Microsoft collaborates with Hollywood production companies for content on MSN

Microsoft Corp. said in a statement that they are working with Hollywood production companies and they would together work for creating original video content for MSN.

The aim is to create more opportunities to attract more advertising dollars to the MSN portal to catch up with dominating players like Google, Yahoo! and even to an extent AOL.

Microsoft calls this initiative MSN Originals and this was launched at their Strategic Account Summit. They announced two such partnerships with Hollywood Production Company Reveille and Be Jane Inc., which is a Web community for women’s home improvement.

Advertisers for this new program would also get an opportunity to buy product placements in shows besides the usual ad placements on web pages of the portal.

Gayle Troberman, senior director of the MSN branded entertainment and experiences team at Microsoft, said in a statement on this program launch: “Together we will push the boundaries of what interactive means for consumers and marketers by bringing together the best of Hollywood, Madison Avenue and Redmond.”