Entertainment Focus Bolsters Metacafe’s Position as the Independent Leader in Online Video

Palo Alto, CA – January 20, 2010 – Metacafe^®, the world’s leading independent video entertainment site, today announced several new content partnerships that underscore its leadership in delivering the video entertainment that matters to today’s 18-34 year-old entertainment enthusiasts:  TV, Movies, Music, Sports and Video Games.

“By focusing on the content categories that consistently prove the most popular among today’s consumers and teaming with leading providers in each, we continue to grow our audience and strengthen our leadership position in making online video an entertainment genre in its own right,” said Scott Bushman, vice president of content and business development for Metacafe.

A selection of these new partners and the content they bring to the site includes:

• In the Metacafe Sports Highlights hub, which features daily and weekly highlights from the NBA as well as other premium sports content

­   NHL – Daily “best plays” videos, weekly highlight reels, player profiles and more

­   Universal Sports – Highlights from both winter and summer Olympic-style sports, including alpine, nordic and freestyle skiing, figure skating, speed skating, as well as cycling, track and field, swimming, gymnastics, triathlons and marathons

• In the Metacafe Music Videos hub, which features music videos from Sony Music’s MyPlay Video Network and other premium music content

­   Warner Music Group – Music videos and other premium content from WMG’s premium music video distribution network, from established and emerging artists in all genres, from WMG labels including Atlantic, Rhino and Warner Bros. Records

• In the Metacafe TV Clips hub, which features must-see moments from TV shows from leading networks and cable channels

­   The Weather Channel – Daily weather reports, historic storm coverage and popular original programming

About Metacafe^® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe^® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they target.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 45 million unique monthly viewers, nearly 12 million of them in the U.S.[1].  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Brings Experience with High-Growth Internet Media Companies
to Leading Independent Video Entertainment Site

Palo Alto, CA – December 3, 2009 – Metacafe^®, the world’s leading independent video entertainment site, today announced that Mark Jung has joined its Board of Directors.  Jung brings 20 years’ experience as a successful Internet media executive and entrepreneur and will provide counsel and support to the company as it accelerates momentum in making online video entertainment a powerful marketing vehicle for brand advertisers.

“Video is the most interesting growth opportunity in Internet media today, and as I look into 2010, I’m confident more brands will move more money into online video advertising,” said Jung.  “Metacafe is at the center of video entertainment, and with its track record of delivering innovative campaigns for marquee brands is especially well positioned to drive this shift and solidify its leadership position as the go-to video partner for smart marketers.”

Jung is the former Chief Operating Officer of Fox Interactive Media (FIM), where he was responsible for all of its Internet properties including MySpace, IGN Entertainment, FoxSports.com, AmericanIdol.com and Scout Media.  He co-founded and was CEO of IGN Entertainment, and he led the company’s sale to NewsCorp, the parent company of Fox Interactive Media, in 2005.  Jung currently serves as Chairman of the Board for both Epic Advertising and Songbird, and he is a member of the Board of Directors for 3PAR (NYSE: PAR).

“Tapping into Mark’s expertise in growing Internet media and entertainment businesses will prove valuable as we build out our focus on key entertainment categories including TV Clips, Movie Trailers, Music Videos, Sports Highlights and Video Games,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “Making Metacafe the premier destination for great video entertainment in these categories will fuel the continued growth of our audience and our advertising revenues alike.”

Jung holds an MBA from Stanford and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Princeton University.  He is a member of the Management Board of the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Leadership Council for the Princeton School of Engineering and Applied Science.

About Metacafe^® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe^® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 47 million unique monthly viewers, nearly 11 million of them in the U.S.[1].  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact:

Michelle Cox: michelle@metacafe.com / 415-823-7574

Deal Provides Consumers Anytime, Anywhere Access to High-Quality Music, Film, Comedy and More

PALO ALTO, CA/ NEW YORK/ LONDON (October 19, 2009) – Web and mobile premium content platform Babelgum and Metacafe, the world’s leading independent video site, today announced a partnership that maximizes and aligns Babelgum’s high-quality content offerings and mobile technology with the large and growing Metacafe audience of more than 46 million unique monthly viewers[1].

