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ViacomCBS International Studios partners Wattpad Webtoon for new IP

ViacomCBS International Studios (VIS) has partnered with Wattpad Webtoon Studios to work with emerging content and creatives from regions and countries including Latin America, Europe and the UK.

Ari Tan

The deal is the first major global partnership from Wattpad Webtoon Studios since the merger between the entertainment and publishing divisions of digital comics platform Webtoon and Canada-based digital storytelling platform Wattpad in June.

VIS will mine the Wattpad Webtoon Studios library to develop local-language IP with an existing fanbase and global potential to coproduce content for ViacomCBS’s networks and platforms, including streaming service Paramount+.

A slate of original series based on Wattpad and Webtoon digital comics and stories will be developed as part of the deal, financial details of which were not disclosed.

It comes after VIS has announced more than 30 Paramount+ originals to fuel the streamer as it continues its global roll-out, with its European expansion set for 2022.

Wattpad Webtoon Studios recently wrapped production on a film adaptation of Float, based on Kate Marchant’s Wattpad romance of the same name, with Lionsgate, Collective Pictures and Brightlight Pictures.

Aron Levitz

“ViacomCBS International Studios is committed to telling authentic, local stories from emerging creatives from all corners of the world, and through this mission, we have expanded to become one of the leading creators of content globally,” said Ari Tan, VP of head of strategy at ViacomCBS International Studios.

“Now through our partnership with Wattpad Webtoon Studios, we will have the opportunity to use this exciting, data-driven approach to inform our storytelling and amplify new creative talents through our global platforms.”

Aron Levitz, president of Wattpad Webtoon Studios, said: “Wattpad Webtoon Studios is home to some of the most exciting new voices in comics and literature. Between our massive global IP catalogue with built-in fandoms, and a roster of superstar comic artists and indie authors, we’re fueling a new era of data-backed entertainment.”

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