Going Beyond the Screen:
Talking Content and Community with Adam Rymer, President of Legendary Digital Networks
At VRV, we want to take you behind the scenes and show you why we love and respect our partner companies as much as we do. These channels — Nerdist Alpha, Geek & Sundry Alpha, Funimation, Tested, RiffTrax, CollegeHumor, Machinima, GINX eSports TV, Shudder, MONDO, Rooster Teeth, Seeso, Cartoon Hangover and Crunchyroll — continue to change the game in how fans interact with content and engage with creators, and we are so excited to bring them all under one platform. VRV will be the home for members of the fandom to watch the best in anime, animation, gaming, comedy, fantasy, horror and technology thanks to our partner channels.
We recently sat down with Adam Rymer, President of Legendary Digital Networks, to talk about Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha, as well as what he is most excited for in regards to Legendary’s partnership with VRV and why he always puts the fans first.
What are you most excited for regarding Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha’s partnership with VRV?
We are working on creating some truly original programming via Nerdist and Geek & Sundry. In partnering with VRV, we’ll be able to share this premium content with a much larger audience on many more platforms than we would be able to do independently. Additionally, we’re huge fans of the other content creators that are a part of VRV and are thrilled to be sharing the screen with them and their creative voices.
Why did Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha decide to partner with VRV?
From the first time we met with the VRV team, we felt that we had a similar vision of the future for digital content. The path in front of us is a long one, and we don’t know exactly which way it will turn from month to month, but I strongly believe we will be better off with partners who have shared goals. The work that VRV is putting into thinking through the technology and product is well thought out, and our partnership allows us to put more effort into the parts of digital content that we are better designed to do, namely content development and production.
It’s no surprise that building an SVOD is hard. What are some key takeaways you’ve learned in developing Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha as you gear up for launch later this year?
The most important thing we’ve been working on is how to maintain the voice and authenticity that we’ve built over the years. We’re fortunate here to be both content creators AND fans, so we’ve focused on how to create an additional level of access and interactivity, rather than moving the content and community behind a paid service. We knew from the beginning that we would keep as much ad-supported content as possible and continue to support the audience that has helped us grow to where we are today. Our feeling was if we couldn’t create a different level of engagement and offer something meaningful, then we shouldn’t build Alpha at all. I think as we release more programming and reveal more of the features and benefits, the audience will see what Alpha really means. Our hope is that as our members really get involved with Alpha, they will see it as more of a community-driven membership experience rather than a monthly subscription.
You have a very passionate fanbase. How do you ensure you interact and engage with your community from a place of authenticity?
We are in a very early phase of this new type of content and how it is created and distributed. The most important thing that I talk to my team about is: make sure we listen to the feedback we are getting and adjust our programming and features accordingly. Compared to other historical distribution platforms, Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha will be constantly evolving, and the more we hear and engage with our audience, through Alpha chat, live events, social media, etc., the more we will be able to adapt and adjust.
What is your favorite part about working at Legendary Digital Networks?
In all honesty, and although it sounds trite, the team we’ve built here is amazing. Their dedication, hard work and deep knowledge of this space makes coming into work every day a truly unique experience.
In such a crowded space, how do you intend to make Nerdist Alpha and Geek & Sundry Alpha break through all the noise?
Hopefully, we can make some noise ourselves and be very loud. We’re working on some new features and functionality that have never really been integrated into live and recorded content before in a meaningful way. We’re focused on creating new content experiences that go beyond what people are used to seeing from other video platforms they’ve used. If we can succeed with that creatively and technically, then we’ll be on the right track. It’s a somewhat big experiment, and we’re excited to test it out!
What are the biggest trends you’re seeing in the digital media industry right now?
It’s hard to pinpoint trends in this space when everything seems to change and be re-invented every few months. The thing we find the most interesting is the ubiquitous arrival of “live” content and audience interaction. The other trend we are seeing more of in the digital arena is content creators working to figure out how they can make projects for niche audiences without relying on advertising sponsorship. There’s certainly a place for both in the future, and I think we’re just at the starting line of seeing how this new medium is going to play itself out in terms of business models and audiences.
