MUST WATCH VIDEO -- Kevin Spacey -- On The Potential of a New Golden Age of Video -- Give Consumers What They Want

My TechCrunch, Huffington Post, Wired, Venturebeat Guest Posts -- Curated for Your Holiday Weekend Reading Pleasure

In the past several months, I have stepped up my writing of guest articles for industry-leading pubs such as TechCrunch, The Huffington Post, Wired and Venturebeat -- all of which, of course, have a digital media angle.  Many of them, however, touch upon other themes near and dear to me -- including the "magic" that comes from media integration of online (virtual) and offline (physical) experiences (and the magic of live experiences in general), the continuing march (and promise) of premium video and 24/7 "anytime anywhere" distribution, social impact and the new "Share Economy," and my overall continued focus on great young entrepreneurial companies leading the charge in terms of digital media innovation.  I "re-print" them here because I believe they continue to be timely and instructive.  Here they are -- which are in addition to my own near 1300 posts I have written on this (my own) blog:  

"Media's Online-Offline Nexus: Connecting Virtual, Physical Worlds"-- Wired.

"Why Content Creators Should Know About the New 'Share Economy' -- Venturebeat.

"Apple Schooled Music Execs Then, Here Are the Lessons Online Video Should Learn Now" -- TechCrunch.

"Instagram for Video -- Music, Meaning and Moments Succeed Where Others Fail" -- TechCrunch.

"8 Ways to Maximize Live Sports & Music Revenues" -- The Huffington Post.

"Online Video vs. Music -- Different Game, Same Rules" -- TechCrunch.

"For Family Videos, Less Is, Well, Less: Welcome to the Age of Video Snippets" -- The Huffington Post.

"Instagram for Video -- Massive Opportunity, Yes!  Done Right, No!" -- TechCrunch.

"Indie Filmmakers and The Digital Dilemma" -- The Huffington Post.

Check them out -- and, if you read anything you like, spread the word!  And, thanks for reading.  Let me know what you think.

My First WIRED Guest Post - "Media's Online-Offline Nexus: Connecting Virtual, Physical Worlds"

My most recent guest article was just posted on WIRED -- which is my first article for the esteemed digital media/tech pub.  Here it is -- "Media's Online-Offline Nexus: Connecting Virtual, Physical Worlds."  This post covers a concept about which I am very passionate -- that is, the "magic" (both experientially and from a business/economic perspective) that is possible by more closely linking physical (offline) media experiences with virtual (online) media experiences -- with the end result being a more fully "immersive" and impactful overall experience.

Very few companies and services recognize this.  And, much value is being left on the table as a result. That means BIG opportunity for those who "get" it.

If you enjoy it, please re-tweet it and otherwise share it.

Alt-j Channels Pink Floyd in Hollywood

Live music.  Nothing like it if done right.

Alt-j does it right.  The band is the real deal.

Last night, thanks to tix scored from my former team at Sorenson Media (thanks!), I saw one of my favorite new bands, Alt-j, perform live for the first time.  At the Hollywood Palladium (a great live venue by the way).

Great band.  Great show.  Great energy.  Showcasing the power of music.

Alt-j was THE band I wanted to see at Coachella this past Spring.  But I missed them (long story ...).

In any event, the band delivers live -- just like it does on their amazing debut album "An Awesome Wave" (stream it now ... trust me if you haven't) (this video shows the band playing "Something Good," one of my favorite songs from the album).  And, check this out.  Here's an atmospheric band that should be on a larger ... much larger ... stage.  A stadium actually.  I can imagine Alt-j essentially "doing a Pink Floyd" and filling a stadium with amazing sounds and lights -- a multi-media feast is what this music deserves.  Immersive.

But, no matter the venue, the music and craft behind it are unique.  There is nothing like Alt-j out there. Yet, they are not so "out there" that they are not accessible.  In fact, they are accessible ... very ... as the young Hollywood hipsters would attest.

Music Festivals -- Is There An App for That?

I like music festivals.  I attend them.  A lot.  (And am still incredulous that there won't be a second SS Coachella this year ... but that's another story ...).

