Horror fans will soon be able to check out a digital destination tailored specifically for scream-inducing moments. AMC Networks and DramaFever plan to launch a horror-themed streaming subscription service dubbed Shudder.tv.
The online hub will be found at shudder.com, which currently shows a landing page with a creepy video montage in the background and the tagline “Screams on demand – coming soon.” Anyone interested in the upcoming service can enter their email to “be notified when the fear becomes real.”
AMC and DramaFever’s decision to create a subscription service isn’t surprising, but its focus is. Other similar over-the-top services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime cover a range of genres and topics. In a similar vein, distribution platform Vessel is also targeted at online video fans and creators, but won’t be restricted to any one genre or topic. Finally, the subscription service from CBS and the upcoming one from HBO also plan to offer a variety of shows and genres, even if they are titles limited to the two networks’ own intellectual properties.
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Then again, the impending launch of Shudder.tv continues an already-established relationship between AMC and DramaFever, which have previously worked on another specialized streaming service. Gigaom explains how the two entertainment companies first teamed up earlier this year for the SundanceNow Doc Club. This service only houses documentaries and lets users pay $6.99 a month for unlimited streaming access to over 600 titles. Plus, sites like anime-focused Crunchyroll have proven viewers are willing to pay for content based on their specific interests.
Shudder.tv will likely also benefit from AMC and DramaFever’s previous experiences with genre-specific projects. DramaFever (recently acquired by Japan’s SoftBank telecommunications company) unsurprisingly specializes in drama from international creators and producers, with a heavy focus on Korean content. And of course AMC is home to one of television’s most popular zombie shows The Walking Dead (which has, of course, inspired comical takes on the series, as well). Combine the two companies’ expertise and Shudder.tv has lots of potential for future subscribers.
The launch date and pricing for Shudder.tv hasn’t been announced as of yet. However, Gigaom noted DramaFever’s co-CEO Seung Bak once estimated the service could launch sometime in 2015.
