Vertical/microseries studio and platform aTwist, founded by TV vets Jana Winograde, Susan Rovner and Lloyd Braun, launched Thursday with a slate of scripted, unscripted and animation originals. As previously announced, the new company is launching with a wide range of genres — including comedy, drama, horror and romance — from producers like “The Bold and the Beautiful’s” Bradley Bell, as well as partnerships with programmers like BET and Kevin Hart’s Hartbeat shingle. Added chief creative officer Rovner: “We’re doing horror, we’re doing a musical, we’re doing thrillers, we’re doing a lot of different things.
I think the thing that we’re finding, regardless of genre, is structure. The need to keep people engaged, the need to feel that pace, the need to really hook people in.” Countries at launch include Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Philippines, United Kingdom and United States. The aTwist fare can be found at aTwist.com, as well as via its app, available for download across all major app stores.
Microseries will launch new programs on Thursdays; users can watch episodes for free with ads, or view full seasons via coins or a subscription. Here is the initial aTwist slate, with loglines: “Buried Alive, Back For Revenge” (Scripted): “A blind heiress, buried alive by her husband and best friend on her wedding day, claws her way out of her grave to reclaim her company and destroy those who betrayed her.” Cast: Nicole Mattox, Nick Ritacco, Molly Anderson, Eric Guilmette, Jon Briddell. Roadblocks crop up, her ex returns, chaos ensues.
The Hangover meets Bridesmaids.” Cast: Violet Benson, Kristen Ochoa, Jaden Ashley, Christa Texeira. Cast: Bella Mraz, Eric Guilmette, Molly Anderson. And are they meant for each other?” Cast: Jayme Mantos, Ted Evans, Cornelius Mohr, Kristen DiMercurio.
Will she finally find a way to control the chaos and choose herself?” Producer: Jonathan Stern (Abominable Pictures). Cast: Hannah Pilkes, Nate Smith, Brandon Micheal Hall, Erinn Hayes, Steve Agee, Peter S. Boone, Suzie Haines, Richard Trotter, Charing Draper, Triana Brown.
The Hartbeat deal will include serving as its exclusive home for original microseries, including LOL comedy and adaptations of Blake Karrington’s book series. The BET partnership includes developing and distributing projects. The pact with National CineMedia brings microseries to movie theater audiences.
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