Online comedy network My Damn Channel inked a production and sales partnership with digital media firm Blip, under which the duo will share exclusive first-run distribution for four original comedies.
The four skeins include new seasons of two popular My Damn Channel properties, “Wainy Days” and “Daddy Knows Best,” plus two others in development. Shows will premiere simultaneously on Blip and My Damn Channel in exclusive 30-day windows, before being made available on other outlets including YouTube.
According to companies, both based in New York, the 18-month deal will reach a combined audience of nearly 40 million monthly unique viewers.
“This gives us more size, to create broader reach,” said Rob Barnett, My Damn Channel’s founder and CEO. “We’re focused on the best original series, with the best talent in front of the cameras and behind them, and so is Blip.”
Sales teams from Blip and My Damn Channel will pitch the new shows to advertisers, marketers and agencies targeting 18-34 demo. The four shows don’t have premiere dates yet.
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Even though two top My Damn Channel skeins will not hit YouTube until a month after they debut elsewhere, Blip pact does not mean comedy producer is steering away from YouTube, said Barnett, former CBS Radio prexy. “YouTube has always been an important part of my business, and it will continue to be important,” he said. Comedy net also has distribution deal with MSN Entertainment, which launched first My Damn Channel series in March.
Blip this week announced separate deal with FremantleMedia North America, under which Blip will handle ad sales and have exclusive window on The Pet Collective channel. Previously Fremantle had an exclusive relationship with YouTube for the pets net.
Blip, in addition to the four original series, will gain access to other select programming from My Damn Channel’s library. That includes previous seasons of “Wainy Days” and “Daddy Knows Best” and episodes of “Daily Grace.”
In addition, My Damn Channel has hired Maria Bamford (whose recent gigs include guesting on FX’s “Louie”) to star in a new comedy series, “Ask My Mom!”, premiering in May on MyDamnChannel.com and Blip. Skein is produced by Precision Production + Post.
Barnett and My Damn Channel COO Warren Chao are skedded to join Blip’s Digital Content NewFronts presentation May 1, along with David Wain (host of “Wainy Days”) and Steve Rannazzisi (star of “Daddy Knows Best”).
My Damn Channel, founded in 2007, has raised more than $10 million to date, from investors including Intuitive Venture Partners, Shea ventures, Okapi Venture Capital and Sunshine Wireless Co. Company has fewer than 30 employees.