Each weekend seems to bring yet another music festival of some kind (many of which are compelling).  But, I (and we) learn them mostly by happenstance.  There seems to be no central "home" or repository for festivals.  No one "go to" place to learn about them, to plan, to purchase, and to connect with others who plan to do the same (a community of festival go-ers, if you will).

Seems like a golden opportunity for someone.

There absolutely SHOULD be an app for that.

The festival business is one significantly glaring and growing bright spot in the beleaguered business of music.

(If you know about the definitive music festival-focused app or website, let us all know by posting it here as a comment.)

The Art of Slowing Down ...

[This is a post I wrote a couple months back -- but, I thought it may make for a good read on today, Sunday -- which should be a day we slow down ... at least a little ... I have modified a bit given the passage of time]

Digital media.  Media meets technology.  It's my world.  It's our world.  Meetings.  Calls.  Emails.  Blogs. Tweets.  We rarely turn it off.  I know I don't (I am writing this post at midnight after all, and likely will be up by 5).  I love it.  And, I need to respond to everything.  Now!

Or do I?  Do we?

Yes, by responding immediately to everything -- doing it all now -- we each knock down those individual trees.  One by one.  But, in so doing, do we miss the forest?  Do we miss the big picture?  The context?  The focus?  The true mission?

Candidly, the answer is frequently yes.  I am always in execution mode -- many of us are.  The cause is the bombardment of inbound messages.  The never-ending "things that can be done."  The internal feeling/drive/passion/obsession/energy to do more.  But, the effect is not always "more."  Full speed and heads down almost certainly leads to loss of true vision ... at least sometimes.

I started my new gig -- as CEO of Manatt Digital Media Ventures -- now 4 months ago.  I love it.  Am passionate about it.  And, the good news is that I am bombarded with new business and investment opportunities to consider, new people and companies to meet, and new meetings to take -- opportunities, companies and relationships that need (nay deserve!) exploring.  So, I explore.  All of them!

But, that can lead to drowning in them.

So, a couple months back, I did a little experiment.  I checked out for a full day.  I held my own little individual strategic "off-site."  I literally went off site -- away from my office in LA.  Away from my home office in San Diego.  I holed up in a room at my club.  I turned off the phone.  I ignored emails.  Instead, I carefully ... carefully! ... re-read my business plan.  I reflected ... methodically! ... upon its goals.  Its areas of focus.  Its strategies.  And I objectively overlaid the actions I took in the past nearly 3 months on those goals and strategies -- I weighed my actual allocation of time against a candid assessment of how I should be allocating my time.

And it was enlightening ....

Through this one-day exercise, I realized that my actions skewed to certain activities that, while important, were not of paramount importance.  I realized I need to reallocate my time.  I realized I need to sharpen my focus.  And, I realized a very difficult thing ... a very difficult thing for me ... I realized that I need to say "no" some times.  Many times.  Candidly.  Unapologetically.  (But always respectfully).  To opportunities.  To companies.  To meetings.  To people.  I -- none of us -- can do it all.  While not an epiphany (after all, after pausing and reflecting upon it, the conclusion is rather obvious!), this realization was meaningful and impactful.

In other words, I had one of my most productive -- and ROI positive days -- in weeks, even though I did not take a single meeting, answer a single phone call, respond to a single email, write a single blog post, or tweet a single tweet.

I just paused ... and reflected.

And that, my friends, made all the difference.

I plan to build my 1-day individual strategic off-sites into my overall professional schedule -- likely one day per month.  One day to pause, reflect ... and recalibrate.

I urge you to do the same.

My Guest Post in Venturebeat -- Media & The New "Share Economy"

As many of you know, I like to write about all things d ... and I write ... a lot -- including frequent guest posts in TechCrunch and The Huffington Post.

Here's my latest guest post -- but this time in Venturebeat -- titled, "Why Content Creators Should Know About the New 'Share Economy'".

The article discusses the exciting new promise of, and new opportunities enabled for, media financing, distribution and monetization by "Share Economy" services (including crowd-funding, crowd-sourcing and direct distribution).  I have spent a great deal of time in this milieu -- and with companies and executives of such new "Share Economy" services -- and I identify the most promising ones in my this article.

