Brent Montgomery’s Wheelhouse, Social Platform Zigazoo Launch Studio to Develop Content From Young Creators (EXCLUSIVE)

Brent Montgomery‘s media company Wheelhouse and kids and teens-friendly social media platform Zigazoo have teamed on a new studio that will develop projects based on content from Gen Alpha stars on the TikTok-style app.

Named Zigazoo Studios, the joint venture will focus on developing content, live experiences, consumer products, brand partnerships and new business ventures with emerging creators from the Zigazoo community. Described as a “launchpad for ambitious young talent,” Zigazoo Studios aims to “build enduring brands and sustainable careers both on and off the platform” for Gen Alpha creators.

Wheelhouse (the entertainment and investing company behind titles including “America’s Sweethearts: Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders”) and Zigazoo say Zigazoo Studios will begin rolling out its creator development initiatives, original programming, live experiences and strategic partnerships later this year. The studio intends to unveil its first offerings during an inaugural industry event at Wheelhouse HQ in Los Angeles.

Per the companies, “As Gen Alpha increasingly shapes culture, consumer behavior, and digital communities, Zigazoo Studios will identify, nurture, and scale the next generation of creator talent while providing young creators and their families with access to the infrastructure traditionally reserved for established talent. At a time when the creator economy is evolving and lawmakers in countries like the U.K. and Australia have already moved to restrict social media access for minors, with similar legislation gaining momentum in the U.S., the demand for safe, positive digital experiences for kids has never been greater.”

The joint venture comes following years of investment in Zigazoo from Wheelhouse, which owns production labels including Wheelhouse Studios, Spoke Studios, Campfire Studios, Butternut and Twist. Wheelhouse has had ongoing involvement in Zigazoo’s strategic development as the platform has drawn the interest of top creator talent, celebrities, and several brands, including the NBA, MLB, WWE, DreamWorks, Paramount Pictures, Amazon, Apple TV+, Crayola, Penguin Random House and Netflix. 

“The next generation of creators is already here, but the world has barely noticed,” Zigazoo co-founder and CEO Zak Ringelstein said. “Zigazoo Studios is designed to give Zigazoo creators and their families something that hasn’t existed until now: a trusted ecosystem that creates a sustainable pathway to build the superstars of the future. With Wheelhouse’s unparalleled success on streaming and other content platforms, we’re thrilled to deepen our partnership and create global franchises.”

“Wheelhouse has believed in Zigazoo from the very beginning because we saw something incredibly rare: a platform built around positivity, creativity, and safety,” Montgomery said. “It’s the only social media platform I allow my own kids to use. We believe this is the moment for the safest social platform for kids to respond to what’s happening in the creator economy and help build the future alongside today and tomorrow’s stars. Zigazoo Studios will provide young creators with intentional partners who can help scale their ambitions with capital, ideas, relationships, and execution—creating a true 360-degree ecosystem around the next generation of talent.”