U.S.-based producer and distributor GRB Entertainment and youth-focused digital studio Defy Media have teamed to develop and distribute original programming.
GRB most recently acquired international rights to the Defy series Man At Arms and Super Fan Builds, giving GRB a presence among millennial audiences. In turn, the partnership will give Defy a new audience aged 25-to-52 year in the linear space.
“The production business is in a transition phase where linear and digital content are merging,” said Marielle Zuccarelli (pictured), COO of GRB, in a statement. “Our strategy to supersize Defy’s short-form digital content into linear and OTT formats showcases our unique 360-degree development, production and distribution capability.”
According to a press release, Defy has more than 125 million followers combined across its brands, which include SMOSH, AWEme, Clevver and ScreenJunkies. These drive more than 800-million monthly views across its Gen Z-targeted platforms.
“The successful migration of our hit digital series into TV and OTT speaks to the power of our connection with key built-in audiences and formats that resonate across the globe,” said Defy CEO Matt Diamond, in a statement. “Our partnership with GRB will enable Defy to accelerate efforts to expand its programming worldwide and continue to meet the growing market demand for quality, long-form made for the tastes of younger audiences.”