Netco MediaPass acquires Gigantic

New media company aims at broadband, mobile

By DIANE GARRETT

Netco MediaPass has acquired Gigantic, a shingle founded by musicvid and blurb helmer Kevin Kerslake, and the merged entity has created a series of skeins for broadband and mobile distribution.

Headed by Daniel P. Harris, an early broadcaster of live events online, Santa Monica-based MediaPass Gigantic is the outgrowth of a 10-year friendship between the men. Kerslake, who recently landed his first feature directing gig on Samuel L. Jackson starrer "Running Wild," will direct and exec produce the Netco's live music perfs and shepherd original content. Company has a video distribution deal with Spaceland Recordings.

Among the shows in the pipeline: "The Shop," an action sport reality skein shot in the Rockies; "Get Over It," a funkier version of "Laguna Beach"; and a music docu series revolving around concerts across the country. Another urban drama is intended as an broadband version of "The Wire," while "Disorient Express" follows five college-age femmes as they travel across Europe.

Netco also intends to acquire direct-to-vid fare for distribution online.

The goal, Harris said, is to create quality low-cost content for as close to break even as possible, then make the money after it has proven itself online.

"Second-run distribution is where the cash cow is," Harris said.

Kerslake said he welcomed the chance to create cutting-edge content with a company that has a "solid handle on the new economics of video."

Gigantic previously produced branded entertainment for clients such as Quiksilver, DC Shoes and RealNetworks.

Harris has produced live-event webcasts for events including the American Dance Music Awards, U.K.'s Mobo Awards, Ultra Music Festival and Voodoo Festival.

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