Cosmo DeNicola Companies News


Friday, November 5, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Adds Michael Jay Solomon as Senior Advisor

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (“the Company”) (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today that Michael Jay Solomon, a seasoned television industry veteran, has become a Senior Advisor to the Company. 

 

Mr. Solomon will assist Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment in various business functions, including program library and company acquisitions, co-production financing, as well as sales and other activities, with a focus on assisting the Company with respect to its global AVOD rollout. 

 

Mr. Solomon has been the largest distributor of American television content in the world for the last 40 years, and he has pioneered the international marketplace for the American television industry in addition to running major media companies. After eight years with United Artists and 14 years with MCA, he founded Telepictures Corporation in 1978, which went public 14 months later in January of 1980.  Seven years later, Telepictures merged with Lorimar to form Lorimar Telepictures Corp., which was ultimately acquired by Warner Bros.  Mr. Solomon became Lorimar’s President and served on the company’s Board of Directors.  Mr. Solomon then became President of Warner Bros. International Television, heading up the company’s sales and marketing functions with a focus on television, cable and satellite companies internationally.  

 

“It’s rare to find someone with the experience, relationships and knowledge of the global television business that Michael has,” said William J. Rouhana Jr, CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “We are privileged to have his input and expertise as an invaluable resource in helping us further build our business.”

 

“I couldn’t be more pleased to be Senior Advisor to Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and to work with Bill Rouhana and the excellent, professional team that he has put together,” said Michael Solomon. “This is a wonderful Company that under Bill’s direction has grown substantially in a very short time. I look forward to contributing to this growth on a world-wide basis in all aspects of our industry.”

 

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2021

New Chicken Soup for the Soul Streaming Service Launches

Beloved Publishing Megabrand ‘Chicken Soup for The Soul’ Brings Its Original Mission of “Changing Your World One Story at The Time” To Linear FAST Platforms Ahead of Full AVOD Launch

 

Cos Cob, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the launch of its new free ad-supported streaming service, Chicken Soup for the Soul, which is now available as a FAST channel on Plex, FreeCast, and Redbox, with LG Channels, Stirr, XUMO, and VIZIO’s free streaming service WatchFree joining in December. 

 

Additional platforms will roll out prior to the launch of a full Chicken Soup for the Soul AVOD offering, which will be available in coming weeks. The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service will carry thousands of hours of women’s lifestyle content as well as thousands of TV shows and movies. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service will feature a robust collection of the best in home (such as Smart Home Nation), weddings (Rich Bride, Poor Bride & Wedding SOS), food (Ciao Italia and Pitchin’ In), DIY, style, travel, reality (Yummy Mummies) as well as stories from everyday heroes, in addition to classic favorites across genres like Drama, True Crime, Thrillers, Comedy and Screen Legends. The service will also feature the award-winning content that Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment has been creating for years for networks like TLC, Discovery Life, Discovery Family, A&E, CBS, The CW and Netflix such as Animal Tales, Hidden Heroes, Vacation Rental Potential, Project Dad and the award-winning series Going From Broke. 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul has been the world’s favorite storyteller since 1993, so I’m thrilled that we are continuing to enlighten and entertain our fans, now through TV and films,” said Amy Newmark, author, editor-in-chief and publisher of the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series. “Our brand stands for hope, inspiration, and all the best in humanity, and our fans know that when content is brought to them by Chicken Soup for the Soul they will have a great experience.”

 

“With the addition of Chicken Soup for the Soul to our family of AVOD networks, Crackle Plus expands its audience to millions of primarily female viewers, providing our advertisers and marketing partners a hard-to-reach and underserved audience in the AVOD market,” said Philippe Guelton, president of Crackle Plus. 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul has been a household name for decades and their much beloved content will resonate with SmartCast audiences,” said Katherine Pond, vice president of business development at Vizio. “We’re pleased to be expanding our distribution partnership with Crackle Plus and to be working together to deliver even more content that viewers will love.”

