Spanglish Movies announced the launch of its new streaming platform, FLOU.tv, on June 1st. FLOU.tv will cater to a wide audience with a combination of free and paid content options. The free tier will boast a library of over 500 hours of VOD (Video on Demand) programming, with plans to expand the library over time. For viewers seeking the latest releases, it will also offer a paid movie section with weekly releases. To kick things off, the paid section will feature a collection of 20 titles.
“FLOU.tv represents the next step in our regional content distribution strategy,” said Marcello Gagliardi, Acquisitions Manager for Spanglish Movies and FLOU.tv.
“FLOU.tv’s journey began two years ago with the launch of FLOU Cine,” Gagliardi explained. “FLOU Cine served as our initial exploration of the FAST model, allowing us to experiment with new avenues for monetization and exposure of Latin American content.”
“I’m thrilled to support free streaming platforms like FLOU.tv (on TV) and SalaPR (on the web) that cater specifically to the Puerto Rican market,” said Gustavo Aparicio, CEO of Spanglish Movies. “These platforms offer a powerful opportunity for Puerto Rican creators to not only turn their work into profit but also share the island’s rich cultural tapestry and high-quality content with a global audience. FLOU.tv and SalaPR don’t just empower creators; they also provide viewers with a chance to immerse themselves in Puerto Rico’s vibrant cultural landscape. From captivating films and music to stunning art and beyond, these services act as a gateway to the island’s thriving creative scene. Together, we can propel Puerto Rican talent and innovation to new heights, showcasing to the world the enthralling beauty and cultural richness this island has to offer.”
“Since our founding a decade ago this June,” Gagliardi said, “Spanglish Movies has consistently strived to be at the forefront of technology. We’ve made a concerted effort to embrace new distribution models as they emerge, ensuring we’re always there.”
Spanglish Movies’ core strength lies in distributing content from the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and to a lesser extent, Venezuela and Colombia, Gagliardi emphasized. “We’ve fostered close relationships with these communities within the US. This focus led to the launch of FLOU Cine two years ago, followed by FLOU Caribeño, and with FLOU Channel coming soon. Our goal is to provide these producers with new avenues to connect with the audiences we’ve built strong relationships with.”
A PLATFORM REACHING DIRECTLY DIASPORAS
Gagliardi explained that with FLOU.tv, their primary goal was to address limitations they’ve faced with traditional OTT platforms. “These limitations include distribution hurdles and restricted access to various CTV operating systems. FLOU.tv empowers us to overcome these challenges and create smoother access to our content. Unlike FAST channels like Pluto TV, Canela, or Sling, where content placement is dictated by the platform’s schedule, promotions, and location, FLOU.tv offers us greater control. This allows us to tailor content delivery specifically to the needs of the US Hispanic audience, particularly the diaspora communities we serve.”
With FLOU.tv, they are aiming to streamline content discovery for viewers, Gagliardi explained. “Instead of navigating through various distribution platforms to find our FAST channel, users can simply download the FLOU.tv app. It’s available on a wide range of devices, including Android and iPhone phones, smart TVs from leading brands like Hisense, LG, Vizio, TCL, and Xiaomi (including those with Android TV), and popular streaming devices like Roku and Fire TV. We’ve already conducted thorough testing across these platforms, and we’re putting the finishing touches on the app before the official public launch.”
CONTENTS
FLOU.tv’s movie rental section boasts competitive pricing and exclusive content, Gagliardi revealed. New releases will be added weekly, starting with a launch collection of 20 films. These movies will hit the platform 90 to 120 days after their theatrical debut in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico.“We are talking about films recently released in the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and Puerto Rico. I can tell you that from Puerto Rico we have the documentary The Biggest Dream, a Barrotes Films comedy-drama, Receta No Incluida (winner of the Audience Award at the SXSW Festival); from the Dominican Republic the comedy La Trampa; the thriller Des-Aparecido with Roberto Ángel Salcedo; La Teacher Mechy with Cheddy García; and the comedy El Brujo with Raymond Pozo and Miguel Céspedes. From Venezuela, we are premiering the comedy Qué Buena Broma Bromelia, and in negotiation, we have Dirección Opuesta, and from Ecuador, Los Roommates.”
In addition to the free tier and the paid section, the platform will feature live channels from various content publishers. These channels will provide viewers with access to a diverse range of FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) options directly within the FLOU.tv app.
For comedy fans, FLOU.tv will also offer exclusive stand-up comedy specials available for rent. The launch lineup will feature top talents from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, including Elías Serulle and Mikephillipe Oliveros (Nasciturus).
FLOU.tv has an alliance with Enchufe.TV, allowing them to bring several seasons of their popular content to our viewers. They have also joined forces with the Puerto Rico Wrestling League (WWC) to broadcast classic matches. “We’re actively in talks with various providers to secure even more unique and exclusive content for the app, which will be announced later,” he concluded.