Filmmaker Robert Rodriguez has taken El Rey Network once a linear cable TV channel and reformatted the Latino-focused brand for the streaming era in partnership with Cinedigm.
Launched in 2013, El Rey Network at its peak reached over 40 million households stocked with a range of English-language scripted and unscripted programming catering to Latino audiences and beyond.
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In partnership with Cinedigm, El Rey Network will relaunch as an over-the-top streaming service available on platforms including connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices and the web. In addition, Cinedigm will work with El Rey to ink deals with advertisers on custom content. Cinedigm also will distribute Rodriguezs feature film Red 11 and the companion docuseries, Rebel Without A Crew: The Robert Rodriguez Film School, exclusively to OTT platforms.
El Reys revival as an OTT channel is believed to be the first time that a cable TV network has pivoted completely from linear to streaming. The date of the El Rey Network streaming channel has yet to be determined.
El Rey has always been a network for the people a mainstream outlet where we discover diverse, independent voices, Rodriguez said in a statement. The fact that we can also now make our catalogue of kick-ass programming available for free to all gives me enormous joy.
He added: As audiences move deliberately to streaming, it was important for me to democratize our platform so that the masses have the opportunity to see themselves in our lineup of curated, inclusive and entertaining content. This is a huge win in every way, and I want to thank Cinedigm for putting fans first with this new alliance.
Programming on El Rey Network is curated by Rodriguez (From Dusk Till Dawn, Sin City, Spy Kids, Machete) and his creative partners. Featured shows include Rodriguezs The Directors Chair, featuring interviews with creatives like John Carpenter and Quentin Tarantino; Rebel Without a Crew: The Series, in which filmmakers set out to make their first feature under Rodriguezs guidance; a library of unscripted franchises including The Chuey Martinez Show; and feature films spanning such genres as grindhouse, cult classic action, horror and sci-fi.
Red 11, based on Rodriguezs experiences in a medical research facility to finance his first feature film, El Mariachi, had its world premiere at SXSW. The movie is set in a dark, twisted world of legal drug research where college kids become lab rats to make quick money. Written, produced and directed by the filmmaker, Red 11 was co-written with Rodriguezs son Racer Max and went on to play in the Directors Fortnight section at the Cannes Film Festival.
Cinedigms partnership with El Rey allows the channel to broaden its digital footprint, as well as expand the access of its programming to audiences, said Erick Opeka, Cinedigms president and chief strategy officer. Were excited to be stepping in at this important moment alongside the passion, dedication and forward-thinking vision that Robert Rodriguez brings to the table, Opeka said.
Cinedigm also touts advertising partnerships with demand-side partners like Magnite (SpotX/Springserve), Comcasts FreeWheel, Verizon Media and Xander. That will allow the El Rey OT channel to generate ad revenue from targeted demographics in the growing ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) and free, ad-supported television (FAST) sectors, Opeka said.
El Rey Network is jointly owned by Rodriguez and FactoryMade Ventures. At one point, Univision held a a minority stake in the venture.
We look forward to working with Chris McGurk and his incredible team at Cinedigm to further engage audiences and align with smart marketing partners to create memorable, custom content that breaks through the clutter, FactoryMade Ventures CEO John Fogelman said in a statement.
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Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network Cable Channel to Be Rebooted for Streaming With Cinedigm
