YouTube is mulling a number of Hollywood deals to fund content on its site, according to a new report.
Reuters reports that executives from YouTube have been in Hollywood for around two months, gauging the “kinds of support” they would be able to tap into.
YouTube is also interested in getting studios to support their content providers, likely via the YouTube studios set up in Southern California.
Sources also claim YouTube wants shows of their own. Those programs lasting less than half an hour are what YouTube is looking at, along with higher production values.
The move would move the video upload site into direct competition with Netflix and Amazon.
YouTube is the leader in streaming video content, but relies on uploads from users. Viral hits make YouTube a destination, as well as homegrown releases that end up popular series’. YouTube has funded video channels on their own before, but never enlisted professional studios to aid content creators.
Speaking to Reuters, a YouTube spokesperson said: “We are always exploring various content and marketing ideas to support and accelerate our creators.”
At this point, YouTube has not struck any deals under the new effort that pair Hollywood players with YouTubers or provide funding.
So far, the website has had “exploratory conversations” with several parties. But in all cases, they are along the lines of supporting existing YouTube partners, according to sources.