MUST READ White Paper -- Brands, "Earning & Owning YouTube"

All major brands and digital media mavens in general -- here is a “must read” brand-focused analysis/report titled “Earning & Owning YouTube” from our friends at leading digital video-focused publication VideoInk. Thanks to JJ and Sahil of VideoInk for their insights and overall support throughout the year. VideoInk has become one of my “Must Read” publications.

Luise Rainer -- Tiny Person, Bigger Than Life -- A Tribute

My wife’s grandmother -- back-to-back Oscar-winning Hollywood actress Luise Rainer -- died yesterday at her home in London.  She was nearly 105 (I wrote a brief post about her 5 years ago as she reached her 100 year milestone).

Luise, who had become a diminutive “bird” in physical size in her latter days, exhibited a larger-than-life personality that was absolutely the opposite.  It was gargantuan.  She was friends with the likes of Albert Einstein and all the Hollywood “greats” of the 1930’s.  She also essentially killed her Hollywood career when she told Louis B. Mayer to “take a hike” (those are watered down words, my friends ....) when she broke her contract at MGM.

Vanity Fair -- in a feature story several years ago -- called Luise “The Last Hollywood Diva,” which sums her up quite nicely.

Luise was a pistol ’til the end.  A character who gave new meaning to the word “character.”  My mother-in-law, Francesca Knittel Bowyer, is quoted by the BBC as saying that Luise could “charm the birds out of the trees.”  So true.

We had thought Luise (“Omy” to us) would out-live us all.  But, alas, she too -- as strong as she was (which was Atlas strong) -- succumbed to mortality.

She was extremely loved by her family -- her daughter Francesca, my wife Luisa, our children and so many others.  And, she loved them deeply ... more than they may ever know.

My Latest Guest Article for Variety -- The 3 Digital Media Mega-Deals That Defined the Year

Here is an excerpt from my latest guest article for Variety titled, “The 3 Digital Media Mega-Deals That Defined the Year” -- click this link to read the full article in Variety.

2014 proved to be a transformational year for content-driven digital media and tech investment. What started as a year in which SoCal investors longed for credibility and redemption for their long-held faith in the age-old adage “content is king” (in an increasingly tech-driven world), ended as a year of affirmation via a parade of multi-billion dollar exits.  Disney unlocked this door first on the video side of the house with its $500-$950 million purchase of leading multi-channel network (MCN) Maker Studios.  But, then others rushed the stage.  Facebook bought virtual-reality (V/R) company Oculus Rift – and its initial gaming applications -- for $2 billion; and Apple Beat(s) the drum of music for $3 billion.  These three deals alone totaled nearly $6 billion and defined a millennial-driven year in digital media.  Read the rest by clicking here.

My Top 10 EXCLUSIVE CEO Interviews of 2014 - Digital Media Companies/Execs You Need to Know

Long-time readers of my blog know that I have a long-running EXCLUSIVE Q&A series with CEOs of some of the most innovative digital media companies that I believe you should know.    I "hand pick" them -- and believe their stories are both interesting and instructive.  My series is called "5 Questions with ...." -- and each exec answers the same questions in their own words (and with real insights you won't find anyplace else).  2014's list is impressive -- with most execs and companies achieving significant strategic milestones during the year (including major M&A and financings).  Coincidence?  I would like to think not!

In any event, for your reading pleasure, here are my Top 10 "5 Questions with ... “ exclusive interviews of 2014 -- as measured by you, my readers:

(1) Stephanie Horbaczewski, CEO/Founder of StyleHaul -- sold her leading fashion-focused MCN to Euro-based RTL Group in Q4 for a deal that values the company up to $200 million.  That buys you a lot of style.  And Stephanie has it.  And now, a lot more of it.

(2) Colin Digiaro, President of Woven Digital -- just recently closed a major $18 million Series A round of financing.  Significant cash to accelerate its reach to its target core young male Vice-like audience.

(3) John West, CEO/Founder of Whistle Sports -- this leading sports-focused MCN also just recently closed a major round of financing -- $7 million -- with British mega-media company BSKYB.  Expect much more to come in 2015.

(4) Jack Conte, CEO/Founder of Patreon -- another featured company that successfully raised significant capital -- $15 million to be exact.  Based in the Bay Area.  Focused on the arts -- and financing through crowd-funding.  A different kind of crowd-funding.  Subscription-based.

