Vimeo moves into original programming

Streaming platform Vimeo is funding original content for the first time.

It will finance six episodes of web drama series High Maintenance, which will be released on-demand on Vimeo later this year.

The series was created by casting director Katja Blichfeld (30 Rock), actor Ben Sinclair (30 Rock) and Regarding Entertainment’s Russell Gregory. It follows a nameless cannabis dealer (Sinclair) as he delivers his product to his diverse array of clients.

The first thirteen-episode series was produced by Janky Clown Productions and debuted on Vimeo last year. A Vimeo spokesman said the company had yet to determine the price point for the paid-for series.

The first thirteen eps are available for free on the video site.

“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, 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.”

Blichfeld and Sinclair added in a statement: “We’re elated to be working directly with Vimeo to make our series with the creative control a television network would never afford us.”