FilmRise, Above Avergae parther on comedy content
May 9, 2022
FilmRise, the New York-based film and television studio and streaming network, has entered a deal with Lorne Michaels’ Above Average, a division of Broadway Video, to create streaming TV episodes each to feature a variety of comedy sketches taken from the over 40 hours available from the “Above Average” library. FilmRise will distribute the newly formatted comedy series to all digital platforms as well as feature it on the FilmRise Comedy AVOD App and its FAST Channels. The announcement was made today by Max Einhorn, SVP of Acquisitions & Co-Productions of FilmRise and Marc Lieberman, President of Above Average.
Max Einhorn of FilmRise states: “Our deal with Above Average expands our digital native offerings to include comedy with high-profile, high-quality programming. “Above Average” is a brand that features some of the biggest names in comedy and has over 8 million subscribers in its network and 2.4 billion views on YouTube.”
Marc Lieberman adds: “We are thrilled to expand ‘Above Average’s’ audience to streaming viewers around the world. Since the launch of ‘Above Average,’ we have watched the network grow exponentially, and are excited to partner with FilmRise’s innovative team to expand our digital footprint worldwide.”
Initially FilmRise will roll-out 2 seasons, consisting of 15 episodes each. Episodes will range from 22-30 minutes long. The programmes will include comedy sketches from :“7 Minutes In Heaven,” featuring high-profile talent such as Paul Rudd, Tina Fey, Ellen DeGeneres, Amy Poehler, Andy Samberg, among many others; “Cool Kids’ Table;” “Forgotten Assholes of History;” “Hudson Valley Ballers;” “I Wanna Have Your Baby;” “Is This Okay?;” “Paulilu Mixtape;” “Sound Advice;” “The Idiot’s Guide to Smart People;” “Thingstarter;” and “Waco Valley;” to mention a few. FilmRise plans to launch the first two season in July of 2022.
The deal was negotiated by Jonitha Keymoore, VP Global Content Acquisitions of FilmRise and Marc Lieberman, President of Above Average.
The deal with Above Average Productions is the latest in a series of partnerships between FilmRise and digital native creators, which includes an overall deal with multi-media management company Night who represents creators like MrBeast, Preston Arsement, Brianna Arsement, Unspeakable, Azzyland, ZHC, and others, as well as Wilderness Productions for “Brave Wilderness” hosted by Coyote Peterson. FilmRise’s Digital Native division works with digital creators to distribute their content onto major streaming platforms outside of YouTube, building new revenue streams and finding new audiences for their brands.