PBS Digital Studios officially joined the Digital NewFronts this week, announcing an event scheduled for May 5. Cynopsis asked PBS Digital Studios Senior Director Matt Graham what PBS has on tap.

There are more publishers at the NewFronts this year than ever before. Why do you think that is?
For many brands, it demonstrates that the experimentation phase is over. This is certainly true for PBS Digital Studios, where we’ve been developing web series for two years. We’ve had enormous digital success, beginning with the Mister Rogers remixed series, a record number of Webby wins in 2013-and now a full slate of new web-original-series. We’re here at the 2014 NewFronts to take the next step and let the media community know that we’re very serious about growing this space.

78 percent of buy-side attendees said they picked up at least one new opportunity for clients (according to IAB) at last year’s events. How does PBS plan to deliver?
Our shows are unique, and the communities we’ve built around them are as passionate as you’ll find anywhere. That’s because they’re truly web-native shows. You won’t see anything from us that resembles watered-down TV. Our creators understand the medium and what people are looking for when they want smart online content – they “get it.”

What can we specifically expect at the event?
We’ll be introducing some of our terrific talent to the media community. Sarah Urist Green, along with husband John Green, has launched The Art Assignment, which challenges people to create and experience new forms of art. David Gerlach‘s series, Blank on Blank, brings to life [previously] unheard interviews with icons such as Kurt Cobain, Heath Ledger, Jerry Garcia and Maurice Sendak. Joe Hanson‘s series, It’s Okay To Be Smart, tackles a range of scientific questions for an active audience of science fans of all ages. Steve Goldbloom‘s Everything But The News, is a satiric take on reporting from Silicon Valley, and Mike Rugnetta‘s Idea Channel pioneered PBS Digital Studios’ series offerings. PBS Game show, hosted by Jamin Warren, looks at the relationship between videogames and modern life.