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RiffTrax
RiffTrax, run by MST3K stars Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett, produces funny audio commentaries for thousands of movies and shorts.
RiffTrax
RiffTrax was founded by Michael J. Nelson, former host and head writer of Mystery Science Theater 3000 (MST3K), after that show ended in 1999. The company's writers and performers — including Kevin Murphy (the voice of Tom Servo) and Bill Corbett (Crow T. Robot, v2.0) — produce comedic commentaries that can be synced to the listener's copy of a movie or embedded into the film itself. Wealth origin is the founders' MST3K careers. The firm's strategy is multi-format: it sells MP3 commentaries for major studio releases via its app, streams pre-merged riffed B-movies and educational shorts on its website and through partners like Amazon Prime, Tubi, and Pluto.tv, and produces physical media (DVD, Blu-ray). Geographic footprint is primarily North America, with live events broadcast to over 700 cinema screens nationwide via Fathom Events. Known co-investors or partners include Fathom Events for theatrical distribution; the company does not raise external capital from LPs for its productions. RiffTrax does not disclose revenue, AUM, or team headcount beyond its creative roster. The company is structured as a digital media publisher, not an investment firm. It also operates a Twitch channel and the RiffTrax channel on Samsung TV Plus. March 2025: RiffTrax presented its annual live show 'RiffTrax Live: The Wizard of Oz' in partnership with Fathom Events (per RiffTrax, March 2025). RiffTrax's structural differentiator is its direct-to-fan model: it bypasses traditional movie studios and distributors, generating revenue from consumer purchases and streaming licensing rather than from fund management fees or institutional capital. The core creative team controls all content decisions.
General information
Firm type
other
Year founded
—
AUM
Undisclosed
Location
Region
North America
Country
United States
City
Seattle
Corporate office
Seattle, San Diego, San Francisco, United States
Additional offices
San Diego · San Francisco
Principals
Michael J. Nelson
Performer and Writer
Kevin Murphy
Performer and Writer
Bill Corbett
Performer and Writer
Conor Lastowka
Senior Writer-Producer
Sean Thomason
Senior Writer-Producer
Sector focus
Frequently asked questions
Who controls creative and business decisions at RiffTrax?
The core creative team—Michael J. Nelson, Kevin Murphy, and Bill Corbett—directs all content. Senior writers Conor Lastowka and Sean Thomason manage day-to-day production. The firm does not disclose a formal CEO or board.
How does RiffTrax generate revenue?
RiffTrax sells MP3 commentaries and streamable movies directly to consumers via its website and app. It also licenses content to Amazon Prime, Tubi, Pluto.tv, and sells DVDs/Blu-rays. Live cinema events are produced with Fathom Events on a revenue-sharing basis.
Does RiffTrax accept outside investment or operate as a fund?
No. RiffTrax is a privately held digital media company. It does not raise capital from LPs, charge management fees, or invest in external companies. All funding comes from sales and licensing revenue.
What is RiffTrax's relationship to Mystery Science Theater 3000?
RiffTrax was founded by former MST3K cast and writers after the show ended. It is an independent entity, not part of MST3K or its rights holders. The firm licenses no MST3K intellectual property (per firm website).
What is RiffTrax's known posture on co-investments alongside external GPs?
RiffTrax is not an investment firm and does not participate in institutional co-investments. It is solely a media production company.
How does RiffTrax create its audio commentaries?
The core creative team writes scripts for each film or short, then records the commentary in a studio. Senior writers Conor Lastowka and Sean Thomason oversee the writing process. Guest riffers such as 'Weird Al' Yankovic and Joel McHale occasionally participate (per firm website).
Does RiffTrax maintain philanthropic structures?
RiffTrax does not publicly disclose any philanthropic foundation, charitable arm, or donor-advised fund. The founders may engage in charitable activity personally, but no formal entity is mentioned.
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