Movie producer Cineverse is expanding its podcast brand beyond horror and true crime with a new comedy-focused network. The new WITZ Podcast Network is an extension of the digital streaming video channel it launched with Best Ever Channels and The Stand Group in 2022. The partnership also includes the creation of a development slate for the companies to build new IP together through podcasts and live entertainment.
Best Ever Channels co-CEO Barry Gordon says the project brings together The Stand/WITZ’s comedic sensibilities with Cineverse’s ability to support and build brands.
“Together we will maximize marketing, promotional and sales initiatives for shows we bring into the network for new creators and original IP,” Gordon says in the announcement.
For Cineverse, which has already found success in podcasting with its Bloody Disgusting brand as well as its expansion into true crime with series like Creepy Places, the move into comedy represents a deepening of its commitment to audio.
“Not only does partnering with comedy leaders like The Stand Group/WITZ make us instantly credible in a genre that has proven itself time and time again as a major force in podcasting, but it also allows us to move quickly into this space,” says Cineverse President and Chief Strategy Officer Erick Opeka. “We look forward to leveraging the WITZ Podcast Network not only to promote our content, but as a valuable addition to our ad sales arsenal, for other studios and brands looking to tap into the power of podcasting as an effective part of their promotional campaigns.”
New York comedy production company The Stand Group has worked with some of the funniest and most popular stand-up comedians in the business, including Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Nate Bargatze and Janeane Garofalo, among others.
“After 20 years of building live experiences for audiences and securing our standing with some of the best comedians in the world, we are ready to step it up and continue to nurture talent both in the podcasts and independent content creation,” says The Stand/WITZ partner Cris Italia. “We’ve always considered ourselves as an incubator for talent, and partnering with Cineverse can now bring it all to life.”
The WITZ Podcast Network is launching at SXSW, where a kick-off event will feature appearances by comedians, podcast talent, musicians and actors.
Cineverse reported last month that its podcast revenue jumped 39% in the latest quarter as its show count increased to 57 with series. Helping to drive the sales numbers is a growing listener base. Opeka told investors that Cineverse reached 15 million downloads during the fiscal quarter that ended Dec. 31. He said that 50% to 55% of its advertising slots are also sold via programmatic sales and bundling podcasts with other Cineverse products.
But while horror may be the most natural place to start, Opeka said the company plans to expand its podcast advertising base beyond horror with new content genres launching this year, including comedy, and women’s lifestyle and wellness. “We’re doubling down on entertainment partnerships and actively engaging with studios to invest in the non-core side of our business,” he said during a conference call with investors. Cineverse has announced that it will debut a new lifestyle series called Midnight Pulp this year and it has also soft-launched RetroCrush, its first podcast created for anime fans.
“We are quite proud of how successful the Cineverse Podcast Network has quietly become, particularly among horror fans,” Opeka says. “And with our upcoming release of crossover horror/comedy film, The Toxic Avenger, the timing of this expansion couldn’t be more perfect.”
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