TUBI's Rise and Anjali Sud's Second Chance to Champion Indie Cinema

So, TUBI is suddenly a big deal in streaming. Who saw that coming? John Koblin of the New York Times just dropped an article about TUBI's unexpected climb to the top, and it's got us thinking about what this could mean for indie filmmakers.

TUBI's Unlikely Success

TUBI's formula is simple: free content, sprinkled with ads. It's basically the streaming version of channel surfing, complete with random fast food commercials popping up mid-show. And people are eating it up. Koblin reports that TUBI's now giving heavy hitters like Disney+ a run for their money in viewing time.

Here's where things get interesting. TUBI is now helmed by Anjali Sud, the former CEO of Vimeo. Remember Vimeo? Once upon a time, it was the cooler, artier cousin of YouTube where “real” filmmakers showcased their work.

But Sud got spooked by YouTube's dominance. Instead of doubling down on Vimeo's strengths and figuring out how to monetize all that creative content, she pivoted. Vimeo became a video management tool for businesses. Good for the bottom line, maybe, but it left independent filmmakers out in the cold.

A Second Chance at TUBITV

Now Sud's got the reins at TUBI, and she's finally in a position to compete with YouTube, at least in the streaming space. But here's the million-dollar question: Will she use this opportunity to make things right with the independent film community she left behind at Vimeo?

TUBI's already dipping its toes into original content. Koblin mentions they're not afraid of low-budget, off-the-wall stuff like "Slay," a movie about drag queens fighting vampires in a biker bar. That's exactly the kind of creative freedom indie filmmakers crave.

Plus, TUBI's got a diverse audience that's hungry for fresh content. This could be the perfect platform for underrepresented voices in film to reach a wider audience.

The Ball's in Sud's Court

So, Anjali Sud, what's it gonna be? You've got a chance to rewrite your legacy here. TUBI could become the new home for indie filmmakers, the place where creativity thrives without the pressure of massive budgets or star power.

Will you embrace the indie film community this time around? Or will TUBI just become another corporate streaming giant, leaving indie creators in the dust... again?

The indie film world is watching, Anjali. Don't let them down twice!