With Amazon's LOVEFiLM
Burbank-based Warner Bros. said today that it has signed a major, multi-year film distribution agreement with LOVEFiLM, the online DVD and game rental service owned by Amazon.com. According to the two, the deal will provide access to Warner... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 17, 2011
Google Launches Music Service
Throwing its hat into the streaming music market, Internet giant Google announced a new service, Google Music, today in Los Angeles. At a special event in Los Angeles, Google said its new service is an outgrowth of its Google Music Beta clo... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 16, 2011
StockTwits In Canadian Distribution Deal
San Diego-based StockTwits, the stock-focused micro messaging and discussion startup headed by Howard Lindzon, announced today that it has inked a distribution partnership with Canadian newspaper The Globe and Mail. StockTwits said that the... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 14, 2011
Walt Disney Buys Mommy Blogger Empire Babble
Burbank-based Disney said this morning that it has acquired Babble Media, Inc., an online site features over 200 "mom bloggers". Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Disney said that Babble will become part of the Disney Intera... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 14, 2011
Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 Hits $400M In Sales in 24 Hours
Santa Monica-based Activision reported Friday that it had an estimated sell through of more than $400M on its new title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3, in the first 24 hours of its release. The firm said it sold more than 6.5 million units... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 11, 2011
Funny or Die Launches Political Website
Los Angeles-based Funny or Die, the comedy video site started by Will Ferrell, has launched itself into the political arena today with a new, election-focused website. On its new Live Funny or Die section of the site, the video and comedy s... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Mention Mobile Scores Funding From Mark Cuban
Los Angeles-based Mentoin Mobile, a developer of social gaming apps, said this morning that it has scored $250,000 in funding from Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban. Mention Mobile said that Cuban gains a minority equity stake in the firm. ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Released
Santa Monica-based videogame maker Activision said today that it has officially released its latest title, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3. The sequel to its popular Call of Duty war games has hit retail stores at midnight. The new title was... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Demand Media Increases Revenues, Posts Loss
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, announced its third quarter 2011 financial results on Monday, saying that it had a loss from operations of $3.3M, with a rise in revenues to $81.5M. R... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 7, 2011
Warner Brothers Interactive Cuts Staff In Seattle
Burbank-based Warner Brothers Interactive has chopped 60 people in its Seattle game studios, according to a report from Joystiq, which confirmed the cuts with Warner Brothers. It's unclear if Warner Brothers Interactive had cut any other po... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 7, 2011
Disney, YouTube Link In Original Video Effort
Glendale-based Disney Interactive Media and online video sharing site YouTube, which is part of Google, announced today that they are spending up to $15M on developing original videos series for the web. The content will be produced by Disn... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 7, 2011
Lumeo Launches Pro Video Learning Site
Santa Monica-based Lumeo, a new startup aimed at helping members learn how to shoot professional videos, said today that it has launched its service. The new site allows users to watch videos and learn from professionals, via short video tu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 1, 2011
YouTube's New Content Partners A Who's Who Of SoCal Startups
Not suprisingly, the announcement by YouTube late Friday of a new initiative to provide original content programming channels on the site was a who's who of Southern California content and media startups. Among the list of dozens of partner... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 31, 2011
Disney-ABC, Netflix Extend Streaming Deal
Burbank-based Disney-ABC Television Group and DVD rental and video streaming business Netflix said this morning that the two have extended an existing, licensing agreement. The two said that the deal will allow Netflix to continue to stream... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 31, 2011
NetDNA Chops Pricing, Takes On Amazon CloudFront
Los Angeles-based content delivery network (CDN) provider NetDNA said today that it has chopped its pricing and is restructuring its business model, aiming at taking on competing services as Amazon CloudFront. The CDN provider said it is ch... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 31, 2011
Hulu Inks Deal With The CW
Los Angeles-based Hulu said Friday that it has inked a deal with The CW, the stream the current season of shows from the network on both Hulu and Hulu Plus. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. The CW is a network which targets... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 28, 2011
iStoryTime Launches Puss In Boots for iPhone, iPad
Santa Barbara-based zuuka, the publisher of the iStoryTime line of interactive children's books for the iPhone and iPad, said today that it has launched the Puss In Boots Movie Storybook, an interactive book for the iPhone, iPod touch, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 28, 2011
Fastpoint Games Seeks Buyer, Winds Down Site
Los Angeles-baaed Fastpoint Games, the online fantasy game development shop headed by Kelly Perdew, is winding down its website, according to a notice on the firm's site, and is now looking for a buyer. According to the notice on the site, ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 27, 2011
Hulu Rolls Out On Sony BRAVIA, PS3 In Japan
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online television and film streaming site, has expanded its distribution in Japan, via a deal with Sony. According to Hulu, it has launched on Sony BRAVIA HDTV and Sony's PlayStation 3 gaming consoles, as the fir... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Vuguru, Stan Lee's POW! Entertainment Tie On Digital Content Deal
Beverly Hills-based Vuguru, the online digital content production studio run by Michael Eisner, and POW! Entertainment, the entertainment and multimedia firm headed by comic book legend Stan Lee, said today that two have inked a deal to pro... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Internet Brands Buys Five Auto Websites
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands is continuing its domain acquisition streak, saying Tuesday that it has acquired five, new enthusiast websites. Internet Brands said it has acquired 5series.net, CobaltSS.net, gtr.co.uk, DieselTruckResource... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
TrueCar Sets Up In-House Studio
Santa Monica-based TrueCar, the online auto pricing and buying service headed by Scott Painter, said today that it has set up its own, in-house broadcasting studio, to allow its experts to provide live and taped interviews. The firm said th... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Report: Trion World, Backed By Rustic Canyon, Planning IPO
One of the portfolio firms of Los Angeles-based venture capital firm Rustic Canyon, Trion World Network, is reportedly prepping for an IPO, according to reports over the weekend. According to an interview with CEO Lars Butler, the online ga... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 24, 2011
Hulu Plus Heads To Nintendo 3DS
Los Angeles-based Hulu is continuing to expand the distribution of its premium, Hulu Plus service today, as Nintendo announced that it will be bringing the service to the Nintendo 3DS and Wii. According to Nintendo, it will be adding Hulu P... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 21, 2011
Evolve Media Buys BabyandBump.com
Los Angeles-based Evolve Media Corp., the online media company that owns AtomicsOnline, Gorilla Nation, and SheKnows, continues to expand its empire, saying this morning that it has acquired pregnancy community BabyandBump.com. Evolve Media... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 21, 2011
VIZIO Launches Free Hulu Plus Offer
Irvine-based VIZIO is dangling three free months of Los Angeles-based Hulu's premium service, Hulu Plus, to its tablet owners, the firm said today. VIZIO said it will provide three free months of Hulu Plus subscriptions to both current and ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 20, 2011
Border Stylo Launches Trivia Game
Los Angeles-based Border Stylo is extending its lineup of mobile apps, with its first social gaming title, the firm announced this morning. The firm said its new game, Trivia Together, a trivia game for the iPhone which integrates Facebook,... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
GRP Invests In Treehouse
Los Angeles-based GRP Partners, has invested in UK-based TreeHouse, an online, video-focused site for helping users learn web design and development. Other investors in the firm include Kevin Rose, Reid Hoffman, David Sze, Josh Elman, and C... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
RealD Names Operations VP
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, said today that it has named Leo Bannon as its Executive Vice President, Global Operations. Bannon was most recently at Arisawa Manufacturing Co., and had previously ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Interview with Sam Rogoway, Near Networks
Do you remember those cheesy, late night local television commercials you used to watch (before you got Tivo?) Wondering how, as a small business, you can reach customers in the YouTube age? Well, Los Angeles based Near Networks (www.nearne... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 14, 2011
Hulu Aborts Sale Plans
The owners of Los Angeles-based video site Hulu have dropped plans to sell the business, according to a statement released by Hulu late Thursday evening. According to News Corporation, Providence Equity Partners, The Walt Disney Company, an... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 14, 2011
Netflix Drops Qwikster Plans
Online video streaming service Netflix, in a dramatic reversal, said this morning that it will not be splitting the company into two, and will continue to offer both DVDs by mail and streaming movies. In a statement, the firm said it "moved... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 10, 2011
Hulu Inks Deal With Univision
Los Angeles-based Hulu is reporting today that it has inked a deal with Univision, to carry "hundreds of hours" of Spanish language novelas and other content to the video streaming site. Financial details of the deal between Hulu and Univis... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 5, 2011
RealD Drops As Sony Balks At 3D Glasses Cost
Los Angeles-based RealD was buffeted in the markets on Wednesday, after it was revealed that Sony is looking to shift the cost of RealD's 3D glasses to theater owners. Sony Pictures Entertainment told theater owners this week that it will n... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
GotCast Goes To The Dogs
Santa Monica-based GotCast is used to connecting wanna-be actors, models, and other talent with producers and other opportunities for fame and fortune. However, the site hasn't spent much time on our four legged friends--until now. The comp... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
THQ Gains Credit Facility
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ today said it has entered into a new credit facility with Wells Fargo Capital Finance, worth up to $50M for working capital, plus increases to $75M during peak sales periods. The credit facility replac... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Breitbart Raises $10M
Los Angeles-based Breitbart.com, the sometimes-controversial publisher of a network of online news sites, has raised $10M in a funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm Tuesday. The filing did not indicate the source of fu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
RealD Eyed As Takeover Target
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, was suggested as a takeover target Tuesday by Merriman Capital analyst Eric Wold Tuesday, sparking a jump in RealD's stock price. Wold suggested that the firm--whose s... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Livestrong.com Launches Redesign Of Site
Santa Monica-based LIVESTRONG.com, the health and fitness site run by Demand Media, is launching a redesign of the site today, splitting content into verticals focused on men and women. In an interview, Dan Brien, General Manager of the sit... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
HitFix Hits Android
Los Angeles-based HitFix, the entertainment news publisher headed by Jen Sargent, said today that it has launched its first Android app, called Find Your Fix. According to HitFix, the new app ap=llows users to access its event calendar, acc... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 27, 2011
Twentieth Century Fox Inks Deal With Amazon
Twentieth Century Fox has inked another streaming media deal, this time with Amazon.com. Amazon.com said this morning that it has licensed a selection of Twentieth Century Fox's movies and TV shows to stream to its Amazon Prime customers. F... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 26, 2011
Edmunds.com Updates Android App
Santa Monica-based Edmunds.com, a provider of online car pricing information and other automotive content, said Friday that it has updated its Android application. The company said the app now includes used car pricing information, and allo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 26, 2011
Hulu Connects With Facebook
Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu was one of the many firms announcing new Facebook application yesterday at Facebook's F8 conference. According to Hulu, its new Hulu on Facebook app integrates Hulu with Faceboook, to make watchin... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 23, 2011
Slacker Launches New Facebook App
Among the dozens of companies announcing new Facebook applications at Facebook's F8 Developer Conference today was San Diego-based Slacker, the personalized music and Internet radio operator. Slacker said it has launched a new social app ca... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 22, 2011
GotCast Powers Cosmetics Casting Call
Santa Monica-based GotCast reports today that it is powering a casting call for cosmetics line Smoak, to help that firm find a co-star of its next campaign. GotCast, which offers up an online platform to find talent and models, did not anno... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 22, 2011
Hulu Extends Android Rollout
Los Angeles-based streaming media site Hulu said last night that it has extended its Hulu Plus Android app to run on nine more devices. The firm said its app now runs on eight more Android phones, including the Motorola Droid Bionic, Motoro... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 21, 2011
UberMedia Powers App For The Economist Group
Pasadena-based UberMedia, the developer of Twitter client applications, said Thursday that it has partnered with the publisher of The Economist to power a new desktop application and curated channel Idea People Media, The Economist Group's ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 15, 2011
Mefeedia Adds Vevo
Burbank-based MeFeedia, the online video guide suite, said today that it has added video site Vevo as its newest content provider. MeFeedia did not disclose any business terms between the companies, but said that Vevo's music videos and new... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
HitFix Partners With Entertainment Blog
Los Angeles-based HitFix, the entertainment news site headed by Jennifer Sargent and backed by angel groups the Tech Coast Angels and Golden Seeds, said today that it is in a strategic partnership with film and awards blog In Contention. Ex... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Calacanis: Yahoo Should Buy Mahalo For $150M
How much is Santa Monica-based Mahalo worth? According to Jason Calacanis, in a blog post, $75M to $150M. In a list of 10 acquisitions he suggested Yahoo make "on day one", Calacanis--not one to shy from self promotion--said that Yahoo coul... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Row 44 Inks In-flight Video-On-Demand Deal
Westlake Village-based Row 44, the developer of in-flight wireless broadband access equipment, has inked a deal to stream in-flight video on demand from Disney, Warner Bros., Universal, and Twentieth Century FOX, the firm said Monday. Accor... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 12, 2011
GameSalad Powers Indian Anti-Corruption Takeoff Of Angry Birds
Los Angeles- and Austin-based GameSalad, the iOS game creation software firm founded by Michael Agustin, Dan Treiman, Tan Tran, and Joshua Seaver, has an unlikely hand in the anti-corruption issues facing the country of India, and Indian ac... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 1, 2011
JibJab Launches Kids Books Line
Venice-based JibJab, the online entertainment site known for its humorous animated videos, has expanded into the children's book market, saying this week that it has launched a new brand which will create interactive children's books. JibJa... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hulu Launches In Japan
Los Angeles-based Hulu said late Wednesday that it has officially launched its subscription services in Japan, the first international launch for the company. Hulu said that its Japanese service has secured licensing deals with CBS, NBCUniv... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 1, 2011
Row 44 Inks In-Flight, MLB Streaming Deal
Westlake Village-based Row 44, the supplier of in-flight entertainment and broadband equipment to the airline industry, said Tuesday that it has partnered with MLB Advanced Media, to deliver live streaming video and audio in-flight. Row 44 ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
EdgeCast Joins Google, Others On DNS Effort
Santa Monica-based content deliver network provider EdgeCast Networks said today that it has joined with OpenDNS and Google, as well as a number of other CDNs, to speed up the handling of domain name system (DNS) request on the Internet. Ac... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Dreamworks In Online Distribution Deal In China
Glendale-based Dreamworks Animation SKG said today that it has inked its first, online distribution agreement ever in China, to distribute its KungFu Panda films in Mainland China via Internet TV firm Youku.com. DreamWorks said the deal wil... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 29, 2011
RealD, Disney In Lion King 3D Glasses Promotion
Los Angeles-based 3D movie technology provider RealD, and Walt Disney Pictures said today that the two are in an effort to provide limited edition 3D glasses in conjunction with the 3D release of "The Lion King". The two said they are provi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 26, 2011
Funny or Die Partners With Klout
Los Angeles-based Funny Or Die, the online comedy video site, and social media influence site Klout said Wednesday that they are in a strategic partnership. According to the two, Funny or Die has become the exclusive comedy publisher offeri... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 25, 2011
3ality Digital Buys Element Technica
Burbank-based 3ality Digital, the provider of 3D production technology and services, said Wednesday that it has acquired Element Technica, a manufacturer of motorized 3D camera rigs. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. 3a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
VIZIO Ties Tablet To Hulu Plus
Irvine-based VIZIO, the maker of LCD HDTVs and other electronics products, said today that it has linked its new VIZIO 8" Tablet with the Hulu Plus subscription service. VIZIO said its tablet can now stream TV and film content from Hulu's p... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 24, 2011
Demand Media Spends $707K On Spanish Language Firm
Santa Monica-based Demand Media has issued $707,254 in stock as part of the acquisition of a company, according to a regulatory filing from the firm Monday. According to the filing, the firm issued $707,254 in equity, in conjunction with a ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 22, 2011
Machinima, Demand Media, Maker Studios Among Top YouTube Channels
A new analysis of the most popular, YouTube channels, shows that the Los Angeles area continues to lead the world in content production, even as the medium shifts to the web. According to a new report from comScore, measuring the popularity... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 22, 2011
Interview with Graham Farrar, iStoryTime
Earlier this month, Santa Barbara-based zuuka Group, the publisher behind the iStoryTime (www.istorytimeapp.com) line of children's books on the iPhone, announced a first round of funding. We thought it would be interesting to hear from co-... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 18, 2011
Hulu Debuts A Day In The Life
Los Angeles-based Hulu has debuted its first, long form, original content effort, A Day In The Life from Morgan Spurlock today, posting an episode on Richard Branson. Hulu had announced the effort at the beginning of the month. Spurlock is ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Shamrock Capital Invests $25M In Video Licensing Firm
Los Angeles-based private equity firm Shamrock Capital has invested $25M in Thought Equity Motion, a provider of video footage licensing services, Thought Equity Motion said today. Shamrock focuses on investment in the media, entertainment,... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 16, 2011
Hulu Plans Launch In Japan
Los Angeles-based Hulu said Wednesday that it is planning to head to Japan, in the first international launch of the video service. According to Hulu's SVP of International, Johannes Larcher, the service plans to launch a subscription offer... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Demand Media Buys Two Firms, Renews Google Ad Deal
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing empire run by Richard Rosenblatt, said Tuesday afternoon that it has acquired two companies, plus renewed a deal with Google. According to Demand Media, it acquired IndieClick, a Los An... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
MovieClips Gets $7M, Partners With YouTube
Venice, California-based MOVIECLIPS, the online provider of licensed movie clips headed by Richard Raddon and Zach James, is announcing today that it has scored $7M in a Series B funding round, and also partnered with Google to feature its ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
iStoryTime Gets $2M
Santa Barbara-based zuuka Group, the firm behind the iStoryTime line of mobile children's books, said today that it has raised $2M in a Series A investment round. According to the company, the investment came from Corporate Finance Partners... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Hulu Plus Hits Panasonic TVs
Los Angeles-based Hulu said Monday that its Hulu Plus service has launched on Panasonic TVs and Blu-ray Players. The company said its Hulu Plus service will be available to any of its subscribers, who pay $7.99 a month for access to the ser... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 8, 2011
Break Media, Reveille Link On New Original Series
Los Angeles-based Break Media and production firm Reveille, the company behind The Office and The Biggest Loser, said Monday that the two have inked a development deal. The two companies said that Reveille will develop a slate of original, ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 8, 2011
Docstoc Ramps Video Content Effort
Santa Monica-based Docstoc, the online business documents site headed by Jason Nazar, has quietly been ramping a video content effort at the site. In a new section on Docstoc's web site, the firm has been sharing dozens of video segments fe... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 8, 2011
PopTent Powers Crowdsourced Video Contest For HomeAway
Los Angeles-based Poptent, which operates an online site focused on crowdsourcing commercials and videos for brands and advertisers, is powering a new effort from home rentals marketplace HomeAway. HomeAway said this week that it is partner... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 5, 2011
GotCast Powers Sony's The Tester Casting Call
Santa Monica-based GotCast is again powering the online casting call for Season 3 of Sony Computer Entertainment's "The Tester" reality series. The series--geared around video game testing--has contestants competing for a production job in ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 4, 2011
Twentieth Century Fox In Angry Birds Plush Toys Deal
Fans of the popular smartphone game Angry Birds, developed by videogame maker Rovio, can indulge their passion for the game through a new line of plush, stuffed toys, according to Century City-based Twentieth Century Fox this week. Twentiet... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Hulu Rolls Out Documentary Series
Los Angeles-based Hulu is rolling out its first, long-form, original content series, the firm said today, with a new documentary series, "A Day in the Life" from filmmaker Morgan Spurlock. Hulu said the series will include episodes feature ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 3, 2011
RealD Adds 1,000 Screens At AMC Entertainment
Los Angeles-based 3D movie projection technology provider RealD has inked an agreement to expand the number of 3D screens at AMC Entertainment by a thousand screens, the firms said Thursday. According to RealD, it will equip up to 1,000 add... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 28, 2011
THQ Sets Deepak Chopra Title Release
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ is diverging from the usual, first-person-shooter and action games genre with its latest title, saying Monday that it will be publishing a new title from author Deepak Chopra. THQ said that the new tit... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 25, 2011
Livestrong.com Trumpets Apps Milestone
Santa Monica-based LIVESTRONG.COM, the health and wellness site run by Demand Media, is trumpeting two pieces of app news today. The firm said that 10,000 people have quite smoking using its MyQuit Coach application, a smartphone app to hel... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 25, 2011
EdgeCast Reports Customer, Traffic Growth
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast, the content delivery network provider, is reporting this morning that it now has more than 3,000 customers using its services. The company said it is now carrying 4 percent of global Internet traffic, serving ar... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 25, 2011
Diversion Gets Series B For Social Games
Los Angeles-based Diversion Inc., a developer of social games, said today that it has scored a Series B strategic funding round. Size of the round was not announced. The firm said the investment was led by TomorrowVentures, hearts Corporati... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 22, 2011
Apple Bids For Hulu, Says Report
In the latest rumor swirling around Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu, a number of reports last night say that Apple Computer is now bidding for the firm. The report came from Bloomberg, which cited "two people with knowledge of t... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 22, 2011
RealD Expands Win With Cinemark
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, reports this morning that it has expanded its 3D deal with movie theater operator Cinemark. RealD said it is adding an additional, 1,5000 3D enabled screens for the th... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 21, 2011
Interview with Jennifer Sargent, HitFix
Earlier this month, Los Angeles-based HitFix (www.hitfix.com) an online news site focused on entertainment, announced it had raised $2M in a funding round. The firm's CEO and co-founder, Jennifer Sargent, has an interesting background, mos... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Angry Birds Maker Eyes Hollywood
The latest, videogame firm looking to get into Hollywood looks to be Rovio, the maker of the popular videogame Angry Birds, according to a report today. According to publication Eurogamer, which tracks the video game industry in Europe, Rov... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
JMI Equity Backs BrightLine
San Diego-based private equity firm JMI Equity has backed a provider of marketing services for the interactive TV market. According to New York-based BrightLine, it has scored a strategic growth investment from JMI Equity, with JMI Equity's... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
THQ Revives 80's Cartoon Voltron
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ has announced today that it is reviving 1980's cartoon hero Voltron, in a new video game called Voltron: Defender of the Universe. The firm said it is releasing the game in October on Xbox LIVE Arcade ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Columbia Pictures Taps Into Foursquare For Film Promo
Culver City-based Sony Pictures Entertainment said today that its Columbia Pictures unit it tying the release of its new film, 30 Minutes or Less, into a foursquare promotion. According to Sony, it is using foursquare to create a badge-base... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Hulu Plus Extends On Android
Los Angeles-based video site Hulu said late Wednesday evening that it has extended rollout of its Hulu Plus Android application to four more smartphones. Hulu said it now supports the HTC Evo 4G, HTC ThunderBolt, HTC myTouch 4G and G2 with ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 14, 2011
StockTwits Inks Deal with Bing
San Diego-based StockTwits, the finance discussion and microblogging site headed by Howard Lindzon, has inked a deal with Microsoft's search engine, Bing, the power parts of the search engine's Bing Finance site. According to Microsoft, it ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Break Media, Scripped.com Name Contest Winner
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online digital video site run by Keith Richman, and Scripped.com, the online screenwriting site headed by Sunil Rajaraman, have named a winner in a contest sponsored by the two companies. According to the ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 11, 2011
Internet Brands Buys Two Women's Sites From eHarmony
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands said Monday that it has acquired two web sites aimed at women, Weddingbee.com, and JustMommies.com from Pasadena-based eHarmony. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Weddingbee is an onlin... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 11, 2011
King.com Launches New Android Game
Los Angeles- and London-based King.com, the mobile and social games developer, said this week that it has launched a new Android game called Miner Speed. The game is already available on Facebook, King's own game portal, and Apple iOS. The ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 8, 2011
HitFix Adds $2M
Los Angeles-based HitFix, an online entertainment news site, announced today that it has closed on a $2M investment round. The new round was led by Golden Seeds, and also included prior investors the Tech Coast Angels. The company said it w... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 7, 2011
Hulu Approaching 1M Hulu Plus Subscribers
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online video streaming site headed by Jason Kilar, released some detailed subscriber numbers Wednesday, as the firm continued to be . According to the firm, it is approaching 1 million paying subscribers to its H... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Google Reportedly In Talks To Buy Hulu
A report Friday from the Los Angeles Times says that Google is in preliminary talks to buy Los Angeles-based Hulu. According to the LA Times--citing "people familiar with the situtation"--Hulu has also been shopped to Microsoft Corp. and Ya... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 1, 2011
Avalon Ventures, Jeffrey Katzenberg To Benefit From Zynga IPO
San Francisco-based social games maker Zynga, the firm behind the popular FarmVille Facebook game, filed for an IPO Friday, with several Southern California investors potentially beneficiaries of any future IPO success. According to Zynga, ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 1, 2011
Interview with Howard Marks, Gamzee
Earlier this month, Los Angeles-based Gamzee (www.gamzee.com), a new game company founded by Howard Marks, the co-founder of Activision and Acclaim Games, announced a seed round of funding. We caught up with Howard to hear about what Gamz... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 30, 2011
Justin Timberlake Backs Myspace Acquisition
Irvine-based Specific Media, the Internet advertising network run by Tim Vanderhook, has released further details on the company's acquisition of Myspace, saying that Justin Timberlake is taking an ownership stake and major role in the acqu... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Demand Media Partners With REI
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing empire run by Richard Rosenblatt, has inked a partnership with outdoor retailer REI. The companies announced the deal today. According to the two, they are in a three-year partnership, ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 29, 2011
MindJolt's SGN Launches New Game
Los Angeles-based MindJolt, the social gaming firm run by former MySpace founder Chris DeWolfe, said today that SGN, its newly acquired mobile, social gaming business, has released its first title since being acquired by the company in Apri... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 24, 2011
Hulu Plus Hits Android
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the web video site, said Thursday that it has rolled out its Hulu Plus application on Android. Hulu said the Hulu Plus application will run on six phones, including the Nexus One, Nexus S, HTC Inspire 4G, Motorola Dr... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011
Report: Hulu Retains Morgan Stanley, Guggenheim In Sale
Further details on the potential sale of Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu continue to emerge, with the firm reportedly retaining investment bankers Morgan Stanley and Guggenheim Partners to represent it in a sale. The names of th... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 23, 2011
MindJolt Names Mobile Development Head
Los Angeles-based MindJolt, the social gaming firm headed by former MySpace founder Chris DeWolfe, announced this morning that it has hired Ulf Waschbusch as head of its internal social mobile game development. Ulf was most recently Chief P... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Report: Hulu Up For Sale
A number of reports Tuesday afternoon says that Santa Monica-based streaming video site Hulu is up for sale. According to the Wall Street Journal, the firm was approached by an unsolicited offer to be acquired. Details on potential buyers h... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2011
AngelVision Eyes Investments In Entertainment, New Media
A new Los Angeles investment group, AngelVision Investors, said this morning that it has launched, and is looking to invest in startup and emerging growth-oriented companies, in the entertainment, marketing and new media. The firm did not s... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Tecca Bolsters Board, Executives
Venice, California-based Tecca, the online and mobile, consumer information and review service backed by Best Buy, said today that it has bolstered its board and added a slew of executives to the company. The firm said it has added Rich Bat... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 16, 2011
Hulu Plus Gets South Park
South Park, the animated TV series created by Trek Parker and Matt Stone, has inked a deal with Los Angeles-based streaming video site Hulu, to feature nearly every episode of South Park on Hulu Plus. According to Hulu, Hulu Plus subscriber... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
King.com Snags VP From Bebo
Los Angeles-based social and casual games firm King.com said today that it has bolstered its executive team, adding Mark Charkin as Executive Vice President of Global Business Development and Ad Sales. Charkin is based in King.com's London ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Interview with Eric Frankel, StarGreetz
Last week, Los Angeles-based StarGreetz (www.stargreetz.com) debuted its celebrity-powered, personalized message service to the public, allowing both brands and artists to send highly personalized messages to their fans. We caught up with C... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
StarGreetz Powers Syracuse University
Los Angeles-based StarGreetz, the personalized, celebrity video messaging startup headed by Eric Frankel, said this morning that it has signed on the S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. According to the sc... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Car Town Links With NASCAR
Car Town, the automotive-themed, Facebook social game developed by Long Beach-based Cie Games, has inked a deal with NASCAR, where NASCAR will launch the NASCAR Pro Championship presented by Sprint, a social gaming event within Car Town. Ac... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 13, 2011
Break Media Ties With Zachary Levi on "Nerd HQ"
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online video content publisher, said today that it has partnered with actor Zachari Levi, on a set of original videos and events. According to Break, it will product three, original videos starring Levi, a... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 10, 2011
EdgeCast Launches File Distribution Software
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast Networks said Thursday that it has launched a new, file distribution product called Download Manager. The new software--aimed at software developers, including desktop games and antivirus software firms--makes it... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 9, 2011
MovieClips Gains $6.0M More
Santa Monica-based MovieClips, which provides access to a collection of license movie clips from major studios, has raised $6.0M out of an ongoing, $7.0M funding round. The funding was revealed via a regulatory filing Thursday. No details o... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 9, 2011
WebVisible Ties With Publisher Media General
Los Angeles-based WebVisible, which helps small and medium sized businesses place online advertising, said this week that it has inked a deal with newspaper and television publisher Media General. According to WebVisible, the partnership wi... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 9, 2011
Paramount Promotes Super 8 With Twitter
Paramount Pictures has kicked off a promotion of the upcoming movie SUPER 8 with Twitter, the two announced today, by running a special sneak preview promotion only available to Twitter users. According to Paramount, Twitter users will be a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Gaikai Boosts UI Chops
Los Angeles-based cloud streaming firm Gaikai has bolstered its creative side, saying today that it has hired Brendan Iribe as its Chief Creative Officer and Senior Vice President of User Experience. Iribe was previously the co-founder, Pre... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 6, 2011
TopSpin Ties For Facebook Ecommerce
Los Angeles-based TopSpin Media has inked a deal with Facebook music page application provider RootMusic, to offer up an e-commerce app for musicians on the popular social networking site. According to the two, the deal will allow artists t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 6, 2011
Gaikai Powers Game Site
Los Angeles-based Gaikai, the cloud-based game streaming service backed by Benchmark Capital, TriplePoint Capital, Rustic Canyon Partners, Limelight Networks and Intel Capital, said Thursday that it is powering a game site, "The Escapist". ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 3, 2011
Border Stylo's Glass Hits Safari
Los Angeles-bsaed Border Stylo, the developer of web content sharing software headed by Oscar Guido, said today that it has launched its Glass application on the Safari browser. Glass is the firm's browser add-on which allows users to share... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Sony Plans PlayStaton Network Restoration Today
Sony said today that it expects to begin full restoration of its PlayStation Network services starting today, in the Americas, Europe, and Asia, excluding Japan, Hong Kong, and South Korea. The firm also said it expects to resume its Music ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Cie Games Names COO
Long Beach-based Cie Games, the social games developer behind Car Town for Facebook, said today that it has named Carey D'Souza as its new Chief Operating Officer. D'Souza was most recently at online games maker Nexon America, and also has ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 2, 2011
Hulu Debuts Miramax Films On Hulu Plus
Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu said this morning that it has debuted 27 titles from Miramax on its Hulu Plus service, after inking a deal to include "hundreds" of Miramax films through the site's premium services. According to ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Qualcomm Expands Flash Support, Pushes Games
San Diego-based Qualcomm said today that it has expanded its support of Adobe Flash across Qualcomm-enabled smartphones, allowing for video playback of Flash-based content on mid-tier and high end Snapdragon smartphones and tablets. Separat... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Amos Content Group Gets Angel Funding
Santa Monica-based Amos Content Group, a provider of editorial and video content services, said today that it has scored a round of angel funding. The firm, which provides online video creation for such firms as SodaHead, Fox, SPIKE, and ot... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Mad Catz Launches Game Studio
San Diego-based Mad Catz Interactive announced this morning that it has launched a new, game studio, ThunderHawk Studios, which will focus on massively multiplayer, online, flight simulation games. The new studio, also based in San Diego, i... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 31, 2011
JibJab Powers MLB Baseball Campaign
Los Angeles-based JibJab Media, the online, humorous content producer and personalized electronic greeting cards, has inked a deal with MLB Advanced Media, the companies said Thursday. The two said they have partnered on a "Starring You" ca... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 27, 2011
THQ Signs Turtle Rock Studios
Agoura Hills-based videogame publisher THQ said Thursday that it has signed Turtle Rock Studios, a game development studio, for an upcoming, un-named title. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed. Turtle Rock Studios develops the ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 27, 2011
E3 Expo Expected To Boost LA By $25.1M
The upcoming E3 Expo, the tradeshow and convetion focused on the computer and video game industry which is running June 7th through the 9th, is expected to have a $25.1 million impact on Los Angeles. According to LA INC., The Los Angeles Co... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 26, 2011
Ashton Kutcher Backs Airbnb
Actor Acton Kutcher is further extending his influence in the technology world, and has invested in San Francisco startup Airbnb. The Los Angeles actor has made a "significant investment" in Airbnb, an online vacation rental site. Kutcher a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 26, 2011
