Wattpad & Sony Pictures Television to Co-Produce Original Programming

Wattpad has struck up a partnership with Sony Pictures Television (SPT) to co-produce original programming for TV, signing a first-look deal.

Wattpad, which is represented by UTA, and SPT will work together to identify and develop narratives from the half a billion story uploads that have been shared on Wattpad. Wattpad and SPT, together with Stampede, previously announced that they are developing Death is My BFF for SYFY.  The popular Death is My BFF series of stories from Katerina E. Tonks has more than 62 million reads to date on Wattpad. Lindsey Rosin (Cruel Intentions) is slated to write the series.

To date, nearly 1,000 Wattpad stories have been turned into books, TV shows, films and digital projects.

“Our entertainment partners all over the world have seen the power of our data-backed approach to IP discovery and development,” said Aron Levitz, head of Wattpad Studios. “Wattpad stories are some of the most innovative and creative that have ever been written. The stories and diverse voices on Wattpad deserve to be heard all over the world. And our partnership with Sony does just that: brings Wattpad stories to new and existing fans all over the planet.”

UTA head of emerging platforms, Oren Rosenbaum, said: “By helping some of the largest entertainment companies advance the way they use data, Wattpad has solidified itself as a powerful platform to identify new content, spot emerging trends and help Wattpad creators transition IP into film and television. This new partnership with Sony will competitively position both companies in the ever-changing content ecosystem.”