Latest news with #Alan'sUniverse
Express Tribune
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
YouTube takes over Hollywood
Content creators are no longer staying confined to their homespun setups. As Trump's proposed policies keep Hollywood on edge, YouTube stars have been moving to the forefront to expand their businesses. As per The Hollywood Reporter, popular digital creators like Dhar Mann, Dude Perfect, and Alan Chikin Chow are aiming to establish a media legacy by investing in large-scale studios to film their content. Mann, who uploads short films to raise awareness on heavy topics like bullying, wasn't always filming inside of an airplane fuselage near the Burbank airport. The creator began his journey on the platform in 2018, despite having no film background. Recalling his humble beginnings, Mann said, "In the early days, when we were shooting out of my apartment and we needed different film sets, my dining room was a restaurant, my bedroom was a patient room for a hospital, every single thing in my apartment was used for production sets." Now, all his apartment contributes is some furniture for his current property — a campus made of three buildings and more than 100,000 square feet of land, homing multiple sets for restaurants, schools, shopping malls, etc. Having employed a staff of nearly 200 people, Dhar Mann Studios shoots some 8 films simultaneously. "These are real film-level sets. We use the same equipment; we have the same types of resources that the same production companies are doing on TV," he said. "Well, now you're seeing that on YouTube." In the same city, an upcoming episode of Alan's Universe required a pastel-coloured classroom to be transformed into a science lab, where actors reacted to a chemical reaction happening offscreen. The YouTube show is developed by Chow, who observes the takes from the camera's lens. "We used to make eight-minute videos. They were very vignette-y; they were not super story driven. I would not say that the earlier episodes are something that you could see on 'real television'," said Chow, who partnered with Roku this year to make his series available beyond YouTube. The anthology series follows love, friendships, and overcoming the brunt of high school life. Despite being a modest webseries in its earlier stages, Alan's Universe has upped its production quality by expanding to a professional setting. "Because of this space, because of the cameras we have, because of the level of storytelling and the detail that we put in our writing, I can definitely say that what we're making now is something that you could have seen as a Disney Channel Original Movie back in the day," he said. "There's no difference, really. The level of quality storytelling, detail, world building, is all there." Both Mann and Chow were able to build their empires, thanks to the revenue generated from YouTube, enabling a new age of media production. They confirmed that their businesses attract investor interest, a development which abides by a common industry practice. MrBeast, known for his high-budget content, is looking to raise $200 million at a $5 billion valuation for his business, while sports comedy creators Dude Perfect saw a $100 million raise in an investment round in 2024. Building a legacy For Mann, who has two daughters to look after, it's not just about what his flair for content creation earns him now. He admitted that he and his content creator friends also seek to secure a contingency plan for their families. "All the friends that I have that are creators, they're now buying houses, they're getting married, they're having kids. A lot of those folks are trying to think of, how can I still have a career? I built this amazing YouTube channel, but how could I have some sort of exit event, which allows me to live my life, buy my house, send my kid through college, but also allows me to not lose what I've built," he said. "They want to make more money while still being in control of their business creatively, and not have some media company that has never run a YouTube channel take over and may not understand how digital content works." Validating Mann's insights, YouTube's sales executive Brian Albert said, "I think everyone has come to recognise that our creators are truly next-gen media companies. They're writers, they're producers, they're directors, all wrapped in one." In Hollywood's footsteps Much like the rise of Hollywood, YouTube personalities and their businesses are showing promise outside the Los Angeles sphere as well. According to The Hollywood Reporter, advertisers are now leaning towards creator content to not just improve quality but also to target younger consumers. At an advertising event hosted by Spotter in March, Samir Chaudry of Colin & Samir acknowledged the shift in the media landscape. "YouTube CEO Neal Mohan said that creators are the startups of Hollywood, and today, a lot of these startups are starting to look more and more like studios," he said. YouTuber Kinigra Deon moved from LA back to Birmingham Alabama to launch a scripted entertainment studio of her own. She said at the event, "In 2021, I moved back to Alabama, not to escape from Hollywood, but to build my own Hollywood." As content creators seep into the spaces once reserved for Hollywood big-names alone, the industry has begun to take notice. Mann mentioned that many of his crew members come from Disney and Lionsgate, adding that Dhar Mann Studios CEO Sean Atkins used to be the president of MTV. Chow, too, has a casting director on his team who formerly worked for Nickelodeon. "Sometimes, we get pushback from people who are not that open-minded. I would always think, what is the difference?" Chow posed. "Our show was shot with a similar budget to a Nickelodeon show, and the build of the world and the scripts are just as good. I think it really comes down to people slowly starting to understand that this is the new era." For these longtime creators, their passion for the craft is also what drives them to make tough calls. Mann mentioned receiving an offer to sell his company last year, but he turned it down. He said, "I just realised, what would I rather do with my life? This is the most amazing career that I could ever dream of."