Mobile Roadie Partners With Rockstar Digital
Los Angeles-based Mobile Roadie, the developer of mobile applications, said this week that it has partnered with digital agency Rockstar Digital. Rockstar Digital helps artists create and manage their digital content, engage with fans, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Break Media Taps Doyle, Subar as CFO, CTO
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online video and content publisher headed by Keith Richman, said today that it has tapped Andrew Doyle as its Chief Financial Officer, and David Subar as Chief Technology Officer. Subar was most recently C... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
THQ Inks Distribution Deal
Agoura Hills-based THQ said Wednesday that it has inked a distribution deal with Codemasters, to distribute four games for that firm. THQ said it will distribute DiRT 3, operation Flashpoint Red River, BODYCOUNT, and F1 2011 for Codemasters... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Ebyline Signs Scripps TV, Adds Audio/Video
Los Angeles-based Ebyline, a startup which helps publishers find and manage freelancers, said today that it has added Scripps Television Station group as a customer, and the addition of audio/video capabilities to the service. The firm said... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Activision Sets Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 Release
Santa Monica-based game publisher Activision said Tuesday that it has set the worldwide release date for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 for November 8th. The new title is being developed by Infinity Ward and Sledgehammer Games.... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Interview with Vic Caretti, Loudvine
Southern California--and particularly, Los Angeles--has always been a center of the music business, which makes it unsurprising that there are many, music-focused startups which end up starting here. One of them is online music events site ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
EQAL Raising $3.5M
Santa Monica-based EQAL, the producer of online content known for LonelyGirl15 and KateModern, is in the midst of raising $3.5M in a funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm Monday. The filing indicates the firm has so fa... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Hulu Plus Bundles With TiVo Premiere
The Hulu Plus, premium subscription offering of Hulu, is now available on the popular Tivo digital video recorder, Tivo said today. According to Tivo, beginning today, Hulu Plus will be available via subscription to Tivo subscribers using t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 23, 2011
Dreamworks Ties With Zynga's Cityville
Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation SKG and social games maker Zynga announced this morning that they are launching the first ever, in-game integration within the CityVille Facebook game. According to the two, the integration comes in conju... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 20, 2011
Evolve Media Buys WholesomeBabyFood.com
Los Angeles-based Evolve Media, the parent firm of Gorilla Nation and AtomicOnline, said this morning that it has acquired WholesomeBabyFood.com, an online site focused on homemade baby food recipes. Financial terms of the acquisition were ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 20, 2011
RealD's Greer Resigns
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, reported Thursday that co-founder Joshua Greer has resigned as President, but will remain on the company's board of directors. Greer and RealD said the move would giv... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 20, 2011
eHow Launches Beauty Video Series
Santa Monica-based eHow, the online advice site owned by Demand Media, said this morning that it has further boosted its content efforts by launching a new video series. The site said its new "Beauty Lab" video series is being hosted by bea... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 19, 2011
Miramax, Netflix Ink Streaming Deal
Santa Monica-based Miramax and video rental service Netflix said today that the two have inked a multi-year agreement, which will allow Netflix members to instantly stream motion pictures from the Miramax film library. Financial details of ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 16, 2011
RealD Inks Technology Deal With Samsung
Los Angeles-based 3D technology provider RealD reported today along with Samsung Electronics, that the two have entered into a license agreement to develop full resolution, 3D panels for the PC and TV market. Financial details of the joint ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 16, 2011
Sony Online Entertainment Restarts Game Services
San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment said over the weekend that it has begun restoring its online game services, after the massive hack of the firm's services. Sony said Saturday that it has begun returning "nearly all" of its portfoli... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 16, 2011
Report: Hulu Near Network Deal
A report today says that Los Angeles-based Hulu is close to inking a new deal with its network owners. According to AllThingsD, the deal will keep programs from NBC, Fox and ABC on the video site. There had been some rumors that the network... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 13, 2011
Anti-AgingGames.com Launches Brain Fitness Site
Los Angeles-based Anti-AgingGames.com, a new startup offering up brain fitness games, has launched today, aiming at healthy people looking to help their memory, concentration, and focus. The site--whose games were designed by Atari founder ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Google Follows MP3tunes With Music Locker Service
Mountain View-based Google has followed the lead of San Diego-based MP3tunes, and debuted its own "music locker" service today at its Google I/O developer conference. Google's new "Music Beta by Google" is only available to a limited number... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
RealGravity Ties With Metacafe
Los Angeles-based RealGravity, which provides online video distribution and syndication, said today that it has partnered with online video sharing site Metacafe. RealGravity said that Metacafe is using its platform to syndicate its short-f... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 10, 2011
YouTube Adds Movie Rentals
Google's online video sharing site YouTube, said today that it has inked a deal to add around 3,000 movie titles for rent through the site, as it looks to broaden its offerings from the amateur, web-based videos its is known for towards mor... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 9, 2011
Stocktwits Inks Content Deal With CNNMoney
San Diego-based Stocktwits, the stock-focused, online social media site headed by Howard Lindzon, has inked a new content deal with CNNMoney, the firm said today. Financial detail fo the deal were not disclosed. According to StockTwits, the... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 9, 2011
Sony To Provide $1M Identity Theft Protection For Users After Attack
Howard Stringer, the CEO of Sony, said in a letter released Friday to Sony's Playstation Network that the firm will provide a $1M identity theft insurance policy per user for its U.S. PlayStation Network and Qrocity customers, after a devas... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 6, 2011
Demand Media Launches Long Form Article Effort
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publisher which runs such sites as eHow.com, typeF.com, and LIVESTRONG.COM, said Thursday afternoon that it is launching a new effort focused on long-form web content. The firm said it is looking ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Demand Media Revenues Up In Q1
Santa Monica-based Demand Media reported its results Thursday, saying that it had a net loss of $5.6 million on revenues of $79.5M. Revenues were up 48 percent compared to the $53.6M in revenues the firm reported in Q1 of 2010. Demand Media... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Loudvine Partners With Eventful
Redondo Beach-based Loudvine, which operates an online service to help artists connect with their fans, told its users today that it has inked a partnership with event listings site Eventful. Loudvine said all of the events on its site will... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 5, 2011
Warner Bros. Buys Flixster
Burbank-based Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group said this morning that it is acquiring Flixster, the movie site which also runs Rotten Tomatoes. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to Warner, both sites will contin... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 4, 2011
DIRECTV, Panasonic Fund 3D Films
El Segundo-based satellite TV operator DIRECTV and consumer electronics firm Panasonic said Tuesday that the two will be funding six 3D films, as part of an effort to train filmmakers on 3D equipment. According to the two, they will fund si... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sony Online Entertainment: 24.6 Million Accounts Stolen
San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment has tallied the number of accounts which have been compromised by hackers on the firm's online game service, saying that it has found that personal information from approximately 24.6 million SOE ac... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
CraveOnline Launches Comedy Channel
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline, an online site focused on male lifestyles, said today that it has launched a new comedy channel. the site said that the comedy channel will provide funny lists, reviews, and interviews, as well as comedy relat... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Sony Online Entertainment: Customer Data Stolen
San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment, the developer of massively multiplayer online games, has provided details of the intrusion on the firm's systems, saying that hackers may have stolen its customer information. Sony--which shut down... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 2, 2011
GotCast Plans Spinoff Website For Social Media Contests
Santa Monica-based GotCast, the online casting site run by Alec Shankman, told its users today that it is gearing up to launch a new, spin-off website for its social media contest platform. GotCast said the platform--MediaBlastr--is the sof... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 2, 2011
Technicolor Backs Video Search Firm
Technicolor, the provider of services to the motion picture, television, and media industry, has backed a North Carolina technology firm developing video search and discovery products. Durham, N.C.-based Digitalsmiths said that it has close... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 27, 2011
Topspin Adds Discounts For Multiple Accounts
Los Angeles-based Topspin, the developer of online marketing and commerce software for musicians and music labels, announced this morning that it is now providing discounted, multiple account software for record labels, marketing agencies, ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 25, 2011
MindJolt Buys Two Firms
Los Angeles- and San Francisco-based online gaming service MindJolt, which is run by MySpace co-founder Chris DeWolfe, has acquired two companies, according to a report today. According to the New York Times, MindJolt has acquired Hallpass ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Demand Media Defends Fiscal Outlook
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, said Sunday that it is reaffirming its financial outlook for fiscal year 2011. The firm said its estimates, provided February 22nd, still stand, despi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 18, 2011
Demand Media Hands Out Big Bonuses
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online content publishing empire of Richard Rosenblatt, has handed out some big bonuses to executives, three months after the firm's successful IPO. According to a regulatory filing from the firm, uncove... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 15, 2011
UberMedia, 50 Cent Launch UberSocial Theme
Pasadena-based UberMedia, the Twitter client applications firm backed by Idealab, said this week that it has rolled out a new, branded "theme" for the firm's UberSocial for BlackBerry application, crafted by music artist 50 Cent. According ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 15, 2011
GeekChicDaily Launches LA Newsletter
Los Angeles-based GeekChicDaily, the pop culture newsletter publisher founded by Peter Y. Levin, Mandalay Entertainment Group CEO, former Sony Pictures Chairman and CEO Peter Guber and Wizard World founder Gareb Shamus, said Thursday that i... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 15, 2011
Edmunds Launches iPhone App
Santa Monica-based Edmunds, the publisher of automotive information, said Thursday that it has launched a new application for the iPhone. Edmunds said its InsideLine.com application for the iPhone provides automotive information and enterta... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 15, 2011
YouTube Sensation Annoying Orange Goes Hollywood
The Annoying Orange, the animated YouTube series, is the latest YouTube sensation to go mainstream in Hollywood, according to a report today. According to Deadline.com, the animated series is being financed by management/production company... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 14, 2011
3ality Digital Gets Funding
Burbank-based 3ality Digital, a developer of 3D production technology and services, has scored a new funding from Clearlake Capital Group. According to Clearlake, it led and sponsored a recapitalization of 3ality, acquiring the majority of ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Avatar's James Cameron Boots Up New 3D Technology Firm
3D filmmaker James Cameron of Avatar fame announced Monday that he has launched a new, technology firm based in Burbank focused on creating 3D technology. According to Cameron, he has launched the CAMERON - PACE Group with fellow 3D technol... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 11, 2011
RealD In Deal With Avid
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, announced this morning that media editing technology firm Avid has licensed its RealD format. financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. RealD said that its tech... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 11, 2011
THQ's RIO Debuts On April 12th
Agoura Hills-based THQ has set the launch date for its new series of videogames based on the RIO movie. The firm said it will debut its new RIO video game on April 12th, on the Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, Wii, and Nintendo DS. THQ and Twentiet... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 11, 2011
GreenScreen Animals Gets Funding, Hires PriceGrabber Exec
Los Angeles-based GreenScreen Animals, a firm developing a library of digital animal footage and stills for Hollywood, announced this morning that it has received a Series A funding round. Size and source of the funding was not announced. A... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 11, 2011
NXTM Finds Funding
Culver City-based NXTM, a company developing social media and e-commerce tools for the music industry, has raised funding, according to lead investor Spring Mountain Capital. Size of the funding round was not disclosed. Spring Mountain Capi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 8, 2011
MySetLife Adds Content From Hollywood Reporter, FilmContact.com
Los Angeles-based MySetLife, developer of an iPhone application that allows filmmakers to network with other industry contacts, and also manage things like invoices, timecards, and more, said Tuesday that it has partnered with the Hollywood... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 6, 2011
Break Media Launches Screenwriting Contest With Scripped
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online content publisher headed by Keith Richman, said today that it has partnered with Scripped.com, an online community for screenwriters, on a new screenwriting contest. Break said the contest will give... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Hulu: Nearly Half A Billion In Revenues in 2011
Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu is set to earn half a billion dollars in revenue this year, according to an update from CEO Jason Kilar posted last night on its company blog. According to Kilar, it did $263M in revenues for all ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Gaikai, Bigfoot Tie On Games Acceleration
Los Angeles-based Gaikai, the developer of cloud-based game streaming services which is venture backed by Benchmark, TriplePoint Capital, Rustic Canyon, and Intel, has tied today with Bigfoot Networks. According to the firms today, the two ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Moriarty Joins Triton Media Group Board
Sean Moriarty, formerly the CEO of Ticketmaster, and currently Entrepreneur in Residence for venture capital firm Mayfield Fund, has joined the board of Los Angeles-based Triton Media Group. Triton is a provider of digital services and tool... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
LIVESTRONG.COM Inks Video Series Deal With Michelob
Santa Monica-based LIVESTRONG.COM and beer brand Michelob, owned by Anheuser-Busch, said Monday that Michelob ULTRA has teamed with LIVESTRONG.COM on a new, original five-part video series. According to the two, the new series will feature ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 4, 2011
Katzenberg Joins Board At Zynga
Jeffrey Katzenberg, the CEO of Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation, has joined social game maker Zynga's board of directors, Zynga said Monday. Zynga is the maker of Farmville, the very popular Facebook game, along with many other titles. ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 4, 2011
THQ Ties With Random House Publishing
Agoura-based THQ, the videogame maker, reported today that it has linked with publisher Random House Publishing Group, where the two will co-develop intellectual property. No financial details of the deal were announced. Random House and TH... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 4, 2011
Hulu's April Fool Joke: 1996 Web Design
Visitors to Los Angeles-based video streaming service Hulu Friday were greeted with a surprise "redesign" of the web site, as part of a Hulu April Fool's gag. Users who logged into Hulu of Friday saw a Geocities-inspired, framed browser vie... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 1, 2011
GotCast Gets More Funding
Santa Monica-based GotCast, the online casting and talent site run by Alec Shankman, told its supporters this morning that it has raised a new round of venture capital funding. In an email, Shankman said that the firm closed a round of addi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 1, 2011
Hulu Updates Roku Software
Los Angeles-based Hulu said last night that it has updated its Hulu Plus on the Roku software. According to Hulu, the updated software adds improved playback reporting, UI tweaks, as well as a number of bug fixes. Roku is a hardware device ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 1, 2011
Sony Online Entertainment Cuts Jobs
San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment, which develops massively multiplayer online games, has made cuts at three of its studios, the firm said Thursday. Sony Online Entertainment said 205 of its staff in Seattle, Denver, and Tucson were... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 31, 2011
BitTorrent Starts Distributing Novel
Peer-to-peer distribution network BitTorrent said Thursday that it has started distributing books through its network, with the free download of a book from Los Angeles author Megan Lisa Jones. BitTorrent said it has made Jones' novel, Capt... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 31, 2011
GameSalad Raises $6M More
Los Angeles- and Austin-based GameSalad, the iPhone creation software firm, has raised $6M in another round of funding, the firm is announcing today. The round was led by Steamboat Ventures, and also included Greycroft Partners, DFJ Mercury... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 31, 2011
Clearstone Backs Games2Win
Santa Monica-based Clearstone Venture Partners has upped its investment in Mumbai, India-based Games2Win, an online developer of casual and other games. According to Games2Win, it has raised $6M in a Series B financing round, which also inc... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 29, 2011
FastSoft Names New Marketing VP
Pasadena-based FastSoft, the developer of content acceleration software and appliances, said today that it has named Jerry Hall as Vice President of Marketing at the firm. Hall was most recently a consultant at Forge Strategic Marketing, an... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 28, 2011
Warner Adds Harry Potter, Inception To Facebook Test
Warner Bros. said over the weekend that it is expanding its test of renting movies on Facebook, adding five new titles to the firms' online social networking rental experiment. According to Warner Bros, it is adding Harry Potter and the Sor... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 28, 2011
SheKnows Launches Social Media Feature
Los Angeles-based SheKnows, the women's media site run by Evolve Media, said this morning that it has launched a new social media, community features for the service. The company said its new SheKnows Connect social media platform connects ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 28, 2011
FastPoint Games Scores With Major League Soccer
Los Angeles-based FastPoint Games, the developer of white label fantasy and other games for sports and entertainment firms which is run by Kelly Perdew, said Thursday that it has delivered two games for Major League Soccer. Financial detail... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011
CitizenGlobal Lands Wiki Inventor As CTO
Venice-based CitizenGlobal, a startup working on crowd-sourced video content, has landed the inventor of the web wiki as Chief Technology Officer. Ward Cunningham, who is known for his creation of the first wiki software, WikiWikiWeb, which... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011
Demand Media Applies Content Strategy To eNom
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the Internet content publishing company run by Richard Rosenblatt, is applying its crowdsourced content model to eNom, the domain name registrar it owns. According to eNom, it has put up a new content portal... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 24, 2011
Demand Media, Getty Images In Licensing Deal
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online content firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt and which runs such sites as LIVESTRONG.com and eHow, said today along with image licensing firm Getty Images, that the two are in a joint licensing deal.... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 23, 2011
MasterImage 3D Gets $15M From Samsung
Hollywood-based MasterImage 3D, a developer of 3D technology tools, announced today that it has raised $15M in a strategic investment from Samsung Ventures. MasterImage said it is developing technology for auto-stereoscopic 3D displays and ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Peer Media Technologies Merges With Bay TSP
Los Angeles-based Peer Media Technologies, the anti-piracy firm which was formerly ArtistDirect, and content tracking and protectiom firm Bay TSP.com said Monday that they have signed an agreement to merge. Peer Media Technologies is headed... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
EdgeCast, Media Temple Team On CDN Service
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast, the content delivery network firm headed by James Segil, and fellow Los Angeles web hosting provider Media Temple, run by Demien Sellfors, are announcing today they are launching a new content delivery network of... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Hulu To Donate $250K In Revenue, Ads To Japan Relief
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online streaming video site for television, movie, and other content, said last night that it is donating $50,000 its revenues plus donating $200,000 in ad inventory toward relief for victims of the Japanese eart... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 18, 2011
Break Adds Greg Siegel As SVP
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online publisher of video content, announced this morning that it has added Greg Siegel as its Senior Vice President, Entertainment Development. Siegel was most recently founder and CEO of VidMe, and also ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011
X Prize Foundation Adds James Cameron To Board
Playa Vista-based X PRIZE Foundation, the group which runs the prize-based innovation competitions, said this week that it has added filmmaker James Cameron to its Board of Trustees. The group--which was behind the Ansari X Prize, which spu... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 17, 2011
THQ Releases Homefront Sales Figures
Agoura Hills-based THQ said Wednesday afternoon that it has shipped approximately 375,000 units of its new Homefront first person shooter in its first day, in north America. THQ's title is set in the u.S. after a fictional invasion by North... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Activision, ABC To Release Wipeout Game
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing and ABC Entertainment Group announced today that they are in a deal to publish a new Kinect for Xbox 360 game based on the show Wipeout. The two said they will release Wipeout In The Zone, based on t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 16, 2011
THQ's Homefront Hits Retailers
Agoura Hills-based THQ said today that its newest gaming title, Homefront, has hit retail stores. The war game--set in the U.S. after an imagined invasion by North Korea--was developed by Kaos Studios, and runs on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, a... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 15, 2011
GotCast To Donate Revenues To Red Cross Relief Effort
Los Angeles-based GotCast.com, the online casting startup headed by Alec Shankman, said that it will donate all of its membership fees tomorrow, Tuesday, March 15th, to the Red Cross. According to the firm, it will donate 100 percent of its... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 14, 2011
ShareSquare Rolls Out SXSW Contest
Los Angeles-based ShareSquare, the QR code startup headed by Matthias Galica, said Friday that it has launched a contest at SXSW. The firm said that it will be tracking all of the scans of its ShareSquare QR codes at SXSW, and will award th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 11, 2011
Topspin Releases Ticket App To App Store
Venice, California-based Topspin Media, the venture backed developer of music marketing software and applications, has released its venue ticketing software to the Apple App store. The app allows music venues to scan paper and smart-phone t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Fourth Wall Studios Gets $15M
Culver City-based Fourth Wall Studios, a firm developing massively multiplayer online games in the virtual reality area, has raised $15M in funding, the firm said Tuesday. The funding comes from LA biotech billionaire Patrick Soon-Shiong. T... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 9, 2011
Sonos Connects To MOG
Santa Barbara-based Sonos, the developer of the user friendly, multi-room, wireless music systems, said today that it has connected up the MOG music service to its products. MOG said it will offer up high quality, 320kbps streamed music to ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Warner Bros. Starts Renting Movies On Facebook
Burbank-based Warner Bros. said Monday that it is beginning to test renting movies via Facebook, using Facebook Credits, allowing consumers to watch movies directly from the social networking site. According to Warner, its first title is Th... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Clicker Acquired By CBS Interactive
Los Angeles-based Clicker.com, the provider of a guide to online video, has been acquired by CBS Interactive, the firms said Friday. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to CBS Interactive, Jim Lanzone, co-founder and C... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 4, 2011
Interview with David Aronchick, Hark
Last week, we talked with Fouad ElNaggar of Redpoint Ventures about some of the interesting companies in Southern California. One of those he mentioned was Hark (www.hark.com), an online site which allows users to find and share sound bites... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011
Demand Media Buys CoveritLive
Santa Monica-based Demand Media said this morning that it has acquired CoveritLive, a developer of a live blogging platform used to provide real time commentary, reader polling, and questions and answers on live events. Financial terms of t... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011
CraveOnline Partners With The Ring
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline, the male lifestyle content site owned by Evolve Media, said today that it has partnered with SEP, Inc, owner of boxing publication The Ring Magazine. CraveOnline said it will create a new boxing site for the p... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 3, 2011
Aggregage Launches Two New Sites
Los Angeles-based Aggregage, the content aggregation and publishing startup headed by Robert Flynn, has launched two new sites, the firm said this week. Aggregage said that it has launched Leadership Digital, a new site focused on leadershi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 2, 2011
J.R. Johnson On Critical Mass and Communities
Today, Lunch.com (www.lunch.com), the startup headed by J.R. Johnson, announced a move to allow other sites to host and show content via a new Lunch Network effort. We caught up with J.R. Johnson, founder and CEO of Lunch to better understa... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Demand Media, Rachel Ray Partner
Los Angeles-based Demand Media, the online publishing firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, along with food and cooking celebrity Rachel Ray, said this morning that they are in a multi-year, exclusive partnership to develop co-branded content ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Paramount, Nickelodeon Tie Into Zynga On Rango
Los Angeles-based Paramount Pictures and Nickelodeon Movies have tied into social gaming giant Zynga, in a cross promotion with the new Rango film, the firms said this morning. According to the firms, they will integrate into a new quest fo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 28, 2011
THQ, Twentieth Century Fox Tie On RIO
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ said today along with Twentieth Century Fox Consumer Products that they are releasing a new set of games based on the recent RIO movie. RIO is set to debut on April 15th. THQ said it will ship the RIO ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 24, 2011
Clearstone Backs CupidsPlay.com
Santa Monica-based venture capital firm Clearstone Ventures has backed a developer of an online social dating and games firm, CupidsPlay. Financial details of the investment were not disclosed. CupidsPlay said it received seed funding from ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Break Media Plans New Video Series
Los Angeles-based Break Media is continuing to roll out new, original video content for the site, saying today that it plans to roll out five new web series on Break.com. Break Media said is launching For the Win, Awesome America, Thinking ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Demand Media Reports Profit
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the internet publishing firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, reported its fourth quarter and fiscal 2010 results today, the first as a public company. Demand Media said it had revenues of $73.6M for Q4 of 2010... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Ashton Kutcher Backs SeatGeek
Actor Ashton Kutcher has backed a New York-based sports, concert, and theater tickets site, SeatGeek, the firm said today. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. The funding also included A Grade investments. SeatGeek helps users f... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Amazon Enters Video Streaming Market
Online retailing giant Amazon.com is joining the online movie and TV streaming market this morning, saying that it has started offering up its Amazon Prime users unlimited, commercial-free, instant streaming of 5,000 movies and TV shows. Am... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 22, 2011
King.com Extends To Facebook
Los Angeles- and London-based online games developer King.com said this morning that it has extended its games system to Facebook. King.com, which develops tournament-based casual games, said the firm is now linking to Facebook, with a set ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 18, 2011
Oakley, RealD Certify 3D Glasses
Foothill Ranch-based sunglasses maker Oakley, and Los Angeles-based 3D technology firm RealD said Wednesday that Oakley's 3D glasses have been certified by RealD. The firms said the official certification means that Oakley's certified glass... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 17, 2011
THQ Revives Korean BBQ Truck
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ has revived its North Korean-themed food truck, the Pyongyang Express, as it gears up for the release of its first person shooter game Homefront. THQ said it will be serving up heavily subsidized food ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Specific Media Bolsters Advisory Board
Irvine-based Specific Media, which operates an Internet advertising network, announced today that it has added three new members to its advisory board. The firm said it has added Larry Goodman, Bill Burke, and Ed McCarrick as advisors to it... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Demand Media, Tyra Banks Announce Fashion Site TypeF
Los Angeles-based online publisher Demand Media and celebrity Tyra Banks said Tuesday that they have officially named the new fashion and beauty site the two are working on together, as TypeF. Demand Media said the new site launches on Marc... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Interview with Jed Simon, FastPay
Last week, Los Angeles-based FastPay (www.fastpaypartners.com) announced a round of funding and its services for providing advanced payment to online publishers, application developers, and game developers. We spoke with Jed Simon the firm'... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Outdoor Channel Buys MyOutdoorTV.com
Temecula-based Outdoor Channel Holdings, the media firm that runs the Outdoor Channel, said today that it has acquired online web site MyOutdoorTV.com, an online site focused on hunting, fishing, and shooting. MyOutdoorTV.com features vides... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Topspin Co-founder Gotcher To Benefit From Pandora IPo
Peter Gotcher, the Chairman and co-founder of Los Angeles-based Topspin Media, looks to reap a big harvest, if Pandora Media pulls off its IPO. Pandora filed for an IPO Friday, saying in a filing with the SEC that it is looking to raise up ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 11, 2011
BUZZMEDIA Buys The Frisky
Los Angeles-based BUZZMEDIA, the publisher of entertainment related blogs and websites, said Friday that it has acquired The Frisky, an entertainment news, celebrity, and fashion site, from Turner Broadcasting Systems. Financial terms of th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 11, 2011
RealD Goes To The Opera
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D theater and movie technology, said this week that it has inked a marketing and promotional deal with Toshiba Corporation around the upcoming feature film Carmen in 3D. RealD said that Toshiba wil... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 11, 2011
CrownPeak Rolls Out Major CMS Software Upgrade
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, the developer of software-as-a-service, web content management tools headed by Jim Howard, said today that it has rolled out a major upgrade to its platform. The firm said it spent nine months on a re-architectu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Topspin Preps Updated iPhone Ticket App
Venice, California-based Topspin, the online music marketing software firm headed by Ian Rogers, said today that it is prepping an update to the firm's iPhone application for ticketing. The software is used by Topspin's customers to scan ti... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 7, 2011
Riot Games Acquired By Tencent
Los Angeles-based Riot Games, the online videogame developer headed by Brandon Beck, said late Friday that Tencent Holdings has acquired a majority stake in the company. Tencent is one of the biggest Internet services providers in China. Fi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 7, 2011
RealD Revenues Rise To $57.8M
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, released its results Thursday, saying its Q3 2011 revenues rose to $57.8M, up 91 percent from Q3 of of 2010, when it reported revenues of $30.2M. The firm had a net G... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 4, 2011
The Colbert Report, Daily Show Return To Hulu
Los Angeles-based online video site Hulu.com said Wednesday evening that it has reached a content partnership with Viacom, which will return "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" and "The Colbert Report" to Hulu. Financial terms of the deal wer... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 2, 2011
GotCast Wins Playboy
Los Angeles-based GotCast, the online casting site run by Alec Shankman, said Wednesday that it has scored a casting by Playboy. According to the firm, it is helping to promote a casting call for Playboy's Miss Social, an effort which inclu... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 2, 2011
United Talent Agency Backs MediaMorph
New York-based MediaMorph, a developer of technology used to track media rights for film, television, games and other publishers, said today that it has inked a strategic deal with Beverly Hills-based United Talent Agency, and also scored $... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Yardi Systems Buys RealTown
Santa Barbara-based Yardi Systems announced Tuesday afternoon that it has acquired San Diego Real Estate Electronic Publishing Company (REEPCO), which operates InternetCrusade, an online site focused on training real estate professionals, a... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Film Fresh Finds $2M In Funding
Los Angeles-based Film Fresh, which operates an online, film download, rental, and purchase service, said this week that it has raised $2M in an equity investment. The firm said the funding came from an unidentified private investment group... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Interview with Robert Flynn, Aggregage
In the quest to own the world of Internet content, there has been a huge amount of focus given to the world of consumer Internet content. However, one area has mostly been ignored, which is vertically focus, business-to-business information... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Twentieth Century Fox Inks Angry Birds Game Deal
Los Angeles-based Twentieth Century Fox has inked a videogame deal with mobile games developer Rovio Mobile, which ties Rovio's popular Angry Birds videogame with the studio's upcoming Rio feature film. According to the two, they will creat... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 31, 2011
Joost Inks Deal With Paramount, MTV
Santa Monica-based Joost, the online video distribution firm recently spun out of Adconion, has inked a deal with Paramount Digital Entertainment and MTV, to premier JACKASS 3.5, the latest project of the popular MTV franchise. Financial de... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 28, 2011
RealD, Regal Entertainment In Expanded 3D Rollout
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, and Real Entertainment Group said today that the two have made a major expansion in their 3D rollout plans. The two said that they have agreed to add up to 1,500 addit... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 27, 2011
Demand Media Up 32 Percent In IPO
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing network run by Richard Rosenblatt, had a huge reception in the public markets Wednesday, closing up 32 percent in its initial public offering. Demand, which debuted on the NYSE as DMD t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Demand Media Prices IPO, Begins Trading Today
Santa Monica-based Demand Media said late Tuesday evening that it has priced its IPO, as well as increased its IPO offering size, and will sell 8,900,000 shares of its common stock at $17.00 per share. Demand Media, which operates an online... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Disney Interactive Makes Cuts
Glendale-based Disney Interactive Studios, the videogame unit of Walt Disney Company, has cut a number of jobs, according to the firm. According to Disney, it made a number of cuts as part of a "restructuring process" for Disney Interactive... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Gaikai Bolsters Exec Lineup
Los Angeles-based cloud-based game streaming service Gaikai has bolstered its executive staff, saying today that it has named Robert Stevenson as Senior Vice President of Interactive Entertainment, and Tim Wilson as Executive Vice President... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
GeekChicDaily Gets New Funding
Los Angeles-based GeekChicDaily, a newsletter publisher focused on pop culture, said today that it has scored a strategic investment round. The round came from Revolution Studios' Joe Roth, Seattle investor Mike Slade, as well as Gamespy fo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Playcast Raises $10M For Video Game Streaming
Los Angeles-based Playcast Media Systems said this morning that it has raised $10M in a new, Series B funding round, for the firm's cloud based video game streaming service. Playcast said the new round was led by MK Capital, and also includ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2011
UberMedia Buys Mixx
Pasadena-based UberMedia, the newly renamed Twitter advertising and application provider, announced today that it has acquired Mixx. Mixx operates an online site which allows users to find social content. Financial terms of the acquisition ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 24, 2011
SRS Labs Names Exec
Santa Ana-based SRS Labs, a developer of surround sound, audio, and voice technology, said this week that it has named John Kellogg as the firm's Executive Director of Corporate Strategy. Kellogg was most recently General Manager of Content... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 21, 2011
Demand Media Expected To Hit Market Next Week
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, is expected to hit the public markets late next week, according to a report today from AllThingsD. Citing "numerous" sources, the report says that Dem... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 20, 2011
TheWrap Buys Itsonthegrid.com
Santa Monica-based The Wrap News, an online news site covering entertainment and media, said this week that it has acquire ItsontheGrid.com, an online, subscription service providing information on ongoing movie projects. Financial terms of... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
mygameIQ Ties With Women in Games International
mygameIQ, the digital distribution and content management platform for gaming firms developed by Westlake Village-based Pragmatic Solutions, said today that it is in a promotion with Women In Games International. According to Pragmatic Solu... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
