Zig Zag performs magic with YouTube

UK indie Zig Zag Productions is getting into the YouTube premium channels business with the launch of a magic-themed content network.

The All Time Magic channel will be based around the existing YouTube net All Times Tens, which currently has 1.5 million subscribers.

Zig Zag will create around 30 minutes of new content each week for the network, which All Time Tens operator Diagonal View Productions will manage. The company plansto treat it as an online incubator for new talent and projects, according to Zig Zag CEO Danny Fenton.

Zig Zag’s VP, commercial and current production Leila Monks (pictured) and Diagonal View founder Matt Heiman brokered the deal.

All Time Magic launches later this month.

“YouTube is a crucial platform when it comes to content consumption particularly within certain demographics who watch less and less programming via linear channels,” Monks said. “Magic caters for that younger audience so it makes sense for us to bring all of our talent under one digital roof and take them straight from producer to consumer.”

“Co-productions that identify an audience need and deliver a flexible format will succeed. Zig Zag’s access to talent and expertise in this genre gives this channel a considerable head start. We are pleased to add it to the ever-growing family of ‘All-Time’ channels,” added Matt Heiman.

The new channel marks Zig Zag’s latest move in the magic genre following the recent announcement of Troy (WT), a coproduction with Group M Entertainment for Channel 4 in the UK that Endemol Worldwide Distribution will sell globally; and Close Up Kings for Discovery.

Close Up Kings is an 8x60mins series that will go out on Discovery Channel across Europe, Middle East & Africa. It follows a New York street magic trio who attempt to out-do each other with increasingly amazing tricks.

“We know that our viewers are intrigued by magic and mysteries; this show’s youthful cast coupled with their amazing feats made it a great addition to our schedules for 2014,” said Nesta Owens, programming director, Discovery Networks, CEE and MEA.