A slate of 25 vertical series with a path to Fox. A 44-episode TikTok drama with a film-festival screening. A comedian taking an ownership stake in a delivery platform.
The most interesting creator news this week happened where entertainment meets distribution: who develops the shows, where audiences find them and how talent participates beyond an endorsement. Hollywood supplied the biggest headlines, but podcasting, publishing and agency acquisitions also kept moving.
Here is what stood out across the creator economy during October 7–13.
Kevin Hart and Fox put vertical series on the development slate
Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat signed a deal with Fox Entertainment giving Fox Entertainment Studios first-look rights to adapt vertical series into feature films and television projects, Variety reported on October 13.
The arrangement involves Codeblack and partnerships with Essence and Revolt. Codeblack is working with Holywater Tech, the company behind the vertical-video platform MyDrama, on a dedicated branded channel. Twenty-five live-action titles are in development across drama, thrillers and faith-based storytelling.
The series will debut on MyDrama, with Fox Entertainment Global handling worldwide distribution after their initial runs. Fox then has an early opportunity to develop selected stories for larger screens. That is a development pathway, rather than a promise that all 25 titles become films or television shows.
For viewers, the first encounter with a potential future film could be a succession of phone-sized episodes. The deal gives that journey a named studio partner and an initial slate. Variety reporting
Sony puts a YouTube veteran in charge of Screen Gems
Sony Pictures named Fede Goldenberg Head of Screen Gems on October 9, bringing a 15-year YouTube veteran into the leadership of its genre-film label.
Screen Gems will expand into theatrical projects from creators who built their audiences online. Goldenberg has led YouTube’s film and television content partnerships since 2017, with earlier experience working with digital-media companies including Maker Studios and Fullscreen. He will report to Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group president Sanford Panitch.
The appointment puts someone familiar with creators and platform distribution in a position to shape a studio’s film slate. Alongside the Hartbeat announcement, it makes this a particularly active week for the route from digital audiences to traditional entertainment. TheWrap reporting
A TikTok drama gets 44 episodes and a cinema date
SuperOrdinary’s SuperLab studio launched Caldwell Academy exclusively on TikTok on October 8. The 44-episode series follows student president Eden Clarke and lacrosse star Beckett Langford through an elite boarding school’s romances, secrets and rivalries.
Produced with Enzyme Films, the project was developed as both a vertical series and a feature-length film. SuperLab plans three additional original series before year-end, with a second season of Caldwell Academy scheduled to begin filming in early 2027. Net Influencer reporting
There is already a concrete destination for the longer cut: ALZA’s program lists a 58-minute version for an October 17 screening in New York, followed by a creator Q&A. The same story is being packaged for a scrolling audience and a seated one, with both releases planned from the outset. Festival program
Druski takes a stake in Gopuff
Druski and Gopuff announced an equity investment and a multiyear strategic partnership on October 9. The comedian will work with the commerce platform on exclusive products and fan experiences connected to his Coulda Been Records and 4Lifers Entertainment properties.
The collaboration combines Druski’s characters and audience with Gopuff’s product development, merchandising and delivery capabilities. It also builds on an existing relationship: Druski previously appeared with Tom Brady in Gopuff’s HARD PASS Super Monday Off campaign.
The new agreement gives the relationship a longer horizon and an ownership component. The size of Druski’s stake and other financial terms were not disclosed, and specific product launches will be worth watching as the partnership develops. Gopuff announcement
Goalhanger’s next launch starts beyond the podcast feed
Goalhanger introduced Goalhanger X on October 12, with Marina Hyde’s Always On as its first launch. The project begins with a YouTube show, written columns and original social content.
Goalhanger will provide creative support, audience development and commercial resources. The venture can expand into audio, memberships, live experiences and additional intellectual property as the audience develops.
For a company closely associated with successful podcasts, the choice of launch formats is the interesting part. Writing, video and social are built into the project from day one, giving audiences several ways to discover and follow the same personality. The initial launch is free, with a paid tier planned. Advanced Television reporting
Podcasting gets a major renewal and another AI bet
Spotify renewed its agreement with Joe Rogan. The company announced a new multiyear licensing agreement for The Joe Rogan Experience on October 8. Spotify says the show has 18 million followers on the service and has been its most-followed podcast since 2020.
Episodes will remain available on Spotify and other platforms. Financial terms and the precise contract length were not disclosed. The renewal keeps one of podcasting’s largest established audiences tied to Spotify while preserving distribution elsewhere. Spotify announcement
Rebel Audio announced Series A financing at an approximately $50 million post-money valuation. The October 8 announcement named HardScope, led by DraftKings co-founder Matt Kalish, as lead investor. The round targets a $10 million close, with additional funding expected over a 90-day window, so the full target should not be treated as already raised.
Rebel Audio is developing an AI-assisted workflow spanning recording, editing, publishing, translation, distribution and monetization. The financing follows a $4.15 million seed round. Founder Jared Gutstadt’s team includes Mike Majlak as Chief Creator in Residence. Company announcement
New ways to find videos and fund subscriptions
YouTube expanded conversational search to mobile. On October 12, the company said Ask YouTube is now available across web, mobile and TV in the United States. Viewers can ask more detailed questions and follow up within interactive search results.
YouTube also said its watch-page Ask YouTube feature will reach Shorts and livestreams soon. Those additions are still upcoming. For creators, the immediate development is another way for viewers to find videos by describing what they want to learn or watch. YouTube announcement
Substack is testing sponsorships that pay for access. Its October 8 announcement introduced three formats: an upgrade funds a month of paid access for free subscribers; an unlock opens an individual paid post; and a masthead sponsors a themed collection of work from multiple creators.
The company is also adding Kantar studies for larger campaigns to measure brand awareness and perception. Testing remains limited to small groups of publishers and brands. The practical distinction is that a sponsor can underwrite something readers receive directly, including access to work normally behind a paywall. Substack announcement
Five acquisitions across sports, media and creative services
Agency dealmaking added another set of announcements, spanning sports audiences, performance media, design and event production.
FUEL acquired 53Six. Announced October 9, the deal adds the sports marketing agency’s strategy, creative, performance media and audience data capabilities to FUEL’s live experience and production work. The 53Six brand and co-founders remain with the business. Buyer announcement
MSQ acquired January Digital. The October 7 deal adds an 80-person agency with offices in New York and Dallas, expanding the media capabilities within MSQ’s U.S. offering. It is the week’s most direct local connection for readers here in Dallas. Buyer announcement
Chemistry acquired Colossus. Announced October 7, the transaction establishes a Boston office and expands Chemistry’s creative and design capabilities. Company release
GreenRubino acquired Rupert. The October 8 announcement combines the Seattle agencies and brings Rupert founder Noah Tannen into the role of director of strategic partnerships. Buyer announcement
Eventeam acquired Keneo. Announced October 8, the deal expands the group’s sports-event consulting, design and production capabilities. Buyer announcement
✦ Talk to Stellamont
We advise owners on valuation, transaction preparation, and competitive sell-side processes across the creator economy, marketing infrastructure, software and tech-enabled services, with a focus on creator commerce.