Bad Robot is rolling out Bad Robot Audio, a new division dedicated to developing and producing original scripted and non-scripted audio content. Bad Robot Audio launches in collaboration with Spotify and will be led by former Audible and Spotify award-winning executive, Christina Choi, who joins as Head of Podcasts at Bad Robot.
Bad Robot will now explore new ways to tell stories through the audio format. The new multi-year exclusive first look with Spotify gives Bad Robot Audio a showcase for these new narrative non-fiction and fiction podcast productions. Conversely, the deal with Bad Robot comes as Spotify’s audio business continues to see unprecedented growth driven by waves of new content being introduced to its platform.
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“Podcasts have obviously become a go-to destination for entertainment, education, and discovery. Given Bad Robot’s work in TV, film, games, and music, podcasts was an obvious topic of conversation within the company for a long time. We are thrilled to welcome Christina Choi to lead the way, and to collaborate with Dawn and the incredible Spotify team to bring some incredible stories to life,” said Bad Robot’s Co-CEO, J.J. Abrams.
“I’m thrilled to join Bad Robot as they expand into the world of podcasting. The medium allows for the imagination of creators to thrive. I’m honored to have the opportunity to build out this new venture with Katie, JJ, Brian, and the Bad Robot team. I’m also looking forward to reuniting with Spotify, which was where I started my career in podcasting. I hope through our partnership we can create quality audio content that is meaningful, inclusive, and creator first,” added Choi.
Emmy-nominated Choi joins Bad Robot from Audible where she served as Director of Content Partnerships under the content acquisition and development division.
The new podcast division expands upon Bad Robot’s creative branches including its film, television, gaming, and music arms. For film, the company has a wide slate of projects in development under their Warner Media deal, including priority projects with Warner Bros., DC, HBO Max, and Warner Animation Group including a live-action remake of the beloved anime film Your Name, and Dr. Seuss’s iconic children’s book, Oh, The Places You’ll Go! set up at Warner Bros. and to be directed by Jon M. Chu.
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It also has the thriller Lou starring Allison Janney, Jurnee Smollett, and Logan Marshall-Green set up at Netflix, as well as multiple projects at Paramount. Recent television projects for Bad Robot include the 18-time Emmy-nominated Lovecraft Country for HBO, Lisey’s Story currently streaming at Apple TV+, and UFO, a four-part docuseries for Showtime. The company is currently in production on the highly anticipated fourth season of Westworld for HBO. Bad Robot continues to have several series and projects at HBO and HBO Max, produced by WBTV through its WarnerMedia overall deal including Demimonde and Fledgeling for HBO and Duster and Subject to Change for HBO Max. Additionally, Bad Robot has My Glory Was I Had Such Friends set up with Apple TV+.
