Disney orders 20 original episodes from Dhar Mann Studios
The Hollywood Reporter says Disney struck a content deal with Dhar Mann Studios as Disney pushes further into creator-native programming. Dhar Mann will produce 20 original episodes for Disney, though the companies have not specified whether the episodes will be vertical or another format. Disney has been building Disney+ into a broader membership ecosystem and launched its Verts short-form video product in March. The company also struck a TikTok deal this month that lets Disney fan videos play across both platforms. Dhar Mann Studios has 170 million followers globally and nearly 300 million weekly views across platforms.
THE BREAKDOWN
This is another signal that studios are buying creator production systems, not only social posts. Agents should separate talent appearance fees, production fees, writing, IP ownership, platform windows, and paid social support in negotiations. If a creator studio brings a repeatable audience engine, the deal should include backend or renewal upside tied to episode volume and performance. Brand managers should watch these creator-studio deals because sponsor inventory may move inside entertainment packages before it reaches the open market. Talent should protect format rights if a short-form concept can become a Disney+, YouTube, TikTok, or brand-funded series.
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