Time Inc. Launches "Sports Illustrated Films," Investing In Digital Video Content

The video division of Time Inc. on Thursday said it has launched "Sports Illustrated Films," a series of original sports video programming to bolster its content slate. The venture will see six films released in 2015 on its new digital channel SI.com/films, beginning with "Brett Favre: Life After the Game." "We see amazing potential for Sports Illustrated-branded programming both domestically and internationally, and we are going to pursue those opportunities very aggressively," said senior vice president of Time Inc. video division J.R. McCabe in a statement. SI's new platform, which is an investment in digital and over-the-top video content, will house live and original production, along with an archive of 40 other SI production, according to a news release. SI recognizes the changing viewership, Editor Paul Fichtenbaum said in a statement "there are limitless opportunities to offer on independent voice and quality video programming." As part of the venture, SI is partnering with Mandalay Sports Media and Velocity to create content. Time Inc.'s shares are down 25% in the year, while the S&P is down 7%.