TikTok teams up with Hollywood studio for new scripted dramas
TikTok and MADE BY US STUDIOS are partnering on new vertical dramas starring creators Hannah Stocking and Adam Rose.
TikTok is expanding its scripted entertainment offering through a new partnership with MADE BY US STUDIOS, bringing professionally produced dramas starring popular online creators to its short-form video platforms.
Announced at MIPCOM Cannes on 14 October, the partnership will produce a slate of vertical micro-series for TikTok and PineDrama. The first two projects are Player, a romantic revenge thriller starring Hannah Stocking, and The Knock, a genre series led by Adam Rose.
Stocking, who has built a large following through online comedy, also serves as an executive producer on Player. The series is written by Arun Blair-Mangat and Chela Reyna, with Stocking contributing to the story, and is directed by Louiza Zouzias.
The Knock takes a different direction, combining horror and genre storytelling. Created and directed by R.H. Stavis, it stars Adam Rose alongside Zaria Simone, known for Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin. The project involves Spooky Pictures and Moby's Little Walnut Productions, with Moby also composing the music.
Both productions are designed for vertical viewing, a format intended for people watching on their phones. Episodes can be delivered in a way that fits the short-form video experience while still developing characters and ongoing storylines.
The deal follows the success of Screen Time, TikTok's earlier micro-series partnership with Issa Rae's company HOORAE. TikTok says that series has attracted nearly 580 million global views since launching in April.
The new agreement reflects a growing push to turn creator-led entertainment into professionally produced scripted content. For established online personalities, the format offers an opportunity to develop original stories and take on acting and production roles, while studios gain access to talent with audiences already built around their work.
TikTok and MADE BY US are positioning the partnership as a longer-term investment in this style of storytelling, rather than a one-off experiment.
