FilmRise, a New York-based film, television studio and streaming network, has acquired worldwide digital media rights to a library of content from the BuzzFeed Studios portfolio of brands.
The library contains over 1,200 hours of content, including Hot is a popular series in which host Shaun Evans interviews A-listers over a plate of increasingly spicy wings. Hot Originally launched in 2015 on YouTube, it immediately became a viral sensation, with guests including Noel Gallagher, The Undertaker, Tony Hawk, Elizabeth Olsen, Ricky Gervais, Chris Jericho (pictured), Johnny Knoxville, Matt Damon, Michael B Jordan, Natalie Portman, Billie Eilish, Halle Berry, Idris Elba, Paul Rudd, Ed Sheeran and many others over the years.
Other titles in the library include BuzzFeed Unsolved: True Crime And BuzzFeed Unsolved: Supernatural Is Worth It and more.
Jonita Keymur, Vice President of Global Content Acquisitions at FilmRise, commented: “BuzzFeed and Complex contain a library of content that speaks to the zeitgeist of today’s culture, taking an innovative approach to traditional formats, whether in a unique way. Hot approaches the classic talk show format or BuzzFeed not resolved takes on the true crime genre. These games already have a strong audience and we are now very excited to bring them to everyone around the world.”
Nick Wang, senior vice president of business development and partnerships at BuzzFeed Studio. added: “This deal with FilmRise marks an important milestone for our series and our studio. We are excited to expand the reach of our series to audiences on digital platforms around the world.”