A former DreamWorks president just raised $11.6M to build franchises using AI
His company, Chronicle Studios, is backed by Patron and Point72 Ventures, with participation from Z Ventures, Sands Capital, and others.
DeFaria and his cofounder, Aaron Sisto, met a few years ago through mutual friends. Sisto is a partner at First Spark Ventures, a firm cofounded by former Google CEO Eric Schmidt. The pair saw marketing and distribution as the best way to help creators take their shows to the next level and ultimately develop the next generation of franchises.
As AI began to gain traction, deFaria and Sisto sensed an opening to use the tech to help boost audience growth, believing that conventional marketing methods were losing effectiveness.
That contrasts with some other players in Hollywood, who have sought to apply AI to the creative process in areas like visual effects and idea generation.
"AI can't really make stories that are enduring," deFaria said. "The biggest pain point is getting an audience. There's wonderful stuff being done. I'm not sure anyone's getting to see it."
Chronicle is starting with a focus on animators, where deFaria's background lies. It provides funding, a business plan, and a homegrown suite of AI tools to help them distribute their shows and build a loyal fan base in return for an equity stake.
The tools do things like automate the creation of thumbnail photos for YouTube and monitor social media for reactions to the content.
They plan to invest as much as 40% of the $11.6 million raised in creators, in the form of multiple investments over time per creator. So far, they've evaluated some 200 creators and invested in six, with a goal of backing up to 15 by the end of the year. Checks run in the neighborhood of $50,000.
Chronicle wouldn't identify any of the creators it's backing, but said they're in various stages with projects that include a short film that's coming out and another that's due next year. One creator they pointed to as the type they would like to back is Vivienne Medrano. She's the creator of the YouTube animated series "Hazbin Hotel" and "Helluva Boss," and got a first-look deal with Amazon's Prime Video. Medrano has built a fan base partly by showing the process behind her animation.
YouTube is a natural starting point for many of the projects Chronicle is backing. The Google-owned platform is increasingly becoming a home for TV-like series, with top creators or media companies launching shows or distributing existing episodes there.
Chronicle isn't alone in chasing the independent creator opportunity. There's Further Adventures, a new studio that's investing in digital creators and independent filmmakers. Promise, an AI studio, launched last year and has gotten backing from Peter Chernin's North Road, Andreessen Horowitz, and Google.
Others have tackled the distribution side of creators. Jellysmack helped YouTubers recirculate their videos on other platforms like Facebook and Snapchat in exchange for a cut of ad earnings. Amazon-backed Spotter provides capital and services, including an AI product, to help creators come up with new video ideas and elements.
Chronicle's long-term goal in all its work with creators is to help them monetize their projects in various ways. That could be by selling or licensing to a streaming service, creating a free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) channel, or even staging a musical.
That's why they say they're not using AI just for short-term monetization gains on YouTube but rather to build loyal fan bases.
"Hacking views does nothing for us," Sisto said. "If you're just hacking views, you won't get fandom or community."
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
25 minutes ago
Supreme Court allows Mississippi to require age verification on social media
WASHINGTON -- The Supreme Court on Thursday refused for now to block enforcement of a Mississippi law aimed at regulating the use of social media by children, an issue of growing national concern. The justices rejected an emergency appeal from a tech industry group representing major platforms like Facebook, X and YouTube. NetChoice is challenging laws passed in Mississippi and other states that require social media users to verify their ages, and asked the court to keep the measure on hold while a lawsuit plays out. There were no noted dissents from the brief, unsigned order. Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that there's a good chance NetChoice will eventually succeed in showing that the law is unconstitutional, but hadn't shown it must be blocked while the lawsuit unfolds. NetChoice argues that the Mississippi law threatens privacy rights and unconstitutionally restricts the free expression of users of all ages. A federal judge agreed and prevented the 2024 law from taking effect. But a three-judge panel of the 5th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals ruled in July that the law could be enforced while the lawsuit proceeds. It's the latest legal development as court challenges play out against similar laws in states across the country. Parents and even some teenagers are growing increasingly concerned about the effects of social media use on young people. Supporters of the new laws have said they are needed to help curb the explosive use of social media among young people, and what researchers say is an associated increase in depression and anxiety. Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch told the justices that age verification could help protect young people from 'sexual abuse, trafficking, physical violence, sextortion and more,' activities that Fitch noted are not protected by the First Amendment. NetChoice represents some of the country's most high-profile technology companies, including Google, which owns YouTube; Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat; and Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram. NetChoice has filed similar lawsuits in Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ohio and Utah. Paul Taske, co-director of the NetChoice Litigation Center, called the decision "an unfortunate procedural delay.' 'Although we're disappointed with the Court's decision, Justice Kavanaugh's concurrence makes clear that NetChoice will ultimately succeed in defending the First Amendment — not just in this case but across all NetChoice's ID-for-Speech lawsuits," he said.
