Whalar Group expands into creator-led entertainment

Whalar Group has launched Lighthouse Studios, a creator-focused entertainment unit designed to help digital creators develop scalable media networks and original programming. The studio debuts with a partnership with Lyrical Lemonade to expand Lyrical Lemonade TV into a larger programming network.

Lighthouse Studios will operate within Whalar Group’s creative campus, The Lighthouse, providing creators with production infrastructure, funding and strategic support to develop entertainment brands that extend beyond individual channels.

Partnership expands Lyrical Lemonade TV network

The first collaboration for the studio focuses on Lyrical Lemonade TV, a platform launched in 2020 that has gained attention for music-focused storytelling and digital programming. Through the partnership, Lighthouse Studios will provide capital, production resources and operational support to accelerate the network’s development.

The joint venture aims to expand Lyrical Lemonade TV into a destination for original shows, artist-driven storytelling and experimental creative formats connected to music and culture.

Cole Bennett, Founder of Lyrical Lemonade: "Lyrical Lemonade is built on a foundation of consistent output. Expanding into a network has always been the long-term vision, and now is the clear and intentional next step in our evolution. We will be able to explore diverse interests with a cohesive through line from show to show. Lyrical Lemonade TV will crack the code in a way that hasn’t been done before with YouTube driven networks."

Programming network builds on existing content

Lyrical Lemonade TV will continue producing its current slate while introducing additional original series and recurring formats. The network will also highlight emerging artists and provide behind-the-scenes storytelling tied to the broader Lyrical Lemonade ecosystem.

The newly formed leadership team for the network includes Joseph Rocha as Chief Executive Officer, Elliot Montanez as Head of Content and Programming, and Jake Millan as Head of Talent and Artist Relations.

Sara Kolli will serve as Network Producer and Sam McGrath as Content Associate. Cole Bennett will act as Executive Producer across all Lyrical Lemonade TV programming and guide the network’s creative direction.

Studio aims to scale creator-led entertainment

Lighthouse Studios was established to connect the creator economy with traditional entertainment infrastructure. The unit provides creators with financial backing, strategic guidance and operational support to develop long-term entertainment brands.

James Street, Co-Founder and Co-Chief Executive Officer at Whalar Group: "Neil and I moved to Los Angeles nine years ago with the belief that Creators were going to play a central role in the future of entertainment and storytelling. The launch of Lighthouse Studios is the ultimate realisation of that belief and is a continuation of our commitment to back creative visionaries like Cole Bennett and the LLTV team with the capital and resources they need to shape the future of entertainment."

Leadership team formed for new studio

Whalar Group has appointed Akshay Mehta as Chief Executive Officer of Lighthouse Studios. He will oversee the studio’s operations, programming strategy and creator partnerships while reporting to Whalar Group co-founders James Street and Neil Waller, who will serve as co-executive chairs.

Akshay Mehta previously held senior roles at Upgrade Productions, BRON Ventures, CAA Media Finance and Good Universe, where he worked on global content deals and new media ventures.

Akshay Mehta, Chief Executive Officer at Lighthouse Studios: "Lighthouse Studios is rethinking the studio system for today’s world. We are thrilled to partner with the team at LLTV to scale the channel to a network. At Lighthouse Studios, we’re creating a space where Creators can build lasting entertainment brands. We provide a long-term partnership powered by a considered strategy, a commitment to creativity, transparent capital and ownership of IP, and a global mindset."

Partnerships and talent development central to strategy

Ray Brown has joined Lighthouse Studios as Chief Partnerships Officer. In this role, he will focus on building creator partnerships, brand collaborations and distribution relationships to support the growth of creator-led networks.

Ray Brown, Chief Partnerships Officer at Lighthouse Studios: "Lyrical Lemonade TV represents exactly the kind of Creator-led network Lighthouse Studios was built to support. Cole and the Lyrical Lemonade TV team have already proven their ability to shape culture and launch artists, and our partnership is about giving that vision the infrastructure, investment, and strategic partnerships needed to scale into a full entertainment network."

The launch of Lighthouse Studios and the expansion of Lyrical Lemonade TV mark a broader shift toward creator-led programming networks within the entertainment industry.

www.lighthousestudios.ie

www.whalar.com

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