 

“Plex is always looking for ways to broaden our content offering to keep our fans coming back again and again,” said Keith Valory, CEO of Plex. “The comforting and inspiring films and TV shows under the Chicken Soup for the Soul banner are a great addition to our lineup, especially as we head into the holiday season.”

 

“As an organization that focuses on delivering local, live and authentic free TV across multiple platforms, STIRR sees their relationship with Crackle Plus, one of the longest-running ad-supported networks in the industry as a perfect fit,” said Ben Lister, director of content acquisition and business development at STIRR. “Giving our audience access to the new Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service is a great way for us to work together and strengthen both brands.” 

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul is an indelible brand with tremendous appeal to XUMO users,” noted Stefan Van Engen, SVP of programming and partnerships at XUMO. “The debut of this dedicated programming on XUMO brings a wealth of high caliber, engaging content that is certain to attract millions of fans, old and new.”

 

“Chicken Soup for the Soul is a wonderful addition to SelectTV. We're always looking to add high-quality content, and it's even more exciting for our customers when we can partner with a familiar and recognizable brand," said Tracy West, executive vice president of digital content and channel distribution for FreeCast, which operates SelectTV. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul streaming service joins Crackle Plus’s family of free, on-demand offerings including Crackle, Popcornflix and Truli. As part of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle Plus uniquely sources its original content from sister companies Screen Media Ventures, a leading content distribution company; Landmark Studio Group, a production company of premium scripted and unscripted content; Halcyon Television, led by industry veteran David Ellender; and the recently-acquired Sonar Entertainment library of 700 movies and 1800 TV episodes, which have earned a total of 446 Emmy Nominations, 104 Emmy Awards and 15 Golden Globes.

 

Crackle Plus streaming services are currently distributed through 50 touch points in the U.S. with announced plans to expand to more than 64 touch points including Amazon FireTV, RokuTV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (Samsung, LG, Vizio), gaming consoles (PS4 and XBoxOne), Plex, iOS and Android mobile devices and on desktops at Crackle.com. Crackle is also available in approximately 500,000 hotel rooms in the Marriott Bonvoy chain.

 

 

 

 

 

Friday, November 5, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group Launches

Production Activities Consolidated Under David Ellender, Former Fremantle CEO, to Accelerate Domestic and International Growth

 

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the formation of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group lead by EVP, David Ellender, former CEO of Fremantle Media Ent. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group will consist of four production labels including Landmark Studio Group (LSG), the recently acquired Locomotive Global, Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios and the newly formed Halcyon Studios, of which Ellender is chief executive officer and which was formed post the acquisition of the Sonar Entertainment development and production assets in June 2021. 

 

David Ellender was CEO of Sonar Entertainment, the studio that developed, produced, and co-produced a range of TV series including The Son starring with Pierce Brosnan for AMC, Das Boot for Sky Europe, Mr. Mercedes for The Audience Network and Alien Xmas for Netflix. Prior to Sonar, Mr. Ellender was CEO of Fremantle Media Ent (FME) and served on the board of directors of the Fremantle Media Group. During his tenure he helped build Fremantle’s global footprint to become one of the leading independent TV companies in the world. Earlier in his career he held senior positions as managing director Europe of Universal Studios Television and PolyGram Filmed Entertainment (PFE) where he served as global president of TV and had a seat on the PFE Board.

 

“To execute on Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s strategy in building the leading independent AVOD streaming service, we will accelerate growth in four key directions,” said David Ellender. “These include expanding our original TV content development pipeline; improving margins by increasing our IP rights ownership; facilitating the launch of additional networks; and providing a faster path to growing international TV production and distribution activities.” 

 

“This is a big event for our company and the pursuit of our vision of building the best AVOD,” said Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment chairman and CEO William J. Rouhana Jr. “We have steadily assembled the pieces to build a first-class television production operation that can further grow our roster of AVODs and capitalize on the global appeal of our brand. I am excited to see what David and his team have in store as we unleash the full potential of our production and distribution capabilities.”

