NBCUniversal, Snap Form Hollywood Studio, Ink Original Programming Deal With Duplass Brothers
Snap and NBCUniversal are joining forces to bring original programming, including short-form comedies and dramas, to mobile screens.
The first deal is with the Duplass Brothers, the siblings behind the HBO shows “Togetherness” and “Room 104.”
Mark and Jay Duplass have also directed “The Puffy Chair,” “Jeff, Who Lives at Home,” and “The Do-Deca-Pentathlon” under their Duplass Brothers Production banner.
“We see scripted as the next exciting chapter to dive into, and are thrilled to be charting this path with NBCUniversal,” said Sean Mills, Snap’s head of Original Content, in a statement. “We’re huge fans of Mark and Jay, and can’t wait to see how they bring their innovative storytelling to Snapchat.”
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Earlier this year, NBCUniversal invested $500 million in Snap’s IPO, and last year the two companies partnered to produce original programming for the Snapchat app. Since then, they’ve launched several shows together on Snap’s Discover platform, including its first daily news show, “Stay Tuned.”
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The studio will be owned equally by NBCUniversal and Snap.
The new joint venture, which was first reported by Variety, will be overseen by Sean Mills, Snap’s head of content, and Maggie Suniewick, president of NBCUniversal Digital Enterprises. Lauren Anderson will act as chief content officer.
“As mobile audiences continue to grow, we’re excited to expand the type of content we can develop,” said Anderson in a statement. “By combining the best-in-class creative expertise of NBCUniversal with the broad digital reach of Snapchat, we have the unique ability to take mobile programming to the next level, creating compelling shows for both viewers and advertisers.”
Earlier this year, Snap VP of Content Nick Bell had said the platform would roll out scripted shows by the end of 2017.
Related stories from TheWrap:
'Outside In' Toronto Review: Edie Falco, Jay Duplass Shine in Quiet Drama
'Room 104' From Duplass Brothers Renewed by HBO
3 Reasons Behind Snap's Big Run: From Teen Spirit to New Toys
