Netflix alum rolls into 420TV

420TV, the new premium OTT channel dedicated to cannabis-related news and entertainment, has appointed a former Netflix executive to oversee its launch.

Nick Nelson

Nick Nelson, who was formerly head of product creative for Netflix, is now head of product and innovation for 420 parent OwnZones Media Network and will lead the launch of 420TV on a variety of devices and platforms.

Nelson served as head of product creative at Netflix from 2012 to 2016. During the evolutionary years of the streaming giant, he grew his team from five to more than 60 staff to support the company’s growing number of products, original content and international expansion.

420TV has also assigned Tim Rosta and Vat Tann, formerly of creative company Rosta+Tann, to run its advertising. The outfit previously worked with MTV, E! and Disney.

420TV is set to launch in January 2018 with Douglas A Lee at the helm as general manager. It will become the first fully ad-supported platform of its kind and will target a millennial audience to make the most of the opportunities around the legalising of cannabis.

The service will launch via 420TV.com and its mobile applications before expanding to other devices and through OwnZones’ worldwide multi-platform distribution network.

OwnZones is a VoD platform with streaming video powered by OwnZones Media Network, which produces and distributes content through its worldwide networks. Its distribution partners include Comcast, Amazon, Roku and Apple TV.

Last week, 420TV announced work had begun on its first series, a show about Amsterdam’s cannabis culture, with Zoomin Studios.