70M+
Deaf people worldwide
The World Federation of the Deaf estimates that more than 70 million people belong to signing Deaf communities around the world.
THE COMPANY BEHIND VSYN+
BUILDING THE
GLOBAL HOME FOR SIGN LANGUAGE
MEDIA &
ENTERTAINMENT.
We’re building more than a streaming service. We’re building a global media and entertainment company that champions Deaf creative talent, connects audiences across borders, and creates new opportunities for creators, distributors, advertisers, and partners.
THE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITY
A GLOBAL AUDIENCE.
A NEW HOME FOR ITS STORIES.
Around the world, millions of Deaf people share rich languages, cultures, and creative traditions. Yet sign language entertainment remains fragmented across platforms, countries, and distribution channels.
The audience exists. The talent exists. The stories exist.
We believe the opportunity is to bring them together.
A global community. A broader opportunity.
300+
Distinct sign languages
Sign languages are living, culturally rich languages with their own histories, communities, and forms of expression.
1.5B+
People living with hearing loss
The World Health Organization estimates that more than 1.5 billion people worldwide experience some degree of hearing loss, representing a much broader population with diverse communication and accessibility needs.
Sources: World Federation of the Deaf (opens in a new tab), United Nations (opens in a new tab), World Health Organization (opens in a new tab).
These figures represent different populations and should not be added together or presented as estimates of potential paying subscribers.
The opportunity isn’t to create an audience.
It’s to connect one.
For decades, Deaf filmmakers, actors, storytellers, and creators have been producing extraordinary work. Audiences have discovered that work through film festivals, independent releases, social media, and traditional entertainment platforms.
What remains limited is a dedicated, globally accessible destination where sign language entertainment can be consistently discovered, enjoyed, and celebrated.
That’s what we’re building.
Through VSYN+, Signed Studios is creating a global home for sign language entertainment — bringing together films, series, documentaries, shorts, and original programming in one growing destination.
Our vision begins with Deaf audiences and creators, but it doesn’t end there.
Hearing family members, friends, sign language learners, educators, and entertainment audiences everywhere can discover these stories, too.
You don’t need to know sign language to enjoy a great story.
A new chapter in global entertainment.
We see an opportunity to build more than a streaming service: a lasting entertainment brand that supports Deaf creative talent, connects audiences across borders, and creates new opportunities for content creators, distributors, advertisers, and partners.
Led by the Deaf. Built for everyone.
Signed Studios is building the home. VSYN+ is where the stories begin.
01 / OUR PURPOSE
A bigger stage for a world of talent.
GREAT STORIES
DESERVE TO
BE SEEN.
Language shapes how we experience the world. It should also open the door to extraordinary entertainment.
Signed Studios, Inc. exists to bring sign language and Deaf culture to the center of media. We connect creators, audiences, and commercial partners to help stories travel further—and build a lasting home for the people behind them.
Our vision is a world where Deaf and hearing audiences discover, enjoy, and share the same stories. Where representation inspires opportunity. And where a global creative community has room to grow.
DEAF LED. BUILT FOR EVERYONE.
02 / WHY WE STARTED
A belief in what stories can do.
IT STARTED
WITH THE POWER
OF A STORY.
A passion for authentic storytelling became a commitment to a community—and a home for its stories.
Meet the people carrying it forward ↘After selling Viamedia, Signed Studios founder Todd Donnelly began a new chapter in unscripted documentaries and programming. As a partner at The Workshop Content Studios and an Emmy-nominated Executive Producer, he experienced how deeply an authentic story can move people.
One of those stories was True North: The Sean Swarner Story, following a cancer survivor’s journey to climb the highest peak on each of the world’s seven continents.
Todd also served as an executive producer of Netflix’s Basketball or Nothing, about the Chinle High School basketball team and the pride, resilience, and shared hope the game brings to Arizona’s Navajo Nation. The series earned a 2020 Sports Emmy nomination and won the 2021 Realscreen award for Non-Fiction: Sports Documentary Program.
These experiences made the impact of storytelling personal. When Todd was approached with the concept of sign language streaming, research into the audience and the gap in representation gave him a reason to commit. He has dedicated years to helping turn that possibility into a lasting platform.
A personal commitment. A shared vision.
Bringing that vision to life took a team. Johnathan Adair, co-founder and President of Signed Studios, brought more than 25 years of experience at Disney, Universal, and Sony. He saw an audience underserved by entertainment—and an opportunity to build a destination people would choose for the quality of its films and series. His vision puts sign language on the same creative stage as any other cinematic language.
Shelly Guy, VSYN+ co-founder and Chief Content Officer, brought the perspective of a Deaf producer and relationships with filmmakers around the world. Her focus is a home where Deaf culture, creative talent, and the visual expression of sign language can flourish. That perspective is central to a platform rooted in the community whose stories it shares.
Todd’s commitment, Johnathan’s media experience, and Shelly’s creative leadership helped move a shared belief into a platform that is now live. The ambition is to keep growing together—with Deaf creators and a team committed to bringing their work to audiences everywhere.