Enjoy.

Vote Now for My Proposed SXSW Presentation -- "Media Financing & Distribution in the Share Economy"

Voting is now open for agenda-worthy presentations and panels for the March 2014 edition of "must attend" music/film/digital media festival SXSW.

I hope mine is one of them.  My first SXSW presentation is titled "Media Financing & Distribution in the Share Economy" -- please click on this link and vote for it to be included on the agenda.  NOTE -- when you click on the "thumbs up" to vote, you will be asked to either "sign in" or register -- please register by clicking on the orange "Sign in" link on the upper right-hand corner of the voting page -- and once you click that link you will be given an opportunity to "Sign up" right under the "Sign in" field; once you have signed up and signed in, then you must go back to this link in order to vote -- lots of steps (I KNOW!) but I appreciate you taking the time to do it.

This topic is of particular interest to me (and is still mostly invisible to many in the media world -- content creators and distributors alike).  I have spent considerable time with just such companies that are innovating in this brave new "Share Economy" world of media -- they will be the subject of my talk.  Amidst the reality that disruption in media financing, distribution and business/monetization models is here and now -- and real, very real -- these new services (including crowd-funding and direct distribution) offer real hope and opportunity.

Every vote matters, and voting ends soon.  Do it now ....

San Diego IndieFest 8 -- Another Weekend, Yet Another Music Festival

Last weekend, I attended San Francisco's Outside Lands festival for the second time.  Yesterday, it was the San Diego IndieFest 8 festival.  Relatively small comparatively, but ambitious nonetheless -- 3 stages, plus a heavy arts and film festival component.  Clearly a labor of love by the organizers.  Done right.  Despite its relatively thin attendance (although I left before yesterday's headliner, Cake, took the stage), it is a worthy and worthwhile event that all music lovers in San Diego should support (I wasn't even aware of it until last weekend).  While there, we saw the band "Best Coast" play a competent -- yet clearly uninspired -- set (unfortunately).  Attention lead singers -- engage the crowd!  Put on a show.  Bethany Consentino had no desire (almost as if she felt this festival was beneath her, which it absolutely is not).  But, our highlight was watching the Oscar-winning documentary short film "Inocente" about the then-15 year old homeless artist of the same name -- followed by a Q&A with her.  Inspiring.

Cody Lovaas -- The Next Jack Johnson? (He Just Turned 15!)

Remarkable new talent alert!  Pre-Taylor Swift concert last night (a father's duty after all), just-turned-15 year old (YES 15!) Cody Lovaas performed a set in the VIP lounge of the San Diego Sports Arena.  Here's a taste of it -- Jack Johnson meets Jason Mraz (in fact, he works with Mraz and was just recently signed by Bill Silva Management).  Hails from San Diego beach community Carlsbad, California -- he has the whole package -- and also a really nice and authentic beach/surfing guy.  One to watch!

Outside Lands -- The ANTI-Coachella

Just got back from Outside Lands.  And, as I write this, I reflect on the vastly different experience this SF-based festival is compared to Coachella (an annual musical rite of passage I attended once again this past Spring).  Vastly different.  Yet, in some critical ways (the headliners!), very much the same.  Yet, both classic in their own way.

DIFFERENCES

-- Outside Lands' Northern California vibe v. Coachella's Southern California -- a very different mind-set and way of life;

-- which different way of life is very much fueled by the fundamentally different weather, which directly impacts the festival experience -- Outside Lands was drizzly and frigid again this year (I last attended 2 years back and experienced the same), whereas Coachella (as always) was scorching sun and blistering furnace-like heat (temperatures regularly surpass 100 degrees);

-- this fundamentally different weather leads to vastly different clothing and overall festival atmosphere; Outside Lands is multi-layered (upon layer!), dark clothing, big boots (but definitely not cowboy boots) and more serious overall; whereas Coachella is completely de-layered (frequently no layers of clothing at all!), light airy clothing and colors (when clothing is worn), and flip flops (or bare feet), making the overall festival vibe "lighter," frenetic and frequently LA sexual;

-- which is driven even more deeply by the very different musical themes underpinning each festival;  Outside Lands primarily rocks out (with a heavy dosage of old school classic rock), whereas Coachella -- which has always been very indie -- has now seemingly become overtaken by EDM (with the Sahara Tent taking center stage this year).

