Two popular YouTube creators will star in specials to air on Ovation TV as part of the network’s Ovation Digital Arts initiative, said network officials.

YouTube channels creators Kuma Films and David Poland will debut on the channel over the next few months. Poland will star in Celebrity Conversations,based on his star-studded YouTube channel DP/30: The Oral History of Hollywood launching July 22, said network executives.

Ovation TV will also feature Kuma Films’ performance videos, as well as new segments with the filmmakers in an original TV documentary special that explores their spectacular work and creative process set to air this fall. 

“Ovation Digital Arts is committed to developing distribution and monetization opportunities for creators,” said Stephen Dypiangco, VP, Ovation Digital Arts. “We’re delighted with the talented artists joining our community, and we are particularly excited to announce the television specials with Kuma Films and David Poland. “

Ovation TV has launched the Ovation Digital Arts platform and has named filmmaker and former YouTube Nation channel manager Stephen Dypiangco as vice president of the new venture.

Ovation Digital Arts links selected YouTube creators and artists with the network's programming and reach, which now includes 54 million homes. The business unit will help its members grow their brands and businesses through exposure on Ovation TV and assist with audience development efforts. In turn, the Digital Arts platform can serve as a source of programming development.

"Targeted distribution and promotion to arts-loving viewers is where we excel," Dypiangco said, "and we will actively spotlight our channel partners on Ovation shows, invite them to host programs and source their talents for new original programming."

Initial channel partners include artists in the fields of dance, photography, drawing/animation, painting, music and more. Their YouTube channels, as well as Ovation's, will be managed by Ovation Digital Arts.

The network said Ovation Digital Arts will provide its channel partners expertise in building comprehensive audience development plans and new revenue streams, including help securing distribution via non-YouTube platforms, ad sales/brand integration support, crowd-funding guidance, digital rights management and business affairs services. Ovation Digital Arts can also help its members connect with collaborators and production facilities in Los Angeles. 

"Ovation Digital Arts has taken the MCN model and refined it for the artist community," Charles Segars, Ovation CEO, said. "Our creators' community will be highly curated and focused on the artists themselves." 

Dypiangco, who will oversee Ovation Digital Arts's day-to-day operations, was co-founder and general manager of National Film Society, a PBS Digital Studios MCN. During his tenure there he managed content strategy, programming, production and marketing, and produced more than 100 Web series episodes. Previously, he worked for Netflix as an enhanced content specialist. He was also producer of Luke Matheny's Academy Award®-winning short "God of Love" as well as other short films.