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Hollywood Ventures Group (HVG), led by Glenn Gainor, and Thirteenth Studios have officially announced a strategic alliance aimed at significantly expanding the Platinum Universe, a vast independent library of comic book and genre intellectual properties. This partnership, unveiled at the prestigious Cannes film festival, is set to propel the universe's more than 1,300 characters into new forms of media, encompassing cinema, television, animated series, video games, publishing, and emerging digital platforms. This initiative represents a pivotal moment for independent comic properties, promising a rich future for their diverse narratives and characters.

Hollywood Ventures Group and Thirteenth Studios Join Forces to Unleash Platinum Universe Potential

In a significant announcement made on May 12, 2026, at the Cannes Film Festival, Hollywood Ventures Group (HVG) and Thirteenth Studios revealed their exclusive collaboration to develop and expand the extensive Platinum Universe library. This landmark agreement brings together Glenn Gainor, who founded HVG after departing Amazon Original Movies, and Joe Smith's Thirteenth Studios, with the aim of maximizing the reach and impact of Platinum Universe's over 1,300 characters and properties. These include a rich array of science fiction, action, fantasy, and horror narratives, making it one of the largest independent genre IP collections globally.

The partnership's core objective is the long-term activation and expansion of the Platinum Universe across a multitude of entertainment and media formats. This includes but is not limited to feature films, television series, animated productions, interactive gaming experiences, publishing ventures, and innovative emerging media platforms. Key figures involved in orchestrating this alliance include HVG chairman and co-founder Sandy Climan, executive vice president Nelly Kim, and Ray Ellingsen of Moving Pictures Media Group, who represents the Platinum Universe.

Scott Mitchell Rosenberg, the chairman and CEO of Platinum Studios, expressed immense enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting that the combined expertise of HVG and Thirteenth Studios offers a crucial pathway to global financing and a robust strategic infrastructure. This support will enable the rapid scaling of their creator-driven library into all contemporary media forms. Rosenberg, known for his work with Malibu Comics, was instrumental in bringing the successful "Men in Black" franchise to Sony Pictures and oversees a library that features acclaimed titles such as "Ultraverse," "Youngblood," "Cowboys & Aliens," and Rob Liefeld’s "Supreme."

Sandy Climan emphasized the enduring appeal of the Platinum Universe, noting its capacity to offer not merely individual stories but entire worlds designed for longevity. He articulated that this partnership transcends traditional production agreements, focusing instead on cultivating a lasting global home for these characters. The goal is to facilitate their evolution, enhance their resonance across diverse markets and media, and ensure their prosperity for future generations. Glenn Gainor further elaborated on the compelling nature of the Platinum Universe, praising its expansive storytelling potential beyond a mere collection of superheroes. He underscored its vast, creator-driven narratives spanning various genres, which possess genuine global franchise potential. Gainor affirmed their commitment to establishing a modern entertainment platform that respects the originality of these worlds and their creators, while simultaneously extending their reach to global audiences through film, television, animation, games, and publishing.

This strategic alliance signals a vibrant future for the Platinum Universe, promising an influx of fresh, diverse content across the entertainment landscape, driven by the combined vision and resources of Hollywood Ventures Group and Thirteenth Studios.

The collaboration between Hollywood Ventures Group and Thirteenth Studios to develop the Platinum Universe library is a testament to the enduring power of intellectual property in the modern entertainment landscape. It underscores the industry's continuous quest for rich, expansive storytelling canvases that can transcend singular media forms and engage audiences globally. This venture highlights the increasing importance of strategic partnerships in leveraging extensive character libraries to create multi-platform franchises. It also serves as an inspiring example for independent creators and studios, demonstrating how a vast collection of imaginative works can, with the right strategic backing, evolve into a comprehensive entertainment ecosystem. The commitment to honoring original creators while adapting their visions for new audiences reflects a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes both artistic integrity and commercial viability.