Yahoo! to take on Netflix with fresh online content push

Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer

Yahoo! is reportedly planning to take on the likes of Netflix and Amazon by acquiring original, high-end, “TV-calibre” video content.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, which cites people briefed on the plans, Yahoo! is close to ordering four web series – 10-episode, half hour comedies, with per-episode budgets ranging from US$700,000 to a few million dollars.

The WSJ claims that the projects under consideration would be helmed by writers or directors with TV experience, and mark a shift from Yahoo!’s previous focus on short-form original web series.

Yahoo! CEO Marissa Mayer reportedly aims to show off TV-quality content at its advertiser-focused NewFront event in April. The firm has not commented on the reports.

Last year, Yahoo! UK launched a new short form animated series, called Yes Ma’am, based on the spoof royal family @Queen Twitter feed, as well as a five-part original series called Boris Johnson’s Guide to London.

Last August, the firm also appointed former Channel 5, ITV and RTL executive Dawn Airey as senior, VP, EMEA.