Logo founder Matt Farber is continuing his focus of putting the spotlight on gay-themed content, shifting platforms to YouTube.
Farber, with former Logo vp creative Brian Tolleson, are launching Gwist, a YouTube channel targeted specifically to the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (and like-minded) community.
Launching Jan. 14, Gwist -- which stands for "TV with a gay twist -- will feature 10 original series showcasing new and established LGBT talent and YouTube stars from the LGBT community.
"An online video network is a natural next step in the evolution of gay media and entertainment," said Farber, who in addition to Viacom's gay-themed cable network Logo has launched Clear Channel's Radio With a Twist and Sony's Music With A Twist record label. "The social media, on demand and universal distribution aspects of online and mobile video are perfectly suited for niche programming. With broadcast and cable networks becoming more homogenous in order to reach the broadest audience, and online video consumption reaching critical mass, the time feels right for Gwist."
After its launch, Gwist will rollout 10 original series including a scripted drama from noted lesbian filmmaker Tina Cesa Ward -- the creator of WGA Award-winning Web series Anyone But Me, efforts from Howard Bragman, Logo personality/YouTube star Louis Virtel and comedian Judy Gold.
For his part, Farber is a veteran cable and digital media executive and who has had roles at MTV, Fuse who currently serves as partner/head of content at television brand integration agency Bark Bark.
Here's a look at all 10 series:
• Gwissues with Howard Bragman: A panel discussion about a topic the LGBT community is talking about hosted by the publicist and television pundit.
• The Randy Rainbow Show: A sketch and celebrity spoof series featuring tongue-in-cheek commentary from YouTube personality Randy Rainbow.
• The untitled spousal equivalent game with Judy Gold: A relationship game show where gay and straight couples face-off to prove their marriages can be equally miserable, hosted by lesbian comic Gold.
• Miss Richfield 1981 "Q and You": A comedic advice show form theatrical character Miss Richfield 1981.
• So Wrong! with Louis Virtel: A contrarian analysis on why certain pop culture darlings really aren’t all that, from Logo personality Virtel.
• Love’N Mo: A gay girls' guide to sex and relationships for straight men starring former WNBA star Margot Clark. From Amy Goldstein/Steve Chivers.
• Steam Room Stories: A scripted series about a towel-clad group of men -- gay and straight -- discussing a topic at the gym. From Cinema 175 Productions.
• Gay Snackbites: A collection of stand-up comedy segments featuring up-and-coming LGBT comics.
• Cuentin’s Caddy Commentary: An animated talk show from veteran animatorMatthew I. Jenkins (Adult Swim’s Aqua Teen Hunger Force).
• An untitled Tina Cesa Ward project: A scripted drama from noted lesbian filmmaker and creator of Anyone But Me.
Email: Lesley.Goldberg@thr.com; Twitter: @Snoodit
