Deadline – October 28, 2020
Spyglass Forms Comedy Film Joint Venture Artists Road With Propagate Content, Artists First & Off-Road Productions
‘GO-BIG SHOW,’ SNOOP DOGG AND ROSARIO DAWSON AMONG JUDGES
Variety – September 9, 2020
TBS has picked up a full season of an hour-long talent competition series titled “Go-Big Show.” The show is hosted by Bert Kreischer and features celebrity judges Snoop Dogg, Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Nettles and “The American Nightmare” Cody from All Elite Wrestling.
BEN SILVERMAN AND HOWARD T. OWENS’ PROPAGATE GETS RAINE GROUP INVESTMENT
The Hollywood Reporter – JANUARY 1, 2018
Indie studio Propagate Content, led by Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens, said Tuesday it has secured an investment from global merchant bank Raine Group.
Raine Takes a Stake in ‘Planet of the Apps’ Creator
New York Times – January 16, 2018
The investment in Propagate, which created the first original series for Apple and Twitter, is a bet on new content for a changing media landscape.
The Raine Group Backs Ben Silverman and Howard Owens’ Propagate Content
Variety – January 16, 2018
The technology-, media- and telecoms-focused bank has taken an unspecified “significant” stake in the business, and becomes a major Propagate backer alongside A+E Networks…Propagate said it would use the investment to launch new ventures and make targeted acquisitions.
Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate Gets Raine Group Investment
The Hollywood Reporter – January 16, 2018
Propagate, launched in 2015, plans to use it to “accelerate the company’s growth globally through the launch of innovative new ventures and targeted acquisitions, further cementing its reputation as a transformational content studio.”
Ben Silverman & Howard T Owens’ Propagate Gets Backing From Raine Group
Deadline – January 16, 2018
Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ independent TV studio Propagate has secured a significant financial investment from global merchant bank, The Raine Group. The exact amount was undisclosed but will be used by Propagate to accelerate the company’s global growth. That will include the launch of new ventures and targeted acquisitions.
ZAC BROWN BANDS TOGETHER WITH PROPAGATE FOR FILM & TV DEAL, EYES REALITY SERIES
Deadline – October 18, 2017
Country music star Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band fame is teaming with Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate on a deal with Brown’s Southern Reel production company. The plan is to develop and produce projects for TV, film and digital that speaks to Brown’s vision of life in the South. Among the projects in the early stages of development moving forward is a reality series focused on Southern Ground, Brown’s lifestyle brand headquarters.
BEN SILVERMAN PICK UPS TWO MORE PODCASTS TO BE ADAPTED FOR TV (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety – October 30, 2017
Ben Siverman’s Propagate has nabbed two more buzzy podcasts, “Sword and Scale” and “Up and Vanished,” that it will set up as TV projects. They follow in the footsteps of “Lore,” which Silverman and Propagate co-CEO Howard T. Owens launched as a series at Amazon and which received strong reviews. Silverman told Variety about the next two podcast-to-TV projects.
GWYNETH PALTROW, BEN SILVERMAN TEAM FOR ‘VICE’-STYLE TV SERIES ON WELLNESS
The Wrap – November 21, 2017
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop is getting into the TV business. The Oscar-winning entrepreneur is developing a new series with former NBCUniversal executive Ben Silverman and his Propagate Content, an individual familiar with the project told TheWrap…The deal would be the first mainstream entertainment pact for Goop, which makes original digital content in the form of cooking videos and beauty and fashion product reviews and tutorials.
Oxygen, Propagate base doc on podcast
C21 Media – November 22, 2017
NBCUniversal-owned US cablenet Oxygen has partnered with Ben Silverman’s Propagate Content to develop a documentary series based on a true crime podcast.
Gwyneth Paltrow, Ben Silverman Team for ‘Vice’-Style TV Series on Wellness
The Wrap – November 21, 2017
Gwyneth Paltrow’s Goop is getting into the TV business. The Oscar-winning entrepreneur is developing a new series with former NBCUniversal executive Ben Silverman and his Propagate Content, an individual familiar with the project told TheWrap…The deal would be the first mainstream entertainment pact for Goop, which makes original digital content in the form of cooking videos and beauty and fashion product reviews and tutorials.
Ben Silverman Nabs Ripped-From-Headlines Book ‘Poison’ for TV (Exclusive)
The Hollywood Reporter – November 20, 2017
It was one of the strangest stories to play out in the New York press in recent years. Indie director-producer Galt Niederhoffer (The Romantics) accused her high-profile ex-boyfriend of poisoning her with arsenic. Now, Niederhoffer’s thinly veiled novel about the relationship, Poison, has been optioned for a scripted TV series by Ben Silverman’s Propagate Content.
