AOL Inc. AOL today announced its 2014 slate of original programming at its Digital
Content NewFront in Brooklyn, reaffirming its long-term commitment to creating
premium shows with authentic storytelling. Featuring talent and producers such
as James Franco, Steve Buscemi, Sarah Jessica Parker, Zoe Saldana, and Ellen
DeGeneres, the shows will span topics from family and comedy to business and
technology, and will also include AOL's first long-form series, “Connected.”
AOL's 16 original shows will premiere throughout the year on The AOL On
Network, the leading video network for premium, curated content on the Web.
In a deal that is the first of its kind, AOL and Nielsen announced that AOL
has signed on to participate in a beta that will provide truly TV-comparable
audience measurement across all of AOL's new series. The Nielsen beta will
deliver GRPs (gross ratings points) that reflect the audience reach by age and
gender for AOL's new programming as an extension of Nielsen Digital Program
Ratings, which currently measures TV-originated content viewed online. In
addition to measuring content, AOL will be tagging associated advertising
using Nielsen Online Campaign Ratings™; the combination of audience
measurement across ‘digital-first' content and related advertising will make
it possible for complete audience comparisons to TV for the first time.
“We are fully committed to producing premium content at scale,” said Ran
Harnevo, President of AOL Video. “Premium content is premium content,
regardless of screen, delivery, length, or format, and our relationship with
Nielsen signifies that understanding. As TV and digital continue to merge into
one ecosystem, we believe in one standard form of measurement, and we're proud
to be the first digital client to work with Nielsen to make this vision a
reality.”
“In our experience, compelling, high-quality content always finds an audience.
The key is putting in place the independent measurement that instills
advertiser confidence,“ said Nielsen's Steve Hasker, President, Global Product
Leadership. “AOL's involvement in this beta for the next phase of Nielsen
Digital Program Ratings is another milestone in leveling the field for TV and
digital video programming, and brings the added accountability and
verification to the digital video market that advertisers demand.”
“This year's slate continues to define AOL Originals as a premium showcase for
authentic voices telling remarkable stories,” said Gabriel Lewis, head of AOL
Originals. “We have a unique opportunity to produce and program a diverse
range of content for the various audiences the AOL On Network reaches, and
we've taken advantage of that opportunity. We also want to push the boundaries
of what's expected from AOL, and to create conversations around topics that
resonate with digital audiences. We're incredibly excited about the series
showcased in this year's slate of AOL Originals as well as the renewal of four
shows from last year's slate, and we're looking forward to sharing them with
both returning audiences and new ones."
The 2014 programming slate includes:
"MAKING A SCENE WITH JAMES FRANCO" – Born out of Franco's love for movies,
each episode will feature James and one or more fellow artists discussing
their favorite, classic scenes from Hollywood cinema. Then they will put their
own stamp on history by recreating these scenes with an irreverent twist.
Produced by Rabbit Bandini Productions and Trium Entertainment.
"KEVIN NEALON'S LAUGH LESSONS" - Comedy is hard, but teaching comedy to
children is hilariously difficult. Kevin Nealon is giving the challenge to
some world-famous comedians in this new AOL series.
As these young minds meet with comedy's best, get ready to learn some valuable
comedy lessons, and to laugh! If you thought kids say the darndest things,
wait until you hear what these comedians have to say. Executive producers
Ellen DeGeneres, Kevin Nealon, Jeff Kleeman, Ed Glavin, Andy Lassner, Mary
Connelly for Telepictures.
"INSPIRED” features A-list celebrities, visionaries and some of the biggest
newsmakers of our generation, recounting the stories behind their most
life-changing moments of inspiration. Original photos and archival footage
will bring these moments to life along with in-depth interviews. Executive
produced by Rick Solomon and brought to you by NewForm, a new digital studio
formed in partnership with Discovery Communications, Brian Grazer, Ron Howard,
Craig Jacobson, Ed Wilson, Jim Wiatt, Michael Rosenberg.
“MY HERO” - Executive produced by Zoe Saldana (who will star in one of the
episodes), is an uplifting show featuring celebrities paying a surprise
tribute to one person who changed their life by giving them an over-the-top,
heart-felt surprise. Produced by Ellen Rakieten Entertainment a division of
Relativity Media and Cinestar Productions.
“WIN/WIN” - The biggest names in business join a famous athlete for a day of
honest conversation, legitimate fun and surprising insights. Win/Win will
provide unprecedented access into the minds of the world's most-celebrated
entrepreneurs and athletes in a compelling, fly-on-the-wall style that will
offer fans a fascinating view of what life is really like at the summit of
these two increasingly-intertwined worlds. With a mix of candid discussions
and story-telling expertise, Win/Win will be the ultimate window on
the personalities who define today's sports and business landscapes. Executive
Producers Mike Tollin and Jon Weinbach for Mandalay Sports Media.
“THAT'S RACIST” – Jews and Money. Asian Drivers. Polish IQ. CPT… that's
racist! But where do these stereotypes come from? Actor and comedian Mike Epps
explores the backstories of this humor and how history and fact often distorts
into a snide – but sometimes funny – shorthand. Produced by Andrew Fried for
Boardwalk Pictures.