Launching today is the Metacafe iPhone application, powered by Babelgum, which features a curated collection of Metacafe videos in categories including movies, sports, music, comedy, animation and “how-to” as well as a selection of Babelgum professionally produced programming. The free application is now available via the iTunes Store in the United States, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, France and Spain.

Also a result of the new partnership is a recently launched Babelgum-branded channel on Metacafe, showcasing a selection of film, music, comedy, environmental and urban content from the extensive Babelgum catalog.  This content will also be promoted in Metacafe’s recently introduced premium entertainment hubs where relevant: TV Clips, Movie Trailers, Music Videos, Sports Highlights and Video Games.

“Packaging content in popular entertainment categories is a win-win for viewers and advertisers,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe. “We make it easy for consumers to find content that suits their interests and preferences, and we make it efficient and effective for advertisers to reach those consumers when they’re engaged in the entertainment experience.”

“To us, this is an incredible and winning combination,” said Babelgum CEO Valerio Zingarelli. “We’re pleased to extend our mobile expertise, following the successful launch of our own US-based iPhone application earlier this year. With Metacafe’s reach and Babelgum’s professionally produced content and mobile technology both companies are ensured maximum visibility.” This initiative was developed by the Babelgum management team with the support of Massimo Armanini of Babelgum’s Board.

About Metacafe – Entertainment That Connects

Metacafe^® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 46 million unique monthly viewers, more than 11 million of them in the U.S.¹.  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv. For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

About Babelgum

An integrated mobile and Web content platform, Babelgum combines the full-screen video quality of traditional television with the interactive capabilities of the Internet and offers innovative professionally produced programming on-demand to a global audience. Babelgum recently launched an original mobile application in the United States, UK and Italy, that brings regionally tailored programming to smart phones – at present iPhone 3G, iPod Touch, Nokia (N96, N95 and 6210) – via 3G and WiFi. Babelgum’s editorial focus is on music, comedy, film, urban culture, nature and the environment. The company has set up two online contests to nurture independent film and music talent: the Babelgum Online Film Festival, chaired by Spike Lee (now in its second year) and the Babelgum Music Video Awards, judged by acclaimed director Michel Gondry. Babelgum also launched a Digital Studio initiative producing new, exclusive and original content. Two productions have already been completed, including Downstream, focusing on the controversy over the development of the oil sands of Alberta, Canada, and Extinction Sucks, a wildlife series on the subject of conservation and protection, with the active involvement of WWF. Babelgum’s content partners include, amongst others, EMI, Sony BMG, the Associated Press, PBS, BBC, VBS, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, T5M, Shine Limited, Cinetic Rights Management, Content Republic, Gong Anime, The Workbook Project, Cinelan, IMG, Power to the Pixel and Off the Fence, as well as the Encounters, Los Angeles, Rushes, From Here To Awesome and Renderyard Film festivals. Babelgum is an independent and privately held company with offices in the United States, UK, Ireland, France and Italy. www.babelgum.com

For further information contact:

Michelle Cox: michelle@metacafe.com / +1 415 823 7574

Andrea Giannotti: andrea.giannotti@babelgum.com / +44 7825 892 640

Ed James: ed@cornerstonepromotion.com / +1 212 652 9295

• Showcases EA as the charter sponsor, promoting new game “Need For Speed™ SHIFT”
• Features content from anchor partners IGN and GamePro

Palo Alto, CA – September 15, 2009 – Metacafe^®, the leading independent online video site, today debuts its new Video Games hub, which features trailers, reviews, news, interviews and walkthroughs for today’s top video game releases across all major gaming platforms.  Anchor content partners include IGN and GamePro, and the hub is sponsored at launch by EA’s Need for Speed™ SHIFT, which is in stores starting today.   

