My 1,400th Post - I Guess That Qualifies Me As Being a Writer/Journalist?

WARNING - this post is a bit self-indulgent.  But, forgive me, this is my 1,400th post.  For me, a major milestone.  And, one that is hard to believe.

Rightly or wrongly, I have always considered myself to be a writer.  Have always enjoyed it.  And have not worried about writing partial sentences like that one, because that is an aspect of my informal style -- an informal style that matches who I am.  Spell-check be damned!  

My official “professional” writing journey began 8 years ago on October 11, 2006 with my first words in this "Digital Media Update” blog.  1,400 posts over those years averages out to about 1 new post every 2 days.  That’s a lot of early mornings.  And a lot of coffee.

My first post focused on Google’s recent acquisition of YouTube.  Not a bad place to start, given my continuing and accelerating writing about the over digital media/video transformation happening before our eyes.  Back then, I wrote this about that GooTube 1-2 punch:  "The deal certainly underscores the power of video over the Internet -- and the fact that consumers have fully embraced video over the Internet.”  That was then, when most both in the “traditional” media and tech worlds scratched their heads at the $1.65 billion price tag.  This is now (a recent post about the state of multi-platform media/video today) when no one does (although many today similarly scoff at Disney’s $500-$950 million acquisition of leading multi-channel network (MCN) Maker Studios, which itself may look like a bargain in the years to come).

Over the years, and in addition to my writing here, I have also accelerated the pace of my writing for other leading media and tech publications, including TechCrunch, Variety, Billboard, Venturebeat, The Huffington Post, Wired, VideoInk and others (a list of some of those articles can be found on my LinkedIn page).  This has enabled me to extend my reach -- and hopefully add some insights to you and the overall conversation.

Speaking of LinkedIn -- and with this 1,400th post -- I have officially added the position and title of “Writer/Journalist” to my profile.  And, that is no small thing.  For me, that designation represents a core element of who I am.  What I like to do.

As one example, in all of my spare time, I have begun to write my first book focused, of course, on media’s overall transformation over the past 15 years, during which time I have been fortunate to have a front-row seat to, and active participant in, this disruption with some of the pioneering companies who led the charge.  I first spent a decade in major media companies when the Internet first commercially “hit.”  Then, I served as President & COO of Musicmatch, a true innovator and white hat in the world of digital music amidst the storm of piracy and Apple’s early domination and near take-over of distribution.  Next, together with Dmitry Shapiro, I pitched (unsuccessfully) YouTube’s vision before YouTube (Dmitry went on to take that vision into Veoh).  After that immersion into digital video, I dived (dove?) deeper and first became CEO of video community/technology company SightSpeed which gave us all the power to communicate via live video chat before Skype video and when no one believed (except for Logitech, who ultimately bought us); and next, CEO of Sorenson Media, a key driver of the overall digital video revolution in the first place.

Now, here I am based professionally in LA, but doing the vast majority of my writing at my home in San Diego (no, I don’t commute every day).  In my role as CEO of Manatt Digital Media (a role I love and deeply appreciate, by the way, because it ties it all together) I have deep access into the great minds and innovators who understand and actively lead the digital transformation about which I write.  That’s a lot of deep insightful perspectives.  Perspectives I process, synthesize, and ultimately transform into my own.  Into my own voice.

For those of you who have followed me along the way, heart-felt thanks.  It is appreciated.  And, for those of you new to the ride, thanks for checking it out.

And, for all of you, please buy my book when I finish it!

For Hot (Yet Still “Under the Radar”) Video Company Jukin’ Media, Failure Is the ONLY Option

Jukin’ Media.  If you’ve never heard of it, read on.  You should.

I met with this next-gen YouTube economy-based video company the other day at its offices in Culver City, California (the home of leading now Disney-owned Maker Studios and others).  Sat down with President & COO Lee Essner and Mike Skogmo.  Learned a lot.

Jukin’ Media’s mission is to be “THE Home of Viral Video.”  All viral video on all platforms -- initially digital, but certainly its vision can extend upstream to more traditional TV platforms, etc. (in fact, many “clip-based” shows on TV depend upon Jukin’ Media for their content, as well as well-known brands that include MTV, CNN and ESPN and Today).  The company’s roots -- and still its bread and butter -- are in “stunts gone wrong” (in other words, so-called “fail” videos) that go viral due to their inherent humor.  Think of them as “America’s Funniest Home Videos” -- with a heavy dose of “Jackass” -- for YouTube.  And, they tell me that their “special sauce” is their ability to find viral videos before they go viral.  Jukin’ Media to date has over 1 billion total views and 12-13 million uniques per month with a demographic that skews, not surprisingly, heavily young male.  They also have a deep international following, because the concept of “ouch” travels and has no language barrier.

