Ron Perlman, former WildBrain execs launch creator-led financing and content platform

American actor Ron Perlman (Hellboy) is teaming with several industry veterans, including two former leaders at WildBrain (fka DHX Media), to launch a creator-led financing and content development platform for TV and film.

Ron Perlman

Ron Perlman

Watrfall, based in Los Angeles, says it will allow fans to “financially invest in the stories they care about while actively participating in their creation through voting on projects, engaging in the creative process, and gaining transparent access to financials.”

In addition to Perlman, Watrfall is co-founded by Michael Donovan, former CEO and executive chair at WildBrain, as well as a producer of Michael Moore’s Bowling for Columbine; Dana Landry, founder of IoM Media Ventures and former CEO of WildBrain; and tech and media founder and investor Willie Morris.

According to the company, it will give fans both a say in the creative process as well as a share of the profits. “Investors in Watrfall will be entitled to 100% of the net profits from its first slate of films it produces, as well as 5% of the platform’s profits in perpetuity,” it said. On August 22, the platform will open a call for public investment.

Watrfall said it uses a crowd investment platform that is regulated by the Securities & Exchange Commission, as well as a decentralised data management platform.

On the creator side, writers and producers are able to submit scripts and projects that fans will decide whether or not receive funding. The creators will retain creative control over their content, according to Watrfall, while also gaining support to manage funding and monetisation.

“We built Watrfall to realign the entertainment value chain – where creators are in control, where the people who make content actually benefit from its success, and where film and television lovers everywhere can have a real seat at the table,” said Perlman.

“This is not only the beginning of a new model – one where power and participation are shared, but of a movement that empowers those who are in it for the love of culture.”

Donovan, Landry and Morris added in a statement: “Watrfall isn’t just a platform – it’s a reimagining of how entertainment is made, funded and shared. With this model, we’re finally putting the decision-making power into the hands of creators and audiences.”