RiffTrax
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Entertainment |
| Founded | 2007 in San Diego, United States |
| Founder | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, Bill Corbett |
Area served | Worldwide |
Key people | Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, Bill Corbett, David G. Martin (CEO) |
| Products | Scripted comedic commentary tracks, live performances, downloadable content, streaming content |
| Website | rifftrax |
RiffTrax is a U.S.-based enterprise specializing in producing scripted comedic commentary tracks that synchronize with feature films, primarily public domain educational shorts, and television episodes. Established by former cast members and writers of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), RiffTrax also hosts live performances broadcast in cinemas. As of September 2024, the company has created riffs for 554 feature-length films, 488 shorts, and 16 television episodes.
The earliest releases showcased Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett providing audio-only commentaries designed to be played alongside unmodified VHS or DVD copies. Subsequently, Mary Jo Pehl and Bridget Jones Nelson became part of the core team, joined by guest riffers such as "Weird Al" Yankovic, comedians Paul F. Tompkins, Cole Stratton, Janet Varney, and actors including Joel McHale, Fred Willard, and Neil Patrick Harris.
RiffTrax distributes its content through downloadable files, a dedicated app, streaming services, and DRM-free downloads. Additionally, their material is accessible on platforms like Pluto TV, Twitch, Xumo, Tubi, and Samsung TV.
History
Following the conclusion of MST3K, Nelson, Murphy, and Corbett initiated the podcast The Film Crew and collaborated with Rhino Entertainment on four riffed DVD releases. After these partnerships ended, Nelson teamed with Legend Films to launch RiffTrax in 2007 in San Diego. In 2012, ownership transitioned to include Nelson, Murphy, Corbett, and CEO David G. Martin.
Due to licensing expenses, MST3K primarily targeted low-budget B-movies; similarly, RiffTrax circumvents rights issues by selling commentary tracks separately from the films themselves. Initially dominated by solo efforts from Nelson, the project quickly expanded to feature a consistent cast akin to The Film Crew. The introduction of guest riffers from entertainment and online communities led to the creation of the spin-off series RiffTrax Presents, which spotlights commentaries hosted by various guests.
The company’s business approach evolved to offer full-length video-on-demand riffs for public domain or affordably licensed movies such as Night of the Living Dead. They also regularly produce riffs for public domain educational shorts.
In 2008, RiffTrax launched iRiffs, a platform enabling fans to create and sell their own commentary tracks through the site while sharing 50% of revenues. A 2009 contest awarded winners opportunities to collaborate with main riffers on official releases.
By October 2015, RiffTrax had acquired distribution rights for MST3K episodes via Vimeo subscriptions and individual rentals on their website, featuring new introductions by original cast members. A significant portion of these sales supports the original MST3K performers.
Celebrating its fifteenth anniversary on July 20, 2021, RiffTrax expanded its reach further in October 2024 by signing a distribution agreement with streaming service Nebula.
Live shows
Live performances have been a fundamental aspect of RiffTrax’s business model under the leadership of founders Mike Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett. Their initial live appearances took place at SF Sketchfest in San Francisco, where they riffed films such as Daredevil and Plan 9 from Outer Space, with the latter shown at the historic Castro Theater. These events were extended through live internet broadcasts on platforms like Ustream.tv.
Collaborating with NCM Fathom Events, RiffTrax developed a scalable model for live events broadcast simultaneously to theaters nationwide. The first event occurred in 2009 at Nashville’s Belcourt Theatre featuring Plan 9 from Outer Space and guest stars including Veronica Belmont and Jonathan Coulton—setting a template for future shows. Over time, their live performances have included cult favorites like Reefer Madness, House on Haunted Hill with Paul F. Tompkins, and Manos: The Hands of Fate, often accompanied by themed short films and special guests to enhance audience experience.
Crowdfunding via Kickstarter has played a strategic role in financing licensing rights for prominent films within RiffTrax’s portfolio. Successful campaigns have funded live riffs of titles like Starship Troopers, the 1998 version of Godzilla, and Anaconda, illustrating effective community-supported investment. The 2015 campaign enabled "The Crappening," riffing four films including The Room, which was showcased at the notable Tribeca Film Festival, signaling increasing industry acknowledgment.
Between 2016 and 2017, Kickstarter projects continued to drive growth by funding events such as an Mystery Science Theater 3000 reunion—capitalizing on brand synergy—and special features like Doctor Who: The Five Doctors. This collaboration with the BBC exemplifies RiffTrax’s ability to secure valuable content rights that broaden their market penetration.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, RiffTrax adapted by offering virtual live shows streamed globally via Netflix and the Scener app, preserving revenue despite event cancellations. This transition underscores their innovative leadership and resilience amid changing market dynamics.
