FilmRise

{{Infobox company

| name = FilmRise

| formerly =

| logo =

| logo_caption =

| former_name = Fisher Klingenstein Films

| type = Private

| predecessors =

| foundation = {{start date and age| 2012}}

| founders = {{Plain list|

Danny Fisher
Jack Fisher
Alan Klingenstein

}}

| location = New York City, New York, United States

| area_served = Worldwide

| key_people = {{Plain list |

Alan Klingenstein (chairman)
Danny Fisher (CEO)
Jack Fisher (president)

}}Johnny Holden, >(CFO & CSO)

| industry = Film and television distribution

| homepage = {{official URL}}

}}{{Short description|New York City–based film and television studio and streaming network}}FilmRise is a New York–based film/television studio and streaming network.{{Cite web |title=FilmRise, Sony, Roku, Pluto TV and Xumo Join Streaming Conversation at TheGrill 2020 |date=15 September 2020 |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/filmrise-sony-roku-pluto-tv-190045335.html |access-date=2021-03-26 |publisher=Yahoo! Entertainment |language=en-US}}{{Cite web|title=FilmRise Streaming Network Grows to 31.5M App Downloads |publisher=Media Play News |date=21 January 2021 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-streaming-network-grows-to-31-5m-subs/|access-date=2021-03-26|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2020-07-30|title=As Netflix Pivots From Classic TV, Smaller Services Are Picking Up the Torch |url=https://decider.com/2020/07/30/classic-tv-shows-leaving-netflix-finding-new-life-on-hbo-max-pluto-filmrise-imdbtv/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=Decider |language=en-US}} As of November 2024, the FilmRise App has reported more than 31.5 million downloads in the U.S. and can be seen on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Comcast, iOS, Android, Apple, Vizio, among many other platforms.{{Cite web |title=FilmRise Streaming Network Base Grew 30 Percent In 2020 |url=https://www.videoageinternational.net/2021/01/21/news/filmrise-streaming-network-base-grew-30-percent-in-2020/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=VideoAge International |language=en-US}} FilmRise also syndicates its own digital linear channels (aka "Free ad-supported streaming television or FAST") to platforms including The Roku Channel, Samsung TV Plus, Amazon Freevee and Vizio.{{Cite web|date=2020-05-19 |title=Samsung TV Plus Free Streaming Service Channel Lineup |url=https://www.windowsdispatch.com/samsung-tv-plus-channel-lineup/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=Windows Dispatch |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Gurwin |first=Jason |title=Roku Adds 30+ New Linear Channels to The Roku Channel |url=https://thestreamable.com/news/roku-adds-30-plus-new-linear-channels-to-the-roku-channel |access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Streamable|date=20 November 2020 |language=en}}{{Cite web|title=Roku Channel lands in UK: 'People want free content to supplement subscriptions' |url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2020/04/07/roku-channel-lands-uk-people-want-free-content-supplement-subscriptions |website=The Drum}}{{Cite web|date=2020-09-14 |title=IMDb TV adds dedicated 'Walking Dead' service in six channel AMC deal |url=https://tbivision.com/2020/09/14/imdb-tv-adds-dedicated-walking-dead-service-in-six-channel-amc-deal/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=TBI Vision|language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Spangler |first=Todd |date=2020-04-07|title=Vizio Adds 30 Free Streaming Channels to Smart TVs |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/vizio-free-streaming-tv-channels-1234572987/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=Variety |language=en-US}}

The company was founded in 2012 by producer/financiers Danny Fisher, Jack Fisher, and Alan Klingenstein.{{cite news |last1=Fisher |first1=Danny |date=2014-01-20 |title=How I emerged from bankruptcy to grow a thriving company |url=https://money.cnn.com/2014/01/20/smallbusiness/bankruptcy-film-company/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140123052100/https://money.cnn.com/2014/01/20/smallbusiness/bankruptcy-film-company/index.html |archive-date=2014-01-23 |access-date=2022-07-29 |publisher=CNNMoney}}{{Cite web |date=2021-03-25 |title=About |url=https://filmrise.com/about |access-date=2021-03-26 |publisher=Filmrise |language=en}}

FilmRise focuses on acquiring content that is either under the radar or significantly underestimated by the industry.{{Cite web |date=2020-07-30 |title=As Netflix Pivots From Classic TV, Smaller Services Are Picking Up the Torch |url=https://decider.com/2020/07/30/classic-tv-shows-leaving-netflix-finding-new-life-on-hbo-max-pluto-filmrise-imdbtv/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=Decider |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Brzoznowski |first=Kristin |date=2021-01-19 |title=WorldScreenings: FilmRise's Danny Fisher |url=https://worldscreen.com/worldscreenings-filmrises-danny-fisher/ |access-date=2021-03-26 |website=WORLD SCREEN |language=en-US}}

FilmRise currently streams over 500 FAST channel endpoints on third-party platforms including The Roku Channel, Paramount's Pluto TV, Fox Corp's Tubi, Walmart's Vizio, Samsung TV Plus, and Amazon's Freevee among many others.