 “Online video is increasingly a primary source of entertainment for today’s consumers, so it’s important we showcase content in key entertainment categories – such as video games – about which people are passionate,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “We’ve developed our new hub to make it easy for viewers to find the freshest, most compelling game-related videos, which creates valuable opportunities for advertisers who want to reach them.”

 EA is the charter sponsor for the new Metacafe Video Games hub, promoting its new game Need for Speed SHIFT.  The campaign includes prominent exposure within the hub, an interactive home page skin, and a powerful combination of custom and standard media across the site, targeted to contextually relevant content.

 “Closely aligning with premium video game content and reaching our target consumers when and where they’re engrossed in the entertainment experience is central to our marketing strategy,” said Tabitha Hayes, Director of Marketing for EA.  “Teaming with Metacafe as the charter sponsor of its new Video Games hub is an effective and efficient way for us to build further awareness for Need for Speed SHIFT.”

 The new Video Games hub will be promoted across Metacafe, ensuring consumers can easily find the premium entertainment content they’re looking for and providing brand extension opportunities for hub sponsors.  Additional content and new content partners will be integrated into the hub in the coming weeks and months.

 This introduction comes on the heels of Metacafe unveiling its first four premium entertainment hubs – TV Clips, Movie Trailers, Music Videos and Sports Highlights – earlier this year and underscores the company’s leadership in advancing the evolution of the online video industry.

 About Need for Speed SHIFT

Need for Speed SHIFT is the first racing game that accurately reproduces the intense physical and emotional experience of being behind the wheel of a race car.  SHIFT’s true driver’s experience redefines the racing genre with the combination of real world physics and perception based G-forces including the brutal first person crash dynamic, to create a cockpit view that is easily the most realistic and intensive racing perspective ever.

About IGN

IGN Entertainment, a unit of Fox Interactive Media, Inc., is a leading Internet media and services provider focused on the videogame and entertainment enthusiast markets. IGN’s properties collectively attract more than 31 million unique monthly users worldwide. Our network of videogame-related properties (IGN.com, GameSpy, FilePlanet, TeamXbox, 3D Gamers, Direct2Drive and others) is the web’s number one videogame information destination and attracts one of the largest concentrated audiences of young males on the Internet.  More information is available at www.ign.com.

 About GamePro

GamePro Media is a network dedicated to publishing websites and magazines that meet the needs of today’s video game communities. Over 18 years old, GamePro Media is the largest integrated gaming media brand, now reaching over 15.6MM website visitors and 3.8MM magazine readers each month. GamePro Media offers a wide array of content that speaks to all segments of the market, including the traditional hardcore game enthusiast, as well as the ever-growing mainstream gaming audience. More information is available at www.gamepro.com.

About Metacafe^® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe^® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 50 million unique monthly viewers, more than 12 million of them in the U.S.[1].  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact

Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / 415-823-7574

Palo Alto, CA – August 19, 2009 – Metacafe enjoyed a record-breaking month in July, attracting more than 12 million unique U.S. viewers, as reported in the recently released comScore Media Metrix data.   This makes Metacafe the #2 video destination in the U.S.

“Our continued momentum underscores that consumers are reacting positively to our new home page and premium entertainment hubs,” said Jack Rotherham, senior vice president of strategic sales and partnerships for Metacafe.  “People are increasingly turning to online video for their entertainment, and our focus on key categories such as TV clips, movie trailers, music videos and sports highlights is bringing them to Metacafe.  We are thrilled with our month-over-month growth and are especially pleased that we can share this momentum with our advertising partners.”

During the month of July, Metacafe advertising partners included leading companies across industry verticals:  consumer packaged goods, food and beverage, quick-serve restaurants, entertainment, technology and government.

The expansion of the Metacafe U.S. audience during the month of July represents 67% year-over-year growth and a 10% increase over the month of June.

