Fox inks digital deal with YouTube channel WIGS

US broadcaster Fox has inked a deal with YouTube drama channel WIGS. The pair will develop and test content on the female-skewed YouTube channel under the terms of a multiyear agreement.

Wigs is the YouTube partner channel created by Black Swan producer Jon Avnet and In Treatment director Rodrigo Garcia. Launched last year, it offers shortform, female-skewed, drama.

Fox said it will help develop and market the WIGS channel and use it to nurture new drama concepts and projects “with an eye toward building content that can be programmed on Fox and/or other channels”.

WIGS has garnered 22 million views since its 2012 launch and has 100,000 subscribers. It claims to be the number one channel for scripted drama on YouTube.

Kevin Reilly, chairman of entertainment, Fox Broadcasting Company said: “[The founders have] spent a year building a novel production process and a vibrant alternative pipeline, and we’re excited to help them take those tremendous stories and talent and develop them into long-term digital or on-air assets.”

Jon Avnet said: “We will continue to write, direct and produce quality scripted entertainment with many of the most talented actors, writers, directors and producers in our business for our YouTube platform. Fox will allow us to expand our horizons and offer us limitless possibilities, which we intend to fully take advantage of in all traditional media platforms, as well.”

Wigs most popular series include Blue, about a mother with a secret life, starring Julia Stiles, and Serena, a story of forbidden love, starring Jennifer Garner and Alfred Molina.