Story Lab, Youngest Media strike JV for formats

Game of Clones distributor The Story Lab has partnered with David Flynn and Lucas Church’s Youngest Media on a formats venture.

The businesses have formed a JV entitled Youngest Labs, which will look to create ambitious global formats and digital-first content, as well as a consumer ventures program and brand-funded commissions.

Youngest Labs will have the backing of The Story Lab’s ad group parent company Dentsu Aegis Network.

The initiative will be led by Flynn and Church, co-founders of Youngest Media, alongside The Story Lab executive president for the UK Mike McCoy, global president Michael Iskas and executive VP of entertainment Fotini Paraskakis, who recently joined from Endemol Shine.

Earlier this year, Youngest Media and The Story Lab teamed up to launch social-first dating program Date or Dump.

They also partnered on E4’s hit format Game of Clones, which is being remade in Germany, China and the US.

Mike McCoy, executive director for The Story Lab UK, said: “In Youngest Media, we’ve found a partner with a shared passion for connecting people with content they love. Together we’ve already developed innovative and creative ways to create and distribute original content for a digital-first audience.

“We’re excited to build on our successful relationship and develop even more new and innovative ways to connect with global audiences at scale.”

Lucas Church, co-founder of Youngest Media, added: “The Story Lab’s global reach and deep understanding of content makes them the obvious partner for youngest Media. We hope our combined strengths will allow us to really think big and create content for the biggest audiences.”