Cosmo DeNicola Companies News


Monday, February 27, 2023

Philadelphian Joins Papal Foundation’s Board of Trustees

Cosmo DeNicola of Philadelphia was elected as a Steward of St. Peter to the Papal Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

The Papal Foundation has announced the election of three Stewards of St. Peter to its Board of Trustees and one of them is a Philadelphian.

In a Jan. 30 announcement from the foundation, Cosmo DeNicola of Philadelphia was named as a Steward of St. Peter to its Board of Trustees for a three-year term.

Established in 1988, the Chester-based foundation is the only one in the U.S. exclusively dedicated to fulfilling the requests of the Holy Father for the needs of the Church.

In his role, DeNicola will be instrumental in overseeing The Papal Foundation’s grant making and scholarship awards. He has also been elected to serve on the foundation’s Grants Review Committee.

DeNicola, a parishioner of St. John Baptist Vianney Parish in Gladwyne, is the Chairman of Cosmo DeNicola Companies. He grew up in the city’s Port Richmond section where he attended Mother of Divine Grace School followed by Northeast Catholic High School.

Others elected to the Board of Trustees include Paul Hill, Executive Chairman of The Hill Companies from Regina, SK, Canada, and Tim Ristoff, Chairman and CEO at TriVista Business Group from Ladera Ranch, California.

“Our mission is to support projects the Holy See deems most important around the world,” said Dave Savage, Executive Director, “whether it be to educate and prepare leaders or care for the most vulnerable, young and old.”

Eustace Mita, President of the Board of Trustees of The Papal Foundation, said “We are delighted to have Paul, Tim, and Cosmo join our Board of Trustees. Their diverse expertise and rich experiences in business and serving their communities will provide insight on how our organization can best support the poorest of the poor communities around the globe.”

Since its inception in 1988, The Papal Foundation has allocated more than $200 million to more than 2000 projects selected by Popes Francis, Benedict, and Saint John Paul II, as well as scholarships that enable lay and religious leaders to study in Rome.

“As members of the Catholic Church, we are called to love our neighbor, and that means all people, Catholic and non-Catholics, around the globe,” said Savage.

 To learn more about the new Board of Trustees for the Papal Foundation, visit https://www.thepapalfoundation.org/foundation-board-elects-new-trustees-officers/.

Monday, February 27, 2023

The 36th Annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party

 

Phoenix AZ - The 36th annual Leigh Steinberg Super Bowl Party took place in Arizona on Saturday February 11, 2023, at The Salt River Fields iconic Spring Training Stadium. For the past 8 years the Steinberg Superbowl Party celebrates the best in sports, by honoring athletes, owners, coaches, and executives with the Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award. Since today they have honored 60 awardees. The Steinberg DeNicola Humanitarian Award was started so they can recognize all the people in Sports who are making the world a better place. 

This year the Steinberg Superbowl Party celebrated not only football, but the love of every game and the impact their players, coaches and executives can make in this world. This year our award winners were Nancy Lieberman; Basketball Hall of Famer & Olympian, Dave Ziegler; GM for the Las Vegas Raiders, Odessa Jenkins; The Women’s National Football Conference, Malik Jefferson; Linebacker Dallas Cowboys, Bruce Smith; Legend Buffalo Bills / Washington Redskins, and Inspiration Award winner Larry Wood; Edwards LiveScience.

The party’s theme “love of the game” proves that beyond the field or the court the athletes have the power to inspire, raise awareness and do good in their communities. Part of the tickets sales went to the Champions for the Homeless, a wonderful local organization.

 

Monday, February 27, 2023

RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE HOSTED MARNIE SCHNEIDER NFL ALUMNI & COSMO DENICOLA AT SUPER BOWL LUNCHEON FOR FAMILIES

PHOENIX, AZ - Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHC-CNAZ) welcomed children’s author Marnie Schneider & Cosmo DeNicola for a Super Bowl Luncheon.  Schneider is the granddaughter of former Eagles Owner Leonard Tose, who was also co-founder of the first Ronald McDonald House in Philadelphia. The luncheon took  place at the organization’s Roanoke location in Central Phoenix and RMHC-CNAZ families and staff attended the celebration.

During the luncheon, Schneider read from her Football Freddie and Fumble the Dog series to families staying at the Ronald McDonald House and shared her deep ties to the organization. Her grandfather, former Philadelphia Eager owner Leonard Tose, played an integral role in opening the first House in Philadelphia in 1974. Schneider is committed to continuing his legacy through her involvement with the organization.

A longtime friend of Marnie's, a humanitarian, an entrepreneur, and fellow Ronald McDonald House Charities supporter Cosmo DeNicola addressed the families with his story of football fun and family. The DeNicola Family Foundation supported the event by providing the lunch.

"We are thrilled to have Marnie Schneider join us for this special luncheon,” said Kerry Schulman, CEO of RMHC-CNAZ “Her family's philanthropic legacy, her personal commitment to giving back and her connection to the history of Ronald McDonald House Charities shine a light on our mission to provide a ‘home-away-from-home’ for families with seriously ill children.”

Ronald McDonald House provides a home away from home for families of critically ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. The Super Bowl Luncheon will provide a fun and uplifting experience for families during what can be a difficult and stressful time.

Learn more about Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona at http://www.rmhccnaz.org.

About Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona

Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Central and Northern Arizona (RMHCCNAZ) provides a “home-away-from-home” for children and their families traveling to the Valley to receive treatment for serious, often life-threatening illnesses and injuries. RMHCCNAZ operates three “Houses” in the Valley: Roanoke House in Phoenix; Cambridge House on the campus of Phoenix Children’s Hospital; and Dobson House in Mesa located on the campus of Banner Children’s at Desert. The three locations can accommodate up to 72 families a night. At no charge, families stay for days, weeks, and sometimes months at a time while their children receive care at local medical facilities. Since opening its doors in 1985, families from across the state and around the world have checked in to RMHCCNAZ more than 57,000 times. Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central and Northern Arizona is a non-profit organization supported by individual, corporate, and foundation donations. For more information, visit www.rmhccnaz.org.

About the DeNicola Family Foundation                                                                

The DeNicola Family Foundation is a private, charitable foundation 501(c) (3) rooted in the passion for advancing World Health, Cultural Diplomacy, Humanitarian Recognition and Conservation. An extension of Cosmo Cares and the Cosmo DeNicola Companies (CDC) – a privately held company with a diverse portfolio of businesses ranging from technology, publishing, professional sports and entertainment. Cosmo Cares was founded in 2018 by Cosmo DeNicola with a mission to continue CDC’s legacy of doing good, while recognizing those who are equally committed to our core humanitarian passions. The organization’s founding principle is caring is an action, not just an emotion.   For more information, visit www.cosmocares.com

Monday, February 27, 2023

SCREEN MEDIA ACQUIRES NORTH AMERICAN RIGHTS TO DEVIL’S PEAKSTARRING ACADEMY AWARD WINNER BILLY BOB THORNTON, ROBIN WRIGHT AND HOPPER PENN

The crime thriller is set for a February 2023 theatrical and digital release. 

 

NEW YORK – Screen Media, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment company (Nasdaq: CSSE), announced today the acquisition of all North American rights to the upcoming crime thriller Devil’s Peak. The film stars Academy Award winner Billy Bob Thornton (The Gray Man, Bad Santa), Golden Globe winner Robin Wright (Wonder Woman 1984, House of Cards), Hopper Penn (War Machine, The Cleaner) and Academy Award nominee Jackie Earle Haley (The Watchmen). Devil’s Peak is directed by Ben Young (Hounds of Love, Extinction) from a screenplay written by Robert Knott (Appaloosa), based on the novel Where All Light Tends to Go written by David Joy. Screen Media will release the film exclusively in theaters on February 17, followed by a digital release on February 24.

 

Set in the Appalachian Mountains, Devil’s Peak is a tense thriller about a family dominated by a crime lord (Thornton) who controls his family and his business with his fists. When his son (Penn) meets the girl of his dreams (Katelyn Nacon), desperately wanting to escape the life he is expected to lead and free himself from the clutches of his father, he is forced to go head-to-head with the terrifying man who will stop at nothing to ensure loyalty from all of those around him.

 

“Working with a cast of this stature had always been a dream of mine,” said director Ben Young. “I wanted to get back to my roots and make a movie on location that would live or die by its performances. It’s movie-making in its purest form, driven by love and passion for the medium by all involved.”

 

“We’ve been big fans of the story since we first read it,” said David Fannon, chief acquisitions and distribution officer at Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “Devil’s Peak is the kind of original storytelling that Screen Media can’t wait to bring it to audiences worldwide.”

 

The film was produced by Wright, Griff Furst, Josh Kesselman, Robert Knott, and Jamie Hilton. Executive producers include Ford Corbett, Seth Needle, Conor McAdam, Maurice Fadida, Angela Meredith Furst, Landon Gorman, Amanda Morrison, Brandon Powers, Anthony Standberry and David Nagelberg.

 

The deal was negotiated by Seth Needle, executive vice president of global acquisitions and co-productions, on behalf of Screen Media, with Griff Furst on behalf of the filmmakers. 

 

Screen Media recently acquired Tom DeLonge’s directorial debut Monsters of California, Renny Harlin’s action film The Bricklayer starring Aaron Eckhart and Nina Dobrev from Millennium Films, The Locksmithstarring Ryan Phillippe, Kate Bosworth, and Ving Rhames as well as the Bella Thorne-led thriller Saint Clare also starring Ryan Phillippe and Rebecca DeMornay. Recent film releases include Poker Face directed by and starring Academy Award Winner Russell Crowe, Kevin Lewis’ follow-up to Willy’s Wonderland, The Accursedstarring Alexis Knapp and Mena Suvari, The Enforcer starring Antonio Banderas and Kate Bosworth, The Immaculate Room starring Emile Hirsch, Kate Bosworth and Ashley Greene Khoury, The Nan Movie starring Catherine Tate, Code Name Banshee starring Antonio Banderas, Jaime King and Tommy Flanagan and the psychological horror film Monstrous starring Christina Ricci.

 

About Screen Media Ventures LLC 

Screen Media Ventures, LLC, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) company, is a leading independent distributor of feature films, television series and documentaries in North America and supplies high-quality content to the global market through its foreign sales division. The company is the main supplier of content to the Crackle Plus streaming services, as well as to third-party streaming platforms. With its recent acquisitions of 1091 Pictures and the Sonar Entertainment library assets, Screen Media continues to expand its library of nearly 7,000 television series and motion pictures. Screen Media’s diverse slate of titles includes critically acclaimed and audience favorites: The Outpost starring Scott Eastwood, Willy’s Wonderland starring Academy Award® Winner Nicolas Cage, groundbreaking documentaries such as The Phenomenon and Grammy-Award Winner Linda Ronstadt: The Sound of My Voice, and indie film hits including Academy Award® Winner Taika Waititi’s What We Do in the Shadows and Hunt for the Wilderpeople. For more information, visit: www.screenmedia.net  

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.

 

Contact Us

Bryn Mawr, PA 19010

Email: info@cosmodenicola.com

Copyright 2018 by Cosmo DeNicola Companies