Cosmo DeNicola Companies News


Thursday, December 22, 2022

Steward Families Gather for Washington DC Annual Meeting

Washington, DC - Stewards, family, friends and Papal Foundation staff on Monday after Mass with Archbishop Timothy Broglio and Bishop Joe Coffey in the Archdiocese for the Military Service’s chapel.

 

The Stewards of Saint Peter gathered in our nation’s capital December 4-6 for fellowship, to join in prayer and the celebration of the Eucharist and to conduct important fiundation business. The Willard Intercontinental Hotel, which was adorned in Christmas Decorations, was once again host to the event.

 

The meeting kicked off Sunday night with a beautiful Mass at Saint Matthews’s Cathedral and continued with more than 30 Stewards, friends, and Foundation staff at a delicious dinner at Mastro’s where conversations around each table focused on how so many Stewards have made overseas mission trips in 2022.

 

Monday began with Reconciliation and Mass hosted by Archdiocese for the Military Services in their beautiful chapel. Our host for the morning, Archbishop Timothy Broglio, recently elected president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, held a Q & A session during which Stewards askes a wide range of questions.

 

Upon returning from Mass, Stewards were treated to a luncheon presentation by Majorie Dannenfelser, president of SBA Pro-Life America, in which she provided a post–election and post-Dobbs analysis of the state of the pro-life movement’s efforts to build a culture of life throughout the country.

 

For many of the Foundation’s Trustees, the luncheon was followed by Investment committee and Grants Review committee meetings. But many Stewards took advantage of an optional tour of the Basilica Shrine of the Immaculate Conception on the campus of The Catholic University of America.

 

Dinner at the Willard included an update on the Foundation’s activities from yours truly, but the highlight of the evening was a moving presentation by Steward and Mission Fund committee chairman Jim Towey, who spoke about his many years of friendship and work with Saint Mother Teresa of Calcutta. Jim recently published a book about his times with Saint Mother.

 

Tuesday kicked off with Gospel refection lead by Eustace Mita, followed by Mass celebrated by Father Aquinas Guilbeau, O.P., University and Director of Campus Ministry chaplain for Catholic University.

 

Following Mass, a breakfast buffet followed and Brian Burch, president of Catholic Vote, provided Stewards with an analysis for the 2022 Senate and House election results, along with a preview of what’s ahead for issues of interest of Catholics.

A group of stewards then took part in a tour of the Saint John Paul II Shrine, while another group of Stewards participated in Development committee meetings before heading over to the Apostolic Nunciature for the Board of Trustees meeting. The Board meeting was followed by a beautiful joyous reception and dinner, hosted by the Papal Nucio, Archbishop Christophe Pierre. Foundation President Eustace Mita served as a master of ceremonies and Foundation Vice Chairman Rob Neal offered a toast to the Holy Father.


The Board of Trustees elected Stewards Paul Hill, Tim Ristoff and as Cosmo DeNicola Trustees to three-year terms, and also approved the annual slate of officers and committee members.

 

It was wonderful to see so many Stewards of Saint Peter together, and Jim, Jane, John, Sharon, Ian and I were blessed to be with them too! 

 

We are grateful to Archbishop Christophe Pierre and his team for their generous hospitality throughout the day and into the evening on Tuesday!

 

The excitement at our meeting in Washington provided so many reasons to feel blessed this Advent season!

 

Thursday, December 22, 2022

Creative Collaboration Glamping

New York, NY - What came of this three-day writing camp is a collection of records that are full of life, texture, color and vulnerability. As each creative learned more about their art while empathizing deeply for the struggles and walks of their contemporaries who now become friends. Artists such as the prolific Edie Wyse, the beautifully textured Hippie Tribe, the generational talent in CeddyJay and so many more. Each artist found ground to be more open about themselves, their journey, and released deep-seated emotions into their respective art forms that day. The effectiveness of all creativity comes down to communication; how what you create makes the audience feel or think. In this endeavor, this collaboration serves as a massive success. Each artist realized that some people have an energy that can magnify your light when you’re together. Those people are special. You won’t feel empty without them, but you will feel a little less radiant in their absence, especially if you are all force multipliers for one another. Keep them so close. In doing so, keep making art if it’s in you to make. It doesn’t have to be liked. It doesn’t have to be sellable. It doesn’t even have to be good. Just keep making it if it’s in you. If you can’t sing it, rap it. If you can’t rap it, write about it. But make it. Very grateful to be witnessing the beginnings of so many creative legacies in this city. Love and power to everyone finding their strides. Aphex Twin Launches Custom Sample Mashing App ‘Samplebrain’ The soon-to-be-released official el3ment x Project Feel documentary showcases the full experience these artists navigated through. It’s truly a must watch, heartwarming display of what ensues when love and acceptance meet talent and collaboration. The el3ment x Project Feel documentary features appearances from Edie Wyse, Franco Colon, Emily Weekes, CeddyJay, Becky Mathai, Jerk, Courtnie, LEIFER, Kenji, Blond Bomber and dpthuH of Hippie Tribe, Ryan J Garcia, Francheska, Mia Jae, Glooms Garcia, Allan, Joe, Christine, Sarah and so many others. To Read More of Wavypack & Riley Mejia article about el3ment please click on this link: 

