Propagate scores distribution deal with Complex

Ben Silverman and Howard Owen’s Propagate has picked up international rights to series from youth-skewing media group Complex.

The producer-distributor – whose global distribution arm is led by Cyrus Farrokh, president of international – has already sold around 95 hours of Complex content into Africa’s MultiChoice Group’s M-Net, which will air the programming on music network Channel O.

Three shows included in the deal are Blueprint, which delves into the lives of the leaders behind top brands, artists and movements; Complex Cover, a digital version of Complex’s cover series; and Everyday Struggle, a daily show featuring DJ Akademiks, Nadeska and other guests breaking down the biggest topics in music and culture.

Cyrus Farrokh

Formed from the acquisition of Complex Media Inc. through a joint venture by Verizon and Hearst, the New York-headquartered Complex Networks is a global lifestyle brand that spans a digital channel division that includes Complex, First We Feast, Pigeons & Planes and Sole Collector.

Nick Wang, VP of Propagate International, said: “We are thrilled to be handling international sales for this fresh and vibrant programming. Complex has created the news in the youth-culture space as much as they’ve chronicled it. They’re constantly innovating to meet their audience on new platforms, and it’s a natural fit for Propagate to play a part in the next phase of that innovation.”

Myles O’Connell, SVP of global content distribution at Complex, added: “Licensing these shows internationally not only makes business sense, it embodies our brand ethos. Complex is about convergence culture, and that convergence is increasingly global. We know these series are in great hands with Cyrus and the Propagate team.”