(5) Oscar Hoglund, CEO/Founder of Epidemic Sound -- one of my favorite CEOs on this list.  Based in Sweden.  Serial entrepreneur who has been serially successful.  And, tackling (successfully!) the white hot issue of global music rights for our borderless digital video world.  Coming soon to the States.

(6) Jocelyn Johnson, Founder of VideoInk -- my favorite new "must read" publication -- exclusively digital video-focused.  Very LA (because that's where most of that digital video "action" is ...).  Am proud to be a regular contributor.

(7) Dmitri Williams, CEO/Founder of Ninja Metrics -- LA-based analytics company born, bred, and run by PhDs.  A different "take" on ad-tech.  Gaming-focused.  Highly respected.  Closely watched.  We at Manatt Digital are investors.

(8) Nicolas Gonda, CEO/Founder of Tugg -- another "share economy" company that is focused on solving the financial realities of indie visionaries, but this time on the movie/video side (as opposed to Patreon which is largely, though not exclusively, music-focused).

(9) Sean Wycliffe, CEO/Founder of Dealflicks -- love the problem this company is trying to solve -- filling empty movie theater seats via efficient "real-time" pricing.  Makes sense.  Let's see if 2015 brings in real dollars.  The opportunity is now.

(10) Phil Shalala, CEO/Founder of Krush -- a social media marketplace focused on action sports and street-wear -- empowering emerging artists and brands to market their passion projects.

2014 -- a banner crop of innovative CEOs and digital media companies.  Honored to have this kind of access to real innovators.

Stay tuned for an equally impressive list for 2015, as the VC world increasingly focuses on the disruption, opportunity and power that is "digital."

Apple Buys Tesla, Names Musk CEO -- My Bold Prediction for 2015

It’s that time of year again.  No, not the holidays!  I am referring to endless pundit and prediction time.  Most of which are tepid, at best.

So, how about a bold one for 2015?  I mean, really really bold.  If we’re making predictions, why not go big?  After all, our collective heads are swirling with egg-nog, so it’s time to venture outside the obvious and add a bit of “spice” and bravado.

Here it is -- here is my bold prediction for 2015.  Apple will buy Tesla.  And Elon Musk will become its new CEO, essentially crowning him publicly what many say privately -- i.e., that he is the next Steve Jobs (an honor he certainly has earned ... in spades).  Musk is THE tech visionary of our day.

Crazy?  Not so much.  The Street would LOVE it!  Just think about it.  Investors would run up the stock, as visions of new innovations danced in their heads.

Rumors were rampant about such discussions about one year ago.  And, there is a lot of logic to that kind of bold “1-2 punch." 

Well before last year's rumors -- a full 1.5 years ago in fact (in June 2013) -- I predicted this move and explained its rationale (read my full analysis here) (or for those of you who would rather skip the link and read, that full analysis is below).  I also consider Tesla to be a "digital media" company in many respects -- and discussed that point at just about the same time (click this link to that separate post).  

So, there it is -- many of my other predictions for 2015 will be coming shortly in Variety, TechCrunch and Billboard -- but this one’s, well, the most audacious and just plain “fun.”  

Here is my original June 2013 discussion, the logic of which perhaps applies even more now ....

Apple is under pressure to unleash its "next big thing."  Apple's stock has dropped from highs that topped $700 and now trades at $440.  Expectations are high for next week's annual Worldwide Developers Conference (June 10-14).  Bottom line -- Tim Cook needs to excite both pundits and the Apple faithful again.

It is virtually a certainty that Apple next week will launch its long-anticipated "Pandora killer."  But, that certainly won't be enough.  The long-anticipated iWatch -- Apple's first new product category in a long time?  Perhaps.  But still not enough.

Apple's next really big thing most likely will be the iTV -- a beautiful flat-screen that seeks to disrupt the overall TV experience.  I have written about this several times -- and was amongst the first to expect this from Apple (when few believed that Apple would ever go there -- now most do).  Yes, that could be disruptive.  But, that won't happen next week.  It could happen later this year. 

But, what about something entirely different and unexpected?  How about Apple moving into an entirely different product category that is completely out of left field and off the radar?  How about going someplace that essentially NO one would expect it to go?

What if Apple moves into the automobile market?