https://wavypack.com/2022/12/when-it-all-comes-together-the-el3ment-of-project-feel

 

Wednesday, November 30, 2022

The Phoenix Hotel

 Warsaw, Poland - We landed in Warsaw, a modern European city of 1.8 million people whose population has exploded as they welcomed hundreds of thousands of refugees, fleeing the war in Ukraine.

Our hotel is less than 200 miles from the nearest border with the war torn country, but only 10 minutes away from the physical and emotional pain and suffering of the Ukrainian people.

Our first day brought us to a different type of refugee gathering, there were no “tents” but instead a new Ukrainian city created in a Warsaw Hotel.

Tens of thousands of people have arrived and thrived through this great humanitarian effort, supported by amazing people, who are committed to providing a dignified life to a displaced people.

Although different ages and backgrounds, the inhabitants have one thing in common, they were all displaced by war and had to say goodbye to their homes, family, friends, pets, cars,  country and job, some were doctors, nurses, teachers, lawyers, businessmen and some had nothing.

But in this new city, they had all of the elements and services needed to sustain a population who sadly arrived with nothing and if they were “lucky” sometimes with only two bags full of what they were able to grab of their lives.

Morgan (DeNicola Family Foundation Executive Director) and I were able to meet with refugees and hear their stories. We sat with a couple who travelled over 3,000 miles, escaping Ukraine, through Russia in an attempt to find safety and peace.

We attended a children’s culture, geography and language class, the children told us each where they were from, many from cities almost entirely destroyed, with homes and friends they will sadly never see again, we played with beautiful little Amalia, who’s just 14 months old, for most of her life she’s known only war.

We were so proud to bring smiles to their appreciative faces, as we donated much needed clothing (winters are brutal) and school supplies. Best of all was delivering a little of Santa to the children.

Most of the refugees were older adults, women (some pregnant) and children as men between the ages of 16-60 are not allowed to leave Ukraine, they must stay behind to defend their country.

One of the more difficult parts of the visit, was hearing of an 86-year-old Holocaust Survivor who is suffering terribly with Parkinson’s. A man who as a child experienced the worst of humanity, once again experiencing it in his last years.

His city in Ukraine was occupied by the Russians early in the war, unable to escape he had no choice but to stay home with his caregiver and little means. With the harsh Eastern European winter now starting, mass power outages and his city suddenly liberated, he knew he must leave, unfortunately his caregiver has no passport, so even if he was to leave, he would be unable to function alone. Thankfully, through the DeNicola Family Foundation, we were able to alleviate a little of that suffering by providing him with 24 hour care in Poland, until he moves to his new home in Israel.

Volunteers engaged supporters locally and globally to provide necessary goods and services such as healthcare, daycare, education for children, veterinary care for pets, medical equipment including wheelchairs and food.
Shopping boutiques were set up to provide new and donated clothing for all, creating a dignified shopping (free) experience for adults and children, bringing them dignity and decency in these troubled times.

The hotel’s meeting room doubled as headquarters and a kind of new “City Hall“.
Legal services and human rights training, which we had the opportunity to see, was accessible to all as they plan their futures. Security and policing were established to provide a safe haven.

This new city will never have a name or be on a map but will forever have a place in our hearts, as we celebrate the human spirit and resilience of the Ukrainian people, while we pray for the end of the war.