Ben Silverman Pick Ups Two More Podcasts to Be Adapted for TV (EXCLUSIVE)
Variety – October 30, 2017
Ben Siverman’s Propagate has nabbed two more buzzy podcasts, “Sword and Scale” and “Up and Vanished,” that it will set up as TV projects. They follow in the footsteps of “Lore,” which Silverman and Propagate co-CEO Howard T. Owens launched as a series at Amazon and which received strong reviews. Silverman told Variety about the next two podcast-to-TV projects.
Zac Brown Bands Together With Propagate For Film & TV Deal, Eyes Reality Series
Deadline – October 18, 2017
Country music star Zac Brown of Zac Brown Band fame is teaming with Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate on a deal with Brown’s Southern Reel production company. The plan is to develop and produce projects for TV, film and digital that speaks to Brown’s vision of life in the South. Among the projects in the early stages of development moving forward is a reality series focused on Southern Ground, Brown’s lifestyle brand headquarters. The show will follow the team at as they take on some of the wildest challenges in custom entertainment.
Propagate Is About to Let Twitter Users in on #WhatsHappening
AdWeek – October 4, 2017
Twitter users can find out #WhatsHappening by watching the new, exclusive livestreamed program from Propagate, which debuts Monday, Oct. 9, and will livestream Monday through Friday at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT. Propagate said in a release introducing the show that it “will deliver the most relevant stories, tweets, GIFs, clips and conversations from TV, film, comedy, sports, politics and pop culture.” Bree Essrig will host.
Propagate & Nash Entertainment Seal Partnership Ahead Of Mipcom
Deadline – September 28, 2017
Ben Silverman and Howard T Owens’ indie studio Propagate Content has inked a worldwide production and distribution deal with Bruce Nash’s Nash Entertainment. The plan is for Propogate to mine Nash’s TV library of series including reality fare like For Love or Money and Who Wants to Marry My Dad? to be redeveloped and reshaped for U.S. and international markets.
Propagate, Charles Wachter Launch New Production Company Hard Twenty
Deadline – September 20, 2017
Global indie studio Propagate Content is teaming with Executive Producer and Showrunner Charles Wachter to launch Hard Twenty, a new production company. The first production company to launch under the Propagate umbrella, Hard Twenty will be based in Los Angeles and Toronto. Propagate and Hard Twenty have an exclusive co-production agreement, with Propagate retaining all international distribution rights for content developed by Hard Twenty.
Extra: Propagate inks distribution deal with Nitro Circus; RTS names new fellowships
Realscreen – September 5, 2017
Los Angeles-based prodco and distributor Propagate has inked a deal with sports entertainment brand Nitro Circus to handle the international distribution of its series and specials.
Propagate to fuel Nitro Circus
C21 – September 4, 2017
The distribution arm of Propagate,the prodco run by Ben Silverman and Howard T Owens, has signed a deal with action-sports entertainment brand Nitro Circus.
Propagate and Nitro Circus Distribution Deal
Advanced Television – September 4, 2017
Propagate has teamed with Nitro Circus to handle international distribution of the high-octane, jaw-dropping series and specials from the leading action sports entertainment brand. Propagate will debut the Nitro Circus catalogue at MIPCOM.
‘Lore’ Gets October Premiere Date On Amazon; Teaser Trailer
Deadline Hollywood – August 29, 2017
Amazon has set Friday, October 13 in the appropriate Halloween frame for the premiere of its adaptation of the horror podcast Lore, and released a teaser trailer (see above).
Facebook, Twitter and Apple get into the television business
The Economist – August 24, 2017
This surge of investment will force a fast-changing industry to adapt even more quickly, says Ben Silverman, a former co-chairman of NBC Entertainment who now runs Propagate. Old-fashioned TV looks more vulnerable by the day.
Romper – August 23, 2017
So many reality shows are focused on women drinking tequila and fighting with each other in fancy restaurants or looking for marriage alongside a dozen other women. Considering all of this, it’s actually sort of refreshing to see that Fox’s new reality show will follow professional women becoming moms, and the routes they choose to get there. And honestly, it’s about time women in their 30s or 40s were celebrated for making the choice to have kids after starting their careers — even if it runs the risk of playing into some stereotypes.
Fox Is Developing an Unscripted Series About Women Becoming Moms in Their 30s And 40s
People TV Watch – August 23, 2017
Fox is currently working on an unscripted series titled Labor of Love, about professional women in their 30s or 40s who decide to have a baby, Deadline confirmed. Participants will either explore finding a likeminded partner to conceive with, or pursue single motherhood options like securing a sperm donor.
‘Labour of Love’ Reality Series in the Works at Fox
Hollywood Reporter – August 21, 2017
The network is developing an unscripted reality series titled Labor of Love about women in their 30s and 40s who have made the decision to have a child.
‘Labor Of Love’ Reality Series About Women’s Quest To Have A Child In Works At Fox
Deadline Hollywood – August 21, 2017
Fox is eyeing a return to provocative reality fare with Labor Of Love, a new unscripted series project that would follow professional women in their 30s or 40s who decide to have a baby.