3ality Links With UK Partner
Burbank-based 3ality Digital, which provides technology used for 3D movie production, said today that it has linked with UK-based ARRI Media in a partnership. According to 3ality, the deal allows ARRI Media to supply its 3D systems to TV, c... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Julie Schoenfeld On Perfect Market's New Funding
This morning, Pasadena-based Perfect Market (www.perfectmarket.com) announced a new, $9M round of funding for the firm's technology, which is used to help publishers monetize their content. We caught up with Julie Schoenfeld, the firm's CEO... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Perfect Market Raises $9 Million More
Pasadena-based Perfect Market, which provides tools for publishers to better create value from their content, is announcing today that it has raised $9M in a new funding round. The round was led by Comcast Interactive Capital, and also incl... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Verve Wireless Names New CEO
Encinitas-based Verve Wireless, the developer of mobile publishing software used by newspapers and the Associated Press, said today that it has named a new CEO. Verve said it has named Tom MacIsaac, most recently CEO of ExtendMedia, as CEO ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Avalon Funds Internet Comedy Site Cheezburger
San Diego-based venture capital firm Avalon Ventures has boosted an Internet web site publisher known for its humorous, captioned pictures of cats and use of Internet memes, Cheezburger. According to Cheezburger, Avalon was one of a number ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 17, 2011
MeFeedia Ties Into Bebo
Burbank-based MeFeedia, the online video guide site headed by Frank Sinton, said Friday that it has partnered with social networking site Bebo. According to MeFeedia, users of Bebo can now watch videos from MeFeedia directly from the site, ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 17, 2011
MySpace Chops 47 Percent
Amid rumors for weeks that Los Angeles-based MySpace has been planning massive layoffs, the firm said today that it is cutting 47 percent of its staff globally, or roughly 400 employees. In a statement attributed to CEO Mike Jones and publi... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
World of Warcraft Cataclysm Hits New Sales Records
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment released its latest sales numbers for its new title, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm yesterday, saying that it has sold more than 4.7 million copies of the title in its first month of release. The firm said ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 11, 2011
EdgeCast Trumpets Customer Gains
Santa Monica-based content delivery network provider EdgeCast Networks said Friday that it now has more than 2000 customers, or more than double the number of customers from the previous year, as of the close of 2010. The firm said those cu... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 7, 2011
Fastpoint Games Launches Game With Sony Online
Los Angeles-based Fastpoint Games, the online games development firm headed by Kelly Perdew, said today that it has launched a game developed from a partnership with Sony Online Entertainment. Fastpoint said it has taken Sony's massively mu... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 7, 2011
Hulu Plus Headed To Android, VIZIO HDTVs
Los Angeles-based Hulu said last night that its Hulu Plus service is headed to Android mobile phones, and also to Vizio's HDTV platform. According to Hulu CEO Jason Kilar at CES last yesterday, Hulu is looking to bring Hulu Plus to Android ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 7, 2011
Move Networks Acquired by Echostar
Move Networks, the venture backed developer of high definition streaming technology for Internet video, has been acquired by Echostar, the firms said Thursday afternoon. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Move, which briefly was... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 6, 2011
RealD Launches 3D TV Eyewear Technology
Los Angeles-based 3D technology firm RealD said today at CES, that it is launching technology to power 3D eyewear which is compatible with 3D high definition televisions sold by most major consumer electronics brands. RealD said it has deve... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 6, 2011
VIZIO Adds Hulu Plus, BLOCKBUSTER On Demand
Irvine-based VIZIO, which makes HDTV products, said today that it has added Hulu Plus, the premium subscription service of Los Angeles-based Hulu, as well as BLOCKBUSTER On Demand, to its connected television line. Vizio said that both vide... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Call of Duty Black Ops Hits $1B in Sales
Santa Monica-based Activision disclosed yesterday that Call of Duty: Black Ops has surpassed over $1 billion in sales worldwide. Activision said, according to its internal estimates, its sell through of the title since November 9, it has ra... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Fandango Launches iPad App
Los Angeles-based Fandango, which operates an online website focused on new movies and buying movie tickets, said this morning that it has launched a new application for the Apple iPad. According to Fandango, the new app allows users to pul... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Report: Hulu Drops IPO Effort
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online television streaming site, is dropping its plans to pursue an IPO, according to a report today from from the WSJ. Hulu had been among the Southern California companies looking to file an IPO. The WSJ cited... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 21, 2010
GotCast Launches Casting For Mercedes-Benz
Santa Monica-based GotCast, the online casting site headed by Alec Shankman, said today that it has launched a new social media campaign with Mercedes-Benz. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. Mercedes-Benz posted the campaign t... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 16, 2010
Clicker Connects To Facebook Personalization
Los Angeles-based Clicker, the Internet TV guide run by Jim Lanzone, said this morning that it has launched an update to its service, which includes such features as site-wide integration with Facebook and personalized recommendations. Clic... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 15, 2010
RealD Expands In Hong Kong, Shanghai
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, reported today that it has opened up new offices in Hong Kong and Shanghai. The firm said the new offices will handle sales, customer service, and operations for grate... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 14, 2010
Blizzard: World of Warcraft Cataclysm Sells 3.3M Copies In 24 Hours
Irvine-based game developer Blizzard Entertainment reports this morning that its newest title, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, has sold 3.3 million copies through its first 24 hours of release. The firm said the sales record makes it the fast... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 13, 2010
THQ In Deal With Hellboy Director
Agoura Hills-based THQ announced today that it is in a multi-year deal with the writer and director of Hellboy, Guillermo del Toro, to develop a new trilogy of videogames. THQ said that it is working with Volition Inc. on a new game trilogy... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 13, 2010
EdgeCast Targets Web Applications With New Service
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast Networks, the content deliver network (CDN) provider, said today that it is targeting the performance of web applications with a new delivery service. The firm said its has announced a beta of a new, Application ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 9, 2010
3ality Names Founder To CEO Post
Burbank-based 3ality Digital, a developer of 3D camera rigs used for filming 3D movies, said Tuesday that it has named Steve Schklair as CEO of the firm. Schklair is a founder of the company. Schklair was formerly at Digital Domain, R/Green... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 9, 2010
Xfire Launches Game Wagering
Los Angeles-based Xfire, the online gaming site headed by John Maffei, said Wednesday that it has launched a beta of Xfire Arcade, the firm's virtual game wagering service today. Xfire--which is owned by Titan Gaming--said the Xfire Arcade ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Netflix, Disney-ABC TV In Streaming Deal
Netflix and Disney-ABC Television Group announced this morning that the two are in a new, licensing agreement, which will allow Netflix to stream episodes from the ABC Television Network, Disney Channel, and ABC Family over the Internet. Ac... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 8, 2010
World of Warcraft Cataclysm Hits Stores
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment's latest World of Warcraft sequel, World of Warcraft: Cataclysm, hit stores at midnight early this morning, Blizzard said. The title is the third expansion of Blizzard's massively multiplayer online role ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 7, 2010
THQ, ngmoco Ties On Star Wars Title
Agoura Hills-based THQ said today that it has tied with mobile game developer ngmoco, on a new Star Wars title, Star Wars Imperial Academy. THQ said that the new title will run on iPhone and iPod touch. Financial details of the publishing d... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Interview with Bruce Nash, OpusData
Last month, Beverly Hills-based Nash Information Services, the firm behind The Numbers--one of the most extensive database of financial information about movies--announced a new service which allows third party software applications and web... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 1, 2010
RealD Files For Secondary Offering
Beverly Hills-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, has filed for a secondary offering worth $242.16M. According to the firm's filing, it is looking to offer up 7,815,001 shares of its common stock, with proceeds goi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 22, 2010
In-Three Acquired By Digital Domain
Westlake Village-based In-Three, a developer of 3D conversion technology and services for the movie industry, has been acquired by visual effects house Digital Domain, according to reports. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. I... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 18, 2010
Call of Duty Black Ops Sales Hit $650M
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing has updated sales figures for its latest blockbuster release, Call of Duty: Black Ops, saying that the title has now grossed more than $650M in worldwide sell through in the last five days. Activisio... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 18, 2010
Stacking Up The Online Film Submission Sites
Last night, Amazon.com jumped into the movie business, with its own, online film submission site, Amazon Studios, backed by the help of a number of notable USC Film School advisors. Amazon is not the only company looking to make a business ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Interview with Zach James and Rich Raddon, MOVIECLIPS.COM
Last week, Los Angeles-based MOVIECLIPS.COM (www.movieclips.com) announced the firm's Series A funding round, worth $3M, from Shasta Ventures, First Round Capital, and a number of Silicon Valley angels. We caught up with Zach James and Rich... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Hulu Plus Officially Launches
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the Internet video streaming site, announced today that it has officially launched its premium service, Hulu Plus. Hulu said the service will cost $7.99 a month--$2 less than what the company had originally launched ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Amazon.com Takes On the Movie Business
Amazon.com said Tuesday evening that it is launching a new online business, which looks to help find new talent and develop motion pictures from online submissions. According to Amazon.com, its new business--Amazon Studios--will award a tot... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010
BUZZMEDIA Partners With Photo Sharing Site Plixi
Hollywood-based BUZZMEDIA, the online publisher of entertainment focused blogs and web sites, said today that it has linked with photo sharing site Plixi, which until recently was known as TweetPhoto. According to the two, they are in an ex... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010
RealD Inks Deal With Chinese Movie Theatre Chain
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie projection technology, reports today that it has inked a deal with Chinese movie theater chain Wanda Cinema, to deploy up to 500 screens with its technology. Financial impact of the deal wa... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Sony Connects Dash To Hulu Plus
Sony said Friday that it has connected Los Angeles-based Hulu's new premium service, Hulu Plus, to its Dash Personal Internet Viewer. According to Sony, the connection means that subscribers to Hulu Plus can access TV episodes, movies, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 15, 2010
Voomerang Enters Local Deals Fray
Beverly Hills-based Voomerang, a new daily local deals site, has entered into the crowded group and local deals market today, saying it has officially launched its daily deals service. The firm--which was co-founded by Pat Sajak, the host o... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 11, 2010
Activision Blizzard's Take On Call Of Duty Black Ops: $360M
Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard reports today that it saw about $360 million in sales Tuesday, in the first 24 hours of the release of its new title, Call of Duty: Black Ops. Activision said the sales totals, which included both Nort... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 11, 2010
OpusData Takes On Movie Data APIs
Beverly Hills-based Nash Information Services, the company behind The Numbers, a data information service providing the latest movie industry box office information, said today that it has launched a new service, OpusData. According to Nash... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Hulu Expects $240M In Revenues In 2010
Los Angeles-based television streaming site Hulu expects to make $240M in 2010, according to Jason Kilar, the firm's CEO. Kilar, who revealed the numbers at today's NewTeeVee conference in San Francisco, also said the firm had $108M in reve... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010
RealGravity Finds $3.2M
Los Angeles- and San Francisco-based RealGravity, a newly launched firm focused on online video distribution and syndication, announced today that it has raised $3.2M in a funding round. The Series A round was led by Kohlberg Ventures, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Call of Duty Black Ops Hits Stores
Santa MOnica-based Activision Publishing has launched its latest title, Call of Duty: Black Ops to retail stores, the firm said this morning. The title--a follow-on to its Call of Duty series--runs on Xbox 360, Playstation 3, Nintendo Wii, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 9, 2010
MovieClips Raises $3M
Santa Monica-based MOVIECLIPS.com, a firm which allows users to share and license official movie scenes from the major studios, announced today that it has raised $3M in a Series A funding round. The funding came from Shasta ventures, First... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Hulu Opens Up Hulu Plus Distribution
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online television streaming site, said today that it has opened up access to its Hulu Plus services . The firm--which had previously been restricting the service to a preview subscriber base--said anyone can now ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 4, 2010
MeFeedia Adds MGM Co-CEO As Advisor
Burbank-based Mefeedia, the online video guide site run by Frank Sinton, has bolstered its roster of advisors, saying today that it has added Bedi A. Singh, the Co-CEO of Metro Goldwyn Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM) as an advisor to the company. ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 3, 2010
DreamWorks, Zynga Tie On Megamind Promotion
Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation SKG and social games maker Zynga announced this morning that the two are in a new promotion, which will tie DreamWorks new Megamind feature film into the popular FarmVille social game. According to the tw... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 3, 2010
RealD Revenues Up
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, has reported its quarterly results today, saying it had net revenues of $65.3M for its quarter ended September 24, 2010. The revenues were up by 69 percent from its se... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 2, 2010
THQ, WWE Expand Marketing Efforts
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ, and World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), said this morning they are in a new marketing agreement. The two companies said that WWE-branded video games developed by THQ will be integrated into events, p... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 1, 2010
Demand Media Sets IPO Offering Size, Boosts Traffic
Santa Monica-based Demand Media is inching closer to its IPO debut, saying in an updated S-1 this morning that it plans to offer 7.5 million shares of its common stock in its IPO. The firm, which has not yet set a pricing range, has applied... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 29, 2010
Yahoo Confirms Ross Levinsohn Hire
Internet portal Yahoo confirmed Wednesday afternoon that it has hired Ross Levinsohn, former head of Fox Interactive Media, and current venture capitalist at Fuse Capital, as its new Executive Vice President of Americas. According to Yahoo,... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Spotlight Ticket Management Gains $2.5M
Woodland Hills-based Spotlight Ticket Management, a developer of web-based software for managing sports and entertainment tickets, said this morning that it has raised $2.5M in a funding round. The round came from Point Judith Capital. Spot... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 27, 2010
MeFeedia Snags Eytan Elbaz As Advisor
Burbank-based MeFeedia, the online video guide site run by Frank Sinton, said today that it has added Eytan Elbaz to the firm's advisory board. Elbaz is one of the co-founders of Appled Semantics, the firm which developed Google AdSense. El... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 25, 2010
EdgeCast Gets Into Cloud Storage
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast said Friday that it has entered into the cloud storage market. EdgeCast said that it is offering up cloud-based storage using its content delivery network as a beta service, and would start offering its service a... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 25, 2010
GameSalad Boosts Users
Los Angeles- and Austin-based GameSalad, the developer of software tools for creating iPhone and other Apple iOS games, said this week that it has had its most successful week ever for the company, signing up more than 1,200 new users in th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 22, 2010
Cocodot Rolls Out Printed Cards
Hollywood-based Cocodot, the online invitation card site headed by former MySpace exec Shawn Gold, has rolled out new, printed invitation cards, according to the firm's website. According to Cocodot, it has started offering printed version ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 21, 2010
Poptent Confirms $3M Funding
San Clemente-based Poptent, an online site for crowdsourced video content for advertisers, has raised $3M in a Series A investment round, it new investor has confirmed. According to Los Angeles-based MK Capital, it made the investment in Po... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 21, 2010
Poptent Raises $3.0M
San Clemente-based Poptent, a firm which operates an online site which allows brands to source crowd-generated commercials, web videos, and other video content from users, has raised at least $3.0M in a recent funding, according to a regula... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 20, 2010
SheKnows Launches City Guides
Los Angeles-based SheKnows, the unit of AtomicOnline focused on creating online sites for women, said today that it has expanded into city guides. According to SheKnows, the new site--the SheKnows City Guide--will provide information on des... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Break Launches Hispanic Site
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online video and content firm headed by Keith Richman, said this morning that it is targeting Hispanic males with a new site, TuVez.com. According to Break, the new site will provide content focused on ent... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Rustic Canyon Boosts Social Gaming Firm PlayFirst
Santa Monica-based venture capital firm Rustic Canyon Partners has upped its investment in social games firm PlayFirst, which is based in San Francisco. According to PlayFirst, Rustic Canyon, Mayfield Fund, Trinity Partners, and DCM--all cu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010
GameSalad Rolls New Publishing Service
Los Angeles- and Austin-based GameSalad, which develops software to easily create iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad games, said today that it has released a new publishing service and product. The firm said it has launched GameSalad Studio, whic... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Topspin Backs High Def MP3 Format
Venice-based Topspin, the music marketing and software firm headed by Ian Rogers, said today that it has inked a deal with Technicolor to distribute its music catalog in a new, high definition, MP3 format. The firms said that Topspin's arti... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 11, 2010
More Details Swirl Around Hulu IPO Plans
More rumors have emerged around possible IPO plans for Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online video streaming site backed by the major entertainment studios. According to the latest rumors, via a report from Reuters, the firm's plan is for a $2... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 8, 2010
Interview with John Maffei, Xfire, On 17 Million Users, Plans
John Maffei is CEO of Los Angeles-based Xfire (www.xfire.com) an online community focused on online gamers, which is now owned by Titan Gaming. The firm is announcing today that it has just reached its 17 millionth registered user, having a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 7, 2010
Qualcomm Confirms FLO TV Shutdown Plans, Layoffs
San Diego-based Qualcomm confirmed Tuesday evening that it is considering shutting down its FLO TV, mobile television service, after reports that the firm is planning to shut off the service. In a statement, Qualcomm said it has been "exami... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Calacanis Plans Competitor To TechCrunch
Jason Calacanis, the CEO of Mahalo, is planning some direct competition to Michael Arrington's technology blog empire, TechCrunch, according to a report today from the Guardian. According to the report, Calacanis is developing a property ca... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Blizzard Sets World of Warcraft: Cataclysm Release Date
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment said that its third expansion for World of Warcraft is expected to debut in stores on December 7th. The firm--which has been running a invite-only beta of the expansion pack for World of Warcraft since Ju... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 4, 2010
Qualcomm To Shut FLO TV, Says Report
San Diego-based Qualcomm is shutting its FLO TV video streaming service, according to report today. According to paidContent, Qualcomm's mobile TV service is shut down by the end of the year, after failing to find a buyer for the business. ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 4, 2010
Break Media Scores With NFL.com
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online video site run by Keith Richman, has scored a win with NFL.com, the firm said Friday. According to the two, they have launched a new, NFL.com channel on Break, which will feature content that is con... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 1, 2010
FIM, Break Rank In Top Video Properties, Hulu Tops Video Ads
Fox Interactive Media and Break Media both ranked highly in comScore's August 2010 list of top U.S. Online Video Properties, although both were dwarfed by Google's continued dominance of online video via YouTube. According to the latest n... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 30, 2010
FastSoft Launches Testing Network
Pasadena-based FastSoft, the Caltech spinout which develops web acceleration software, said today that it has launched a testing network for its clients. According to FastSoft, the network includes 30 nodes "around the globe" which can be u... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 30, 2010
Hulu In Deals With Roku, Tivo
Los Angeles-based Hulu said Tuesday that the video site is in new distribution partnerships with both Roku and Tivo. According to Hulu, its Hulu Plus service will be available through both platforms, extending its coverage beyond existing d... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Verve Wireless Raises $7M For Mobile News Apps
San Diego-based Verve Wireless, the developer of mobile publishing tools for the Associated Press, McClatchy, Belo Interactive, and other publishers, said this morning that it has raised $7M more in additional funding. The round was led by ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 28, 2010
SVnetwork Hires Bizdev VP
Los Angeles-based SVnetwork, the brand advertising network and operator of SocialVibe, said this morning that it has named Chris Rooke as SVP of Business Development and Strategic Partnerships. Rooke was most recently SVP of Interactive Med... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 27, 2010
Netflix, NBC Universal Ink Streaming Deal
Beverly Hills-based NBC Universal Domestic Television DIstribution and DVD rental provider Netflix said Friday that they have expanded a license agreement covering streaming of NBC TV shows. According to the two, the deal allows Netflix c... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 24, 2010
Report: MySpace Names Entertainment Head
A report today from the Hollywood Reporter says that MySpace has named Andy Marcus, the firm's Senior Vice President Business and Legal Affairs, head of its entertainment business. According to the report, Marcus will become Senior Vice Pre... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 23, 2010
posted on Thursday, September 23, 2010
CrownPeak Raises $1.75M in Series C
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, a developer of web content management systems (CMS), has raised $1.75M in a Series C funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm today. Jim Howard, CEO of CrownPeak, told socalTECH that the fundi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Hulu Updates PS3 Support
Los Angeles-based video streaming site Hulu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Break Media Ties With Toyota On Web Series
Los Angeles-based Break Media is launching a new web series, in a branded content deal with Toyota, the firm said today. Break said it is launching Standup Stories "My First Ride", a web series featuring six comedians sharing their "first c... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 20, 2010
Demand Media Sweetens Executive Pot
Ahead of its IPO, Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online domain name and media publishing business run by Richard Rosenblatt, updated its IPO filings Thursday, saying that it has granted $30.8M in additional, stock-based compensation t... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 17, 2010
Hulu Plans Seattle Office
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online video streaming site, said today that it is planning to open up a new Seattle office by the end of the year. According to Hulu, the new development center will work with the firm's development teams in Los... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 16, 2010
MySpace, American Idol Kick Off Online Auditions
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace announced Wednesday that it is kicking off an effort with American Idol, the audition people through the web site. American Idol's Ryan Seacrest had announced the effort on the season finale ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Hulu Pumps Fall Premieres
Los Angeles-based streaming media site Hulu said today that it is launching its third annual, Fall Premiere effort which will highlight online premieres of primetime television shows. The site said it will show premieres of shows like Glee,... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 14, 2010
LA Times Vets Launch Ebyline, Gain Angel Funding
Los Angeles-based Ebyline said today that it has launched a new online marketplace targeted at news publishers and professional journalists, which helps publishers manage freelance writers. The firm said it is backed by un-named Los Angeles... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 9, 2010
Vicente Capital Partners Funds SportsMEDIA
Los Angeles-based venture capital firm Vicente Capital Partners has invested $12.5M in a funding for sports statistics and information provider SportMEDIA Technology Corp., SportsMEDIA said today. Vicente Capital's investment was led by Jay... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 3, 2010
Rubicon Project: Q2 Advertising Grows
Los Angeles-based Rubicon Project, the online advertising firm which helps web publishers optimize their ad network revenues, reported this week on the latest online ad spending, saying that ad spending tracked at its customers grew 47 perc... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 1, 2010
GameFly Looks To Spur Signups With Giveaway
Los Angeles-based GameFly, the provider of online video game rentals, is looking to spur subscriber signups, saying today that it is looking to give away one year, free memberships to a new subscriber every day this month. The firm said it ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 1, 2010
CitizenGlobal Lands $6.0M
Venice-based CitizenGlobal, an online web site which allows producers to crowd-source video content, has raised $6.0M in a funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm Friday. No details on the funding have been announced. Th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 27, 2010
GotCast: 30,000 Registrations For The Tester
Los Angeles-based GotCast, the online casting website run by Alec Shankman, reported this week that it had nearly 30,000 people register for the online casting of Sony PlayStation's "The Tester" series. The producers of the series, 51 Minds... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 27, 2010
Clicker Launches iPhone App
Los Angeles-based Clicker, the online video viewing guide firm backed by Benchmark Capital, JAFCO American Ventures, and Redpoint Ventures, said Tuesday that its iPhone application is now available on the Apple App Store. The new app allows... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Sonos Slips On iPad Release
Santa Barbara-based Sonos, the developer of the whole-house digital audio systems, said this morning that it has slipped its schedules on its iPad release. The firm, which had said in June that it would ship the product sometime in August, ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 20, 2010
Interview with Patrick Kennedy, Sidebar
For this morning's interview, we thought we'd talk with Los Angeles-based Sidebar (www.sidebar.com), a venture backed startup in the mobile space, to learn more about what they are up to. We caught up with CEO Patrick Kennedy. What is Si... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 20, 2010
BUZZMEDIA Gets Competition From MOG
Hollywood-based BUZZMEDIA, the venture-backed publisher of music content, information, and community sites, is getting some new competition this week from Berkeley-based MOG. According to MOG, it has launched a new "editorial hub" called th... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010
FastSoft Aims At Web Retailers
Pasadena-based FastSoft, the Caltech spinout which develops web acceleration software, said today that it has released a version of its products aimed at Internet retailers and web properties. According to the firm, the upgrade includes cus... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Clicker Launches Comments, Partnership With Showtime
Los Angeles-based Clicker, the online video guide site run by former Ask.com CEO Jim Lanzone, said today that it has launched a new comment feature, and also partnered with Showtime on a new promotion. Clicker said that as part of its site,... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 16, 2010
Hulu Eyes IPO
Los Angeles-based Hulu, the online video streaming site, is apparently in efforts to file for an IPO, as a long line of Southern California firms heads towards the public markets. According to a report in the New York Times, Hulu is in disc... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 16, 2010
GotCast: 10,00 Job Postings To-Date On Site
Los Angeles-based GotCast, the online casting call and talent site run by Alec Shankman, said it now has now reached nearly 10,000 job postings to-date on the site. GotCast--which allows anyone to submit their photo, profile, and other rele... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 13, 2010
GameFly Eyes Blockbuster Games-By-Mail Program
Los Angeles-based video game rental service GameFly is seeing more competition from video rental firm Blockbuster this week, after its competitor announced that it is expanding its online movie rental service to include video games. Blockbu... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 12, 2010
Local.com Enhances Technology
Irvine-based Local.com, which operates a network of local search sites, said today that it has upgraded the technology behind its sites. The firm said that it expects the enhancements to improve its search advertising relevance across its L... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2010
My Damn Channel Raises $4.4M
Los Angeles-based My Damn Channel, an online site which features professionally produced, humorous and other video content, announced a $4.4M funding round today. The new funding was led by Intuitive Venture Partners, and also included prio... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 9, 2010
Demand Media Files For IPO
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online media firm run by Richard Rosenblatt, has finally filed for its long awaited IPO. According to the firm's filing, filed late Friday, the firm is looking to raised up to $125M in its IPO. The firm'... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 9, 2010
Gorilla Nation Wins Premiere.com
Los Angeles-based Gorilla Nation, which provides advertising representation to mid-sized online publishers, announced today that it has been selected by Premiere.com, an online site focused on movie enthusiasts. Premiere.com is owned by Hac... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 9, 2010
Demand Media Launches New Content Channels
Santa Monica-based Demand Media announced Thursday that it has launched a new product, called Content Channels. According to Demand, the new product is aimed at online publishers, and will provide them with original content focused on attra... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 6, 2010
ValueClick Buys Investopedia
Westlake Village-based ValueClick announced this morning that it has acquired Investopedia.com, an online site focused on financial information and education. The deal was worth $42M in cash. Investopedia was previously owned by Forbes, Inc... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Blizzard: StarCraft II Wings of Liberty Breaks Sales Records
Irvine-based videogame maker Blizzard Entertainment sold 1 million copies of its new title, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, the firm said, in its first 24 hours of availability. The firm said those number would make it the best-selling PC g... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Report: Newsweek To Go To Southern California Business Mogul
Reports this morning say that news magazine Newsweek apparently is being sold to Dr. Sidney Harman, the founder of Southern California's Harman International, which now owns the Harmon/Kardon, Infinity, JBL, and other audio equipment brands... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 2, 2010
Discovery Launches On FLO TV
Discovery Communications, the firm behind the Discovery Channel, said today that it has launched a new, dedicated mobile channel on Qualcomm's FLO TV. According to Discovery, its new Discovery Mobile Channel allows users to watch the channe... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Disney Acquires Playdom
Burbank-based Walt Disney Company said today that it has acquired social gaming firm Playdom, in a deal worth $563.2M, plus earn-out of up to $200M. Playdom develops games such as Social City, Sorority Life, Market Street and Bola. Disney s... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Break Media Goes 3D
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online entertainment site run by Keith Richman, said today that it has launched a new, 3D video channel--and will also produce its own, original 3D series. Break said the channel, which will roll out over ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2010
SDNN Ceases Publishing
The San Diego News Network (SDNN), the local media venture run by Barbara Bry and Neil Senturia, appears to have ceased its publishing efforts, according to a note posted by the staff Wednesday. According to the note, the site is "exploring... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 22, 2010
Qualcomm Eyes Sale Of MediaFLO
San Diego-based Qualcomm is apparently looking to sell its MediaFLO business, the firm's digital mobile television venture, according to CEO Paul Jacobs. On a conference call discussing the firm's quarterly results Wednesday, Jacobs said th... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 22, 2010
Pragmatic Solutions Launches Gaming Content Management Product
Westlake Village-based Pragmatic Solutions, which develops data analytics software for the computer gaming market, said Monday that it has launched a new product called mygameIQ. The firm said the product provides digital distribution and c... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Perfect Market Unveils New Content Monetization Tool
Altadena-based Perfect Market, the Idealab startup which develops software which helps traditional publishers monetize their archival and current content, said today that it has unveiled a new tool it is calling The Vault. According to the ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 19, 2010
RealD Closes Up 22 Percent Despite Market Drop
The stock of Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, was up in its first day of trading on Friday, despite a big drop in the overall markets. RealD closed at $19.51, up 22 percent from its open price of $16.... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 16, 2010
Interview with Quinn Curtis, BrightCloud
One of the questions we get most from entrepreneurs is how companies reach an exit event, and the thinking that goes into acquisitions. Last week, San Diego-based provider of web content classification and security services developer Bright... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 16, 2010
RealD Prices IPO
Los Angeles-based 3D movie technology provider RealD said late Thursday evening that it has priced its IPO, offering 12.5M shares of its common stock at $16.00 per share. The firm said it expects to start trading Friday on the NYSE as "RLD"... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010
RealD Prices IPO
Los Angeles-based 3D movie technology provider RealD said late Thursday evening that it has priced its IPO, offering 12.5M shares of its common stock at $16.00 per share. The firm said it expects to start trading Friday on the NYSE as "RLD"... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010
Four Companies Where Hollywood Is Intersecting With Technology
Despite a perpetual belief that the presence of both high tech companies and Hollywood should be spawning out hundreds of entertainment and technology related startups, it actually happens much less than one might think. However, here are f... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010
Gendai Games Raises Funding
Los Angeles- and Austin-based Gendai Games, a publisher of iPhone game development software, has raised a round of funding, according to the firm. Amount of the funding was not disclosed, however the firm said the funding was somewhere over... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 15, 2010
Sonos Ties Into Music Streaming Service Wolfgang's Vault
Santa Barbara-based Sonos, the developer of user-friendly, multi-room wireless music systems, said today that it has has linked with Wolfgang's Vault, a music streaming service provider focused on live concerts. According to Sonos, it is no... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Activision Taps Advertising Agency For Publishing Chief
Santa Monica-based Activision Blizzard announced today that it has named Eric Hirschberg as CEO of its Activision Publishing arm. Hirschberg joins the firm from marketing and advertising firm Deutsch LA, where he was CEO and Chief Creative ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
RealD, Marchon In Eyewear Deal
Beverly Hills-based RealD, the developer of 3D movie technology, and eyewear maker Marchon Eyewear announced this morning that the two are in a licensing agreement. According to the companies, Marchon will use the RealD brand for sales of a... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Good News For Content Creators: $5M Available From YouTube
The good news for content creators in Hollywood and elsewhere trying to make it on the Internet: YouTube, the video sharing site owned by Google, said today that it has just launched a new program which will invest five million dollars for ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 9, 2010
Metaplace Acquired by Playdom
San Diego-based Metaplace, the virtual worlds software firm started by Raph Koster and John Donham, has been acquired by social gaming firm Playdom, Playdom said Thursday afternoon. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Koster and ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 8, 2010
BandCon Acquired By Highwinds
Costa Mesa-based BandCon, a provider of content delivery network and related Internet infrastructure, has been acquired by Highwinds, an Internet services provider based in Florida. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. As part of ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 8, 2010
Blizzard Launches Beta of World of Warcraft Cataclysm
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment said last night that it has launched a closed beta test of its new expansion for World of Warcraft, Cataclysm. The firm said the invite-only beta will provide the firm with feedback, find bugs, and addres... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 1, 2010
Image Metrics Buys Avatar Technology Firm
Santa Monica-based Image Metrics, a publicly held developer of facial animation technology for the entertainment industry, said today that it has acquired Character-FX, a firm which develops avatar creation technology. Financial terms of th... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Demand Media Ties With Tyra Banks On Beauty, Fashion Site
Los Angeles-based Demand Media, the online media firm headed by Richard Rosenblatt, announced today that it has inked a partnership with celebrity model Tyra Banks, to create a new site focused on fashion and beauty. According to Demand, Ba... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2010