The commitment is lasting: keep it Deaf led. Bring Deaf and hearing audiences together. Build a global home for sign language storytelling that will endure.
ONE STORY. MANY WAYS TO CONNECT.
DIFFERENT EXPERIENCES.
SHARED ENTERTAINMENT.
For Deaf viewers. For hearing viewers.
For families, friends, and the simply curious.
03 / WHAT WE’RE BUILDING
One vision. Connected businesses.
A CULTURE.
AN AUDIENCE.
AN ECOSYSTEM.
We’re building complementary businesses that bring remarkable content to audiences—and help partners connect with the communities around it.
STREAMING NOW
THE STORIES ARE HERE.
THE STORIES ARE HERE.
THE WORLD IS INVITED.
Our streaming platform brings films, series, documentaries, and shorts from Deaf filmmakers around the world into one destination.
Stories told in sign language, with captions and sound supporting a shared experience. You don’t need to know sign language to enjoy VSYN+.
Enter the world of VSYN+ ↗AVAILABLE ON WEB + ROKU
400+
Licensed titles
6+
Countries represented in the catalog
One
Destination for sign language entertainment
IN DEVELOPMENTV PLUS
V PLUS
AD SALES
Meaningful connections.
A more visible community.
We’re developing a specialized advertising and sponsorship business to connect national and regional brands with Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences.
Our ambition: one knowledgeable partner for opportunities across VSYN+, media, businesses, events, and community organizations.
Start a partnership conversation ↗THE ECOSYSTEM VISION
CONNECTED COMPANIES.
GREATER POSSIBILITY.
Our long-term vision extends beyond streaming. We’re exploring complementary businesses that could connect entertainment, information, brands, and communication access under one umbrella—each with a distinct purpose and the potential to help the others grow.
Media & news
A news and culture outlet could create an everyday connection with Deaf communities, elevate more voices, and introduce audiences to VSYN+. It could also open relevant advertising and sponsorship opportunities through V Plus Ad Sales.
National interpreting services
An interpreting agency could extend the mission into communication access, deepen relationships with institutions and organizations, and create opportunities to introduce more people to sign language storytelling and culture.
More ways to connect. More opportunities to collaborate. A stronger foundation for each company to grow.
These are potential additions to the Signed Studios ecosystem. No acquisition or partnership is being announced; any expansion would depend on the right opportunity, diligence, financing, and agreements.
04 / A FIRST LOOK
Experience the spirit of VSYN+.
A visual introduction to the VSYN+ brand.
Justin Perez signs as violet, pink, and blue light trails move around his hands, introducing the visual world of VSYN+. The film celebrates sign language as an expressive, cinematic way to connect.
05 / THE VISION AHEAD
Built from community. Growing through connection.
THIS IS
JUST THE START.
A live platform is the foundation. Our next chapter is about more stories, more access, and more ways to bring people together.
More original voices.
Developing a vision for exclusive films, series, and kids’ programming that puts Deaf creators and their perspectives at the heart of the story.
Beyond the screen.
Exploring live performances, sports, cultural events, and sign language broadcast partnerships that turn shared moments into shared experiences.
Wider access. Deeper connection.
Working toward more viewing platforms and institutional opportunities for universities, libraries, and sign language programs.
These are growth priorities, developed in phases as audiences, partnerships, and content rights evolve.
06 / THE PEOPLE BEHIND THE VISION
CREATIVE INSTINCT.
PROVEN EXPERIENCE.
Deaf creative leadership and experienced media operators, united by the belief that this community’s stories deserve a global stage.
SIGNED STUDIOS, INC.
Johnathan Adair
Founder · President
More than 25 years of experience at Disney, Universal, and Sony.
VSYN+
Jules Dameron
Chief Creative & Brand Officer
Award-winning director creating films and series with Deaf and hearing talent.
SIGNED STUDIOS, INC.
Todd Donnelly
Founder · Chairman & CEO
Viamedia co-founder and media entrepreneur, bringing experience building and scaling media businesses.
VSYN+
Yael Gareen
Chief Operating Officer
Entrepreneur and operations leader connecting Deaf and hearing communities.
VSYN+
Shelly Guy
Founder · Chief Content Officer
Deaf producer with global filmmaker relationships and a deep connection to the creative community.
VSYN+
Michael Pearlman
Chief Strategy Officer
Focused on growth, partnerships, and the systems needed to scale VSYN+.
STRATEGIC ADVISORS
Jeff Carter
Viamedia co-founder · Former AT&T Media executive
Warren “Wawa” Snipe
Deaf performer · Creator of Dip Hop
Ben Soukup
CSD founder · Deaf access pioneer
Joe Tarulli
Former HBO CFO · Board member
07 / QUESTIONS WORTH ASKING
Our purpose. Our approach. Your next step.
REAL QUESTIONS.
OPEN ANSWERS.
A closer look at why we’re building this, who it serves, and how you can be part of it.
What are Signed Studios and VSYN+, and why do they exist?
Signed Studios, Inc. is the parent company behind VSYN+, the streaming platform for sign language entertainment. The purpose is to give Deaf creators and their stories a lasting home—and make those stories easier for Deaf and hearing audiences to discover together. We’re also developing V Plus Ad Sales to connect brands and advertisers with Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences through relevant and impactful media and partnerships.
