Discovery Communications, a company that has built its reputation on unscripted and nonfiction programming, announced Thursday that is tapping two prominent Oscar winners to help the company branch out into digital scripted offerings.
Ron Howard and Brian Grazer, both Hollywood heavyweights, will found New Form, a digital studio that will create original programming for Discovery’s online properties.
Kathleen Grace will serve as chief creative officer for the new studio, which will be based in Los Angeles. Grace most recently served as head of creative development at YouTubeSpace LA, the online video giant’s 41,000-square foot content studio and creative hub in Los Angeles. Before that she was production and programming VP at Next New Networks.
“We are excited and proud to have the most accomplished and creative minds in all of film and television investing with us in New Form,” said David Zaslav, president and CEO, Discovery Communications. “Brian and Ron are best-in-class storytellers, and we look forward to developing compelling programming for today’s digital viewers. This creative powerhouse, coupled with Discovery’s strong programming expertise and our ability to engage viewers across our global platforms, is an unparalleled combination.”
New Form will produce three- to six-minute episodic series, as well as one-off videos.
According to “The New York Times,” Zaslav is “prepared to throw Discovery’s marketing muscle behind the venture.”
Read More: The New York Times
Brief Take: Discovery knows that younger audiences are watching an ever-increasing amount of television online. They’ve got to act quickly to retain and attract young viewers.
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