Tubi, the free, ad-supported streaming service owned by Fox Corp., has unveiled Stubios, a new initiative aimed at supporting aspiring filmmakers by providing both a platform for their projects and financial backing. The concept behind Stubios revolves around empowering viewers to play a role in greenlighting content from selected creators based on their viewing habits. Tubi will then finance the production of these projects, with the possibility of funding future endeavors for successful creators.
To guide the Stubiorunners (as the selected creators are called), Tubi has enlisted the expertise of Issa Rae, known for her work on HBO’s “Insecure.” Rae will serve as a mentor, drawing on her own journey from digital content creator to established producer. Stubiorunners will benefit from script support, one-on-one sessions with Rae, and creative production assistance from ColorCreative, the management and production company co-founded by Rae.
The films and series developed under Stubios will be distributed and promoted on Tubi, with the first projects expected to debut by the end of 2024. Creators will receive an executive producer credit and a flat fee for their original intellectual property and work on the project. Tubi plans to reveal the initial three Stubiorunners, starting with rapper-songwriter Lady London, who will produce a docuseries exploring her life and music journey.
Interested creatives can apply to be part of the Stubios program, with applications open until May 31 or until 750 entries are received. Fans can also sign up for a free Stubios account to stay updated on participating creators. The initiative aligns with Tubi’s commitment to catering to younger and more diverse audiences, providing opportunities for underrepresented voices to tell their stories.
Tubi CEO Anjali Sud emphasized the platform’s extensive content library and data-driven approach to programming, while Rae expressed enthusiasm for Tubi’s initiative to support emerging talent. ColorCreative president Talitha Watkins echoed this sentiment, highlighting Stubios’ role in fostering inclusivity and mentorship in the entertainment industry.
Stubios aims to engage fans throughout the production process, allowing them to provide feedback on various aspects of the projects. Tubi CMO Nicole Parlapiano clarified that Stubios is not about user-generated content but rather about leveraging internal resources to nurture the success of Stubiorunners.
Melody Hildebrandt, CTO of Fox Corp., collaborated with the Tubi team on Stubios, highlighting Tubi’s role as an ideal platform for empowering emerging talent with funding, production support, and distribution opportunities.
