Daily video blog Rocketboom has struck an international distribution and ad sales deal with Sony Pictures Television.
Rocketboom will be integrated with Sony's video site Crackle, as well as other Sony products such as the PS3 video game platform and direct to Sony Bravia TVs, while retaining existing distribution agreements with websites such as iTunes and TiVo.
Sony will handle all Rocketboom's ad sales exclusively in a deal that is thought to include a seven-figure guarantee and a revenue share agreement.
"Ad sales is a very different business than content production," said the Rocketboom creator, Andrew Baron, on his blog.
"It was fun to play, and it's extremely supportive, but distracting to the primary mission of Rocketboom and our team's talents.
"Every moment we spent on ads was a moment lost on the content. We wanted to interface with ads in some way, but why not leave this job up to people who have a passion for it?" he added.
Baron said that the company had "run out of money twice this year", while "risking everything to make this the best distribution and advertising deal ever".
He added that Rocketboom would still remain independent and "in control of our business and our editorial".
"Instead of gaining capital to burn while continuing to build or seek an advertising solution, we now have one of the most prominent advertising solutions out there," Baron said.
"Along with increased distribution, a road map for expansion and a guarantee that I believe is an unprecedented deal for this space."
Michael Arrieta, the executive vice-president of digital distribution and mobile entertainment at SPT, said that Rocketboom was a "pioneer" in the video blog space and that Sony was "thrilled to have it in our portfolio and to take it to the next level".
· To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email editor@mediatheguardian.com or phone 020 7239 9857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 7278 2332.
· If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".
