Ladbible Execs Launch Digital Studio
Ex-Ladbible execs Thom Gulseven and Ben Powell-Jones have launched Strong Watch Studios. The digital-first broadcast company has backing from Derry Girls producer Hat Trick Productions and its founders are credited with launching Snack Wars producer Ladstudios. The company will build out a network of unscripted channels across digital platforms and look to work with other TV companies to add digital offerings to their brands. “We’re obsessed with the gap between the two worlds of tele and digital – and how you fill it,” said Gulseven.
Sky Deutschland CEO Devesh Raj Switches To UK
Sky Deutschland CEO Devesh Ray is swapping Germany for Britain by becoming COO of Sky UK. Barny Mills will replace him at Sky Deutschland, stepping up from CFO of the German operation to take the CEO post. Raj has lead Sky Deutschland since January 2020, overseeing the launch of streaming service WOW and renewing Bundesliga soccer rights during his tenure. He also presided over the move to stop Sky producing scripted originals in the DACH region due to rising costs.
T-Series To Sell ‘MTV Hustle’ Music Globally
Indian entertainment powerhouse T-Series is to sell the music from desi hip-hop series MTV Hustle globally. The agreement between T-Series, which makes Bollywood films and operates the world’s most popular YouTube channel, and MTV India will cover three seasons’ worth of music from the likes of MC Square, Srushti Tawde and Paradox. T-Series began as a music label, while MTV Hustle‘s music has been influential in establishing Indian rap music and culture. “This is a natural partnership that will catapult South Asian hip-hop onto the world stage,” said Anshul Ailawadi, MTV India’s Business Head – Youth, Music, and English Entertainment.