Charmed Reboot in “Redevelopment” At The CW
IGN – August 2, 2017
The CW hasn’t given up on its hopes to reboot Charmed, though the initial pitch is being retooled.
“It’s in redevelopment,” CW boss Mark Pedowitz told reports at the 2017 TV Critics’ Association summer press tour. “[We’re] waiting to see what Jennie Urman wants to come back with. … It’s early in the development process, but we’re redeveloping it, and hopefully it will come out.”
Broadcast Now UK – June 29, 2017
Ben Silverman, the US producer known for remaking UK shows such as Who Wants To Be A Millionaire? and The Office, is looking to link up with British indies keen to crack digital giants Apple, Twitter and Facebook.
Silverman, who now runs A+E Networks-backed indie Propagate Content, is producing business format Planet Of The Apps for Apple Music and live primetime entertainment show #Whats Happening for Twitter.
Island Records Founder Chris Blackwell Teams Up With ‘Narcos’ Exec for Reggae Series
Variety – June 22, 2017
Island Records founder and entrepreneur Chris Blackwell has teamed with “Narcos” showrunner Eric Newman and Propagate Content’s Ben Silverman to develop a narrative TV series about the birth of reggae music and the rise of Jamaica’s music industry in the wake of the Caribbean island nation’s independence from Britain in 1962.
TV, movie deal-makers descend on China
China Daily – May 23, 2017The MIP China Hangzhou International Content Summit, the first event marking the Cannes-based MIP’s expansion into Asia, kicked off in the capital of Zhejiang province on Tuesday and will last until May 25.
Ben Silverman, a veteran producer and head of the Los Angeles-based studio Propagate Content, said: “A lot of people from Hollywood want to sell their stories to China.”
He added that creating partnerships will be the most effective way for China and foreign players to reach a global audience.
Twitter Plans Daily Show From Ben Silverman, 24-Hour Sports Channel
The Hollywood Reporter – May 1, 2017
Twitter on Monday unveiled a broad slate of original programming deals designed to help turn the social network into a hub for live television.
The company has struck deals with producer Ben Silverman, WNBA, Derek Jeter’s The Players’ Tribune, BuzzFeed News and Live Nation, all designed to bring a schedule of weekly and daily programming to the Twitter feed.
Propagate to Recut Cheddar’s Financial News for International Markets
Variety – March 20, 2017
Propagate, the independent studio run by Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens, has cut a deal with digital network Cheddar to reformat the startup’s youth-targeted financial news content and ship it overseas. The companies will initially produce a weekly 45-minute show called “Cheddar World,” which will be an edited-down version of Cheddar’s existing content customized for local markets and languages. They’re hoping to launch “Cheddar World” in five markets by the end of 2017 and are seeking deals with TV networks, pay-TV providers and over-the-top services outside the U.S.
Propagate partners with Cheddar
Realscreen – March 20, 2017
Los Angeles-based indie studio Propagate Content has secured a new partnership with post-cable TV network, Cheddar.
The deal will see Cheddar’s content, which features finance-focused news targeted to millennials, brought to international markets.
Together, the two companies will produce a weekly 45-minutes show that highlights leading stories, companies and executives making news in technology, media, startups and entrepreneurship. It will be formatted by market and customized with a local language broadcast from the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange.
Apple SVP Eddy Cue and producer Ben Silverman at Code Media
Recode – March 18, 2017
Watch the man in charge of Apple’s moves in music, movies and TV in tandem with the man guiding the company’s first forays into content creation. Apple SVP Eddy Cue and Propagate Productions’ Ben Silverman spoke onstage at Code Media with Peter Kafka.
App builders are the ‘new rock stars,’ says the producer of Apple’s ‘Planet of the Apps’
CNBC – March 14, 2017
App builders have taken a central role in building modern culture, to the point where they have become “the new rock stars,” said Ben Silverman, producer of Apple’s new reality TV show ‘Planet of the Apps.’ “These guys and gals who developed and generated these apps … are building culture the same way directors, writers, actors and singers have built culture the previous 50 years,” said Silverman on “Squawk Alley.”
Apple’s new TV Show ‘Planet of the Apps’ searches for next breakout app
Business News Network – March 10, 2017
‘Planet’ is a word worth emphasizing from the title of Apple’s new TV show, “Planet of the Apps.” This spring, Apple will premiere its first reality television series, which will shine the spotlight on a diverse pool of talented app developers. “There’s never been a better time for a show about apps,” Executive Producer Ben Silverman told BNN in a phone interview. “Tech entrepreneurs are the new rock stars and their apps are disrupting culture globally. We can’t wait to pull back the curtain and shine a spotlight on the designers, engineers and hustlers who make up the app culture.”