SIMILARITIES

Despite these fundamental differences, especially this year, both festivals shared many of the same headliners and secondary acts -- including headliner Red Hot Chili Peppers, second stage main act Phoenix, main stage thriller Vampire Weekend, indie darlings Foals and on an on .....  Now, with each festival featuring well over 100 acts, overlap is bound to happen.  But, this year there seemed to be more than usual which likely impacts overall festival attendance for Outside Lands, since it comes later in the year.

Finally, another similarity -- both festivals are well-oiled machines at this point.  Each festival becomes a major city in itself over its respective weekend, drawing well over 100,000 attendees.  That's a lot of porta-poddies to set up an deliver!  Yet, each gets it right.  Yes, there are lines.  But, nowhere do I see any major festival melt-downs.

Oh yes -- and one more thing.  Both festivals are "must attend" events (at least once) ... exhausting ... yet mandatory for any person who considers him or herself a music fan.

My Bloomberg TV Interview -- A New Golden Age of Content?

Yesterday, Bloomberg TV interviewed me live about disruption in the motion picture/television creation and distribution business.  Was very strange being interviewed in San Francisco by a disembodied voice (reporter) remote from New York.  No visual cues whatsoever.  Just an earpiece, and a camera staring at me in the face.  Here is the result ...

Smart Is Sexy

Elon Musk.  PayPal.  Space X.  Tesla.  And now Hyperloop.  Is there anyone smarter and more visionary at this point in time?  I LOVE that bravado (so much so, that I bought his car)!

Who else?

Let me think ... Ashton Kutcher?

Never in a million years would I have thought there was any real substance there, but now I do.  And, I love how and where he did it.  Kutcher yesterday channeled his inner Steve Jobs with a "Do you know what is Sexy?" bit that served up the following amazing punchline -- "Smart is Sexy!"

And so it is -- as is what followed -- that being thoughtful is sexy -- that being generous is sexy.  It is such a beautiful simple message for our kids who most frequently are bombarded with messages of shallowness and cynicism.  Kutcher served it up at Nickelodeon's Teen Choice Awards -- and I loved every minute of it.

I urge you to watch this video ... with your kids ... and let's all spread this gospel (and squelch the voices of ugliness from the likes of Abercrombie & Fitch's CEO ...)

Live Music Concert Streaming -- Adversely Impacting Live Concert Attendance?

Last week, I participated on a live concert streaming aggregator IROCKE-sponsored panel discussion about live music concert streaming -- and, in particular, whether live concert streaming could adversely impact live music attendance at venues around the world.  Legendary tech investor (turned musician) Roger McNamee of Elevation Partners, long-time music executive Jay Samit of Oovoo, pioneering live concert streaming producer Marc Scarpa of Simplynew, and I tackled that issue -- and numerous others -- at IROCKE's 4evrfest.  (Jay, Me, Roger from left to right in this picture.)

Here's my "take" on this issue, which I voiced on the panel (and with which we all pretty much sang in unison):

-- the live in-venue concert experience is fundamentally different than the online live concert streaming experience
-- in-venue experiences surround your senses -- and build a real sense of "community" among attendees
-- online services that simply look to replicate the in-venue experience will fail -- that's not enough
-- rather, because the online/virtual context is fundamentally different, the overall online live music experience must be envisioned completely differently
-- in this way, live streaming of music concerts will not adversely impact live in-venue attendance at all; rather, live streaming is an entirely new business (that both positively markets in-venue experiences, and drives new revenue streams); that's why all major music festivals now stream live
-- a relevant analogy comes from the world of NFL football -- the live physical "at-venue" NFL fan experience is fundamentally different from the home TV experience; you are immersed in the emotion of the crowds, the smells of the food, the real-world impact.  Contrast that to the completely removed at-home TV experience, in which you see multiple camera angles and replays, behind-the-scenes content unavailable at the venue itself (e.g., locker room banter and pundits pundit-izing at length) -- and, related to which there is no need to fight with the traffic, the throngs, and the at-venue food
-- NFL football, of course, is a massive business -- both in-venue/stadium (physical) and on TV/online (virtual) ... absolutely massive.  The physical/venue experience initially drove the virtual experience -- and vice-versa -- it is a multiplier effect

THAT's what the possibilities are for live music with both in-venue concerts and live streaming of those same concerts, so long as producers of those concerts creatively optimize the fundamentally different audience experiences.

