 | |
| Company type | Division |
|---|---|
| Industry | Media, Technology and Entertainment |
| Predecessor | Frederator Studios andNext New Networks |
| Founded | November 2012; 12 years ago (2012-11) |
| Founder | Fred Seibert |
| Headquarters | , United States |
Number of locations | 1, located inManhattan |
Key people |
|
| Products |
|
| Revenue | 70% (creator) 30% (network) |
| Parent | Frederator Networks |
| Website | channelfrederatornetwork channelfrederator |
TheChannel Frederator Network is an American animation, video game and pop cultureMulti-Channel Network (MCN) founded by cartoon producer and serial media entrepreneurFred Seibert and managed byFrederator Networks.[2]
After launchingFrederator Studios, Seibert spent a year as president of MTV Networks Online,[3] realizing the potential of streaming video programming and distribution.
The origin of the Channel Frederator Network can be traced back as early as 2005, when Seibert founded Channel Frederator, and originally launched as the "first cartoon video podcast" on November 2, 2005, distributing episodes throughApple'siTunes onto devices like the AppleiPod and the SonyPlayStation Portable (PSP).[4] According to the launch press release, Channel Frederator's weekly episodes "will contain several short form original and vintage cartoons submitted by producers from around the world, packaged into 10 to 15 minute episodes."Tumblr founderDavid Karp edited the first week's episodes,[5] created its first website,[6][7] and co-designed the channel logo.[8] The original format was three independently produced animated films separated byAdult Swim-like promos and Channel Frederator logos. Channel Frederator began distributing on theYouTube platform on February 23, 2007.[9] The channel’s success led to his creation ofNext New Networks with Emil Rensing and, eventually, a group of co-founders.[10] Next New Networks invented the concept of the Multi-Channel Network, eventually distributing dozens of creator owned video channels and becoming one of YouTube’s top 5 view contributors. Google and YouTube acquired the company in 2010,[11] with Seibert retaining ownership of Channel Frederator, and subsequently creating Frederator Networks as the parent company.
In 2012,Frederator Studios began producing television-quality cartoons for the Internet as part of the $100 millionYouTube Original Channel Initiative, and has since produced two successful series and many successful shorts asToo Cool! Cartoons andGO! Cartoons, includingPendleton Ward'sBravest Warriors,Natasha Allegri'sBee and PuppyCat andElyse Castro'sThe Summoning.[12]
In the summer 2014, Seibert launched the Channel Frederator Network as an animation multi-channel network,[13] eventually becoming the largest animation network on YouTube.[14]
In 2022,Ethan Schulteis (The Amagi) began managing the Official Youtube channel of the network and later took charge ofCinematica, the live-action channel.[15][16]
Among the network’s leading channels areJaiden Animations,Domics,FilmCow,Cartoon Hangover, and RebelTaxi.
Once part of the network, Channel Frederator handles all advertising and distribution for its channels on YouTube, promoting the show and its licensed merchandise; the network also provides on-demand consulting, and weekly events for open to all network members.[17]
Channel Frederator is a division ofFrederator Networks, which itself is part of the media holding companyWow Unlimited Media (itself a subsidiary ofKartoon Studios).[18] Frederator Networks was founded in 2012 byFrederator Studios founder Fred Seibert to build a media company that organizes and super serves specialized audiences with online video. In addition to Channel Frederator andCartoon Hangover, Frederator Networks also operates Frederator Books, and Frederator Studios, which producedCastlevania forNetflix, among other television series, such asButch Hartman'sThe Fairly OddParents forNickelodeon andPendleton Ward'sAdventure Time forCartoon Network.