In some ways, Jukin' functions like an MCN.  But, I don’t consider them an MCN (nor do they), because they feature only a small number of channels and feature ONLY content that they exclusively license, produce and own (unlike MCNs that generally primarily feature hundreds to thousands of individual personality-driven UGC content).  And, this fundamental difference enables a very different kind of multi-pronged business model.  Think of Jukin’ Media as having 4 separate areas of focus:

(1) Content Acquisition/Video Library

Jukin’ Media’s essence -- from which all else flows -- is its prowess in content acquisition and its resulting deep library of viral video that can be mined in myriad ways and over and over again.  That means that margins are high.  Content development for Jukin’ is primarily a function of editing rather than video production (with its associated costs).  And, they know what they are doing when they acquire that content.  One example -- they strip out potentially infringing music and substitute their own.

(2) Content Licensing 

As a result of its deep library of content, you can think of Jukin’ Media as being, in part, a Getty Images for viral video.  The company licenses its vast library of content to others (including those mentioned above).  But, the company tells me that, unlike Getty and its stock images and videos, it focuses on a smaller volume of non-stock videos that its licensees can feature more exclusively.  And, that means higher price-tags.

(3) Turnkey Services

The company also outsources its overall video “platform” for the benefit of others who retain Jukin’ to find precisely those viral videos they need (again, including major networks).   Jukin’ automates and optimizes the finding, clearing and acquisition of rights from owners of relevant viral videos.

(4) Original Content Development

Increasingly, the company is in the world of original content development -- albeit “original content” in a different way -- i.e., organizing multiple viral videos under one relevant theme (such as those “fail” videos under the name of its “FailArmy” channel).  The beauty here is that Jukin’s type of content development -- unlike Hollywood or story-focused content development -- can be almost wholly data-driven.  Genetically engineered, if you will.  Jukin’ precisely knows which videos are performing (i.e., going viral), why they perform, and -- therefore -- that those videos will succeed within the umbrella of a larger show.  Just think of the possibilities ...  Out-flixing Netflix?

Jukin’ Media.  What some call the hottest “under the radar” digital video/digital-first media company around today.  I like them.  A lot.

Am a believer ....

MCNs - They Matter (Because They Represent Media’s Fundamental Digital Transformation & the Accelerating Millennial Movement)

[NOTE -- this article was published yesterday as a guest article in VideoInk.  Different title, essentially the same content.]

I write a lot about the multi-channel network (MCN) digital video world.  And, I follow it closely.  Why?  Is it because I think MCNs are the only relevant players in the new world video eco-system?

Of course not!

Rather, I follow them so closely because the rise of MCNs -- and the massive M&A and investments in those companies -- are key data points for the overall digital “movement.”  Of the fundamental transformation of Hollywood.  And, of the fundamental transformation of the overall media business.  MCNs represent the new multi-platform media world that we had anticipated for years, but finally came into its own in a mainstream way just this past year.

It is here.  It is now.  Consumers “get" that.  Especially millennials.

But do the major “traditional” media companies?  Do the big brands?  Do you?

Certainly not to a significant degree -- and that is at their and your peril (if you fall into that camp).  I recently wrote about this after attending my first VidCon.

Core to this transformation is the mobile device -- a device that is with most of us (even non-millennials) virtually 24/7.  Now high quality video is available to consumers virtually any time, anywhere.  And, we are voraciously eating it up (to the pleasure of the carriers and their data plans).  The bottom line is that different platforms are optimized for different forms of content.  And, the vast majority of video consumption on the small screen is of “bite-sized” short form video.  That means that premium content development for that small screen is fundamentally different than it is for traditional longer-form video platforms like TV.  That requires specialized expertise.  Expertise that most traditional media companies don’t have.

That’s where MCNs fit in.  They don’t supplant traditional platforms.  Rather, they EXPAND them.  They enable consumers to consume the full spectrum of entertaining, informative, and impactful video content.  The mobile platform -- that small screen -- is finally ready for prime time.  Scratch that.  It isn’t just ready -- it is here -- it is now.

What else?

Our multi-platform media world -- in which consumers demand these new forms of premium content (after all, they are “voting” by their sheer numbers) -- also demands “personalities” who can speak most effectively to the massive young audience that has shifted much of its content consumption downstream to that mobile device.  And, that personality isn’t the mainstream celebrity.  Rather, because these “bite-sized” videos ideal for mobile viewing are typically produced on very low (or, more usually, non-existent) budgets, they are grass-roots-driven (at least initially).  They began with people like you and me (well, not me, I am not in that demo).  And, some of these grass-roots videos and personalities take hold -- for some reason -- and rise to the top.  Somehow some of them rise above the din.  It is THESE YouTube personalities who are the new “celebrities” for millennials.

