Vimeo Lights Up Scripted Series

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Online video service Vimeo will step into the scripted series arena with the production of web series High Maintenance, the company announced Thursday.

Vimeo will finance and produce six new episodes of the drug-themed web series from series creators Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair. The 13-episode series first premiered on Vimeo in 2013 and follows a nameless cannabis dealer as he delivers his product to clients with various neuroses.

 “We’re all huge fans of High Maintenance and couldn’t be happier to make our first original programming investment in a show that’s developed organically on Vimeo,” said Kerry Trainor, CEO for Vimeo. “Earlier this year we announced an initial $10 Million investment to license content for distribution on Vimeo On Demand from creators seeking alternatives to ad-based models and this is an exciting next step for the platform.” 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.