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group Entities:

Halcyon Studiosis designed to develop, finance, distribute, co-produce and produce high-end scripted content in the U.S. and Internationally, such as Hunters for Amazon Prime and Mysterious Benedict Society for Disney+. Halcyon Studios is not only focusing on developing and producing content in the U.S. but is also forging partnerships with creators and platforms in Europe and currently has projects in the UK, France, and Norway with financing that is being backed by the company.  

 

Matt Loze, Halcyon Studios president of scripted entertainment added, “Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment allows us the freedom to partner across the media landscape, as well as to design content for our AVOD network Crackle Plus. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s tagline, ‘Changing the world one story at a time’ is our true North as we set sail with a ship full of new and re-imagined content.” 

 

Landmark Studio Group, led by David Ozer, CEO, focuses on financing & production of scripted TV series with moderate budgets, as well as movies such as Willy’s Wonderlandstarring Nicolas Cage and Trigger Point with Barry Pepper. 

 

Locomotive Global Inc., a production company based in India, is led by industry veterans Scott Anderson, and Sunder Aaron. Locomotive Global is currently producing and developinga number of original productions including an original series in development with Amazon Prime Video, as well as Indian local language remakes of well-known series including Ray Donovan for Netflix India.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Studiosrounds out the production portfolio, focusing on providing high-quality video content. It has built a deep pipeline of unique, diverse and inspiring new content to entertain and empower its viewers, including the hit series Going From Broke. Chicken Soup for the Soul Studios will endeavor to produce lifestyle entertainment (embracing food, house, garden, pets, wellbeing, self-improvement, romance, beauty and fashion) across a range of unscripted and scripted formats to the Crackle Plus networks. 

 

The Chicken Soup for the Soul Television Group as a whole plans to create compelling shows that bring out the best of the human spirit through positive storytelling—changing the world one story at a time. 

 

 

 

Monday, November 1, 2021

Popcornflix Relaunches with New Look and User Experience

Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. company announced that its free streaming service Popcornflix has relaunched with a new redesign. The new features include updated branding and offers an improved user experience with enhanced app features, new search functionality and navigation scheme, and improved playback performance putting the content in the hands of fans instantly.

 “With its totally redesigned look and user experience, the new Popcornflix super-serves its fans with an exciting offering of Adventure and Action movies and TV shows, including a new slate of Originals and Exclusives,” said Philippe Guelton, President of Crackle Plus.

In addition, Popcornflix is launching its first Original documentary feature, Hollywood Bulldogs which will be available on the platform on Nov. 1.

Hollywood Bulldogs tells the rough-and-tumble story of the small community of British stunt performers who went on to dominate Hollywood in the 1970s and 80s. They choreographed, created, and performed the iconic action sequences of 007, Indiana Jones, Superman, Rambo, Star Wars, Conan, the Alien films and more. They crashed cars, jumped from burning buildings, shot, stabbed, kicked and punched their way into cinema history.

“The new Popcornflix is the home for all the action movies you love. And with compelling documentaries like Hollywood Bulldogs, we’ll also take you behind the scenes to see how all the magic happens,” said Jeff Meier, head of programming at Crackle Plus. “We are ramping up our efforts to bring more thrilling blockbusters and TV content to Popcornflix, so this is just the beginning!”

The new Popcornflix is now available on FireTV, AppleTV, Roku, Android, and iOS and more platforms.

Monday, October 25, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Expands Production into India

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Acquires Majority of Locomotive Global Inc., Currently Producing Series for Netflix and Other Premium Platforms 

 

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, announced today the acquisition of a majority stake in Locomotive Global Inc.