A recently published study confirms that reality.  YouTube celebrities are now more popular than mainstream celebrities to U.S. teens.  Think about that!  Brands -- you better.  If you want to reach this key burgeoning demographic, then you must -- RIGHT NOW! -- shift significant marketing funds to the YouTube economy.  To MCNs.  To YouTube “celebrities."  To Viners.  Play time is over.  It’s time to go “in” big.  And, with these digital platforms, you have the added benefit of being able to reach and pinpoint the precise “right” audience for your messages.  Then it is up to you to engage with them, effectively.

And, that takes “authenticity” -- a word that is foundational to this new world order.  YouTube personalities rise -- MCNs rise -- and brands effectively rise -- only with authentic voices.

Take some of the leading MCNs.

I recently profiled #1 dance-focused MCN DanceOn and its founder/CEO Amanda Taylor.  Why did she start DanceOn in the first place?  Fundamentally, because of her love of dance!  Because she already was helping professional dancers expand their opportunities because she was aware of their challenges.  She felt their pain.

I also recently profiled Larry Fitzgibbon, founder/CEO of #1 food-focused MCN Tastemade.  Why did he start Tastemade after his successful IPO of Demand Media (which he also founded)?  I’m sure he had already made some significant cash -- so it certainly wasn’t all about the dollars.  Rather, when I met with Larry, he started our conversation talking about his love of food.  Of the beauty and creativity of food and cooking as an art form.  And, of the international bridging of cultures that food makes possible.  That is authentic!  (And very very cool).

That same authenticity is pervasive by essentially all founders and CEOs in the MCN world, several of whom I have come to know well (and some of with whom I have the good fortune of closely working).  Founder/CEO John West of #1 sports-focused MCN The Whistle?  Absolutely -- love of sports -- believed that millennials deserved their own voice of sports.  Not their father’s ESPN.  Roy Burstin, founder/CEO of Mitu Networks, the #1 Latino-focused MCN.  Same story.  Roy -- from Colombia -- “felt” the dearth of compelling video content for the Latino market (which he tells me has higher mobile consumption rates than other cultures).  Stepahine Horbaczewski, founder/CEO of #1 fashion-focused MCN StyleHaul?  Again, the same.  You can feel it by the faux furs she wears around her neck at events, even in the summer!  And then there’s Allen DeBevoise, Chairman of #1 gamer-focused MCN Machinima and the godfather of the MCN world in general.  Allen is such an authentic believer in this new world order that he personally has invested in virtually all of these (and more).

THAT’s why MCNs matter.  That’s why I follow them and the entire multi-platform media/video world so closely.

And, that’s why I am excited about the massive opportunities in (and privileged to be in) the media world that is now transforming in fundamental ways right before our eyes.

Let’s be clear.  It’s not “out" with the old.  But, it is absolutely about “in” with the new ....

DanceOn - EXCLUSIVE Insights from CEO Amanda Taylor of Dance’s #1 MCN

As you know, I follow the multi-platform media/MCN space very closely.  Last week, I featured an interview and studio tour of leading foodie-focused MCN Tastemade.  Today’s featured CEO is Amanda Taylor, founder & CEO of leading dance-focused MCN DanceOn (with 11 million subs, 70 million monthly video views, over 2 billion total views, and 8.3 million fans across Facebook and Twitter).  DanceOn’s all-star list of founders and investors include Madonna, Nygel Lythgoe (creator of “So You Think You Can Dance” and “American Idol”), and Allen DeBevoise (founding father/godfather of the MCN world).  Manatt Digital Media is also an investor, as am I individually.  We are believers.

Last week, Amanda and head of sales Mike Praw joined me and others from the Manatt Digital Media team for an informal brown bag lunch to hear more insights -- more about who they are, where they are, where they plan to go.  These are some of those insights from our special session:

(1) DanceOn’s Focus -

-- Amanda underscored that DanceOn focuses on “dance videos," not “music” videos; music videos feature music artists

(2) DanceOn’s Core Demo & Overall Market Opportunity -

-- 63% of viewers are female, 50% are “multicultural,” and 61% are in the coveted 13-34 age bracket

-- the market opportunity is “massive” in Amanda's words -- why?

