Pulse, Merman launch branded comedy JV

Jeremy Rainbird and Kira Carstensen

UK- and US-based indie Pulse Films is joining forces with transatlantic comedy prodco Merman to launch a branded entertainment joint venture.

Merman X Pulse will be headquartered in LA and London, with Pulse’s Kira Carstensen and Merman’s Jeremy Rainbird at the helm as executive producers.

The JV will use a roster of comedy superstars to produce branded content and commercials, working directly with brands and agencies.

The company will also offer unique access to its world-renowned talent and its creative teams through script development, workshops, brainstorms, appearances and promotion.

That talent includes David Cross (Fox’s Arrested Development), Sharon Horgan (Catastrophe for Amazon, Divorce for HBO) and Chris O’Dowd (Moone Boy for Sky1).

Comedy production outfits such as Upright Citizens Brigade and New Zealand-based The Downlow Concept are also on board.

Carstensen said Merman X Pulse was the perfect choice for brands that want to communicate their message through comedy.

Merman, originally known as Merman Films, was founded last year by Horgan (who is married to Rainbird) and former Big Talk comedy producer Clelia Mountford.