About Metacafe® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 48  million unique monthly viewers, 12 million of them in the U.S. .  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / 415-823-7574

Chello Zone, ITN On and Preview Networks Now Distributing Content on World’s Leading Independent Online Video Entertainment Site

London, UK – August 7, 2009 – Metacafe®, the world’s leading independent online video site, today announced three new content partnerships with leading premium providers in the UK:  Chello Zone, ITN On and Preview Networks.  This growing roster of content partners builds on Metacafe’s momentum in making online video a compelling entertainment alternative for viewers and brand advertisers alike, following the recent introduction of a new Metacafe home page and the company’s first three premium entertainment hubs.

“Today’s consumers expect choice in and control over their entertainment experiences,” said Tim Rottach, head of UK content for Metacafe.  “Metacafe delivers on this imperative better than any other video site out there, which is fueling our continued audience growth as well as our developing relationships with marquee content partners and brand advertisers.  It’s all about making it easy for people to find and discover great videos that suit their tastes, preferences and mood of the moment.”

To this end, Metacafe is actively teaming with premium content providers in key entertainment verticals, including:
•    Chello Zone – Metacafe is integrating short clips from Chello Zone’s Extreme Sports Channel, featuring skate, surf, snow and bike action, all complete with a whole lot of attitude. Additionally, horror content will be included to create a Zone Horror channel.
•    ITN On – Including entertainment and lifestyle content such as celebrity, film, video gaming and sports videos.
•    Preview Networks, owners of Filmtrailer.com – Providing local-language movie trailers on 10 channels (UK, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland, Denmark, Sweden and Finland) for all upcoming movies, including independent and major releases as well as clips, interviews, press footage and much more.

“Our business is built on partnering with strong brands who can distribute our content to new audiences globally,” said Nicholas Wheeler, managing director of ITN On.  “Metacafe has established itself as the leading independent outlet for entertainment video, and we believe our wealth of celebrity, film, sports and video gaming content will sit well with their users.”

About Metacafe® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the world’s leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 53 million unique monthly viewers, nearly 2.5 million of them in the UK.  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / +1 415-823-7574

Palo Alto, CA – August 5, 2009 – Metacafe continues to solidify its position as the independent leader in online video entertainment, posting growth in both audience and revenue following the introduction of four new premium entertainment hubs, which are featured prominently on a recently designed home page.

“Our growth underscores the fact that online video entertainment is fast-becoming an important part of the marketing mix for brand advertisers tasked with reaching today’s multitasking, media-snacking consumers,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “This is a burgeoning medium distinct from both video-sharing and online TV.  The key in online video entertainment is to provide consumers the choice and control they demand and to connect marketers with the right people via the right content.”

Metacafe is working with some of the world’s most respected content providers and brand advertisers to drive the continued evolution of online video entertainment.  A key Q2 initiative was the introduction of four premium entertainment hubs:
•    TV Clips hub – featuring short videos from leading television networks and cable channels, which was sponsored at launch by Syfy
•    Movie Trailers hub, featuring HD – showcasing theatrical and Blu-ray/DVD releases from every major Hollywood studio, which was sponsored at launch by Universal Pictures
•    Music Videos hub – featuring top artists and up-and-coming acts in Pop, Rock, R&B, Hip Hop, Country and Latin
•    Sports Highlights hub – featuring non-stop action from the NBA, Fox Sports and Fuel TV

Additionally, Metacafe has recently launched several branded entertainment channels and video-based microsites for advertisers, including:
•    Big Block Thursday, promoting three new shows from Speed TV
•    Funny People, featuring a comedy video contest in which one winner will receive a weekend for two in Los Angeles, promoting the Universal Pictures movie now in theaters
•    Metaspace, featuring a collection of science and technology content, sponsored by the U.S. Air Force
•    Warehouse 13, promoting this new Syfy series

“Tightly integrating brands into the entertainment experience is proving very effective – for advertisers and viewers alike,” said Jack Rotherham, SVP of strategic sales and partnerships for Metacafe.  “Our audience grew 10 percent in June, and our quarterly brand advertising revenue was up 25 percent.  This positive reaction to our new home page and premium entertainment hubs has solidified Metacafe’s leadership position, and we will accelerate the momentum over the second half of the year.”

