Run-A-Muck, a media startup co-founded by Condé Nast alum Pamela Drucker Mann, is making a bold move into the world of short stories, with a focus on adaptation. This strategic shift comes as the company aims to capitalize on the potential of short stories as a major source of intellectual property for various multimedia platforms, including film, television, and podcasts.
The company's approach is unique, starting with the story itself rather than a predetermined medium. As Drucker Mann explains, "Rather than starting with a medium and searching for an audience, we start with the story we want to tell and then determine the format that best serves that story."
This strategy is already paying off, with several notable writers signing up to publish on the platform. Among them are Cody Behan, whose short story "The Decorator" is set to be adapted for Netflix, and Brittani Nichols, a writer and director known for her work on Abbott Elementary.
However, adaptation is not the sole goal. Some stories will remain in their original form, as Drucker Mann acknowledges, "Not everything we create is destined to become a television series or feature film."
Run-A-Muck's Substack publication, Drafting, has been attracting a substantial readership of over 50,000 monthly readers. The publication's success is further bolstered by its advertisers, including luxury brands like Hermès, Moncler, and eBay. The hiring of Kimberly Diaz, a former sales executive at Wondery and Google, as the head of advertising and brand partnerships, further strengthens the publication's position in the market.
The first short story to be published on Drafting is a 1,800-word piece based on Showtime's series "The L Word," written by Run-A-Muck co-founder Ilene Chaiken, who co-created the iconic queer series. This story marks the beginning of Drafting's exploration into short stories, with a focus on attracting a younger audience interested in culture.
In addition to the short stories, Run-A-Muck is also launching a podcast under the Drafting banner. The podcast will feature Chaiken interviewed by another Run-A-Muck co-founder, Jennifer Beals, an actor known for her role in "The L Word."
The company's recent funding success is evident in its valuation, which has risen to $80 million after raising $10 million in a seed funding round led by Atreides Management, an investment fund founded by SpaceX backer Gavin Baker. This funding will be utilized for staff hires, audience development, and intellectual property expansion.
Run-A-Muck's venture into short stories and its focus on adaptation represent a significant shift in the media landscape, offering a fresh perspective on storytelling and content creation. As the company continues to innovate, it will be fascinating to see how it shapes the future of multimedia entertainment.
