Cinedigm is bringing back Robert Rodriguez’s El Rey Network, originally a linear channel, as a streaming service.
“Always a renegade, Rodriguez rewrites the rules once again by taking what was once a linear channel and harnessing its passionate fan base for today’s streaming audiences,” today’s statement about the partnership said.
The ad-supported channel will feature content curated by Rodriguez and his artistic collective. Featured El Rey Network content includes Rodriguez’s thoughtful conversations with creatives like John Carpenter and Quentin Tarantino in “The Director’s Chair”; “Rebel Without A Crew: The Series,” in which filmmakers set out to make their first feature under Rodriguez’s guidance; a library of unscripted franchises including “The Chuey Martinez Show”; and feature films that run the genre gamut from grindhouse to cult classic action to horror/sci-fi.
Rodriguez said: “El Rey has always been a network for the people – a mainstream outlet where we discover diverse, independent voices. The fact that we can also now make our catalogue of kick-ass programming available for free to all gives me enormous joy.” He added: “As audiences move deliberately to streaming, it was important for me to democratize our platform so that the masses have the opportunity to see themselves in our lineup of curated, inclusive and entertaining content. This is a huge win in every way, and I want to thank Cinedigm for putting fans first with this new alliance.”
El Rey Network launched in 2013 and, at its height, reached over 40 million households. The new streaming service will be available across all platforms offering OTT channels including streaming devices, connected TVs, and on the web.