NEW YORK — Two Amazon-owned companies, Ring and Hollywood studio MGM, are teaming up to create a TV show in the mold of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” using viral footage of Ring’s doorbell and cameras. of smart homes.
The half-hour show, called “Ring Nation,” will be hosted by actress-comedian Wanda Sykes and will premiere in syndication Sept. 26, MGM said.
The study noted that audiences should expect to see the usual things going viral: marriage proposals, neighbors saving neighbors, and goofy animals.
The series showcases Amazon’s merger of its various business arms, this time to highlight what MGM called “interesting moments from communities across the country.”
“You have a company that owns two giants and has just figured out how to leverage one against the other,” said Robert Passikoff, president of brand research firm Brand Keys. He noted that, unlike scripted movies or shows, a reality series using Ring footage will likely be cheaper to produce.
The show also presents a branding opportunity for the Seattle-based retail and e-commerce giant, which bought Ring in 2018 for $1 billion and has dealt with rounds of privacy concerns surrounding Ring and its relationship with departments. police across the country.
Last month, Amazon revealed that it had provided doorbell images to law enforcement 11 times this year without user permission, all in response to emergency requests, according to the company.
MGM, which Amazon bought for $8.5 billion, said in a statement Thursday that “Ring Nation” will offer audiences “a daily dose of unpredictable, poignant and hilarious viral videos of life” shared by people from its cameras.
“Many of these have been previously shared online,” said Amazon spokesman Nick Schweers. “Others were sent directly to the team.” Ring Nation obtains permissions for each video from the owner and anyone identifiable in the video, or from the companies that hold the rights to the clips, he said.
Amazon’s deal to buy MGM closed earlier this year, though the Federal Trade Commission has said it still has discretion to challenge it. Big Fish Entertainment, a production company owned by MGM, will also be part of the partnership.
Source: abcnews.go.com