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Kilar unveils online Vessel

Former Hulu CEO Jason Kilar has revealed details of his new paid-for online service that will offer an exclusive window to shows created by YouTube stars.

Vessel will charge US$3 per month to watch content from YouTube creators such as Bethany Mota and Shane Dawson, with the shows then becoming available to other viewers after a three-day window.

Kilar, who left the US VoD service in 2013 and was replaced by former Fox exec Mike Hopkins, has linked up with Hulu’s former chief technology officer Rich Tom on the project.

The duo aim to lure in YouTube creators by offering better returns generated from ad revenue on their service than on the Google-owned video platform.

The service is set to launch next year and has already agreed partnerships with multichannel networks including Machinima, as well as US channels such as A&E and deals for shows such as Above Average Prods’ shows Alec Baldwin’s Love Ride.

The firm has also reportedly raised around US$75m from investors, including from the investment fund belonging to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and venture capital firms such as Greylock Partners.

YouTube revealed plans last month to charge for access to music videos on its site.

Back at Kilar’s former employers, Hulu has struck a deal with Disney’s distribution arm to air ABC series Resurrection and Mistresses as well as Lifetime’s Devious Maids. The ABC series will be launched on the Hulu Plus SVoD service.

The deal also includes titles from the studio’s library including Melissa & Joey, Body of Proof and Twisted.

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