-- 3.5 million children (K-12) in the U.S. take formal dance education from dance specialists (out of a total K-12 population of 50 million)

-- additionally, 43% of U.S. kids K-12 have taken dance class taught in their schools 

-- dance “travels” well internationally, since there is no language barrier
-- no other single multi-platform dance-focused media company exists, and “bite-sized” dance video works well for the smart phone/tablet world

(3) DanceOn’s Business Model -

-- advertising-focused video on demand (AVOD) -- a primary component

-- sponsorships, including branded integration/content -- a primary component -- and the company has had major traction already with several of the biggest brands (examples include Coke, Unilever)

-- syndication opportunities to other platforms (including television) -- but Amanda stressed that these are only interesting where the DanceOn brand is featured and preserved

-- interestingly, unlike some other leading vertically-focused MCNs like StyleHaul and Tastemade, commerce is not a key element of DanceOn’s business model; the company is NOT a commerce play; DanceOn’s core/essence is pure entertainment

-- the company is now dipping its toes into the live event space and has its first major event at the LA Convention Center this Friday, August 29

(4) DanceOn's Pitch to Professional Dancers/Creators

-- Amanda tells me that, at most, professional dancers can earn $120K/year in the “traditional” model and with traditional platforms; but digital platforms open a new world of monetization opportunities; and, even more, now professional dancers can build their individual brands and monetize in myriad ways that go well beyond dance (which already is happening with some dancers on the DanceOn roster)

-- a key part of DanceOn’s pitch to professional dancers is to directly address their relatively short professional “shelf life” -- i.e., DanceOn helps dancers maximize opportunities now in a Carpe Diem kind-of-way

-- and, because professional dancers can build their individual brands, they can also extend those brands into different areas beyond dance as they mature 

(5) DanceOn’s Biz Terms with Talent

-- DanceOn has exclusive digital relationships with its talent roster, but Amanda tells me the company is not an agency

-- the company's talent can utilize the DanceOn platform as a springboard to showcase their talent, build their brand, and move well beyond digital (and into all other platforms, including traditional media) on their own

(6) Future Plans -- Where They Are Going

-- DanceOn's video content is almost exclusively non-scripted now; but the company already develops significant original programming, a natural extension of which ultimately is to move beyond its current focus

Definitely an MCN to watch.  And, an MCN that was founded with the same fundamental principles shared by Larry Fitzgibbon of Tastemade (as well as essentially all other major MCN CEO/Founders whom I have come to know) -- authenticity and passion.

Refreshing!

Tastemade - My Interview & Studio Tour with CEO Larry Fitzgibbon of the Leading Food MCN

Tastemade is a leading MCN -- and is THE leading MCN focused on food, nothing but food.  The company’s mission is to be “Connecting the World Through Food.”  And investors have bitten -- to the tune of $25 million in their latest round led -- predictably (and smartly) -- by Scripps Networks Interactive (owner of, of course, the Food Network).  Mega-media companies Comcast (via Comcast Ventures) and Liberty Media also are investors in the company’s latest round (which is on top of $15 million previously invested).

Yesterday I drove down the street to Tastemade’s Santa Monica, California headquarters and studios and met with CEO Larry Fitzgibbon (the picture to the right is the unassuming exterior of Tastemade studios, which previously housed MTV).  Larry and I had previously crossed paths a couple of times -- while I at SightSpeed and he at CitySeach; and while I at Sorenson Media and he at Demand Media.  Demand Media is where Larry honed his chops for short-form video content.  After Demand Media’s IPO in 2011, Larry and his other co-founders used their recipe of best practices and mixed in key ingredients of experience, learnings (e.g., focus on a passionate target audience/vertical market and build a brand), expertise, and passion for food to bake Tastemade.  And, here we are.  (The picture below and to the left is one of several fully functioning production kitchens in the studio, this one being more urban and hipster-focused; while the picture further below and to the right is the kitchen typically used more for live audience demonstrations).

Larry shrugs off the label “MCN,” choosing instead to call Tastemade a “Modern” media company.  I mentioned to him that it was intriguing for him to use that word (“modern”), because that is a rarely used word in this day and age.  His response to that was equally intriguing -- i.e., “we are not a next-gen media company, because the audience has already migrated to digital platforms.”  Amen to that!  And, Tastemade’s content is developed natively for those digital platforms unlike content produced for the Food Network or other traditional platforms like television (that is then frequently ... and frequently clumsily simply carted ... over to digital channels).  Different strokes (content) for different folks (platforms).

And, here’s the interesting thing about Tastemade as opposed to many other major “MCNs” (yes, I am generalizing for ease of reference).  Most major MCNs have thousands of channels.  Not Tastemade.  Tastemade counts about 300.  And every single one of them -- every one -- is identified by pin, string, and individual profile on a massive world map on one main wall inside the company’s offices.  Yes, old world recognition by a new world “modern” media company for the old world art of cooking and food.

Here’s another one.  Tastemade’s app (which is really cool, by the way, you should try it out) enables anyone -- you, me -- to be a “foodie” and instantaneously and drop-dead easily make a beautiful professional video at our favorite restaurant while we order our food and enjoy our meal.  Everything is automated (editing, etc.) -- and you can also select music tracks to accompany your “rave” (not reviews, because reviews can be negative) of your food experience so that others can enjoy.  But here’s the punchline.  Every single prolific Tastemade raver has his/her picture and profile on that same Tastemade office wall in an old-world format (via post-its this time), so that the Tastemade team sees their audience, their users, all day, every day.  It is a great authentic reminder of what it is all about -- to connect the world with food! Bravo to Larry and his team for those nice human touches.

