Creator+ Launches with $12 Million to Fund Independent Films

Creator+, a new venture, has emerged with the goal of financing, producing, and distributing full-length films crafted by both established and up-and-coming creators, as stated by co-founder and CEO Jonathan Shambroom.

Funding and Investors

The company officially launched today, simultaneously announcing the successful completion of a $12 million funding round. This round was spearheaded by Petra Group and Freestyle Capital, and included contributions from prominent figures like Jake Roper, Peter Hollens, Wendy Ayche (also known as Wengie), Selina Tobaccowala, and Judd Zebersky, CEO of Jazwares.

A Unique Production and Distribution Model

Jonathan Shambroom, formerly an executive at several startups and general manager at Crackle, emphasized that a core element of the Creator+ strategy is its control over the entire process. The company manages both film production and its own streaming platform.

This platform will offer movies for individual purchase, eschewing subscription models and advertisements. This approach allows for greater control over costs and distribution channels.

Creator-Centric Revenue Sharing

Furthermore, this model “enables us to do something brand new with creators,” according to Shambroom. Creator+ offers a 50-50 revenue split with creators, alongside the provision of audience data and shared ownership of the intellectual property.

Focus on Storytellers and Artists

While the term “creator” is widely used, Creator+ is not currently disclosing any specific partnerships. Benjamin Grubbs, co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer, previously responsible for creator partnerships at YouTube, clarified that the initial focus is on “storytellers and artists.”

Grubbs explained that many talented storytellers operate on large, ad-supported platforms, but face limitations – whether time-related or financial – that restrict the scope of their narratives.

Breaking Creative Constraints

Creator+ aims to liberate these creators, enabling them to produce feature films with budgets in the low seven-figure range. The startup intends to deliver films meeting conventional expectations – approximately 90 minutes in length – across a variety of genres.

Simultaneously, it will encourage experimentation with innovative formats and production technologies. Some projects may represent a creator’s personal “passion project,” while others could involve Creator+ pairing them with suitable scripts.

Opportunities for Creators

“We see a multitude of roles and opportunities for creators, both in front of or behind the camera,” Grubbs added, highlighting the diverse possibilities for creative involvement.

Production Plans and Diversity Initiatives

Creator+ plans to initiate production on between five and ten films this year, with the first releases scheduled for 2022. The company is dedicated to supporting underrepresented storytellers and has appointed Ben O’Keefe as its head of diversity and impact.

The team also possesses international ambitions, reflected in the inclusion of global investors, such as Malaysia-based Petra Group.