Korea Herald
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Hybe's efforts to localize K-pop groups continue, this time in collaboration with YouTube creator Alan Chikin Chow
Global audition seeks aspiring singers, dancers, aged 18-28 for new multinational pop group by "Hybe America x AU" Hybe, the K-pop powerhouse behind BTS, is continuing its localization strategy by creating a new multinational pop group in partnership with popular YouTube creator Alan Chikin Chow, the company's US branch announced Friday. K-pop localization, led by agencies such as Hybe, SM and JYP, involves creating idol groups tailored to regional markets by recruiting local members, using native languages and adapting K-pop's training system. A key example is Katseye, Hybe's first multinational girl group formed with Geffen Records in California in 2023. Hybe America also plans to establish a new label, 'Hybe America x AU,' together with Chow, which will span both drama and music, blending fictional storytelling with real-world artist development. The YouTuber will serve as co-CEO and executive producer alongside James Shin, president of film and television at Hybe America, and Scooter Braun, CEO of Hybe America. The label's first project kicks off with a global audition targeting aspiring singers and dancers between the ages of 18 and 28. Applicants of any nationality can participate by uploading short-form videos to YouTube Shorts using the hashtag '#HYBEAMERICAxAU.' Selected participants will join a US-based intensive development program that combines Hybe's K-pop training with Chow's narrative-driven approach. The group will officially debut through a new original series from 'Alan's Universe,' which will follow the story of young artists entering an art academy and forming their own band. 'Alan's ability to connect with global audiences is remarkable. This collaboration will redefine the process of star-making, blending exceptional storytelling and artist discovery,' Braun said in a statement. According to Hybe America, the project reflects a growing trend in the entertainment industry where storytelling and artist development increasingly intersect. Chow is a globally popular YouTube Shorts creator, currently boasting over 88.8 million subscribers on his 'Alan's Universe' channel. Known for its themes of love, friendship and values relevant to teens, the web series has surpassed 700 million cumulative views across platforms. 'This partnership between the passionate global fandom of 'Alan's Universe' and the musical expertise of Hybe America will create powerful synergy,' Chow said. 'Together, we'll build a new label that delivers inspiration and resonance to audiences around the world.' Shin added, 'This collaboration goes beyond the simple coexistence of music and content — it's a blueprint for the future of entertainment. We plan to create a new artist development model tailored for the digital era.'
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alan Chikin Chow Launches Casting Call for Co-Ed Pop Group He's Forming With HYBE America That Will Be Featured in a Scripted Series on YouTube (EXCLUSIVE)
Alan Chikin Chow is looking for some 'multifaceted artists' to join him in a new mixed-gender pop-music group — and who also will co-star with him in a scripted series about the band on his YouTube channel. Chow, a top YouTuber who is the creator and star behind hit scripted teen comedy series 'Alan's Universe,' has inked a partnership with HYBE America, the U.S. division of Korean music and entertainment company HYBE. Together they have formed HYBE America x AU, described as a 'first-of-its-kind label' that will launch a next-generation franchise spanning both scripted content and music. More from Variety South Korea's Hybe IM Raises $21 Million for Video Game Publishing and Development, Including K-Pop Artist IP K-Pop Group NewJeans Vows to Continue Label Battle Despite Court Setback: 'This Fight Is Necessary' K-Pop's CD Problem: Environmental Groups Sound Alarm on Industry's Carbon Footprint 'The HYBE America x AU collaboration challenges current industry conventions with a bold approach that bridges Eastern and Western entertainment traditions in an entirely new way,' the partners said in announcing the venture. The initial project under the newly formed label will kick off with a global talent search to cast emerging artists to star alongside Chow in a co-ed band, composed of three males and three females. Following the casting of the band's members, they will participate in a development program in Los Angeles combining 'Chow's content expertise' with HYBE's K-pop training system. The music group will publicly debut in an original streaming series. Chow will lead as executive producer and label co-head alongside HYBE America CEO Scooter Braun and James Shin, president of film and television. The series about the as-yet-unnamed band will 'follow a group of aspiring pop idol rejects enrolled at an arts academy who decide to form their own band, fusing the worlds of drama, acting and musical performance with concurrent releases of original music and choreography,' according to the announcement. HYBE America X AU will launch a global talent search on social media. To audition, male and female candidates between 18-28 are asked to upload a singing or dancing clip onto YouTube Shorts via the hashtag #HYBEAMERICAxAU to be considered. More info is available at 'The passionate global fanbase of 'Alan's Universe' partnered with the premier music prowess of HYBE America creates an unstoppable force,' Chow said in a statement provided to Variety. 