Tastemade now gets 18 million unique visitors per month and its core audience is, not surprisingly, 18-34 and about 60% female, with over 50% residing outside of the U.S.  This truly is an international play, because food travels well (at least digitally).  The company’s business model is, as expected, primarily ad-driven (including significant branded content and sponsorship opportunities).  But, the company -- like all other MCNs (and virtually every media company, period!) -- is also experimenting with paid content (via subscriptions and/or micro-payments for access) and ultimately with relevant commerce opportunities.

It’s only a matter of time until some big fish devours them ...

(The picture to the upper left is another interior shot of the studios, while the picture to the lower left is the bar used for viewers to learn about libations and where the Tastemade team will celebrate their inevitable liquidity event.)

MCN 101 - A “Cheat Sheet” for Key Multi-Platform Video M&A, Strategic & VC Investments, Partnerships

The overall multi-platform video/media and multi-channel network (MCN) space continues to be white hot, with accelerating M&A, strategic and venture capital investments, and an ever-growing list of significant strategic partnerships.  Tough to keep up with it all, but my team and I at Manatt Digital Media follow the space very closely.  To help, here is a scorecard/“cheat sheet" of key representative (1) M&A, (2) strategic investments, (3) VC investments, and (4) strategic partnerships -- all in reverse chronological order (most recent first, so that you can get a sense of the accelerating pace, even during the purportedly slow-moving dog days of summer):

I.  MCN M&A

StyleHaul (the leading fashion-focused MCN) heavily rumored to be up for sale right now – potential buyers said to include Hearst, Conde Nast, Amazon and 21st Century Fox

Rightster (London-based digital video distribution company) acquired European-based Base79 in early August 2014 for up to $85 million

Legendary Entertainment acquired Geek & Sundry (geek culture) in late July 2014 for an undisclosed sum

Otter Media widely rumored in late July 2014 to be mulling over taking a majority stake in leading MCN FullScreen for a sum reported to be between $200-$300 million (no updates since initial reports)

Otter Media (the $500 million joint venture of The Chernin Group and AT&T) acquired Creativebug (DIY videos) from Demand Media for $10 million mid-July 2014

Relativity Media was widely rumored to have bid for leading horizontally-focused Fullscreen for an amount reported to be between $500 million to $1 billion in early May 2014 (since that time, Otter Media is rumored to be the leading contender -- as discussed above)

DreamWorks/AwesomenessTV acquired boutique MCN and YouTube talent agency Big Frame for  $15 million in early April 2014

Disney acquired Maker Studios in the mid-March 2014 mega $500-$950 million deal that fueled and accelerated all of this year’s MCN activity

DreamWorks acquired AwesomenessTV for $100 million+ in the first major MCN deal in early May 2013

Consider all other major vertically-focused MCNs to be in “play” at this point, given all of the M&A activity (here are my predictions about likely M&A targets from a few months back).  

II.  MCN Strategic Investment

As opposed to M&A, this category represents major media companies who have taken significant equity stakes in (but not outright acquisition of) leading MCNs:

Scripps and Liberty Media invested $25 million in leading foodie-focused MCN Tastemade in late June 2014

AT&T and The Chernin Group committed $500 million in April 2014 to fund the new Otter Media joint venture to acquire, invest in and launch OTT services (including leading anime-focused MCN Crunchyroll

Warner Bros invested $18 million in leading and pioneering young male and gamer-focused MCN Machinima in early March 2014 (just before Disney’s acquisition of Maker Studios)

German media powerhouse ProSieben acquired a 20% stake in Collective Digital Studios for an undisclosed 8 figure sum in March 2014

AMC Networks invested $4 million in leading dance-focused MCN DanceOn in October 2013 (NOTE -- Manatt Digital Media is an investor in DanceOn)

III.  MCN Venture Capital Investment

As opposed to the strategic corporate investments discussed above, here are key multi-platform video/MCN-related venture capital investments:

Blue-chip Silicon Valley based VC Andreessen Horowitz invested $50 million to fund premium video development in BuzzFeed in early August 2014

Russel Simmon’s urban culture-focused All DefDigital raised $5 million from Greycroft, AdvancitCapital, E.ventures, and Nu Horizons in early August 2014

German-based MCN Mediakraft Networks raised $23 million from Iris Capital, Capnamic Ventures, Shortcut Ventures in early July 2014

Leading Latino-focused MiTu Networks raised $10 million from Upfront Ventures and existing investors mid-June 2014

