Former Media Executives Launch Independent Animation Studio ‘Believe Entertainment’
Industry veterans Mark Stern and Lloyd Braun have launched a new independent animation studio, Believe Entertainment, focused on integrating traditional storytelling with emerging technologies, including generative AI. The venture aims to produce high-end animated content for global distribution by bridging the gap between legacy production standards and modern digital efficiency, according to reports from Deadline.
Who are the founders of Believe Entertainment?
The studio is led by two high-profile media executives with significant experience in television and digital strategy. Lloyd Braun, the former chairman of ABC Entertainment Group, is widely recognized for greenlighting hits like Lost and Desperate Housewives. Following his tenure at ABC, Braun served as head of Yahoo! Media Group. Mark Stern, a former president of original content at Syfy, oversaw the development of popular series including Battlestar Galactica and The Expanse.
According to the company’s official launch statement, the founders intend to apply their backgrounds in network programming to the animation sector. By utilizing their combined experience, they aim to create intellectual property that appeals to broad audiences, moving beyond the niche market often associated with smaller independent studios.
How will the studio utilize AI in animation?
Believe Entertainment plans to incorporate artificial intelligence to streamline the production pipeline, particularly in the pre-production and visualization phases. While traditional animation studios often face long lead times and high costs, the founders suggest that new digital tools can help manage budgets while maintaining aesthetic quality.
The studio’s approach marks a shift in how independent entities are approaching the “streaming wars.” While major studios like Disney and DreamWorks maintain massive, vertically integrated pipelines, Stern and Braun are positioning Believe as a leaner alternative. This model mirrors the broader industry trend of “boutique” production houses that leverage remote talent pools and automated workflows to compete with established giants, a strategy previously utilized by emerging tech-forward studios like Skydance Animation.
What does this mean for the competitive landscape?
The entry of Believe Entertainment comes at a time when the animation industry is grappling with the dual pressures of rising production costs and the rapid advancement of generative tools. Unlike larger competitors that have faced internal labor disputes over the implementation of AI, Believe is building its infrastructure from the ground up with these technologies in mind.
Market Comparison: Traditional vs. Tech-Forward Studios
| Feature | Legacy Studios | Believe Entertainment |
|---|---|---|
| Production Model | Large-scale, vertically integrated | Independent, lean, tech-augmented |
| Tech Adoption | Incremental integration | Core to initial workflow |
| Executive Background | Animation-specific leadership | Network TV and digital media strategy |
What happens next for the studio?
Believe Entertainment is currently in the development phase, with plans to court streaming platforms and traditional networks for distribution deals. The company has not yet announced a specific slate of projects, though industry analysts expect them to focus on genre-based storytelling, given the founders’ history with science fiction and drama. The success of the venture will likely depend on their ability to secure partnerships in a tightening streaming market where platforms are increasingly cautious about original content spending.