Cosmo DeNicola Companies News

Thursday, February 18, 2021

CRACKLE PLUS ANNOUNCES JEFF MEIER AS HEAD OF PROGRAMMING

ENTERTAINMENT VETERAN TAPPED TO HELM PROGRAMMING EFFORTS FOR STREAMING INDUSTRY LEADER

NEW YORK, N.Y. - Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) company and one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today that Jeff Meier has been named head of programming for their Crackle Plus networks, made up of Crackle, Popcornflix, Popcornflix Kids, Truli, Españolflix, FrightPix, and SVOD platform Pivotshare.

Meier comes from Sony Pictures where he was general manager and senior vice president of programming, heading up content efforts for their brands getTV, Sony Movie Channel, and cineSony. Before his involvement with Sony, Jeff served in senior programming roles at OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, TV One and Telemundo.

Meier’s role will have him overseeing the extensive Crackle and Popcornflix libraries of studio film titles and classic TV series as well as a growing list of programming that includes exclusive movies such as the Angus MacFadyan medieval action film Robert the Bruce, the Demi Moore/Ed Helms dark comedy Corporate Animals, and Sam Rockwell-starring action comedy Blue Iguana, as well as original unscripted documentaries and series such as the recently launched Bucket List, Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story, Anything is Possible: The Serge Ibaka Story, Road to Race Day, On Point, Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, and Going From Broke, recently picked up for a second season.

“I am excited to welcome Jeff Meier as our new head of programming,” said Philippe Guelton, President of Crackle Plus. “Jeff’s extensive experience acquiring and programming content for premium VOD and linear media platforms makes him a perfect fit for Crackle Plus. He fully understands the diverse Crackle Plus audience and will drive our mission of changing the world one story at a time.”

Crackle Plus linear and VOD networks are available in the U.S. and can be accessed on up to 29 devices and services by the end of the year including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

Tuesday, December 8, 2020

Crackle Wins Best Ad-Supported Video Service Award at Cynopsis Model D Awards

Streaming Network Also Awarded Outstanding Team of the Year Award

for Crackle Original Series ‘Going From Broke’

COS COB, CT - Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced that Crackle was awarded Best Ad-Supported Video Service at the Cynopsis Model D Awards. The company also won Outstanding Team of the Year for its original series Going From Broke.

The Crackle network is set apart from the rest of the AVOD industry with programming that is refreshed faster than other AVOD networks, as well as through its original and exclusive content. Crackle is also expanding distribution and has recently signed deals with companies such as PLEX, Vizio, and Cox Cable with several others launching in Q1 of 2021.

The Cynopsis Model D Awards, held on December 1^stand hosted by Cynopsis publisher Robbie Caploe, honor the best in online video content, advertising, talent and digital media’s movers and shakers. Crackle was announced as the winner for Best Ad-Supported Video Service by guest presenter and Pac-12 Network reporter Ashley Adamson. Fellow finalists included beIN SPORTS XTRA and XUMO. President of Crackle Plus Philippe Guelton accepted the award on behalf of the company.

Crackle was also awarded Outstanding Team of the Year for its original series Going From Broke, a series that aims to stamp out the $1.5 trillion owed in student debt in the U.S. Fellow nominees in this category included teams from ViacomCBS, Crunchyroll and others. The award was presented by guest presenter Alex Livingston, host of Morning Rush on Newsy, and was accepted by Crackle’s Senior Manager of PR & Marketing Chris Woolsey.

“We are pleased that our network and original programming have been recognized by an organization as well respected in our industry as Cynopsis,” said President of Crackle Plus, Philippe Guelton. “Our entire team works hard every day to give our viewers the greatest experience possible and it’s wonderful to see their efforts in the spotlight.”

Crackle can be accessed in the US on 29 devices and services including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

Monday, November 16, 2020

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Sony Pictures Television Extend Crackle Plus Option

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced the 30-day extension of a key deadline related to Sony Pictures Television’s (SPT) Crackle Plus ownership option.

Pursuant to the Crackle acquisition agreement in May of 2019, Sony Pictures Television was required to decide by November 14, 2020 whether to convert its current ownership of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Crackle Plus subsidiary into 49% of the common ownership of Crackle Plus or into $40 million of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s preferred shares. SPT and the company have mutually agreed to an extension to consider these options and potential alternatives, and SPT will now be required to make a decision by December 14, 2020.

