Fox, Holywater partner Dhar Mann Studios on 40 microseries to debut on My Drama

Fox Entertainment has struck a deal with digital media outfit Dhar Mann Studios to create vertical microseries that will premiere on My Drama, a platform owned by Ukraine-headquartered Holywater.

Rob Wade

The pact covers an initial slate of 40 microdramas, each distributed exclusively by Fox Entertainment Global following a first window on My Drama.

This marks the first time that Dhar Mann Studios, which has become a leader in the YouTube scripted content space, has agreed a partnership in the vertical video arena. The company also recently hired development exec and showrunner Erin McFarlane as its new head of vertical content.

While specifics of the deal were not disclosed, Fox said Dhar Mann Studios will “retain ownership and creative independence over his original content” under the partnership.

The deal comes around four months after Fox Entertainment acquired an undisclosed equity stake in Holywater, in addition to unveiling plans to produce some 200 titles under the partnership.

“Entering the global vertical video arena in partnership with Fox and Holywater is an exciting next step in the studio’s remarkable trajectory,” said Fox Entertainment CEO Rob Wade.

“As leading partners to creators exploring this growing ecosystem, we’re primed to expand Dhar Mann Studios’ reach by super-serving his new and existing fans everywhere with this all-new, original vertical content.”

Dhar Mann CEO Sean Atkins and McFarlane added: “As we introduce Dhar’s creative vision to this new format and era of entertainment, it became clear that Fox Entertainment and Holywater are partners that truly understand what this scope of ambition requires.

“Rob and his team are both embracing innovation and investing in it, affording us an unprecedented level of creative autonomy and resources needed to build something that has never been done before at this scale. That combination allows us to reach new and existing audiences in powerful ways while staying true to Dhar’s positive and resonant storytelling.”