Next New Networks Launches Talent Initiative

NEW YORK: The Next New Creators program is designed to discover and foster talent from across the web, by pairing Next New Networks with up-and-coming independent creators.

Next New Networks will partner the burgeoning creators to distribute, promote, package and monetize their shows. The program has been in the works since early 2009, with initial projects such as Grace Randolph’s Beyond the Trailer, Gregory Brothers’ Auto-Tune the News, Daniel Delaney’s Vendr.TV, Max and Rebecca Lando’s Working Class Foodies and LushLife NY’s 12 Second Cocktails. 

As part of the Next New Creators program, creators will gain access to Next New Networks’ resources, including its publishing and technology platform and increased distribution through relationships with major partners such as YouTube and iTunes, as well as promotional support, editorial outreach and a dedicated sales team. Through Next New Networks, creators will also gain use of production facilities, staff, best practices for growing their viewership, and opportunities for collaboration with other creative talents in online video. 

"Next New Creators’ mission is to provide both resources and support to the Web’s rising stars," said Lance Podell, the CEO of Next New Networks. "This past year, successful collaborations with creators like Daniel Delaney and Grace Randolph allowed us to fine-tune Next New Creators to provide real and tangible value to take our producers to the next level. We look forward to many successful partnerships with producers in the years to come."

"Next New Networks is an important partner of YouTube, and we are excited to see their success and expertise in online video begin to drive a new wave of high-quality, high-viewership content for our site," added Kevin Yen, the director of strategic partnerships at YouTube. "Next New Networks will play a key role in incubating new talent on YouTube and bringing these talented creators into the spotlight through their Next New Creators partnership program. Auto-Tune the News has been a great hit in 2009, and we’re looking forward to the new successes the future holds."