Tubi is doubling down on its plan to platform projects helmed by digital-native notables. Fresh off the launch of a program called Tubi for Creators, the FOX-owned provider of AVOD programming has revealed a four-film slate in partnership with Kevin Hart‘s Hartbeat studio.
The slate spotlights several creators who previously broke out on platforms like YouTube and TikTok. Chief among them is Kinigra Deon, whose resourceful short films have attracted more than 2.1 billion lifetime views on her primary YouTube channel. Deon was already active on Tubi thanks to a deal that brought her series Vampire Siblings to the platform. Now, her presence in the AVOD world will level up through a supernatural thriller titled Sundown.
Though many of Deon’s videos are apt choices for spooky season (what with the Vampire Siblings and all), Sundown won’t bow on Tubi until next year. The platform is being patient with its Hartbeat slate, which also includes a project led by the hosts of the 85 South Show. Those creators — Wild N’ Out alumni DC Young Fly, Chico Bean, and Karlous Miller — are behind Dead End, a satirical horror-comedy that will expand the 85 South universe.
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The other two films in the slate will be announced at a later date. “A big part of what we talked about doing is creating a bridge for creators to Hollywood, while allowing them to maintain their authenticity and creative freedom,” Tubi GM of Creator Programs and EVP of Business Development Rich Bloom told The Hollywood Reporter. “Hartbeat really shared a similar vision as they were starting to think about working with creators.”
Bloom came to Tubi after making a name for himself at Vimeo. Since his arrival, Tubi has positioned itself as one of FOX’s most useful vehicles for influencer partnerships. An initiative that kicked into high gear with a Khaby Lame partnership is now bringing more creators into the fold. For the likes of Deon, who have looked to sell their programming as premium content, an opportunity to hop into the FAST lane is most welcome.
