Euro MCN launches studio to target TV nets

Amsterdam-based multichannel network Zoomin.TV has created a studios arm to reversion its digital programmes in broadcaster-friendly long-form formats, hiring a British TV veteran to lead the initiative.

Zoomin Studios will also draw on its parent’s network of post-millennial, Gen Z creative talent to develop and coproduce formats and factual programming for TV channels, and mobile and digital platforms.

It has brought in former BBC and indie producer Richard Chambers to lead its production efforts. He was worked at prodcos such as IWC Media, Tigress Productios, Icon Films and Touch Productions, and has produced and directed factual shows for Discovery, National Geographic, BBC One, BBC Two and Channel 5.

“We know ‘traditional’ TV is by no means dead and just how attractive it remains to YouTube stars and their fans,” said Chambers, who is head of Zoomin Studios.

“Our extensive knowledge of the content Gen Z both makes and consumes online, alongside the creative storytelling and high production values needed for long-form TV shows, gives Zoomin Studios a unique ability to source new talent, build an online fan base for them and now, working with coproduction partners, develop formats to bring that ready-made talent and audience to linear TV audiences globally.”

Zoomin Studios is already in “advanced” discussions with producers and distributors about coproductions, with Chambers in town in Miami this week for the NATPE market to meet with potential partners about new projects.

European broadcaster MTG owns Zoomin.TV, whose Gen Z talent channels amassed around 1.8 billion YouTube views a month, after paying €45 million (US$48.2 million) in July.

Overall, Zoomin.TV channels secure around 3.3 billion views across platforms, has 18 offices on four continents, and is now pushing into TV formats.

“Traditional broadcasters and advertisers are struggling to provide the right type of content to connect with a Generation Z audience, which has been turning off linear TV channels,” said Zoomin.TV CEO Jan Riemens. “Our talent already has vast audience recognition and loyalty across the 25,000 YouTube channels we manage, and Zoomin Studios will deliver this audience to TV platforms and brands.

“Creating Zoomin Studios makes the company ideally positioned to create a feedback loop between the broadcast and digital worlds and we are uniquely placed to monetise both.”