MUMBAI: Independent film distributor Indie Rights has struck a landmark content licensing agreement with Cape May Studios, the fledgling streaming venture founded by former Zee Entertainment executive Sachin Gokhale.
The partnership will see a curated selection of critically acclaimed indie films appear on Cape May's upcoming free ad-supported streaming television (Fast) and advertising-based video-on-demand (AVOD) channels, set to launch next month.
Gokhale, who established Cape May Studios in August 2024 after serving as executive vice president and territory head for the Americas at Zee Entertainment, is building a network of genre-focused channels targeting global "fandom" audiences.
"This collaboration is a key milestone as we prepare to launch our channels," said Cape May Studios. founder & CEO Gokhale. "With access to Indie Rights' compelling films, we're excited to deliver content that challenges, inspires, and resonates with a global audience."
The content deal focuses heavily on horror, thriller, sci-fi and mystery genres – with titles including I Survived a Zombie Apocalypse and Shadows of Bigfoot set to terrify viewers in English, Hindi and Spanish initially, with plans for further language expansions.
Indie Rights chief executive Linda Nelson noted: "This is an exciting moment as we expand our global reach with Cape May Studios. Their innovative streaming platforms will provide our filmmakers with new opportunities to connect with audiences who crave original, meaningful stories."
The agreement represents Cape May's first major content acquisition since Gokhale launched the venture after an extensive career spanning major media companies including Viacom18, where he spent over 12 years in senior leadership roles across multiple territories.
Industry observers note the partnership shrewdly targets millennial and Gen Z viewers between 18-40 years old, a demographic increasingly abandoning traditional subscription services in favour of free, ad-supported alternatives.
As one streaming analyst quipped: "In the bloodbath of global streaming wars, this horror-focused partnership might just give audiences something to actually scream about – in a good way."