About Metacafe® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 48 million unique monthly viewers, nearly 11 million of them in the U.S. .  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / 415-823-7574

Frank N. Magid Associates Study, Sponsored By Metacafe, Reveals That Short-Form Content Dominates The Most Popular Forms Of Online Video

Palo Alto, CA – July 7, 2009 – Frank N. Magid Associates, the world leader in research-based consultation, and Metacafe®, the leading independent online video site, today released survey results revealing consumer behavior and preferences in online video viewing.

Notably, the survey found that short professional videos are among those most regularly watched online, and well over one-third of consumers (37%) who watch these clips online find them equally or more entertaining than full-length TV shows on their television set.

“There’s no doubt that online video viewership has reached critical mass, and its growing popularity indicates that online video is fast becoming an entertainment genre in its own right,” said Mike Vorhaus, president of Magid Advisors.  “Short professionally created videos dominate online viewing, especially among younger consumers, which underscores the need for brand advertisers to expand their marketing efforts beyond both traditional television and online TV.”

“Today’s consumers expect choice in and demand control over their entertainment experiences,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “The answer is not video sharing.  Nor is it online TV.  The answer is a choice of quality content that consumers find appealing.  Many consumers clearly find short high-quality online video equal or superior to TV programming.  Metacafe is delivering on these imperatives better than anyone else, and meeting the needs of consumers, content creators and brand advertisers alike.”

The nationally representative study conducted by Frank N. Magid Associates surveyed nearly 2,000 people between the ages of 12 and 64, with gender, age and ethnicity matching that of the U.S. Census.

Key findings include:
•    Eight of the top-ten most watched types of online video are short-form, including:
1.    Videos shot and uploaded by consumers, with 43% of respondents watching regularly
2.    News stories (32%)
3.    Music videos (31%)
4.    Movie previews (29%)
5.    Comedy/jokes/bloopers (26%)
For the full list, please download the complete summary of survey findings at www.magid.com/metacafe.pdf.
•    Many people of all ages and both genders are watching short professional videos online – ranging from males 25-34, where 64% of this group is watching such content, to females 55-64, where this content is least popular.  Nonetheless, 39% of the older female group is also watching short professional video online.
•    37% of consumers who watch short professional videos online find them equally or more entertaining than full-length TV shows on a television set.
•    43% of all Internet users watch online videos weekly.
­    70% of males 18-24 watch weekly, including the 25% who watch daily.
­    56% of females 12-17 watch weekly, including the 13% who watch daily.
­    30% of all 55-64 year olds watch online videos weekly.
•    Weekly online video viewers are heavy traditional and new media consumers.
­    70% of weekly online video viewers play video games regularly, compared to 47% of non-online video viewers.
­    41% of weekly online video viewers own a personal digital media player for music and video, compared to 23% of non-online video viewers.
­    28% of weekly online video viewers rent DVDs weekly, compared to 17% of non-online video viewers.
­    11% of weekly online video viewers own a smartphone, compared to 7% of non-online video viewers.
•    34% of TV viewers also use their computer at least half the time while watching TV.
•    20% of all online videos viewers report that they watch less TV as a direct result of using online video

This research is part of the Magid Media FuturesTM Practice, which surveys consumers annually to identify trends and help clients implement product and marketing strategies that address them.  The online video portion of the 2009 study was sponsored by Metacafe.    A complete summary of the online video portion of the Magid Media Futures™ 2009 is available for download at www.magid.com/metacafe.pdf.  The study was conducted the last week in April, 2009.

