Taf Makopa, one of the most influential figures in the UK’s digital content space, has unveiled an ambitious first slate of projects for his new venture, Mako Studios. Speaking exclusively on the TellyCast podcast, Makopa announced four brand-funded series, all developed in partnership with fashion giant BoohooMan.
Makopa, who made his name at Wall of Entertainment with viral hits like Does the Shoe Fit and Worst in Class, is now channelling his creator-led, format-first approach into Mako Studios, with a clear focus: original, social-first IP that puts talent, brands, and production companies into smart, scalable partnerships.
Leading the slate is Are You Even Real?, a three-part dating show hosted by UK rap icon Chip (formerly Chipmunk), marking his debut as a presenter. “Chip’s hilarious and has incredible on-screen presence,” Makopa said. “This show is about pushing dating formats forward, and Chip was the perfect choice to front it.” Produced by Objekt, the series aims to combine entertainment with high-profile brand alignment.
The second series, Luke Comes Home, is a short-form documentary featuring teenage darts superstar Luke Littler in conversation with Angry Ginge. Luke takes us on a trip to his home and his old school. Produced with Cowshed Studios the two-parter promises a mix of humour and heart, with Makopa teasing the films reveal a side we haven’t seen of Littler to date.
Next up is You’re Lying, hosted by King Kenny from Beta Squad. Described by Makopa as a “truth-finding mission,” the show features a cast of colourful contributors – including podcaster Memory and theatre star Nesisa Mhindu – on a quest to reunite lost items with their rightful owners. Once again, it’s designed as a three-episode pilot, produced with Objekt, underlining Makopa’s strategy of testing formats at low cost to prove audience appetite.
(l-r A1 2 Funny,Cecil Jee, King Kenny and Eman SV2 on set for You’re Lying. Photo credit Jahnay Tennai)
Rounding out the slate is You Are Out the of the Chat, a friendship test show hosted by rising presenter Qoy and produced with Trendy Grandad. Groups of friends set the rules for staying in their WhatsApp group – and then battle to avoid getting booted. “The twist is, whoever gets kicked out has to explain it to their mum, dad, or grandma on the spot,” Makopa laughed. “We want real jeopardy, but also real fun.”
Makopa revealed that all four shows have been made on budgets under £10,000 per episode, a conscious move to demonstrate the efficiency and creative muscle of his new studio. “I want to prove you can deliver standout digital-first entertainment that holds its own against big-budget productions,” he said.
With six weeks since officially launching Mako Studios, Makopa already has six shows on the slate, working across four different production partners. “It’s about matchmaking: the right creator, the right brand, the right production company, and the right format,” he said.
As Makopa looks ahead, he’s not slowing down. Conversations are underway with major global brands in tech, aviation, and software, and he’s in the process of staffing up what he calls his “growth buddies” – team members who’ll help scale the operation.
For Makopa, the mission is clear: “Social video needs its own ecosystem. It’s not TV, it’s not advertising – it’s something new. And we’re here to build it.”