Leading sports-focused MCN The Whistle raised $10 million ($18 million to date) from SeventySix Capital and “name brand” long-time media execs Bob DuPuy, Garry Laybourne, Bob Pittman in mid-May 2014

Tastemade earlier raised $10 million from Raine Venture Partners, Redpoint Ventures, Comcast Ventures in August 2013

Fullscreen previously raised an undisclosed 8-figure sum from The Chernin Group, Comcast Ventures, and WPP in June 2013

StyleHaul previously raised $17 million from Bertelsmann Digital Media Investments, RTL Group, RezVenPartners 

IV.  MCN Strategic Partnerships

As opposed to outright M&A or investment, MCN growth also is fueled by strategic partnerships.  Here are a representative few:

The Whistle just announced a major new distribution partnership with Xbox which included a major branded content component with Suburu (August 2014)

Mitu Networks just announced a major new content development and multi-platform distribution partnership with Spanish language media giant Televisa (August 2014)

FC Barcelona will use Dailymotion’s video player on their site and Dailymotion will launch FC Barcelona channel, dedicated to soccer (announced early August 2014)

Fox Sports Digital is partnering with Sporting News Media to share and swap libraries of editorial and video content (announced late July 2014)

Conde Naste launches pioneering brand-focused The Scene with content partners including AOL, ABC News, Forbes, BuzzFeed, Vox Media (announced mid-July 2014)

The Whistle announces continuous string of mega-content co-creation, co-distribution and co-promotion deals with the NFL, MLB, NASCAR, PGA Tour, AVP Beach Volleyball, Harlem Globetrotters (ongoing throughout 2014)

Maybelline announced a deal with StyleHaul in June 2014 for branded content in its YouTube channels (with StyleHaul videos also appearing in Maybelline’s content hub and on TV)

Leading media company Lionsgate and Freddie Wong’s RocketJump Studios agree to a multi-year film, TV and digital content alliance (announced April 2014)

Mediakraft and British Pathe announce a major content deal in April 2014 to bring 85,000 videos to YouTube from their historical film archives of to YouTube – 4/14

NOTE -- these certainly are key strategic MCN/multi-platform video “moves” -- but certainly not all of them.  

And, the action is still in its early innings ...

Leading video “pub” VideoInk also published this article, under a different name.

Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 3 -- A Review

Outside Lands 2014 is a wrap -- and, another amazing festival EXPERIENCE in every sense of the word.  This one was different for me -- my entire family joined.  That made it even more special -- music discovery to an even higher degree.  My Day 1 review is here -- and my Day 2 review is here.

How about Day 3?  Went back to the amazing Day 1 sunshine -- which meant that warmth permeated the day.  Conditions were ripe for new music.  So, while proven powerful artists like Killers and Tiesto anchored the day, the true impact came from the new.

That meant the Twin Peaks stage -- where we spent much of the day.  First, with Eminem-flow-like rapper Watsky -- who amazed.  And, then the follow-up 1-2 punch of Flume - perhaps THE artist the kids wanted to see.  While Flume played in the early afternoon, the Twin Peaks area buzzed (and overflowed -- this picture proves the point) like a headlining show -- which it could have been.  Was a great set.  Flume delivered on all the Coachella hype.  He crushed it.

But, back to Watsky.  HE was the star of the weekend for me.  Had never heard of him before.  Listened to his music before the weekend.  Liked it.  Now I truly appreciate his skills.  And he is skilled.  Very.  And original.  He is no wannabee.  Check him out.

Outside Lands -- a “must attend” music festival ....

Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 2 -- A Review

What a difference a day makes.  As sunny as Day 1 was at the Outside Lands music festival (here is my review of Day 1), Day 2 chose to do “just the opposite” and wore nothing but shades of grey.  And cold.  Rather than skin, layers ruled the day on Day 2 (true to form for San Francisco in August).  Those of us who have been here before were ready for it.  Others, not so much.  But, so it began .... (The pic on the right is a scene with my kids, Luca and Hunter, at the Main Stage).

For me, Day 2’s line-up was the weakest of the 3-day mega-fest (although still absolutely first-class).  And, being a family of 4, we got off to a later than expected start, catching only the final song from the Dum Dum Girls as we entered the park.  From there we stayed, for the most part, at the Main Stage (departing radically from our Day 1 choreography) -- first catching The Kooks (who played the kind of set you would expect from them -- no surprises), then Local Natives (whose mellow vibe suited the day), to Haim (never a favorite for me, but here a revelation in terms of their rock and roll chops -- the band has real talent), to Death Cab for Cutie (a long-time favorite band of mine who performed as expected -- real professionals -- but ultimately didn’t play the one song I most wanted to hear -- “Transatlanticism”).

