Emmy & Peabody award-winning marketing agency Known announced the launch of Known Originals to develop and produce an ambitious slate of original series and films that capitalize on the company’s successful track record of original programming and culture-impacting content.
The division will be led by longtime entertainment and advertising executive and co-founder Brad Roth, overseeing operations, creative vision and execution as President of Known Originals.
The news follows the recently announced new feature documentary greenlit by Amazon Prime Video that chronicles the history of the legendary McDonald’s All-American Games. The film, Executive Produced by Known Originals with Roc Nation and Creative Control, is currently in production.
“The momentum of our original programming enables us to continue our commitment to delivering world-class storytelling on even bigger platforms to create additional revenue streams through our growing IP,” said Brad Roth, President of Known Originals. “We’re doubling down on our own record of creating series and specials that truly capture the attention and imagination of audiences everywhere.”
Known Originals will feature a new three-project commitment with TIME Studios. Known recently partnered with TIME Studios to produce the award-winning five-part documentary series, Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission To Space, for Netflix, which chronicles Inspiration4, the record-setting first all-civilization mission to outer space.
“TIME Studios’ long-standing partnership with Known has produced award-winning and critically acclaimed projects, including Countdown: Inspiration4 Mission to Space, and we are excited to see them take this next step with Known Originals,” said Ian Orefice, President and COO of TIME & TIME Studios. “Brad and Known are one of the world’s leading creatives. Having worked closely with Brad, I am confident he will continue Known’s track record of success in creating, producing, and launching original content in partnership with its robust roster of clients.”
Additionally, K.O. is in development on an untitled docu-series with longstanding client Universal Music Group.
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Will Tanous, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer of Universal Music Group, said, “Over the years, Brad and the team at Known have consistently produced excellent creative work for us. Brad is the ideal executive to lead this new division, and we’re looking forward to future collaborations with Known Originals.”
Originals is also partnering with Toys“R”Us Studios to develop and produce kid and family-focused programming. Current projects in development include live-action series and specials.
Toys“R”Us Studios President and Global CMO of the Toys“R”Us brand Kim Miller said, “We are very excited to team up on content inspired by Geoffrey’s Tour Across America which will launch this summer. Known Originals is a great first co-production partner as we build the production arm of the Toys“R”Us brand.” Miller, a 4-time Emmy Award winning producer, will also serve as an Executive Producer for the new series currently in development with Known Originals.
The company’s other original productions include season one of One Burning Question, Hulu’s first-ever after-show, which was paired with its hit series The Handmaid’s Tale; and Future Legends of Advertising, a podcast series with iHeartMedia, which debuted in 2022 and has been greenlit for season two.
