-- The original series will feature an episode which follows the journey of 
DigitalBits, the Blockchain for brands, and how iconic companies have begun to 
use this technology

Rakuten TV and VICE Studios are set to produce a new documentary series 
exploring different emerging technologies that will soon affect our daily 
lives. The fascinating 5-episode series will explore 5 main topics; Lab Grown 
Meat, Space Cleaners, Cyborgs, Nuclear Fusion and Blockchain.

But, what about the future of economics? It is already happening, in the field 
of what is broadly known as 'cryptocurrencies'. In the Blockchain episode, the 
upcoming original co-production will deep dive into this new but rapidly 
growing concept, also known as virtual money, and its possible uses.

For this episode, Rakuten TV and VICE Studios will highlight many of the 
possible uses of blockchain technology, by following the journey of DigitalBits 
( 
https://c212.net/c/link/?t=0&l=en&o=3340685-1&h=1195234691&u=https%3A%2F%2Fdigitalbits.io%2F&a=DigitalBits 
) and how it is becoming the Blockchain for brands across industries, including 
sports and entertainment, luxury, finance and others. 

Teresa López, Head of Content at Rakuten TV stated: "We are committed to tell 
stories that reflect our values: empowerment, optimism and innovation. This 
documentary series will bring to our users 5 stories of how innovation improves 
our lives and society. Innovative members of the DigitalBits ecosystem are 
perfectly connected with the storytelling that will develop in this project."

Dan Bowen, Executive Producer for VICE Studios said: "We are excited to partner 
with Rakuten TV on this unique project to bring new insights in the Blockchain 
field to audiences around the world."

Al Burgio, Founder of the DigitalBits blockchain said: "The blockchain and the 
cryptocurrency industry have grown exponentially. It is a great honor to have 
Rakuten TV and VICE Studios, two powerhouse media companies recognize the 
emergence of this industry and how brands have begun to embrace the DigitalBits 
blockchain." 

Blockchain will have a clear impact on economics and the way customers and 
brands consume or sell products. For this reason, Rakuten TV and the 
DigitalBits Foundation are in conversations to explore possible future 
collaborations.

The documentary series is produced by Dan Bowen. It will come to Rakuten TV in 
2022, available free and exclusively on the platform in 43 European countries.

Notes to editors:

   -- The series is currently untitled

About Rakuten TV

Rakuten TV is the first video-on-demand and streaming platform in Europe 
combining TVoD (Transactional Video-on-Demand), SVoD (Subscription 
Video-on-Demand), AVoD (Advertising Video-on-Demand) and FAST (Free 
Ad-Supported Streaming TV) services, delivering a universe of content and 
simplifying the entertainment experience.

The TVoD service offers an authentic cinematic experience with the latest 
releases to buy or rent in high audio and video quality. The SVoD service 
allows subscription to the premium service Starzplay. The advertising-supported 
offering comprises AVoD and FAST services. The AVoD service features more than 
10,000 titles available on-demand, including films, documentaries and series 
from Hollywood and local studios, as well as the Rakuten Stories catalogue with 
Original and Exclusive content. The FAST service consists of an extensive 
line-up of over 90 free linear channels from global networks, top European 
broadcasters and media groups, and the platform's own thematic channels with 
curated content.

Rakuten TV is available in 43 European territories and currently reaches more 
than 90 million households via its branded remote-control button and 
pre-installed app in Smart TV devices.

www.rakuten.tv

Rakuten TV is part of Rakuten Group, Inc., one of the world's leading internet 
services companies, focusing on e-commerce, fintech, digital content, and 
communications. Rakuten is the official partner for FC Barcelona, the NBA, the 
Golden State Warriors, Davis Cup and Spartan Race.

About Vice Studios

VICE Studios is a global production and distribution division within VICE Media 
Group delivering premium original programming across documentary, scripted and 
film. With development and production teams in the USA, Canada, UK, Europe, 
Asia-Pacific and Latin America, VICE Studios cuts through culture, delivering 
stories that are popular, human and spotlight the unexpected for audiences 
around the world.

VICE Studios also houses VICE's new licensing and distribution group, with a 
catalogue of over 1000 hours of programming created across the VICE Media 
Group, across a range of genres from documentary to lifestyle to Vice News.

VICE Studios recent original productions include Flee, World Cinema Documentary 
Grand Jury Prize winner at Sundance 2021, six-part documentary series Pride for 
FX, an 'American Gladiators' docuseries with ESPN, Tell Me Lies for Hulu, 
Moments Like This Never Last which premiered at DOCNYC. Launched in 2017, VICE 
Studios productions include Chris Smith's Emmy-nominated Jim & Andy: The Great 
Beyond and Fyre: The Greatest Party that Never Happened (Netflix); feature film 
The Report starring Adam Driver and Annette Bening (Amazon); Diego Osorno's 
1994 (Netflix), Dark Side of the Ring (VICE TV), AKA Jane Roe (FX), and Satanic 
Verses (BBC).

SOURCE: DigitalBits Foundation; VICE Studios; Rakuten TV

CONTACT: Fernanda Perabeles, fernanda.perabeles@rakuten.com