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28 minutes ago
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Cineverse and Lloyd Braun's Banyan Ventures Form JV to Launch MicroCo, a New Studio and Platform for Microseries - a Market Projected to Reach $10B by 2027
Former Showtime President Jana Winograde Named Co-founder and CEO Former Chairman of NBCUniversal Television and Streaming Susan Rovner to Join in October as Chief Content Officer MicroCo to Leverage Team's & Cineverse's Unmatched Hollywood Expertise + Advanced Streaming and AI Tech Development to Create the Defining Microseries Experience A Studio for Quality Content, a Home for Creators to Explore Narrative Storytelling, and Community Building Tools for Active Fan Engagement LOS ANGELES, Aug. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS), a next-generation entertainment studio, and Banyan Ventures, the venture arm of former ABC Entertainment Group and WME Chairman Lloyd Braun, today announced the launch of MicroCo. A 50/50 joint venture between the two companies, MicroCo will be the first U.S.-based studio and AI native platform built specifically for high-quality Microseries: serialized, short-form, mobile-first content specifically designed for modern viewing habits. The consumer-facing name of the soon-to-launch platform will be announced at a later date. Commonly known as "Microdramas", this vertical format has exploded internationally, becoming a $7B+ market in China alone and generating hundreds of millions of views. Despite there being no premium U.S.-based platform for this content, Microdrama Apps have dominated app store Entertainment rankings. MicroCo sets itself apart with a leadership team that combines world-class storytelling expertise with cutting-edge, proprietary technology that together will target the untapped potential of a market that has been projected to reach $10B outside of China by 2027. MicroCo will produce low cost, high-quality content and deliver it directly to genre-driven audiences with an AI native platform built to foster and engage passionate fan communities. As technology evolves, MicroCo is built to evolve with it – adapting quickly, integrating smartly, and always guided by human creativity. In addition to producing original Microseries, MicroCo will collaborate with today's most compelling content creators to support them in expanding their creative footprint, giving them new ways to tell stories and deepen connections with their audiences. "The average person scrolls through hundreds of feet of content a day, but almost none of it is built to last," said Braun. "We're merging the storytelling rigor of series television with the pace, energy, and intimacy of short-form—creating addictive, emotionally rich, quality series that are developed specifically for this format and speak directly to how people consume content now." Said Cineverse Chairman and CEO Chris McGurk, "MicroCo will combine a new style of storytelling that engages fans and creators alike, with state-of-the-art technology that we have spent years developing, and an elite leadership team that includes some of our generation's most successful media and content executives. The end result will be a category defining studio and platform. Early results in the space have underscored the massive strategic upside of this new format, including the opportunity to build an original IP engine with global monetization opportunities, to integrate brand partnerships, and support a robust creator economy flywheel." MicroCo is led by a uniquely accomplished team of media executives and innovators: Lloyd Braun, Chairman of the Board for MicroCo: Co-Founder and Partner (with Sarah Bremner & Noah Oppenheim) of independent production studio Prologue Entertainment (backed by Jeff Zucker and Redbird Capital). Former Chairman of ABC Entertainment, Chairman of WME and President of Brillstein-Grey. A visionary strategist with deep experience in both creative and operational leadership, Braun is behind some of the most iconic and successful series in television, including The Sopranos, Lost, Desperate Housewives, Grey's Anatomy, and Jimmy Kimmel Live! Chris McGurk, Chairman and CEO of Cineverse: A respected studio executive and entrepreneur with decades of leadership experience, McGurk has served as President and COO of Universal Pictures, CFO and President of The Walt Disney Motion Picture Group, Vice Chairman and COO of MGM, and Founder and CEO of Overture Films. At Cineverse, he has spearheaded a transformation into a next-generation entertainment and technology powerhouse. Erick Opeka, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Cineverse: A pioneer in streaming and digital entertainment, Opeka has launched more than two dozen streaming channels, overseen a robust indie studio business that released the most successful unrated film of all time, Terrifier 3, less