10127407Starcast by StardioClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKStarcast by Stardio will change how fitness content looks, sounds, and feels. Ratings hits like Squid Game: The Challenge, Ninja Warrior, and Gladiators can inspire a more exciting genre of fitness content, with increased production values, educational elements, and a fusion of music, animation, storytelling, and talent. Unfortunately, home workouts found on video platforms have become very formulaic. They don't appeal to everyone and miss out on significant portions of the population. We believe that to reach new audiences, fitness needs to be as entertaining and rewarding as a talent show or music video. Gym membership penetration remains stubbornly flat at around 16%, with 54% of us saying the cost of gym membership is too high. Home workouts offer an alternative, but just like playing a game or watching a film solo, there's more fun in watching in a cinema or playing online. When people find fitness enjoyable, they're more likely to stick with it, and social interaction is often the key missing ingredient in VoD workouts. The presence of others can foster a competitive spirit or camaraderie, both of which enhance motivation. Starcast will address these issues by injecting creativity into fitness content, approaching each episode like a television production. We'll incorporate themes and background stories to engage audiences on a deeper level. To make video-on-demand fitness more social, we will develop Starcaster - the first platform of its kind designed for groups of friends to work out together, to a video from anywhere in the world. Features such as Freeze Frame and Auto-Replay will enhance interactivity. A director will host the content and have the option to remix each workout, adding their own creativity. A world-first wearable integration will allow people to see each other's heart rates, adding to the sense of teamwork. Underlying all this will be a new innovative funding model powered by advertising, providing wellness brands a unique avenue to a receptive audience through pre-roll ads and direct links to offers, with metrics included. This will keep the platform free for participants negating the cost concerns.