My Damn Channel Re-Launches To Become Omnivision

The online video landscape has shifted since My Damn Channel first launched in 2007, and the network/studio is re-branding to reflect its current place in the industry. Founders Rob Barnett and Warren Chao have announced that My Damn Channel is re-launching as Omnivision Entertainment, an entertainment company spread across traditional and digital platforms.

The re-branding effort comes six weeks after My Damn Channel announced Videocracy, which will become the studio’s first TV program when it debuts on HLN. With the company’s profile expanding, Barnett and Chao decided to change its image. “Warren and I both left traditional media to build a major media company focused on the future of entertainment,” said Barnett. “Seven years later, traditional, digital and social media companies are forging powerful partnerships with a united vision to earn passionate fans and build thriving businesses together.”

For its first move, Omnivision has partnered with Sara Maria Forsberg, the 19-year

old Finn who became a YouTube sensation after her video “What Languages Sound Like To Foreigners” went viral to the tune of 10 million views. A month later, Forsberg–who goes by Smoukahontas on YouTube–has more than 131,000 subscribers.

Omnivision has snapped up Forsberg right as she gets set to make her American TV debut on Ellen on April 7th. In keeping with its multi-platform approach, Omnivision will help Forsberg follow up this TV appearance by working with her to create content for both YouTube and My Damn Channel.

In a nutshell, Omnivision seems to be very similar to the company that spawned it, and Omnivision will continue to produce and distribute premium comedy content for MyDamnChannel.com and the My Damn Channel Comedy Network. It just happens to have a greater focus on TV and a name that is a little less profane.