Adam Wexler, who founded fantasy sports company PrizePix, has started Eight-State Studios, an unscripted production company, with an eye toward producing original series and documentaries.
First, the company is working on an untitled eight-episode live unscripted competition series scheduled to debut on YouTube on August 11th. This project, also from Deviants Media Studios, pits celebrities, influencers, and creators against each other in a spelling competition. Ivan Dudinsky (“Funny AF with Kevin Hart,” “The Voice”) will serve as executive producer and director, and Jason Belt (“Hollywood Game Night”) will serve as showrunner.
“We approach entertainment with a strategy-first mindset, built around audience behavior, cultural relevance, and built-in social dynamics that drive conversation,” Wexler said in a statement. “Our first show reflects that approach, intentionally launching during sports’ slow seasons in a format designed to be timely, accessible, and encourage interaction between viewers. It’s not about more content, it’s about being intentional with timing, structure, and delivery.”
Wexler recently made headlines for donating $10 million to the men’s basketball program at his alma mater, the University of Georgia, which the university says is the largest philanthropic donation in UGA Athletic Association history. He recently launched The Hidden Jams, a non-profit music discovery platform that allows fans to rank an artist’s entire catalog. Mr. Wexler also served as a digital consultant for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2014-2015 season.
According to EightState Studios, “Wexler will apply his expertise in brand and creator development, combined with his deep knowledge of social media strategy, to develop content that resonates with modern audiences and succeeds across digital, streaming and television platforms.”
