Robert Rodriguez‘s El Rey Network has done a ton of cool horror-related events over the years, but the best thing they achieved was a full-blown “From Dusk Till Dawn” series that ran for three seasons from 2014-2016.
Now, Rodriguez has taken the once a linear cable TV channel and reformatted the Latino-focused brand for the streaming era in partnership with Cinedigm, the latter of which just saw the zombie horror Brain Freeze have its World Premiere at Fantasia.
“In partnership with Cinedigm, El Rey Network will relaunch as an over-the-top streaming service available on platforms including connected TVs, digital set-top boxes, media-streaming devices and the web,” reports Variety. “In addition, Cinedigm will work with El Rey to ink deals with advertisers on custom content. Cinedigm also will distribute Rodriguez’s feature film Red 11 and the companion docuseries, Rebel Without a Crew: The Robert Rodriguez Film School, exclusively to OTT platforms.”
“El Rey has always been a network for the people — a mainstream outlet where we discover diverse, independent voices,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “The fact that we can also now make our catalogue of kick-ass programming available for free to all gives me enormous joy.”
He added: “As audiences move deliberately to streaming, it was important for me to democratize our platform so that the masses have the opportunity to see themselves in our lineup of curated, inclusive and entertaining content. This is a huge win in every way, and I want to thank Cinedigm for putting fans first with this new alliance.”
Cinedigm’s partnership with El Rey allows the channel to broaden its digital footprint, as well as expand the access of its programming to audiences, said Erick Opeka, Cinedigm’s president and chief strategy officer. “We’re excited to be stepping in at this important moment alongside the passion, dedication and forward-thinking vision that Robert Rodriguez brings to the table,” Opeka said.
Bloody Disgusting TV is also in partnership with Cinedigm.