The man who created the first web series has brought his savvy to a new multi-channel network. Scott Zakarin, who launched The Spot in 1995 and has helmed a plethora of other web and traditional media projects since then, is the founder of Rush It Network (RIN), a new multi-channel network with a particular focus on branded content.
RIN will include brands within its channels, which will be spun off a central “cornerstone” series called, appropriately, The SpinOffs. According to a press release, the titular characters are “a group of quirky 20 something’s [sic] living together,” and they will all branch off into their own original programs, where advertisers will be able to integrate brands into individual storylines.
The Spinoffs is already live on its own channel, where the first episode of the series arrived on October 25th:
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Beyond its potential uses for brands, RIN “will offer performance platforms for emerging digital personalities. YouTubers, Viners, social media stars,” according to the release.
Since he broke new ground with The Spot, Zakarin has remained active on the web. He was particularly prolific between 2007 and 2008, when he produced web series like Roommates, UpstairsGirls/DownstairsGuys, and Shatnervision, which was named Best Original Reality Web Series at the inaugural Streamy Awards.
RIN already has a number of partners aboard, and it plans to launch six new series during a three-day event at Sundance. The 2015 edition of the world-famous film festival will begin on January 22nd.