than a year ago, and has been integral in the development of Cineverse's award-winning Matchpoint™ streaming infrastructure and AI initiatives. He brings unmatched insight into audience behavior, content discovery, and monetization across emerging formats. Jana Winograde, CEO of MicroCo: Former President of Entertainment for Showtime Networks, where she greenlit and launched the network's most successful streaming series including the zeitgeist hit Yellowjackets. Previously Head of Business Operations for ABC's Network and Studio, Winograde has built her career at the intersection of creative excellence and strategic execution. Her hybrid expertise across content, strategy, and operations uniquely positions her to lead MicroCo as a premium, scalable platform and studio for the mobile era. Susan Rovner, Chief Creative Officer of MicroCo: A veteran studio and network executive with one of the most decorated résumés in television, Rovner served as Chairman of Entertainment Content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, and as President of Warner Bros. Television. She has overseen more than 18 series that reached the 100-episode milestone, including Shameless, Gossip Girl, Riverdale, The Flash, Supernatural, and The Voice. She will join MicroCo in October while continuing to lead her production banner, AHA Studios. MicroCo's original Microseries — running approximately 1–3 minutes per episode and designed for binge-watching — aim to expand upon the currently-available short-form content that has made vertical scrolling ubiquitous. It will span multiple genres, from romance to horror, and will feature both live action and animated series. "As viewing habits shift towards fast, social, and mobile-first experiences, our Microseries will deliver high-impact storytelling meant to be shared," said Winograde. "Whether it's leaning into genre or the creator community, we have the tools to meet fans in their native ecosystems and pull them into this new format and platform built just for them." MicroCo is AI-native from day one. Its technology backbone will drive: Creator enablement, including tools, templates, and analytics to streamline storytelling. Intelligent discovery and personalization for fans, designed to help them find programming that matches their mood and interests; and Revenue diversification, with MicroCo exploring varied revenue models, including a mix of advertising, in-app transactions and other premium options for superfans. "While the need for great stories never changes, viewing habits do, and microdramas have proven that short-form storytelling can attract and engage an audience," added Rovner. "But what's been missing is the quality, creative passion, and fun that our team will bring to this format." MicroCo's deep integration with Cineverse provides significant strategic advantages: Tech stack leadership: Matchpoint™, the AI-powered streaming infrastructure, driven by Cineverse India's 100-plus person engineering team, and developed over several years, supports fast, efficient content delivery and the ability to quickly launch a streaming platform built for scale; Massive data engine: of more than two million titles, including proprietary AI-generated metadata, enabling smart discovery and curation; Expansive library: 71,000+ assets, including films, series, and podcasts—some of which may be adapted into Microseries; Fandom reach: 150M+ fans across genres including horror and sci-fi (Screambox, Midnight Pulp, anime and Asian entertainment (RetroCrush, AsianCrush), true crime (Crime Hunters), and romance (Dove Channel); and Proven marketing machine: Cineverse's "Moneyball" approach turned Terrifier 3 into a $90M global box office success on a sub-$1M marketing spend, thanks to the ability to leverage its top 10 podcast network, FAST channels, social media, C360 ad network and more. "By bringing Hollywood best practices to a global format that's taken off in Asia—but hasn't been cracked in the U.S.—we believe MicroCo is uniquely positioned to lead this space," said Opeka. "The tech, the talent, the timing—it all lines up." About Cineverse Technology GroupCineverse develops proprietary technology that powers the future of entertainment, leveraging the Company's position as a pioneer in the video streaming industry along with the industry-leading strength of its development team in India. This team has dedicated years to building and refining technology solutions that have pioneered streaming content management and distribution while leaning into advances in AI to set the company apart from the competition. This includes the creation of Matchpoint™, an award-winning media supply chain service that is radically changing the way content is managed and delivered. The Company's cineSearch is an AI-powered search and discovery tool for film and television that makes deciding what to watch as entertaining as the