“We have always seen a path to an expanded relationship with Sony and we are looking forward to taking this additional time to evaluate opportunities to strengthen our partnership,” said William J. Rouhana Jr, Chairman & CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

Thursday, November 5, 2020

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Crackle Plus to Launch Crackle Button on 2021 VIZIO SmartCast® TV Remotes

Crackle-Branded Remote Button Will Make It Even Easier For VIZIO TV Customers to Access Crackle Movies, TV Shows and Exclusive Content on SmartCast TVs

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced an agreement with VIZIO, the #1 American-based TV brand, to add a Crackle-branded button to select 2021 VIZIO SmartCast TV remotes.

A push of the Crackle-branded button on the VIZIO remote will take a viewer directly to the Crackle app on their new SmartCast TV, giving viewers instant access to thousands of hours of original and exclusive content, as well as blockbuster Hollywood hits, and episodes of classic TV shows. Crackle’s button will be one of six easy-access buttons on the remote available with select SmartCast TVs in 2021.

“As one of the top connected TV manufacturers, reaching millions of consumer audiences, VIZIO has built a unique out of the box experience for consumers and serves as one of our top distribution platform partners. Putting Crackle on the VIZIO remote makes it even easier for new SmartCast customers to instantly access and enjoy Crackle’s expansive library of free studio movies, classic TV shows and a full slate of original and exclusive content,” said Philippe Guelton, President of Crackle Plus. “The smart TV portion of the connected TV business is growing at a rapid pace and we want to be in all of the places where viewer growth is the greatest. This is a great example of the steps we are taking to expand our reach beyond traditional streaming devices, putting desired content right at the consumer’s fingertips.”

As one of the only AVOD services continually adding original and exclusive programming that uplifts, entertains, and inspires audiences, Crackle offers original and exclusive titles that can only be found for free on Crackle, including Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story, Spides, Corporate Animals, Blue Iguana, Anything is Possible - The Serge Ibaka Story, Road to Race Day, On Point, Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, The Clearing, Yelawolf: A Slumerican Life, and Going From Broke, which was recently picked up for a second season.

Crackle and Popcornflix linear and VOD networks will each be available in the U.S. on up to 27 devices and services by the end of the year including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, VIZIO), gaming consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

Tuesday, October 6, 2020

CRACKLE ANNOUNCES THE US PREMIERE OF ORIGINAL SPORTS DOCUMENTARY, ‘LENNOX LEWIS: THE UNTOLD STORY,’ AVAILABLE OCTOBER 15

Narrated by Dr. Dre, the documentary on the undisputed heavyweight world champion joins the free streaming platform’s growing original and exclusive content library

NEW YORK, N.Y., – Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) company and one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the premiere of its original documentary, Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story, launching on Thursday, October 15.

Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story follows the three-time world heavyweight boxing champion, Lennox Lewis, as he defies all odds on his inspiring journey to become one of the most decorated boxers in history. Narrated by Dr. Dre, the documentary features never-before-seen footage from Lewis’ personal archives, extensive interviews with Lewis and some of his greatest competitors including Mike Tyson, George Foreman, and Evander Holyfield.

As one of the only AVODs continually adding original and exclusive programming that uplifts, entertains, and inspires audiences, Crackle adds Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story alongside original and exclusive titles that can only be found on Crackle, including Spides, Corporate Animals, Blue Iguana, Anything is Possible - The Serge Ibaka Story, Road to Race Day, On Point, Cleanin’ Up the Town: Remembering Ghostbusters, The Clearing, Yelawolf: A Slumerican Life, and Going From Broke, recently picked up for a second season.

Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story is distributed in North America by Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company, and the supplier of exclusive and original content for Crackle Plus.

