Fox Entertainment and Kevin Hart’s production company Hartbeat sign a deal focused on “microdramas” and vertical series. Under the pact, Fox Entertainment Studios receives first-look rights to develop feature films and television series based on vertical series released through Hartbeat’s branded labels.
The initial pipeline draws from Hartbeat’s Codeblack, Essence and Revolt brands, which outlets describe as having a combined social following of more than 20 million. Fox Entertainment Global is also set to handle worldwide distribution after the vertical series’ initial run. Coverage frames the agreement as a way to take the most successful vertical projects and translate them into more traditional scripted formats, including both film and TV.
While the outlets differ mainly in phrasing—some emphasize “microdrama” while others stress vertical series adaptation—the reporting is consistent that Fox will test, select and develop Hartbeat’s vertical content into future mainstream releases, using the Hartbeat brands as the source slate.
