YouTube To Develop ‘Step Up’ Series

Digital video streaming service YouTube will enter the scripted series arena in 2017 with the development of dance-themed series Step Up.

The series, based on the 2006 film the same name, will be executively produced by the film’s producers Adam Shankman, Jennifer Gibgot and Meredith Milton, as well as Step Up stars Channing Tatum and Jenna Dewan Tatum, said network officials.

The Lionsgate produced film will debut exclusively as the first original scripted series on YouTube Red next year, according to the service.

“I’ve been a fan of the Step Up movies for years and always believed the films would translate into an awesome original series,” said Susanne Daniels, YouTube Global Head of Original Content in a statement. “We know that dance is a hugely successful global category on YouTube, so I’m excited to have a series rooted in such an enormously popular genre on our platform.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.