BUZZMEDIA Snags Editors From PopEater, TMZ
Hollywood-based BUZZMEDIA, the venture backed online entertainment content network, has snagged two editors for a new, yet-to-be launched celebrity site, the firm said today. According to BUZZMEDIA, it has hired on Mike Hess, formerly Manag... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2010
RealD Sets IPO Pricing Range
Beverly Hills-based RealD, which develops 3D projection technology used in the showing of 3D movies, has set its estimated IPO pricing range at between $13.00 and $15.00 per share, according to an updated S-1 by the firm. RealD, which is lo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Worlize Names CTO
Los Angeles-based Worlize, the user-generated social gaming firm headed by Brian McKelvey, has added a new Chief Technology Officer, the firm is announcing tomorrow. Worlize is adding Sabri Sansoy, former CTO for Animax Entertainment, to th... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 28, 2010
HitFix Raises $1.6M
Los Angeles-based HitFix, an online web site focused on entertainment news and information, has raised $1.6M in a new funding round, according to investor the Tech Coast Angels. According to the TCA, it joined in a second round of funding w... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 28, 2010
Border Stylo Launches Web Content Sharing Software
Los Angeles-based Border Stylo, a new startup headed by Oscar Guido, said today that it has launched a new software add-on called "Glass", focused on sharing of web content. According to the firm, Glass allows users to offer a real-time fee... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 28, 2010
VidMe Gets Funding, Launches Private Video Sharing Service
Los Angeles-based Vidme has launched its services this week, saying that it is offering a private video sharing service, and has gotten funding from Applied Minds and Will Hearst. The firm offers a service which allow users to share their v... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 24, 2010
GotCast Powers Video Gaming Reality Series
Los Angeles-based online talent casting startup GotCast is powering the casting efforts for a video game reality series, The Tester, the firm said today. According to GotCast, it is launching a casting challenge for Sony Computer Entertainm... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
GotCast Powers Video Gaming Reality Series
Los Angeles-based online talent casting startup GotCast is powering the casting efforts for a video game reality series, The Tester, the firm said today. According to GotCast, it is launching a casting challenge for Sony Computer Entertainm... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
GotCast Powers Video Gaming Reality Series
Los Angeles-based online talent casting startup GotCast is powering the casting efforts for a video game reality series, The Tester, the firm said today. According to GotCast, it is launching a casting challenge for Sony Computer Entertainm... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Break Media Expands Into New Ad Verticals
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online media and advertising firm run by Keith Richman, announced this morning that it is in a major expansion in its advertising network, and has added 23 new verticals to its network. The firm said the a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Bing Focuses On Entertainment With New Features
Microsoft's search engine, Bing, is enhancing its searches for an area of interest to lots of Southern California firms--entertainment and media content. According to Bing, it has released a new version of its site which focuses on music, g... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Music Reports Ties With Rdio
Woodland Hills-based Music Reports, the provider of music copyright, royalty accounting, and rights administration which is owned by private equity firm ABRY Partners, reported today that it is working with social music service Rdio. Rdio i... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 23, 2010
RealD Powers Toy Story 3
Los Angeles-based RealD, which develops 3D theater projection systems, reported today that it delivered approximately $47M of the $109M in domestic box office from Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 3 title, which opened this weekend. RealD said that... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Gaikai In Licensing Deal With EA
Los Angeles-based cloud-based videogame streaming firm Gaikai said Thursday that it has inked a multi-year, licensing deal with Electronic Arts. The venture backed firm, which is funded by Benchmark Capital, TriplePoint Capital, and Rustic ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010
Alelo Wins Australian Defence Force
Los Angeles-based Alelo, the USC spinout which uses computer game technology to teach foreign languages, said this week that the firm has been awarded a contract from the Australian Defence Force (ADF). The firm said that the ADF has acquir... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 17, 2010
Machinima.com Raises $9M for Entertainment Content
Los Angeles-based Machinima.com, an online entertainment site focused on video gamers, has raised $9M in a investment from Redpoint Ventures, the firm said this week. The firm said the Series B funding round will go towards accelerating fur... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 16, 2010
RealD Rolls Out Kids Glasses
Los Angeles-based RealD, the provider of 3D movie projection technology, said today that it has rolled out new, kid-sized 3D glasses. According to RealD, the new glasses are designed to fit children 8 years of age and under, and will be ava... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Activision Turns To Name Brand Musicians
Santa Monica-based Activision said today that it is turning to a number of well known recording artists for the soundtracks to its upcoming Call of Duty: Black Ops, DJ Hero 2, Guitar Hero: Warrior of Rock, and True Crime: Hong Kong. The fir... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 14, 2010
THQ Drastically Lowers Sales Guidance
Agoura Hills-based videogame maker THQ has drastically lowered its sales guidance, saying early this morning that it has updated fiscal guidance for its fiscal first quarter ending June 30th and fiscal year ending March 31, 2011, due to "lo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 14, 2010
GotCast Reports User Numbers
Los Angeles-based GotCast, the online casting and talent site run by Alec Shankman, announced Friday that it has reached 400,000 users on its site. The firm said it has now hosted over 6,000 castings on the site. GotCast allows anyone to su... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 11, 2010
RealD, Sonic Link On 3D Format
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D projection technology for movies, said yesterday along with Sonic Solutions that the two are in a strategic alliance. The firms said that Sonic will integrate RealD's 3D format into its RoxioNow en... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 10, 2010
Mogreet Powers Pretty Little Liars Mobile Campaign
Los Angeles-based Mogreet, the mobile marketing and greeting card firm headed by James Citron, said today that the firm was behind a mobile video messaging campaign with ABC Family, for its Pretty Little Liars premier this evening. Details ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Demand Media Highlights Entertainment Personalities
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online content network headed by Richard Rosenblatt, said today that it has launched a new "Talent and Expert Network," which will highlight entertainment personalities through its site. Demand said it w... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 8, 2010
TweetUp Adds Topix
Pasadena-based TweetUp, the Twitter advertising play of Idealab's Bill Gross, said today that it has added news site Topix to its network. TweetUp allows Twitter users to bid on keywords to bring their tweets to the top when users search fo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 8, 2010
WOWIO Gets Funding, Buys WEvolt
Los Angeles-based WOWIO said this morning that it has raised $1.7M in a funding round, and acquired online social networking site WEvolt, focused on comic books and creative content. WOWIO said the funding was led by CEO Brian Altounian. WE... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 3, 2010
Report: San Diego News Network Seeks Buyer
A report last night from the San Diego Union Tribune says that San Diego News Network (SDNN), the local news effort run by entrepreneurs Neil Senturia and Barbara Bry, is looking for a buyer. According to the San Diego Union Tribune, SDNN h... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Grind Networks Powers MSN's theBubble
Los Angeles-based Grind Networks, which develops online comedy programming, is powering a new comedy channel on MSN called theBubble. According to MSN, the new site will highlight online comedy alongside MSN's original programming, and was ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 2, 2010
RealD Revenues Grow To $189M For Year
Los Angeles-based RealD, the developer of 3D projection technology which is waiting in the wings for an IPO, revealed its latest year's result in an updated S-1 filing with the SEC last night. According to RealD, it had gross revenues of $1... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 27, 2010
FastSoft Targets Internet Retailers
Pasadena-based FastSoft, a developer of web acceleration technology, said today that it has rolled out a new product targeted at Internet retailers, web companies, and CDNs. According to the firm, its new Dynamic Site Acceleratoin (DSA) sol... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 25, 2010
AudioMicro Acquires Audioo
AudioMicro, the Los Angeles-based online marketplace for royalty-free music and sound effects, said today that it has acquired Manhattan Beach-based Audioo, an online voicemail sharing service which was founded by Ben Padnos. Financial term... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 24, 2010
ContentNext's Rafat Ali Steps Down
Rafat Ali, the founder and editor of Santa Monica-based ContentNext, which is now owned by Guardian News & Media, has stepped down, according to a statement from the firm. ContentNext--which publishes Paidcontent, mocoNews, and contentSutra... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 21, 2010
Tsavo Media Sold For $75M
Los Angeles-based online media firm Tsavo Media, which was founded by Mike Jones, founder of Userplane and current co-President of MySpace, has been sold for $75M to a Canadian firm. According to Toronto-based Cyberplex, it is acquiring Tsa... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Demand Media Gets New Competitor, Yahoo, After Associated Content Buy
Los Angeles-based Demand Media, the user-generated content venture of Richard Rosenblatt, has new competition this afternoon, from Yahoo, after Yahoo announced it would acquire content publishing firm Associated Content. Financial terms of ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Clicker Adds People Pages
Los Angeles-based Clicker.com, the online video programming startup backed by JAFCO Ventures, Benchmark, and Redpoint, said Thursday afternoon that it has added a new "People Page" feature to the site. The firm said the feature allows users... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 14, 2010
Hulu Makes Major Upgrades To Video Player
Los Angeles-based video site Hulu has just rolled out a number of major upgrades to the service and its video player, the firm announced this morning. Hulu said it would be releasing the updated player today, with features such as new, adap... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 13, 2010
ZAM Media Buys Tankspot
Los Angeles-based ZAM, a firm which operates an online community of Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) gamers, said Tuesday afternoon that it has acquired Tankspot, an online site focused on World of Warcraft videos. Financial terms of the ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Napster Integrates With Facebook, YouTube, Flickr
Los Angeles-based Napster, the online music service now owned by Best Buy, has just rolled out a number of major improvements this morning to the site, including social networking integration with Facebook, YouTube, and Flickr. Napster said... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 6, 2010
Gorilla Nation Renews eBaumsWorld.com
Los Angeles-based Gorilla Nation, which provides advertising sales for web site operators, reported today that it has renewed an agreement with eBaumsWorld.com, where it will continue to represent all of the site's ad inventory. The two hav... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 6, 2010
EcoMom Launches Green Shopping Site With Backing From Dave McClure
Los Angeles-based EcoMom.com, a new site focused on "green" parenting and shopping, launched this morning, saying it will offer environmentally friendly products, community resources, and expert advice. The firm--which was originally known ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Livestrong Looks To USC For Chief Medical Advisor
Santa Monica-based LIVESTRONG.COM, the online health information site run by Demand Media and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, said today that it has named Dr. Leslie Anne Saxon as its Chief Medical Advisor. Saxon is Professor of Medicine, C... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Blizzard Sets Launch Date For StarCraft II
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment said Monday afternoon that it will release its sequel to StarCraft, StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty, on July 27th. According to firms, the title will be available in stores throughout the United States, Ca... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 3, 2010
Docstoc Adds 100K Books, 150K Docs To Marketplace
Santa Monica-based Docstoc, the online professional document sharing site run by Jason Nazar, is announcing this morning that it has added around 100,000 books and 150,000 documents to the site, as part of a deal with Overdrive.com. Accordi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 30, 2010
lynda.com Hires Content VP
Carpinteria-based lynda.com, which operates an online training and education site for computer skills, announced Thurday that it has added Michael Ninness as the firm's Vice President of Content. Ninness re-joins the company from Adobe, whe... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 30, 2010
LA Times Adds In-Text Ads In Bid For Revenue
In the newest bid for revenue at the Los Angeles Times, the paper said this week that it will begin adding green, affiliate revenue links within its news stories. The paper said it will put in-text links to sites such as Amazon and TicketNe... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010
Activision, Bungie Tie In Distribution Deal
Santa Monica-based videogame developer Activision has inked a deal with Bungie, the videogame firm behind Halo, Myth, and Marathon, the two firms said today. According to the two, they are in an exclusive, 10-year partnership which will giv... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010
Total Beauty Relaunches BeautyRiot.com
Los Angeles-based Total Beauty Media, the online beauty site run by Emrah Kovacoglu, said today that it has relaunched BeautyRiot.com, the celebrity hairstyle and beauty site it acquired in 2009. The firm said it has given the site a "compl... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 29, 2010
Internet Brands Buys ExpertHub, Shopping Sites
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands is continuing its strategy of buying up vertical web properties, saying today that it has acquired ExpertHub, which operates a network of websites which connect consumers with attorneys. as well as two shop... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Mail.com Buys BGR.com
Los Angeles-based Mail.com Media Corporation (MMC), which operates the Mail.com email service and portal, as well as its own network of content-focused web sites, said today that it has acquired BGR.com, a mobile/gadget review and news site... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 27, 2010
TheWrap.com Gets $2M
Hollywood-based TheWrap.com, an online blog focused on the business of Hollywood, has raised $2M in a second round of funding, according to the company. TheWrap said that the funding was led by Maveron, along with other investors. TheWrap w... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 26, 2010
RealD Rolls iPhone App
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D projection technology for the 3D movie business, announced today that the firm has rolled out an application for the Apple iPhone, iTouch, and iPad. According to RealD, its new RealD Professional S... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 26, 2010
Warner Bros. Buys Turbine
Burbank-based Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group said yesterday that it has acquired Massachusetts-based videogame developer Turbine, maker of the online games The Lord of the Rings Online, Asheron's Call, and Dungeons & Dragons Online: ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 22, 2010
RealD In 3D License Deal With Chip Firm
Los Angeles-based RealD, which develops 3D projection technology for the movie business, has inked a licensing deal with systems-on-a-chip firm Sigma Designs, the two firms said Monday. According to the companies, they will jointly deliver ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 19, 2010
Openfilm To Offer Up Film Financing
Los Angeles-based Openfilm, an online web community focused on independent filmmakers, said yesterday that it will award $1 million to independent filmmakers who submit films on the website. According to the site, it is looking to award tha... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 16, 2010
Interview with Lolita Carrico, Gloss Network
Our interview this morning is with Lolita Carrico, founder of Gloss Network for Women (www.mygloss.com), an online network of sites focused on women. Lolita was founder of ModernMom.com, which she sold to Lisa Rosenblatt, wife of Demand Med... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Yahoo Links With Producer Of The Office For Web Series
Online web portal Yahoo has inked a deal with Reveille, producer of The Office, Ugly Betty, The Biggest Loser, and other shows, for a new online series, the firms said today. According to Yahoo, the new original web series, Who Knew? will f... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 12, 2010
Respawn Entertainment Launches New Game Studio
Jason West and Vince Zampella, the developer of video game Call of Duty and co-founder ofs Infinity Ward, have set up shop as Respawn Entertainment, and inked a deal with Electronic Arts to distribute its games. Financial terms of the deal ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 12, 2010
EdgeCast Networks Raises $10M
Santa Monica-based EdgeCast Networks, a content delivery network (CDN) provider, is announcing today that it has raised $10M in a Series C funding round. EdgeCast said the round was led by Menlo Ventures, and also includes an investment fro... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 12, 2010
AtomicOnline Signs Destructoid
Los Angeles-based GameRevolution, the online gaming unit of AtomicOnline/Evolve Media, said today that it has signed on online gaming site Destructoid.com, an online gaming blog site. According to GameRevolution, it will exclusively represe... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 12, 2010
RealD Files For IPO
Beverly Hills-based RealD, which develops 3D technology used in projecting 3D movies, has filed for an IPO, saying in a filing Friday that it is looking to raise up to $200M on the NYSE. The firm is hoping to list on the exchange as RLD. Th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 9, 2010
Demand Media Powers USA Today Site
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online publishing and content firm run by Richard Rosenblatt, has scored a win with USA Today, the firm said Thursday. According to Demand Media, it has teamed up with USA Today to launch a new section o... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 9, 2010
Break Media Launches Ad Server Effort
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a network of Internet entertainment properties focused on men, said today that it has launched its own, in-house advertising server for its ad network. The firm said its new Apex proprietary ad ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 8, 2010
Disney Jumps Onto iPad Bandwagon
Burbank-based Walt Disney Company announced late Thursday that the studio will be debuting a number of applications for Apple's iPad, as Apple gets set to deliver the devices to stores this weekend. Walt Disney said that Marvel Comics, ABC... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 2, 2010
Break.com, Total Beauty Partner On ModernMan.com
Los Angeles-based Break.com and Santa Monica-based Total Beauty Media announced Wednesday afternoon that the two firms have partnered on the launch of a new site, called ModernMan.com. According to the two firms, the new site will focus on ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Taltopia Launches iPhone, Android Apps, Seeks Funding
Los Angeles-based Taltopia, an angel backed, online social networking site focused on Hollywood, said today that it has launched both Apple iPhone and Google Android applications. According to the firm, the application allows users to apply... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 25, 2010
EdgeCast Powers ClickStream TV
Santa Monica-based content delivery network provider EdgeCast Networks announced Wednesday that it has tied with ClickStreamTV, to power ClickStreamTV's pay-as-you-go CDN service. Financial impact of the deal was not disclosed. EdgeCast sai... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 25, 2010
Interview with Brandon Hance, Audiolife
Van Nuys-based Audiolife (www.audiolife.com), a new startup focused on providing e-commerce tools to musicians, recently raised $1M in angel funding. For today's interview, we spoke with Brandon Hance, the firm's founder, about how his star... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Break Media Ties With BlueKai, exelate
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a number of Internet media and entertainment properties focused on men, said late Tuesday evening that it has partnered with BlueKai and exelate, two firms providing online advertising data. Bre... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Verimatrix Wins New Zealand Telecom Firm
San Diego-based Verimatrix, a developer of DRM software used in IPTV and set top boxes, said today that it has added New Zealand telecom TelstraClear Ltd. as a customer. Verimatrix said that TelstraClear will be using its Video Content Auth... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Red 5 Studios Gets $20M Investment
Aliso Viejo-based Red 5 Studios, a developer of online games, and Chinese game developer The9 Limited, said today that Red 5 has received a $20M investment from The9. The investment gives The9 a majority interest in Red 5. Red 5's executive... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 22, 2010
Gorilla Nation, AtomicOnline, Double Helix, Springboard Merge Brand Efforts
Online marketing firms Gorilla Nation, Atomiconline, Double Helix, and Springboard said this morning that the firms have joined their brands under parent firm Evolve Media. Los Angeles-based Gorilla Nation provides online ad sales for brand... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Jacked Acquired By Roundbox
Santa Monica-based Jacked, a developer of second-screen, companion applications for TV broadcasts, has been acquired by Roundbox, a New Jersey-based developer of mobile broadcast software. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Brya... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Fandango Rolls Out Mobile Ticketing Product
Los Angeles-based Fandango, which operates an online movie ticketing service, announced today that it has rolled out a mobile phone ticketing option. The firm, which is a unit of Comcast Interactive, said its mobile ticket program allows us... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 15, 2010
FLO TV Adds CNN Mobile
San Diego-based FLO TV, the mobile television arm of Qualcomm, said today that it has inked a deal with Turner Broadcasting to add CNN Mobile to the service. FLO TV said that it will add content from CNN/US, CNN International, HLN, and CNN.... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 12, 2010
Sometrics Signs IGG
Los Angeles-based Sometrics has teamed up with IGG, an online gaming site, to offer advertiser offers and surveys to gamers on IGG;s games, the firms said this morning. The firms said that Sometrics will offer advertiser-sponsored opportuni... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 11, 2010
Image Metrics Releases Facial Animation Software
Los Angeles-based Image Metrics said Monday that it has launched its facial animation technology product, FACEWARE. The new software is based on existing services the firm offers to game developers. The company also said the new package is ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 8, 2010
Testronic Labs Targets Casual, Social Gaming
Burbank-based Testronic Labs, a provider of provider of quality assurance services for the video game, home entertainment, and other industries, has launched a new division specifically focused on casual and social games. According to an ex... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 8, 2010
RotoHog Launches Game With US Weekly
Los Angeles-based RotoHog, the online fantasy game developer run by Kelly Perdew, said this week that it is in a strategic partnership with US Weekly. The firm said it is launching a "Celebrity Fantasy League" game on US Weekly's web site. ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 4, 2010
Hollywood Scores Win Over RealNetworks RealDVD
A group of Hollywood studios has scored a win over RealNetworks today, as the firm settled a lawsuit which targeted a DVD copying and ripping service called RealDVD, which RealNetworks was attempting to launch into the market. According to ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2010
GotCast Launches Effort For Streamy Award, HollyScoop
Los Angeles-based GotCast.com, the online casting site run by Alec Shankman, said today that it has launched two talent searches for on-camera roles, for The Streamy Award, and HollyScoop, a syndicated TV show and site focused on celebrites... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Perfect Market Confirms $6M Fundraising
Altadena-based Perfect Market, which is developing technology to help publishers monetize their long tail content, confirmed today that it has raised $6M in a Series C funding round. The firm said the round was led by Tribune Company, and a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Perfect Market Gets $6.0M
Pasadena-based Perfect Market, a provider of software which enables monetization of long tail content of publishers such as newspapers, has raised $6.0M in a funding round, according to a recent regulatory filing by the firm. No details on ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Perfect Market Names Chief Strategy Officer
Altadena-based Perfect Market, which is backed by Idealab, said this morning that it has hired on Robertson Barrett as Chief Strategy Officer at the company. Barrett joins from Tribune Interactive, where he was Executive Vice President head... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 1, 2010
Movieclips.com Opens Up API, Goes International
Santa Monica-based Movieclips.com, an online site which allows users to search for scenes from major movies, and embed them on Facebook, MySpace, and other web sites, said today that it has opened up its service to users worldwide. The firm... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 1, 2010
Break Enhances Video Ads
Los Angeles-based Break Media said Wednesday that it is expanding the number of video advertising options the site offers. The publisher of entertainment sites aimed at men, said it has added new HD-quality options, interactive pre-roll opt... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Internet Brands 2009 Acquisition Total: $24.2M
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands revealed it spent $24.2M in acquisitions, earnout, and holdbacks during 2009, as part of its 2009 fiscal results release. The firm--which just this morning said it bought seven consumer websites for its hea... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010
My Damn Channel Links With Fox
Los Angeles-based My Damn Channel, the online original video site run by Rob Barnett, said Thursday that it has been selected by Fox as a premium distribution partner for the network's original web series. According to My Damn Channel, it w... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010
Internet Brands Buys Seven Consumer Web Sites
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands said Thursday that it has acquired seven consumer websites, as part of an expansion of its health and home vertical markets. Internet Brands said it has acquired DentalFind.com, InfertilitySpecialist.com, S... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010
Clicker Tunes Into $11M More
Los Angeles-based Clicker Media, the firm developing online video programming guides for the Internet, said today that it has raised $11M more in a Series B investment round. The new funding was led by JAFCO Ventures, and also included prio... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 18, 2010
THQ Deal With Syfy Takes de Blob to Screen
Agoura Hills-based video game developer THQ and television channel Syfy said Thursday they will be jointly creating new concepts and intellectual property based on THQ's video games. According to the firms, the first move by Syfy will be th... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 12, 2010
Break Media Buys FileFront
Los Angeles-based Break Media announced this morning that it has acquired FileFront, an online site focused on gaming news and downloads. According to Break Media, it will be investing "significantly" in the editorial on FileFront, and will... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010
Napster Wins Coca Cola
Los Angeles-based Napster, the online music subscription service which is now owned by Best Buy, has been selected by Coca-Cola as part of a loyalty program. Coca-Cola announced that it would use Napster on Wednesday, as part of a itss My C... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Ace Metrix Rates Super Bowl Ads
Los Angeles-based Ace Metrix, the online advertising rating and analytics firm run by Steve Goldman, has applied the firm's ad rating service to the Super Bowl XLIV ads. The firm, which is backed by Hummer Winblad and Palomar Ventures, said... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Hulu Gets 1M Votes On Super Bowl Commercials
Los Angeles-based video site Hulu reports this afternoon that the firm has received more than one million votes in its Super Bowl commercial rankings on its Hulu Adzone, where the firm has posted all of the ads from Sunday's Super Bowl. The... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 8, 2010
Sony's Free Realms Hits 8M Players
Sony Online Entertainment, which is based in San Diego, said today that it now has over eight million players on its virtual world Free Realms. Sony's virtual world, which allows users to network with other people, and is also connected to ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 8, 2010
Ranker Gets $750K
Los Angeles-based Ranker, an online web site which allows users to create their own lists, and share them with friends, said Thursday evening that the firm has raised $750,000 in a seed investment round, part of a planned $1M funding effort... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 4, 2010
Rotohog Signs NASCAR
Los Angeles-based RotoHog, the fantasy sports game development firm run by Kelly Perdew, said Thursday that the firm has entered into a strategic partnership with NASCAR.COM. According to Rotohog, it will build a fantasy exchange game for t... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 4, 2010
THQ Reorgs Studios, Cuts Staff
Agoura Hills-based video game maker THQ said Wednesday afternoon that it is laying off around 60 employees, as part of a reorganization of its Juice Games and Rainbow Studios development studios. According to the firm, it has "refocused" th... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Emergent Game Technologies Sees Growth, Profits
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies, developer of the computer game development software Gamebryo LightSpeed, reported today that it had a 35 percent increase in revenues year-over-year, and a 58 percent increase in its profitability... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Clicker.com Links With UCLA
Los Angeles-based Clicker Media, the online video guide service funded by Benchmark Capital and Redpoint Ventures, said that it has linked with the University of California, Los Angeles, with a branded version of the service specifically fo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Demand Media's Rosenblatt On IPO, Exits
Richard Rosenblatt, the CEO of Los Angeles-based Demand Media said today at the Twiistup conference in Los Angeles, that he sees an IPO as a possible opportunity for the firm. Rosenblatt, who confirmed the firm has revenues of around $200M ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 28, 2010
SightCine Gets Seed Funding
Los Angeles-based SightCine, a developer of digital overlay projection technology, told socalTECH today that the firm has raised an initial round of seed funding. Amount of the funding and source was not disclosed. According to the firm, it... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 27, 2010
MySpace Music Launches New Playlist Service
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace has launched a beta of a new social playlist service, My Music 2.0, the firm said Tuesday. According to MySpace, the music playlist hub will allow users to build and manage their own social p... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 26, 2010
MySpace In Royalty Deal With SoundExchange
Los Angeles-based MySpace is in a deal with SoundExchange, which collects music royalties, to help deliver unclaimed royalties to artists, MySpace CEO Owen Van Natta said over the weekend at the MIDEM conference in Cannes. According to Van ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 25, 2010
Break Expands Into Online Games
Los Angeles-based Break Media, the online media firm run by Keith Richman, said this morning that it is expanding into social gaming, with the launch of its own game studio. The firm said it is opening up a studio located in Shanghai, China... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 25, 2010
Demand Media Wins Toyota
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the online media firm run by Richard Rosenblatt, disclosed today that the firm has signed on auto manufacturer Toyota as a customer. Demand Media said it has partnered with Toyota and ad agency Saatchi & Saa... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 21, 2010
Taltopia Aggregates Casting Calls, Entertainment Jobs
Hollywood-based Taltopia.com, an online social networking site for artists, said today that it is launching a new tool which aggregates casting calls and job postings in the entertainment and arts industry. The firm said the new service pul... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 20, 2010
AudioMicro.com Expands Track Library
Los Angeles-based AudioMicro, the online marketplace for stock music and sound effects headed by Ryan Born, is announcing today that it has added another 20,000 tracks to its marketplace. The firm--which is allows users to access music clip... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
RoyaltyShare Links With London Firm
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare, a web-based provider of royalty tracking for the music industry, has inked a deal with UK-based Consolidated Independent Ltd., the firms said this morning. According to the two companies, Consolidated Independe... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 19, 2010
3ality Digital Wins BSkyB
Burbank-based 3ality Digital, a developer of live-action 3D camera and related technology, said Thursday that it has inked a deal with UK entertainment and communications firm BSkyB. According to the two companies, they are collaborating on... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010
EdgeCast Expands In Singapore, Paris
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast, which operates a content delivery network (CDN) focused on rich media content, is announcing today that the firm is opening two new points of presence in Singapore and Paris. According to the firm, the two POPs a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 14, 2010
Break.com Rolls iPhone App
Los Angeles-based video site Break.com said today that the firm has launched a new, iPhone application, which allows its users to view its various video channels. According to Break, the app was launched December 31st on the App Store, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Slacker Radio Links With ABC News
San Diego-based Slacker, the online personalized radio service backed by Mission Ventures, Austin Ventures, Centennial Ventures, Rho Ventures, and Sevin Rosen Funds, said Thursday that it is adding ABC News to its Slacker personal radio ser... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 8, 2010
Fandango Launches Blackberry, Android Apps
Los Angeles-based Fandango, the online movie information and ticketing firm now owned by Comcast Interactive Media, has rolled out two mobile applications this week at CES. According to Fandango, it launched a new movie information, showtim... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 7, 2010
RealD Links With Sony, JVC, Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic, DIRECTV
Beverly Hills-based 3D technology provider RealD said today that it has signed agreements with Sony, JVC, Samsung, Toshiba, Panasonic, and DIRECTV, around support of its RealD format on new, 3D televisions. RealD said the agreements include... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 7, 2010
DIRECTV Planning 3D Broadcasts
El Segundo-based satellite broadcaster DIRECTV said Wednesday at CES that it is in a deal with HDTV manufacturer Panasonic, to broadcast 3D television starting in June of 2010. According to DIRECTV, its customers will receive a free softwa... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Napster's Gorog Departs Firm
Chris Gorog, the CEO of Los Angeles-based Napster, said Wednesday in a blog post that he is leaving the firm. According to Gorog, he will turn the reins of CEO over to Christopher Allen, who will serve as General Manager. The move comes 16 ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Napster Rolls Out API
Los Angeles-based music service Napster, which is now owned by Best Buy, announced today that it has released a new application programming interface, targeted at consumer electronics and web developers. According to Napster, the new API al... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 6, 2010
GaiKai Gets $5M In Funding
Aliso Viejo-based Gaikai, a startup developing technology to play computer games online in a web browser, has raised $5.0M in a funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm Tuesday. Source of the new funding was announced, ho... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 5, 2010
RealD In Win With Samsung
Los Angeles-based 3D technology provider RealD and Samsung Electronics announced today that the firms are integrating RealD's 3D technology into a new line of 3D TVs. According to the two, Samsung will support RealD's format for the deliver... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 4, 2010
THQ, WWE, JAKKS In Settlement
Agoura Hills-based video game maker THQ, WWE, and JAKKS Pacific said late Tuesday that the firms have reached a settlement of their legal dispute covering a THQ/JAKKS Pacific joint venture and licensing of WWE video games. According to the ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 23, 2009
RealD: Behind 50 Percent of Domestic Avatar Take
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D movie projection technology, said last night that the firm's 3D technology was behind over 50 percent of the weekend domestic gross on Twentieth Century Fox's AVATAR film. The firm said its screens... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Metaplace To Shut Virtual Worlds Service
San Diego-based Metaplace, a developer of virtual world software, told its users Monday that it is shutting down its service, effective January 1st. The firm, which is headed by Raph Koster, told its users that its service is "not gaining e... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 21, 2009
Six Degrees Partners For Moderation Software
Marina Del Rey-based Six Degree Games, which runs the Action AllStars online virtual world for tweens and teens, said today that it is tapping a software product from Crisp Thinking to help moderate its online environment. Six Degree said t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 21, 2009
Hulu Adds Captions Search
Los Angeles-based online video site Hulu announced today that the firm has added a new feature which allows users to search the captions of the shows on its service. According to the site, users can search from the captions on show, through... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 21, 2009
EA Mobile Ships Need For Speed SHIFT
Los Angeles-based EA Mobile, the mobile apps division of Electronic Arts, said Friday that its driving simulation game Need for Speed SHIFT debuted Friday on the Apple App Store. The game, which runs on the iPhone and iPod touch, includes m... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, December 18, 2009
Deadline.com Trumpets Readership Numbers
Los Angeles-based entertainment news blog Deadline.com is trumpeting its readership numbers today, saying that the site had 1,111,000 unique visitors in November, more than industry publications Variety and The Hollywood Reporter. The site,... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, December 18, 2009
RealD, Sony Link On 3D TV Effort
Los Angeles-based RealD, a supplier of hardware for projecting 3D movies, and consumer electronics giant Sony are in a pact to bring 3D television to the market, the firms said Thursday. According to Sony and RealD, their technology partner... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009
Break Media Inks Video On Demand Deal
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a number of male-oriented video and other content sites, announced Thursday that the firm has inked a deal with IPTV firm Clearleap. According to Break, the deal calls for Clearleap to include a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 17, 2009
RealD Part of AVATAR Premiere
Los Angeles-based RealD said Tuesday afternoon that the firm is powering the U.S. premiere of James Cameron's AVATAR, at the Grauman Chinese Theatre. The firm, which develops 3D movie projection technology, said the premiere will be the fir... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Paramount Opens Online Movie Clip Licensing Site
Los Angeles-based Paramount Digital Entertainment said Tuesday that it has launched a new site, ParamountClips.com, which will offer B2B licensing of clips from the studio's films. According to the studio, the new site will allow users to s... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Vuguru Nabs LivePlanet's Tanz
Los Angeles-based Vuguru, the digital production studio founded by Michael Eisner, has snagged former LivePlanet CEO Larry Tanz as its new President, the firm said today. Tanz was most recently co-founder and President of digital entertainm... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 14, 2009
Insights and Opinions: When the Cloud Goes Poof...