About Metacafe® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 53 million unique monthly viewers, more than 11 million of them in the U.S. .  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

About Frank N. Magid Associates
Frank N. Magid Associates, the world leader in research-based consultation, applies the most rigorous research methods available to study behaviors, attitudes and intentions of your audience. Our knowledge base is substantive, encompassing thousands of research studies and consultation engagements. Founded in 1957, Frank N. Magid Associates has provided strategic insight and direction for clients in 37 countries around the world. We have developed an international reputation for excellence that spans multiple industries.  Our 350 experienced professionals and operations staff serve clients around the world from offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Marion, Iowa. More information is available at www.magid.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / 415-823-7574

Focused on Growing UK Audience, Content and Advertising Relationships, Metacafe Brings on Tim Rottach as Head of UK Content

London, UK – June 17, 2009 – Metacafe® continues to advance its leadership in making online video a powerful marketing platform for brand advertisers tasked with reaching today’s multitasking, media-snacking consumers.  On the heels of 40% growth in UK viewership and 86% growth worldwide from April 2008 to April 2009 , Metacafe is today introducing its first three premium entertainment hubs in the UK, which are prominently featured in a new home page design.

By showcasing premium content in key entertainment categories – initially, Movie Trailers, Music Videos and Sports Highlights – Metacafe is making it easy for consumers to find and discover great videos that suit their tastes, preferences and mood of the moment, which also caters to brand marketers’ desire to associate with premium content and reach consumers in and around these entertainment categories.

“Metacafe is committed to advancing online video as a media business, serving the needs of viewers, content creators and brand advertisers alike,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “Unlike online TV destinations and video-sharing platforms, Metacafe is committed to presenting the full spectrum of content in a way that provides today’s consumers the choice they demand and enables advertisers to connect with them when and where they are immersed in the entertainment experience.”

Since engaging Perform Sales to represent advertising sales for Metacafe in the UK last autumn, Metacafe has worked with leading UK advertisers across industries including consumer electronics, entertainment, food and beverage, FMCG, and others. Campaigns have included custom home page skins, rich media executions, viral video distribution and branded entertainment channels, ensuring advertisers’ brands receive a high share of voice and are well integrated into the online entertainment experience.

Additionally, Metacafe today announced that Tim Rottach has joined the company as head of UK content, based in London.  Rottach brings nearly 10 years of digital media and technology experience, most recently serving as Director of Content Strategy and Acquisition for Joost.   He is working closely with content creators, distributors and broadcasters in the UK to help them grow audience and revenues online via strategic relationships with Metacafe.

“With nearly 40 million people in the UK watching online video each month, the digital opportunity is a compelling one for content providers and brand advertisers alike ,” said Tim Rottach, head of UK content for Metacafe.  “Metacafe’s focus on connecting viewers with the videos they love and advertisers with the consumers they serve is driving our continued momentum as a leader in this sector.  The move to add and showcase more premium content will further accelerate that momentum.”

The new Metacafe home page features a first-of-its-kind “billboard” ad unit with unmatched flexibility that empowers advertisers to communicate their message via a high-impact image, a custom Flash execution or an in-unit video player.  The three new premium entertainment hubs, the first of several to come over the course of 2009, are:
•    Movie Trailers, featuring HD – showcasing theatrical and home video releases from every major Hollywood studio and including HD capability
•    Music Videos – featuring top artists and up-and-coming acts in Pop, Rock, Metal, Electronic, R&B and Hip Hop
•    Sports Highlights – featuring a raft of premium sports content from Perform’s Omnisport.tv sports catalogue, which includes leading European club and International football, ATP tennis, PGA Tour golf and many more

Each hub will be promoted across the Metacafe site, ensuring consumers can easily find the premium entertainment content they’re looking for and providing brand extension opportunities for hub sponsors.  Additional content partners will be integrated into these hubs in the coming weeks and months, and additional hubs including TV Clips and Video Game Trailers will be launching over the course of 2009.

About Metacafe® – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe® is the world’s leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 53 million unique monthly viewers, nearly 2.5 million of them in the UK1.  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

About Perform
Perform is a world leader in monetising sports and entertainment rights in digital media and has been a consistent and renowned innovator since 2000, and a major driving force in the commercialisation of sport and entertainment rights online, on mobile and on TV.