Below is an overview of notable live events demonstrating RiffTrax’s ongoing commitment to live entertainment as a revenue source:
| Date | Main Feature | Short subject(s) | Guest stars |
|---|---|---|---|
| August 20, 2009 | Plan 9 from Outer Space | Flying Stewardess | Veronica Belmont, Jonathan Coulton, Rich Kyanka |
| December 16, 2009 | RiffTrax Live: Christmas Shorts-Stravaganza | Multiple Christmas-themed shorts | Weird Al Yankovic |
| August 19, 2010 | Reefer Madness | Various shorts | |
| October 28, 2010 | House on Haunted Hill | Short films | Paul F. Tompkins |
| August 17, 2011 | Jack the Giant Killer | Short subject | |
| August 16, 2012 | Manos: The Hands of Fate | Shorts | |
| October 25, 2012 | Birdemic: Shock and Terror | Short subject | |
| August 15, 2013 | Starship Troopers | ||
| October 24, 2013 | Night of the Living Dead | Short subject | |
| December 5, 2013 | Santa Claus Conquers the Martians | Short subject | |
| July 10, 2014 | Sharknado | Short film | |
| August 14, 2014 | Godzilla (1998) | ||
| October 30, 2014 | Anaconda | Short film | |
| December 4, 2014 | Santa Claus (1959) | Short subject | |
| May 6, 2015 | The Room | Short film | |
| July 9, 2015 | Sharknado 2: The Second One | Short film | |
| October 1, 2015 | Miami Connection | Short subject | |
| December 3, 2015 | Santa and the Ice Cream Bunny | Multiple shorts | |
| May 5, 2016 | Time Chasers | Short film | |
| June 28, 2016 | MST3K Reunion Show | Multiple shorts | Bridget Nelson, Mary Jo Pehl, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Jonah Ray, Joel Hodgson |
| August 18, 2016 | Mothra | Short film | |
| October 27, 2016 | Carnival of Souls | Shorts | |
| April 13, 2017 | Samurai Cop | Short film | |
| June 15, 2017 | Summer Shorts Beach Party | Multiple shorts | Bridget Nelson et al. |
| August 17, 2017 | Doctor Who: The Five Doctors | Public information short |
This extensive collection of live events highlights RiffTrax’s leadership in niche entertainment markets through inventive licensing strategies and active audience engagement initiatives.
Total Riff Off
Nelson, Corbett, and Murphy partnered with the National Geographic Channel to create a three-episode series titled "Total Riff Off," which premiered on April 1, 2014. This series was subsequently made accessible as video-on-demand through RiffTrax. Each episode, lasting approximately one hour, showcases the trio providing humorous commentary on classic National Geographic footage. The idea originated from a producer at National Geographic who admired RiffTrax, leading to a selection of curated clips for the show. In 2015, the team produced three more episodes—two of which were offered as Kickstarter incentives—and these were also made available for purchase via the RiffTrax platform.
The Rifftones
The musical group The Rifftones was established in August 2008 by Nelson, Corbett, and Murphy with the initial goal of competing in Quick Stop Entertainment's Masters of Song Fu contest. They emerged victorious against well-known artists including Jonathan Coulton and Paul and Storm. After their win, The Rifftones continued to compose songs inspired by films they had riffed on, releasing two albums that can be purchased through the RiffTrax website.
Use
RiffTrax commentaries are designed to align perfectly with films through a timing cue system. To maintain this synchronization, a fictional character named "DisembAudio," voiced by writer Conor Lastowka, delivers lines precisely in time with the movie. For "RiffTrax Presents" commentaries, a female synchronization voice named Debbie is used. Although these commentaries are intended for use with MP3 players or computer software, they are sold as unrestricted MP3 files, providing flexibility in how viewers watch the films. Furthermore, a free RiffTrax Player is offered for Windows users.
Selection of movies for RiffTrax commentaries hinges on two main factors: suitability for comedic riffing and broad DVD availability. This approach has enabled coverage across various genres and time periods. The first commentary released online in July 2006 was for the 1989 movie Road House, which Nelson has described as one of the most delightfully cheesy films ever produced.
RiffTrax Player
The RiffTrax Player (also known as RiffPlayer) is an application that enables synchronized playback of commentary alongside DVD content by using an MP3 commentary file paired with a synchronization (.sync) text file. As of February 2015, it supports Microsoft Windows as well as Mac OS X Snow Leopard and newer versions.
RiffTrax On Demand
RiffTrax On Demand provides downloadable films free from DRM restrictions and embedded with RiffTrax commentaries. This service features numerous short films, public domain titles, and educational movies, aligning well with the brand’s focus on comedic film commentary.
Video game
In March 2022, RiffTrax revealed Rifftrax: The Game, developed in collaboration with Wide Right Interactive. Released on May 5, 2022, this title is available across multiple platforms including Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, marking the brand’s expansion into interactive gaming.