entertainment itself. Additionally, the C360 programmatic audience network and ad-tech platform provides brands the opportunity to target and reach key fandoms wherever they are. About CineverseCineverse (Nasdaq: CNVS) is a next-generation entertainment studio that empowers creators and entertains fans with a wide breadth of content through the power of technology. It has developed a new blueprint for delivering entertainment experiences to passionate audiences and results for its partners with unprecedented efficiency, and distributes more than 71,000 premium films, series, and podcasts. Cineverse connects fans with bold, authentic, independent stories. Properties include the highest-grossing unrated film in U.S. history; dozens of streaming fandom channels; a premier podcast network; top horror destination Bloody Disgusting; and more. Powering visionary storytelling with cutting-edge innovation, Cineverse's proprietary streaming tools and AI technology drive revenue and reach to redefine the next era of entertainment. For more information, visit About Banyan VenturesBanyan is the private investment and incubation company for Lloyd Braun (with partners Sarah Bremner and Noah Oppenheim). Banyan backs innovative media ventures, original storytelling platforms, and visionary founders across film, television, digital media, and emerging technologies. CONTACTS For Media, The Lippin Group for Cineversecineverse@ For Investors, Julie Milsteadinvestorrelations@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Cineverse Corp. Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Kristin Davis and Shawn Johnson Join the World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest as Celebrity Judges
The celebrity animal lovers will help PEOPLE and the PEDIGREE® brand choose the winner of the canine competition The adorable rescue dogs of the world have some A-list celebrity fans. Kristin Davis and Shawn Johnson have joined the 2025 PEOPLE's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand as celebrity judges. The And Just Like That... star and Olympic gold medalist's decision to join the annual canine competition comes right before the launch of the contest's voting phase. "So excited to be a judge for this year's contest! Animal adoption means so much to our family. We recently brought home our second golden retriever, Oakley, to join Nash, and now we can't imagine life without him!" Johnson shared about participating in the 2025 contest. On Aug. 14, the contest's ten furry finalists will be announced, and voting will begin. From Aug. 14 through Sept. 15, the general public can vote for the dog they think deserves the cutest crown once a day at The three pups with the most votes at the end of the voting period will move on to the judging round, where Davis, Johnson, editors for PEOPLE, and members of the PEDIGREE® brand will determine the grand prize winner. The precious pooch chosen by the judges will receive a PEOPLE feature —both in the magazine and on — a custom photo shoot, a year's supply of dog food from the PEDIGREE® brand, and a $1,000 donation to the pet rescue organization of the winner's choice. Last year, the cutest champ was Margot, a pit bull and American bulldog mix with different-colored eyes and a deep devotion to her owner. As lifelong animal enthusiasts, Davis and Johnson are ideal judges for the 2025 PEOPLE's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand. In November 2024, Davis shared that she adopted a dog named Chewy from Muddy Paws Rescue in New York City. While some say Chewy is the fortunate one for landing a famous family, Davis insisted, "My kids and I are the lucky ones to have Chewy in our lives," at the time of the pup's adoption. "It is so important to adopt rescued animals. Through circumstances beyond their control, many are ending up in jeopardy of being euthanized. No matter where you live, there are pets in need of adoption and rescue organizations that need support," she shared in a statement to PEOPLE shortly after Chewy's adoption. The Sex and the City star is also a patron of The Orphans' Project at The Sheldrick Wildlife Trust in Kenya. The Orphans' Project's mission is "rescuing orphan elephants, rhinos, and other species, raising them with specialist care, and reintegrating them into a protected wilderness," according to the organization's website. Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Johnson is also a proud rescue dog parent. In March 2025, the former gymnast and her husband, Andrew East, adopted a 9-month-old golden retriever puppy named Oakley from Wags & Walks in Nashville. "We chose adoption because we knew our family wasn't complete — and we felt called to give a pup like Oakley a forever home. He's already filled our house with so much love, and the kids are OBSESSED. It truly feels like he was meant to be here," Johnson said in a statement to PEOPLE at the time. To learn more about the 2025 PEOPLE's World's Cutest Rescue Dog Contest Presented by the PEDIGREE® brand, visit Read the original article on People