'Together, we stand to create a next-generation franchise with one purpose: to serve our fans with inspiring, impactful stories.' The franchise's video content will be available Chow's own YouTube channel (which has more than 87 million subscribers), and will extend across music platforms, merchandise, live touring and more. 'This partnership represents entertainment's future — where content and music enhance each other rather than simply coexist,' Shin said. 'We're building a franchise with Alan that establishes a new model for artist development in the digital age.' Braun added, 'Alan's extraordinary connection with global audiences makes him and this partnership unique. Together we are not only reimagining the star-making process but will help to create once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for exceptional storytelling and development.' Chow, 28, is touted as the most-watched YouTube Shorts creator with more than 1 billion views per month. To date, his 'Alan's Universe' series, in which he stars and executive produces, has garnered more than 700 million views across multiple platforms, with an average of 20 million views per episode. Chow most recently opened a 10,000-square-foot production studio space in L.A. in November 2024, which currently houses all production for the series. He's repped by CAA. Watch the trailer for the HYBE America x AU music project audition: Best of Variety New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week What's Coming to Disney+ in April 2025 The Best Celebrity Memoirs to Read This Year: From Chelsea Handler to Anthony Hopkins
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Alan Chikin Chow's Hit YouTube Series ‘Alan's Universe' Expands To Roku Channel
EXCLUSIVE: Roku is partnering with multihyphenate actor, writer, and producer Alan Chikin Chow to bring his No. 1 YouTube series Alan's Universe to The Roku Channel. This is the first time that the popular creator's content will be available outside of YouTube, expanding his reach to The Roku Channel's U.S. households with approximately 145 million people. The move will take Alan's Universe to the stratosphere, the creator/star's series already counting north of 80M subs on YouTube with a 50 billion overall channel view reach. Alan's Universe will be available on The Roku Channel in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the U.K. today, March 24. More from Deadline 'This Time Next Year' Author Sophie Cousens Talks Adapting Book To Script For Roku Rom-Com With "Something A Little Bit More To Say" Lucien Laviscount On "Layers" Of Roku Rom-Com 'This Time Next Year' And Future Appearances In 'People We Meet On Vacation' And 'Emily In Paris' Season 5 Roku Channel To Stream 'This Time Next Year' Rom-Com Starring Lucien Laviscount For Free Ahead Of Valentine's Day Deadline interview Chow and the stars of Alan's Universe –Chelsea Sik, Michelle Park and Haven Everly on Crew Call last year. Alan's Universe is a high school anthology series about love, friendships, and heart. The series follows Alan and his classmates who face off against bullies and villains, emerging victorious through the power of love. 'Alan Chikin Chow is part of the first wave of big creators online who are moving their content to Roku. With Alan's Universe, Roku continues to be at the convergence of digital and connected TV as online creators find more expansive audiences' Roku Media's Head of Content David Eilenberg tells Deadline. 'With Alan's Universe, Alan delivers universal time-tested themes in a fresh way. The series is a modern teenage version of classic soap opera storytelling which has resonated for every generation. Alan has built a massive following, and Roku couldn't be happier to be part of that larger universe,' added Eilenberg. 'There is no question that creator-produced content like 'Alan's Universe' is just as popular as traditional television series and movies, especially among younger audiences, who are increasingly streaming AVOD,' said Jennifer Vaux, Vice President, Content Acquisition & Programming, Roku Media. 'We're committed to curating a streaming experience that our millions of viewers want to watch and look forward to working with Alan's team to further build upon his incredible reach.' 'We are thrilled to bring our universe to new platforms, expanding our reach to an even wider audience,' said Chow. 'This venture with Roku marks an exciting step forward in the new era of creator-driven scripted content, and we're proud to be at the forefront of this evolution – where bold storytelling and digital innovation redefine what's possible in entertainment.' Chow counts over 100 million followers and more than 50 billion views across his smash-hit content. He is the #1 YouTube Shorts creator and regularly rakes in 1 billion views per month. His YouTube channel, at over 85 million subscribers, boasts a larger YouTube following than BTS and regularly charts as the #1 Highest-Viewed Channel in the Country. Currently featured on both Forbes Top Creators 2024 and Rolling Stone's 25 Most Influential Creators of 2024, Chow continues to lead weekly charts as the most-viewed YouTube channel in the United States. In 2023, Chow launched his scripted series Alan's Universe to rave fan reception, with over 700M views across the series. He recently opened his own 10,000-square-foot production studio space in Los Angeles, which currently houses all production for the smash-hit series. The Roku Channel is available to stream for free — no subscription or sign-up required. Audiences can watch it on Roku devices or TVs, and it's also easily accessible online at and on iOS and Android devices, Amazon Fire TVs, Samsung TVs, and Google TVs and other Android TV OS devices. Best of Deadline 2025 TV Series Renewals: Photo Gallery How To Watch 'Wicked: Part One': Is The Film Streaming Yet? All The Songs In 'Severance' Season 2: From The Who To Ella Fitzgerald
