Xumo Founder Colin Petrie-Norris Launches Fairground AI-Generated Shows

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Colin Petrie-Norris Ventures into AI Entertainment with Fairground

Colin Petrie-Norris, known for his pioneering work in the free, ad-supported television (FAST) space with Xumo, is now setting his sights on the future of AI entertainment with his latest venture, Fairground Entertainment. This new studio and streaming distribution service is dedicated to producing AI-generated TV series, and has recently secured a $4 million seed round from investors led by Viant Technology, a key partner of Xumo.

Fairground Entertainment is gearing up to launch its original programming in the third quarter of 2025, with a focus on reimagining iconic public domain stories. The first wave of projects will include AI-based shows centered around characters like Dracula and Robin Hood, with plans to explore licensing popular IP for future series. Petrie-Norris is confident in the potential of AI-generated content, especially in genres like animation, kids’ content, horror, and sci-fi.

The core mission of Fairground is to merge human creativity with generative AI technology, empowering creators to push the boundaries of storytelling. The company has enlisted a select group of AI creators who are utilizing various AI platforms and tools to bring more than a dozen TV shows to life. Petrie-Norris believes that AI technologies are reshaping the content creation landscape and is excited about the possibilities they offer.

As Petrie-Norris puts it, Fairground aims to deliver high-quality entertainment that captivates audiences, leveraging the curiosity surrounding AI-generated content to draw viewers in. With his track record of success at Xumo, Petrie-Norris is well-positioned to lead Fairground into the realm of AI entertainment.

Petrie-Norris, who previously founded Xumo and later sold it to Comcast, brings a wealth of experience to Fairground. The company, based in Laguna Beach, California, currently has a small team of five employees dedicated to driving innovation in the streaming entertainment space.

Tim Vanderhook, co-founder and CEO of Viant Technology, expressed his support for Fairground Entertainment, highlighting the shared vision for AI-driven innovation in streaming entertainment. Vanderhook’s background in leading Myspace and overseeing Viant’s growth further underscores the potential for Fairground to make a significant impact in the industry.

With Fairground poised to usher in a new era of AI entertainment, Petrie-Norris and his team are ready to push the boundaries of creativity and technology to deliver compelling content to audiences worldwide.