Facebook to Fund Original Content…Next Animation Boom?

 

Let’s try this again…

When it comes to animated content, Facebook has had its fair share of content producers that have tried to showcase content explicitly for the platform but really to no avail. FOX ADHD is a popular failed attempt, Comedy Central tried to do it with the TripTank brand as well, usually what happens is, a bunch of money gets pumped into animated shorts from content producers and nothing really comes from it in terms of traffic despite quality. While nowhere near the amount of bubble that busted by way of Youtube, no one has really found a way to make Facebook a viable animation platform.

But, what if Facebook started funding original animated content? Years ago Mark Zuckerburg had said he had no interest in being a media company, but now it appears that may not be the case because Facebook has announced that they want to start funding original content from producers and creators. The content would focus on both scripted and unscripted varieties and the whole deal is being headed up by Ricky Van Veen formerly of CollegeHumor fame.

CollegeHumor used to be an AWESOME home for original animation including Dinosaur Office (Stoopid Buddy Stoodios), Bearshark, and TV RPG. If Ricky can contact some of these producers, Facebook could have some STELLAR content on its hands. My question is, just how edgy will Facebook go in terms of content ratings? While there’s no FCC to police, you and me both know that parents and whatnot would be all pissed off if they heard lil’ Mikey came across something that looks like Prison Pit. Granted minimum age for registration on Facebook is 13 and that would be a good starting point, but what then?

Your thoughts?

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[h/t: Variety]