Paul Resnikoff, publisher of the Digital Music News, which provides news, information, and analysis of the digital music industry, published this editorial Thursday, and gave us permission to reprint it here in our Insights and Opinions sec... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009
Lottay Launches Bad Gifts Site
Los Angeles-based Lottay, the online gifting firm recently funded by DFJ Frontier, has launched a new site today focused on highlighting bad gifts. The firm's new site--MyWorstGiftEver.com--highlights and allows users to submit pictures and... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009
Rippol Removes Logins, Rolls Lightweight Site
San Diego-based Rippol, a startup which is looking to use social networking information to help users discover new videos and online shows, has quietly rolled out a new "lightweight" version of its site, and has removed requirements to logi... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 10, 2009
Variety.com Puts Up Pay Wall
Los Angeles-based entertainment trade publication Variety has decided to put the firm's content behind a pay wall, telling its readers today that it will start restricting access to its articles to print and digital subscribers, starting Th... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 9, 2009
MySpace Completes Imeem Deal
Los Angeles-based MySpace said Tuesday that it has closed its acquisition of social media site imeem. The firm did not disclose any further financial details related to the acquisition. Owen Van Natta, the firm's CEO, said it would use the ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Interview with Aaron Crayford, Rippol
Recently, San Diego-based Rippol (www.rippol.com) launched its web site, a service which uses social networking to help people find and discover interesting videos related to their interests. We caught up with CEO Aaron Crayford to learn ab... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Mochila Raises $1.0M
Carlsbad-based Mochila, which operates an online content marketplace for publishers, has raised $1.0M in an ongoing $2.0M funding round, according to a regulatory filing by the firm. No details on the funding have been announced by the comp... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009
RealD Adds Australian Theatres
Los Angeles-based RealD, a provider of 3D projection technology for the movie business, has signed on two Australian theater companies, the firm said this morning. RealD said that it has agreements with Amalgamated Holdings, which runs the ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 8, 2009
RealD Links With NAMCO On 3D Games
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D technology for the movie theater industry, announced today that it has linked with video game publisher and developer NAMCO BANDAI Games. According to RealD, NAMCO BANDAI is using a proprietary, St... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 7, 2009
THQ Opens Up Shop In Montreal
Agoura Hills-based THQ announced Thursday afternoon that it has opened up a new studio in Montreal, Quebec, which it says will employ over 400 new people. According to THQ, the new facility is part of an effort to develop new games in a "co... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 3, 2009
Withoutabox Targets Film Festivals
Los Angeles-based Withoutabox, which is now a part of Amazon.com's IMDB.com division, said this week that it has launched a new service targeted at film festivals. According to the site, it has created a new "Secure Online Screeners" offeri... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 3, 2009
THQ Hires Back Alumni As Licensing VP
Agoura Hills-based video game maker THQ reported earlier this week that it has hired on Germaine Gioia as its Senior Vice President, Licensing and Merchandise. According to THQ, Gioia was most recently Senior Vice President, Licensing for C... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 3, 2009
Clicker Links With Boxee
Los Angeles-based Clicker.com, the newly launched video and TV indexing and search site which is headed by former Ask.com CEO Jim Lanzone, told its users today that it has linked the site to Boxee, which is developing products which connect... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 3, 2009
Movieclips.com Launches Online Video Site
A new startup, Santa Monica-based MOVIECLIPS.COM, said late Wednesday evening that it has launched a new online video site featuring movie clips and scenes. The Movieclips site allows users to search for scenes from major movies, and embed ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 3, 2009
THQ, DreamWorks Animation In Licensing Deals
Agoura Hills-baed THQ has inked a number of new licensing deals with Dreamworks Animation SKG, the firms announced this morning. According tothe two firms, they are in multi-year, multi-property licensing agreements giving THQ exclusive wor... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hulu Adds Advanced Search Page
Los Angeles-based video site Hulu has launched a new advanced search site, the firm announced today. According to the site, the new search page allows users to search for shows using advanced boolean searching, including use of "and", "or"... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 30, 2009
Ace Metrix Gets $1.7M
Los Angeles-based Ace Metrix, which operates a service to help television advertisers judge the effectiveness of their creative, has raised $1.7M in a debt funding round, according to a regulatory filing from the firm Monday. Details on the... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 23, 2009
Hulu Adds User Tagging
Los Angeles-based Hulu, which streams major television shows and other videos to users, announced this morning that it has launched a new user tagging function. The firm said that users of the site can now create custom keywords or category... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 23, 2009
Topspin Media Adds VP
Santa Monica-based Topspin Media, the developer of music and band marketing software headed by former Yahoo Music GM Ian Rogers, said over the weekend that it has added Andrew Mains as its new VP Artist Relations and Services. Mains was Hea... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 23, 2009
CrownPeak Expands Into Online Marketing Tools
Los Angeles-based software-as-a-service developer CrownPeak has expanded the breadth of its offerings, saying this morning that it has launched a set of content management and marketing tools. CrownPeak said its new offering, the Online Mar... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 23, 2009
Rippol Launches Video Discovery Service
San Diego-based Rippol, a new startup looking to help people discovery and find online videos, is launching today at the TechCrunch Real-Time CrunchUp in San Francisco. The new site uses social networking features, including links to Facebo... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 20, 2009
Autobytel Extends Deal With Kelley Blue Book
Irvine-based Autobytel and Kelley Blue Book Co. said Thursday afternoon that the two have expanded an existing agreement, where Autobytel will get access to Kelley Blue Book's vehicle pricing information, specifications data, and editorial ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 20, 2009
Digiboo Gets Funding For Digital Film Rental Venture
Los Angeles-based Digiboo, a new startup focused on allowing consumers to rent films on flash drives, at retail kiosks, has scored funding from Revelations Entertainment, the production firm owned by actor Morgan Freeman and Lori McCreary. ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 19, 2009
EA Shutters Pandemic Studios
Electronics Arts is shutting down Los Angeles-based Pandemic Studios, according to an internal note leaked to gaming news site Kotaku. According to the note, Electronic Arts has laid off around 200 employees, and transitioned the rest to El... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Break Partners With Sony, Others
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a network of online content properties targeted at the male demographic, said today that it has signed up a slate of new content partners for its sites. The firm said it has added Sony Music, FE... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 18, 2009
FlipGloss Acquired By Forbes
Santa Monica-based FlipGloss, which develops online photo publishing software for the magazine industry, has been acquired by Forbes. Forbes Media announced the deal Thursday afternoon, but did not disclose any financial terms of the deal. ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009
Clicker.com To Launch Public Access
Los Angeles-based Clicker Media, a provider of an online programming guide to Internet television, said today that it is publicly launching its site, Clicker.com today. The startup, which is venture backed by Benchmark Capital and Redpoint ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 12, 2009
Six Degrees Games Raises $7M
Marina Del Ray-based Six Degrees Games, which runs the ActionAllStars.com virtual world focused on six to 14 year olds, has raised $7M in an additional funding round. The round was led by Time Warner, and also included prior investors Clear... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 10, 2009
EdgeCast Links With Cloud Hosting Provider
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast Networks, a provider of content delivery network services, said Monday that it has linked with cloud infrastructure hosting service GoGrid, to deliver a new offering called GoGrid CDN. The firm said the new offeri... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 9, 2009
RealD: 50 Percent of Disney's Christmas Carol
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D movie technology used by movie theaters to project 3D movies, said over the weekend that it delivered 50 percent of the $31M, opening weekend gross for Disney's A Christmas Carol. The firm said it ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 9, 2009
Break.com, Yoostar In Joint Promotion
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a network of male-centric content web sites, said today that it has linked with home entertainment system company Yoostar in a promotion. According to Break,it is teaming up with Yoostar for a s... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 6, 2009
Clicker.com Adds Blake Krikorian To Board, Investors
Los Angeles-based Clicker Media, which operates an online service to index Internet television, said today that it has added Blake Krikorian, founder and former CEO of Sling Media, to its board of directors. Krikorian is also investing in t... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009
Verve Wireless, AP Roll Out Mobile Publishing Tool
San Diego-based Verve Wireless and the Associated Press are announcing today that they have created a new product which will allow publishers to create their own, mobile applications based on AP Mobile. According to Verve and the AP, the wh... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009
Funny or Die Hits YouTube
Los Angeles-based Funny or Die, the online comedy video site started by Will Ferrell, said today that it has launched its own, branded YouTube channel. The firm said the channel will feature videos from the firm's own site. According to Fun... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 5, 2009
Break Lands Deal For Webisode Series
Los Angeles-based Break Media, an online site which caters to males, announced today that it has signed a deal with liquor maker Southern Comfort to develop a branded content project, "Social Sportz Net". Break said the series of webisodes ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Kingston, Paramount Tie On Movies Via Flash Memory
Fountain Valley-based memory maker Kingston Technology, and Paramount Digital Entertainment said Monday afternoon that the two are in a deal to deliver full-length, motion pictures on Kingston's flash memory products. According to Kingston ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 2, 2009
Total Beauty Gets $800K More
Beverly Hills-based Total Beauty Media, an online site providing beauty advice, product reviews, and other information, has raised $800,000 more in funding, according to last week's PricewaterhouseCoopers/NVCA MoneyTree report. The firm had... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 29, 2009
RealD, Eyewear Firm in Deal
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D projection hardware for movie theaters, has inked a deal with an Australian eyewear firm to create premium, stylish glasses, the firms said today. According to RealD and Look3D, they are in a licen... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Eisner Spins Off Digital Studio Vuguru
Michael Eisner's Vuguru, the new media production studio started by Michael Eisner as an offshoot of Tornante Company, is being spun off as part of an investment deal with Rogers Media, the firms said Monday. Financial details of the spinof... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Break.com Launches Horror Channel
Los Angeles-based Break.com, an online site focused on entertainment for men, said it has launched a new Horror Channel this morning. The site said the new channel includes both original content and user generated videos focused on Hallowee... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 27, 2009
RealD Signs Hollywood Theaters
Los Angeles-based RealD, which manufactures 3D cinema equipment, has signed on another theater chain, Hollywood Theaters. According to the two firms, they are in a partnership to equip a minimum of 100 screens across the country and oversea... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 26, 2009
MySpace Rolls Out Music Videos, Artist Tools
Los Angeles-based MySpace said Wednesday evening that it has rolled out a new phase of the firm's music site, adding new music videos to the site, as well as tools targeted at artists. According to MySpace, its MySpace Music Videos feature ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 22, 2009
Demand Media Offering Health Care Benefits To Freelancers
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the new media venture of former MySpace chairman Richard Rosenblatt, said today that it has just published its one millionth piece of original content, and is launching an effort to extend health care benefi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Lionsgate Kicks Off User Generated Content Effort
Santa Monica-based entertainment studio Lionsgate reported this afternoon that it has linked with Massify, an online community for the film industry, to help develop feature film projects for the studio. According to Lionsgate, it will tap'... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Be Jane Sold
Burbank-based Be Jane, the angel funded, online home improvement site focused on women, told its users that it has sold the web site to an undisclosed buyer, according to reports. The firm said in a newsletter to users that the buyer was a ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 19, 2009
Tubefilter Buys Tilzy.TV
Los Angeles-based TubeFilter, a provider of news and information about the online entertainment industry, said today that it has acquired Tilzy.TV, a provider of web TV entertainment reviews and news. Financial details of the acquisition we... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 19, 2009
EdgeCast: We're In The Black
Los Angeles-based content delivery network firm EdgeCast Networks, announced today that the firm is now profitable. The firm said it became profitable in Q3, and has been EBITDA positive since Q2. The privately held company said it has been... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 15, 2009
GOOD Gets Funding Round
Los Angeles-based GOOD, a media firm which operates Reason Pictures, GOOD Magazine, and GOOD Digital, announced this week that it has raised a Series A funding round. Amount of the funding was not disclosed. Investors included angels and Ni... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009
EdgeCast Partners With Turkish Firm
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast Networks, a provider of content delivery network (CDN) services, reports today that it has signed on a Turkish provider of telecommunications services, Dogan Telekom. EdgeCast said that Dogan is offerings its cont... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Sophoi Acquired By Oracle
Los Angeles-based Sophoi, a developer of media IP mananagement software, has been acquired by Oracle, Oracle said Monday. Financial terms of the buy were not disclosed. Oracle said that Sophoi's products will become available as Oracle Medi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 12, 2009
THQ Launches New Disney/Pixar Game
Agoura Hills-based game developer THQ has launched another video game today based on Disney/Pixar's Cars movie, Cars Race-O-Rama. The firm said the videogame, for the Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PlayStation 2, and PSP, is its... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 12, 2009
Ready At Dawn Takes On Game Development
Irvine-based Ready At Dawn Studios reported this morning that it has developed an integrated, console game development platform focused on the Sony PS3, Microsoft Xbox 360, and Pony PSP. The firm said it will provide its own code along with... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 12, 2009
Mzima Selected For NetDNA's Content Delivery Network
Los Angeles-based Mzima Networks, a provider of network services, said earlier this week that content deliver network firm NetDNA--also based in Los Angeles--has selected the firm's low-latency, 10 Gigabit backbone. Financial details of the... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 9, 2009
Hulu Launches Publishing Tool, Linux Support
Los Angeles-based video streaming firm Hulu told its users today that it has launched two new, experimental projects in its Hulu Labs section. According to Hulu, it has launched a new publishing tool--Hulu Publisher Tool--which helps report... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 8, 2009
Slacker Integrates With Twitter
San Diego-based Internet radio service Slacker has integrated its service with micro-blogging service Twitter, the firm said this morning. According to Slacker, it has added the ability for users with Twitter accounts to automatically tweet... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 8, 2009
Suddenly Darling Launches Teen Fashion Site
San Diego-based Suddenly Darling announced today that it has launched a new site focused on online fashion for teen girls and young women. The firm--started by 17-year old Katelyn Rose--features fashion, style, and hair tips, as well as cel... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 7, 2009
AEG Buys Webcasting Firm
Los Angeles-based AEG, which is a producer of music, sports, reality and special event programming, said Monday that it has acquired Incited Media, a provider of webcast management, production and media services. Financial terms of the acqu... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 5, 2009
Napster Inks Deal With Dell
Los Angeles-based music service Napster--which is now owned by Best Buy--said Friday morning that it has inked a deal with computer maker Dell to include 12 months of the service on Dell computers. According to Napster, the deal includes bo... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 2, 2009
RealD Upgrades El Capitan
Los Angeles-based RealD, which develops 3D movie projection hardware, disclosed this morning that it has installed an upgraded cinema systems at the El Capitan. Financial details of the win was not disclosed. According to RealD, the Hollywo... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 2, 2009
JumpStart Expands Virtual World
Torrance-based Knowledge Adventure, which owns the JumpStart brand of educational software titles, said Thursday that it has launched a new virtual world targeted at 5 to 8 year olds. According to the firm, the world--called MarineLand--is ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 1, 2009
Break Ramps Branded Content, Growth
Los Angeles-based online publisher Break Media said today that the firm has more than tripled its branded content projects this year, and expects that it will grow 18 percent this year, despite the economy. Break, which operates a series of... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Interview with Brian Garrett, Crosscut Ventures
Los Angeles-based Crosscut Ventures (www.crosscutventures.com) is one of the newest venture capital funds in the area, and has quietly been working on funding local companies over the last year. The fund--started by Brian Garrett and Rick S... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 30, 2009
True Games Opens New Studio
Irvine-based True Games Interactive is opening up a new studio in Austin, Texas, the firm announced this morning. According to True Games, the new studio will be headed by Frank Lucero, who was previously at Midway. True's first online game... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Ace Metrix Enhances Advertising Testing Service
Los Angeles-based Ace Metrix, which is venture backed by Hummer Winblad Venture Partners and Palomar Ventures, said today that it has rolled out a number of enhancements to the firm's service for the advertising market. The firm, which prov... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 24, 2009
TravelTrac Aims At Sharing Travel Experiences
Irvine-based TravelTrac has launched today, one of several Southern California startups showing their companies off at DEMOfall. The service--split across sites TrekTrac, MotoTrac, and SailTrac depending on types of trip--allows users to sh... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Activision Delays Game, Reaffirms Estimates
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing announced this morning that it has delayed the release of one of its highly anticipated titles, Blur, but reiterated its calendar ear 2009 outlook. Activision said it has moved the release of Blur, w... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 21, 2009
CrownPeak Adds URL Shortening To CMS
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, a developer of software-as-a-service for web content management, is jumping into the URL shortening craze, with its own URL shortener. URL shorteners, such as Bit.ly, take very long URLs and translate them into ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 18, 2009
3ality Inks 3D Production Deal
Burbank-based 3ality Digital is ramping its efforts in the 3D entertainment market, saying that it has inked a deal with digital entertainment distribution firm Cinedigm Digital Cinema Corp. on a number of 3D entertainment projects. Accordi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Veoh Claims Win Over Universal Music
Los Angeles- and San Diego-based video sharing site Veoh is claiming a major win today over Universal Music group, saying that a federal judge has thrown out a copyright infringement lawsuit against the firm. Veoh said that a federal court ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 14, 2009
Riot Games Raises $8M
Los Angeles-based Riot Games, a developer of online video games, announced today that it has raised a new, $8M round of financing. The round came from Benchmark Capital, FirstMark Capital, and Chinese online services firm Tencent. Riot Game... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 9, 2009
DivX Buys Streaming Firm
San Diego-based DivX, a developer of media encoding and decoding software, said late Tuesday that it has acquired AnySource Media LLC, a developer of streaming media software which can be used to enable on-demand playback of video on HDTV, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009
RoyaltyShare Extends Canadian Services
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare, a provider of digital royalty accounting for music publishers, said today that it has expanded its royalty services for Canadian music labels. The firm said it now can process mechanical royalties owed to the C... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Two Southern Californians In Amazon Commercial Contest Finals
Two Southern Californians are in the running for $10,000 for their entries into a user generated advertising effort from e-commerce site Amazon.com. According to Amazon.com, it has selected five finalists to compete for the $10,000 in Amazo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 24, 2009
Report: Slacker Loses CEO
San Diego-based music startup Slacker has apparently lost its CEO, according to a report from VentureWire. VentureWire said it confirmed the departure of Dennis Mudd with an investor in the company. Slacker is venture backed by Austin Ventu... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 20, 2009
Interview with Sherry Gunther, Masher Media
Last Week, Calabasas-based Masher Media announced it had received a round of angel funding from the Tech Coast Angels to fund its development of MyMiniPeeps (www.myminipeeps.com), a virtual world for children. We spoke with Sherry Gunther, ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 20, 2009
Capcom Interactive Hails "Cash Cab"
Los Angeles-based Capcom Interactive, the mobile development arm of game developer Capcom, said Thursday that the firm has signed into a licensing agreement with Discovery Communications, to launch a new mobile game based on Discovery's "Ca... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 13, 2009
Studios Get Preliminary Injuction Against RealNetworks In DVD Case
A consortium of Hollywood studios, including Disney, Paramount, Sony, Twentieth Century Fox, NBC Universal, Warner Brothers, and Viacom, has scored a preliminary injunction against RealNetworks in a DVD copying software case. According to a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Loudvine Goes Live
Los Angeles-based Loudvine.com, a new, Web 2.0-style, online community site focused on music fans, said today that it is now live in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Orange County, and San Diego. The online site allows music fans to find bands, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Emergent Ties With 3D Animation Firm
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies, a provider of video game development tools, said this morning that it has integrated its Gamebryo LightSpeed product with 3D game animation firm Mixamo. The two firms said that LightSpeed develope... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Masher Media Gains Angel Funding
Calabasas-based Masher Media, which is developing the online virtual world MyMiniPeeps.com for children, has received a round of angel funding from the Tech Coast Angels. According to the TCA, Masher Media has received $300,000 from the ang... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 10, 2009
FlipGloss Ties With Variety
Santa Monica-based FlipGloss Media, a developer of visually driven, photo-centric web technology aimed at the fashion and news industry, announced today that it has launched a new web site for entertainment news provider Variety. According ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 6, 2009
GameStop Looks To LA For Digital Media Head
Video game and entertainment software retailer GameStop has snagged Chris Petrovic, former VP of Digital Media at Playboy Enterprises, as its new digital media head, setting up Petrovic and a team in a corporate office here in Southern Cali... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 5, 2009
King.com Links With Lifetime
Los Angeles- and London-based King.com, which operates an online casual games site, said today that it has linked up with Lifetime Digital Media on an online games effort. According to the two, King.com will be the exclusive provider of a c... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Disney-ABC Television Links With Netflix On Lost, Other ABC Shows
Disney-ABC Television and movie rental service Netflix reported this morning that they are in a deal, which will make "Lost," "Desperate Housewives," "Grey's Anatomy," and other ABC television series available via streaming to Netflix custo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 3, 2009
EQAL Launches Social Publishing Tool
Los Angeles-based EQAL, said this morning at Twiistup that the firm is launching a new, social publishing tool it is calling Umbrella, focused on independent producers, celebrity talent, and online personalities. According to EQAL, its new ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 30, 2009
Internet Brands Traffic Up, Revenues Flat
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands reported its quarterly results Wednesday afternoon, reporting that it saw 50 million monthly unique visitors to the firm's websites in June, up 35 percent from 37 million uniques in June of last year. Howev... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009
THQ Gains On UFC Title
Agoura Hills-based THQ has swung back into the black, saying Tuesday evening that it had net income of $6.4M on sales of $243.5M for its fiscal first quarter, on the strength of the firm's new UFC 2009 Undisputed title. The positive results... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Knowledge Genie Launches Publishing Tool
Los Angeles-based startup Knowledge Genie is launching a new, online site today which allows people to publish, share, and sell their knowledge online. The startup, headed by authors and husband-and-wife team Milo and Thuy Sindell, allows b... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 29, 2009
AudioMicro Expands Sound Effect Library
Los Angeles-based AudioMicro.com, which operates an online marketplace for royalty-free music and sound effects, said Tuesday morning that it has added another 55,000 sound effects in a licensing deal with The Hollywood Edge. AudioMicro sai... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 28, 2009
THQ Prevails In Spat With JAKKS Pacific
Agoura Hills-based THQ disclosed this morning that it has prevailed in a binding arbitration with JAKKS Pacific, over WWE video games sold under a license granted by World Wrestling Entertainment. THQ said that the arbitrator has establishe... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 27, 2009
Demand Media Claims Billions Of Video Views
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the Internet publishing and content effort run by Richard Rosenblatt, reported today that the firm has seen more than one billion video streams across its network of sites and branded YouTube channels. The f... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Blizzard Scores Sam Raimi On Warcraft Movie Deal
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment, which operates the popular World of Warcraft online, massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORG), has signed on director Sam Raimi for an upcoming movie based on the game. According to Blizz... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 22, 2009
SheKnows Cracks Top 10 Gaining Web Properties
Los Angeles-based SheKnows, the online women's media site owned by AtomicOnline, has shown up in the top 10 list of gaining properties, based comScore's latest ranking of web visitors today. comScore's monthly analysis for June 2009 finds t... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Future Ads' PlaySushi Sees Growth
Irvine-based Future Ads, which runs the casual games sites Gamevance.com and PlaySushi.com, said that the firm's new PlaySushi site has seen what the firm described as "dramatic growth" since going live three months ago. The company claimed... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Topspin In Distribution Deal With INgrooves
Topspin Media, the high profile, Santa Monica-based music startup headed by former Yahoo Music GM Ian Rogers, has inked a deal with independent music promoter INgrooves. INgrooves and Topspin said that Topspin will provide its marketing sof... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Spot Runner Looks To Dismiss WPP Suit
Los Angeles-based Spot Runner, which operates an online service to help businesses place television advertising, has filed to dismiss a lawsuit filed against the firm by one of its investors, WPP. In a legal filing, Spot Runner said that am... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 16, 2009
Break.com, G4 In Content Deal
Los Angeles-based Break.com, which operates a video and entertainment web site focused on men, reports today that it has inked a partnership with G4's "Web Soup" television series, where "Web Soup" will feature a Break.com segment. Accordin... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 16, 2009
King.com Releases Mobile Games
Los Angeles- and London-based King.com, which operates an online casual gaming web site, said this morning that it has released 20 games for mobile phone platforms. According to the firm, the skill games run on simple feature phones manufac... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 16, 2009
VMIX Adds Reseller
San Diego-based VMIX, which provides a platform for publishing and managing online video, reports today that it has signed on an ad agency and reseller, which has resulted in more than 30 customers for the firm. The firm said that South Car... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Riot Games Announces First Online Game
Los Angeles-based Riot Games, a venture-backed developer of online video games, announced Tuesday that it is will be releasing its first title--a free, online, multiplayer game called League of Legends. According to the firm, the new game w... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 14, 2009
ManiaTV Founder Buys Assets
Drew Massey, the founder of ManiaTV, has reportedly purchased the assets of defunct Internet web content firm ManiaTV, says the New York Times. Details on the buyback were not disclosed, but the Times says that the acquisition did not inclu... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 13, 2009
Gorilla Nation Renews Fangoria
Los Angeles-based Gorilla Nation, which represents online publishers for advertising sales, reports today that the firm has extended an agreement with The Brooklyn Company, which owns horror site Fangoria.com, FangoriaGoreZone.com, and Star... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Interview with Steve Goldman, Ace Metrix
Los Angeles-based Ace Metrix (www.acemetrix.com) launched its software-as-a-service, TV advertising rating service last month, and we spoke with the firm's CEO and co-founder, Steve Goldman, recently to learn more about the firm. In particu... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Saban Capital Hires Managing Director
Los Angeles-based Saban Capital, the investment group of Haim Saban, disclosed this morning that it has hired on Elie Dekel as a Managing Director at the firm. Saban is an investor in media, entertainment, and communications companies, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Livestrong.com: 1.5M Registered Users, 4.2M Uniques
Los Angeles-based Livestrong.com, the online, fitness site run by Demand Media and the Lance Armstrong Foundation, reported Monday that the firm has more than 4.2 million unique monthly visitors and now has over 1.5 million registered users... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 29, 2009
Bid4Spots Reports Progress On Cable TV Ads
Encino-based Bid4Spots, the online radio and TV advertising firm headed by Dave Newmark, said this week that the firm has seen a 40 percent increase in ad revenues in its online marketplace for cable television advertising since its launch ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 25, 2009
Break.com Lampoons Twitter
Los Angeles-based Break.com has launched a new lampoon of the micro-messaging service Twitter, saying Wednesday afternoon that it has launched Tweet Boxx, a weekly online web series hosted by "Man in the Box" star Mike Polk. In the premier ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Big Stage Targets Content Creators
Los Angeles-based Big Stage Entertainment, which develops avatar creation technology for turning photos into animated, 3-D likenesses, said Wednesday that the firm has launched a new effort targeted training content creators on the firm's p... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Mail.com Buys Entertainment Blog
Los Angeles-based Mail.com Media Corporation, which operates the email service Mail.com, said today that it has acquired an entertainment focused blog, DeadlineHollywoodDaily.com. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. DeadlineHoll... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Global Fitness Media Launches New Fitness Site
Los Angeles-based Global Fitness Media has officially launched its fitness web site FitOrbit, focused on helping users connect with fitness trainers and track their fitness training and meal planning online. According to Global Fitness, its... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 22, 2009
RealD Releases Install Numbers
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D movie projection equipment, has released its latest install numbers, saying over the weekend that it now has over 8,700 screens contracted, and over 3,200 screens installed with its technology. In ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 22, 2009
Break Media Launches New Site
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a number of web sites focused on the young male demographic, announced this morning that it has launched a new website, MadeMan.com. According to Break, the new site will focus on product review... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 22, 2009
Pragmatic Solutions Powers America's Army Release
Westlake Village-based Pragmatic Solutions, a developer of server-side software for online computer games titles, said today that the firm is powering the deployment client for America's Army 3, the PC action game distributed by the U.S. Ar... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 19, 2009
Verimatrix Gains Another Latin American Win
San Diego-based Verimatrix, a provider of digital content security technology and products for pay TV, said this week that the firm has gained another Latin American customer. The firm said that CANTV, which is looking to offer IPTV service... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 19, 2009
Report: Ripe Digital Entertainment Shuts Doors
Los Angeles-based Ripe Digital Entertainment, a producer of digital video entertainment, has shut down, according to Deadline Hollywood Daily. Details on the shutdown are sketchy, however, the firm is reportly looking for buyers. Ripe Digi... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Ace Metrix Targets TV Advertising
Los Angeles-based Ace Metrix is looking to apply analytics to the television advertising market, saying this morning that it has launched a service which helps advertisers measure persuasion and watchability of their advertising. The firm, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Tsavo Loses Macadaan
Santa Monica-based Tsavo, the online media company which owns Manolith, Twirlit, Kidglue, and Nibbledish, has lost its Vice President of Product and Design, Mike Macadaan. Macadaan is well known in the Los Angeles technology community for c... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 16, 2009
RoyaltyShare Expands Service To The UK
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare, a developer of software-as-a-service for tracking online music royalties, said today that the firm has expanded its service to handle tracking of royalties in the UK. RoyaltyShare said that it now supports mech... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 15, 2009
EdgeCast Inks Patent Licensing Deal, Adds Customers
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast Networks, a provider of content delivery networking services, is announcing today that it has inked an intellectual property licensing agreement with Web.com. According to EdgeCast, the IP deal grants the firm a l... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 8, 2009
RotoHog Wins Sporting News
Los Angeles-based RotoHog, which develops fantasy sports games, announced Monday that the firm has signed on Sporting news, to create fantasy games for the brand. According to RotoHog, it will build free and paid online fantasy games for fo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 8, 2009
Verimatrix Deploys In Mexico
San Diego-based Verimatrix reported this week that the firm is deploying its content security technology in Mexico, as part of an install at cable operator Cablemas. According to Verimatrix, its products are being used as part of a enhanced... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 4, 2009
Emergent Game Technologies Scores Win With THQ
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies, developer of the Gamebryo game engine, disclosed today that the firm has signed on THQ through a master licensing agreement. Emergent said that THQ will use its Gamebryo and Gamebryo LightSpeed so... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Shopflick.com Acquired By Sugar, Inc.
