Ever since All My Children and One Life to Live's planned relaunch was leaked in December, fans have been wonderinghow they'd be able to reconnect with their friends in Pine Valley and Llanview. Where would fans need to go in order to tune in? Would the episodes be free? Would any special equipment be required? Many of the questions have now been answered.
Prospect Park has announced that episodes of both All My Children and One Life to Live will be distributed via the Hulu, Hulu Plus, and iTunes services.
"I believe that both Hulu and iTunes have the vision, the reach and the technology to help us launch TOLN in a significant way," Prospect Park Chairman and CEO, Jeff Kwatinetz said. "We think these platforms are part of history, helping us to transform distribution. Hulu's reach, platform and advertising prowess are best in class, and iTunes provides an incredible way to buy TV shows that is second to none. Through both of these partners, we hope daytime drama fans are absolutely delighted to be able to watch their favorite programs in a broadcast-quality HD format wherever and whenever they want."
New 30-minute episodes of All My Children and One Life to Live will be introduced each weekday. Prospect Park plans "to blend new themes, fresh stars, and youthful energy with the familiar actors and writers who made these shows must-watch afternoon viewing for legions of loyal fans."
Hulu's basic service is free. Programming is broadcast with commercials. The Hulu Plus service is a subscription service that allows viewers acess to the unlimited streaming of hundreds of programs on a variety of platforms (including computers, tablets, smart phones, Nintendo Wii, XBOX 360, Playstation 3, Roku TV Units, and Smart TV's.) for monthly subscription fee, currently priced at $7.99 per month.
Apple's iTunes service is a free download. Users can download music, movies, podcasts, and television episodes at an additional cost. Many of the downloads, including Soap Central's all-things-soap podcast Soap Central Live, can be downloaded for free.
In related news, Prospect Park has closed its financing deal with ABRY Partners, a media-focused private equity investment firm.
Brent Stone, a partner at ABRY Partners, stated, "We are excited to be partnering with Jeff Kwatinetz and the rest of the team at Prospect Park, and we strongly believe that they will continue to be a leader in their innovative approach to content creation."
Kwatinetz continued, "We are privileged to the have the backing and partnership with Brent and his team at ABRY, who are proven, brilliant investors, and will help us reach our ultimate goals."