The company co-produces numerous programs including true crime series Bloodline Detectives Hosted By Nancy Grace, Killers Caught On Camera and World’s Most Evil Prisoners. FilmRise has also produced the PBS docuseries Icon: Music Through The Lens as well as series for their content partner program which curates YouTube superstars including Hot Ones, Preston & Brianna, Uncle Roger, Unspeakable and many more.

History

In 2012, Danny and Jack Fisher began studying the current state of television and film and developed a new concept for the emerging digital industry. Their vision took shape as a connection between data, content, audiences, and the internet.{{Cite web|title=Indie Company Rises With New Vision – Media Play News|date=16 April 2018 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/indie-company-rises-with-new-vision/|access-date=2021-03-26|language=en-US}} Data signals were used to measure demand for content and they envisioned digital channels where viewers would get their content for free. This became the foundation of FilmRise's business model for streaming including SVOD/AVOD. Alan Klingenstein joined onto the project as a partner, and the three became the Founders of FilmRise.

Johnny Holden joined FilmRise in August 2020 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). In May 2024, he was elevated to Chief Strategy Officer while retaining his role as CFO. {{Cite web |title=FilmRise CFO Johnny Holden adds chief strategy officer post to remit |url=https://www.c21media.net/news/filmrise-cfo-johnny-holden-adds-chief-strategy-officer-post-to-remit/ |access-date=2024-11-08 |website=C21media |language=en-us}}

They began to use their approach to acquire dormant and/or under-recognized film and television content and distribute the titles on DVD and digital platforms, such as Amazon's Disc on Demand and YouTube. This proved highly successful and the company quickly became profitable. Danny, Jack and Alan remain the largest stakeholders in FilmRise. Alan currently serves as chairman of the board, Danny is CEO, and Jack is president.{{Cite web|last=Winfrey|first=Graham|date=2016-10-20|title=How FilmRise Will Spend $27 Million in 6 Months (And Why The Distributor Has Offers For More)|url=https://www.indiewire.com/2016/10/filmrise-white-girl-danny-fisher-investment-1201738183/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=IndieWire|language=en}}

In 2013, Medstar Productions put the digital rights of the long-running, syndicated hit and a staple of the HLN network, Forensic Files, up for license. FilmRise licensed the exclusive American digital distribution rights and has released the property successfully on numerous platforms, including Netflix, Disney's Hulu and Amazon Prime,{{Cite web|title=Forensic Files {{!}} Where to Stream and Watch|url=https://decider.com/show/forensic-files/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Decider|language=en-US}} making the show one of the most popular library shows in the streaming space.{{Cite web|last=Marechal|first=A. J.|date=2014-02-10|title=FilmRise Nabs Stateside Digital Rights For 'Forensic Files'|url=https://variety.com/2014/tv/news/filmrise-nabs-stateside-digital-rights-for-forensic-files-1201096321/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Variety|language=en-US}}

Using its innovative approach to predict viewer demand, the company continued to acquire the digital rights to television and film content, including Unsolved Mysteries, Hell's Kitchen, 3rd Rock from the Sun and Midsomer Murders. {{Cite web|last=Brzoznowski|first=Kristin|date=2021-01-19|title=WorldScreenings: FilmRise's Danny Fisher|url=https://worldscreen.com/worldscreenings-filmrises-danny-fisher/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=WORLD SCREEN|language=en-US}} Filmrise created a distribution operation that enabled the company to monetize content and build out a sales/operations team to foster relationships with new and emerging digital platforms, including The Roku Channel, Fox Corporation's Tubi, Amazon Freevee, NBCUniversal's Peacock, Paramount's Pluto TV, among many others.{{Cite web|title=FILMRISE'S CURATED CHANNELS ARRIVE AT PEACOCK - Señal News|url=https://senalnews.com/en/digital/filmrises-curated-channels-arrive-at-peacock-|access-date=2021-03-26|website=senalnews.com|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2020-04-10|title=FilmRise is Making More Classic TV Available for Free|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/filmrise-is-making-more-classic-tv-available-for-free/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Cord Cutters News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=2015-10-28|title=FilmRise Raises $25 Million for Acquisitions, Licensing|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/filmrise-raises-25-million-1201628590/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Variety|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2017-09-06|title=FilmRise Secures $50 Million in New Financing|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/filmrise-secures-50-million-new-financing-1035878|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}}

In 2017, FilmRise became one of the first content providers on The Roku Channel and has since become a leading content provider on numerous ad-supported streaming services including Peacock, Amazon Freevee, Samsung TV Plus, Vizio, Sling, Pluto TV, Tubi, and many others.{{Cite web|date=2020-04-10|title=FilmRise is Making More Classic TV Available for Free|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/filmrise-is-making-more-classic-tv-available-for-free/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Cord Cutters News|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=Roku|title=Roku|url=http://www.roku.com/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Roku|language=en}}