Thursday, November 17, 2022

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT NAMES ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY VETERAN PHIL OPPENHEIM AS CHIEF CONTENT OFFICER

In his role, Oppenheim will lead physical and streaming platform content strategy across all Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment brands 

Former programming executive for MGM’s Epix Networks, Oppenheim also held senior roles with Lionsgate and Turner Broadcasting  


NEW YORK, NY – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD) streaming services, today announced the appointment of entertainment and streaming industry veteran Phil Oppenheim, as chief content officer. In this newly created role which begins on November 1, Oppenheim will lead all facets of content strategy across physical and streaming brands, including Redbox and Crackle, helping to grow revenue and profits. He will report to Jonathan Katz, president, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.

Oppenheim was previously Senior Vice President of program scheduling at MGM’s Epix Networks. He led the programming team and successfully stewarded Epix’s linear and SVOD premium linear services and their streaming extensions under the Epix banner. Oppenheim also was responsible for the streaming content and branding for ScreenPix’s suite of ad-free channels, as well as Epix Now. Before Epix, he was Chief Curator and Pop Culture Officer and Senior Vice President, Programming for Lionsgate where he led the content launch of Comic-Con HQ, a multi-platform SVOD service, as well as Kevin Hart’s LOL AVOD service. Prior to Lionsgate, Oppenheim spent several decades at Turner Broadcasting in ascending roles, beginning his career driving the launch of TCM, and ultimately ending as Senior Vice President, Programming for TNT and TBS, overseeing content strategy, linear programming and scheduling, as well as the digital content team responsible for streaming and Video on Demand (VOD).

“Phil is a true unicorn. He’s an executive with wide-ranging experience across multiple streaming brands and business models, along with vast experience leading some of TV’s most successful linear networks,” said Jonathan Katz, president of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “Phil has helped grow audience and revenue at every point in his career, and we’re incredibly lucky to have him as part of the team.” 


Thursday, November 17, 2022

HISENSE AND VIDAA USA TEAM UP WITH CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT TO ADD A CRACKLE-BRANDED BUTTON TO MILLIONS OF REMOTE CONTROLS AND ADD CRACKLE STREAMING SERVICES TO THE VIDAA PLATFORM

Starting in early 2023, consumers will be able to easily access tens of thousands of free movies and TV shows through the Crackle app at the touch of a button

Deal also includes distribution of Crackle and Chicken Soup for the Soul free ad-supported TV (FAST) channels, further scaling their distribution footprint


NEW YORK, NY – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD) streaming services, along with VIDAA USA, the company developing and managing the VIDAA platform on Hisense Smart TVs, today announced an agreement to add Crackle streaming services and a Crackle-branded remote control button – providing immediate access to the popular ad-supported video on demand (AVOD) service on devices powered by VIDAA OS. The button will be available starting early next year on millions of Hisense TVs sold in the US.

The companies also announced today that the Crackle and Chicken Soup for the Soul free ad-supported television (FAST) channels will launch on the VIDAA platform. In the coming weeks, the channels will give consumers in the US free access to the best movies and TV series streaming 24 hours a day – including originals such as Wedding Talk and Going From Broke. The channels will be available on the channel guide of the TV, which reduces the need to toggle between applications while accessing content from different providers. The Crackle AVOD app is now available on the VIDAA service.

“Hisense is known for its high-quality televisions, which are affordable to cost-conscious consumers,” said Adam Mosam, chief digital officer, Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “The addition of the Crackle app on the VIDAA TV operating system and the remote button will help bring a whole new audience to our service. We have a wide range of amazing content which I know their consumers will enjoy.” 

“Providing the best free content in the simplest way to consumers is our mission at VIDAA. Which is why the partnership with Crackle is a great addition to our already large lineup of free VOD content as well as FAST channels,” said Nick Ruczaj, VP of Content at VIDAA USA. “We’ve also made the content easy to discover in our platform’s search engine and will be placing the streaming channels right alongside the broadcast TV networks in the programming guide,” he added.

The VIDAA Smart TV OS is a Linux-based smart TV operating system, powering millions of Smart TVs, including Hisense, Toshiba, Loewe, Supersonic, and hundreds of other Smart TV brands, globally. The independent company VIDAA USA was established in 2019, and it has become a strong global contender in the Smart TV platform category. 

Crackle Plus’ recent releases include season 2 of the murder mystery series The Wall, the home renovation series Pet Caves, plus-size mountain climber documentary Kili Big, season 2 of the hit college thriller series In the Vault, the sci-fi series Salvage Marines starring Casper Van Dien, and the award-winning BBC series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

The Crackle Plus and Redbox streaming services are currently distributed through over 140 touchpoints in the U.S. on platforms including Amazon Fire TV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), Plex, iOS, and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com and Redbox.com with plans to expand to over 160 touch points this year.

