MTG to run Maker shows in Europe

European broadcaster Modern Times Group has scored a deal that hands it MCN Maker Studios’ online programming for select territories.

MTG will run the content across its advertiser-funded online video services in Scandinavia, the Baltics, Czech Republic, Hungary and Bulgaria.

Maker, which is joining the Disney stable following a near-US$1 billion deal, produces online series such as Epic Rap Battles of History and oversees the sites of digital channel creators such as PewDiePie and John Bain (aka Total Biscuit).

“The Maker platform has a global reach and large international following, with 70 percent of our audience based outside the US,” said Sam Wick, executive VP of business development and operations and general manager of enterprise, Maker Studio.

“We are dedicated to delivering our millennial-focused content in organic ways for international markets. As an industry leader in global entertainment, MTG is a perfect partner for us as we look to expand our offerings for international viewers online.”

“It is all about making relevant content available digitally on multiple platforms so that our audiences can enjoy even more varied entertainment experiences,” added MTG’s senior VP, acquisitions and programming Jakob Mejlhede. “Maker has some of the strongest online properties around so this is a great addition to our offering.”