In April 2020, 'The Stranger,' a story about a rideshare driver and a troublesome passenger, premiered on Quibi during the global lockdown. Despite the platform's short-lived existence, the show is getting a second chance on Hulu as a feature film on April 15.
The unique business model of Quibi allowed creators to regain the copyright for their shows after two years, leading to the reimagining of 'The Stranger' as a movie. The recut version involved re-editing the 10-minute episodes into a seamless 100-minute feature, eliminating cliffhangers and adjusting pacing.
Following Quibi's closure and the subsequent sale of its library to Roku, the show's creator faced challenges finding a new home for 'The Stranger.' Distributors were puzzled by the transition from a TV show to a movie, but the creator's perseverance paid off.
Veena Sud, known for reviving projects like 'The Killing,' emphasizes the importance of endurance in the ever-evolving entertainment industry. She encourages fellow Quibi creators to explore new avenues for their content, citing examples like Catherine Hardwicke's re-packaging of a short-form series as a feature film.
The disruption caused by streaming platforms has reshaped the industry, posing challenges for creators seeking fair compensation. Despite this, Sud sees opportunities for creators to leverage their copyrights and advocate for their work in the changing landscape of content distribution.
As the entertainment industry undergoes a transformation, creators are adapting to the evolving landscape, exploring alternative avenues to showcase their work and secure their rights in a rapidly changing environment.