Los Angeles-based Shopflick.com, an online video fashion marketplace, has been acquired by San Francisco publisher Sugar Inc., Sugar said Monday afternoon. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. According to Sugar, Shopflick... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 1, 2009
Disney Completes Kaboose Buy
North Hollywood-based Disney Online announced today that the firm has completed its purchase of a number of web sites from Kaboose, including Kaboose.com, BabyZone.com, AmazingMoms.com, and ParentZone.com. The acquisitions, which were first... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 1, 2009
CrownPeak Opens Office In NYC
Los Angeles-based software-as-a-service firm CrownPeak reports today that it has opend up an office in Manhattan. The developers of content management software said that the office will focus on East Coast creative and interactive agency pa... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 27, 2009
THQ Loses Publishing VP
Agoura Hills-based THQ reported late Tuesday that the firm's Executive Vice President of Publishing, Scott Guthrie, has resigned. The firm said that Guthrie--who was responsible for the firm's North American sales, distribution, and marketi... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Loop'd Network Gains $800K
San Diego-based Loop'd Network, an online site focused on action sports, announced this morning that it has raised $800,000 in additional funding. According to Loop'd, the funding came from its existing investors, along with new investor th... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 20, 2009
EdgeCast Signs Latin America Partner
Los Angeles-based content delivery network provider EdgeCast Networks is announcing today that it has signed on a new, Latin American partner. According to EdgeCast, it has signed a deal to interconnect Samba Tech, a provider of rich media ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 19, 2009
AtomicOnline Relaunches GameRevolution
Los Angeles-based AtomicOnline, which operates a number of online content sites, said this morning that it has relaunched its online gaming site, GameRevolution. AtomicOnline said it has completed a "major website redesign" and partnered wi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 15, 2009
Slacker Raises $9.6M
San Diego-based online music provider Slacker has raised $9.6M in a funding round, based on a regulatory filing from the company. Slacker said in the filing that it raised just over $9.6M of a $10.2M round. Details on the funding have not b... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 14, 2009
Hulu Goes Bollywood
Online video service Hulu has started carrying Bollywood movies, and has signed digital distributor Saavn to show a number of Bollywood films from India. According to Saavn, it will offer five titles from India, including "Sarkar", a 2005 v... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 7, 2009
Evolver Launches Avatar Site
Aliso Viejo-based Evolver, a firm developing avatar creation technology, launched an alpha of its web site this week, focused on helping consumers create their own virtual avatars. Evolver is headed by former Vicon Motion Capture CEO Brian ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 7, 2009
60Frames Shuts Down
Los Angeles-based 60Frames, an online entertainment studio developing professionally produced, online content, has reportedly shut down, according to The Hollywood Reporter. 60Frames had raised $3.5M in funding in 2007, from Tudor Investmen... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 7, 2009
THQ Reports Loss
Agoura Hills-based video game maker THQ reported its yearly results Wednesday afternoon, reporting that it saw a net loss of $431.1M on sales of $830.0M. The losses were significantly higher than the $35.3M the firm lost on sales of $1,030.... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 6, 2009
RealD Ships New 3D Projector
Los Angeles-based RealD, a provider of 3D projectors for movie theaters, said this morning that it has shipped a new, 3D projector targeted at the small screen. According to RealD, the new product--its RealD LP--is aimed at use in conferenc... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Demand Media: Man Delivers Baby Using Video
Santa Monica-based Demand Media reports that a man in the United Kingdom used a instructional video on the firm's site, Expert Village, to deliver his wife's baby. Instead of rushing his wife to the hospital, the firm said that engineer Mar... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 4, 2009
View2Gether.com Gains Funding
Los Angeles-based View2Gether.com, which is developing a product which will allow users to watch and share video content in real-time, said this week that it has raised a Series A investment round. Size of the round was not disclosed. Accor... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009
Disney Invests In Hulu
The Walt Disney Company is the latest firm to invest in online video aggregator Hulu, saying this morning that it has agreed to join NBC Universal, New Corporation, and Providence Equity Partners as a joint venture partner in the site. Acco... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 30, 2009
Internet Brands Buys Two Websites, Targets Money and Finance
Los Angeles-based Internet Brands is expanding its network of vertically focused web sites, saying Wednesday that the firm has acquired two new websites in the money and finance area, and has officially targeted "Money and Business" as one ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Buzz Media Trims Staff At Idolator
Hollywood-based Buzz Media the venture backed content, media, and community site, has made more cuts, this time at the firm's Idolator blog. According to a post by one of its editors earlier this month, the site has cut "pretty much all" of... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Demand Media's Cure For The Daily Grind: Puppies
Demand Media, the well funded online media firm run by former MySpace chairman Richard Rosenblatt, has a new solution to the recent doom, gloom, and stress brought on by the economy: a new iPhone app it is calling "The Daily Puppy." Accordi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2009
ZAM, Sony Tie In Game Information Deal
Los Angeles-based ZAM, and San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment announced Wednesday that the two companies have tied on a new online site focused on information from Sony's EverQuest II massively multiplayer online game. According to t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2009
RotoHog, RazorGator Partner
Los Angeles-based RotoHog, a developer of fantasy sports games, disclosed this morning that it has signed an exclusive partnership with RazorGator. According to the firm, the deal covers the 2009 Baseball season, and will give RotoHog's Fan... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Big Stage Adds New Content From GGL Global Gaming
Pasadena-based Big Stage Entertainment, the startup which uses photos to create animated, 3-D facial avatars of users, has added new content from a game from GGL Global Gaming. Big Stage told its users yesterday that they could now insert t... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Katalyst Media Ties With Ustream, Sets Season Finale
Hollywood-based Katalyst Media, the content production firm of Ashton Kutcher, announced a live streaming deal with Ustream, and release of the firm's KatalystHQ season finale. According to Ustream and Katalyst Media, the two firms will use... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 21, 2009
VMIX Ties With TV Stations
San Diego-based VMIX, a provider of software used by web sites to manage online video publishing, said Thursday that the firm has inked a deal with television broadcasting firm Post-Newsweek Stations. VMIX said that Post-Newsweek--a divisio... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 16, 2009
MeFeedia Trumpets Visitor Numbers
Los Angeles-based MeFeedia, which operates an online video search engine, said earlier this week that it is seeing more than 7.6 million unique visitors a month. The firm, which indexes and searches for online video across different web vid... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Crownpeak Revs Content Management Software
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, a developer of content management software, said Tuesday that the firm has rolled out a suite of new features for its CMS tools. The firm--whose tools are available as software-as-a-service--said that it has add... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Planetwide Games Raises $3.67M
Los Angeles-based Planetwide Games, a publisher of entertainment software and web sites, has raised $3.6M of a $4.0M funding round, including equity, debt, and warrants, according to a regulatory filing by the firm. The firm has not yet ann... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 6, 2009
ARTISTdirect Acquires MediaSentry
Los Angeles-based ARTISTdirect, which operates an online consumer music portal, along with operating MediaDefender, a business which helps prevent media piracy of content from motion picture studios, record labels, and others, said Thursday... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 3, 2009
THQ Completes Cost Cutting
Agoura Hills-based video game maker THQ announced this morning that it has "substantially completed" its latest business realignment, which will save the firm $220M in annual costs. THQ announced in February that it was cutting 600 people, ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 2, 2009
Report: Veoh Planning Major Layoffs
San Diego- and Los Angeles-based online video site Veoh is reportedly in the midst of a "major restructuring," according to a report from VentureBeat. Quoting a "source close to the company" VentureBeat said that the layoffs would be "drast... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Slacker Adds Lyrics
San Diego-based Slacker, a venture-backed, personalized online radio service, told its users this morning that it has launched a new feature which adds complete lyrics to the firm's services. According to Slacker, its premium Slacker Radio ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Disney Online Acquires Sites From Kaboose
North Hollywood-based Disney Online, the online publishing arm of Disney Interactive Media Group, announced this morning that it has acquired a number of assets from Canadian firm Kaboose, in a deal worth approximately $18.4M. Disney said t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Take180.com Launches Web Series
Burbank-based Take180.com announced Tuesday that the firm has officially launched a web site which looks to create original web series based on audience participation. The site--which is owned by The Walt Disney Company--said it has created... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2009
EQAL Hits Japan
Los Angeles-based EQAL, the production firm behind Youtube sensation lonelygirl15, said this morning that it has inked a licensing agreement in Japan. According to EQAL, entertainment company Shinto Tsushin will distribute lonelygirl15 and ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 30, 2009
DTS In Strategic Alliance
Agoura Hills-based DTS Digital Cinema disclosed this morning that it is in a strategic alliance to co-brand products along with Qube Cinema. The firm, which develops surround sound audio technology, said that the two firms will develop and ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 30, 2009
Verimatrix Closes Deals In Russia
San Diego-based Verimatrix, a venture-funded provider of IPTV security technology, said this week that the firm has signed on three TV operators in Russia. According to Verimatrix, it has signed on Iskratelecom, Tattelecom and Bashinformsvy... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 27, 2009
RealD Adds AMC Entertainment
Los Angeles-based RealD, a provider of 3D theater projection technology, has signed on theater firm AMC Entertainment as a customer of the firm. According to AMC and RealD, AMC is set to deploy up to 1,500 RealD 3D screens in the US and Can... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 26, 2009
Hulu Rises In Video Rankings
Hulu, the online video service which is a joint venture of NBC Universal and News Corp., saw a big bump in viewership, bringing it into the top 5 video sites, according to the latest traffic rankings from comScore. According to comScore's V... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009
MySpace Music Names Execs
Los Angeles-based social networking web site MySpace said Tuesday afternoon that it has named three executives for the firm's music community, MySpace Music. According to the firm, it has hired on Jamie Kantrowitz as Senior Vice President o... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Interpolls Signs Twentieth Century Fox
Los Angeles-based Interpolls, a provider of rich media advertising technology, announced this morning that Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is using the firm to promote the Blu-ray and DVD release of "Slumdog Millionaire." Financial... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 24, 2009
Citysearch Launches Food Site
West Hollywood-based Citysearch said this morning that it has launched a new, online blog site called 3BuckBites, focused on "cheap eats" costing less than $3.99. The firm said that the site will feature content from its own editors, blogge... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 23, 2009
Activision Names Rosensweig CEO of RedOctane
Santa Monica-based video games developer Activision has tapped former Yahoo! COO Dan Rosensweig as CEO of the firms's RedOctane business unit--the unit which is in charge of its Guitar Hero franchise. According to Activision, Rosensweig wil... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 23, 2009
Topspin Rolls Out Music Marketing Software, To Some
Venice, California-based Topspin, a developer of software focused on helping musicians market and distribute their work, launched an upgrade to its product Wednesday at the SXSW festival. The firm said that it has commercially released its ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009
Buzznet Raises $12.5M More
Los Angeles-based Buzznet, which operates a network of web sites focused on celebrities and pop culture, announced this morning that it has raised $12.5M and will rename itself Buzz Media. According to the company, the funding round was led... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 19, 2009
Topspin Links With College On Online Music Courses
Santa Monica-based Topspin Media, the online music startup of former Yahoo Music GM Ian Rogers, said today that the firm has inked a deal with Berkleemusic.com, the online continuing education division of the Berklee College of Music, to pa... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Stickam.com Lands Adam Carolla
Los Angeles-based live video camera streaming firm Stickam.com appears to the beneficiary of CBS Radio's switch of local Los Angeles radio station KLSX-FM to a new format, saying that the company has an exclusive to stream Adam Carolla's li... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Emergent Game Technologies Signs Square Enix
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies and game developer Square Enix said today that the two have reached an agreement where Square Enix will license Emergent's video game development engine. Financial impact of the agreement was not a... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
GoodFoodNearYou Expands Listings
Los Angeles-based GoodFoodNearYou, an online site that allows users to find healthy eating options at restaurants, is expanding its listings of restaurants and menus, the firm said today. The site--created by Global Fitness Media--said it i... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Clearstone Ventures Into Apture
Santa Monica-based Clearstone Venture Partners is the lead investor in a Northern California firm focused on the blogging and publishing industry, Apture. Apture said this morning that Clearstone was the lead investor in a $4.1M, Series A i... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 17, 2009
Autobytel, Edmunds.com Settle Patent Suit
Irvine-based Autobytel and Santa Monica-based Edmunds.com said late Monday that the two have entered into a settlement over a patent lawsuit filed by Edmunds against Autobytel. According to the two firms, the two have entered into a settlem... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 16, 2009
Verimatrix Scores Win In India
San Diego-based Verimatrix, a developer of content security technology for the IPTV market, said Monday that the firm has signed on Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd (BSNL), an Indian IPTV operator, as a customer. Financial impact of the deal was no... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 16, 2009
Image Metrics Targets Video Game Customers With New Services
Los Angeles-based Image Metrics, a developer of facial animation technology, disclosed this morning that it has created a new "rigging" service for the video game and film markets. According to the firm, the new service will allow video gam... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 16, 2009
Make It Work Gets Into Radio
Santa Barbara-based Make It Work, which operates an in-home, computer and electronics help service, said Friday that it has signed a multi-year contract to host a radio show on KNX 1070. According to Make It Work, the show will be hosted by... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 13, 2009
ARTISTdirect Signs Ad Rep Agency
Los Angeles-based ARTISTdirect, which operates an online site focused on music and film, has signed on a group to represent the firm in advertising and sponsorship sales. According to ARTISTdirect, it has tapped Traffic Marketplace for its ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 13, 2009
Steamboat Invests In Greystripe
Burbank-based Steamboat Ventures, the venture capital arm of Disney, is one of the investors in Bay Area-based mobile games advertising firm Greystripe, which raised a $5.5M Series C funding today. Greystripe said the funding round was led ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
9 Gets Funding Round
Los Angeles-based 9, a startup offering consulting and production for brands, entertainment, media, internet and retail companies, has raised a small round of funding from private investors. Details on the amount of funding were not release... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 11, 2009
EQAL Launches HarpersGlobe.com
Los Angeles-based online production firm EQAL disclosed today that it has launched the web site it is codeveloping with CBS, HarpersGlobe.com, the companion site to the new CBS mystery Harper's Island. According to EQAL, the "social show" i... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Knowledge Adventure Launches Virtual World
Torrance-based Knowledge Adventure, a publisher of educational software titles, said this morning that it has officially launched its JumpStart virtual world targeted at 3 to 10 year olds. Knowledge Adventure--which opened a beta of the wor... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009
THQ To Ship Title Based On Disney Film
Agoura Hills-based THQ is reporting today that the firm will create a video game based on the upcoming Disney-Pixar movie UP. According to THQ, the video game--being developed by its Heavy Iron Studios unit--is based on Disney's upcoming co... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Teresis Enhances Mac Support
Santa Ana-based Teresis Media Management, a provider of workflow and digital asset management products for the entertainment and broadcast industry, said this morning that it has enhanced support for Mac users. According to the firm, the fi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 9, 2009
RotoHog Teams On Volleyball Fantasy Game
Los Angeles-based RotoHog, which operates online sports fantasy games, said today that the firm is in a partnership with the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Tour on a new fantasy game. According to RotoHog, it will operate a fantasy game for the t... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 6, 2009
Pluggedin Media Looks For Buyer
Los Angeles-based Pluggedin Media, which operates a web site focused on streaming of high quality, music videos in HD and broadcast quality, is looking for a buyer. The firm's chairman, Brett O'Brien, told socalTECH that, contrary to other ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009
ManiaTV Shuts Down
Los Angeles-based ManiaTV has shut its doors, after failing to find a buyer, according to the firm. The firm was in the business of creating original web content and video shows, and had been looking to find a buyer for the firm in the last... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 5, 2009
Steamboat Invests In Celebrity Site
Los Angeles-based Steamboat Ventures has set its sights on the celebrity web space, and is the lead investor in a new round of funding for Fanzter, which operates the celebrity products site Coolspotters.com. According to Connecticut-based ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 4, 2009
Image Metrics Gets Win In UK
Santa Monica-based Image Metrics, a venture-funded developer of facial animation software, announced Tuesday that the firm has signed on a UK-based studio as a client. According to Image Metrics, Double Negative is a beta client for the fir... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Comcast Interactive Snags VP From Glam
Comcast Interactive Media announced Monday that it has appointed Scott Schiller as the new Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales, heading up sales for the firm's Fandango, Fancast, Movies.com and Plaxo units. Fandango, Movies.com, and ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 2, 2009
EQAL In Deal With Creator of 'CSI'
Los Angeles-based EQAL said this morning that it has signed up 'CSI' franchise creator Anthony E. Zuiker on a new multimedia project. According to EQAL, which was behind the lonelygirl15 and KateModern web series, Zuiker and the firm will c... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 2, 2009
Report: ManiaTV Axes Staff
Los Angeles-based ManiaTV has reportedly laid off 15 of the firm's 33 employees, according to a report in The Deal, as the firm prepares to sell the company. The Deal said Revision3 is rumored to be a possible buyer for the firm. ManiaTV is... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009
PlaceVine Scores Seed Funding
Los Angeles- and New York-based PlaceVine, which operates a web-based service to connect brands and agencies to product placement opportunities in film, television, and new media, said Wednesday that it has scored a round of seed financing ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 26, 2009
Crave Entertainment Acquired By New York Firm
Newport Beach-based Crave Entertainment, a video game firm owned by Handleman Company, has been acquired by New York-based Fillpoint LLC, a provider of online distribution, fulfillment, and e-commerce services to the video game industry. Fi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 25, 2009
DailyFill Takes On Celebrity News
Santa Monica-based Slingshot Labs, the startup incubator headed by MySpace co-founders Josh Berman and Colin Digiaro, officially rolled out its first web site this morning, DailyFill. According to the firm, which is a division of News Corpo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 24, 2009
RealD Adds UK Theater Chain
Los Angeles-based RealD, which provides technology for projecting 3D movies on digital theater screens, announced this morning that it has signed up another theater chain as a customer. RealD said that Vue Entertainment, which operates mult... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 23, 2009
Break Launches NASCAR Site
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a network of online content sites focused on men, said today that it has launched a new NASCAR-themed site called All Left Turns. Break said the new site will offer news, race analysis, driver i... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 23, 2009
Report: ManiaTV On The Block
Los Angeles-based ManiaTV, which produces and distributes online content, is reportedly looking for a buyer, and has hired investment bank Updata Advisors. According to a report in TVWeek, the firm is hoping to find a buyer by the end of th... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009
Global Fitness Media Names CTO
Los Angeles-based Global Fitness Media, which is developing a number of fitness-related online web sites, has hired on a new Chief Technical Officer, according to the firm's search agency, NeoHire. According to the firms, Daniel Auld has be... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 19, 2009
OVGuide.com Gets $5M
Beverly Hills-based OVGuide.com, an online site focused on video discovery and search, disclosed today that the firm has received $5M in funding from Baroda Ventures LLC, the investment firm of former GeoCities founder David Bohnett. Accord... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009
CrownPeak Targets Landing Pages With New Product
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, a developer of software-as-a-service for web site management, announced this morning that the firm has launched a new product targeted at landing page management. CrownPeak said its new product--CrownPeak Landin... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Emergent Game Technologies Scores $12.5M
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies, a supplier of video game development software, said Monday that it has raised $12.5M in a new round of funding. According to Emergent, the round was led by new investor Hopewell Ventures, and also... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Disney Online Launches Tweener Site
North Hollywood-based Disney Online said Friday that it has rolled out a new site, DisneyXD, targeted at the "tween" market. The Disney unit said that the online and mobile site would target kids and tween boys with action-based games, full... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, February 13, 2009
Google Shuts Radio Advertising Efforts
Search engine giant Google said Thursday that it is exiting from the radio advertising business, putting an end into the firm's attempt to leverage its online advertising success into other media. Google--which pulled the plug on its newspa... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 12, 2009
Boingo Ties Into Mobile Video Site
Los Angeles-based Boingo Wireless, which operates a network of Wi-Fi hotspots, has launched a promotion with Web 2.0 live video streaming firm Qik. According to the firms Tuesday, Qik will offer Boingo's services in a trial for 30 days, in ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2009
GoTV Networks Launches Music Channels On T-Mobile G1
Sherman Oaks-based GoTV Networks, which develops original programming for the mobile market, said today that the firm has launched a number of music channels on the T-Mobile G1 handset. GoTV Networks said it has launched a number of music c... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 11, 2009
ValueClick Signs Health Publishers
Westlake Village-based ValueClick has added a trio of new publishers to the firm's health and wellness advertising network, the firm disclosed this morning. According to ValueClick, it has added eMedTV, HealthCastle.com, and Hearthstone Com... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Break Taps Quantcast For Demographic Data
Los Angeles-based Break Media, which operates a online network of web properties focused on men, announced this morning that it is teaming up with Quantcast to collect demographic information about its sites. Financial arrangements of the d... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 9, 2009
Microsoft Rolls Out Celebrity News Site
Microsoft's MSN, and Santa Monica-based media firm BermanBraun Interactive said today that they have rolled out a new celebrity news site called WonderWall, which will feature information on what the companies described as the "hottest" pop... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 5, 2009
Warner Buys Independent Game Developer
Burbank-based Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group announced late Wednesday evening that it has acquired an independent game development studio, Snowblind Studios. Snowblind is the developer of game titles Baldur's Gate: Dark Alliance, Cha... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 5, 2009
THQ To Lay Off 600
Agoura Hills-based THQ, a developer and publisher of video games, said Wednesday that it is making "additional cost reduction actions" which includes the layoff of approximately 600 people, or 24 percent of the company's workforce. THQ said... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
ARTISTdirect Names Villard CEO
Los Angeles-based ARTISTdirect, which operates a music focused information website and runs MediaDefender, which looks for copyright violations on the Internet, said Wednesday that it has appointed interim CEO Dimitri Villard as its permane... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
EdgeCast Gets Win With NaviSite
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast, a provider of content delivery network (CDN) services, is in a partnership with NaviSite, a provider of enterprise application hosting, to deliver NaviSite's services to customers, the firms said Wednesday. Finan... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Slacker Ships BlackBerry App
San Diego-based Internet radio firm Slacker has shipped a BlackBerry Storm version of the company's Internet radio services, the firm said today. The new application--which the firm said is available for free--comes just a few weeks after t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Katalyst Teams With Slide On KatalystHQ Distribution
Hollywood-based Katalyst Media, the online content production firm headed by Ashton Kutcher and Jason Goldberg, said Tuesday that the firm has inked a partnership with social media firm Slide to publish the firm's original web series throug... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Interview with Peter Hoskins, ManiaTV
The convergence of the Internet and the entertainment business has made Los Angeles a hotbed of activity in the online entertainment industry, attracting companies from all over the country interested in connecting Hollywood with the Intern... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Emergent Game Technologies Gets $4M
Calabasas-based Emergent Game Technologies has taken $4M in funding for the firm's game development software, according to numbers released last week in the PricewaterhouseCOopers/NVCA Venture Capital survey. Details on the funding have not... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 2, 2009
THQ Lays Off 100 Employees, Closes San Diego Office
Calabasas-based THQ, which develops computer game titles, is closing its San Diego, UK, and Germany offices, and has laid off 100 employees, according to an email to employees from CEO Brian Farrell. The move is part of a restructuring of t... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 30, 2009
eHow: Users Looking For Financial Advice
Santa Monica-based eHow, an online "how to" site owned by Demand Media, said Wednesday that the firm is seeing an increase in economy and personal finance related articles, due to the economy. According to the site, in the last six months, ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Break Develops Creative Lab
Los Angeles-based Break Media, an online video and entertainment site focused on men, said Tuesday that it has tapped a new team of writers, directors, and producers for a new "Creative Lab", which the firm said will create original content... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Webb Alert Shuts Down
Webb Alert, the high tech news focused video podcasting venture of G4 X-Play host Morgan Webb, is going offline, according to host Webb. According to Webb in a post on the site, the video blog is going offline after X-Play went to taping fi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 26, 2009
Edmunds.com Adds New Car Inventory
Santa Monica-based automotive information site Edmunds.com is adding new car inventory to its web site, after brokering a deal with AutoTrader.com, the firm reported today. Edmunds.com did not disclose the financial deals of the deal, but s... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 26, 2009
TheWrap Takes On Hollywood News
Hollywood-based TheWrap.com, a new online news site focused on entertainment and media, said it launched today, backed by venture capital firm Maveron. Maveron is a Seattle-based venture capital firm headed by Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz a... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 26, 2009
Access 360, Endemol Partner On Series
Los Angeles-based Access 360 and production company Endemol USA said Thursday that the two firms have partnered on a new series, which will run on Access 360's media network. Access 360, develops content for in-store, retail media displays ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009
KlickSports.com Debuts Sports Prediction Site
Los Angeles-based KlickSports has quietly launched a new, online sports game focused on allowing sports fan to make predictions and interact with others. The Los Angeles-based startup, which is backed by angel investors, is hoping that spor... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 22, 2009
EQAL Licenses Lonelygirl15 in Poland
Los Angeles-based EQAL, the online entertainment firm behind lonelygirl15, announced Wednesday that the firm has signed a license agreement with a Polish production firm. EQAL said the deal will allow Agora and A2 Multimedia to create a new... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Interview with Miles Beckett and Greg Goodfried, EQAL
Los Angeles-based EQAL (www.eqal.com) launched into the online world in 2006 with the creation of the YouTube sensation "lonelygirl15," the fictional video blog of a teenage girl. Since the, EQAL has inked a number of deals--the most recent... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Sony Online Entertainment Buys Game Studio
San Diego-based Sony Online Entertainment announced Monday that it has acquired PoxNora, an online collectible strategy game, and other assets, from Octopi LLC. Octopi is based in Tucson, Arizona. Sony said that the members of Octopi's deve... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 19, 2009
RoyaltyShare Launches Digital Asset Management Offering
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare, which provides digital royalty tracking to independent music labels, said Monday that it has expanded its offerings to digital asset management. The firm, which is venture backed by Trident Capital, Bertelsmann... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 19, 2009
MySpace Partners On Web Reality Show, Launches Presidential Pledge Effort
MySpace said today that it has launched a new web reality show with reality entertainment producer Endemol, and separately, has launched a promotion along with Ashton Kutcher's Katalyst Media linked to the upcoming Presidential Inauguration... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 19, 2009
MySpace Music Inks Deals With Independents
Los Angeles-based MySpace said Thursday that the firm has inked deals with several independent music providers, to distribute their music through MySpace Music. the firm said it has inked agreements with Nettwerk Music Group, INgrooves, IRI... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 15, 2009
Slacker Releases iPhone App
San Diego-based digital music service Slacker released a new, iPhone version of the firm's Internet radio service this morning through Apple's App Store this morning, making the firm's Internet radio service available through the iPhone and... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 14, 2009
ActionAllStars.com Signs Up 100K Users For Sports Site
Marina Del Rey-based Six Degree Games is off to a rapid start with its new Action AllStars virtual world, the firm tells socalTECH, with more than 100,000 registered user in the first two weeks of public availability. The site--which counts... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009
MySpace, WSJ Look To Send Users To Davos
Los Angeles-based social networking web site said late Thursday that it has kicked off a competition to send a MySpace user to the Davos World Economic Forum. The site said the effort--run in partnership with the Wall Street Journal--will a... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 9, 2009
DECA Raises $10M More
Santa Monica-based DECA has raised $10M in a new round of funding, according to a regulatory filing. The funding was led by new investor Rustic Canyon Partners, with participation from Series A investors Atomico, General Catalyst Partners, ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009
kidthing In Distribution Deal With Children's Site
Los Angeles-based kidthing, which makes digital media software focused on children, has inked a deal with MrsP.com, a children's entertainment site focused on reading and books. Mrs. P. and kidthing said that Mrs. P's video will be availabl... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009
JibJab Raises $7.5M
Venice, California-based JibJab, the online comedy site known for their politically-oriented, musical animations, said this morning that it has raised $7.5M in a Series C funding round. The round came from Overbrook Entertainment and Sony P... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 8, 2009
MySpace Connects To TV
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace said Wednesday afternoon that the firm has launched a new offering which will allow users to link to the site while watching TV. According to MySpace, the new MySpace Widget For TV was co-dev... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Interview with Mike Starkenburg, Image Metrics
Los Angeles-based Image Metrics (www.image-metrics.com) recently landed a $6.5M, Series B funding round for the firm's facial animation products. We spoke with CEO Mike Starkenburg -- a former venture capitalist at the Sprout Group and long... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 5, 2009
EdgeCast Scores Customers
Los Angeles-based content delivery network provider EdgeCast said yesterday that it now has more than 300 customers, saying that it has signed Twistage, a provider of video publishing services; Parallels, maker of virtualization software; P... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 31, 2008
RotoHog.com Snags GoDaddy.com
Los Angeles-based RotoHog.com has snagged domain name registrar GoDaddy.com as a sponsor, the firm said last week, as part of a new Fantasy Football game on the Facebook social networking site. Financial impact of the customer win was not d... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 29, 2008
Mogreet Links Deal With Fox Searchlight
Venice Beach-based Mogreet, a provider of mobile video greeting cards, said today that it has inked a deal with Fox Mobile Entertainment to provide greetings based on Fox Searchlight movies. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. M... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 22, 2008
GoTV Networks Launches Country Music Channel
Los Angeles-based GoTV Networks, which develops mobile content, disclosed earlier this week that it has launched a new mobile channel focused on country music. The firm said the channel--True Country--will include country music, live perfor... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, December 19, 2008
Box Office Mojo Acquired By Amazon
Los Angeles-based Box Office Mojo, an online site which provides information and tracking of box office receipts for the movie industry, has been acquired by Amazon.com's IMDB.com subsidiary. The firm's founders announced the sale to users ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Kingston Rolls Out Free Mobile Games
Fountain Valley-based memory manufacturer Kingston Technology is aiming at the mobile phone market, saying this week that it has launched a free daily game download offering on its Mobile Phone Village microsite. According to Kingston, it w... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 18, 2008
Livestrong.com Releases Traffic Stats
Santa Monica-based Demand Media has released traffic statistics for its LIVESTRONG.COM web site, its joint venture with cyclist Lance Armstrong, saying that the site now has more than 4 million monthly visits and over 650,000 registered mem... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 17, 2008
Midway Games Cuts In San Diego
Midway Games, a Chicago-based video games developer, announced Tuesday afternoon that it has cut 25 percent of its staff, in a move that also affects the firm's San Diego locations. Number of San Diego employees affected by the move was not... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Image Metrics Gains $6.5M
Los Angeles-based Image Metrics, which is developing facial animation products for the entertainment industry, announced Tuesday that it has raised $6.5M in a Series B funding round. The firm said the round came from Saffron Hill Ventures, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, December 16, 2008
Channel M Signs Another Customer
Los Angeles-based Channel M, which operates in-store TV networks for retailers, announced Monday that it has signed on Money Mart, a subsidiary of Dollar Financial, as a customer. According to Channel M, it has launched a custom in-store TV... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 15, 2008
maniaTV Makes A Slew Of New Hires
Los Angeles-based maniaTV, which develops video content for the web, said today that it has hired six new executives at the firm. According to the firm, it has hired on Daniel Paul as VP of Business Develompent, Michael Klein as VP of Sales... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 15, 2008
My Damn Channel Bolsters Advertising Experience
Los Angeles- and New York-based My Damn Channel, a producer of online, original video, has bolstered its executive ranks, hiring on a new Vice President of Advertising Strategy & Partnerships for the firm. The company said that Sahaila Suhi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 15, 2008
Verve Wireless Signs More Media Firms, Launches Coupon Offering
San Diego-based Verve Wireless, which develops products to help newspapers publish their content to mobile phones, has signed on another set of newspapers, and rolled out a new coupon offering, the firm said late Wednesday. According to Ver... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008
Big Stage Partners With GGL Global Gaming
Pasadena-based Big Stage Entertainment, which develops 3D avatar technology, said today that it has partnered with video game company GGL Global Gaming, to provide free game content on its web site. According to Big Stage, the deal will all... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008
RealD Inks Digital Cinema Deal
Los Angeles-based 3D technology provider RealD has inked a deal with a digital cinema server firm, the company said Wednesday. RealD said that Doremi Cinema LLC will integrate the firm's 3D EQ technology into Doremi's digital cinema servers... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 11, 2008
Emergent Signs Game Studio
Calabasas-based Emergent Technologies, a developer of tools for developing video games, said this week that it has been selected by STickmen Studios for a Wii title. According to Emergent, Stickmen Studios will use the firm's Gambryo softwa... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, December 5, 2008
MP3tunes Steps Up Battle Against EMI
San Diego-based MP3tunes, the online music storage service headed by former MP3.com founder Michael Robertson, is stepping up its legal battle against EMI. In an email, Robertson said this morning that it has submitted a legal response in t... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, December 4, 2008
Blizzard Taps Massive For Game Advertising
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment, operator of the massively multiplayer online game "World of Warcraft," has selected Microsoft's in-game advertising subsidiary Massive fors its web sites and Battle.net online game service. According to ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
MySpace Launches Mobile Video Effort
Los Angeles-based social networking website MySpace said late Tuesday night that it has launched a new mobile video service, MySpace Mobile, which will allow users to view MySpace video content from mobile devices. According to MySpace, the... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Interview with Richard Yen, Saban Ventures
In what looks to be a challenging funding climate for entrepreneurs, we thought it would be interesting to talk to one fund which is still making investments--Saban Ventures (www.saban.com)--a new, digital media focused venture capital fund... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 1, 2008
Jacked Inks Deal With NBA
Santa Monica-based Jacked, a provider of second screen information for sports broadcasts, said Monday that the firm has inked a deal with the NBA. According to Jacked, it will provide an interactive, second screen companion to a number of N... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 25, 2008
THQ, Massive In Game Advertising Deal
Calabasas-based video game publisher THQ has inked a deal with Microsoft's Massive subsidiary, to include in-game advertising from Massive, the firms said today. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to the firms, Massiv... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 24, 2008
Report: Buzznet Chops Staff
Hollywood-based, music-related blog and content firm Buzznet has reportedly cut employees, according to a report from Digital Music News. According to the publication, citing a representative of the firm, Buzznet has eliminated 10 employees... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 24, 2008
Eventful Signs Deal With Billboard
San Diego-based Eventful, a provider of an online site for finding local events, and music publication Billboard said Thursday that the two have launched two new charts based on Eventful data. Eventful--which has focused in on musicians and... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 21, 2008
CinemaNow Acquired By Sonic Solutions
Marina Del Rey-based Internet video-on-demand firm CinemaNow has been acquired by Sonic Solutions, Sonic said late Wednesday afternoon. According to Sonic Solutions, it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire CinemaNow, which wil... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
RealD Opens European Offices
Los Angeles-based 3D theater projection firm RealD is expanding in Europe, saying Tuesday that it has hired on Bob Mayson as Managing Director of RealD Europe. RealD said that Mayson will lead the firm's European team, overseeing sales, cus... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Gorilla Nation Extends Gawker Deal
Santa Monica-based Gorilla Nation, which provides ad sales for web publishers, said today that it has extended its deal with Gawker Media to cover advertising sales throughout the UK. The firm had inked an earlier deal with Gawker to repres... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Big Stage Partners With VIDiGREET
Los Angeles-based Big Stage Entertainment, a USC spinoff developing avatar technology, announced a new effort to provide its technology to third parties. Big Stage said it has created BackStage, which will offer its 3D face modeling technol... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 17, 2008
Channel M Extends Ad Reach
Los Angeles-based Channel M, which operates and develops programming for in-store and retail television networks, said Thursday that it has opened up advertising in its network at Ashley Furniture HomeStores and ecko locations. According to... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 13, 2008
Transpera Takes $8.25M In Second Round
Santa Monica-based Transpera, a provider of mobile video advertising technology, announced Thursday that it has raised $8.25M in a Series B funding round. The round was led by Flybridge Capital Partners, and included new investor Labrador V... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 13, 2008
DECA Launches New Show Focused On Mothers
Los Angeles-based digital entertainment studio DECA announced today that the firm has launched a new show, Momversation, focused on the "mom" demographic. The firm said the new show and site features video conversations between several popu... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 13, 2008
MySpace Links To Hulu With Widget
Los Angeles-based MySpace said Wednesday that the firm has launched a new application which links user profiles on the social networking site to the Hulu video site. According to MySpace, the new MySpace Primetime Application allows users t... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Agility Studios Launches, Gets Private Equity Backing
Los Angeles-based Agility Studios said Wednesday that the firm has launched a new entertainment studio focused on digital media. According to the firm, it was founded by Scott Ehrlich, Larry Tanz, and Keith Quinn, and will focus on transfor... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
UltiZen Bolsters Chinese Operations
Shanghai, China- and Los Angeles-based UltiZen Games Ltd., which provides game development and outsourcing, is investing $3.5M in its game studios in China, the firm said Wednesday. UltiZen said it would open a new $1.5M studio in Suzhou, C... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Activision Buys Budcat Creations
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing, a publisher of video games, announced this morning that it has acquired Budcat Creations, a video game developer based in Iowa City, Iowa. Financial details of the buy were not disclosed. Budcat Cre... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 10, 2008
RoyaltyShare Expands In Europe
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare is expanding its efforts in Europe, saying Monday that it has added executives in the region plus added support for multiple currencies in its software. The firm, which develops software used to track digital ro... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, November 10, 2008
Ashton Kutcher's Blah Girls Get Distribution Deal With MySpace
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace, and Katalyst Media, the content production firm co-founded by Ashton Kutcher, said Thursday that MySpace will promote and syndicate the second season of Katalyst's "Blah Girls" title. Financ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, November 7, 2008
GetBack Media Snags $1.7M
Los Angeles-based GetBack Media, an online community focused on pop culture, said Thursday that it has raised $1.7M in a Series A funding. The firm said the funding was led by Beringea, along with high net worth individuals and entertainmen... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
RealD Inks Deal With LEGOLAND
Beverly Hills-based RealD, a developer of 3D projection technology for the movie industry, said today that it has inked an agreement with LEGOLAND California for a new feature. RealD said the agreement calls for LEGOLAND to present presenta... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Veoh Cuts 20 Percent
Los Angeles- and San Diego-based Veoh, an online video sharing site, has laid off 20 people, or roughly 18-20 percent of the firm's employees. A spokesperson for Veoh told socalTECH that the changes affected every group in the firm, and was... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Demand Media Launches Content Widget
Santa Monica-based Demand Media, the media firm run by Richard Rosenblatt, former Chairman of MySpace, said Wednesday that it has launched a new service which automatically pulls up and links to related content on web pages. According to De... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Machinima.com Raises $3.85M
Los Angeles-based Machinima.com, an online web site focused on video games and entertainment, has raised $3.85M in a round of venture capital, the firm said today. Machinima said the round came from MK Capital and other private investors, a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Mogreet Rings Up $5M
Venice, California-based Mogreet, which operates a service to send video greetings via SMS and MMS, announced today that it has raised $5M in a Series B funding round. The funding came from Ascend Ventures, Black Diamond Ventures, and Spygl... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 6, 2008
Point.360 Buys Video Box Studios
Burbank-based Point.360, a provider of audio and video post production services, said earlier this week that it has acquired the assets of Video Box Studios, Inc., a provider of 3D animation, visual effects, motion design, and digital finis... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Livestrong.com Rolls iPhone App
Santa Monica-based Livestrong.com, the online health site effort of the Lance Armstrong Foundation and Demand Media, said this morning that the site has rolled out a new application for the iPhone and iPod touch. According to Livestrong.com... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 5, 2008
RealD Signs Another Theater Chain
Los Angeles-based RealD is continuing to sign up theaters for the firm's 3D projection technology, saying Monday that the firm has inked an agreement with Dickinson Theatres to deploy its products in 100 screens. Financial impact of the win... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Interview with Sunil Rajaraman, Scripped
We're always interested in how technology is influencing the business of Hollywood, and recently ran across Los Angeles-based Scripped. Scripped (www.scripped.com) is applying the world of Web 2.0 to the business of script writing, and is l... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 30, 2008
Blizzard Releases World Of Warcraft Numbers
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment, which operates on the online, massively multiplayer online game World of Warcraft, has released user numbers for the game, saying that it now has more than 11 million players worldwide, including subscri... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Eventful Teams With Billboard On Concert Promotion
San Diego-based Eventful is gearing up its music efforts with a new relationship in the music business, with Billboard, saying Wednesday that the two are collaborating on an effort to give music acts an award for "Best Concert Tour of the Y... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Interview with Bruno Uzzan, CEO of Total Immersion
Our interview this morning is with Bruno Uzzan, CEO of Total Immersion (www.t-immersion.com), a firm developing interactive video technology. The firm's technology inserts interactive video into a live camera feed, so that a user can litera... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 29, 2008
RealD Installs In Japan
Beverly Hills-based RealD, which provides technology for projecting 3D movies, has installed a system in Japan. According to Japanese post-production service provider Q-tec, it installed the first RealD system in Japan. Financial impact of ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 28, 2008
MySpace Partners With IODA
Los Angeles-based MySpace said today that independent music distributor IODA will provide its catalog to MySpace music. According to MySpace, the partnership with IODA--the Independent Online Distribution Alliance--will add over one million... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 23, 2008
K2 Network Upgrades Game Site
Irvine-based K2 Network, which published video games, said late Wednesday that it has launched an improved version of the firm's GamersFirst.com game site. The site provides downloads, chat forums, and other information about K2's various g... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 16, 2008
Ripple Partners With Sales Group
El Segundo-based Ripple, which operates a network of retail digital displays featuring content and advertising, said earlier this week that the firm has partnered with On The Go Media Network. According to Ripple, On The Go Media Network is... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Buzznet Joins With The Superficial
Hollywood-based Buzznet, an online site focused on entertainment and pop culture, has linked up with entertainment site The Superficial, the firm said today. Buzznet said that The Superficial will become part of Celebuzz.com, the firm's ent... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Interview Ian Rogers, TopSpin Media
Ian Rogers is the CEO of Topspin Media (www.topspinmedia.com), a venture backed, Santa Monica-based startup developing web applications for the music industry. Topspin is backed by Redpoint Ventures and The Foundry Group. Rogers is the form... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2008
DivX Signs Warner Bros.
