New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Today Believe Entertainment Group (BE) announced that former Yahoo creative executive, Brian Hunt, has joined the company as EVP, head of development to lead a new studio division developing and producing digital-first original series for OTT and digital distribution partners, and premium branded entertainment programs exclusively for individual brands. The studio division is launching with eight new partnerships including Maker Studios, Mashable, Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, Time Inc., New York Post, and
Haven Home Media, a division of Reader's Digest Association, as well as an original animated series with Marriott International.
Under Hunt's leadership, the studio division will create original programming for platforms - servicing a broad range of companies looking to pick up original content, from traditional publishers and key digital players to OTT services - as well as create premium original content directly for brands. Hunt will work to identify a pipeline of compelling programming for distributors and brands, and work with Believe Entertainment Group co-founders Dan Goodman and
William H. Masterson III on go-to-market strategies across a wide range of distribution solutions and brands. He will be based in the company's New York headquarters.
Dan Goodman and
William H. Masterson III, co-founders, Believe Entertainment Group, said, "Brian has an incredible track record of delivering a great creative product and has tremendous sensibilities when it comes to knowing what content is going to resonate with specific audiences. And because he comes most recently from the media delivery side of the business, he also has a keen understanding of how distributors can leverage our content and build successful strategies."
Hunt was previously head of creative development for Yahoo's Original Programming, where he and his team launched over 25 new programs, including Emmy-nominated Burning Love (produced by Ben Stiller) and
Ghost Ghirls (produced by Jack Black) as well as shows from Ed Helms (Tiny Commando), Cheryl Hines and Rachel Harris (We Need Help), and
Morgan Spurlock and John Stamos (Losing It With John Stamos). He developed and executed Yahoo's largest single launch of original programming in 2013 and was responsible for the company's first deficit-funded slate of original programming, which generated millions of streams in its first season.
"Believe's business model has always been all-encompassing, including financing, developing, creating, selling, distributing and producing premium content," said Hunt. "I'm excited to help expand the business to leverage the company's expertise and capabilities in these areas toward direct partnerships with digital distributors and brands alike."
In its new studio division, Believe Entertainment Group will capitalize on its experience in securing talent and delivering impactful distribution (previous projects include The LeBrons, an original animated series starring LeBron
James on Xbox; In the Booth, a behind-the-scenes series with DJ/Producer Tiësto on YouTube; and Money Where Your Mouth Is, an original game show series hosted by Jay Mohr on Hulu), but will license or sell its programs and production services direct to distributors and brands to address their specific needs. Historically, Believe Entertainment Group has locked talent deals and distribution partnerships before engaging brands in projects, following more of a TV model of sourcing and committing to high-value programming, then finding ways for brands and distributors to participate.
In developing premium content for distribution partners and brands, Believe Entertainment Group can also take successful formats and leverage its partners at ITV, which made an investment in the company, for additional distribution and sales in ancillary, derivative and international markets.
An initial slate of programming for specific distributors and brands from the studio division will be announced soon.
