MrBallen Studios picks up original podcast to expand beyond its titular creator

MrBallen has struck a deal with a notable Hollywood screenwriter. Rodney Barnes, who recently served as an executive producer on the HBO series Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty, will bring a podcast called Run, Fool! to Ballen Studios.

After building his YouTube channel into one of the top true crime destinations on YouTube, MrBallen (real name John Allen) launched Ballen Studios to manage his growing content empire. His personal Ballen Studios projects have included a podcast about “strange, dark, and mysterious” tales. He has also pledged $1 million to families affected by violent crimes and has expanded into talent with the launch of Ballen Management.

Barnes, whose career has included writing credits on shows like Everybody Hates Chris and The Boondocks, will add a horror podcast to the Ballen Studios slate. The official description of Run, Fool! describes the show as a “weekly compendium of grisly and harrowing tales guaranteed to make you scream.” Allen and Barnes are executive producing in partnership with At Will Media 

Deadline notes that Run, Fool! is being developed with potential film and TV adaptations in mind. “It’s difficult to convey how excited I am to be working with MrBallen and our entire producing team,” Barnes said. “I’ve loved horror my entire life, and I’m thrilled to share a new terrifying story with the world each week.”

In addition to Barnes, Allen has secured production partnerships with other creators, including the team behind the podcast Bedtime Stories. Ballen Studios has expanded through several executive hires; former Cadence13 VP Steven Cohen joined the studio last year to lead its sales division.

The first episode of Run, Fool! will premiere on November 14.