Too much mellow up to that point, so we finally ventured to the Park’s opposite end -- to the Twin Peaks stage to hear (and feel!) the opposite -- dance!  It was, after all, EDM time -- and Duck Sauce was an act high on our collective “intrigue” list.  And, they knocked it out of the park.  THIS was the highlight of the day for all of us.  Their humor -- the collective energy of the masses -- and the duck bills everywhere reminded all of us what festivals are all about.  Music discovery.  Community.  Just plain getting away from it all.  The two DJs, refreshingly, do not take themselves too seriously (unlike the 2 from Disclosure).  Crowd pleasers.  (The picture on the left shows the scene at Duck Sauce’s set).

And, there we stayed for the rest of the night (as did all others of the generation much younger than I) -- first catching EDM act Boys Noize on the smallest of the festival’s stages (the Panhandle, which overflowed with the masses coming from Duck Sauce) and then ending the evening with Macklemore (whom I have seen before, and whose set -- despite his dedication -- fell flatter than usual, especially when he sang his new collaboration “Arrows” with musician Fences, who clearly was new to the game and needs to learn showmanship from Macklemore ... which he undoubtedly will over time).  Nonetheless, Macklemore is a classic -- and, singing “Same Love” in San Francisco, complete with an on-stage live same-sex marriage, was magical.

We exited the park on the opposite end -- passing by Tom Petty on the Main Stage (which had been a difficult Sophie’s Choice) -- but with absolutely no regrets.

Another classic day with my wife and kids ... and with music ....

Here is our line-up for today:

Watsky
Lucius
Flume
Jenny Lewis
Lykke Li
Cut Copy
The Killers

Outside Lands 2014 -- Day 1 -- A Review

Glorious first day at the Outside Lands music festival in San Francisco yesterday.  This is my third -- and, where the previous 2 were cloudy/drizzly/cold (frigid, actually), yesterday’s day 1 was absolutely glorious.  Sun and warmth all day.  Clear skies and full moon all night.  Magical.

And, the music matched the mood with its own magic.

My wife, Luisa, and two kids (Hunter, 14 and Luca, 11) joined me this time -- and the magic for me was magnified by watching their first-ever mega-festival experience through their eyes.  I am a music guy -- always have been, always will be.  And, so are my kids.  They apparently inherited or absorbed this passion (nature? nurture?) and know their stuff.  They know it deeply (and I’m not talking pop music here).  And, we strategized together on who to see on Day 1.  Lots of debate.  Lots of compromise.

Here is a quick “hit list” of who we saw -- and how they did -- in order of appearance:

(1) Aer -- Twin Peaks stage (the second biggest stage) -- started the day with this upbeat and somewhat Sublime-like band from Boston best known for their song “Says She Loves Me” (you know it); perfect for a sunny day (beach, poolside); certainly no Sublime, but enjoyable and energetic; I liked them, so did Luca; Luisa and Hunter not so much.  Must be a guy thing.

(2) Phosphorescent -- Sutro stage (third largest) -- this seemingly mellow band (I know them best for “Song or Zula”) actually rocked harder than one would think.  Pleasant enough.  Worth a “drive by."  But not for the entire set when there is so much else to see.

(3) Holy Ghost! -- Main stage -- staying true to our eclectic ways, we next saw this electronic band; high expectations, very disappointing results.  No energy.  After a few songs, we were out.  Too many alternatives better on this day, especially ...

(4) Warpaint -- Twin Peaks ... especially when Warpaint was playing at the same time.  This 4 piece atmospheric rock band was a highlight of the day, and was definitely the right move (instead of Holy Ghost!).  I have liked this band for years -- have seen them several times (including a great set a couple years back on the one-and-done S.S. Coachella, and a not-so-great set this past Coachella).  This time they were “on”, which was especially surprising to me on this sunny day when their music is haunting and dark.  Great set -- magnified by the fact that my two kids met one of the two lead singers afterwards -- and, guest what, she was delightful!  (That is the scene in the picture above).  See this band.  Listen to their music.  Trust me.

(5) Grouplove -- Twin Peaks -- THE highlight of the day for all of us.  We last saw them poolside at an intimate set at Coachella.  Before that, I liked them.  After that, I had a new appreciation for them.  They are fun.  They are energetic.  They have great songs.  And, they perform them well.  Definitely crowd pleasers -- and wanting to please.  Perfect for this sunny day.  (Pic below to the left is of a family that loves music together, stays together!).

(6) Disclosure -- Main stage -- my kids in particular wanted to see them; and we all agreed, primarily because we needed to stake our claim on the turf for the upcoming Kanye headlining show.  Yes, we like some of Disclosure’s songs -- 2 apparent brothers, by the way -- but the electronic machinations became tedious to me.  But, we achieved our main goal -- we were right up against the stage -- and ready to go for Kanye immediately after.  So, verdict on Disclosure?  Miss it for the act itself -- make it if it sets you up for the next one.

