Filmhub Gives SKIT the Green Light (And a Budget Less Than a Used Car)
In a groundbreaking undertaking that screams “budget-friendly,” Filmhub has miraculously managed to snag worldwide rights to the creator-led comedy SKIT through their audacious partnership with former TV executive Evan Shapiro. It’s either brilliant foresight or sheer luck—likely the latter.
This cinematic marvel, crafted on a shoestring budget of just $65,000 (which is about what some folks pay for a month’s worth of lattes), is set to make its grand debut on Tubi come November 14. It’ll enjoy a 30-day exclusive streaming window before Filmhub decides it’s time to enter the cutthroat sales arena. Talk about a steep climb from indie darling to potential streaming titan after MIPCOM—where even your local barista is expected to showcase their entrepreneurial talents.
Our star-studded executive producer, Shapiro, is no stranger to the glitzy world of cable. Having previously helmed channels like IFC, Sundance, and Pivot, he’s here to sprinkle a little magic dust over SKIT. Now, with his very own production company, ESHAP, he can actively work on his dream of churning out content that satisfies both his artistic vision and the meticulous demands of your neighborhood algorithm.
Set in the thrilling year of 2007—aka back when flip phones were a thing—the film revolves around three college girls passionately trying to create the proverbial viral YouTube video. Because if you didn’t video your college chaos, did you even experience it? Throughout their misadventures, audiences will be treated to cameos from recognizable internet personas, giving everyone another excuse to say, “Oh, I know that guy!”
The film’s cast is an impressive medley of talent, featuring Jamie Linn Watson, Nataly Aukar, Jamie Shapiro, Alise Morales, Lukas Arnold, and Jacob Kaplan. Not to mention a surprise appearance by Jim O’Heir from Parks and Rec—because what comedy wouldn’t benefit from a little ‘Doug’ charm? Directed by Des Lombardo with co-writer Badr Mastrouq, it plays out like that dream of shooting a film at your mother’s house—only more entertaining.
Shapiro, who now sees himself as a “media cartographer” (whatever that means), asserts that the creator economy has opened the floodgates for indie voices to mingle with the heavyweights of traditional entertainment. “The future of the industry,” he claims, “lies in the ‘affinity economy,’ where success is measured by depth rather than scale.” So, forget about millions of followers; it’s all about finding your niche and connecting with a small herd of quirky fans—cue the hipster coffee shop crowd.
Alan d’Escragnolle, co-founder and CEO of Filmhub, echoes Shapiro’s thoughts. He gleefully announces the company’s migration from traditional filmmaking to a new realm of creator-led masterpieces, stating, “We couldn’t think of a better ‘creative partner’ than Evan and ESHAP.” If that screams ‘business partnership made in heaven,’ we don’t know what does! Talk about the Avengers coming together for low-budget cinema.
Speaking of the creator economy, Tubi is also jumping on the bandwagon with projects designed to capture the elusive user-generated content market. Their recent film, Sidelined: The QB and Me, benefited from social media buzz—basically a miracle no one saw coming. Earlier this year, they began developing a sequel! Because who doesn’t want to watch a follow-up to something you never even heard of?
“We’re thrilled,” says Tubi’s newly appointed GM of creator programs, Rich Bloom, about teaming up with Filmhub and Shapiro to bring SKIT to their audience of 100 million (yes, that’s one hundred million) monthly users. Tubi for Creators aims to empower indie storytellers. It’s practically the fairy godmother of the streaming world! By offering a platform where bold creations can stand side by side with cinematic legends, SKIT will undoubtedly become an addition to your guilty pleasure binge list.
