Streaming platform shepherded by Metro Atlanta Chamber to become a first of its kind commercial venture
Streaming platform shepherded by Metro Atlanta Chamber to become a first of its kind commercial venture
Kate Atwood tapped to lead new company
ATLANTA, GA, October 10, 2019 — Areu Bros. and the Metro Atlanta Chamber announced today an agreement that will shift an innovative marketing tool to a new media services company. With the acquisition of THEA, the Atlanta-based video-streaming platform that was among the first with a hyper-local approach, the Areu Bros. will take ownership of the platform. THEA will continue to focus on discovering and developing local content while also forging an unprecedented relationship between a major entertainment production studio and Georgia-based talent.
THEA, which is part of the Endavo network, was launched out of the Metro Atlanta Chamber’s ChooseATL initiative in 2018 to tell Atlanta’s story to the next generation. In its first year, THEA acquired a catalogue of 58 channels and more than 1.5 million viewers. The platform caught the attention of industry leaders at film festivals such as SXSW, Sundance and Cannes. Content ranges from comedy to lifestyle and culture to short films — all sourced from Atlanta creators. The exit to Areu Bros. not only allows THEA to continue its pursuit of discovering and amplifying local content but also enables the platform to be positioned for commercial viability and to scale in the marketplace. Initial plans will include expanding the catalogue of content, identifying a system of monetization that benefits both THEA and its content partners, and broadening distribution through enhanced marketing efforts.
“THEA had the incredible foresight to focus on the local experience when no one was focused on that space. Watching THEA launch and grow over the past year makes us very excited to welcome it into the Areu Bros. family. While OTT remains a robust global market, we are certain that THEA will continue to define the locally-sourced streaming experience,” said Ozzie Areu, founder and CEO of Areu Bros. “We believe that we can provide THEA with the environment and resources that it needs to reach its potential to not only change the local viewing experience in this new era of TV, but also provide unprecedented access to creators here in Atlanta and beyond cementing further control of their own trajectories.”
“The innovative thinking that led to the creation of THEA is the same innovative thinking that will take it forward with the Areu Bros. know-how, commitment to our community and leadership. We will always be proud to have been the founding organization that birthed the first city-based OTT platform. We’re confident that THEA will continue to play an important role in our collective efforts to promote Atlanta, inspire young people and elevate the work of Atlanta-based creatives,” said Hala Moddelmog, president and CEO, Metro Atlanta Chamber.
Areu also announced that Kate Atwood, who led the creation of THEA while serving as the past executive director of ChooseATL, will lead the new venture as CEO of THEA starting November 1. Atwood has a history of creating community-based organizations in metro Atlanta. Atwood is the founder of Kate’s Club, a nationally acclaimed non-profit organization based in Atlanta that serves children facing profound loss of a parent or sibling. She is also the former executive director of the Arby’s Foundation. Atwood will continue to serve the causes she cares most deeply about under her B.Essential platform.
Areu added, "Kate has an incredible background of casting vision that builds community in order to power creativity and connection. We are excited for the combination of Kate’s vision and our studio resources. As media has merged and become more nationally focused, the need for locality has never been more important."
The Metro Atlanta Chamber has a rich history that includes initiating efforts that have helped propel the Atlanta region dating back to 1859. The Atlanta Magazine, Atlanta Science Festival and Venture Atlanta are among popular entities and organizations that were birthed by the Chamber but thrive outside of the Chamber today.
###
ABOUT THEA:
THEA is the first ever city-based over-the-top (OTT) video streaming platform. Launched in 2018 by the Metro Atlanta Chamber, THEA showcases the story of Atlanta through the eyes of its creators, brands, and entrepreneurs and honors the mosaic of culture, creativity, and innovation that is unique to the metro region. Via this platform, viewers can access exclusive short-form content that spans lifestyle and culture, comedies, dramas, business, and technology. THEA is accessible across iOS, Android, Desktop, and AppleTV, and available on Roku. Learn more at www.thea.network.
ABOUT AREU BROS:
Areu Bros. Studios (ABS) is the first major Latino owned and operated media studio in the United States. The creative campus was launched with a vision of forming a spherical world that supports Latinx, female and minority storytellers, creators and visionaries. ABS is a trailblazer, intersecting art and technology, ultimately merging a community of collaborators and tech forward developers all under one roof, for more focused and contained incubation. The all-in-one studio is purpose-built to give innovators an inspired canvas for showcasing an elevated vision. Its amenities are tailor-made for a streamlined and highly efficient creative process. The 60-acre lot encompasses 150,000+ square feet of multi-use space, 5 sound stages and a full suburban neighborhood backlot. ABS is uniquely positioned to offer full scale production services while actively producing original ABS content. Areu Bros. Studios is located in Atlanta, Georgia, with offices in Los Angeles, California and strategic partners in Miami, Florida and the island of Puerto Rico.
ABOUT METRO ATLANTA CHAMBER:
The Metro Atlanta Chamber (MAC) serves as a catalyst for a more prosperous and vibrant region. To advance economic growth and improve metro Atlanta's quality of place, MAC is focused on starting, growing and recruiting companies to the 29-county metro Atlanta region. The Chamber is also focused on expanding the region's innovation economy by promoting and strengthening connections to drive Atlanta's innovation and entrepreneurial culture. MAC is committed to being an active voice for the business community, serving as an advocate for a competitive business climate and promoting Atlanta's story. For more information, visit www.MetroAtlantaChamber.com.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Adam Keen
akeen@areubros.com
(323) 394-2326