Time Business News
27 minutes ago
- Time Business News
Boost Your Brand with Local SEO Dubai Techniques That Work
In today's digital-first marketplace, businesses in Dubai face intense competition, not only from local players but also from international brands that have entered the UAE market. To stand out, you need a strategy that goes beyond generic online marketing—this is where local SEO Dubai comes in. Local SEO focuses on optimizing your brand's online presence to attract customers in a specific geographical location. When implemented correctly, it can help you dominate search engine results for location-based searches, increase foot traffic to your physical store, and boost your brand's online credibility. In this article, we'll explore practical and proven local SEO techniques tailored for the Dubai market, so you can grow your brand effectively. Dubai is a hub of economic activity, attracting millions of residents, expatriates, and tourists. People often search online for products, services, and businesses nearby. Local SEO helps you appear in those crucial moments when potential customers are looking for something you offer. For instance, if someone types 'best coffee shop in Dubai' into Google, businesses with strong local SEO strategies have a much higher chance of appearing in the top results. This visibility directly translates into increased inquiries, store visits, and sales. A well-optimized Google Business Profile (formerly Google My Business) is the cornerstone of local SEO Dubai. Ensure your profile is fully completed with accurate business name, address, phone number, and website URL. Upload high-quality images of your store, products, and team to give potential customers a visual connection to your brand. Add your business hours and keep them updated, especially during public holidays in Dubai. Also, encourage happy customers to leave reviews—positive feedback not only improves your ranking but also builds trust with new clients. Use your exact business category for better targeting Include keywords like 'local SEO Dubai' naturally in your business description Regularly post updates, offers, and events to engage with your audience Incorporating location-based keywords into your website content, metadata, and blog posts is one of the most effective ways to rank higher for Dubai-related searches. Instead of generic keywords like 'digital marketing,' use more targeted phrases such as 'digital marketing agency in Dubai' or 'affordable local SEO Dubai services.' Conduct keyword research to find high-traffic, low-competition phrases relevant to your business and integrate them seamlessly into your website content without keyword stuffing. Dubai's audience is diverse, and producing content that resonates with local culture, events, and trends will set your brand apart. You can write blog posts about Dubai-specific topics, create guides for local customers, or share news about upcoming events in the city. For example, a restaurant could create an article like 'Top 10 Dishes to Try in Dubai This Winter' and subtly weave in local SEO Dubai keywords. This not only improves your search ranking but also builds a deeper connection with your audience. Dubai residents and tourists rely heavily on their smartphones to find local businesses. Google prioritizes mobile-friendly websites in its rankings, so having a responsive design is crucial. Ensure your site loads quickly, images are optimized, and navigation is smooth on all devices. Mobile optimization is not just a technical requirement—it's also a better user experience, which leads to higher engagement and conversions. Local citations—mentions of your business name, address, and phone number on other websites—play a major role in local SEO Dubai. Submit your business to reputable UAE directories such as YallaBanana, and UAE Results. Consistency is key—ensure your NAP (Name, Address, Phone number) is identical across all listings. These citations signal to search engines that your business is credible and relevant to Dubai-based searches. Backlinks from reputable Dubai-based websites can significantly improve your local search rankings. Partner with local influencers, collaborate with Dubai-based bloggers, and contribute guest articles to UAE news portals. You can also sponsor local events, participate in community activities, or join Dubai's business associations to get mentioned on their websites. These backlinks act as endorsements in the eyes of search engines, boosting your authority and trustworthiness. Social media platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok are extremely popular in Dubai. Post regularly with localized hashtags such as #DubaiBusiness or #LocalSEODubai to increase visibility. Engage with followers by responding to comments, sharing user-generated content, and running location-specific promotions. Social signals indirectly support your