Outside Lands 2013 -- Day 2 Reviewed

Am here in San Francisco at Outside Lands, the major 3-day music festival in Golden Gate Park, where the music is hot, but the weather is cold, cold, cold (note to self -- LAYER!).  My last Outside Lands was two years back, and the footprint and layout is essentially the same.  Producer Superfly has it all dialed-in.  Well-oiled machine.  Here are some observations about day 2:

(1) MUSICAL HIGHLIGHTS -- for me, Grizzly Bear, Baauer and Youth Lagoon (in that order).  Have never seen Grizzly Bear before, glad I did.  They sound as good live as they do recorded.  In some ways -- particularly how they carry themselves on stage -- they remind me of Yeasayer (although their music is very different).  Impressive.  Baauer?  Why Baauer?  The energy of course.  Even though he spun in the afternoon -- in fully daylight -- and even though he spun on the second smaller stage -- his set was engaging and thumping.  There is no denying the power of EDM (as we saw at Coachella this past Spring when EDM stole the show).  Outside Lands sprinkles it in, but still stays true to rock and roll first and foremost (although Kaskade closes out the second stage tonight).  And, finally, Youth Lagoon.  Obviously indie -- and not for everyone.  But, I listen to the band all the time in my early mornings and late nights.  Really like the vibe.  Problem is that he/they sound quite a bit better recorded than live.

(2) VENUE/TRANSPORTATION -- so long as you know where to enter the park, it is relatively user-friendly.  Trouble is, I didn't.  So, we walked literally around the park for one hour to find our entrance.  But, on the flip-side, we took the light rail Muni to get to the park (although we took the wrong stop).  Was easy.  Was cost-effective ($4 for round-trip!).  Certainly beats taking a cab (although we took Uber in the night to return -- exorbitant rates in the evening, by the way).

(3) VIP TENT -- Outside Land's main VIP area shows Coachella how it's done.  Love hanging out in this VIP tent for many reasons -- not crowded, easy drinks, easy restrooms, beautiful, and plenty of shelter during the inevitable Golden Gate Park cold and drizzle.

So, what do I look forward to today?  FOALS!  Saw them at Coachella, loved 'em at Coachella.  This is a great band -- with an eclectic sound (ranging from full out driving rock to light/quirky dance).  Who else?  Vampire Weekend of course (this will be about the 4th time I see this band -- also saw them most recently at Coachella this past Spring).  If you haven't seen the band, go see them.  They are the real deal absolutely.  Kaskade -- closing out the second stage in the dark tonight -- is a must for me.  I want to see and feel the music.  Biggest curve-ball for the day?  The late afternoon set by Hall & Oates.  "Abandoned Luncheonette" was one of the first albums I listened to as a kid (thanks to my big sister).

Will try to also squeeze in the Chili Peppers ...

Insanely Creative, Game-Changing Creative Director Opportunity -- Major New Social Impact-Driven Music Festival

The headline says it all.  If you or anyone know of someone who fits the bill -- insanely creative, insanely passionate about music, insanely passionate about making a difference, tireless, driven, hungry for a game-changing opportunity for them professionally (and for youth and society overall) -- then reach out to me via LinkedIn.

The festival is coming Fall 2014 -- very high profile -- very "big" themes.  Very impactful.  Lots to do ... and lots of impact for this person to make ....

Outside Lands -- Let's Meet-Up

Outside Lands -- the great outdoor music festival -- plays this weekend in San Francisco.  Three days of great wine, food and, of course, song.

I will be there Saturday and Sunday -- reach out to me via LinkedIn if you want to meet up.