Sounds crazy?  Think about it.  Not really.  I had this "perhaps-not-so-crazy after all" thought on my way to the gym this morning.  As I listened to my Vampire Weekend, I thought it actually would make a lot of sense.  And, the natural entry point would be Tesla.  Buying Tesla -- a company about which I have written extensively and absolutely believe in.

Here's why?

Both Apple and Tesla are disruptive companies, redefining their respective industries.

Both Apple and Tesla are fundamentally "hardware" companies -- but both beautifully marry software and services with that hardware to create revolutionary product "experiences" that delight and evoke passion (and deep customer loyalty).  THAT is each company's special sauce.

Both Apple and Tesla's roots are in Silicon Valley -- and remain there, far removed from others in their markets.  In the heart of innovation -- in a location that attracts some of the greatest and most innovative and creative minds.

Both Apple and Tesla were founded and driven by visionary charismatic leaders.

And, finally, the automobile is -- just think about it -- a natural extension for Apple to take its experiential prowess, so long as it has the ability to execute.  It already has the dominated the mobile hardware market initially with the iPod, then the iPhone, then the iPad.  It absolutely will look to dominate the in-home experience with the upcoming iTV.  It makes sense strategically to overlay that experience into our out-of-home domains -- i.e., the car -- and immerse us seamlessly in cloud-based services.  Buying Tesla -- rather than creating its own "Tesla killer" -- is the only way to go. 

It would be bold.  It would be brash.  And, it would be a great use of Apple's cash.  Cash which pours out of its coffers.

Apple's overall market cap is now $441 billion.  Tesla's is now $11 billion -- and its been on a tear.  And, I absolutely believe it will continue to rocket over time, because I believe Tesla is here to stay.  So, now -- or soon -- would be the time for Tim Cook to make that audacious move, assuming he has the stomach for it.

That, I believe he does.

But, would Elon Musk sell?  He certainly doesn't need to sell.  And, as I said, he is the new Steve Jobs.  He likely is in it for the long haul.  Why wouldn't he be?  He is revolutionizing the world with Tesla, SpaceX, Solar City.  He is taking a place in the history books.

Unless, just maybe, he considers it.  Unless Apple offers him and his shareholders a number that he and they can't refuse.

It would need to be an audaciously and ridiculously high number.

But, if anyone could do it, Apple could.

And, it makes a lot of sense ... a lot ....

I know it sounds crazy. 

But, is it?

My Top 10 PERSONAL Musings of 2014 (Or, What Matters to Me ...)

A couple days back, I posted my Top 5 posts of 2014 -- as voted by you, my readers, based on sheer numbers.

This post is different.  These are my Top 10 PERSONAL musings of 2014.  Not digital media or business-focused at all.  Rather, these are personal ruminations about life -- things that matter to me.  So, read on if you are in an introspective mood as this year ends.  These posts struck a chord with at least some of you -- and I would love to get your feedback via LinkedIn about what matters to you ...

(1) "Sometimes You Just Gotta Take the Time ...” -- this one is about slowing down, pausing, reflecting.  Something I need to remind myself over and over and over again.

(2) “San Diego’s Electric Run, $65 - “Live Experiences” with My Son, Priceless” -- this one embodies what matters most to me -- by far -- and ultimately what IT is all about (for me) ... family.  And, unique live “experiences” -- memorable moments in time -- are priceless now -- and will be priceless to you and your loved ones even more as time marches on ....

(3) "My 1,400th Blog Post - I Guess That Qualifies Me as Being a Writer/Journalist" -- I like to write; it matters to me; I hope that it matters to at least some of you; this is something I have been committed to for years.  Part of my identity.

(4) “The Lost Art of the Mix Tape” -- this one combines some of my favorite themes -- the power of music, and the power of simplifying (and appreciating some old-world experiences) in our increasingly technology-driven world.  My daughter, Hunter, is lining her bedroom with vinyl as I write this.  Love that!

(5) “Top 10 Music Tracks of 2014 - My Picks (Just Trust Me ...)” -- once again, how music rules my life and is my therapy -- keeps me passionate; keeps me sane ... and I think you’ll appreciate them; they certainly aren’t pop -- and I absolutely believe that the music you love speaks volumes about who you are and what makes you “tick.”

