Sony Execs Open Studio For Digital Content

"Non-traditional" studios focused on content for the digital age are popping up left and right. Continuing the trend, a couple of Sony Pictures executives, Michael Wayne and Chris Kimbell, have launched a studio named Deca to identify, develop, finance, market, and distribute interactive entertainment concepts and properties across emerging media platforms.

"Deca is creating a new type of digital entertainment studio for a generation that is watching TV less, preferring to consume their entertainment in front of a computer or on a mobile phone," explained Wayne, who is serving as Deca's CEO. "Digital entertainment is not simply about posting something to YouTube; digital entertainment needs to be compelling, high quality, social and interactive."

To get things going, Deca has received $5 million in funding from the Mayfield Fund, General Catalyst Partners, and Atomico Investments, which was started by Skype and Joost co-founder Niklas Zennstrom.

Deca's co-founders will use the funding to hatch original digital entertainment Web properties, but does not plan on maintaining a destination for them.

The startup, along with its investors, are seemingly embracing the changing world of entertainment production.

"The separation between content, the audience, and the advertiser has now completely disintegrated," said Allen Morgan, managing director at the Mayfield Fund.

Intent on filling the Web with suitable content, digital production studios are on the rise.

Ex-Disney head Michael Eisner launched Vuguru in March. With backing from Silicon Valley VC giant Sequoia Capital, FunnyOrDie.com was started this year by the comic actor Will Ferrell and his production partner, Adam McKay.

Earlier this year, United Talent Agency and Spot Runner--a digital agency partly owned by WPP Group--opened 60Frames Entertainment, a studio for digital entertainment from established actors and directors.

Hollywood producer Albie Hecht has been busy building his digital production studio Worldwide Biggies--and last month secured $9 million in funding from top investors including NBC Universal, which also agreed to a first-look distribution deal.

Also gaining steam is BermanBraun, the six-month-old venture from former Paramount Pictures president Gail Berman and former Yahoo Media Group head Lloyd Braun.

BermanBraun, which already boasts a multi-platform strategic alliance with NBC Universal Television, recently signed an agreement giving Pepsi a first look to support and sponsor original entertainment content that BermanBraun develops for online platforms.

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