From a modest and challenging upbringing to an Olympic Gold medal and reign as undisputed heavyweight champion, Lewis’ story is one of redemption and forgiveness and the perseverance and strength needed to overcome obstacles. The documentary unfolds his inspirational journey as Lewis draws back the curtain on his childhood and career to unveil what makes a true champion. Directed by Rick Lazes and Seth Koch, Lennox Lewis: The Untold Story was written by Josh Dubin and Koch. The film is a Verdi Production and was produced by Chad A. Verdi, Rick Lazes, Nick Koskoff and Tom DeNucci. Emma Tillinger Koskoff and Michelle Verdi executive produced

“The documentary delivers a powerful message and I am so glad we were able to tell this story,” said Lewis. “For anyone watching who feels they can’t make it in life, I am proof that you can.”

“We are proud to bring this inspirational story of Lennox’s historic boxing career to Crackle,” said Richard De Croce, SVP of Programming at Crackle Plus. “We know our audience will appreciate Lennox’s passion and determination to overcome the obstacles he’s faced and reach his dreams both in and out of the ring.”

Crackle is available in the U.S. and can be accessed on 26 devices and services including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

Thursday, October 1, 2020

‘Spides’ Exceeds One Million Views on Crackle in Just Two Weeks

Crackle Original Scripted Series Reaches Over 5 Million Ad Impressions

COS COB, CT –Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced that Crackle’s latest original series Spides has driven over one million streams in less than two weeks on the free streaming platform making it the number one scripted series on Crackle.

Spides is on track to be the most successful scripted series in Crackle’s history. The series follows the success of other Crackle originals like Going From Broke which has received over 16 million views since its release in October 2019 and On Point which has received over 15 million views since its release in February of 2020.

The series, which premiered on Crackle on September 17^th, is set in modern-day Berlin and stars Rosabell Laurenti Sellers (Game of Thrones) as Nora who falls into a coma after taking an unknown drug and wakes with no memory of her previous life. Meanwhile, local police detectives David Leonhart, played by Falk Hentschel (Legends Of Tomorrow, Marvel’s Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.), and Nique Navar, played by Florence Kasumba (Avengers, Black Panther), work to track down the drug which is connected to dozens of missing teenagers. In Nora’s quest to discover what happened to her, she uncovers a conspiracy of aliens who are using a synthetic drug to infiltrate humans to use as host bodies.

"We're thrilled by our audience’s reaction to our Crackle Original series, Spides. This series has everything our fans have come to expect from our sci-fi titles…great storytelling, fantastic performances, and an inspiring journey that follows the show's lead, Rosabell Laurenti Sellers, overcoming enormous challenges in heroic fashion," said Richard De Croce, senior vice president of programming for Crackle.

The series has garnered over 5 million ad impressions. “We were hopeful that our audience would have an enthusiastic reaction to Spides since they have always supported our sci-fi content, but the series has truly taken Crackle by storm since it launched two weeks ago,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus. “By offering our viewers and advertisers content that is unique and engaging, Crackle is a known and trusted destination for viewers."

Thursday, September 24, 2020

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Announces New Programming License Deals for Crackle Plus

License Deals with KDMG, Endemol Shine International, TBN, and The Film Detective

The new license deals cover approximately 1,600 hours of content from companies including KDMG, Endemol Shine International, The Film Detective, Arclight, and TBN.

The 1,600 hours of content includes movies and series with must-see programs like Night of the Living Dead, Charade, and House on Haunted Hill from The Film Detective, Legion of Honor from KDMG, The Omega Code from TBN, Dance of the Dragon, Ghost Rituals, and Dinosaur Island from Arclight, and eight seasons of the acclaimed Australian drama series McLeod’s Daughters as well as three seasons of the popular reality series Flavor of Love from Endemol Shine International.

The above titles join the existing library for a total of over 80,000 hours of content available to Crackle Plus. This includes original and exclusive programming such as Spides, Corporate Animals, The Sonata, Blue Iguana, Crown Vic, The Clearing, On Point, Going From Broke, ’85: The Greatest Team in Football History, Road to Race Day and Cleanin’ Up the Town.

“Our viewers who come to Crackle Plus seeking quality scripted television, feature films, and reality television will be happy to binge on these newly added titles including Night of the Living Dead from The Film Detective, and acclaimed Australian drama series McLeod’s Daughters,” said Richard De Croce, senior vice president of programming for Crackle Plus

Crackle Plus obtained the right to exhibit new content from various license deals through sister company Screen Media.

Crackle is available in the U.S. on 26 devices and services including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), on iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.