By Allison Watkinson
TLL Reporter
Genius Brands’ Frederator Network has signed an exclusive deal with BuzzFeed for the development of long-form series based on Buzzfeed’s original IP.
Genius Brands International is a kids media company that develops, produces, markets and licenses branded entertainment properties and consumer products for media and retail distribution.
Genius Brands recently acquired Canada’s WOW! Unlimited Media which included 2,500 channels under the Frederator Network. Frederator is an entertainment company that develops and produces content for streaming services, television and online video platforms.
The licensing deal with Buzzfeed gives Frederator Network the right to develop and produce long-form series based on the original digital properties created by the BuzzFeed Animation Lab.
“Our partnership with BuzzFeed offers Frederator a tremendous opportunity to expand on the creativity of their animation lab to further develop their original IP into long-form series for global audiences,” said WOW! Unlimited Media CEO, Michael Hirsh. “BuzzFeed is considered the most watched digital publisher with billions of global content views and nearly thirty million dedicated BuzzFeed Animation Lab fans, which gives us a huge audience and ability to promote each series to a highly-engaged fan base!”
The first short-form digital content chosen for series development by Frederator is called The Land of Boggs. The Land of Boggs is a comedy series that follows two friends that cause trouble in their town during summer vacation.
Other Buzzfeed content that is under consideration for long-form development include The Good Advice Cupcake, Weird Helga, and Chikn Nuggit.
In addition to developing the new digital series, Frederator Studios will serve as the global content sales agent for the Buzzfeed branded long-form content.
“The BuzzFeed Animation Lab has seen huge success and explosive growth for our animated properties, and we are thrilled to partner with Frederator Studios for development,” said BuzzFeed Animation Lab’s Zee Myers.
“They have an unparalleled track record in the industry and are the perfect shepherds to take our animated properties into a new format and expand our audience.”
Genius Brands’ consumer products’ division will work alongside Buzzfeed to develop the retail program for the upcoming animated content.
BuzzFeed Inc. is an internet-focused media, news and entertainment company that was initially founded in 2006.
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