FFE Launches Fox Digital Studios to Produce and Distribute Programming for New Media Platforms

Fox's Fox Filmed Entertainment (FFE) arm on Monday announced the formation of Fox Digital Studios (FDS), a new group dedicated to the development, production and distribution of original and derivative programming for initial release on new and emerging media platforms. The group's creative will be overseen by former Fox Atomic executive (note: Fox Atomic is now defunct), David Worthen Brooks, who will be tasked with guiding its content strategy and all creative aspects of show development and production.

FFE also announced Monday the appointment of Roger Mincheff to the newly created position of SVP of branded entertainment for digital content. Reporting to FFE's president of new media and digital distribution, Peter Levinsohn, Mincheff will be responsible for monetizing all made-for-digital content for the company's various production entities. "All of our production entities are exploring digital platforms as a means to tell new stories to new audiences and we're thrilled to have someone of Roger's caliber join the team," Levinsohn said in a prepared statement. "In addition to understanding the brand dynamic, Roger has a proven track record across content, distribution, marketing and technology. With Fox Digital Studios, we are leveraging our storytelling and production expertise to create a centralized unit solely focused on bringing consumers unique entertainment experiences on the Web, and on mobile and gaming platforms. We're pleased to have David on board to steer this group's creative efforts." Added Worthen Brooks: "As consumers continue to gravitate towards digital media platforms, creative executives must continue to innovate and develop new, dynamic entertainment content built especially for these new mediums. FDS presents an incredible opportunity to reach these digital consumers and I'm excited to be part of this effort."

Worthen Brooks was previously executive creative director of Fox Atomic Digital, where he was responsible for all digital content creation. According to FFE, he has done creative work for such entertainment-industry luminaries as Tony Kaye, Ridley Scott, Spike Jonze, Paul Hunter, Leslie Dektor and Baz Luhrman, and has received awards from such organizations as the D&AD, the Sundance Film Festival, the London International Film Festival, the Clermont-Ferrand Film Festival, the One Show, and the Clios. Mincheff, meanwhile, was previously CEO of Spacedog Media, a digital marketing agency he founded in 1998 and that specialized in developing brand experiences across the Internet, mobile, digital signage, print and events. Its customers included Qantas Airways, Carl's Jr., Hardees, Mazda, Harley-Davidson, Universal Music, HBO, Boost Mobile, and McDonalds.