Capacitor Studios Launches as a Joint VentureCapacitor Studios Launches as a Joint Venture

Multiple executives have joined forces to launch Capacitor Studios, a studio with the goal to create and scale entertainment and consumer product franchises that integrate consumer products licensing with TV/OTT series and feature film production.

Former Covert Media chief executive officer, Annapurna Productions chief operating officer and QED co-founder Paul Hanson have partnered with Elan Freedman of Surge Licensing, development executive Ian McGloin and content financing executive Asa Greenberg to launch Capacitor Studios.

The venture is backed by capital from Europe and Asia.

Capacitor will launch with a slate of episodic and feature titles for children’s, family and young adult audiences in partnership with leaders from the toy, traditional publishing, digital publishing, video game and hobby game industries. 

Capacitor’s initial projects include an animated series based on the global toy brand Feisty Pets. One of the company’s first feature titles is an animated and live-action hybrid based on the designer vinyl toy Kid Robot. 

“It all starts with great storytelling that turns audiences into rabid fans,” says Hanson, who will serve as the company’s chief executive officer. “That passion drives a desire for further engagement with a brand or franchise, potentially including toys and other consumer products, video games, hobby games and publishing. With world-class production and licensing groups under the same roof, we are uniquely suited to deliver tons of value to the global marketplace.”

Elan Freedman of Surge Licensing will oversee the company’s IP, franchise and brand management activities. Mark Freedman, founder of Surge Licensing and architect of the “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” franchise, will oversee all licensing activities as the company’s joint venture partner.

“Independent IP creators, including those with tremendous brands, have been disconnected from the global entertainment world, leaving licensors with very few strategic options,” says Freedman. “By blending our collective backgrounds in IP, consumer products and content, our team is poised to address the needs of living and breathing brands and translate them into media and merchandising powerhouses.”