ABOUT VIDAA

Established in 2019, VIDAA USA is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia and is the developer of Smart TV operating systems. Its flagship product, VIDAA TV OS, is currently in its sixth generation and provides advanced solutions to a multitude of leading Smart TV manufacturers globally, including Hisense, JPE, BOE, and TP Vision. Its award-winning Linux based licensed operating system with voice control, applications store, billing, and payments capabilities provides a turnkey solution to factories and brands, including licensed access to leading global and local premium streaming video content providers. VIDAA USA partners include over 100 Smart TV brands and over 400 content providers globally.

For more information, visit @vidaatv Instagram, @vidaatv Facebook, @VIDAATV Twitter, vidaatv Linkedin. 

 

Thursday, November 17, 2022

CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL ENTERTAINMENT PARTNERS WITH APX CONTENT VENTURES TO DEVELOP NEW REALITY SERIES STARRING COMEDIAN J.B. SMOOVE

Dirty Pool with J.B. Smoove would premiere in the fall of 2023 on Crackle and Redbox streaming services 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and APX Content Ventures extend existing deal to create quality content that elevates diverse voices and storylines

Program is being funded through Publicis Media’s $25 million “Inclusion Investment Fund’ to increase diverse content creation 


NEW YORK, NY – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of advertising-supported video on demand (AVOD) streaming services, and Publicis Media’s APX Content Ventures, a global offering dedicated to investing in quality and mission-driven programming, today announced an extension to their current agreement to expand the companies’ content financing partnership and elevate the voices of underserved audiences. The first project greenlit under the extended agreement is the reality series Dirty Pool with J.B. Smoove, starring comedian J.B. Smoove (Curb Your Enthusiasm), which will premiere exclusively on Crackle and Redbox streaming platforms in late 2023. 

Publicis Media’s APX Content Ventures is a next-generation unit within Publicis Media that seeks to find, fund, and elevate partners and properties that amplify diverse voices, empower women and build community, connection, and trust. APX and Publicis clients will have the exclusive opportunity to be featured prominently in the series via deep brand integrations, custom content, sponsorships, and other show-adjacent segments. The companies previously came together to produce the original series Inside the Black Box, which features revealing conversations, exciting performances, workshops, and discussions about the role race plays in the entertainment industry.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is the latest partner to receive funding through APX Content Ventures’ $25 million Inclusion Investment Fund, which is part of Publicis Media’s Once & For All Coalition initiative and has funded over 20 content ideas with more than 10 diverse-owned, operated and/or targeted companies.

Dirty Pool with J.B. Smoove is Dinner for Five meets Celebrity Poker over a pool table. Hosted by J.B. Smoove, he will be joined by his celebrity friends who talk shop around the pool table. No topic is off limits, including current events and other celebrities. The series will premiere in the fall 2023 on Crackle and Redbox streaming platforms. 

“APX Content Ventures has been a phenomenal partner and we are very excited to continue creating series together,” said Philippe Guelton, chief revenue officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “The brand integrations into these series are an organic way for companies to reach audiences that are no longer watching linear TV. We look forward to announcing additional projects soon.” 

“We are thrilled to extend our partnership with Crackle and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment in bringing quality diverse-owned, operated, and targeted programming to air. Our partnership on Inside the Black Box embedded our client in a seamless and authentic way that also reflected who they are as a brand,” said Kerry Bianchi, Global CEO, APEX Exchange. “Finding quality programming that engages consumers and naturally ties to the ethos of our clients’ brands is a win-win for everyone.”

Crackle’s recent releases include season 2 of the murder mystery series The Wall, the home renovation series Pet Caves, plus-size mountain climber documentary Kili Big, season 2 of the hit college thriller series In the Vault, the sci-fi series Salvage Marines starring Casper Van Dien, and the award-winning BBC series Sherlock, starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman.

The Crackle and Redbox streaming services are currently distributed through over 140 touchpoints in the U.S. on platforms including Amazon Fire TV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and Xbox One), Plex, iOS, and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com and Redbox.comwith plans to expand to over 160 touch points this year.

ABOUT APX CONTENT VENTURES

APX Content Ventures is a global unit dedicated to investing in quality, and mission-driven programming. Part of Publicis Media, its purpose is to find, fund and elevate partners and properties that amplify diverse voices, empower women and build community, connection and trust. Live in the UK, US, Germany and Italy, it has generated hundreds of programs across all genres, from ground-breaking documentaries to global entertainment formats and world-class scripted series.