CW’s ‘Charmed,’ ‘Lost Boys’ Reboots Will Be Redeveloped Next Season
The Hollywood Reporter – February 3, 2017
Charmed is described as a reimagining of the original TV series set in 1976. The reboot will be connected to the original in some fashion, though it’s not entirely clear at this point how that will come to pass. O’Toole and Rardin created the story. Propagate Content’s Ben Silverman, who executive produces Jane alongside O’Toole, Rardin and Urman, will serve in the same capacity. Jane director Brad Silberling also is on board as an executive producer and potential pilot director. The drama hails from CBS Television Studios, where Urman and Silberling are under overall deals.
Apple Shows Off Sneak Peek of Original Series ‘Planet of the Apps’
Billboard – February 3, 2017
Apple gave a first look at its new original unscripted series, Planet of the Apps, on Monday evening and the show looks a little like Shark Tank meets The Voice. Apple announced Planet of the Apps as its first original series in March last year. The show, an unscripted look at the developers who make apps for iPhone users, is produced by Silverman and Howard Owens’ Propagate Content.
Propagate takes Caracol formats to US
C21 Media – February 3, 2017
Propagate Content, the LA-based production company owned by Ben Silverman and Howard T Owens, has partnered with Caracol Television to produce the Colombian broadcaster’s formats in the US.
Propagate, Caracol ink first-look deal
RealScreen – February 2, 2017
Los Angeles-based indie studio Propagate Content has secured a first-look partnership with Colombian network Caracol Televisión in the U.S., weeks after launching its international distribution division.
Propagate & Caracol Launch First-Look Partnership Focused On U.S.
Yahoo News! – February 2, 2017
Propagate has formed a new partnership with Caracol under which Propagate will develop, pitch and produce Caracol formats for the U.S. market. They include the scripted series, La Niña (The Girl), and unscripted series, A Otro Nivel (On Another Level). This comes on the heels of Propagate launching its international division with Cyrus Farrokh at the helm.
“Unscripted and Unprepared” with Propagate boss Ben Silverman
Real Screen – January 17, 2017
The seventh episode of the Unscripted and Unprepared podcast, produced by Jimmy Fox, president of newly launched production shop Main Event Media, in partnership with realscreen, is now available via iTunes and Stitcher. The episode features Fox in conversation with Emmy- and Golden Globe Award-winning show creator and media executive Ben Silverman.
Propagate Launches International Division Headed by Cyrus Farrokh
Variety – January 17, 2017
Global indie studio Propagate is launching its international distribution business to be helmed by global sales executive Cyrus Farrokh. As president of the international division, Farrokh will continue to cultivate international relationships in his role. The international division will also manage content acquisitions and distribution, as well as format development and sales.
Lifetime Sets New Timbaland Pop Show, Jason Biggs Game Show, Greg Berlanti Thriller
Variety – January 13, 2017
Real-life couple Jason Biggs and Jenny Mollen will host the relationship comedy gameshow “My Partner Knows Best,” in which married couples face off in a series of challenges based on relationship obstacles. Lifetime has ordered 10 episodes of the hour-long show from Propagate and Kanal D. Biggs, Mollen, Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, Irfan Sahin, and Kevin Healey are exec producers
Apple is moving forward with its reality TV show ‘Planet of the Apps’
TechCrunch- July 13,2016
Apple has been working on an unscripted TV series for a few months now. The TV show should be about the app economy, but it’s unclear how Apple is going to distribute it. Apple just announced an open casting call.
Thanks to this call, Apple is sharing a bit more about the show. It’s going to be called “Planet of the Apps” and feature app creators. The viewer is going to follow these developers as they receive advice from tech experts, funding from “top-tier VCs” and promotion in the App Store.
Apple is launching a reality TV show called Planet of the Apps
The Verge- July 13, 2016
Earlier this year, Apple announced it was working on an unscripted reality TV show about app developers. Now, that show has a name (with a pretty good pun): Planet of the Apps. An open casting call launched this week is asking for “100 of the world’s most talented app creators,” with the show’s creators requesting that would-be participants send in information about their prospective app as well as a one-minute video profile of themselves and their team.
Planet of the Apps’ website bills it as more than just a show, but also “a launch pad and accelerator for exceptional developers.” Contestants will be competing for mentorship from “some of the world’s best experts in tech and entertainment,” says the site, as well as funding from “top-tier VCs investing up to $10 million” and marketing in the form of “featured placement in the App Store.” All that is certainly worth fighting for.
Apple’s first reality show, ‘Planet of the Apps,’ is looking for contestants
Los Angeles Times- July 13, 2016
The unscripted show, co-produced by Propagate, is to be filmed in Los Angeles later this year.
It will feature developers competing for more than $10 million in venture capital funding, guidance from experts in the tech community and a place for their app in the featured section of Apple’s App Store.
Open casting begins for Apple’s ‘Planet of the Apps’ reality show
The Washington Post- July 13, 2016
Apple announced an open casting call earlier this week for the TV show that the company announced it was working on earlier this year. The unscripted reality show, called “Planet of the Apps,” is set to start filming later this year and is the first original TV series for the iPhone maker. Details such as the number of contestants or air date are still unknown at this time, but the show will feature up-and-coming apps competing for funding from VC investors.
