Comic-Con International Monday announced a partnership with Lionsgate to launch a video on-demand service with original scripted and unscripted content based around the annual celebration of the popular arts in San Diego.
Comic-Con HQ is scheduled to launch a free beta platform May 7, with an official premiere set for June.
The ad-free streaming service will initially be available for computers and iOS/Android devices. The paid subscription service will roll out across more devices in the future, like Roku, AppleTV and Xbox One. Additional distribution platforms will be made available throughout the year. The new venture is called Comic-Con HQ.
"For nearly half a century, Comic-Con has served as the definitive common ground where the fans of genre entertainment come together to express their passion for comics and pop culture," said Seth Laderman, executive vice president and general manager of Comic-Con HQ.
"Comic-Con HQ aspires to extend that exchange 365 days a year, bringing everything we love about Comic-Con to the world in ways never before seen and experienced," Laderman said. "The new platform will provide a year-round destination to enjoy all facets of the community and access the vast diversity of content the world has come to expect from the largest and longest-running pop cultural celebration of the year."
Programming will include daily and weekly entertainment commentary, a growing library of live and archival programming from Comic-Con events, a curated selection of film and television genre titles, and behind-the-scenes access and bonus features.
The service will also include airings of select panels at Comic-Con in July, access to the convention floor, the masquerade and the Eisner Awards.
Comic-Con's partner in the venture, Lionsgate, is responsible for hit television shows like "Orange is the New Black" and "Mad Men," along with the "Hunger Games" and "Divergent" film franchises.