 

Locomotive Global Inc., a production company based in India, is led by industry veterans Scott Anderson, former programming and acquisition strategy head for the Hallmark Channel who also was with Starz/Encore and Liberty Media Corporation, and Sunder Aaron, co-founder of QYOU Media India and former EVP for Sony Pictures Television Networks India. Locomotive Global is currently producing and developing a number of original productions including an original series in development with Amazon Prime Video, as well as Indian local language remakes of well-known series including Ray Donovan for Netflix India.

 

“Expanding into India has been a top priority for us in our international expansion strategy and we are excited to be entering the market with an ambitious company like Locomotive Global,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “This acquisition allows us to utilize Locomotive’s revenue, cash flow and presence in India as a base for further expansion in the region. We look forward to backing Locomotive’s expansion plans as we continue the rollout of our international strategy.”

 

“We are thrilled to be a part of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. India is arguably the largest and most accessible media market in the world right now. While we will continue to manage the business in India, as part of the Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment family, we now have the resources to capitalize on our ambitions and expand more quickly in this market,” said Scott Anderson.

 

“There continues to be a major opportunity to produce high-quality content for platforms and services in India such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hotstar-Disney+ and others as they now compete for original movies and series so that they can better serve a rapidly growing OTT user base. Production costs are lower in India than in most Western markets, and we can use our development and production capabilities here to meet this growing demand for quality content. We also aim to provide high-quality productions for Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s AVOD networks at lower costs. The AVOD business is primed for growth in India as broadband connectivity, FAST channels and usage of connected televisions are expanding rapidly. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is the perfect company with which to partner so that we can seize hold of these burgeoning opportunities together,” said Sunder Aaron.

Monday, July 19, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Expands International Plans by Acquiring Crackle International Trademarks From Sony Pictures

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced the acquisition of Crackle international trademarks from CPE Holdings, Inc (“Sony Pictures”) in over 50 countries covering Australia, Asia, Europe, and South America.

 

“We are accelerating our growth by making a big commitment to offer our AVOD networks worldwide,” said William J. Rouhana Jr., chairman and chief executive officer of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. “We already owned the international trademarks to our Popcornflix and Chicken Soup for the Soul networks as well as the trademarks for the U.S. and Canada for Crackle. By acquiring the international trademarks for Crackle, we are now in a position to offer all three of our primary networks across the globe. We have already begun discussions with international broadcasters and other media companies regarding these plans.”

 

Monday, July 19, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Announces Pricing of $75 Million Public Offering of Common Stock

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”, Nasdaq: CSSE), a leading operator of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced the pricing of an underwritten public offering of 1,875,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $40.00 per share. The gross proceeds of the offering to the Company are expected to be $75 million, before deducting the underwriting discounts and commissions and other estimated offering expenses. In addition, the Company granted the underwriters a thirty-day option to purchase up to an additional 281,250 shares of common stock at the public offering price, less underwriting discounts and commissions.

The closing of the offering is expected to occur on or about July 7, 2021, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.

Guggenheim Securities and Needham & Company are acting as joint bookrunning managers. Northland Capital Markets, D.A. Davidson & Co., The Benchmark Company, Ladenburg Thalmann & Co. Inc., and Craig-Hallum Capital Group LLC are acting as co-managers.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 



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Monday, July 19, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Announces Proposed Public Offering of Common Stock

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (the “Company”, Nasdaq: CSSE), a leading operator of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced that it intends to offer and sell shares of its common stock in an underwritten public offering. All of the shares to be sold in the offering will be offered by the Company. The offering is subject to market conditions and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering. In addition, the Company intends to grant the underwriters a thirty-day option to purchase up to an additional 15 percent of shares of its common stock offered in the public offering.

Guggenheim Securities and Needham & Company are acting as joint book-running managers for this offering.

