News round-up: Paramount+ picks up ‘As We Speak’; NextCypher enters ‘Deathlands’; OUTtv launches on Freeview UK

As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial (Source: Paramount+)

Paramount+ picks up ‘As We Speak’

Paramount+ has picked up feature documentary As We Speak: Rap Music On Trial for exclusive streaming following its premiere at the Sundance Film Festival.

The film will launch in the US and Canada on 27 February, followed by the UK, Australia, Latin America, Brazil, Italy, France, Germany, Switzerland and Austria the next day.

Directed and produced by J.M. Harper, the documentary follows Bronx rap artist Kemba as he explores the growing weaponization of rap lyrics in the United States criminal-justice system and abroad. His exploration reveals how law enforcement has quietly used artistic creation as evidence in criminal cases for decades.

Sam Widdoes and Peter Cambor produce for District 33 and Sam Bisbee for Park Pictures. Executive producers include Ryan Simon for Strike Anywhere, Cody Ryder for Park Pictures, Bruce Gillmer and Amanda Culkowski for MTV Entertainment Studios, and Max Allman.

Jonathan Frakes (Source: NextCypher)

NextCypher enters ‘Deathlands’

NextCypher Productions, the US-based prodco launched by Bitcoin developer Jeff Garzik in 2022, is in production on Deathlands, an adaptation of the post apocalyptic book series.

Star Trek actor and director Jonathan Frakes has joined to direct the 10-part adaptation, with Mark A. Altman serving as showrunner and EP, alongside Thomas P. Vitale and Garzik.

“One of the things that I find so compelling about Deathlands is that it’s a series about hope and the chance to build a better world,” said Frakes. “I’m excited about the opportunity to bring this show, combining feature level action and compelling character drama, to the world.”

OUTtv launches on Freeview UK

OUTtv, the LGBTQ+ television and streaming service, in partnership with Fuse Media, has secured a deal with Channelbox to distribute OUTtv Proud, its international FAST channel, in the UK via Freeview.

The FAST channel features more than 400 hours of content including OUTtv originals Call Me Mother, Hot Haus, and For The Love of DILFs. The service is available on Freeview UK, with audiences able to watch via channel 271.

Brad Danks, CEO of OUTtv, said: “The UK is a primary market for us for both SVOD and FAST channel streaming and we had significant growth in 2023, but still have much more room to grow. This is why we are so excited about partnering with Channelbox to form part of Freeview’s extensive channel offer.

They are an important leader in the UK FAST space and this launch enables us to extend our offering to reach more people who have yet to discover our diverse, fun and authentic LGBTQ+ programming made for and by the queer community.”