“SO MUCH MORE” – Punk rock singer Tom Gabel of Against Me! made news in 2012
when she came out as a transgender woman - but what was more remarkable was
the overwhelming support the music community gave her as she made her
transition to Laura Jane Grace. This is her story - and the story of other
members of the trans community whose experiences are woefully underrepresented
and misunderstood in the media. Produced by AOL Studios.
“FOLLOW ME” documents the lives of modern day digital creators that are
redefining the definition of celebrity. Each episode features a different star
allowing us unprecedented access into their life to share their story. We'll
experience life when the vlogging, instagramming, and tweeting stops... If it
ever does. Produced by Fullscreen, the first media company for the connected
generation.
“THE ROAD TO DISRUPT” - A twelve episode documentary series following five
startup companies competing in the 2013 San Francisco TechCrunch Disrupt
Startup Battlefield as they fine tune their products and eventually present in
front of a panel of judges in hopes of winning $50,000 in funding. Produced by
AOL Studios.
“IN SHORT” – Launched yesterday on AOL, this five episode series from Academy
Award-winning producer Christine Vachon and JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI producer
Kevin Iwashina features a talented group of actors including Katie
Holmes (MISS MEADOWS), Jeff Garlin (THE GOLDBERGS), Alia Shawkat (ARRESTED
DEVELOPMENT), James Purefoy (THE FOLLOWING) and Judy Greer (THE
DESCENDANTS) as they step behind the camera to create their own short-form
documentaries. Each episode is seen through the eyes of a different actor as
they take a seat in the director's chair for an in-depth look at the cultural
ideas, inspirations and influences most important to them. The series is
produced by Killer Digital, the digital platform production company launched
by award-winning producer, author and founder/partner of Killer Films
Christine Vachon and Preferred Content co-founder/Managing Partner Kevin
Iwashina.
“CONNECTED” [long-form] – AOL's first long-form video series chronicles the
lives of five seemingly disconnected New Yorkers as they explore the concept
of family in New York City. As five parallel stories unfold and eventually
come together in a cohesive storyline, viewers are reminded of the universal
bond that family has on individuals and on society as a whole -- regardless of
social status, income, gender, marital status or sexual orientation. Produced
by Koda Communications in association with Warrior Poets.
“PARK BENCH” - Steve Buscemi and AOL have teamed-up to take over the streets
of New York in this new original series – a local's take on the special
people, places and spirit of The Big Apple. Through unscripted moments and
conversations with average New Yorkers – as well as Steve's celebrity friends
– Buscemi takes viewers on a first-hand misadventure. Discussing everything
from pop culture to current events, the show will convey Steve's relationship
with New York and its array of one-of-a-kind characters – taking viewers
beyond mere interviews and involving them in his daily life. Produced by Olive
Productions and RadicalMedia.
"#CANDIDLYNICOLE" – Fashion icon, creative director of House of Harlow 1960
and Winter Kate, and mom Nicole Richie brings her unfiltered sense of humor
and unique perspective on life in a series based on her clever Twitter feed.
"#CANDIDLYNICOLE" follows the outspoken host's daily insights as she shares
her uncensored perspective on style, parenting, relationships and her journey
through life. The series is produced by Telepictures and World of Wonder, with
executive producers Nicole Richie and Michael Baum. Fenton Bailey, Randy
Barbato & Tom Campbell serve as executive producers for World of Wonder.
"CITY.BALLET."– Return to the intimate and exciting world of the New York City
Ballet, where executive producer Sarah Jessica Parker takes a closer look at
the compelling lives of the company members; their hopes, their dreams, their
passion and their hardships, both on stage and off. Produced by Pretty Matches
Productions and Zero Point Zero Production, the series is sponsored by Citi.
"THE FUTURE STARTS HERE" by @tiffanyshlain" – Groundbreaking filmmaker and
founder of the Webby Awards Tiffany Shlain takes us on a wildly entertaining
and inspiring ride, exploring what it means to be human in our increasingly
connected world. From the latest neuroscience on dreaming to the evolution of
social media to new perspectives on creativity, Shlain uses her award-winning
style of fast-paced images, colorful animations, and daring and funny insights
to encourage us all to think about where we¹re headed. The series is sponsored
by Verizon.
"HARDWIRED 2.0" – Digital influencer Justine Ezarik (iJustine) is back. After
covering the world of wearable tech last season, iJustine is expanding her
coverage this year by profiling the hottest tech trends across the country.
The show's second season topics will range from gaming to beauty tech and will
showcase iJustine's trademark fun personality while featuring the latest
trending topics. The series is sponsored by Verizon.
AOL's 2014 original programming builds on the monumental success of the 2013
slate, having garnered a total of 150 million views within the year. Of those,
#CandidlyNicole, Hardwired, city.ballet., and The Future Starts Here amassed a
combined 75 million views since launch, matching the success of top-tier cable
programs. With VH1 set to release half-hour episodes of #CandidlyNicole in
July, AOL has proven that the lines between traditional TV and digital have
become increasingly blurred, and that great content can truly be found on
every screen.*
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