 

Monday, September 26, 2022

Steinberg Sports opens new action sports division, SSE Action

Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (SSE) announced a larger expansion into action sports representation through the creation of SSE Action. Veteran action sports agent Patrick Murphy will lead the division and serve as Senior Vice President of Action Operations. SSE Action boasts an elite client roster, including Olympic snowboarders Emily Arthur, Lucas Foster, and Courtney Rummel; U.S. Team snowboarders Sonny Alba and Ty Schnorrbusch; and U.S. skier Kate Gray.

 “We are excited to launch SSE Action to better serve the action sports and action content communities,” said SSE CEO Chris Cabott. “The mix of Patrick’s representation experience and SSE’s existing resources provides unparalleled opportunities for action talent to grow their careers.”

Murphy joined SSE in May when the agency acquired Equity Baseball. SSE CEO Chris Cabott told SBJ. “When we formed Equity Baseball earlier this year, of which Patrick Murphy is the COO, we learned that he also had an action sports clientele, including a number of Olympians. With SSE representing Nigel and Patrick having a long history in action sports, it made sense to form SSE Action.” Murphy’s son is a snowboarder, and he began meeting snowboarders while attending his son’s events, Murphy told SBJ. “During those years we traveled to numerous competitions throughout the country where I then met and developed relationships with many riders and industry insiders,” Murphy said. “I then signed my first snowboard clients after realizing that many of the riders that my son trained with while a member of the Mammoth Elite Team did not have professional representation, but instead were trying to market and represent themselves. The action sports practice grew from there.” SSE Action’s first clients include Olympic snowboarders Emily Arthur, Lucas Foster and Courtney Rummel; U.S. Team snowboarders Sonny Alba and Ty Schnorrbusch; and U.S. skier Kate Gray.

Monday, September 26, 2022

Steinberg Sports Signed Soccer Player Ally Lemos

Steinberg Sports and Entertainment (SSE) recently announced the signing of UCLA midfielder Ally Lemos for NIL (name, image and likeness) representation.Ally is the first female athlete to be signed by Steinberg Sports & Entertainment. Lemos is part of UCLA’s No. 1 ranked freshman class in the nation this year and is ranked No. 22 overall by Top Drawer Soccer. She attended San Dimas High School and as named the San Gabriel Valley Tribune Soccer Player of the Year and to the All-Area, All-CIF and all-league first teams.

“We are honored to welcome Ally to the SSE family,” said SSE CEO Chris Cabott. “SSE represents people of elite talent and elite character. Ally embodies both as an athlete and as a person, so this is a natural fit. Her agent at SSE, Patrick Murphy, is one of the best and brightest talent representatives that I have ever met. I believe in his vision for Ally, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”

Murphy says Lemos is in a prime position to capitalize on NIL opportunities.

“Ally Lemos is an exemplary young woman both on and off the pitch and a rising star in women’s soccer,” said agent Patrick Murphy. “We are honored and excited to welcome Ally into the SSE family, and I look forward to representing her in NIL opportunities.”

UCLA is coming off a big win against No. 1 and No. 2 ranked UNC and Duke teams, which should shine more of a spotlight on Lemos and the entire UCLA team. Lemos says she’s excited to work with SSE.

“It’s a dream come true to be joining the SSE family, and I’m so honored to be both their first female athlete and soccer player represented in the NIL space,” said Ally Lemos. “SSE represents many elite athletes, and I love the way they embrace and respect their athletes’ passions both on and off the field.

“My current passion is doing everything I can alongside my teammates at UCLA to bring a PAC-12 and national championship home. My forever mission is to always push the women’s game forward, and to not only be a champion for myself but to always be one for others as well.”

Lemos likely won’t be the only UCLA women’s soccer player generating interest in the NIL marketplace this year. Her current teammate Reilyn Turner was the first college athlete signed by Nike in December 2021, and UCLA’s performance on the field so far this season will certainly bring more attention to all the women

Tuesday, September 13, 2022

Next TV Innovation Awards 2022: William J. Rouhana

The Next TV Summit on September 13, part of the 10th annual NYC TV Week, will for the first time include the Next TV Innovation Awards, recognizing CEOs, technologists, strategists, creatives, marketers and other executives leading some of the most innovative companies in the video business. Each day from Sept. 2-13, our Next TV SmartBrief will profile one of our seven 2022 Innovation Awards honorees. (You can sign up for the SmartBrief here.) For more information about the summit and the award winners and other NYC TV Week events visit nyctvweek.com.

