Fox Entertainment company announced a series of new investments and partnerships

Fox Entertainment is making bold moves. These deals span book publishing, vertical video, and even a pop-up food chain. The strategy aims to develop new intellectual property across multiple platforms.According to The Hollywood Reporter, CEO Rob Wade is leading this aggressive expansion. The plan leverages Fox’s smaller, more agile corporate structure. This allows for quick decisions in a rapidly changing media landscape.

Fox’s Unconventional IP Development Plan

The recent deals are diverse. Fox signed a first-look deal with HarperCollins imprint Avon. It invested in vertical video maker Holywater. The company also bought a stake in actor B.J. Novak’s pop-up food venture, Chain.Furthermore, Fox acquired podcast platform Meet Cute. It also took a piece of NFL analyst Tom Brady’s company, Shadow Lion. Each partnership is a potential source for new stories and shows.Wade told The Hollywood Reporter there is no sudden change. He said the company is simply executing a long-formed strategy. The goal is to identify the right targets and then act.

The Through-Line: Sourcing Stories Everywhere

These investments may seem disconnected. However, a clear theme emerges. Fox is hunting for intellectual property in unconventional places. The company wants to adapt books, podcasts, and even food experiences into content.Wade described his dream scenario. He wants small investments to grow into massive franchises. The company can then build entire product lines from that success. The deal with Holywater, a microdrama specialist, holds particular promise.Fox is currently in a “learning phase” with vertical video. Wade sees great potential in the format. He also acknowledges a long road ahead for it to become profitable.

Navigating the Economics of Vertical Video

A major challenge involves cost and talent. Convincing Hollywood stars to create vertical content will be difficult. The financial model for these short-form dramas is very different.Wade was clear about the economics. He said big stars are used to high paydays. Vertical video is a lower-margin business, even when successful. Creators must understand the realistic financial upside.He believes success depends on genuine passion. A creator must have a burning desire to tell stories in the vertical format. Without that, the project is unlikely to work.

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Fox’s strategy represents a significant shift in content creation. The company is betting that future hits can come from anywhere. This aggressive pursuit of new intellectual property could redefine its programming slate for years to come.

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What is Fox Entertainment’s main goal with these deals?

The primary goal is to develop new intellectual property. Fox wants to find stories in books, podcasts, and other unique sources. These stories can then be adapted for television and other platforms.

Why is Fox investing in vertical video?

Fox sees great potential in the short-form video format. The company is partnering with Holywater to learn the business. They believe microdramas can attract a new, engaged audience.

How does Fox’s size help this strategy?

As a smaller company, Fox can be more nimble than larger rivals. This allows for quicker deal-making and a higher tolerance for risk. The structure lets them pursue diverse opportunities efficiently.

What is the biggest challenge with vertical video?

The biggest challenge is managing production costs and talent expectations. Vertical video operates on lower profit margins. Convincing established creators to work within this budget is difficult.

Will Fox make comedies for vertical video?

CEO Rob Wade acknowledges comedy is a question mark. The format relies on cliffhangers, which drama handles better. He suggested a skit-based show might be a possible solution.