(6) “The La Jolla Half Marathon - Beauty & The Beast” -- reflects my passion for running, fitness, and my respect for ultra-marathon man Dean Karnazes and what he represents.  Commitment.  Perseverance.

(7) “My Long-Term Care Site - Substantially Augmented - Think It Can Help” -- like all of us, I too faced a major family health crisis this past year -- found out, the hard way, that there are few helpful and compelling resources out there to help organize your thoughts and investigations of potential long-term care solutions for loved ones (and do your best to keep the family on the same page in the process).  So, I built one instead -- think it can help you in your own personal journeys, particularly if you live in California (given the California resources I cite).

(8) “The Curious Case of ‘Curious George” (Or How Small Things Can Make a Big Difference ...)” -- a slice of life from my early professional days (that came back to me this year 20 years later) - and how one small business “move” led to an entire multi-million dollar franchise.  It was very very cool when someone helped me connect the dots.  You see, small decisions and attention to detail really do “matter” -- both professionally, and in life in general.

(9) “What A Difference 10 Years Makes! (Passage of Time - The Best Resolution?)” -- reflects how the passage of time makes seemingly massive issues and adversity seemingly trivial as time passes.  Food for thought as you face stressors of today.

(10) My final musing is not in the form of a previous blog post at all.  It is simply this.

Ahh yes, time.  The passage of it.

What matters to me?  My posts above reflect some of that.

What matters to you as you close out this year and begin to prioritize what matters you in the next?

Good time to think about all of that as things slow down ... live in the moment (as best you can).  Appreciate your family.  Your friends.  What you have.  ’Tis fleeting ...

Be good.  Do good.  And, do what you love!

Vessel -- The Subscription-First MCN - Opens Windows, While Netflix Closes Them

Jason Kilar’s long-awaited digital-first video service Vessel finally fully opened its sails last week -- charting a course to become the first mass scale paid subscription-first multi-channel network (MCN) -- charging users $2.99 per month.

While most others in the MCN world seek to take down and own individual market verticals (DanceOn for dance, Tastemade for food, Whistle Sports for sports, Stylehaul for fashion), Vessel has no specific focus -- it is broad-based.  And, while most other MCNs ultimately hope to build paid subscriptions into their business model, unlike Vessel, they focus first on advertising revenues and branded content.  THAT is a fundamental difference.  Interestingly, some other leading MCNs (including DanceOn and Tastemade) apparently already have committed to distribute at least some of their content exclusively on Vessel’s platform for 72 hours (a new 3 day “window”).  Why would they do this?  Several reasons: (1) Vessel will pay them and certain other coveted video creators for such exclusivity; (2) Vessel also will share 60% of relevant subscription revenues on top of that; and (3) Vessel’s subscription focus will accelerate their own paid subscription ambitions.  This is significantly different than what has been reported previously on the issue of 72-hour exclusivity.

Essentially, Vessel’s goal is to turn water into wine with a bit of compelling digital-first video content consolidation alchemy -- transforming here-to-date mostly free digital content into paid content.  In so doing, Vessel is opening a 72 hour paid window in this digital-first short form video YouTube-ian world, while Netflix and others seek to close them for long-form “traditional” motion picture content.

One window closes.  Another one opens.  Will opportunity, in the form of meaningful monetization, flow in?  Or, will there be nothing but air?  Only time will tell, but all digital-first content creators are holding their breath with anticipation for Vessel’s official launch in 2015.

My Top 5 Posts of 2014 - Most Widely Read Musings

I write ... a lot.  But, you already know that.  I frequently write for other “publications” -- this year I wrote for Variety, Billboard, TechCrunch and numerous others.  But, here are my Top 5 most widely read posts from my own “Digital Media Update” blog and LinkedIn profile:

(1) Yahoo! Finally Buys Vevo?  What It Should Do with Its $8.3 Billion Alibaba Windfall -- this one was #1 with a bullet!

(2) Vidcon - You Missed It In 2014.  Don’t Make That Mistake Again In 2015 -- obviously hit a nerve ... as it should.

(3) MCNs - And Then There Were None ... My Predictions -- in retrospect, actually quite prescient!

(4) For Hot (Yet Still “Under the Radar”) Video Company Jukin’ Media, Failure Is the ONLY Option -- watch this company in 2015 -- it will be acquired.

(5) LA - The Epicenter of Digital Media/Tech Innovation - take that reality and excitement from 2014, and double it for 2015.