The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 



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Tuesday, May 4, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s Crackle Plus Announces New Slate of Original Programming

Upcoming Slate of Original Content Includes New Sports Docu-series ‘Promiseland’ and ‘Vince Carter: Legacy’, Featuring Respectively Ja Morant and Vince Carter, and The Unscripted Show ‘Inside the Black Box’, Which Explores the Role Race Plays In The Entertainment Industry

 

Publishing Megabrand ‘Chicken Soup for The Soul’ To Bring Its Original Mission Of “Changing the World One Story at The Time” To A New Streaming Network In The Fall

 

COS COB, CT – Crackle Plus, a Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE) company and one of the largest operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, made multiple announcements today during its NewFronts presentation, including a diverse new slate of original and exclusive programming, and the launch of a new Chicken Soup for the Soul AVOD network.

 

Crackle Plus has more than doubled its content offerings on its AVOD networks Crackle and Popcornflix, and added over 200 hours of original and exclusive programming in the past year.

 

As part of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Crackle Plus uniquely sources its original content from sister companies Screen Media Ventures, a leading content distribution company, Landmark Studio Group, a production company of premium scripted and unscripted content, and recently announced Halcyon Television led by industry veteran David Ellender.

 

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, also recently announced the signing of a definitive agreement to acquire the film and television assets of Sonar Entertainment, Inc. (Sonar). The Sonar library includes 700 movies and 1800 TV episodes which have earned a total of 446 Emmy Nominations, 104 Emmy Awards and 15 Golden Globes. The Sonar assets will expand Crackle Plus original television content offering and position the company to launch additional AVOD networks as well as provide a faster path to growing its international presence.

 

The combination of movie exclusives and original unscripted content propelled Crackle to one of its best years ever. Exclusive AVOD titles Crown Vic, Grand Isle and Elliott: The Littlest Reindeer were popular amongst Crackle viewers, delivering #1 titles for the streaming service. Standout inspiring unscripted series included Road to Race Day, On Point, Anything is Possible: The Serge Ibaka Story and Bucket List.

 

“Crackle has been pioneering original programming on AVOD for nearly a decade,” said Jeff Meier, head of programming for Crackle Plus. “We’ve always believed in the combined power of originals and a strong, diverse library of content that keep viewers coming back for more.”

 

With original unscripted programming, sports docu-series and exclusive feature films, Crackle has built a deep pipeline of unique, diverse and inspiring new content to entertain and empower its viewers.  At NewFronts, Crackle Plus shared its plans to develop and produce new and returning original series and feature films with diverse storylines and audiences in mind. These include:

 

Unscripted and documentaries

 

Following award-winning original series, Going From Broke, critically-acclaimed film After the Murder of Albert Lima and electrifying docu-series Playing with Power: The Nintendo Story, Crackle returns with a diverse slate of unscripted shows and documentaries for 2021:

 

Going From Broke

Season two of Going From Broke is executive produced by Ashton Kutcher and Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment. Premiering Thursday, May 20, co-hosts Dan Rosensweig, CEO of Chegg, and Tonya Rapley, entrepreneur, help people facing extreme debt overcome crippling financial struggles to become CEOs of their own lives.

 

Riding Phat

Riding Phat follows the hectic entrepreneurial journey of the Phat Scooter company as they strive to become the nation’s top electric scooter company by designing, building, and delivering eye-catching scooters to fun-seeking pro athletes and celebrity clients including NASCAR great Michael Waltrip, NFL legend Tedy Bruschi, and NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins.

 

The Uncommon History of Very Common Things

Did you know that scissors were invented by Leonardo da Vinci? That high heels date back to Ancient Egypt? And what do chocolate bars have to do with the invention of the microwave oven? Each half-hour episode of The Uncommon History of Very Common Things examines the unknown, sometimes shocking, often irreverent, and always entertaining history of the everyday items that make up our lives.

 

Inside the Black Box

Created and hosted by beloved acting coach Tracey Moore and Emmy-winning actor Joe Morton, Inside the Black Box spotlights the world’s greatest Black artists within the entertainment industry. From actors, producers and directors to writers and musicians, the series features A-list guests like Sherri Shepherd, Kerry Washington and Tamara Tunie. Each episode is filled with revealing conversations on trials and triumphs, performance workshops, and honest discussions about being Black in Hollywood.

