Ariadne Capital is working with a media company that aims to be the first and definitive destination for chiller/horror entertainment across multiple platforms, i.e. both traditional (TV, Publishing) and new (Internet). The Company already owns and operates the successful entertainment website and is looking to expand operations in 2002 into TV and broadband channels. Their website is an on-demand, interactive, destination site for chiller/horror entertainment focused around the universal fear of “urban unease”. The site delivers short-sequence films with supporting interactive material and dynamic forums. The website has surpassed all expectations with a million hits a week, 10,000 movie downloads a day and 74% repeat visitors forming a loyal and growing community. 

The success of the first three short movies produced for Universal Studios has led to the signing of a contract to produce a further twenty-five films (now in production) for Universal Studios and Gaumont TV (GTV). The company is beginning to develop full-length television feature films, which will be distributed through multiple channels (traditional and new i.e. Internet). Initially, the thrust will be to leverage traditional channels of distribution i.e. television, followed by the ramp-up of the newer channels (Internet, Broadband, Pay-per-View,) as the Internet technology and acceptance matures. 

The need for genre specific entertainment is evidenced through the success of Sci-Fi, Discovery and Scream channels, to name a few. There are presently no known media companies that are a focused genre-specific destination for chiller/horror entertainment delivering parallel content across multiple platforms.

The need for chiller/horror entertainment is however large and constant because it is addictive. The biological response to chiller/horror in entertainment mode is the release of adrenaline and endorphins, which produces a natural “high”. The global market for chiller/horror, comprising of movies, books, entertainment and theme parks is in excess of $2 billion per year. There is a constant need for new and fresh content to supplement the classic material currently available. Through building a unique web based chiller/horror community, this company has tapped into a self-generating content medium and a place for incubating fresh talent.