Attached to the project are big-name television producers Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens, as well as music artist Will.i.am. “Over 2 million apps are available on the App Store, with new apps published every day,” said Silverman and Owens in a news release published on tech news site 9to5mac. “Planet of the Apps will give app creators the chance to break through and share their ideas with the world.
PromaxBDA Addresses Changing TV Landscape and how Entertainment Marketing Is Evolving With It
Shoot- June 16, 2016
Silverman played an integral role in several well known past deals including selling The Tudors to Showtime. To get this done, he created an international co-production by starting an Irish production company to team with a Canadian production company, and hired one writer to pen all the episodes so that he could try to convince the network to go straight to series which he did (it was the first straight to series show ever.) Another past deal includes getting NBC to pick up The Office. He joked about using the same building for their office and the office set to save money, and that the cost of an episode was about a third of the cost of an episode of 30 Rock. As CEO of Propagate, Silverman is currently developing eight programs for a combination of eight different outlets; some traditional networks and several streaming services. He noted that it’s a great moment for content suppliers.
PactUS Names Inaugural Executive Board of Directors
TV USA- June 9, 2016
IPC Television CEO Eli Holzman will serve as chairman of the inaugural board. Members of the board include All3Media America’s CEO, Gregory Lipstone; Endemol Shine’s COO, Ben Samek; Propagate Content’s founder and co-CEO, Howard Owens; and John Pollak, Electus International’s president of global distribution. Additional board members include Punched in the Head owner, Amelia D’Entrone; Hot Snakes Media founding partner Eric Evangelista; Talos Films co-president Elli Hakami; 51 Minds’s COO, Temple Williams; and Pact CEO John McVay.
“This marks a significant milestone in the evolution of this association,” said Lyle. “With this distinguished and extremely knowledgeable local group of inaugural directors and John [McVay], who has done a spectacular job in building Pact into such a major force in the U.K. content landscape, we will continue to grow and flourish.”
Ben Silverman and Howard Owens’ Propagate Content Fills Out Executive Ranks
The Hollywood Reporter, June 9, 2016
Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens are adding three key executives to their new production shingle Propagate Content.
Kevin Healey has been named head of alternative programming, Brett-Patrick Jenkins joins as head of development and Nicole Laufer has been appointed director of development.
Oxygen Picks Up Four New Series, Including Two Competition Shows
Yahoo! TV- June 8, 2016
Oxygen has given the greenlight to four new projects — two competition series, a docu-comedy and a true crime show — the cable network announced Wednesday.
“Unprotected” is produced by Propagate with Ben Silverman, Howard T. Owens, Kevin Healey and Eric Kutner serving as executive producers. This half-hour doc-comedy follows the Cantarellas, a former crime family raising two teenagers, who have left the witness protection program to settle into the very suburban and retiree lifestyle of their new hometown of Scottsdale, AZ. Over the course of the season, viewers will see them adapting to their unfamiliar surroundings and trying to reform their old criminal habits, but all the while staying true to who they are. From running a legit family business to making new friends, the Cantarellas are putting their wayward past behind them and learning how to live life in the burbs.
Ben Silverman on how to make it in TV
Gulf News Television- June 4, 2016
The renowned writer and producer, who is best known for hit TV shows such as The Office, Ugly Betty, Who Wants to be a Millionaire? and The Biggest Loser, just to name a few, was in Abu Dhabi this week conducting workshops for those who were interested in pursuing a career in television.
Charismatic, charming and with a sea of experience in the field of TV, Silverman was joined by some of Hollywood’s greatest in the business such as Simpsons writer Greg Daniels and former president of National Geographic channels Howard Owens.
Twofour54 hosts top US TV execs
Digital production- May 31, 2016
More than 70 people attended a Q&A session at twofour54 on Monday night, led by top US television executives who are in Abu Dhabi for three days of networking and knowledge exchange in response to the capital’s growing reputation for film and television production.
Top US television executives visit twofour54 to inspire a new generation of Arab media talent
Twofour54- May 31, 2016
On day one of the schedule, twofour54’s Chairwoman H. E. Noura Al Kaabi and Acting CEO Maryam Al Mheiri met with a delegation from America Abroad Media (AAM) which included Benjamin Silverman, award-winning executive producer of The Office, The Tudors and Ugly Betty; comedy writer and director, Greg Daniels, known for hit TV series The Office and Parks & Recreation; Howard Owens, founder and Co-CEO of Propagate Content; and Brian Edelman, CEO of Rain, an award winning creative agency.
Later, Silverman, Daniels and Owens were guest speakers at a Q&A session held at twofour54, where the topic of discussion was starting a career in the TV industry. More than 70 people attended the public event, including many members of twofour54’s creative lab community.
Deadline- May 12, 2016
Propagate Content, the A+E Networks -backed US prodco lead by Ben Silverman and Howard T Owens, has added a business affairs exec from ITV Studios to its team.