Why did the Founders commit to this venture?
Founders Todd Donnelly, Johnathan Adair, and Shelly Guy shared a belief that Deaf talent and sign language storytelling deserved a dedicated home and a wider audience. They saw a vibrant creative community whose work had been largely overlooked by mainstream entertainment. As Johnathan explained, “That gap told us there was a real opportunity.” Todd’s commitment to bringing exceptional talent to the world, Shelly’s vision for a platform where Deaf culture could flourish, and their shared belief in sign language as a powerful artistic medium drove them to build VSYN+.
What does “Deaf led” mean in practice?
“Deaf led” means Deaf leaders co-lead decision-making across our content, creative direction, and audience experience. At VSYN+, co-founder and Chief Content Officer Shelly Guy brings her perspective as a Deaf producer and her relationships with filmmakers around the world to that work. Our team brings together Deaf and hearing leaders with complementary creative, community, and media experience, united by a shared mission: to give Deaf talent a platform and bring their stories to audiences everywhere.
Is this about serving the community or making money?
We are building a commercial business with a community-centered purpose. The answer is both. VSYN+ is a for-profit venture, and our ambition is to build a successful company that becomes the premium home for sign language entertainment. The more successful the business becomes, the greater the impact we can make: investing in exceptional programming, reaching wider audiences, and creating paid opportunities for Deaf talent on camera, behind the camera, and within our corporate team. We believe lasting representation needs a lasting business behind it, and commercial success gives us the resources to grow those opportunities.
How does this support Deaf filmmakers and creators?
VSYN+ brings licensed films, series, documentaries, and shorts together so audiences can discover work by Deaf filmmakers from around the world. Our aim is to give those stories greater visibility and build lasting relationships with creators. For prospective content partners, rights, compensation, distribution, and creative expectations need to be discussed directly with our team. Start a content partnership conversation.
Do I need to be Deaf or know sign language to enjoy VSYN+?
No. VSYN+ is rooted in Deaf culture and built for everyone: Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers, hearing viewers, families, friends, sign language learners, and anyone who loves a good story. Captions help viewers follow the dialogue, while music and sound can also be part of the experience. You do not need to know sign language to connect with the characters and stories.
Is VSYN+ live, and what and where can I watch?
Yes. VSYN+ is live on the web and Roku. Our licensed catalog includes more than 400 titles from filmmakers including Mark Wood across six or more countries, spanning films, series, documentaries, and shorts. Explore the current catalog on VSYN+ (opens in a new tab). The catalog is the foundation; original programming, wider distribution, and live experiences are part of the vision ahead.
How do I subscribe, and what does it cost?
Visit vsynplus.com (opens in a new tab), choose Subscribe, and follow the prompts to create an account or sign in and select an available plan. Review the price, billing schedule, and subscription terms shown there before completing your purchase. The streaming platform is the place to find current offers and account information; you do not subscribe through this corporate website. Once you have a subscription, you can stream on your web browser or download our app that is live on Roku.
What if I need captions or have an accessibility problem?
Sign language storytelling is at the center of VSYN+. Captions and, where available, audio support a shared viewing experience. Sign languages are not universal, so check the language and accessibility information for the title you want to watch. If something prevents you from enjoying a title or using the service, email our team with accessibility feedback. Include the title, device or browser, and the issue you encountered so the team has useful details to investigate.
Who owns the company?
Signed Studios, Inc., the company behind VSYN+, has both Deaf and hearing shareholders with an ownership stake in the business. Our Wefunder campaign (opens in a new tab) gives eligible investors the opportunity to own a piece of the global home for sign language entertainment we are building.
We want people with the means and interest to support this mission to join us and help the company reach its potential. We also welcome conversations with institutional investors. Please complete the investor inquiry form below to connect with our team.
The form opens in a dialog.
Have a question we haven’t answered? Open our question form.
LET’S BUILD WHAT COMES NEXT.
GOOD STORIES
BRING US TOGETHER.
Creators. Brands. Institutions. Future partners.
If you see the possibility, we’d love to connect.
08 / EXPLORE INVESTING
Two ways to start the conversation.
BE PART OF
THE NEXT CHAPTER.
Interested in the future of sign language media? Explore ways to participate in the vision behind Signed Studios and VSYN+.
Explore from $100.
Our Wefunder campaign offers a starting point for individuals interested in being part of the journey. Explore participation from $100, read the campaign details, and register your interest through Wefunder.
Explore on Wefunder (opens in a new tab)Currently in Wefunder’s testing-the-waters stage. Indications of interest are nonbinding; investments are not being accepted at this stage.
Let’s talk directly.
We welcome conversations with angel and institutional investors who share our interest in building a lasting home for sign language storytelling. Todd Donnelly can connect with you and provide investment details upon request.
Todd Donnelly · Founder, Chairman & CEO
tdonnelly@signedstudios.co
Please review the applicable investment details, eligibility requirements, terms, and risks through Wefunder or directly with Signed Studios before making an investment decision.