MUMBAI: Crackle, a Sony Pictures Entertainment company, announced that Jonathan Shambroom will take over as senior vice president and general manager of the video entertainment company and will lead the company’s continued growth as it debuts new and original online short-form videos from Sony Pictures Television (SPT).
Grouper co-founder Josh Felser said, "It’s been a pleasure to nurture and develop Crackle into a leading video network showcasing the best in emerging talent. And now, with Jonathan at the helm, we are confident that audiences are in for even more of the best mind-blowing entertainment."
"Crackle is locked and loaded to be the trailblazer of the online entertainment space. Thanks to Josh and Dave we have a solid foundation. I have total confidence in our talented team to bring Crackle to every living room, desktop, and back pocket," said Shambroom. "Working closely with Sony and the up-and-coming creators we develop, Crackle will continue to offer the best digital entertainment available anywhere."
As a result of its current business model and hot new properties like Penn Says, from Penn Jillette of comedy magic team Penn & Teller, Mr. Deity and The Minisode Network, the site has seen traffic numbers double in recent months. Ad revenue has also increased significantly since the site’s relaunch in July, with major brands like Honda, Ford, Pepsi, Adobe, and Sony Electronics sponsoring both content and channels.
"Jonathan has proven his leadership since joining the Crackle team, and his understanding of new media has dramatically driven the site’s audience and revenue growth," said Sony Pictures senior executive vice president Sean Carey. "Sony Pictures’ confidence in Crackle is stronger than ever and we are continuing to increase our investment in Crackle so that it becomes the Web’s go-to destination for video entertainment."
Crackle has also announced they will have the exclusive debut window for new Sony Pictures Television distributed original short-form programming for new media, such as the new series. In addition to exhibiting content from outside producers, including the new upcoming SPT original short form program The Roadents, a flash-animated improvisational comedy described as "The Odd Couple" meets "Easy Rider," Crackle will continue to develop programming in house from Crackle Studios. Crackle Studios incubates cutting edge and original talent from the Web to the living room.