The firm has also announced the earlier hire of Isabel San Vargas as head of production, while Linh Le has joined the business development team.
Gale Anne Hurd, Ben Silverman Team for Horror Anthology Based on ‘Lore’ Podcast
The Hollywood Reporter- April 20, 2016
The Walking Dead executive producer is teaming with Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens’ Propagate Content to adapt popular podcast Lore as an hour-long anthology series, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. A network is not yet attached; Propagate will shop the series to broadcast and cable.
Lore, created by Aaron Mahnke, has more than 2 million listeners each month tuning in for the 100 percent fact-based tales that are brought to life via heavily researched eyewitness accounts, documented stories and historical events. The podcast, one of iTunes’ Best of 2015, was launched in March 2015 and in more than 30 installments explored the true origins of pop culture’s most legendary horror characters and myths such as vampires, zombies, werewolves, ghosts, serial killers and witches.
Ben Silverman Reunites with Howard Owens at Propagate Content
Variety- April 7, 2016
Ben Silverman has reunited with a longtime partner, joining Howard T. Owens as co-chairman and CEO of the A+E Networks-backed production company Propagate Content.
Owens and Silverman signaled that they were joining forces again last month when Apple announced that the pair and Will.i.am are producing an unscripted series for the tech giant that will follow the personalities and behind the development of Apple Store apps. Silverman last month also formalized his exit from Electus, the production-distribution banner he launched in 2009 with backing from Barry Diller’s IAC.
“I have always admired Ben and Howard’s long and lucrative track record of building thriving businesses together,” said A+E Networks CEO Nancy Dubuc. “They are two of Hollywood’s most impressive and prolific producers, and we are very much looking forward to our successful partnership as they develop and produce multiplatform content for the global marketplace.”
Apple’s First Foray Into Original TV Is a Series About Apps
The New York Times- March 24, 2016
Apple’s ambitions to go head to head with Netflix and create its own lineup of exclusive movies and TV shows has long been the subject of much chatter and speculation.
But its first original TV project — a nonscripted series about apps — might sound more like a marketing campaign than a blockbuster production. Apple announced on Thursday that it was working with the entertainer Will.i.am and two veteran TV executives, Ben Silverman and Howard T. Owens, on a new show that will spotlight the app economy.
Ben Silverman, Will.i.am Producing Unscripted Series for Apple
The Hollywood Reporter- March 24, 2016
The company has teamed up with executive producers Ben Silverman, musician Will.i.am and Howard Owens’ Propagate for an unscripted series about the Apple app ecosystem. Apple is offering few details about the project, but Silverman says it will, at least in part, highlight the stories of how Apple apps are developed.
“We’ve seen some really, truly inspiring and incredible stories from our developers in what they’ve done, where they come from, how they started and the problems they’ve solved,” explains Eddy Cue, who oversee iTunes and Apple Music among other software and services at Apple.
‘1 Percent’ book optioned for scripted TV series
R Page Six- March 15, 2016
The author’s book “Isn’t That Rich?: Life Among the 1 Percent” has been optioned by Ben Silverman and Jordan Schur for a scripted TV series to be produced by “Sex and the City” alum Amy Harris.
The book started out, like Bushnell’s “Sex and the City,” with Kirshenbaum’s columns in the New York Observer. But while Bushnell’s stories were more about sex, shoes and cosmopolitans, advertising mogul Kirshenbaum chronicles the lifestyles of the Upper East Side’s superrich.
Nat Geo Readies “Origins,” Bunim/Murray’s “Earth Live!”
Real Screen – March 15, 2016
Propagate Content’s Animal ER will follow staff at the Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) in Texas as they use cutting-edge technology to diagnose and treat a roster of patients including chimps, giant pythons, bighorn sheep, seals, rams and exotic birds.
Nat Geo Wild Slate: “Project Puppy” and “Animal ER” Score Series Order
The Wrap – March 15, 2016
The cable channel has ordered new series “Project Puppy” and “Animal ER,” executives unveiled Tuesday at its parent company’s upfronts presentation. The network also unveiled “Savage Kingdom,” an event series.
“Project Puppy” (pictured) will bring viewers into the homes of six families raising new puppies, proving that it’s not always licks and Milk-Bones. “Animal ER” takes place in Texas, at a veterinary facility where they treat every species from from bighorn sheep to seals.
National Geographic Channel Unveils Revamped ‘Explorer,’ ‘Earth Live’ Special and Other Shows
Variety – March 15, 2016
Separately, sibling channel Nat Geo Wild also unveiled three unscripted series: “Animal ER,” set in a Texas veterinary hospital, from Howard Owens’ Propagate Content; “Project Puppy” (Blast Films), following six families as they raise a puppy; and “Pet Talk,” a prime-time talk show to be hosted bytwo unnamed veterinarians, a wildlife expert and a field reporter. It’s from Leepson Bounds Entertainment.
