Digital comic publisher announces new partnerships with Vertigo Entertainment, Bound Entertainment, and Rooster Teeth Studios; studio will also leverage existing relationships with their pool of writers and artists to build franchises across all media platforms.
Digital comic publisher WebToon has announced its expansion into the entertainment space with the launch of WebToon Studios, a multi-platform production division that connects its library of titles and creators with a myriad of entertainment platforms including: film, television, interactive entertainment, licensing, and merchandising.
Prior to the launch of WebToon Studios, previously partnerships had been forged with The Jim Henson Company and Crunchyroll. With the new studio formation, a trio of new partnerships has been announced, with more expected to be announced in the coming months including:
- Vertigo Entertainment - the production company behind the IT franchise and The Lego Movie.
- Bound Entertainment - the global studio led by Snowpiercer and Okja producer Samuel Ha, are partnering to co-produce a live-action science fiction TV series.
- Rooster Teeth Studios - known for their state-of-the-art 3D and 2D animation studio; the company will serve as both the animation studio and co-producer of a supernatural-themed action series.
WebToon Studios will partner with their pool of artists and writers to build franchises across all media platforms.
“Today marks a huge step for WebToon,” commented WebToon chief executive officer, Ken Kim. “Webcomics have grown into a cultural phenomenon over the past fifteen years – especially for younger generations. This is another important step in building a greater bridge from our creator’s works on WebToon to film, TV and beyond.”
“WebToon IP has had a tremendously successful track record in other mediums,” added Taylor Grant, senior vice president of IP development. “Recent global hits, Tower of God, Noblesse, and The God of High School all released in 2020, showcase how beloved our series are around the world.”
“WebToon Studios represents an important next phase in our evolution as a true multi-platform company,” continued Grant. “This is a bold investment by WebToon in both our incredible community of webcomic creators as well as our partners. With multiple deals currently in the works with major studios, producers, and production companies, we’ll have much more exciting news to share in the coming months.”
WebtoonStudios.com has also launched as an online portal that provides updated information on WebToon IP in development, stats on readership, upcoming projects, as well as a browsable portfolio. The currently online portfolio is a small sampling of projects that are available or in active development and will be updated monthly.
WebToon Studios recently signed with Verve Talent and Literary Agency and Lit Entertainment Group for representation.
Source: WebToon
