Having already launched its high-tech ‘Space’ production studios in North America and Europe, YouTube is turning its attention to Asia.
The Google-owned company has just announced details of a new purpose-built location for creators in Tokyo’s swish Roppongi Hills complex, giving Japan-based video producers an opportunity to make use of some high-end program-making equipment.
YouTube’s vice president of global content operations, Tom Pickett, said in a statement that the new studio was built “as a way to support the incredible wave of Japanese creativity we have seen develop among our YouTube Partners over the last few years. The Space is an investment in these creators to support their quest to make even better videos and build even bigger global audiences.”
According to a TechCrunch report, the production facility, which includes three fully-equipped TV studios and a training/screening room, can be used by YouTube partners for free, giving them access to state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment, high-definition video cameras and professional-grade editing suites. Partners interested in using the facilities will first need to apply, with the application process set to open in April.
YouTube’s new Tokyo facility will also be used for a range of events including video screenings, Google+ Hangouts, workshops and live-streamed music performances.
The video site opened its first Space in London in July last year, followed by another in Los Angeles in November. The creator spaces are part of YouTube’s wider efforts to boost the quality of content on its site as it seeks to take on traditional media networks at their own game.
The focus, as you might expect, is revenue generation, with Google cottoning on to the fact that advertisers are more likely to send cash its way if the content is branded, in a series format and displays improved production values over the bulk of the site’s existing content. The site is also believed to be looking at the possibility of launching subscription-based channels in the spring.
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