Warner Bros. Digital Networks Takes Wraps Off Stage 13

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Warner Bros. Digital Networks has officially unveiled Stage 13, which will launch in October via YouTube, Facebook and at Stage13.com, with monthly series premieres.

Stage 13 is an original digital content brand and part of Warner Bros. Digital Networks. Under the leadership of Diana Mogollón, the senior VP and general manager of Stage 13; Christopher Mack, the senior VP of Warner Brothers Television and head of scripted content for Stage 13; and Shari Scorca, head of unscripted for Stage 13, Stage 13 has produced 11 series.

Among the debut slate are Lipstick Empire, a female-driven, unscripted series that follows two of the beauty industry’s biggest brands; Marching Orders, an unscripted series about Bethune-Cookman University’s marching band; and Independent, an unscripted series featuring four of hip hop’s most exciting independent artists. Also on the initial roster are I Love Bekka & Lucy, about two best friends who face the evolution of their relationship when one of them gets engaged, and The Incredible Life of Darrell, created, written and directed by Darrell Lake, who also stars in the series.

“Stage 13 provided us with an opportunity to connect with the multicultural audience through content that reflects culture and the new voices today,” said Craig Hunegs, the president of business and strategy at Warner Bros. Television Group and president of Warner Bros. Digital Networks. “As a studio, identifying and nurturing new creative content has always been important to us. Stage 13 provides us the opportunity to reach young audiences who are seeking new forms of entertainment on the platforms they use most.”

“We were looking for an opportunity to super-serve the young, multicultural audience and we saw premium digital content with an authentic, relevant and fearless voice as the path,” said Mogollón. “Warner Bros., which has a long history of cultivating new talent, got behind the idea and encouraged us to move forward with our vision of a short-form premium content brand celebrating youth culture.”

Added Mack, “Stage 13 creates opportunities for emerging writers, directors, producers and actors to create both scripted and unscripted digital series. By seeking out fresh voices that have a distinct and diverse approach, it makes for great storytelling all around.”

“Our slate of unscripted series gives a voice to leaders in lifestyle, music and other popular genres that would otherwise go unheard,” said Scorca. “They’re funny, inspiring, brave and we’re excited to be able to bring our viewers into these fascinating worlds.”