EXCLUSIVE: Helium Comedy, one of the United States’ premier independent comedy club operators, is getting into original content with the launch of a new division overseen by Maureen Taran.
Conceived as a development platform for creators, comedians, producers and strategic partners, Helium’s Original Content, Development & Production division will be focused on identifying, developing, testing and scaling original entertainment properties across the company’s network of comedy clubs. Areas of focus will include original formats, creator-driven projects, podcast-to-stage opportunities, touring properties, internal intellectual property development, strategic partnerships and digital content franchises.
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In her role at Helium, Taran will lead efforts to source new opportunities, evaluate concepts, and develop strategic partnerships. Helium’s launch of the new division underscores the company’s continued investment in creator-first development as performers increasingly write their own ticket between live performance, podcasting, digital media and the creation of their own original programming.
“For more than two decades, Helium has built a reputation for discovering and supporting exceptional talent. Launching our Original Content, Development & Production Division is a natural evolution of that mission,” said Helium Comedy CEO Marc Grossman. “We’ve always believed that great comedy starts with great talent, and our responsibility is to create an environment where creators can experiment, take risks, and find the audience that helps move their careers forward. Maureen’s experience, relationships and creative instincts make her the ideal leader to help shape the next generation of comedy and creator-driven entertainment.”
Taran comes to Helium as someone with a unique perspective on identifying and developing entertainment across platforms, informed by 25+ years of experience across talent management, comedy festival programming, television development, original programming and live event production. Most recently, she served as Vice President of Talent at Warner Bros. Discovery, overseeing talent strategy, casting, development and talent relations across truTV, TBS and TNT.
“I’ve spent my career working with comedians, creators and talent, and the part of the work I’ve always loved most is discovering, developing, and helping build opportunities around great artists,” Taran said. “The entertainment business continues to evolve, but talent, audience, and creative development will always remain at the center of it. Marc and Brad Grossman understand the importance of live spaces where ideas can be tested, refined, and grown. Helium has long been where comedians build careers. Now we’re creating a place where their biggest ideas can grow, too. I’m excited to help build this new division that supports creators, nurtures new ideas, and creates opportunities across live, digital, and touring platforms.”
Prior to Warner Bros., Taran held exec positions at New Wave Entertainment, Epix and The Barry Katz Entertainment Group, where she helped guide the careers of comedians including Dave Chappelle, Wanda Sykes, Dane Cook, Tracy Morgan, Jim Gaffigan, Jeffrey Ross and Gary Gulman. She also served as Vice President of Programming for the Just for Laughs Comedy Festival in Montreal and later continued as a creative consultant to the festival.
In addition to her television and development work, Taran is the co-founder and producer of the annual Patrice O’Neal Comedy Benefit alongside Bill Burr.
Founded in 2005 and led by CEO Marc Grossman and COO Brad Grossman, Helium Comedy produces more than 7,000 live performances annually. Its family of clubs includes Helium Comedy Club, Goodnights Comedy Club, Cap City Comedy Club, Bananas Comedy Club and Stardome Comedy Club.
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‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
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