Maker Studios Is Flush With YouTube Cash

By Chaz Kangas Thu., Mar. 1 2012 at 8:45 AM

Maker Studios

In 1981, MTV pushed music videos to the forefront of pop culture. In 1999, Napster made mp3s more popular than porn. Now, in 2012, L.A.-based Maker Studios is revolutionizing YouTube.

Created by viral video sensation Danny Zappin, Lisa Donovan and her brother Ben, the crew was frustrated with the Hollywood system. By embracing YouTube's unfiltered worldwide access, they now operate over 200 channels, producing hundreds of original videos a month for 32 million subscribers. You might know them from Tyler, the Creator's "She" video, as well as their "Epic Rap Battles of History" series, which pits guys dressed in costumes of folks like Einstein and Stephen Hawking against each other. It's quite clever.

Founded in 2009, at this point they've got almost as many daily viewers as Nickelodeon. Though the only thing the company shares with the traditional studios is a time zone, Brian Lee -- general manager of the forthcoming Maker Music -- says their geography helps by providing them access to talent. "Los Angeles is a place where people come to live out their dream. Because of that, there are a lot of production resources available."

Maker received a substantial portion of Google's $100 million dollar YouTube investment, and brought in both former MySpace Music president Courtney Holt and former Songs Music Publishing general manager Harry Poloner into the fold last year. But the access to inspired artists is just as important. "The Internet is the ultimate democracy," Lee adds. "Talent will rise to the top. Whether you're a 13-year-old doing a Taylor Swift cover in your bedroom, or you're a new artist signed to a major label working in the studio with Pharrell, talent is king."

"Epic Rap Battles of History" creator Nice Peter and comedian KassemG have practically become household names, at least among the internet savvy. Maker hopes they can extend their comedy success to the soon-to-be-launched Maker Music, which will feature music-centric channels.

Tags:

Brian Lee, Epic Rap Battles of History, KassemG, Maker Music, Maker Studios, Tyler the Creator

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rodshonesttruth

There are a many companies out there gobbling up youtube content creators, trying to make a quick buck off the little guy. It's a numbers game. Maker puts peanuts into their productions in return for a huge piece of the pie. And the competition from legitimate production creating quality product is getting fierce.

I'm just waiting for somebody to POACH RAY WILLIAM JOHNSON and =3...maker's only real claim to fame... a show that regurgitates viral youtube videos. But RWJ is so stupid he doesn't even realize that he could take his 5 million subscribers elsewhere in a heartbeat and actually make some real money and do quality productions.

rodshonesttruth

RAY WILLIAM JOHNSON is crazy to stay with Maker Studios.

RodsHonestTruth

The idiots at Maker Studios wouldn't know a talented artist or a good idea if it walked up and bit them in the behind. The company is founded and full of losers and cast offs who couldn't make it in Hollywood, and they're bitter about it, and just as underhanded and unscrupulous as any opportunistic producer or executive in this town. They are also not above lying and misrepresenting themselves, their accomplishments and offerings, as the journalist in this article points out. (see editors note).

http://blogs.laweekly.com/west...

There is absolutely no point or benefit in signing with Maker if you already have a youtube following or even one viral video. Maker is not doing anything for their "talent" that somebody with half a brain couldn't do for themselves with a handheld and a laptop. Just look at the crap Maker produces if you need proof of what I'm saying! They put peanuts into their production and talent, obviously.

All Maker wants to do is profit and capitalize on people's youtube success. And after youtube takes their whopping 45% or more of your ad/hit revenues, Maker will rape you for at least half of what's left, and that ain't much It's a SCAM. Also...there are a many companies out there like Maker, more every day. The competition is coming on strong, real production companies and quality new media producers, and they will knock out Maker Studios in no time. I'm just WAITING for somebody to poach Ray William Johnson and =3. That's all they got! A show that regurgitates viral videos! But RWJ is so stupid, he doesn't even realize that he could go elsewhere in a heartbeat and actually make some real money and do high quality productions with real potential... and all the channels he blessed with an audience, KassemG, ShayCarl, etc.... would follow him. Maker Studios is a House of Cards.

RodsHonestTruth

The idiots at Maker wouldn't know a good idea or a talented artist if they walked up and bit them in the ass. The company is full of losers who couldn't make it in hollywood, but they're just as underhanded and unscrupulous as the worst of the worst produce or exec in this town. They are certainly NOT above lying and misrepresenting themselves, as this journalist points out. And there is absolutely no point or benefit in signing with them if you already have a following. After youtube takes their whopping 45% or more of your ad revenues, Maker will rape you for at least half of what's left.. for years and they will put nothing into your production. They are not doing anything you somebody with half a brain couldn't do themselves at home with a handheld and a laptop. Just look at the crap they produce if you need proof of what I'm saying. It's a SCAM!!

Mugatomon

You're a freaking idiot. Where did you get the idea that they produced tyler the crrator's video. And what about shay butler? How could you forget to mention him.