Signal.Stream has launched The Outsiders, a new platform designed to open its audience-first IP development model to creators, producers, broadcasters and streamers, with Talpa Studios joining as the founding industry partner.
The initiative builds on Signal.Stream’s pre-existing methodology, which the company says it has developed over the past three and a half years through its work with STUKTV’s YouTube ecosystem. The approach tests original entertainment concepts with audiences before they move into premium television and streaming development.
Signal.Stream said the model is intended to help validate ideas earlier in the creative process by using audience engagement and performance data, with the aim of reducing development risk and informing creative decision-making before larger production investments are made. The company said several formats developed through the approach, including Most Wanted, Catch Us If You Can, Let’s Play Ball (pictured), The Heist and Know Where To Hide, have secured international adaptations.
Wouter van der Pauw, founder of Signal.Stream, said: “The next global hit will probably look nothing like the last one. The industry doesn’t have an ideas problem. It has a validation problem. Audience-First IP Testing allows us to put ideas in front of real audiences earlier, learn faster and make better creative decisions before major production investments are made. The future of entertainment development won’t be built behind closed doors. It will be built together with audiences from day one.”
Talpa Studios, founded by John de Mol, is the first external partner to embrace the model. Jasper Hoogendoorn, chief creative officer of Talpa Studios, said: “We have already seen first-hand how testing bold ideas with real audiences, before they reach premium platforms, helps build stronger entertainment IP. We’re excited to see Signal.Stream now open this proven approach, helping to test, validate and scale ideas with global potential. The international success of formats such as Most Wanted, Catch Us If You Can and Let’s Play Ball proves the value of this approach. It is also a great example of our open network approach: collaborating with the best partners to build stronger IP and bring the best ideas to audiences worldwide.”