Yahoo
28 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Hillwood and SGS Studios Launch Largest Production Campus in Texas: 450,000 SF Studio Facility Now Active in Fort Worth's AllianceTexas
FORT WORTH, Texas, August 13, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hillwood, a Perot Company, today announced a landmark partnership with SGS Studios, which will operate the venture and oversee all production services, to bring large-scale film and television production to the 27,000-acre AllianceTexas development in Fort Worth. In collaboration with Paramount Television — the studio behind cultural landmarks like Yellowstone and Landman — SGS Studios has launched a cutting-edge production campus totaling 450,000 square feet, purpose-built to support four concurrent large-scale productions. This development marks the largest operating studio facility in Texas. This venture represents a powerful partnership between three forces shaping the future of entertainment: SGS Studios, Hillwood, & Paramount Television. SGS Studios, founded by visionary creator Taylor Sheridan, is redefining how and where content is made through a next-generation production infrastructure platform; Hillwood, a global leader in large-scale real estate development, brings a proven track record of transformative commercial projects; and Paramount Television, the creative powerhouse behind some of the most successful franchises in modern television, anchors the venture with world-class storytelling. "In order for us to have the space to create the worlds that Taylor, Paramount and 101 Studios envision, we need world-class facilities and partners," said Keri Panichi Flint, Head of Global Production, Showtime / MTV Entertainment Studios. "Ross Perot Jr., Mike Berry, the Hillwood team and SGS have delivered on just that. They have been incredible partners in helping us bring a state-of-the-art facility to life in Texas to make our shows with the authenticity they deserve, while, equally as important, bringing thousands of jobs to the community. We are so thankful to Texas state and local leaders, Mr. Perot, Mr. Berry, SGS and the people and community of Fort Worth." SGS's two-building campus, known as SGS 1 and SGS 2, offers fully HVAC-equipped and power-optimized facilities that combine sound stages, mill space, wardrobe, and green screen capabilities into a unified operational footprint. Filming at the campus began in March 2025, led by Paramount and 101 Studios for the second season of Landman. "SGS Studios isn't just about sound stages or incentives — it's about reclaiming the independence and grit that built this industry in the first place," said Taylor Sheridan about the studios. "Texas offers something rare: the space to dream big, the freedom to build fast, and a community that still believes storytelling matters. Ross, Mike and the entire team at Hillwood are truly exceptional partners, and we are building something permanent that will be the centerpiece for one of the most state-of-the-art studios in the business." With more production talent relocating to Texas, a business-friendly environment, and a competitive film incentive program, SGS and Hillwood's vision is to position the state as a global center for media production. The collaboration's shared vision is to make Texas one of the world's premier destinations for content creation — offering filmmakers access to a diverse range of visual landscapes, from sweeping ranchlands to bustling urban centers, all supported by lower costs and rapidly expanding infrastructure. Looking Ahead: A Master-Planned Studio Campus in the Heart of Texas Following the launch of SGS 1 and SGS 2, the partnership will begin development of the first master-planned studio campus within the AllianceTexas footprint — a full-service, purpose-built production destination designed to anchor long-term industry growth. These studios will be the first of several campuses planned across Hillwood's 27,000-acre AllianceTexas development, each featuring additional sound stages, post-production suites, vendor support, and scalable infrastructure designed to attract top-tier productions and long-term tenants from around the world. "This partnership reflects the strength of AllianceTexas and the leadership of Fort Worth in embracing new industries and opportunity," said Ross Perot, Jr., Chairman of Hillwood. "We are proud to help bring major film and television production to North Texas through this collaboration with SGS Studios, and we are grateful to Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, Sen. Joan Huffman and state Rep. Todd Hunter for their leadership in advancing the state's film incentive legislation that will further diversify our economy and create