Wonder Studios, Foundation Distribution bring AI-made content to connected TVs

Kita from Grammy-nominated artist Jidenna

Content made using AI from emerging filmmakers will be streamed globally on connected TV platforms such as Roku and Samsung TV following an agreement between Wonder Studios and Foundation Distribution.

The second season of Wonder’s anthology series Beyond the Loop, which features short films made using AI, will be the first title to launch, having already been released on YouTube.

Filmmakers involved include Grammy-nominated artist Jidenna (Kita); Kavan the Kid, whose AI short films have drawn more than 100 million views; and Bafta-winning editor Hal Watmough, who recently joined Wonder as head of post-production. The films were made using CapCut, ElevenLabs, OpenArt and invideo.

Wonder said it will bring further work under the deal from filmmakers within its community and beyond who have built substantial followings online.

The focus will be on longform films and series, rather than shortform, with Wonder planning to commission new originals. Wonder added that while AI remains “an important creative tool for many of the filmmakers” it works with, the studio’s slate is increasingly spanning live-action and hybrid production.

It comes after Roku launched the ad-supported Fairground AI Creator TV channel, the first free, all-AI streaming channel pulling content from roughly 100 AI creators, earlier this year.

Sarah Craig, president at Foundation Distribution, said: “We’ve seen first-hand over the years that bringing online creator content to connected TV doesn’t dilute existing audiences – it amplifies them by meeting viewers wherever they watch.

“When used thoughtfully to complement traditional storytelling, AI tools open up immense creative possibilities – allowing indie filmmakers to produce elevated, cost-effective work that belongs across every major streaming platform alongside traditional film.”

Xavier Collins, CEO and co-founder Wonder Studios, said: “This deal with Foundation marks a watershed moment for Wonder. What started as a mission to help filmmakers becoming founders has now materialised into a position where emerging talent is having its content broadcast into millions of homes worldwide.”