Gunpowder & Sky is a Los Angeles–based independent studio that produces feature films, series, short-form content, and podcasts. The company was founded in 2016 by Van Toffler and Floris Bauer. It runs DUST, a sci-fi streaming service featuring short films, series, and behind-the-scenes content, and ALTER, a horror brand that streams on selected TV platforms.
History
In January 2016, Van Toffler (former CEO of Viacom Media Networks Music Group), Floris Bauer (formerly global head of strategy at Dutch entertainment company Endemol, and Otter Media), formed Gunpowder & Sky as an independent studio.[1] The name "Gunpowder & Sky" comes from a lyric from the Aimee Mann song, "4th of July."[1] In February 2016, Gunpowder & Sky, along with Comcast Ventures, invested in Cut, a creator of digital video content.[2] In March 2016, Gunpowder & Sky invested in viral video producer Shareability.[3] In September 2016, the company acquired independent film distribution company Filmbuff.[4] In November 2016, Gunpowder & Sky launched DUST, a sci-fi streaming service featuring short films, series, and behind-the-scenes content.[5] In January 2017, the company acquired production company Supergravity Pictures.[6] In August 2018, Gunpowder & Sky launched DUSTx, a free streaming sci-fi service on Roku.[7] In April 2020, Gunpowder & Sky formed a joint venture with talent manager and production company Circle of Confusion to produce sci-fi and horror projects.[8] In March 2021, the company signed a two-year first-look deal with the WarnerMedia cable network to provide documentaries and docuseries from Gunpowder & Sky's library to HBO and HBO Max.[9] In September 2021, the company announced the launch of the DUST Channel on streaming service Tubi.[10] In May 2022, the company announced its horror brand ALTER was also launching as a free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) channel, on connected TV platforms including Samsung TV Plus, STIRR and Redbox.[11]
Business
Gunpowder & Sky is a production company that produces feature films, series, short-form content and podcasts. Notable productions include the feature films Her Smell (2018), Hearts Beat Loud (2018), The Little Hours (2017); documentaries Everybody's Everything (2019), Last Exit: Space (2022),[12]Sometimes When We Touch: The Reign, Ruin and Resurrection of Soft Rock (2023),[13]Sheryl (2022),[14]Call Me Miss Cleo;[15] series 50 States of Fright (2020);[16] and the DUST podcast (2019–2021).[17]
Brands
Gunpowder & Sky's main brands are the sci-fi channel DUST and the horror channel ALTER. The channels are available on a variety of paid and free streaming devices and services.[10][11]
