Lionsgate, Kevin Hart launch VOD platform

Comedian Kevin Hart is getting his own video-on-demand service after going into business with US studio Lionsgate Entertainment.

Hart’s firm, Hartbeat Digital, and Lionsgate have co-created VOD platform Laugh Out Loud, which will showcase content from stand-ups and social media creators such that Hart has curated, plus all of his original productions outside of his theatrical and live touring videos.

Hart (pictured) is currently developing an original series in which he stars as an undercover driver for cab business Lyft.

Hart’s business partner, Codeblack CEO Jeff Clanaghan, has been named president of the new service and of Hartbeat Digital.

“Lionsgate has always been a great partner of mine, and I’m more than excited to take our business and creative relationship to new levels,” said Hart. “I understand the direction in which the television business is headed, and I see this big new space toward which audiences are starting to gravitate. I believe that launching this venture together now puts us ahead of the pack.”

He is best known in TV circles for his televised stand-up appearances, and as co-creator of mockumentary Real Husbands of Hollywood. On the film front, he has starred in Get Hard, The Wedding Ringer, About Last Night and Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain among others.

Hart and Lionsgate, along with developer Fifth Journey, will also create a social game to complement the service.

“Kevin is one of the biggest stars in the world, and we’re proud to kick off our partnership with a new OTT platform as well as a mobile game, extending a collaboration that began with the film Kevin Hart: Let Me Explain,” said Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer.

Lionsgate’s OTT platforms include Tribeca ShortList, which is a collaboration with Tribeca Enterprises, and Comic-Con HQ, which debuts this summer as a partnership with Comic-Con International.