Propagate Content
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television production, Digital media |
| Founded | 2009 |
| Founder | Ben Silverman |
| Headquarters | United States |
Area served | United States |
| Parent | Propagate Content (since 2018) |
Electus was a production entity established by Ben Silverman in 2009 with financial backing from IAC. The company maintained development agreements with major networks and platforms such as NBC, ABC, MTV, VH1, Facebook, Yahoo!, and AOL. In 2018, ownership of Electus transferred from IAC to Propagate Content.
History and partners
Founded in 2009 by Ben Silverman, who previously served as co-chairman of NBC Entertainment and CEO of Reveille, Electus received its initial funding from Barry Diller’s IAC. Early on, IAC connected Electus with CollegeHumor, a comedy-focused website producing both digital and television series.
In January 2010, Electus joined forces with Jason Bateman and Will Arnett to create DumbDumb, an advertising and digital content firm driven by sponsorships, which developed branded campaigns for clients such as Orbit Gum and Denny's.
By August 2010, Electus had secured a production and distribution partnership with 5x5 Media, led by Craig Armstrong, Rick Ringbakk, and Tod Mesirow—creators associated with shows like Survivor and Amazing Race.
In January 2011, Electus expanded by acquiring Engine Entertainment, thereby forming Electus/Engine Distribution to manage worldwide distribution for both its own productions and external projects. This included collaboration with Israel’s Abbot Reif Hameiri Production Company.
That same month, Electus allied with former MTV leaders Tony DiSanto and Liz Gateley to establish DiGa, a company dedicated to producing reality and scripted programming for cable networks and broadcast primetime slots.
In June 2012, Electus partnered with YouTube to launch HUNGRY, a culinary channel featuring celebrity chefs Duff Goldman and Laura Vitale.
In 2013, Electus assumed control of CollegeHumor/Dorkly and founded Big Breakfast, the studio responsible for series such as Adam Ruins Everything (TruTV), Middle of the Night Show (MTV), Fatal Decisions (Go90), Bad Internet (YouTube Red), the Comedy Music Awards (IFC), and Hot Date (Pop).
The sale of Electus from IAC to Propagate Content occurred in 2018.
Projects
Electus was involved in producing and co-producing a broad range of television and digital projects in collaboration with leading industry entities:
- The Toy Box (2017; in partnership with Mattel)
- No Tomorrow (2016–17; alongside Warner Bros. Television)
- Running Wild with Bear Grylls (Ongoing; with Bear Grylls Ventures)
- Jane the Virgin (2014–19; produced with Warner Bros. Television and CBS Television Studios)
- Food Fighters (2014–15; collaborating with Rio Bravo and Universal Television)
- King of the Nerds (UK) (2015; in association with Objective Productions)
- King of the Nerds (2013–15; produced alongside 5x5 Media)
- Fashion Star (2012–13; co-produced with 5x5 Media, Magical Elves, EJD Productions, and The Global Fashion Association)
- Car Boss (2012; created with 5x5 Media)
- Mob Wives (2011–16; in collaboration with The Weinstein Company Television)
- William the Conqueror (2011)
- Master of the Mix (2010)
- Facebook series Crowd Sourced Hero (ongoing)
- Jerk All Stars (2010; produced for MySpace)
- The Sheriff (2011; developed with 5x5 Media)
- Marco Polo (2014–16; alongside The Weinstein Company Television)
- YouTube culinary channel HUNGRY (2012)
- Bet on Your Baby (2013–14; working with 5x5 Media)
- The Hero (2013; produced with 5x5 Media)
- Miami Monkey (2013; partnered with Just Jenn, Left-Right, and The Weinstein Company Television)
- Killer Women (2014; co-produced with Latin World Entertainment and ABC Studios)
- Candid Camera (2014; in association with Candid Camera, Inc.)
- Terry Crews Saves Christmas (2016)
- Winsanity (2016)
- Flaked (2016)
- Dog and Beth: On the Hunt (2013–15)
- Hot Date (2017–19)