San Diego-based DivX, a provider of coding and decoding technology for consumer electronics devices, has added Warner Bros. Entertainment as a licensee of its DivX format, the firm announced this morning. According to DivX and Warner Bros.,... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Stickam.com Goes Mobile
Los Angeles-based live video streaming site Stickam.com said Monday that it has launched a new mobile offering called Stickam Mobile. According to Stickam, the new mobile version of the site allows members to stream live video to their Stic... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 13, 2008
MySpace Launches New Ad Platform
Los Angeles-based MySpace said Monday that it has opened a beta of a new self-serve, advertising platform is it calling MySpace MyAds. According to the social networking site, the new ad platform is targeted at individuals and small busines... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 13, 2008
DECA Finds Talent On YouTube
Santa Monica-based DECA, a venture-backed, digital entertainment studio, said this morning that it has become the exclusive business and production partners for teen brand SMOSH, a leading provider of humorous videos on YouTube. According t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 13, 2008
Pragmatic Solutions Upgrades Game Software
Westlake Village-based Pragmatic Solutions, which develops the back end infrastructure for the U.S. Army's "America's Army" video game, said Thursday that the firm has rolled out a new software distribution system. According to Pragmatic So... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 10, 2008
Activision Appoints Chief Creative Officer
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing said this morning that it has appointed Brad Jakeman as the firm's Chief Creative Officer. Jakeman joins the video game publisher from Macy's, where he was EVP of Corporate Marketing. According to Ac... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 10, 2008
EdgeCast Signs YesMail
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast, a provider of content delivery network (CDN) services, has signed on email marketing firm YesMail as a customer, YesMail disclosed earlier this week. YesMail said it has partnered with EdgeCast to provide faster ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 10, 2008
Boingo Wireless Teams With MLB On Playoff Games
Los Angeles-based Wi-Fi hotspot operator Boingo Wireless has inked a deal with MLB Advanced Media, the interactive media arm of Major League Baseball, to stream playoff games at its airport locations, the firm said late last night. Boingo W... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 7, 2008
GumGum Partners With Glam Media
Santa Monica-based GumGum said Wednesday that the firm has inked a partnership with Glam Media and Splash News. According to GumGum, it will provide Glam's publishing network with free access to entertainment from Splash News, which is a ma... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 2, 2008
MP3tunes' Robertson Claims Legal Win
Michael Robertson, the former founder of MP3.com and CEO of San Diego-based MP3tunes, an online music storage service, is claiming a win this morning in a lawsuit filed against Robertson by EMI. According to Robertson in an email, the court... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 2, 2008
RealD Names Marketing Head
Los Angeles-based RealD, a developer of 3D cinema technology, said late Wednesday that it has appointed Kristina Warner as the firm's Vice President of Marketing. RealD said that Warner joins the firm from New Line Cinema, where she was VP ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, October 2, 2008
Buzznet Hires Two, Snags NYTimes Editor
Hollywood-based Buzznet, an online social media and networking site focused on music, said Wednesday that it has hired two editors to bolster its music editorial team. According to Buzznet, it has hired former New York Times music reporter ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 1, 2008
MPAA Sues RealNetworks
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) has filed an anticipated lawsuit against RealNetworks, the group said Tuesday afternoon, asking a federal court to stop Seattle-based RealNetworks from distributing its new RealDVD software, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Hollywood Gets Sued By RealNetworks
A group of movie studios is being sued by RealNetworks, in a pre-emptive strike to protect RealNetworks new DVD copying service. RealNetworks, which recently launched a new service called RealDVD, which allows owners of DVDs to copy their D... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Eventful Launches Concert Alerts
San Diego-based event listing service Eventful has launched a new service to allow its users to track concerts. The firm released a new service today it calls Artist Tracker, which emails alerts to its users about musicians and artists perf... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 30, 2008
MySpace Music Goes Live
Los Angeles-based MySpace launched its MySpace Music service last night, the firm's joint venture with EMI Music, SONY BMG MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT, Universal Music Group, Warner Music Group, and Sony ATV/ Music Publishing. The site is an online... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 25, 2008
magnify360 Gets Win With Virtual World
Los Angeles-based magnify360, a provider of software for personalizing and optimizing web content, has scored a win with virtual world provider ICYou. According to ICYou, it will use magnify360 to personalize the shopping experience for Int... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
RoyaltyShare Plans New Digital Music Tracking Service
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare said this morning it will be developing a new system for tracking limited downloads and interactive streaming. According to RoyaltyShare, it will be rolling out a platform which tracks and automates the tracking... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
MySpace, PayPal Partner On Nonprofit Fundraising
Los Angeles-based MySpace and PayPal announced this morning that the two companies are teaming to help people collection donations for non-profit organizations. According to the firms, they have create a fundraising software--which they are... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Big Stage Partners With A-Team Producer
Pasadena-based Big Stage Entertainment, whcih provides technology to create 3D avatars, said today that it has partnered with Stephen J. Cannell Productions, the firm behind "The A-Team" and "The Greatest American Hero." According to the fi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 24, 2008
MTV Buys Social Project
Santa Monica-based Social Project--which was once known as Tagworld--has been acquired by MTV Networks, MTV said Monday. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. According to MTV Networks, which is a division of Viacom, the ac... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 23, 2008
GumGum Inks Deal With Newscom
Santa Monica-based GumGum, a venture-backed firm which develops technology for licensing content and images online, said Monday that it has partnered with photo provider Newscom. According to GumGum, it will enable publishers to license con... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 22, 2008
OVGuide.com Rolls Out New Video Search Engine
Los Angeles-based OVGuide.com, an online guide to video sites on the Internet, said Monday that it has unveiled a new search engine on its site. The firm said it the new search engine provides prioritized information about video sites, base... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 22, 2008
Hollywood Interactive Gets $5M
Hollywood Interactive Group, which develops an online web site for celebrity and entertainment news, said Thursday that it has raised $5M in a Series A funding round. The round came from BlueRun Ventures. According to Hollywood Interactive,... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 18, 2008
Slacker Rolls Out New Personal Radio Player
San Diego-based Slacker, which operates an online personalized music service and music players, has rolled out a new radio player, the firm said Tuesday. The new device is cheaper than prior models from the firm, and now includes automatic ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
RoyaltyShare Signs Distribution Deals
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare has signed a set of distribution deals for the firm's digital media management and royalty tracking software. According to RoyaltyShare, it has expanded support for distribution to mobile music services LiveWire... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Bestofmedia Buys Computing.net
Culver City-based Bestofmedia Group, publisher of gadget and electronics blog site Tom's Guide, has acquired Computing.net, a provider of high tech information and technical support. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Co... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 16, 2008
MySpace Signs Advertisers For Music Site
Los Angeles-based MySpace announced a lineup of advertisers who will be sponsoring the firm's new MySpace Music site this morning, saying that it has signed four brands who will be integrated sponsors of the site. According to MySpace, McDo... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 15, 2008
Interview with Frank Sinton, Mefeedia
We recently ran into Frank Sinton, founder of Burbank-based Mefeedia (www.mefeedia.com), a popular online video search web site. Although Mefeedia plays in the very crowded, online video space, the site seems to be very popular with end use... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 12, 2008
Activision Buys FreeStyleGames
Santa Monica-based Activision Publishing said Friday that it has acquired FreeStyleGames, a UK-based video game developer. Financial terms of the acquisition were not announced. FreeStyleGames develops music-based games, including localized... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 12, 2008
GoTV Networks Inks Ad Partnerships
Sherman Oaks-based GoTV Networks, a venture-backed developer of mobile new media, said this week that it has inked three partnerships with mobile advertising firms. According to GoTV Networks, it has teamed with Millennial Media, digital SI... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 12, 2008
Legend Films Adds $5M
San Diego-based Legend Films, a provider of film restoration services and owner of the web site RiffTrax.com, said Thursday that it has closed on $5M in a Series E funding. The round was led by Augustus Ventures Limited, and also included P... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008
Causecast Launches Social Causes Site
Los Angeles-based Causecast, a new startup focused on promoting causes and non-profits, launched this week at the TechCrunch50 conference in San Francisco. The firm said will "harness the power of pop culture" to help social causes and non-... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 11, 2008
SheKnows Lands Content Deal With Hearst
Los Angeles-based SheKnows.com, the online women's site owned by AtomicOnline, announced Wednesday that the firm has signed a content syndication partnership with Hearst Magazines Digital Media. According to SheKnows, it will feature select... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
SpiritClips Launches Film Site
Los Angeles-based SpiritClips said today that it has launched a new web site, focused on short films that "impart compassion, hope, courage and strength." The site, which was created by producer Rob Fried (producer of "Rudy" and "So I Marri... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
Interview with Michael Jones, Tsavo
Our interview today is with Mike Jones, former founder and CEO of Userplane and now CEO and founder of a new startup, Tsavo (www.tsavo.com). Userplane was sold to AOL in 2006. Mike recently left AOL and Userplane to work on his new venture,... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 10, 2008
USC's Entertainment Technology Center Adds 3-D Lab
The Entertainment Technology Center @ USC, the entertainment/technology-focused industry collaboration that is part of the USC School of Cinematic Arts, said Monday that the firm has launched a new lab focused on 3-D technologies. According... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 8, 2008
Blizzard Goes Into Music Biz, Via iTunes
Irvine-based computer games maker Blizzard Entertainment said Thursday afternoon that the firm has released a "wide selection" of music from the firm's popular games into iTunes. According to Blizzard, it is releasing six soundtrack albums ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
Geni Touts Traffic Numbers
Los Angeles-based Geni.com, the high profile genealogy site started by former PayPal founder David Sacks, is touting its traffic numbers, saying Thursday that the firm has exceeded 1 million unique visitors to the web site for the first tim... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
National Lampoon Buys Widget Site ZingFu
Los Angeles-based comedy firm National Lampoon said Thursday that it has acquired ZingFu.com, an online web site focused on e-cards. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. National Lampoon said it acquired the site from Zing Fu Ent... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, September 5, 2008
RealD Scores Deal With Independent Theatre Group
Los Angeles-based Real D, which provides 3D theater technologies used for projecting 3D movies, said today that the firm has inked a deal with the National Association of Theatre Owners. Financial details of the deal were not announced. Acc... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2008
THQ Expands In China
Agoura Hills-based computer game maker THQ said today that the firm has expanded in China, with a new Shanghai-based office. According to THQ, its new office will be used to pursue new development opportunities and expand publishing partner... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Napster Hires Investment Bank UBS, In Proxy Battle
Los Angeles-based Napster, a provider of digital music services, disclosed that the firm has hired investment banker UBS Investments and is open to sale of the firm, as part of a proxy battle with what the firm calls "dissident board candid... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 29, 2008
CinemaNow Partners For Set-Top Box Technology
Marina Del Rey-based CinemaNow, which provides video-on-demand viewing of movies and TV shows, has inked a partnership with Winbox, a provider of technology for supporting Windows Embedded set top boxes. According to Winbox and CinemaNow, C... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 29, 2008
Activision Links Guitar Hero To Music Instrument Firms
Santa Monica-based Activision said Thursday that the firm has inked a deal to link its popular Guitar Hero franchise to a number of music instrument and equipment brands. Activision said that its Guitar Hero World Tour title will feature in... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 28, 2008
EQAL Rolls New Series
Los Angeles-based EQAL, the online entertainment firm behind lonelygirl15, said today that it will launch a new online serial drama called "LG15: The Resistance". The new series is based on the firm's prior lonelygirl15 and KateModern drama... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Gorilla Nation Adds HIT Entertainment
Los Angeles-based online advertising rep firm Gorilla Nation has added popular kids video producer HIT Entertainment as a client, the firm announced today. HIT Entertainment owns the Barney, Thomas & Friends, Bob the Builder, and Rainbow Ma... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Disney Launches Social Network For Parents
North Hollywood-based Disney Online has launched a new social networking web site, focused on parents, the firm said today. Disney Family.com said that its new site, part of Family.com, will provide an online social networking site for moms... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Buzznet Snags TMZ's Citron
Hollywood-based Buzznet, the online social media site focused on music and pop culture, has snagged Alan Citron, former general manager of Time Warner's TMZ, the firm said today. Citron will act as head of the what the firm describes as "Sp... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
National Lampoon Buys AllModelZone.com
Los Angeles-based publisher National Lampoon said today that it has acquired AllModelZone.com, a web site focused on social networking in the modeling industry. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. AllModelZone.com was owned by A... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 19, 2008
True Games Interactive Acquired By Indian Firm
Orange County-based True Games Interactive, a developer of massively multiplayer online games, has been acquired by a media and entertainment firm from India, UTV Software Communications. UTV said it is acquiring 80 percent of True Games, t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 18, 2008
CinemaNow Taps Widevine For DRM
Marina Del Rey-based video on demand firm CinemaNow has scored an agreement with WideVine Technologies, a provider of DRM software, for its effort to move its products onto consumer electronic devices. The deal was announced by Seattle-base... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 18, 2008
ARTISTdirect Launches Lyrics Site
Santa Monica-based ARTISTdirect, Inc., a provider of music and entertainment news, said today that it has inked two licensing deals on music lyrics. According to ARTISTdirect, it will provide lyrics to popular songs from EMI Music Publishin... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 18, 2008
Shopflick Launches Online Shopping Marketplace
Los Angeles-based Shopflick said today that it has launched its online, video-shopping marketplace. The venture-backed startup, which recently scored $7M from Panorama Capital and Venrock, said that its online marketplace will allow sellers... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Image Metrics Launches Facial Animation Technology
Los Angeles-based Image Metrics, a venture-backed developer of facial animation and capture technology, has launched a beta of its products. The firm said yesterday that its new product is targeted at the entertainment industry, and offers ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Disney Backs Software Research Labs
Los Angeles-based Disney has launched an effort to back two computer science and technology labs, as part of an effort to get top technology universities to conduct research and development for the company. According to Disney, it has launc... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Interview with Josh Greer, Real D
Beverly Hills-based Real D (www.reald.com) develops digital cinema equipment which enabled 3D movies. The firm's equipment is behind this season's Journey To The Center Of The Earth, was rolled out with Chicken Little, and has been used for... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
RoyaltyShare Scores Funding From William Morris Agency
San Diego-based RoyaltyShare, which develops technology used by record labels to manage digital music royalties, said today that it has scored an investment from the William Morris Agency. Amount of the investment was not disclosed. Royalty... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Magnify360 Raises $2.5M
Los Angeles-based Magnify360 has raised $2.5M in a venture funding round, the firm told socalTECH today. The funding came from MHS Capital and angel investors. Magnify360 has developed a software-as-a-service platform which personalizes con... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 11, 2008
Interpolls Gets Win With MythBusters
Pasadena-based rich media widget ad firm Interpolls has scored a win with Discovery Channel and its popular MythBusters show, the firm said earlier this week. Interpolls said that Discovery Channel will promote the upcoming season of "MythB... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 8, 2008
FunnyOrDie: We've Got Another Hit
Los Angeles-based FunnyOrDie, the online comedy web site, said today that the firm's latest video -- a spoof campaign video featuring Paris Hilton -- has become the web site's biggest hit, racking up over 6.2 million views over the last two... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, August 8, 2008
Internet Brands Buys Twelve Web Sites, Expands Into Shopping, Careers
El Segundo-based Internet Brands announced Wednesday that it has expanded into two new verticals, shopping and careers, with the buy of twelve new web site properties. According to the firm, the expansion into the shopping area covers coupo... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 6, 2008
MySpace Partners On Presidential Debates
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace said this morning that it has partnered with the Commission on Presidential Debates (CPD) to create a new web site focused on the political process. According to MySpace, the new site--MyDeba... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Six Degrees Games Confirms $7M In Funding
Marina Del Rey-based Six Degrees Games, a startup developing virtual worlds focused on six to 14-year-olds, announced today that it has raised $7M in a Series A funding. The round came from Clearstone Venture Partners and Prism VentureWorks... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 5, 2008
CraveOnline Buys Anime/Manga Site
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline.com, a operator of a number of online male-focused web sites, said Monday that it has acquired MyAnimeList, a anime and manga social networking web site. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. MyAnimeL... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 4, 2008
DivX, CinemaNow Team On Distribution
San Diego-based DivX and Marina Del Rey-based CinemaNow have teamed up to distribute CinemaNow's video on demand titles via the DivX format, the two announced today. According to the companies, they are in an agreement which will allow Cine... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Firms Partner On Screenwriting Software
Los Angeles-based Scripped and Glendale-based Write Brothers said today that it has inked a technology and marketing partnership for the firm's new, Web-based screenwriting software. According to the firms, Scripped.com and Write Brothers a... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 28, 2008
Verve Wireless Raises $3M From AP
Encinitas-based Verve Wireless has raised $3M in a venture round from the Associated Press, Iron Capital, and other investors, the firm told socalTECH Friday. Verve Wireless develops software that helps publishers make their content wireles... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 25, 2008
Opposing Views Opens Doors On Information Site
Los Angeles-based Opposing Views, the online information web site headed by former Youbet founder Russell Fine, has officially opened up the firm's web site today, saying that it will allow users to see all sides of issues and topics they a... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008
CasualCafe Unveils Facebook Games
Redondo Beach-based CasualCafe, an online games developer, has unveiled the company, and launched a set of two new games on the social networking site Facebook, the firm announced this week. According to CasualCafe, it has launched two game... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 24, 2008
Verimatrix Gets Funding From Goldman Sachs
San Diego-based Verimatrix announced this morning that the firm has scored a new, Series C round of funding led by Goldman Sachs. Prior investors Crescendo Investments, Cipio Partners and Mission Ventures also participated in the round, wi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 23, 2008
FunnyorDie Kills Spinoff Site BlueCollarOrDie
FunnyorDie, the Palo Alto- and Los Angeles startup headed by comedian Will Ferrell, is shutting down one of the firm's "or Die" web sites, BlueCollarOrDie, the Hollywood Reporter is reporting this morning. Or Die Networks, the parent compan... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
BiggerBoat Scores More Funding
Beverly Hills-based BiggerBoat has raised around $2M in a new funding round, socalTECH.com has learned, as the firm has begun focusing on a vertical ad network around Internet television and major networks. According to CEO Adam Lilling, th... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 22, 2008
RealD Expands In Latin America
Los Angeles-based RealD, a provider of 3D movie projection technology, has inked a deal to expand the firm's screens in Mexico, Central America, and South America. RealD said Thursday that it has tied in with Cinepolis, Inc., which the firm... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 17, 2008
kidthing Ties With Wee Sing
Los Angeles-based Web 2.0 startup kidthing, which is developing a publishing platform for content focused on children, said today that it has inked an agreement with Wee Sing, a provider of children's songs and music videos. According to th... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
AudioMicro Signs Deals
Los Angeles-based AudioMicro, a startup focused on stock audio content, said this week that it has signed two new licensing agreements for content on its site. According to the firm, the firm has been engaged to represent AE Music Publishin... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
OGPlanet Scores New Funding
El Segundo-based OGPlanet announced this morning that it has raised a new round of venture capital funding, from DFJ Athena. Amount of the funding was not disclosed. The firm, which develops online multiplayer games, said the funding would ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Napster, Disney Co-Brand Music Station
Los Angeles-based Napster said Monday that it has inked a partnership with Walt Disney Records, to create a Disney-themed radio station from Disney's catalog. According to the firms, the "Best of Disney" radio station will feature favorites... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
DECA Launches New Game Focused Site
Santa Monica-based DECA, a venture-backed digital entertainment studio, announced today that the firm has rolled out another web video show, this time focused on massively multiplayer online games. According to DECA, Project Lore will focus... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 15, 2008
MovieBeam Acquired By Indian Firm
Movie Beam, the ill-fated movie distribution technology firm funded by Disney, Intel, and Cisco, has been sold again, this time to an Indian firm named the Valuable Group. The Valuable Group said that it has acquired all assets, trademarks,... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 14, 2008
MySpace Launches Channel with "Land of the Lost" Creators
Los Angeles-based MySpace, the online social networking web site, said late Wednesday that it has inked a deal with Sid and Marty Krofft Pictures, a developer of children's television shows, to create new full-length licensed content on a n... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Vivendi Activision Deal Completes
Vivendi and Activision said this morning that the two companies have completed the deal to merge the two companies into Activision Blizzard. The deal was initially announced in December. According to the firms, Activision Blizzard will cont... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Riot Games Rounds Up $7M
Los Angeles-based Riot Games announced this morning that it has raised $7M in a round of funding, for the firm's upcoming online game titles. The funding came from Benchmark Capital and FirstMark Capital. Riot Games is the game development... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 10, 2008
Buzznet In Deal With Heavy Metal Site
Hollywood-based Buzznet, the venture-backed, online social media site focused on music, said Wednesday that it has inked a partnership with The Gauntlet, an online web site focused on hard rock and heavy metal news and information. Financia... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Interview with Jawad Ansari and Shiraz Akmal, GCube Ventures
GCube Ventures (www.gcubeventures.com) is a new investment firm launching today focused on the video game industry. The firm is headed by Jawad Ansari, the former General Partner at Miven Venture Partners, and Shiraz Akmal, most recently Vi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Topspin Media Gets Series B
Santa Monica-based Topspin Media, which is developing software and services to help musicians and other artists build their brands, has scored a Series B funding round from the Foundry Group. Financial terms of the deal have not been disclo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Intel, Dreamworks Team On 3-D Film Technology
Glendale-based DreamWorks Animation SKG, Inc. and microprocessor maker Intel Corporation said this morning that the two have formed a strategic alliance, aimed at the 3-D filmmaking market. According to the firms, the deal calls for DreamWo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Interview with Pamela Schott, My Visual Pitch
We recently ran into Pamela Schott, founder of Los Angeles-based MyVisualPitch.com (www.myvisualpitch.com), an early, seed stage startup which is looking to bring the power of social networking and an online marketplace to the process of pi... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 7, 2008
RealD In Deal With Cinemark
Los Angeles-based RealD, a provider of technology for 3D projection of motion picture films, has inked a deal with Cinemark Holdings to add 1,500 new screens. According to the two companies, Cinemark will add up to 1,500 RealD 3D screens to... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 1, 2008
eHow Enhances How-To Site
Santa Monica-based eHow, the online information site owned by Demand Media, has rolled out a new "Quick Guide" feature on its web site, saying that the new feature will show the most frequently requested topics and articles from the site in... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Or Die Networks Launches Game Site
Los Angeles-based Or Die Networks, the company behind Will Ferrell's FunnyOrDie.com web site, said today that it has launched a new web site focused on the video game industry, PwnorDie.com. Or Die Networks said that the new site will focus... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 1, 2008
EQAL Hires VP From Mark Burnett Productions
Los Angeles-based EQAL, the digital entertainment company founded by the creators of lonelygirl15, said today that they have hired James Sterling as Senior Vice President of Business Affairs and Operations. Sterling joins the firm from Mark... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 26, 2008
Revver In Distribution Deal With Revision3
Los Angeles-based video sharing web site Revver said Tuesday that it has inked a deal with technology video content provider Revision3 to publish shows on Revver's web site. According to the two, they are in an agreement to bring Revision3'... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Demand Media, Lance Armstrong Launch Web Site
Santa Monica-based Demand Media and the Lance Armstrong Foundation said today that they have launched LIVESTRONG.COM, an online web site focused on helping people to change their lives. According to the firms, the new site will offer online... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 17, 2008
CraveOnline Launches Music Offering
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline, an online web site focused on men, said Monday that it has launched a new feature centered around independent band videos. Crave said that its new Crave Soundcheck offering offers exclusive performances by ind... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 16, 2008
Filmaka Ties With Advertising Firm
Los Angeles-based Filmaka, an online digital entertainment studio, said today that it has partnered with WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn? Ltd., an advertising firm focused on social change. According to the two firms, WhatOnEarthIsGoingOn will launch ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 16, 2008
Xytech Adds Asian Language Support
Burbank-based software developer Xytech Systems, which develops software used for managing digital workflow and media in film studios, broadcasters, post production, and other similar facilities, said this week that it has rolled out new As... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 12, 2008
FunnyorDie Gets Investment From HBO
Entertainment industry publication Variety reported late Tuesday evening that Will Ferrell's FunnyorDie.com Internet web start has sold a small stake in the firm to HBO. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to Variety, ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Gorilla Nation Signs Video Games Site
Los Angeles-based Gorilla Nation, a provider of ad representation services for online publishers, said Tuesday that the firm has signed on GGL, an online publisher focused on video games. Financial impact of the deal were not disclosed. Gor... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Disney To Stream Free, Full Length Movies On Web Site
North Hollywood-based Disney.com, a division of the Walt Disney Internet Group, said today that it will begin streaming full length movies, for free, on its web site. Disney said that it will stream full-length movies such as Finding Nemo, ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 10, 2008
OleOle Launches Features For EURO 2008
Beverly Hills-based OleOle, the new startup headed by former RazorGator founder Doug Knittle, has launched a new interactive blogging site focused on EURO 2008 in Austria and Switzerland. OleOle, which is developing a user-driven, social me... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 6, 2008
Entriq Gets Win
Carlsbad-based Entriq announced earlier this week that the firm's services have been deployed by Inergize Digital Media, a provider of digital content management tools. Financial terms and impact of the deal were not disclosed. Entriq said ... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 6, 2008
EA Mobile Ships Kung Fu Panda
Los Angeles-based EA Mobile, the mobile games division of Electronic Arts, said Wednesday that it has shipped Kung Fu Panda, a mobile game based on the characters from the DreamWorks Animation movie of the same name. According to EA Mobile,... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2008
DECA Launches CoolMom.com
Los Angeles-based digital entertainment studio DECA said today that it is launching CoolMom, a new web site focused on providing video content of interest to mothers. The new site, which will feature professionally produced video, will be h... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 4, 2008
PluggedIn.com Launches With Rolling Stone
Santa Monica-based PluggedIn, an online music and HD video streaming startup chaired by Xdrive's Brett O'Brien, said today that it has inked a content and technology partnership with Rolling Stone. According to PluggedIn, it will add Rollin... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Buzznet Launches Celebrity Site
Los Angeles-based social media startup Buzznet has launched a new web site focused exclusively on celebrities, Celebuzz.com. Buzznet, which is backed by Redpoint, Anthem Ventures, and Interscope, said that it has launched a beta today of it... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Crownpeak Raises $6M
Los Angeles-based Crownpeak, a provider of hosted, web content management software, has raised a new round of venture capital, socalTECH has learned. Crownpeak CEO Jim Howard confirmed the round, saying that the company raised $6M. The roun... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 2, 2008
IN-FUSIO Grabs "Get Smart" Rights
Los Angeles-based IN-FUSIO, a developer of mobile games and content, said Thursday that it has licensed the mobile gaming rights to Warner Bros.' upcoming motion picture, Get Smart. Financial details of the license were not announced. IN-FU... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 30, 2008
Vuguru Launches Robin Cook Prequel, Foreign Body
Beverly Hills-based new media studio Vuguru said Wednesday that it has launched its web series, Robin Cook's Foreign Body The Prequel, a prequel to Robin Cook's upcoming novel, Foreign Body. The studio, which is headed by Michael Eisner, sa... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Channel M Expands Advisory Board
Los Angeles-based Channel M, which produces out of home video and advertising content, said today that it has appointed Paul H. Irving to its advisory board. Irving is co-chairman and Senior Corporate Partner at legal firm Manatt, Phelps & ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008
Teresis Targets Corporations
Santa Ana-based Teresis Media Management, a developer of video production management software, said yesterday that it has extended its product to include the corporate sector. The firm's software is used by producers to manage digital workf... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 29, 2008
SheKnows Acquires ChefMom
Los Angeles-based SheKnows.com, an online operator of a number of web sites focused on women, said today that it has acquired ChefMom, an online web site focused on cooking and recipe exchange. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2008
RotoHog.com Names Stark CTO
Los Angeles-based RotoHog.com, an online fantasy sports firm, said Wednesday that Michael Stark has joined the firm as Chief Technical Officer. Stark joins the company from YouBet.com, where he was SVP Engineering & Technical Operations. St... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 28, 2008
AudioMicro Launches Stock Audio Site
Los Angeles-based AudioMicro, a startup focused on "stock" audio content, launched a beta of a site for allowing music creators to create audio content for the film, radio, television, and video production industry over the weekend. The fir... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Interview with Abdul Khan, ibeatyou
Santa Monica-based ibeatyou (www.ibeatyou.com) is a web site focused on online competitions, whose founders include NBA star Baron Davis and Hollywood producer Cash Warren. The firm raised a seed round of capital in September from Prism Ve... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Interview with David Cook, CinemaNow
There's been a lot of changes in the online video market lately -- with everything from studio-backed streaming efforts like Hulu, Apple moving into video with iTunes, to user-generated video sites. That change has made a huge impact on ear... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, May 23, 2008
Gorilla Nation Signs Deal, Expands
Gorilla Nation, a Los Angeles-based online advertising representation firm for web sites, said this week that it has signed a deal to represent Freewebs, a UK-based provider of free web page hosting and tools for building personal home page... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 22, 2008
Channel M Taps Technology Provider
Los Angeles-based Channel M, a venture-funded provider of a digital, out-of-home video network, announced today that it has signed a deal with Park media. Park Media is a provider of software for delivering content to out-of-home networks l... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008
William Morris, Amp'd Founder Launch Digital Media Agency
The Wiliam Morris Agency and Peter Adderton, former founder of spectacular MVNO flameout Amp'd Mobile, said this morning that they have created a new company called Agency 3.0. According to WMA, the new firm will help clients design, implem... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Xytech Gets Win At Scripps Network
Burbank-based Xytech Systems Corporation, a provider of software for media library management and digital workflow automation, said Tuesday that it has been selected by Scripps Network for its production operations. Xytech's software will b... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Napster Opens MP3 Store
Los Angeles-based Napster said late last night that it has launched a new, DRM-free MP3 store, specifically aimed at luring in Apple iPod and iPhone users. The provider of digital music downloads said that the new store will offer single MP... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 20, 2008