Endemol Shine, All3Media America Among Charter Members of PactUS TV Trade Org
Variety – March 2, 2016
PactUS is launching with 30 members, including the various banners housed under All3Media America. Others on board include Broderville Pictures, Cineflix, Hot Snakes Media, October Films, Propagate Content and Talos Films. PactUS is likely to tread on the some of the same ground as the Non-Fiction Producers Assn., which launched in 2014 and also counts All3Media among its members. ITV Studios, the largest producer of unscripted TV series in the U.S., is among the 37 members of NPA but is not in the initial PactUS roster.
Lifetime Falls For Snapchat With New Valentine’s Series
Stream Daily – February 12, 2016
Linear network Lifetime has paired with multi-platform prodco Propagate Content to create a steamy new digital series in time for Valentine’s Day.
Fall Into Me is a series of short, romantic stories aimed at millennial women.
It launched Feb. 14 on the Snapchat Discover channel for women’s magazine Cosmopolitan, following its release on YouTube and its own website.
In an interview with StreamDaily, Propagate co-founder Howard Owens described the series as “In the vein of 50 Shades of Grey… it tells the story of women who encounter a unique and defining sexual experience.”
The Rookie Is Your New Binge Watch
Cosmopolitan – February 11, 2016
The Rookie, a new, eight-episode miniseries from the addictive AF Fall Into Me channel, is premiering ~exclusively~ on Cosmopolitan.com, and you’re going to be obsessed with it. The show follows an aspiring sports agent who’s up for the promotion of a lifetime — all she has to do is keep her hot new client out of trouble for 72 hours. SPOILER ALERT: The man has a smile that could melt a polar ice cap, and keeping him out of trouble turns out to be easier said than done 🙈. Each episode of The Rookie is just a few minutes long, making it the perfect show to blow through on your lunch break, commute, or whenever you need some smokin’ hot eye candy in your life.
Juanes & Ben Silverman Shop Bilingual TV Series Described as ‘Narcos’ Meets ‘Entourage’
Billboard, January 19, 2016
Latin music may get it’s own Empire-like TV drama, thanks to a recently forged partnership between Golden Globe winning producer Ben Silverman (Ugly Betty, Hands of Stone) and Latin star Juanes and his manager, Rebeca Leon.
The three have joined to develop and produce a TV show titled Persiguiendo el Sol (Chasing the Sun) that will chronicle Juanes’ rise to stardom, from his beginnings in Colombia through his arrival in Miami, Billboard has learned.
“It’s a mix of Entourage and Narcos,” Silverman told Billboard, referencing the drug drama not for its content, but as an example of a show shot in Latin America for mainstream audiences. However, there is a further link: Producer Eric Newman, the showrunner for Narcos, will also be executive producer and showrunner for Persiguiendo.
A&E Announces New Shows Including ‘Damien’ and ‘Roots’
Geeks of Doom – May 5, 2015
Marking Lifetime’s first original scripted content for non-linear distribution, the short-form digital platform Fall Into Me will feature romantic drama stories for today’s modern and tech-savvy woman. Catering to the fast-growing romance-fiction marketplace, each series will take viewers on journeys full of passion and excitement that can be discreetly enjoyed on phones and tablets. The concept for Fall Into Me comes from Daytime Emmy® nominee Guy Shalem (Lovespring International, Betty White’s Off Their Rockers), who will lead a team of creative storytellers for each series. Produced by Propagate Content, the Fall Into Me series will be executive produced by Shalem, Howard T. Owens and David McKillop.
Lifetime Sets Up Digital Platform For Romantic Drama
Television Business International – May 1, 2015
The initial Fall Into Me (WT) slate comprises eight titles. Each will have eight six-minute episodes that Lifetime said can be ‘discreetly enjoyed on phones and tablets’.
The idea for the new service comes from Emmy-nominated scribe Guy Shalem (Lovespring International) who will lead the creative team.
Lifetime Creates Romantic Digital Drama Platform
DigitalTV Europe – May 1, 2015
US cable channel Lifetime is launching Fall Into Me, a new digital platform that will feature romantic drama series produced by Howard T. Owens’ fledgling production company Propagate Content.
The initial Fall Into Me slate comprises eight titles. Each will have eight six-minute episodes that Lifetime said can be “discreetly enjoyed on phones and tablets”.
Lifetime Makes Romantic Fantasies Come True With Digital Platform Fall Into Me
A+E Networks – April 30, 2015
Catering to the fast-growing romance-fiction marketplace, each of the eight series on the Fall Into Me platform consists of eight webisodes, six-minutes in length, taking viewers on journeys full of passion and excitement that can be discreetly enjoyed on phones and tablets. The romantic digital episodes will be told from a woman’s point-of-view, in close-camera form, drawing the viewer deeper into the intimacy and romance of each story. The concept for Fall Into Me comes from Daytime Emmy® Award nominee Guy Shalem (Lovespring International, Betty White’s Off their Rockers), who will lead a team of creative storytellers for each series on the platform. Produced by Propagate Content, the Fall Into Me series will be executive produced by Shalem, Howard T. Owens and David McKillop. The platform will launch this year.
