YouTube, Vine, and social media is creating a new generation of entertainers.
Nowadays, network producers are skipping open casting calls and are now simply searching the internet for talented young actors, models, and talent. The next big company to search YouTube for the next Hollywood star is Disney.
Disney XD and multichannel network Maker Studios are currently looking for young YouTube talent who may get a shot at their own TV pilots. According to Variety, this is the latest version of corporate synergy Disney is trying to create since purchasing Maker Studios.
In a collaboration effort, Disney XD by Maker, is an effort to find and develop video content for YouTube, and potentially DisneyXd.com and the Watch Disney XD app. The “best of the best” might even be developed as original television series pilots for Disney XD, according to the cabler.
From Variety:
Disney XD by Maker will use the Maker Offers platform to provide funding for video concepts with budgets up to $1,000 each. Maker has already lined up members of its talent roster — including CaptainSparklez, forrestfire101, ZexyZek, 101DarkMonkey, EvanTube, Luzu and Lana, and Random Encounters — to create original content specifically for this program.
To be eligible, creators must be age 18 or older. Participants will be provided tools, analytics and development guidance from both Maker and Disney XD as part of the program.
“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,” said Marc Buhaj, general manager and senior VP of programming for Disney XD.
Disney recently teamed up with Maker studios to promote the launch of ‘Star Wars: The Force Awakens’ toys this week. 14 YouTubers in the MCN’s network around the world will be featured in live “unboxing” videos over the span of 18 hours.
