Disney XD Turns to Maker for New Content

The two Disney companies are teaming to incubate new talent.

In its search for the next generation of talent, Disney XD will look no further than fellow Walt Disney Company subsidiary Maker Studios.

The two Disney companies have teamed up for a new initiative, dubbed Disney XD by Maker, to search for and develop new content and stars for DisneyXD.com, the "Watch Disney XD" app and television series for Disney XD channels around the world.

The initiative will incubate content with Maker's leading creators and use the Maker Offers platform to allow up-and-coming creators worldwide to participate.

"The Disney XD team has incredible vision for embracing this new generation of talent and Disney XD by Maker is a significant commitment to the space," says Chris Williams, chief audience officer, Maker Studios. "This collaboration represents a first-of-its-kind on-ramp for digital creators who aspire to work with the most prominent entertainment brand in the world."

Videos created through the initiative will initially be distributed through creator channels on YouTube, with the potential for Disney XD to then distribute across digital and traditional platforms. The best content may also be developed further into television pilots for Disney XD.

Maker Studios' digital network currently includes 55,000 independent creators from more than 100 countries and attracts more than 10 billion views per month. Top Maker talent, including CaptainSparklez, forrestfire101, ZexyZek, 101DarkMonkey, EvanTube, Luzu and Lana and Random Encounters, are already signed on to create original content for the Disney XD by Maker program. Other creators age 18 and over can also apply to be part of the initiative on the Maker Studios website. All participating creators will be provided tools, analytics and development guidance from both Maker and Disney XD as part of the program.

"We're thrilled to collaborate with Maker and warmly welcome some of its brightest stars to the Disney XD family through Disney XD by Maker," says Marc Buhaj, senior vice president, programming and general manager, Disney XD. "Recognized by our audience as celebrities in their own right, these stars will pave the way for up-and-coming Disney XD by Maker talent, cultivating a creative community that drives inspiration, original storytelling and unique formats that can be shared globally."