Perform provides a range of user friendly, end-to-end products and services for businesses involved in sport and entertainment rights:
•    Sales: We sell advertising, sponsorship and content partnerships around sport and entertainment on a wide network of UK and international web and mobile sites
•    Services: We provide the platform and tools that enable rights holders to place, manage and monetise their content online and on mobile.
•    Channels: We own and distribute branded and white label sport and entertainment channels for broadcast online and on mobile.

Perform operates over 200 websites including those for over 80 UK Football Clubs, Cricket Australia, ITV, Turner Broadcasting and works with various rights holders, including The Premier League, Virgin Media and the ATP Masters Series.

www.performgroup.com

Media Contacts
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / +1 415-823-7574
Kim Parker:  kim.parker@performgroup.com  /  +44  07908 522 181

Showcases SCI FI Channel as a charter sponsor, promoting new series Warehouse 13

Palo Alto, CA – June 12, 2009 – Metacafe®, the leading independent online video site, today debuts its new TV Clips hub, which features short videos from leading television networks and cable channels.  This introduction comes on the heels of Metacafe unveiling its first three premium entertainment hubs – Movie Trailers, Music Videos and Sports Highlights – earlier this spring and underscores the company’s leadership in advancing the evolution of the online video industry.

“Today’s multitasking, media-snacking consumers demand choice in and control over their entertainment experiences, and Metacafe is delivering on this imperative by providing a wide variety of entertainment content from the full spectrum of creators,” said Erick Hachenburg, CEO of Metacafe.  “It’s all about connecting viewers with the videos they enjoy and connecting brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.”

SCI FI Channel is a charter sponsor for the new Metacafe TV Clips hub.  The channel is promoting its new series Warehouse 13, which will premiere on July 7th at 9 p.m. (8 p.m. CT) with the two-hour pilot.  The tune-in campaign will include prominent exposure within the hub, on the Metacafe home page and in a unique Warehouse 13 branded channel.

The new TV Clips hub will be promoted across the Metacafe site, ensuring consumers can easily find the premium entertainment content they’re looking for and providing brand extension opportunities for hub sponsors.  Additional content and new content partners will be integrated into the hub in the coming weeks and months, and additional hubs – including Video Game Trailers – will be launching over the course of 2009.

About  Warehouse 13 – Premieres July 7th on SCI FI Channel
After saving the life of the President, two Secret Service agents find themselves abruptly transferred to Warehouse 13 — a massive, top-secret storage facility in windswept South Dakota that houses every strange artifact, mysterious relic, fantastical object and supernatural souvenir ever collected by the U.S. government.
The Warehouse’s caretaker Artie (Saul Rubinek) assigns Pete (Eddie McClintock) and Myka (Joanne Kelly) the challenge of chasing down reports of supernatural and paranormal activity in search of new objects to store at the Warehouse. The two agents are also commissioned to help Artie control the Warehouse itself, which proves to be a task beyond what either of them could have ever imagined.
Warehouse 13 comes from Universal Cable Productions and is executive produced by Jack Kenny (The Book of Daniel) who also serves as showrunner. David Simkins (Dresden Files) is executive producer; Jace Alexander (Burn Notice, Rescue Me) is co-executive producer and director; and Stephen Surjik (Monk, Burn Notice) is producer/director.

About Metacafe – Entertainment That Connects
Metacafe is the leading independent online video site.  We connect consumers with the entertainment content they love and brand advertisers with the consumers they serve.  The company is teaming with content creators including top movie studios, music labels, professional sports leagues, television networks, video game publishers and best-of-the-web production firms to deliver an exceptional entertainment experience to its more than 53 million unique monthly viewers, more than 11 million of them in the U.S. .  The privately held company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA, and has offices in New York City, Los Angeles, London and Tel Aviv.  For more information – and millions of entertaining videos – visit www.metacafe.com.

Media Contact
Michelle Cox:  michelle@metacafe.com  / 415-823-7574