SEO efforts by driving traffic to your site and improving brand awareness. Schema markup is a type of code that helps search engines understand your business details. For local SEO Dubai, implement local business schema to highlight important information such as your address, business hours, and reviews. This can improve your chances of appearing in rich search results, which often have higher click-through rates than standard listings. The Dubai market is fast-paced, and customer behavior can shift quickly. Regularly track your local SEO performance using tools like Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and local rank tracking software. Monitor your rankings for key Dubai-related terms, analyze traffic sources, and adjust your strategy based on what's working. Continuous optimization ensures you stay ahead of competitors and maintain strong visibility. While many businesses attempt local SEO, some fall into traps that limit their results. Avoid these common mistakes: Using outdated business information in directories Ignoring online reviews or responding negatively Failing to target mobile users Overusing keywords, which can harm rankings Not optimizing for voice search, which is growing in popularity in Dubai In a competitive market like Dubai, having a strong local online presence is essential for business growth. By optimizing your Google Business Profile, using location-specific keywords, creating locally relevant content, and building quality local backlinks, you can effectively dominate local search results. Local SEO Dubai is not a one-time effort but an ongoing strategy that adapts to market changes. Brands that invest in these techniques will enjoy increased visibility, customer trust, and long-term success in the UAE's thriving business landscape. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Business Insider
2 hours ago
- Business Insider
AI Daily: Apple plots expansion into robots, home security
Catch up on the top artificial intelligence news and commentary by Wall Street analysts on publicly traded companies in the space with this daily recap compiled by The Fly: Elevate Your Investing Strategy: Take advantage of TipRanks Premium at 50% off! Unlock powerful investing tools, advanced data, and expert analyst insights to help you invest with confidence. EXPANSION: Apple (AAPL) is plotting its artificial intelligence comeback with an 'ambitious slate of new devices,' including robots, a lifelike version of Siri, a smart speaker with a display and home-security cameras, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reports. A tabletop robot that serves as a virtual companion, targeted for 2027, is the centerpiece of the AI strategy, according to people with knowledge of the matter. The smart speaker with a display, meanwhile, is slated to arrive next year, part of a push into entry-level smart-home products. Home security is seen as another big growth opportunity. New cameras will anchor an Apple security system that can automate household functions, the author notes. Publicly traded companies in the home security and automation space include Arlo Technologies (ARLO) and ADT (ADT). INFRASTRUCTURE, AI-READY WORKFORCE: Google (GOOGL) is investing an additional $9B in Oklahoma within the next two years in cloud and AI infrastructure, the company said in a blog post. 'This investment supports the development of a new data center campus in Stillwater and the expansion of our existing facility in Pryor, as well as expanded education and workforce development programs. As part of a broader $1B commitment to American education and competitiveness, the University of Oklahoma and Oklahoma State University are part of the first cohort of the Google AI for Education Accelerator that launched last week, giving Sooners and Cowboys no-cost access to Google Career Certificates and AI training courses. Google is also providing funding to support an innovative program with the electrical training ALLIANCE to increase the electrical workforce pipeline in Oklahoma by 135%, helping develop the labor force needed to build new energy infrastructure. This is an extraordinary time for American innovation. These investments will prepare Oklahoma's students with critical AI and job-ready skills, and create a talent pipeline of workers to power not only Oklahoma's future, but America's AI leadership.' HARASSMENT CLAIM: A U.S. federal judge has ruled that Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk must face OpenAI's claims that his legal and media attacks are a 'years-long harassment campaign,' Bloomberg's Robert Burnson reports. U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers on Tuesday refused Musk's request to dismiss allegations that he has weaponized legal claims, social media posts and statements in the press to try to sabotage OpenAI's success in an effort to gain advantage for his xAI genAI startup.
