Key Takeaways:
- Fox Entertainment has signed a multiyear deal with Dhar Mann Studios to create original scripted vertical-video shows for the microdrama video platform Holywater.
- The deal includes the creation of 40 "narrative-driven" titles, with the first shows expected to roll out this spring.
- Dhar Mann Studios will retain ownership and creative independence over its original content, with worldwide distribution windows managed by Fox Entertainment Global.
- The partnership aims to expand Dhar Mann Studios’ reach and provide new and existing fans with original vertical content.
- The deal marks Dhar Mann Studios’ first official partnership in the fast-growing vertical space, with producer Erin McFarlane appointed as head of vertical content.
Introduction to the Partnership
Fox Entertainment is making a significant investment in microdramas, signing a multiyear deal with Dhar Mann Studios to create a series of original scripted vertical-video shows. The partnership will see Dhar Mann Studios produce an initial slate of 40 "narrative-driven" titles designed for Holywater, the microdrama video platform in which Fox Entertainment took an equity stake last year. Following their exclusive debut on Holywater’s My Drama app, the Dhar Mann Studios shows will have worldwide distribution windows managed by Fox Entertainment Global, with the first shows expected to roll out this spring.
About Dhar Mann Studios
Dhar Mann Studios has built a massive following across platforms, including YouTube, with over 163 million followers and 20 billion views to date. The company’s mission is to create "inspirational narrative content" that makes a "positive impact on people across the world." Founded in 2018, Dhar Mann Studios has established itself as a major player in the short-form scripted content space, with a 125,000-square-foot, three-stage production facility in Burbank, California. Through its partnership with Fox and Holywater, Dhar Mann will retain ownership and creative independence over his original content, allowing him to continue creating content that resonates with his audience.
Reaction from Fox Entertainment
Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade praised Dhar Mann’s storytelling excellence and passionate audience, stating that the company is "primed to expand Dhar Mann Studios’ reach by super-serving his new and existing fans everywhere with this all-new, original vertical content." Wade’s comments highlight the potential for the partnership to bring Dhar Mann’s content to a wider audience, while also providing new and exciting content for his existing fans. The deal marks a significant investment in the microdrama space, with Fox Entertainment demonstrating its commitment to exploring new and innovative formats.
The Deal’s Significance
The deal with Fox Entertainment is Dhar Mann Studios’ first official partnership in the fast-growing vertical space. To lead production, the studio has appointed producer, showrunner, and development executive Erin McFarlane as its head of vertical content. McFarlane previously led creative programming development and production for vertical video platform SaltyTV. The partnership with Fox Entertainment and Holywater will provide Dhar Mann Studios with the resources and creative autonomy needed to build something new and innovative at scale. As Dhar Mann Studios CEO Sean Atkins noted, the partnership will allow the company to "reach new and existing audiences in powerful ways while staying true to Dhar’s positive and resonant storytelling."
Holywater’s Involvement
Holywater’s co-founders and co-CEOs, Bogdan Nesvit and Anatolii Kasianov, expressed their pleasure at partnering with Dhar Mann and Fox to bring this creative vision to their audiences worldwide. The partnership represents the first step in Holywater’s broader strategy to attract global creators and top-tier talent to vertical storytelling at scale. Earlier this month, Holywater announced its largest financing round to date, banking $22 million. In addition to its investment in Holywater, Fox Entertainment Studios is in active production on a slate of 200 original microdramas and vertical series for the platform, demonstrating its commitment to the microdrama space.
Conclusion
The partnership between Fox Entertainment, Dhar Mann Studios, and Holywater marks a significant investment in the microdrama space, with a focus on creating original scripted vertical-video shows for the Holywater platform. With Dhar Mann Studios’ massive following and Fox Entertainment’s resources, the partnership has the potential to bring new and exciting content to a wider audience. As the microdrama space continues to grow, it will be interesting to see how this partnership evolves and what new content is created as a result. With the first shows expected to roll out this spring, fans of Dhar Mann and microdramas will be eagerly awaiting the launch of these new titles.