SheKnows Buys PregnancyandBaby.com
Los Angele-based SheKnows.com, the online women's destination site owned by AtomicOnline, said Wednesday afternoon that it has acquired PregnancyandBaby.com, an online community for pregnant women. Financial terms of the acquisition were no... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Interview with Allison Kingsley, BushLeague.TV
Today, BushLeague.TV (www.bushleague.tv), is launching its online site video and web site for "dudes." The site is backed by DECA, an online entertainment studio which is venture funded by Mayfield, General Catalyst, and Atomico. The new si... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
DECA Launches BushLeague.TV
Santa Monica-based DECA, a venture funded entertainment studio, said today that it has launched BushLeague.tv, a new web site focused on creating original video and blog posts for guys. According to the firm, the site will offer irreverant ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 14, 2008
CampusExplorer Adds College Advice, Personalization Features
Santa Monica-based CampusExplorer is set to launch an expanded web site tomorrow, adding new features that help users find college that best fit them and other personalized features. The firm, which is backed by Rincon Venture Partners and ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 13, 2008
OVGuide Hires Bizdev VP, Taps DoubleClick For Ad Serving
Beverly Hills-based OVGuide.com, the online video and TV guide website backed by former GeoCities founder David Bohnett, said Monday that it has hired a new VP of Sales and Business Development. The company also said it has selected DoubleC... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 12, 2008
ProElite Rolls Out Martial Arts Site
Los Angeles-based ProElite.com announced today that it has rolled out its social networking and entertainment web site, focused on mixed martial arts. According to ProElite, it will feature high quality streaming and video on demand of mixe... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 12, 2008
Pandemic In Deal For Lord of the Rings Title
Los Angeles-based video game studio Pandemic Studios said Thursday that it is developing a new title based on Lord of the Rings. The studio, which is a unit of Electronic Arts, said that The Lord of the Rings: Conquest will ship for Xbox 36... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
Interview with Kihong Bae, MusicShake
We recently ran into Kihong Bae, who is general manager of MusicShake (www.musicshake.com), a startup focused on allowing users--with no music training--to create their own music online. The firm--which started in South Korea--recently open... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
MusicIP Adds Board Member, Sales VP
Monrovia-based MusicIP, a provider of music discovery software and related products, said Wednesday that it has tapped Microsoft for a new board member, and also appointed a new VP of Sales. the firm said that former Microsoft corporate VP ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, May 8, 2008
Buzznet Buys Punk Music Community
Hollywood-based Buzznet, an online social media web site focused on music, has acquired yet another music focused web site, the firm said Tuesday. Buzznet said that it has acquired Absolute Punk, an online web site focused on alternative mu... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 6, 2008
CraveOnline Buys Two Hockey Web Sites
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline, an online operator of web sites for men, said Monday that it has acquired two hockey web sites, HockeysFuture and HFBoards. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. HockeysFuture is a wbe site co... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, May 5, 2008
USC Entertainment Technology Center Adds Sponsor
The Entertainment Technology Center at USC, a nonprofit which is part of USC's School of Cinematic Arts, said Tuesday that the firm has added LG Electronics as a sponsor. The nonprofit--which focuses on bringing together entertainment, tech... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 30, 2008
CinemaNow Taps Firm For WAP Services
Marina Del Rey-based CinemaNow, a provider of Internet, video-on-demand services, said today that it has integrated technology from uVuMobile to provide wireless application protocol (WAP) movie previews and downloads from its site. Financi... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008
MySpace Launches Karaoke Site
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace has launched a new web site, focused on karoake and allowing users to express themselves online, the firm said Tuesday. The new site, which is powered by kSolo, a provider of online karoake t... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Sierra Entertainment Adds Sequel To Crash Bandicoot Series
Los Angeles-based Sierra Entertainment announced the next title in the firm's popular Crash Bandicoot video game series, saying today that it will ship Crash Bandicoot: Mind over Mutant this fall. The new video game title will be released o... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 28, 2008
Interview with Ophir Tanz, GumGum
Online publishers often have difficulty paying for an locating the right photos for their sites, because of an industry which has been--so far--structured and priced mostly for the offline, "dead tree" magazine and newspaper world. Plus, ph... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, April 25, 2008
SaysMe.TV Raises Series A
Los Angeles-based SaysMe said Thursday that it has raised a Series A financing. Terms of the investment were not disclosed. The round was led by Intel Capital, and also included Prime Capital and Ashton Kutcher's Katalyst Films, Bill Apfelb... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008
Fandango, Tellme Link For Movie Information
Los Angeles-based Fandango and Tellme, Microsoft's voice directory subsidiary, said late Wednesday that the firm have launched a new service to provide movie information to mobile phone users. According to the two, the new, voice-activated ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 24, 2008
AtomicOnline Acquires theFashionSpot
Los Angeles-based AtomicOnline said today that it has acquired theFashionSpot, an online website focused on fashion and fashion designers. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to AtomicOnline, theFashionSpot currently h... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Filmaka Launches Digital Studio
Los Angeles-based Filmaka said today that it has launched a new digital entertainment studio and online creative community. The firm, which is headed by film producer Deepak Nayar and former FOX Television Entertainment exec Sandy Grushow, ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 21, 2008
MySpace Rolls Out Advertising Platform
Los Angeles-based social networking web site MySpace said this morning that it has launched a beta of a new advertising program, which allows MySpace advertisers to manage their own profiles. MySpace said that its new Community Builder adve... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 21, 2008
Channel M Raises Series C
Los Angeles-based Channel M, a firm which provides out-of-home video advertising, said this morning that it has raised a Series C financing from Intel Capital. Financial terms of the funding were not disclosed. Channel M said it would use t... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 21, 2008
MaxxAthlete Debuts Youth Sports Site
Event marketing and digital media management firm MaxxAthlete officially launched a youth sports-oriented Web site today. The Manhattan Beach, Calif.-based company already operates four other sites—JoxxStop.com, MaxxScoreCard.com, MaxxInsig... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008
EQAL Raises $5M
Los Angeles-based EQAL, the firm behind YouTube sensation lonelygirl15 and Internet drama KateModern, said Thursday that it has raised $5M in a Series A funding. The round was led by Spark Capital. Other investors in the firm included angel... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 17, 2008
PluggedIn Launches, Gets Funding
Santa Monica-based PluggedIn announced Tuesday evening that the firm has launched a beta of its website, and disclosed funding from Overbrook Entertainment, the entertainment firm run by Will Smith, James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz. Financial... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008
CinemaNow Partners With Technicolor
Marina Del Rey-based online video on demand firm CinemaNow, and Technicolor, the division of Thomson which provides services to the film industry, said Tuesday that they have partnered in a deal to deliver broadband Internet delivery of mov... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Buzznet Buys Music Blog
Los Angeles-based Buzznet, an online social media and networking site focused on music, said Monday that it has acquired Idolator, a music blog owned by Gawker Media. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed. Idolator is a blog... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 14, 2008
Interview with Perrin Chiles and Chris Sherril, Adooga
Perrin Chiles and Chris Sherril, the founders and entrepreneurs behind Santa Monica-based Adooga (www.adooga.com), are looking to help content creators find and enter the many brand contests which have emerged from the user generated video ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Apace Systems Launches Media Asset Management Software
Orange-based Apace Systems said Wednesday that it has launched a new media asset management system for managing the post production, video editing process. Apace said its postMAM system is tailored for video and other media and workflow man... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 9, 2008
DTS Sells Film Restoration Business
Agoura Hills-based DTS, which provides digital audio and other technology, said Tuesday afternoon that it has sold its Digital Images business in a $7.5M deal to Reliance Big Entertainment Ltd. The firm's DTS Digital Images unit was previou... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Slacker Inks Deal With Music Publishers
San Diego-based Slacker has inked a number of deals with the music publishing industry, the firm announced today. Slacker, which offers an online personalized radio service and portable music service, said that it has finalized deals with E... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Digital Domain Sets IPO Terms
Venice-based Digital Domain, a provider of digital effects for the film and television market, said in a filing with the SEC Monday afternoon that it is offering 6M shares of its common stock at between $12.00 and $14.00 per share. The firm... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, April 7, 2008
MySpace Spins Out Music Joint Venture
MySpace said today that it has launched a joint venture, MySpace Music, along with Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Univeral Music Group, and Warner Music. Financial terms of the joint venture were not disclosed. According to the firms, the ne... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 3, 2008
Be Jane Finds New CEO
Santa Monica-based Be Jane, a provider of Internet content focused on women's do-it-yourself projects, announced Thursday that it has added Suzanne Horton as the firm's new CEO. Horton was most recently President and CEO of consulting firm ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 3, 2008
Disney Taps MobiTV For Mobile Television
Burbank-based Disney-ABC Television Group announced this morning that it has signed a content licensing agreement with Emeryville-based MobiTV, to provide the Disney Channel to MobiTV service subscribers. Financial terms of the deal were no... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, April 1, 2008
MySpace Mobile Hits Verizon
MySpace and Verizon Wireless said Friday that the firms have rolled out the MySpace Mobile application on Verizon's wireless network. According to the firms, the mobile version of the popular social networking web site is now available on a... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 28, 2008
Xytech Adds Apple Support
Burbank-based Xytech Systems, a provider of software for automating and managing digital workflow for the media business, said earlier this week that it has added support for Intel-based Apple computers. The firm's software is used to manag... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 28, 2008
Interview with Jay Goss, SportsBlox
Last week, Numedeon--the virtual world company behind Whyville--launched a brand new, virtual world focused on sports, called SportsBlox (www.sportsblox.com). We spoke with the firm's COO, Jay Goss, about the new site and the firm's expansi... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008
Blizzard Entertainment Takes World of Warcraft To Latin America
Irvine-based Blizzard Entertainment said Wednesday that it has taken its popular massively multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG), World of Warcraft, to Latin America. The firm said it would localize the game based on its existing, E... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 27, 2008
CraveOnline Buys Two Basketball Sites
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline said Wednesday that it has acquired two basketball focused web sites, HoopsVibe and StreetBallTalk. Financial terms were not disclosed. HoopsVibe.com is an online site focused on basketball culture, and was fou... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Viva Vision Adds $2M
Santa Monica-based Viva Vision, which develops mobile content and applications, said today that it has raised an additional $2M in financing for the firm. According to the company, the funding came from Medical Capital Corporation, and will... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Ripple, Eventful Tie On Event Data
El Segundo-based Ripple and San Diego-based Eventful said today that the two have partnered to provide event listings to consumers from Eventful through Ripple's network of retail screens. According to the two, Ripple will feature local eve... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Gemstar-TV Guide Inks Patent Deal
Los Angeles-based Gemstar-TV Guide International said Monday that it has signed a patent license agreement with Humax Co., Ltd. Humax is a manufacturer of set-top boxes. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to Gemstar-T... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Interview with Bryan Biniak, Jacked
As the NCAA's March Madness basketball tournament goes into its second week, we though it would be interesting to talk to Jacked (www.jacked.com), a Los Angeles company which has created a sports focused, informational "second screen" that ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, March 24, 2008
MySpace Mobile Hits Sprint
Los Angeles-based social networking web site MySpace and telecom carrier Sprint said today that the firms have launched a mobile version of MySpace on Sprint's web-enabled phones. According to the firms, the new MySpace Mobile web site will... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mefeedia Launches Video Search Site
Burbank-based Mefeedia said yesterday that the firm has launched a new video search site, targeted at searching across multiple video sites. The firm's service is targeted at helping users find video from sites such as YouTube, DailyMotion,... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008
Mahalo Launches Ratings and Reviews
Los Angeles-based Mahalo, the Sequoia-backed human powered search engine firm, said yesterday that it has launched a new feature which will allow users to rate and review their favorite movies, books, music and travel locations. The new fea... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008
CraveOnline Hires Execs
Los Angeles-based CraveOnline.com, an online web site targeting the men's market, said Thursday morning that it has appointed two new executives. CraveOnline said that it has appointed Derek Rudd as the firm's VP of Consumer Ad Sales, and V... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 20, 2008
Retention Education Pulls In Series B
Aliso Viejo-based Retention Education, a provider of language instruction materials for teaching English and Spanish, has closed a Series B round of funding, the firm said Wednesday. Amount of the funding was not disclosed. The funding came... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 19, 2008
MySpace Boosts Internet Safety Efforts With Ad Campaign
Los Angeles-based social networking site MySpace said Thursday afternoon that it has launched a new public service announcement campaign focused on Internet safety. According to the social networking site's security head, Hemanshu Nigam, th... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, March 6, 2008
Generate Rounds Up $6M for Entertainment Studio
Los Angeles-based Generate said late Tuesday evening that it has raised $6M in a Series A venture funding round. The firm, which bills itself as a "next-generation" production and management studio for professional entertainment, said the f... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Demand Media Buys Pluck
Demand Media, the online media firm headed by former MySpace chairman Richard Rosenblatt, said today that it has acquired Pluck, a provider of social media software for publishing firms. Austin, Texas-based Pluck's software is used by Reute... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
LiveVideo Acquires Revver
West Hollywood-based LiveVideo.com, the online video site run by former Intermix CEO Brad Greenspan, said today that it has acquired user generated video sharing site Revver. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. According to Live... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
ABC Launches Short Form Programming Group
Disney-ABC Television Group said Thursday that it has launched a new group focused on original, short form programming. The new group, Stage 9 Digital Media, is launching with a new web comedy series, "Squeegees," which is being shown on AB... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 28, 2008
MySpace Launches Another Web Series
Los Angeles-based MySpace said today that it has launched another, original web show called "Special Delivery." The social networking web site said that the non-scripted, hidden-camera reality show will be produced in association with Avalo... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 26, 2008
quarterlife Hits iTunes
The Los Angeles-based producers behind Internet series 'quarterlife', Marshall Herskovitz and Edward Zwick, said Monday morning that the series will be available for purchase and download on Apple's popular iTunes store. According to Herkov... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 25, 2008
Comedy.com Launches, Discloses Funding
Santa Monica-based Comedy.com has launched an online video web site focused on comedy, and has also scored a round of funding. The funding for the site came from Symbolic Action, Prism VentureWorks, and Walden Venture Capital. Comedy.com wa... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, February 21, 2008
Disney Creates New Virtual Worlds Unit
North Hollywood-based Disney Online said Tuesday that it has created a new team focused on building, operating, and publishing online games, virtual worlds, and online social communities. The new Disney unit, which is part of Walt Disney In... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 19, 2008
CrownPeak Launches New Product Offering
Los Angeles-based CrownPeak, a provider of hosted, web content management systems, said Tuesday that the firm has launched a new product offering targeted at small or moderately sized web sites. The new product, at ContentManagement.com, wi... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Channel M Raises $6M
Los Angeles-based Chammel M said Friday morning that it has raised $6M in an investment round led by Ascend Venture Group. Vintage Capital also participated in the funding. Channel M operates an out-of-home network of video screens that com... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, January 25, 2008
ManiaTV Moves To LA
ManiaTV, the online content provider behind such shows as Tom Green Live and Dave Navarro's Spread Entertainment, said Thursday that it is relocating its headquarters and content operations to Los Angeles. The firm, which was based in Denve... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 17, 2008
60Frames Debuts Online Series
Los Angeles-based 60Frames Entertainment, the online digital media firm founded by the United Talent Agency's Brett Weinstein, launched its online programming lineup Wednesday, and announced a number of distribution partners. The firm said ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 16, 2008
MySpace Launches Celebrity Channel
Los Angeles-based MySpace said today that it has launched a new content channel specifically focused on celebrities and entertainment. The firm said that the new site will provide official celebrity MySpace profiles, and will include actors... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, January 10, 2008
Break.com Hits Verizon V CAST
Los Angeles-based Break.com said Tuesday that the firm's online video entertainment content is now available on Verizon's V CAST video service. Break.com said that the Break.com videos will be available as part of the V CAST basic video ser... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 9, 2008
D-Link Ties Into BitTorrent
Fountain Valley-based networking hardware provide D-Link has joined a technology licensing and certification program from Peer-to-Peer content delivery firm BitTorrent, BitTorrent said Monday. BitTorrent said that it has certified D-Link ro... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 7, 2008
DivX Inks Content, Hardware Deals
San Diego-based DivX, a provider of video encoding and decoding technology, said Monday that it has inked a series of deals with a number of content providers. DivX said that Vuze, Veoh Networks, Next New Networks, and Jaman will all offer ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 7, 2008
Edgecast Networks Raises $6M From Steamboat
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast Networks is announcing today that it has raised $6M in a Series B financing, in a deal led by Steamboat Ventures. Steamboat is the venture capital fund associated with The Walt Disney COmpany. EdgeCast is a conten... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 10, 2007
Helio, Quincy Jones III In Hip Hop Content Deal
Los Angeles-based Helio, a provider of MVNO services, and QD3 Entertainment, the production company of hip hop artist Quincy D. Jones III, said today that they have launched a new, QD3 branded channel as part of one of Helio's premium video... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, December 3, 2007
EdgeCast Links With Flash Media Provider
Los Angeles-based content delivery network (CDN) provider EdgeCast Networks said today that it has linked with Influxis, a provider of Flash Media application hosting. The two said that EdgeCast will offer the Influxis Adobe Flash Applicati... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 23, 2007
MySpace Launches 'Roommates' Web Series
Los Angeles-based MySpace said today that it has launched a new, online scripted web series called Roommates. The firm said that the series is the company's first co-development project, and the first original web series created specificall... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, October 22, 2007
Music Plus TV Renamed Vlaze.com
Los Angeles-based Music Plus TV said this morning that it has become Vlaze Media Networks. The firm, which originally provided music and music related online videos and content, said that the name change represents a shift towards more dive... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Interview with Warren Chao, My Damn Channel
There has been a lot of funding and interest lately in content-focused startups developing professionally produced content for the Web. Among the companies who have recently raised capital in this space is My Damn Channel (www.mydamnchannel... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 3, 2007
Day Software Expands IBM Relationship
Newport Beach-based content management software firm Day Software said this morning that it has expanded its relationship with IBM. The firm has joined an IBM partner program focused on IBM's FileNet software, the IBM ECM ValuNet Partner Pr... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 2, 2007
GoTV Networks Teams With Tide On Online Content
Sherman Oaks-based GoTV Networks, a producer of mobile content, said Tuesday that it has launched a new, original programming series in conjunction with Tide laundry detergent. GoTV said that the series, Crescent Heights, will be featured o... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Ripe Digital Entertainment Joins Joost
Los Angeles-based Ripe Digital Entertainment, a venture-backed online producer of digital video, announced today that it will bring its three content networks to the Joost Internet television service. Joost, the latest startup from Janus Fr... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Day Software Announces Customer
Irvine-based Day Software, a developer of web content management software, said yesterday that it has added the University of Oklahoma as a customer. The school will use Day's web content management system, Communique, for its external web ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Interview with Ari Benowitz, Bandcon
The content delivery network business has been seeing an upsurge in demand, as more and more companies are looking to deploy bandwidth heavy content such as video and rich media on the Internet. As that demand has increased, so has the numb... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 7, 2007
EdgeCast Launches CDN
Los Angeles-based EdgeCast Networks said this morning that it has launched a new content delivery network, focused on rich media. The firm said that it maintains points of presence in San Jose, Los Angeles, Ashburn VA, Chicago, Dallas, Atla... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, August 6, 2007
My Damn Channel Launches, Scores Funding
My Damn Channel, a new online content startup, said today that it has launched an entertainment studio and new media platform focused on original, episodic video content. The new firm has scored initial funding from Orange County-based Okap... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, July 31, 2007
60Frames Raises $3.5M For Online Content
Los Angeles-based 60Frames Entertainment said today that it has raised $3.5M in funding to start a new company focused on financing, ad sales, and syndication of profesionally producted online content. Funding came from Tudor Investment Cor... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Eisner Announces New Web Series
Beverly Hills-based Vuguru, the online entertainment studio headed by Michael Eisener, said Wednesday that it has signed Dinosaur Diorama Productions, producers of the web series "The Burg," to produce a new original series. Dinosaur Dioram... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, June 28, 2007
DTS Ships Content Management System
Burbank-based DTS Digital Cinema said today that it is introducing a new content management system targeted at mutiplex theaters today. The new software and system, Filmstore Director software, Filmstore Central storage, and Filmstore Digit... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, June 25, 2007
MySpace Launches Video Channels
In the latest rush by content providers to launch their own branded video channels on video sharing and social networking web sites, MySpace announced a rash of new content deals for custom video channels today. MySpace said it will launch ... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, May 15, 2007
GoTV Networks Teams With Nokia
Sherman Oaks-based GoTV Networks, a venture-backed firm developing content for mobile platforms, said today that it has become a member of nokia's Forum Nokia PRO. Forum Nokia PRO is a developer support program for providers of software for... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Brickfish Partners With YouthNoise
San Diego-based Brickfish is in a partnership with YouthNoise, an Internet social entwork site focused on politics. According to YouthNoise, it used Brickfish's platform to allow its users to view, rate, and review user-generated entries in... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, March 14, 2007
VitalStream Adds Saatchi & Saatchi As Customer
Costa Mesa-based VitalStream Holdings, a provider of a rich media content delivery network, said today that advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi has selected the firm to provide Flash video streaming. Saatchi has tapped VitalStream for a new ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, February 5, 2007
VMIX Partners With Tribune On User-Generated Content
San Diego-based VMIX Media said today that it is in a new agreement with Tribune Interactive to provide its technology for user-generated content management. VMIX said that it will provide the technology to the Tribune's properties, which i... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, January 29, 2007
Interview with Danny Kastner, FanRocket
Southern California is an interesting environment for both technology and media, and in particular for the fascinating intersections of the two industries. One of the most interesting projects in recent months that combines the two is "It's... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, January 3, 2007
Yahoo, ABC Extend Content Agreement
Yahoo's Santa Monica-based media unit said today that it has expanded a video content agreement it has with ABC News. The two will increase the amount of video available to Yahoo, and make ABC's videos more visible on Yahoo's site. Accordin... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Revver Hits Verizon V CAST
Los Angeles-based Revver announced late last night that the firm will provide its user-generated content and video to Verizon Wireless V Cast subscribers. According to Revver, its videos will be available on the Verizon video network in ear... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 29, 2006
WebSideStory Takes On Content Management
San Diego-based WebSideStory is taking on web content management with an upgraded analytics tool, the firm announced this morning. The firm said that it has integrated its HBX Analytics product with its on-demand web content management solu... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, November 15, 2006
iFilm Relaunches Web Site
Viacom's MTV has re-launched its dot com era online video site, IFilm, saying Wednesday that the site now features both professionally produced and user-generated content, and tens of thousands of new videos. IFilm has posted new archived c... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 9, 2006
Veoh Taps Fine Living For Programming Head
San Diego-based Veoh Networks, an Internet video distribution and sharing startup, said Monday that it has named John MacDonald as President of Content and Programming. MacDonald is the former general manager of Fine Living Network, and has... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, November 7, 2006
eefoof Gets $225,000
San Diego-based eefoof, an online user-generated content and video site, has recieved $225,000 in a seed round from the Tech Coast Angels. eefoof operates a web site that has been billed a "YouTube Killer", which shares advertising revenue ... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, November 2, 2006
Quartics Launches Digital Media Chip
Irvine-based Quartics, the semiconductor firm headed by Safi Quereshey, said today that it has launched its digital content chips. The firm's PC2TV chips provide wireless connectivity for sending video and audio via wireless networks. Quart... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, October 25, 2006
JibJab Runs Comedy On VCAST
Santa Monica-based JibJab, the venture-funded content startup known for its humorous online parodies, said today that it has teamed up with Verizon Wireless and John Landis to produce six online short comedy films. The firm said that the fi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 20, 2006
Internap Acquires VitalStream For $217M
Internap Network Services Corp. said yesterday that it is acquiring Irvine-based VitalStream Holding, a provider of content delivery services and streaming media. The deal is worth approximately $217M. Both of the companies provide CDN serv... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 13, 2006
Interview with Santi Pierini, SVP Marketing, Day Software
Day Software (www.day.com) is a Newport Beach-based firm in the software market, providing enterprise content management tools and infrastructure products. We talked with Santi Pierini, SVP of Marketing for the firm, to get a better underst... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, October 13, 2006
vMix Gets Win At San Diego Station
San Diego-based vMix has scored a win with the new, San Diego CW television network. vMix said today that it has launched a new destination Web player for viewers of the San Diego CW 5 station, where viewers will be able to upload and watch... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, October 10, 2006
Interview with Scott Farrell, Founder of Kevo
A venture capitalist reader recently turned us on to a new company with a new angle on the social networking and user-generated content space, Thousand Oaks-based Kevo (www.kevo.com). Kevo is developing an online, wiki-based consumer servic... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006
MSN, Network LIVE Team On Live Content
Redmond, Washington-based MSN and Los Angeles-based Network LIVE (now renamed Control Room) said late Tuesday that they have entered into a multiyear, global live content distribution agreement. MSN will be the exclusive online provider of ... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Interview with Seth Alsbury, Founder of Panjea
II recently bumped into Seth Alsbury, Founder of Panjea (www.panjea.com), an online social network. Panjea has gotten some attention for its service, particularly the company's music and video content. There are quite a few companies in the... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Interview with Eden Jarrin, CEO of Be Jane
Last Thursday, we spent the day at VentureNet, a venture capital conference run by the Technology Council of Southern California. The conference presented local technology firms to an audience of venture capitalists. One of the companies pr... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, September 18, 2006
Twistbox, Latin World Entertainment To Create Mobile Content
Los Angeles-based Twistbox Entertainment is in a deal to develop content for the Hispanic and Latin American market, saying that it has entered into a deal with Latin World Entertainment to provide premium content, advertising-support progr... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, September 14, 2006
News Corp Buys Verisign's Jamba For $188M
News Corporation is buying VeriSign's mobile entertainment subsidiary Jamba, the companies said today, in a deal worth $188M. News Corp said it will combine VeriSign's Jamba subsidiary and combine it with Fox Mobile Entertainment assets, to... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006
Nokia, Warner Bros. Ink Content Agreement
Los Angeles-based Warner Bros. Digital Distribution is in a deal to allow its content to be distributed through Nokia devices, the companies said today. A dedicated Warner Bros. mobile content storefront will be embedded in Nokia's "COntent... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, September 12, 2006
VitalStream Gets Win At ABC Radio
Irvine-based VitalStream has signed on ABC Radio to provide online ad-insertion and streaming media, the firm reported Monday. Vitalstream said that it will provide Windows Media Streaming Services for the majority of ABC's radio stations a... READ MORE...
posted on Tuesday, August 29, 2006
Entriq Teams With BT For Mobile Media
British Telecommunications (BT) and San Diego-based Entriq said Thursday that the two companies are teaming together to provide and end-to-end digital content system for selling content via the web and mobile platforms. BT Media & Broadcast... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, August 24, 2006
Juice Wireless Scores Win
Juice Wireless, a developer of mobile and online social media software, said today that it has scored a win at Starcom to power the firm's annual corporate meeting. Juice provided instant mobile messaging and polling data for Starcom's ann... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 24, 2006
Motricity Acquires GoldPocket
Los Angeles-based GoldPocket Wireless, a provider of wireless marketing for the media and entertainment industry, has been acquired. Motricity, a provider of mobile content services, said today that it has acquired GoldPocket to extend its ... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 17, 2006
Yahoo Adds Business Video News, Enhances Finance Portal
Yahoo has launched a new set of content initiatives for its popular Yahoo Finance site, saying today that it has upgraded the site to add new stock charts, a new ability for third party sites to publish stock charts and news headlines, enha... READ MORE...
posted on Monday, July 17, 2006
Interview with Kevin Flynn, Founder, Eefoof.com
Eefoof.com (www.eefoof.com) is a brand new, San Diego-based user generated video web site that has received a flurry of interest from the media in the last week for its service, what one publication called "a YouTube killer". I caught up wi... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, July 14, 2006
Mobizzo Names VP
HOllywood-based Mobizzo, the mobile content unit of Fox Mobile Entertainment, said Wednesday that it has named Natalie Farsi to Senior Vice President of Content and M-Commerce. Farsi will oversee the company's direct-to-consumer, mobile ent... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, July 13, 2006
Verimatrix Raises $8M
San Diego-based Verimatrix has raised a Series B round of funding. The round of funding was led by Crescendo Ventures, and also included participation by prior investors Mission Ventures and Siemens Venture Capital. Verimatrix is developing... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, June 23, 2006
Interview with Jim Howard, CrownPeak
I've spoken with Jim Howard, CEO of CrownPeak (www.crownpeak.com) before on the company's very successful content management systems. The company has done very well, receiving many awards for its product, and financially has been very profi... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Greenlight Wireless Launches Advertising Program
Irvine-based Greenlight Wireless, the developer of Skweezer, a service that reformats web pages to fit mobile platforms, announced this week a new, advertising program for publishers. The advertising platform, Advertizer, is keyword-based a... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 10, 2006
Interview with Leo Spiegel, Mission Ventures (Podcast)
In our podcast today, Frank Peters, a guest podcaster for socalTECH, speaks to Leo Spiegel, a venture capitalist at Mission Ventures. Leo tells the story of Sandpiper Networks, where as CEO he built a successful content delivery network, an... READ MORE...
posted on Wednesday, May 3, 2006
Interview with David Hemingway, Vimation
David Hemingway is CEO and co-founder of Vimation (www.vimation.com), a company I ran into at OMMA that is developing technology for creating interactivity in Internet video. I was curious about what the company's technology is, how it mark... READ MORE...
posted on Thursday, April 20, 2006
CBS, Yahoo Team on 60 Minutes
CBS is bringing 60 Minutes to the web in a partnership with Yahoo, the two companies said yesterday. CBS said that content from the 60 Minutes program will start beginning with its fall season, when free video programming on Yahoo will be a... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 24, 2006
Xingtone Partners With Zango
Los Angeles-based Xingtone has signed a partnership with Zango, a Bellevue-Washington based service that allows web publishers to publish games, video, audio, and software from its network. xingtone will provide free trial access to its con... READ MORE...
posted on Friday, March 10, 2006