Safran, Microsoft Plan Original Xbox Live Video Content

Plans for new original video content to be made available via Xbox Live Video Marketplace have emerged, with Microsoft partnering with Hollywood veteran Peter Safran, for a series of new shows due for release this year. Safran’s new Web production and distribution company Safran Digital Group will initially create six unnamed “short-form series”, to premiere on the U.S. version of the service this summer. According to a Mediaweek report, the shows are aimed at the Xbox’s core demographic of 18 to 34 year olds and will likely be in the comedy, horror or science fiction genres. As well as handling clients ranging from Brad Pitt to Nicolas Cage, Safran has also acted as manager for the likes of Jennifer Lopez and Jessica Simpson. He also has producer credits on a range of Hollywood movies including Meet the Spartans and Scary Movie. Xbox Live Video Marketplace already hosts a number of full length movies for download, as well as television show content such as South Park. Although original content such as industry game show coverage has been offered in the past, until now there has been no original scripted content on the service. No decision has been made on whether the new series will be ad-supported, with also no indication of pricing or expected availability outside of the U.S.