Dean Devlin - Electric Now & Electric Entertainment

·27 min·2 clips

Dean Devlin explains why Electric Now started as a fan hub, not a money-making venture.

The episode features an interview with Dean Devlin, co-founder of Electric Entertainment, hosted by Tony. Devlin explains that Electric Now started as a fan hub to aggregate audiences for shows like Leverage, The Librarians, and The Outpost, not initially as a revenue business. The new app launches on April 16th with 60 free live channels, including The Daily Flash with Tony, a Kung Fu channel, Grindhouse, horror, health, and travel channels. Devlin notes that young users are rediscovering channel surfing through the app, contrasting it with algorithm-driven platforms. He discusses the philosophy of escapist entertainment, arguing it's necessary during times like pandemics or economic strife. Electric Now is producing two original shows, including a half-hour comedy about polyamorous relationships discovered on TikTok, which Devlin compares to Love American Style. The app includes a Staff Picks shelf for overlooked movies, and Devlin mentions acquiring films like Rob Reiner's LBJ. He shares that the new season of The Librarians is the best yet, and Ark is returning with a bigger budget. Devlin explains the company's independent, fan-focused approach without market research or algorithms. He recounts a mentor's advice to build a 'speedboat' company to adapt quickly, unlike the Titanic. The after-shows for series foster community by revealing behind-the-scenes details. Devlin also touches on film festivals, the challenges for independent filmmakers, and the value of long-term collaborations with actors like Christian Cain and Jessica Green.

As heard by us

A fan-first platform pitch that keeps its feet on the ground.

Dean Devlin presents Electric Now as a fan-built home for Leverage, The Librarians, and The Outpost, then widens it into a place where viewers can find more of Electric Entertainment's work.

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Dean Devlin explains how Electric Now grew from a fan home into 60 live channels.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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