Sean Atkins takes the helm at Dhar Mann Studios: A new era of digital storytelling

A strategic move for digital media

Sean Atkins, former MTV president and Discovery chief digital officer, has embarked on a new journey as the president and COO of Dhar Mann Studios. This indie digital media powerhouse, known for its impactful scripted content, has also secured representation from CAA to explore new business avenues.

Expanding horizons with a seasoned leader

Atkins steps into a company that produces five 25-minute scripted episodes weekly, all crafted within its expansive 100,000-square-foot production facility in Burbank. Reporting directly to founder Dhar Mann, Atkins’ arrival marks a significant milestone for the studio.

“We’ve built an incredible foundation, and with Sean’s extensive experience leading growth and innovation at some of the biggest media companies, he’s exactly the leader we need for this next chapter,” said Mann. “Together, we’re set to advance our mission of using media to make a positive global impact, while we propel the company into this next stage of unprecedented growth.”

Introducing the 5th Quarter Agency

As part of his new role, Atkins has launched the 5th Quarter Agency, a division within Dhar Mann Studios aimed at helping creators monetize their intellectual property on YouTube. The agency’s clientele includes popular names like the Stokes Twins, Rebecca Zamolo, Royalty Family, and Jordan Matter.

Aiming for new heights with CAA

With CAA’s backing, Dhar Mann Studios is set to venture into live events, merchandising, publishing, and new brand partnerships. The studio also plans to collaborate with CAA Evolution, the agency’s capital arm, to explore portfolio expansion and potential acquisitions.

“We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Sean and Dhar, two visionary leaders shaping the future of storytelling and long-form scripted content within the YouTube ecosystem,” said David Freeman, head of CAA’s digital media department. “Together, we are transforming what began as a highly successful channel into a scalable media empire, leveraging the full breadth of our agency to create new opportunities across the entire media and consumer landscape.”

A legacy of leadership

Atkins brings a wealth of experience to Dhar Mann Studios. His impressive resume includes leadership roles at MTV, Discovery, Jellysmack, HBO, Bertelsmann, Yahoo!, and The Walt Disney Company. At Jellysmack, he was responsible for revenue, go-to-market strategies, customer engagement, brand sales, content teams, and new business initiatives.

“Dhar has built something truly unique—a mission-driven scripted digital media company that inspires and connects with over 120 million people globally in a brand-safe, positive environment,” Atkins said. “It is an unparalleled platform that truly showcases the power of creators to drive global scale businesses. We’re poised to capitalize on this momentum and accelerate the growth of a business that’s primed to transform the industry. I’m excited to lead this next phase, driving an ambitious M&A strategy and expanding into new business lines that will propel our growth even further.”

The future of digital storytelling

Dhar Mann Studios is not just a content creator; it’s a beacon of positive storytelling in the digital age. With Atkins at the helm, the studio is set to explore new territories and redefine the landscape of digital media. The integration of the 5th Quarter Agency and the strategic partnership with CAA are just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting journey.

For more information on the latest projects and updates from Dhar Mann Studios, visit their official website.

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