By the end of 2017, the company raised over $100MM for content acquisitions. These funds were used to pay license fees for film and television libraries.{{Cite web|title=Brooklyn-based FilmRise raises $27M from Harlan Capital|url=https://www.bizjournals.com/newyork/news/2016/10/05/brooklyn-based-filmrise-raises-27m-from-harlan.html|website=New York Business Journal}}{{Cite web|date=2017-09-06|title=FilmRise Secures $50 Million in New Financing|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/filmrise-secures-50-million-new-financing-1035878|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}} FilmRise continued to work with emerging digital platforms, as well as growing relationships with major Hollywood studios and television networks that were eager for new licensing opportunities. FilmRise's ability to optimize monetization from TV and film content enabled it to work with many streaming platforms on its programming. {{Cite web|title=FilmRise Enters Partnership With All3media International|url=https://www.videoageinternational.net/2020/05/20/news/filmrise-enters-partnership-with-all3media-international/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=VideoAge International|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2017-09-06|title=FilmRise Secures $50 Million in New Financing|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/filmrise-secures-50-million-new-financing-1035878|access-date=2021-03-26|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=FilmRise Inks Streaming Deals with ITV, MGM and Warner Bros. – Media Play News|date=9 January 2019 |url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-inks-streaming-deals-with-itv-mgm-and-warner-bros/|access-date=2021-03-26|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|last=McNary|first=Dave|date=2015-10-28|title=FilmRise Raises $25 Million for Acquisitions, Licensing|url=https://variety.com/2015/film/news/filmrise-raises-25-million-1201628590/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Variety|language=en-US}}{{Cite web|date=2017-08-03|title=EXCLUSIVE: 'Roseanne,' '3rd Rock from the Sun,' 'A Different World,' and More '90s Classics Are Coming to Amazon|url=https://decider.com/2017/08/03/amazon-video-direct-filmrise-deal/|access-date=2021-03-26|website=Decider|language=en-US}}

In 2020, the company introduced its first original co-production, Bloodline Detectives with Nancy Grace, currently is in its fourth season with a fifth season in production. The series airs on broadcast television via syndication, and is streamed on numerous digital platforms.{{Cite web|title=FilmRise Sets Nancy Grace True Crime Series 'Bloodline Detectives' As First Original|url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/filmrise-sets-nancy-grace-true-141324028.html|access-date=2021-03-26|website=www.yahoo.com|date=14 August 2020 |language=en-US}} FilmRise currently has numerous programs in development and/or production including World's Most Evil Prisoners.

In January 2021, FilmRise acquired the streaming rights to content from YouTubers Preston & Brianna, Nathan Graham (also known as "Unspeakable"), and numerous other top creators.{{cite news|url=https://kidscreen.com/2021/01/19/filmrise-to-elevate-youtubers-beyond-digital|title=FilmRise to elevate YouTubers beyond digital|website=Kidscreen|date=January 19, 2021}} In the same year, it entered in an exclusive deal with Fuji TV's distribution arm, Fuji Creative Corporation to acquire streaming and digital distribution rights to the Japanese cooking show Iron Chef.{{cite web|title='Iron Chef': Japanese Original Series Heads to FilmRise Through Exclusive Fuji Deal|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/asia/iron-chef-us-filmrise-fuji-1235085857/|work=Variety|date=October 10, 2021|first=Manori|last=Ravindran|accessdate=October 11, 2021}}

FilmRise has also become a pioneer in the international ad-supported streaming space. Among the international platforms that the company currently provides content to are: Rakuten, Joyn and many others. In August 2022, it acquired streaming rights to the syndicated reality TV show Cheaters from Goldstein Pictures Corporation.{{cite news|url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-acquires-rights-to-cheaters/|title=FilmRise Acquires Digital Rights to Reality Series 'Cheaters'|website=Media Play News|date=August 1, 2022|accessdate=July 23, 2023}}

In April 2023, it acquired the streaming and digital distribution rights to the reality television series World's Wildest Police Videos and its specials, including the World's Scariest Police Chases series from Pursuit Productions.{{cite web|url=https://www.mediaplaynews.com/filmrise-acquires-more-true-crime-including-worlds-wildest-police-videos/|title=FilmRise Acquires More True Crime, Including "World's Wildest Police Videos"|website=Media Play News|date=17 April 2023 |accessdate=July 23, 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2023041863669/filmrise-acquires-global-digital-rights-to-world-s-wildest-police-videos.html|title=FilmRise acquires global digital rights to World's Wildest Police Videos|website=Rapid TV News|date=April 18, 2023|accessdate=July 23, 2023}} In October, FilmRise acquired the worldwide digital distribution rights to the BuzzFeed Studios and Complex Networks television libraries, which includes their YouTube shows Hot Ones and BuzzFeed Unsolved and also TV shows and specials that feature the Australian children's music group The Wiggles.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2023/digital/news/buzzfeed-sells-library-shows-hot-ones-filmrise-1235740557/|title=BuzzFeed Sells Huge Library of Shows Including "Hot Ones" To FilmRise|magazine=Variety|date=September 29, 2023|access-date=November 4, 2023}}{{cite news|url=https://Kidscreen.com/2023/10/18/filmrise-picks-up-the-wiggles-package|title=FilmRise picks up The Wiggles package|website=Kidscreen|date=October 18, 2023|access-date=November 4, 2023}}