long-term growth for our region and state. I am also especially pleased that the legislation includes added incentives for production companies to recruit and train veterans, given our longstanding commitment to supporting veterans as they transition into the civilian workforce." "We are at a pivotal moment where Texas can become a global force in the film industry, and North Texas offers the location and resources to play a central role in this development," said Mike Berry, President of Hillwood. "We have the infrastructure in place to grow jobs exponentially and produce thousands of future film industry workers, and with our partners, we have already started providing training for the specialty skills this workforce sector requires. Doing this will allow us to further diversify North Texas' economic impact and long-term success." The Studios campus is centrally located in AllianceTexas, with immediate access to Perot Field Fort Worth Alliance Airport, DFW International Airport, and versatile shooting locations, including Circle T Ranch and surrounding built environments. The broader region offers ample housing, hotels, transportation, and services to support both short-term productions and long-term infrastructure development. "Fort Worth is now the fourth largest city in Texas, and the film industry presents an exciting opportunity to fuel our growth while keeping our economy bold and diverse," said Fort Worth Mayor Mattie Parker. "With Hillwood's legacy of leadership in infrastructure development and innovation, it's fitting that AllianceTexas serves as a hub for creative production with the addition of the new SGS production campus. This move is significant in showcasing what Fort Worth can offer to attract major productions that create jobs and foster continued industry growth." To ensure a strong local talent pipeline, SGS has partnered with Tarrant County College to offer job training programs in set construction, grip and electric, post-production, and stage operations — preparing residents for high-paying careers in the entertainment industry. To date, the programs have trained more than 150 students with continued growth anticipated to 300 students. The project received designation as a Media Production Development Zone (MPDZ) from the City of Fort Worth in December 2024, followed by approval from the Texas Film Commission and Texas Comptroller in January 2025. These designations are already fueling job growth and increasing visibility as Texas continues to attract productions relocating from California and other traditional hubs. ABOUT SGS STUDIOS SGS Studios is a full-service production services company developing and operating sound stage facilities, location services, and vendor infrastructure. With deep industry relationships and a scalable operating model, SGS partners with governments and content creators to build integrated production campuses. SGS also provides production rentals, equipment rentals, and on-site services — supporting productions from pre-to-post production. ABOUT HILLWOOD Hillwood, a Perot company, is a premier commercial and residential real estate developer, investor, and advisor of properties throughout North America and Europe. With a diverse portfolio of properties and home to many of the world's leading companies, Hillwood is committed to bringing long-term value to our customers, partners, and the communities we serve. For more information, please visit Hillwood Properties, based in Fort Worth, is a leading real estate developer specializing in industrial logistics, corporate office, and retail mixed-use development, as well as airport and property management. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Hillwood has established a reputation for quality development that drives economic growth for communities throughout North Texas. Signature developments include AllianceTexas, Circle T Ranch, and Frisco Station. To date, Hillwood Properties has developed and acquired 32 million square feet of industrial, 3.6 million square feet of retail and office, and over 4,000 multifamily units. For more information on Hillwood Properties' flagship development, AllianceTexas, please visit ABOUT PARAMOUNT, A SKYDANCE CORPORATION Paramount, a Skydance Corporation (Nasdaq: PSKY) is a leading, next‑generation global media and entertainment company, comprised of three business segments: Studios, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media. The Company's portfolio unites legendary brands, including Paramount Pictures, Paramount Television, CBS – America's most-watched broadcast network, CBS News, Nickelodeon, MTV, BET, Comedy Central, Showtime, Paramount+, Pluto TV, and Skydance's Animation, Film, Television, Interactive/Games, and Sports divisions. For more information please visit View source version on Contacts Kelly MorrisCooksey Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
