The CW Launches Digital Studio with Originals from Stun, iJustine

Speaking of traditional television channels ramping up the output of their online video productions, The CW recently announced the launch of its very own digital studio charged with creating content for “digital platforms, while still reflecting The CW brand” and reinforcing its connection with digital audiences.

“The digital space allows us to explore unique or outrageous concepts and even different formats that wouldn’t be right for traditional television, but that are perfect for online,” said Rich Haskins, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Digital Programs. “We’re so thrilled with our first slate of projects, and we’re excited to work with producers and with advertisers to create new content that will be a great extension of their brand and ours.”

The CW Digital Studios (or CWD for short) will launch a full slate of online original programming this Fall. That programming slate will initially feature projects focusing on areas of animation, game shows, comedy, digital personalities, and interactive and customizable programming including:

• Gallery Girl – A digital animated comedy series showcasing a savvy, cool and acerbic gallerina who gleefully takes down the celebrities who are brave enough to enter her SoHo art gallery. Executive produced by Brad Roth and Mark Feldstein of Stun Creative, an LA-based advertising agency/production company whose previous digital credits include The Single Life, Jen & Barb Mom Life, The Writers Room and Obamourage.

• Fandemonium – a combination of a traditional game show and a competition show, where The CW’s Facebook fans can compete for the title of The CW’s #1 fan, using social media platforms including Pinterest, GetGlue and Klout.

• Untitled Justine Ezarik Project – Starring YouTube sensation Justine Ezarik (aka iJustine), who dispenses advice on her vlog to her followers that she can’t quite seem to get right for herself. Executive Producers are The Tannenbaum Co., Eric Tannenbaum, Kim Tannenbaum, The Collective and Richie Keen.

• Stupid Hype – A live-action series created by and starring Hart Of Dixie star Wilson Bethel that chronicles the (mis)adventures of a former breakdancer turned rising rap star in 1990. Earlier this year Bethel wrote and produced Rachel “Thug Lite” Bilson’s online rap debut, Call Me Doctor, which went viral almost instantly after posting on Funny or Die.

• Interlude – An interactive video entertainment technology developed by Israeli rock star Yoni Bloch, will allow fans of The CW’s regularly scheduled television programming to control the action in real-time in special shorts especially created and shot for the Choose-Your-Own-Adventure-style experience.

The CW will distribute all of the above programming on the CWTV.com, across its various social network platforms and profiles, and on its YouTube channel. The network will also market the above programming by way of pre-rolls on videos across its website.