Whatever you might think of Oscar-winner Jared Leto, it can’t be argued that his talents are successfully spread across a vast array of media. For readers of this site he’s probably best known for his big screen work, but for many others around the world, he’s the frontman for the stadium-selling 30 Seconds To Mars. Moreover, Leto also owns a social media platform called VyRT (yeah, me neither) which makes this next bit of news slightly less surprising (though, it’s still pretty surprising).
Streaming service Fandor has tapped Jared Leto as their Chief Creative Officer. The site is probably best known in recent times to diehard cinephiles, as they also supported Keyframe Daily, compiled by David Hudson, which streamlined all the latest news on foreign and independent cinema, into one handy guide. Fandor recently shuttered Keyframe Daily, with Hudson taking his skills to The Criterion Collection, and the company is clearly making a pivot toward greater mainstream attention (and subscribers), while hopefully hanging onto the cachet of offering a curated streaming experience. Meanwhile, it’s an opportunity for Leto to add some oomph to his digital portfolio, and perhaps expand the user base of VyRT. I’d also wager that Leto’s name will help if Fandor tries to grab some more venture capital funding. So, win/win I guess.
READ MORE: Jared Leto Getting On The Grid For ‘Tron’ Reboot
“As a longtime Fandor subscriber, I developed a special appreciation for their distinctive programming and recommendation engine. Specifically, the ‘human element’ that sets Fandor apart from so many other services in this space, most of which are purely algorithmic,” Leto said in a statement. “With my involvement in the broadcasting and social platform business for over five years with my company, VyRT, I’m very much looking forward to this collaboration and know I can bring a unique perspective [to it].”
With the streaming service space becoming increasingly crowded, any little edge you can bring to the table helps, and while Fandor’s hire of Leto might seem strange, puzzling, or foolish, it could wind up being the kind of canny decision that allows them to stay in the game. [THR]