Hulu recognizes Blighty existence

Warning: This story for Americans only

By Cade Metz in San Francisco • Get more from this author

Posted in Music and Media, 8th May 2009 19:59 GMT

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Hulu - that online video extravaganza juiced by three of the four American TV/movie giants - has suddenly recognized the existence of Blighty.

Today, the old/new media hybrid told the world it has partnered with UK content distributor Digital Rights Group to offer up several Brit television titles, including Green Wing, Peep Show, Kingdom, and Doc Martin. And it has inked a similar pact with Indian distributor Saavn, embracing several classic Bollywood films, including Sarkar, Deewana, Dhaai Akshar Prem Ke, Hera Pheri, and Huluchul (no relation).

But Hulu is not offering any of these British or Indian titles to Britons or Indians. The site remains closed to everyone but America.

Of course, the idea is to change this. Speaking with The Financial Times, Andy Forssell - Hulu senior vice president of content acquisition and distribution - said that the company is in the midst of discussions to launch the site in "six to eight" of the leading broadcast markets.

We're not sure why he's confused about numbers seven and eight. But there you have it. And the company's new British and Indian deals are at least a small step towards the site's internationalization.

Hulu also argues that these deals deliver content that most Americans haven't seen. But knowing Americans - a race of people who are interested in themselves - they aren't likely to see it now either. Ex-pats? Sure. Forssell also told The FT that the company has been in talks with The Beeb and ITV about pacts involving their shows as well.

Originally a joint venture between NBC Universal and News Corp. (owners of Fox TV), Hulu has since roped in Disney (owners of ABC TV). The full-length TV and movie vids are free - except that they come with advertising. And the site doesn't like ad blockers.

If you don't live in the US, you cannot access Hulu here. ®

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