My music festival tour continues ....

Manatt Digital Media Has the #1 Movie in America!

Yes, it's true.  My company, Manatt Digital Media, plays a role in 2GUNS -- the #1 movie in America this past weekend.  We are an investor in BOOM! Studios, the innovative animation/creative content company behind the graphic novel series on which the movie is based.  And who says that content can't  make for good investments?

I certainly don't ....

Tesla -- My First 60 Days with the Model S -- A Review

The Tesla Model S "Experience" -- here is the third installment in my continuing series of reviews, following (1) my initial review of the entire experience from first phone call to initial delivery, and (2) my subsequent review of my first 30 days with this "car" (although "car" doesn't quite capture it ... it is so much more) ...

Here is my experience from days 30-60 ...

... it has been a tumultuous 30 days -- and revealing in some ways.

As some of you know, in my new gig, I travel back and forth weekly from San Diego to LA.  That frequently means big traffic -- and that frequently means big surprises (some good, some not so much).  Cases in point:

(1) I was rear-ended on the I-5 freeway -- couldn't believe this happened; have never been rear-ended my entire driving life and, wouldn't you know it, it happens as soon as I get my Tesla.  So, there I am -- in stop and go traffic (surprise surprise).  I slow down and stop for the car in front of me.  I look into my rear-view mirror.  I see the gap closing between me and the car behind me ... closing fast.  I assume it will stop.  It doesn't.  It keeps coming.  I can't believe what's happening.  I actually yell, "are you kidding me?" before he slams into my car.  Am incredulous.  Almost comical.  Brand new car.  Immediate accident (at least the guy was nice about it).  Fortunately, everyone is safe -- my Tesla is in one piece -- handled the impact very well actually.  It is drive-able.

But, here's the rub.  This accident happened 3 weeks ago -- and, the body shop (FYI -- there is only one Tesla authorized body shop in San Diego county -- which likely is the same story wherever you are) still doesn't have the parts.  In fact, my appointment is on the 15th of this month -- meaning it takes about 30 days to get the parts they need to make repairs.  So, that's an issue.  I love the car.  But, these kinds of real-world events -- i.e., accidents -- lead to more difficulty and require more patience with a Tesla.  After all, it is an entirely new kind of car -- and few have the familiarity they need to do the job right.  That will change -- and change fast -- but it is an issue for we early-adopters right now.

(2) One week later, I got a flat tire -- are you kidding me?  Two weeks ago, my family joins me for an LA weekend.  As the valet takes the car out of the hotel parking lot, I notice a flat tire.  Seriously?  I can't even recall the last time I had a flat tire -- and now I get one one week after getting rear-ended on the I-5.

And, here's the problem.  There is no spare tire.  Yes, that's right.  No spare tire.  Tesla apparently went this route to spare car weight.  Efficiency.  I get that.  But, think about it.  If you are on a road-trip -- and it's a deep dark night -- you may be in trouble ... especially because a Tesla authorized and specially trained tow service must tow your car (it can't be just any towing service).  Otherwise, the unfamiliar service may damage your car -- and damage it badly.  Not exactly convenient when you are on that night-time road-trip.  It certainly wasn't convenient for my family and me -- and we were in LA!  (Once we did get the car towed to the Tesla service center, they took good care of us).

So, here are my lessons learned:

First, be patient.  I am an early adopter of an entirely new kind of car and technology.  Appreciate it.  Respect it.  But, understand the implications.

Second, and following on that last point, if you choose not to buy your own spare tire, at least invest in a tire repair kit so that you can do bare minimum tire repairs to get you somewhere safe if something happens.

Third, keep long road-trips to a minimum for now -- wait until more Tesla authorized service providers get online.

After all this, what is my 60 day verdict?  Still love the car.  Still wow-ed by the acceleration and handling.  Still absolutely glad I bought it.  But, a bit wiser now after living a seeming life-time of car issues in the past 30 days.

IROCKE Forever Festival - Sound+Vision -- Tuesday Night

I am on a panel Tuesday night streaming live at 7 pm -- discussing music+technology=digital music and media.  Click here to learn more about the specifics ...