“My mum is passionate about the Middle Ages. As for me, I am curious about everything”. If David Frecinaux does not yet have breakfast in medieval armour, the period, which spans more than 1,000 years, interests him enough to the point of devoting a video on demand platform to him: Medieval TV.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzmCj8Z-t7g
Cooking, reconstructions, armour…
A world first which saw the light of day in December 2021 in Sarzeau (56), not far from the Château de Suscinio, a major place of the end of the Middle Ages, under the impetus of David Frecinaux and Mylène Baradel, partners in the start- up Common-ID. The start-up was not starting from scratch… David Frecinaux, an audiovisual producer for twenty years, took an early interest in the production of videos on the Net, a model that enjoys “true freedom”.
This media was obviously eagerly awaited by the medieval fandom community
For the past year, Commun-ID has surveyed its future subscribers to find out their wishes. “Some wanted shows about medieval combat, others about cooking in the Middle Ages,” says the manager. In August 2021, the future Medieval TV already had 1,300 pre-subscribers, mainly in France but also in Belgium and Switzerland. Because this media was obviously eagerly awaited by the community of medieval fans, i.e. 30 to 40,000 people in France: collectors, enthusiasts, students, history teachers, historical reconstruction enthusiasts, museum directors and other fans of roles like Dungeons and Dragons.
Original creations
For a few weeks, the Medieval TV platform has already been offering themed programs: the forging of swords, women’s armor, or even archery and even historical re-enactments, in particular scenes of life in the Middle Ages… Soon they will land new original creations devoted to illuminations, printing in the Middle Ages or violence against children at that time. “The idea is a new online program every week, says David Frecinaux, with the first five minutes always in the clear”.
In Asia, people practice medieval martial arts! In Australia, more than 15,000 people perform historical re-enactments during this period…
Fictions with real actors? “Not before three or four years”, predicts the Sarzeautin. For the time being, Medieval TV mainly works with technicians (camera operators, video editors, graphic designers, etc.), ie around forty freelancers who tour all over France, notably in Rennes in March, a month which will be dedicated to Brittany.
Objective 10,000 subscribers
The platform received a warm welcome from the foreign press, which bodes well for promising international development. Medieval TV is taking the lead and could launch a translation of its programs into five languages within 12 months: English, German, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese. Because the passion of the Middle Ages has no borders: “In Asia, people practice medieval martial arts! In Australia, more than 15,000 people do historical re-enactments over this period,” explains David Frecinaux.
To ensure a viable economic model, Commun-ID must garner many more subscribers to reach 10,000 in five years, and increase its turnover from €100,000 today to €1 million in 2027.
Five other channel concepts in the pipeline
Medieval TV could soon have other little sisters. The two partners of Commun-ID plan to launch mid-February the mark 3rd date, editor of SVOD channels. “Five other channel concepts will be offered, including Dionysos for theater lovers, and New Parenthood to support parents in the education of their children”. Great challenges ahead!
