Cable channel Disney XD and multichannel network Maker Studios are looking for young YouTube talent who may get a shot at developing their own TV pilots — the latest bit of corporate synergy the Mouse House is trying to engineer since buying the MCN.
They’re collaborating on Disney XD by Maker, an initiative to find and develop video concepts for distribution on YouTube, as well as potentially DisneyXD.com and the Watch Disney XD app. The “best of the best” might even be developed as original television series pilots for Disney XD, according to the cabler.
Disney XD by Maker will use the Maker Offers platform to provide funding for video concepts with budgets up to $1,000 each. Maker has already lined up members of its talent roster — including CaptainSparklez, forrestfire101, ZexyZek, 101DarkMonkey, EvanTube, Luzu and Lana, and Random Encounters — to create original content specifically for this program.
To be eligible, creators must be age 18 or older. Participants will be provided tools, analytics and development guidance from both Maker and Disney XD as part of the program.
“Recognized by our audience as celebrities in their own right, these stars will pave the way for up-and-coming Disney XD by Maker talent, cultivating a creative community that drives inspiration, original storytelling and unique formats that can be shared globally,” said Marc Buhaj, general manager and senior VP of programming for Disney XD.
In another upcoming Disney-Maker mashup to promote the launch of “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” toys this week, 14 YouTubers in the MCN’s network around the world will be featured in live “unboxing” videos over the span of 18 hours.
