Maker Studios

In 2015, I was a part of the YouTube Partner Program. I enjoyed creating videos centered around 3D modeling, drawing, painting, sewing, building cosplay props, toy collecting, and general fandom discussion. The majority of my content was focused on my favorite film, Disney’s The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Though I also made videos highlighting other entries in the Disney animated canon. During this time, I became a part of the Disney-owned multi-channel network, Maker Studios. Multi-channel networks, or MCNs, were third party companies that partnered with YouTube and offered services to promote creators within their network - in exchange for a percentage of the creators’ revenue.

In 2016, Maker presented their network with two really fun opportunities. They would provide funding for a group of creators to make pilots for potential web series and develop a handful of the concepts they liked best. Creators had to submit pitch videos explaining their ideas, and Maker Studios would select who to fund based on that. There were two banners under which creators could be funded; Maker Spark and Disney XD by Maker. I submitted pitch videos for both, and both got the greenlight for funding.

For Maker Spark, I pitched an edutainment web series that would introduce young teens to 3D

art. My plan was to create short episodes where I guided aspiring 3D artists through simple

modeling and CG effects projects centered around famous Disney iconography. I created a pilot

episode where I modeled, lit, and rendered the Pixar ball.

For Disney XD by Maker, I pitched a 3D animated web series where the protagonists team up

with Anansi the spider to battle or outsmart ancient villains from African folklore. The series

would encourage critical thinking and teach problem solving skills to a younger audience - while

also putting a spotlight on myths from different African cultures. I created a 3D animatic of the

intro sequence, featuring the brother and sister protagonists and Anansi.

Neither of my pilots were chosen to be developed into series, but I did really enjoy working on the projects. The most tragic part of this story, in my opinion, is what happened to the original files. I created both pilots on a laptop, which became irreparably damaged in an electrical fire. I lost years of work, not just the Maker project files. Anything that I hadn’t uploaded to the internet was gone for good. This incident taught me a very important lesson about having backups and backups of your backups for digital work.

I’ve long since wanted to remake those pilots and flesh them out into series independently. While Disney presumably owns the rights to the original videos; I’d love to reimagine my concepts and create something even better one day.

Maker Studios: A Pioneering Force in Digital Media

Maker Studios was a groundbreaking digital media company that played a key role in shaping the early landscape of online video content. Founded in 2009, Maker Studios emerged during a time when platforms like YouTube were gaining momentum as spaces for independent creators to share their work with a global audience. The company was established with the mission to support and empower content creators by providing them with resources, tools, and professional guidance to grow their online presence.

The founding team of Maker Studios included several YouTube personalities and entrepreneurs such as Danny Zappin, Lisa Donovan, Shay Carl, and Ben Donovan. These founders were themselves familiar with the opportunities and challenges faced by independent creators. Their firsthand experience in online content creation informed the company’s approach, which focused on building a collaborative environment where creators could thrive both creatively and financially.

Maker Studios quickly grew into one of the largest multi-channel networks, commonly referred to as MCNs. An MCN is a company that partners with video platforms and content creators to offer support services such as audience development, monetization strategies, brand deals, and production assistance. In return, the network receives a share of the revenue generated by the creators’ content. Maker’s success was built on its ability to attract a wide range of talented creators across genres including comedy, gaming, music, lifestyle, and animation.

One of the defining features of Maker Studios was its emphasis on collaboration and community. The company operated out of a Los Angeles-based facility that included production studios, editing bays, meeting spaces, and even stages. This environment allowed creators to work together, share ideas, and develop new content more efficiently. It fostered a culture where creators felt part of something larger than themselves, with access to resources they might not have had independently.

As Maker’s influence grew, it attracted high-profile talent and signed partnerships with popular creators. Some of the most well-known YouTubers at the time, including PewDiePie, Kassem G, and Philip DeFranco, were associated with the network. These creators helped raise Maker’s profile and drew in millions of viewers from around the world. The network’s broad roster also allowed it to create specialized verticals focused on different types of content. For example, Maker Music catered to musicians, while Polaris was dedicated to gaming content.

Maker Studios not only offered business support but also played a role in shaping the creative direction of online video. The company was instrumental in introducing more polished, high-quality production values to YouTube content. With access to professional-grade equipment, studio space, and editing support, many creators were able to elevate their videos to a new level. Maker also provided educational resources and mentorship to help creators refine their skills and grow their audiences.

In 2014, Maker Studios achieved a major milestone when it was acquired by The Walt Disney Company. This acquisition marked a significant moment in the history of digital media, as it represented one of the largest investments by a traditional media company in an online content network. The deal was valued at approximately 500 million dollars, with the potential for additional earnings based on performance targets. The acquisition was intended to help Disney tap into the digital youth market and expand its reach on online platforms.

Following the acquisition, Maker Studios operated as a subsidiary of Disney and continued to manage its network of creators while aligning with Disney’s broader media strategy. The company began to integrate its operations with other Disney properties and collaborated on projects that bridged the gap between traditional and digital media. Maker’s creators participated in campaigns for Disney movies, products, and events, bringing their audiences into the Disney ecosystem.

During this period, Maker Studios focused on scaling its operations globally and building stronger ties with advertisers. The company worked to develop branded content, pairing creators with major brands for sponsored videos and campaigns. These partnerships allowed creators to monetize their work more effectively and provided advertisers with access to engaged and loyal audiences.

Maker Studios was also active in supporting diversity and inclusivity among creators. The network partnered with talent from various backgrounds and regions, offering a platform for voices that might not have found the same visibility through traditional media. This inclusivity contributed to the rich variety of content found within the Maker network, from comedy sketches and web series to lifestyle vlogs and commentary channels.

As online content continued to evolve, the landscape shifted with new platforms, changing algorithms, and evolving viewer habits. Maker Studios adapted by exploring new formats and expanding its presence across social media. It maintained a strong influence in the creator economy and served as a model for how digital talent could be nurtured and supported. Eventually, Maker Studios was integrated more fully into Disney’s digital division, with its operations and resources becoming part of the broader Disney Digital Network. While the Maker Studios name is no longer used, its impact on the world of online content creation remains significant. The company helped establish many of the standards and practices that are now common in the industry and played a vital role in legitimizing YouTube as a platform for professional content.

In summary, Maker Studios was a pioneering force in the digital media industry. It empowered a generation of content creators, introduced innovative approaches to online production and distribution, and demonstrated the value of creator-driven networks. By connecting talent with tools, resources, and opportunities, Maker Studios helped transform online video into a powerful and respected form of entertainment. Its legacy continues to influence how creators build careers and connect with audiences in the ever-evolving world of digital media.

*ChatGPT helped write this post.