Thanks for reading in 2014.  And, look forward to giving new insights (hopefully!) in 2015.

5 Questions with Woven Digital President Colin Digiaro -- My Exclusive Q&A

Woven Digital is a millennial-focused digital-first new media company, producing and distributing pop culture content (breaking news, original reporting, entertainment and video) to nearly 5 million users per day.  Before last week, Woven was still a bit “under the radar," although the company reaches 90 million users per month and attracted more unique visitors than digital media darlings Vice and Vox in October (with content like UPROXX, one of the largest millennial focused news and entertainment sites on the web -- and BroBible, the largest male focused college lifestyle destination).  That stealthy-profile changed when the LA-based company (founded in 2010) announced a few days back that it had raised $18 million in Series A financing led by Institutional Venture Partners (IVP).  That’s a lot of money to expand its content development, production and distribution capabilities.

I was already impressed by Woven Digital even before this new financing round, after I spent some time at their offices a couple months back and met with President Colin Digiaro.  With news of the new financing just breaking, Colin’s Q&A below is particularly relevant.  So, onto the 5 questions and onto learning more about yet another hot LA-based content-driven digital media company.

(1) What is the reason your company exists (and what problem(s) are you looking to solve)?

The company was founded in 2010 in response to a void we saw in the market where not many traditional male focused print publications were translating well into digital. We felt the young male audience was underserved and no large media company had effectively pushed into digital for this key demographic.  We knew the audience was massive and the opportunity was even bigger.

As our business has evolved, it was a natural progression to move beyond just the male

demographic. Today, Woven’s leading online brands have become daily staples for young

consumers by focusing on their core passions and interests. Woven provides them with

shareable breaking news, original reporting, entertainment, and video. UPROXX is now the largest entertainment news site geared toward millennials, and BroBible is now the largest young male college lifestyle site. 

Many companies are focusing on how millennials will consume content especially around mobile and video. We want to be at the forefront of programming for millennials and delivering the things they want to watch, consume, and learn about.

(2) How are you different from your competitors?

We truly reach a massive millennial audience and are engaging with them each and every day.  We realize not only is this audience well informed and passionate about pop culture, but they are also underserved.  We are succinctly filling this programming void.

Our business is rooted in the knowledge and understanding of what our audience cares about and their consumption patterns. The quality and authentic nature of our editorial and video programming combined with our scale, differentiates Woven in the digital publishing arena. This approach is validated by our growth – we had more unique visitors that Vox and Vice in October per comScore.

(3) Why will you succeed (and what is your single most important ingredient for success)?

The importance of Woven’s expertise in developing and distributing high-quality editorial goes without saying, however the key to us being able to quickly scale has been the heavy investment we’ve made in our technology stack.  We’ve built one unified platform to operate the entire business, which means we have a 360-degree view of the business from one centralized dashboard.  This allows us to tie the performance of every piece of content and every user action into our editorial and video creation process, which not only better informs us about our audience it also enables us to make more accurate decisions.

(4) What makes you unique (and what do you enjoy most outside of building your business)?

I’ve been an entrepreneur my entire life and have held a deep fascination with digital media and content starting with my childhood when I bought and sold used video games in elementary school.  Looking back, digital content was such an important part of my life even then.  My involvement with digital media grew when I went to go work for my friends online marketing firm.  I was intrigued by how we used data to drive media decisions.  After we sold that company my passion for digital media and  content solidified during my time at MySpace.  We started MySpace and scaled the company to nearly $1B in revenue while delivering content to tens of millions of people around the world. The lessons learned in growing from a start-up to a company worth billions was life-changing, which I was then able to apply to SGN which is now one of the largest gaming companies.  I’ve luckily been able to stay involved in digital media and content my whole life, which is I’d venture to say is unique.

Outside of work it’s all about my wife and kids.  I try and be home at least 3 nights a week for bedtime and make it a priority to pack lunches and do school drop offs every day.  We love spending time together as a family and especially enjoy time together up in the mountains.

(5) What digital media trend is most interesting to you (and what is the least)?

The evolution of digital content consumption behavior and how programming has changed (lagged) in response are probably most interesting to me.  The widening gap between traditional media companies and the audiences they are becoming increasingly disconnected from is something that will be fascinating to watch unfold.