Sandler in Web deal with Roth, MediaTrip
Shnorff to offer original comedy programming
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Sandler is launching the venture with longtime producing partner Jack Giarraputo through an exclusive deal with Joe Roth's Revolution Studios and Netcaster MediaTrip.com.
Former CAA and Endeavor agent Doug Robinson has been named CEO and co-founder of Shnorff.
Long-term partnership with MediaTrip calls for the duo to create original comedy content -- Webisodic shows, animation, short films and games -- featuring Sandler and friends for Internet distribution on both the Shnorff and MediaTrip Web sites.
Pact includes a first-look deal with Revolution Studios to adapt any of the endeavor's Web content into TV shows or films.
"We're thrilled to be in business," MediaTrip CEO Austin Harrison told Daily Variety. "In a world where you have to make decisions on who you want to be in business with, they're the best.
Shnorff.com is a "separate business and a separate site, but some stuff will appear on MediaTrip," Harrison said. "We are creating a new hub for entertainment on the Internet. Adam and Jack have assembled a top-notch creative team, and we are thrilled to have them on board to deliver compelling content to our growing user base."
MediaTrip's staffers will handle much of the backend duties, including design and Web operations, for Shnorff.
No launch date has yet been set for the site, nor has a time been designated when original content from the new venture will bow online. But insiders say the launch could easily occur in the coming weeks.
At a time when a slew of entertainment Netcasters, including Pop.com and Z.com, are trying to land top talent for Internet programming, Sandler's decision to go with MediaTrip is a coup for the site. Roth's relationship with the star and dot-com may have been the deal closer.
Shnorff marks Sandler's return to the Web after creating "The Peeper," an animated six-minute promotional toon based on a skit from Sandler's album "Stan and Judy's Kid." Toon bowed on Warner Bros.' various online properties, including Entertaindom.com, last September. Warner Bros. Records released the album on Sept. 21.
At the time, move marked the first major step by a star of Sandler's standing to distribute programming exclusively on the 'Net.
"Our thing in movies is for people to have fun," Giarraputo said. "We'll try to do the same with the Internet."
Robinson added, "The talent associated with Shnorff, along with our association with MediaTrip.com and Revolution Studios, will make Shnorff a great online comedy site for people to hang out with."
Sandler will next appear in the New Line laffer "Little Nicky."
