Press Release: Ntertain Studios, run by Lex Borrero and music mogul Tommy Mottola and Audio Up Media, led by Jared Gutstadt, are joining forces in a strategic partnership to develop and acquire original offerings across all media verticals with a focus on Latin podcast programming, with extensions into music and TV & film development.
Already a leader in Latinx entertainment, Ntertain Studios will expand its reach into podcast programming with the development of several new shows including a kid-friendly series featuring original music from some of the top Reggaeton artists in the world. The series, Anthem, will partner professional athletes with their favorite artists to help create signature tracks for their on-field walk-out music that will serve as motivation and inspiration to listeners across the globe.
This multi-year partnership will also engage Ntertain Studios and Audio Up Media to co-create original IP that will crossover to various media verticals and create signature collections of music from each property. The duo is currently working on a scripted thriller, El Fin del Mundo that is a retelling of Orson Welles’ notorious “War of the Worlds,” radio broadcast. The original series will be developed for both podcast and streaming simultaneously while leaning into Audio Up’s expertise and reputation for prestige, audio storytelling and Ntertain’s ability to showcase high-concept storytelling that are propelled by Latin stories from across the globe.
“I’m extremely excited about this partnership, they are the best at what they do” Audio Up CEO Jared Gutstadt exclaimed. “We have a great array of ideas, but I am particularly excited about our format called Anthems. This is going to be a game changer for music discovery and brands across all these projects. Having previously worked in the sports world, I know that there is a place for this in non-traditional brand advertising and media.” Gutstadt’s previous work includes writing anthems for the Miami Marlins with DJ Khaled and Nicky Jam, composing a Fox Sports theme with Lil Wayne, a UFC anthem with G-Eazy and a song with Steven Tyler for Pro Bull Riding
“Our goal is to be the one-stop destination for any Latin talent wanting to develop a podcast and use their IP for additional trans media opportunities. This venture allows us to continue to reshape the face of Latin content while continuing to impact with our creativity,”
said Ntertain Studios co-founder Lex Borrero.
About Audio Up Media:
Home to a world of infinite, audio-based properties, Audio Up has built an ecosystem of premium entertainment content within the music and audio space. The company is led by Audio Up CEO and Adweek’s2020 Podcast Innovator of the Year and Podcast Producer of the Year recipient, Jared Gutstadt. From fictional scripted podcasts, which include a Marvel-like universe of musicals, to one-on-one interview formats, Audio Up’s goal is to create a new and innovative form of IP. Current scripted properties include season two of Make It Up As We Go with Scarlett Burke, Garrett Hedlund, Elle King, Shooter Jennings and award-winning Nashville songwriter Liz Rose among many others; Webby honoree for Best Limited Entertainment Series Podcast Halloween in Hell with Machine Gun Kelly, 24kGoldn, and iann dior; and Strawberry Spring, the first-ever adaptation of the classic short story by Stephen King, which was the number one trending podcast globally upon release, starring Garrett Hedlund and Milo Ventimiglia. Other current podcast properties include AdWeeks’s 2022 “Podcast of the Year” – health and wellness podcast Maejor Frequency, and Michael Cohen’s chart-topping podcast Mea Culpa, now entering its 250th episode.
In 2021 Audio Up received a Clio Award for the social justice podcast Beyond28 from Golden State Warriors and Chase Bank. Gutstadt was 2019’s ASCAP Award winner for most published composer for his work on The Voice, Ellen’s Game of Games, Pawn Stars, and Project Runway, and has also scored two sports Emmy nominations for his work on LeBron James’ 89 Blocks.
ABOUT NTERTAIN STUDIOS:
NTERTAIN STUDIOS was founded in March 2021 by NEON16 co-founder and industry veteran, Lex Borrero and legendary music mogul Tommy Mottola as a new entertainment and media company focusing on the creation, development, and production of premier content across all mediums. With decades of collective expertise, the 360° company and online broadcaster will bring Latin stories to the forefront by representing the global power and success of Latin talent, brands and culture.
The company’s first series “Los Montaner,” which Borrero co-created and executive produced, was an instant bonafide hit, breaking viewership records on Disney+. The docu-series gave fans an exclusive look inside the most viral and influential family in Latin music, the Montaners. Last year, Ntertain also announced in partnership with Propagate and Netflix, the reality competition series LA FIRMA made its global debut, where superstars Rauw Alejandro, Tainy, Yandel and renowned entertainment executive Lex Borrero, joined forces in the search for the next breakout Urban Latin star. The show premiered on April 4,2023, and quickly became a favorite with music fans across the globe. Earlier this month, NTERTAIN STUDIOS launched THALIA’S MIXTAPE for Paramount + to rave reviews including Collider’s stream it recommendation because it “leans into its concept with a giddiness that’s energizing, unpredictable, and made thoroughly enjoyable by featuring Thalia as both an engaging singer and curious and effusive interviewer.”
ABOUT NEON16:
NEON16 was founded by music executive Lex Borrero and multi-platinum selling producer Tainy. Voted the #1 Most Innovative Music Company by Fast Company in 2021, the talent and idea incubator is one of the leading media and entertainment companies in the industry. Famed producer and artist Tainy is the mastermind behind some of music’s most iconic hits. A three-time GRAMMY© nominee, five-time Latin GRAMMY© and multiple BMI Award Winner, Tainy has been churning out career-defining hits for countless artists as well as his own. NEON16’s management roster includes Kris Floyd, Manuel Lara, Rudeboyz, Frank Rio, Alvaro Diaz, Jodosky and Alex Ponce.
Under NEON16’s live division the company has hosted several experiential events including the popular “Celebrity Basketball Game” series, which just held its 4th edition, “Esports Celebrity Tournament,” “Kids that Grew Up Reggaeton Art Basel show,” and “NEON Cup,” a celebrity soccer game. In addition, NEON16 remains steadfast in its commitment to give back and through its multimedia charity initiative HUMAN (X), launched in 2020, it looks to spotlight and fund important causes by creating tangible solutions. The philanthropic initiative launched “Pa’ La Cultura,” a single benefiting NDLON (National Day Laborer Organizing Network) to help immigrants impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic and ART/WORKS fellowship program which lifts the voices, cultural expression, and profile of immigrants, refugees, and artists advancing migrant rights.