 

Sports Docu-series

 

On Point, Crackle’s most-watched series of 2020, and Bucket List hosted by Brian “The Boz” Bosworth, evidenced the strong demand for sports docu-series. 2021 premieres include:

 

Vince Carter: Legacy

Vince Carter: Legacy explores the fantastic highs and unsettling lows of 8-time All-Star and slam dunk champion, Vince Carter, as he looks back on his record-breaking 22-season professional basketball career.

 

Promiseland

The visceral, intimate and all-access coming of age story of 2020 NBA rookie sensation Ja Morant follows him from the eve of his NBA debut, through his Rookie of the Year crowning and shares the amazing experiences of his debut season.

 

The Green Wave

The Green Wave tells the incredible true comeback story of the Summerville High School basketball team after their coach, Louis Mulkey, a dedicated firefighter, dies in a catastrophic fire.

 

The Machine

After a century of excellence, Long Beach Poly, the most storied sports high school in American history, finds itself backed into a wall. The underfunded public school is struggling to maintain dominance in a field that contains million dollar private school programs with players recruited from all across the states. The series follows players and coaches as they set out to prove that Long Beach Poly is still a force to be reckoned with.

 

Feature films

 

Crackle Plus also announced exclusive AVOD streaming rights to premium feature films, including:

 

Happy Happy Joy Joy: The Ren and Stimpy Story starring Jim Ballantine and Ed Bell

Skyfire starring Jason Isaacs, Bee Rogers, and Alice Rietveld

The Jesus Rolls starring John Turturro and Bobby Cannavale

Bel Canto starring Julianne Moore and Ken Watanabe

Colonia starring Emma Watson and Daniel Brühl

Senior Moment starring William Shatner and Jean Smart

Trigger Point starring Barry Pepper and Laura Vandervoort

Eat Wheaties starring Tony Hale, Alan Tudyk and Elisha Cuthbert

Cagefighter starring Gina Gershon and Brenna Coates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 



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Monday, May 3, 2021

Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Forms Halcyon Television Led by David Ellender

COS COB, CT – Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment, Inc. (Nasdaq: CSSE), one of the leading operators of streaming advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) networks, today announced at the 2021 NewFronts the formation of Halcyon Television. The company will launch Halcyon Television, a high-end premium scripted television studio led by David Ellender as CEO upon the closing of the Sonar asset acquisition that was announced on April 9th, 2020. The closing on the 1,300 title television and film library, scripted development portfolio and the existing TV series drama production is expected to occur in the near future.

 

“The formation of Halcyon Television will help accelerate our company’s strategy to build the leading independent AVOD network in three ways. It will expand our original content development pipeline with high-end content, increase our IP rights ownership and provide a faster path to growing our international TV production and distribution activities,” said William J. Rouhana Jr, CEO of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment.   

 

Halcyon Television has a robust drama development pipeline of more than 20 projects embracing library based and original IP sourced in the U.S. and Europe. Halcyon Television will focus on development, financing and production in the U.S. as well as forging creative partnerships in Europe with financing backed by the company and distribution by Halcyon Television’s sister affiliate Screen Media.

 

“We look forward to building a valued asset library for the company and creating a new vision for the future of TV while continuing the company’s mission of positive entertainment that lifts the human spirit,” said David Ellender, CEO of Halcyon Television. 

 

Joining Mr. Ellender at Halcyon Television will be Matt Loze as President - Scripted Entertainment,  as the first of a number of executives from Sonar who will be brought to Halcyon Television. Mr. Loze added, “Halcyon Television seems a fitting name to highlight a new commitment to supporting artist's visions in telling moving stories that resonate globally.” 

 

In addition to aggressively building from IP and library assets, the shared vision of Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment and Halcyon Television is to build a nimble and flexible company that will be additive strategically and creatively for partners across the fast-changing TV landscape.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

 

 

 



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