William J. Rouhana 

Chairman and CEO Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment 

The name Chicken Soup for the Soul conjures feel-good self-help books in big-box retailers. But increasingly, the name should evoke the fast-growing streaming-video company that William J. Rouhana also heads. 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment just pulled off another notable deal, buying struggling Redbox Entertainment to fill in most of what Chicken Soup still needed to achieve Rouhana’s vision of an AVOD-centered powerhouse precisely positioned for the future of TV. The deal has one overlap: It’s adding yet another small AVOD channel. 

The company already has Crackle, Popcornflix and, yes, Chicken Soup for the Soul. The new channel will expand ad inventory. But the deal also brought 36,000 video-rental kiosks, a transactional VOD service and a loyalty program with 40 million entertainment-loving customers. 

It also swelled the company’s library to 51,000 assets. In a techmedia market full of giant fish devouring smaller ones, Rouhana finds ways to keep on building. 

“We wouldn’t be the first company to use a legacy business to finance a new-age business,” he said. “This gives us an underlying stability. I like the combination of underlying businesses, in this case, as a way to reduce risk.”

Previously announced Next TV Innovation Award honorees:

Todd Achilles Co-founder, CEO and President, Evoca

Meredith Brace Chief Marketing Officer, Samba TV

Matt Duarte VP of Strategy and Business Development YES Network 

Shalini Govil-Pai GM and VP of TV Platforms, Google

Erick Opeka  Chief Strategy Officer, Cinedigm

Thursday, September 8, 2022

Chicken Soup For The Soul Becoming The Next Disney?

It started off as a self-help book that no one wanted to publish. It’s now a billion-dollar brand and multimedia conglomerate ready to give Disney a run for its money. It’s Chicken Soup for the Soul, and the creative minds behind the NASDAQ-traded corporation are looking to the Disney model to change the world of entertainment. And they are doing it with a family-friendly, inspirational approach to media. In a new report by The AV Club, the company claims it could become the next big thing by embracing the core values The House of Mouse once had, before a corporate mindset took over. They are doing it through more than books; it’s now a full-service entertainment company, including a free streaming service.

Chicken Soup For The Soul CEO Bill Rouhana has made several acquisitions in the last few years that are positioning the company to be much more than its original purpose of publishing inspirational books. It wants to be a full-service entertainment destination, highlighted by its recent acquisition of both Crackle (Sony’s free video streaming service) and Redbox, the still-popular DVD rental kiosks. The rebranding of Chicken Soup is not unprecedented in the media industry. AMC got its start as a classic movie channel called American Movie Classics, until Turner Classic Movies became the dominant network for such programming. AMC became a network that specialized in original programming, creating the shows Mad Men, The Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, and Better Call Saul. Chicken Soup wants to do the same thing. And sell you dog food as well.

Chicken Soup also expanded into other products that didn’t make much sense at the time but worked out in their favor. That included a line of dog food, that has turned out to be a hit, by using their brand to promote the “all-natural” product. They recently added Chicken Soup for the Soul Cat Food as well. After acquiring Crackle, the company also bought streamer PopcornFlix, as they prep their own streaming service, which is available to preview on Crackle but will soon be available as a stand-along service on Roku, Amazon Fire, and other providers. They have also been acquiring media companies, like Halcyon Studios, to purchase their content catalogs and make their own programming.

In 1993, the original Chicken Soup for the Soul book, by motivational speakers Jack Canfield and Mark Victor Hansen, became a New York Times bestseller by telling inspirational, true-life stories. A line of similar books followed, each geared to a different audience: Chicken Soup for the African American Soul, Chicken Soup for the Baseball Fan’s Soul, Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul, etc. Well over a hundred books have been written in the nearly thirty years since the first book went to print by a small publishing house, after every major publisher rejected it. Now, the company is looking to take the next step and become something more.

“It would be the kind of evolution that Disney went through,” Rouhana said in an interview about his vision for Chicken Soup for the Soul. “From a children’s entertainment company to a company that owns Marvel and Star Wars and a whole bunch of other things.

The company’s acquisition of 1091 Pictures and Screen Media Ventures, the production company behind The Outpost and Willy’s Wonderland (with Nicolas Cage), gives them the ability to make TV and movies on a bigger budget, and now with a streaming service to offer it on.

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