Lifetime To Launch Short-Form Digital Platform “Fall Into Me”
TV By The Numbers – April 30, 2015
Marking its first original scripted content for non-linear distribution, Lifetime will launch the short-form digital platform Fall Into Me (working title), featuring eight series of romantic drama stories for today’s modern and tech-savvy woman, it was announced today by Rob Sharenow, Executive Vice President and General Manager of Lifetime.
Lifetime to Launch Romance Genre Digital Video Platform
The VideoInk – April 30, 2015
Lifetime will launch its own digital video platform, with working title Fall Into Me, later this year.
Focusing on the romantic drama genre, Fall Into Me will feature eight, original series, each consisting of eight, six-minute episodes. Women will star as central characters in all of the series (surprise, surprise), which will be told from their POVs. Lifetime described the episodes as “in close-camera form,” so perhaps the style borders on fictional vlogging (but likely a very polished version).
Lifetime Enters Digital Romance
C21 Media – No Date Given
Fall Into Me (working title), will feature eight series of romantic drama stories aimed at “modern and tech-savvy women,” the company said.
The 8×6’ series will be told from a woman’s point of view, in close-camera form, marking Lifetime’s first original scripted content for non-linear distribution.
Lifetime Sets Romance-Fiction Digital Franchise “Fall Into Me”
Deadline – April 30, 2015
Lifetime is making its first foray into original scripted digital content with romantic fantasy drama franchise Fall Into Me (working title), scheduled to launch this year.
It will consist of eight series of romantic drama stories for today’s modern and tech-savvy woman, said Rob Sharenow, EVP and General Manager of Lifetime. The eight six-minute webisodes will take viewers on journeys full of passion and excitement that can be discreetly enjoyed on phones and tablets, according to Lifetime. The episodes will be told from a woman’s point of view, in close-camera form, drawing the viewer deeper into the intimacy and romance of each story.
Ex-Nat Geo, A+E execs launch Propagate Content
Television Business International – March 31, 2015
Owens, who is Propagate’s CEO and founder, left Nat Geo last year in June as the company installed Courtney Monroe to succeed David Lyle as CEO, while McKillop was replaced at A&E by Rob Sharenow.
Propagate will create, develop, produce and distribute programming for cable, broadcast and digital.
Howard T. Owens Launches Propagate Content
RealScreen – March 30, 2015
Howard T. Owens, most recently the president of National Geographic Channels (NGC), has launched an LA-based prodco, Propagate Content, with investment from A+E Networks.
Owens, who also has agency experience under his belt from his time as an agent at William Morris, joined NGC in 2011 following his time at Reveille, where, as founding partner, he oversaw such hits as The Biggest Loser. At NGC, under then-CEO David Lyle, he brought scripted properties such as Killing Kennedy to the network, among other projects that served to broaden its programming scope. He left NGC in 2014.
Howard T. Owens Launches A+E – Backed Company; David McKillop Becomes Partner
The Hollywood Reporter – March 30, 2015
Howard T. Owens has found his next act.
The former National Geographic Channels president has launched Propagate, a content company with the financial backing of A+E Networks. Owens suggests his decision to return to the production end of the business came after several conversations with confidants including A+E chief executive Nancy Dubuc, and a realization that he was happiest in his career when he launched production company Reveille with fellow William Morris vet Ben Silverman in 2002.
Producer Howard T. Owens Launches Banner with A+E Networks’ Investment
Variety – March 30, 2015
Former National Geographic TV president Howard T. Owens has launched a content production venture with financial backing from A+E Networks.
Owens has tapped former A&E Network g.m. David McKillop as a partner and chief creative officer of Los Angeles-based Propagate Content. A+E is an investor in Propagate, but it will operate autonomously from the Disney and Hearst-owned cable group with a goal of fielding projects for a wide range of TV and digital outlets.
Howard T. Owens Teams with David McKillop to Launch Indie Production Company Backed by A+E Networks
Deadline – March 30, 2015
Former National Geographic Channels president Howard T. Owens is going back to independent TV production with the launch of Propagate Content, a company set to create, develop, produce and distribute programming for cable, broadcast, and digital. Owens has brought in a partner in the new venture, former A&E general manager David McKillop, who will serve as Propagate Content’s chief creative officer. Owens is CEO. A&E’s parent company, A+Networks, is an equity partner in the new company.
Howard T. Owens Launches A+E Networks – Backed Content Company
The Wrap – March 30, 2015
Former NatGeo president Howard T. Owens has launched a content company called Propagate with financial backing from A+E Networks. According to media reports, Owens will be joined by former A+E Network general manager David McKillop, who will serve as chief creative officer. The company aims to develop and sell TV and digital projects, and has brought on reality showrunners Jarrett Lambo, Brad Tiemann and Charlie Marquardt as executives.