FEARnet Launches Video On Demand Dynamic Ad Insertion Commercial Capabilities To Advertisers Utilizing Canoe Services

SANTA MONICA, Calif., Sept. 24, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- FEARnet, the premier TV, VOD and web destination for horror, suspense and thriller programming, is now selling dynamic ad insertion (DAI) capabilities in its free video on demand content on cable set top boxes.

Sony Pictures Television, who represents FEARnet's ad sales efforts, began inserting commercial DAI spots for 10 advertisers last month.  The first advertisers taking advantage of the initial DAI launch on FEARnet include Volvo, Focus Features ("ParaNorman"), Anchor Bay Entertainment ("The Walking Dead" Season 2 DVD), Starz ("Breathless," "Piranha 3DD") and Magnolia Pictures ("VHS").

"One of the great things about dynamic ad insertion is that it gives us the ability to insert ads in a way that is similar to the process we use for linear TV," said Paul Brennan, Sony Pictures Television's Senior Vice President of Advertising Sales. "We can be nimble when inserting advertising on VOD programming, and rapidly secure reporting metrics on the backend.  This is a ground-breaking new approach to advertising, and at SPT Ad Sales we are extremely pleased to be offering this service to our clients."

With the advent of commercial DAI capabilities, this new advertising service enables cable networks, like FEARnet, to reduce the amount of time it takes for ads to be inserted, updated and reported.  It therefore provides advertising agencies and national advertisers the immediate ability to directly connect with consumers when they are most engaged, while providing an accurate measurement of the reach of that engagement.

"FEARnet consistently ranks as one of the top three free VOD movie services in the industry," said Ron Garfield, Chief Revenue Officer, FEARnet.  "Since our launch, we have delivered over 650 million VOD views.  As an industry leader, it was imperative that we be part of the pioneering efforts creating a brand new revenue stream, and launching a service On Demand that resonates with advertisers."

Via Canoe software and services, FEARnet is launching DAI with multiple VOD carriers, first launching with Comcast's Xfinity On Demand, and simultaneously conducting rollout tests with Time Warner Cable.  In the upcoming months, FEARnet intends to roll out its DAI options with all of its VOD carriers.  This is the first time dynamic ad insertion has been commercially available across multiple VOD carriers.  Advertisers are now able to reach over 20 million FEARnet free VOD U.S. households with their commercial programming through this development.

"As consumer behavior continues to shift towards on demand experiences, Canoe and many in the industry realize the significant opportunity for dynamic ad insertion on VOD," said Joel Hassell, CEO, Canoe Ventures. "We are pleased with the progress we have made on enhancing how on demand content is monetized to support programmers, and we're excited to be working with FEARnet on the execution of this gainful initiative across distributors."

FEARnet's On Demand content is in 27 million homes, and its linear TV network is growing quarterly; it is now in seven million U.S. households and is expected to reach over 10 million by the end of the year. With October, its most popular month, FEARnet will be adding special Halloween programming treats to its schedule, as well as bringing back the Emmy Award-winning anthology horror series "Tales From The Crypt," starting Friday, October 5, when FEARnet debuts TV versions of the groundbreaking program on its linear channel and presents originals on its VOD platform.

About FEARnet

FEARnet is a multi-platform programming service delivering original and acquired horror, thriller and suspense content as a cable TV network, a video-on-demand outlet and web portal. FEARnet, a partnership among Sony Pictures Television, Lionsgate Entertainment and Comcast Corporation, features a robust lineup of popular titles from major film studios and independents, encompassing 300 plus movie titles a year, including 27 world television and 11 theatrical broadcast premieres. The Network is distributed to U.S. cable subscribers across the country on various systems and is often ranked as the number-one free VOD movie service available in 27 million homes. In 2011, the website, FEARnet.com, ranked as one of the most popular sites in the genre category among total uniques and duration per visit. Follow FEARnet on Facebook and Twitter (@FEARnet). For more information about the company, visit www.FEARnet.com. To access photos visit FEARnetPR on flickr.

SOURCE FEARnet