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Former Xumo CEO’s AI-Powered Fairground Raises $4M, Debuts Dracula And Robin Hood Shows With Viant And Myspace Founder Support

PhilNote: Petrie-Norris is mixing metaphors when he says he wants to supply the 'picks and shovels' but his business plan is to develop programming on top of an AI platform rather than sell the platform itself.

... The move extends a longstanding partnership between Petrie-Norris and Viant CEO and co-founder Tim Vanderhook, who previously served as CEO of Myspace, Variety reports. ...

Fairground aims to create and distribute TV series entirely generated with AI tools, with a special focus on animation, sci-fi, horror, and kids' content. According to Variety, the first slate of original programming is set to launch in the third quarter of this year. Among the debut titles are reimagined versions of public domain classics like Dracula and Robin Hood. ...

“I'm not trying to compete with the generative AI services; I'm here to sell picks and shovels to the coal miners,” Petrie-Norris told The Desk. “I don't profess to be an expert in AI. I am an expert in the entertainment industry first. I know how monetization and distribution works.” ...

Fairground's approach reflects a broader shift in how entertainment may be conceived and produced in the future, The Desk says. With its strong backing, a slate of recognizable IPs, and a founder who spots trends before they go mainstream, Fairground is positioning itself as a next-gen content studio to watch.

See the full story here: https://www.aol.com/former-xumo-ceos-ai-powered-143050583.html