(7) Kanye West -- Main stage -- ahh yes, Kanye.  Never seen him before (that is Yeezus himself in the upper right from our vantage point, in a pic taken by my creative son, Luca, on simply an iPhone!).  Never really wanted to.  But, that’s because I never really listened -- REALLY listened -- to his music.  I knew several songs, of course.  But, never really invested in it.  That changed the past several days, because my kids ingrained his songs into my head.  And, they absolutely are powerful.  Song after song.  So, all of us were excited for his show -- and we were right up front.  He started extremely strong with “Black Skinhead” -- my favorite track by far.  Compelling staging -- all alone on the stage with a full floor to ceiling screen of lights.  After that, for me, it steadily -- but slowly -- declined.  I started to lose interest when (1) he started to do his cliche Kanye “thing” of preaching his self-proclaimed Yeezus-ian world domination, and (2) he became downright tender when speaking of his family (I know, I am a family man -- and should love that.  But, this is Kanye.  Bring the energy!).  But, still, glad I saw him -- and I have a new appreciation for his music.  (Below is a blurred pic of the beautiful night-time scene during Kanye’s set).

We ditched just a bit early to beat the massive crowds -- something I recommend by the way!  Grabbed an Uber to North Beach.  Finished the night with two slices of some of the best post-show pizza you will ever taste (at Tony’s).

Today?

Dum Dum Girls
The Kooks
Jagwar Ma
Christopher Owens
Local Natives
Deer Tick
Haim -- ONLY because my kids insist!
Vance Joy -- my counter-programming to Haim
Death Cab for Cutie
Duck Sauce
Boys Noize
Macklemore -- yes, instead of Tom Petty -- a very difficult Sophie’s Choice for me ...

More later ...

5 Questions With VideoInk Founder Jocelyn Johnson - My Exclusive Q&A

VideoInk is an important new information resource for all things digital video.  This hot NYC-based digital publication describes itself as being “a Deadline/Variety for online video dedicated to breaking news and deals -- deal makers, deal mechanics, and deal outcomes, as well as critical reviews, CEO/company profiles, industry roundups, and big picture trend stories.”  For those in or circling anywhere around the world of digital video (such as me), VideoInk has become standard equipment to my day -- a regular companion with me and my coffee in the wee hours (both dawn and dusk).

Jocelyn Johnson founded VideoInk with deep focus and from an entrepreneur’s perspective.  She “gets” it, because she lives it.  She is a real entrepreneur.  Here are her answers to my five questions -- in her own voice -- and without any edits.  AND NOTE that, today, she turns the tables on me as well -- VideoInk today published my responses to their completely different set of 5 questions. 

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

Having worked with traditional Hollywood companies and the Hollywood trades, I saw that the online video industry was being held back by not having a dedicated trade that would surface the many, many deals that were being done, hold people and companies accountable for those deals, serve as a barometer of the overall health of the industry, and educate the next generation of executives climbing the ranks or breaking into this business. 

I also thought that this industry was starting to mature in a way that wasn't represented accurately by the 3 stories a week that Variety would file on "Digital". 

Most importantly, though, the money is on the periphery so how could brands, investors, and traditional Hollywood make educated investments if they had no real source of knowledge on the video business?

(2) How are you different from your competitors?

It's interesting because we don't really have a direct competitor, we're deeper and smarter on Digital than the traditional trades and we're 24 to 48 hours ahead of others on 90% of our stories. Since we launched in April, we also saw that our loose competitive set has been cut in half because we've hustled to really own this category. We've also been told that our newsletter is one of the only that our subscribers actually like getting in the morning. That just makes me beam, because it means we're doing what we set out to do - provide great value for this fast-growing community. 

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

We'll succeed because we (my editorial director Sahil Patel and I) are invested in seeing this industry grow and we have seen that our work in 15 months has really had an impact and served as a daily resource in keeping everyone smart in their jobs. That is meaningful for us. We're also both very passionate about the digital video business. We're both fascinated by its immense growth. I've found it incredibly fun to watch the ebbs and flows over the years and can't wait to watch (and participate in!) the convergence of digital and "traditional."

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

This might sound cliche but I think the fact that I have always been a "long distance" athlete - I swam long distance, I was also a long distance runner for years - caused me to be hardwired for hard work but more importantly patience, dedication, and for going the distance. Even though you're feeling like you're getting your ass kicked at times, Mile 1 is very different from Mile 2 etc but it's about staying strong and working the long tail while thinking about the short term means to the end. That mentality has definitely woven its way into my professional life as well as personal.   

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

Most interesting to me is seeing the diversity of technology companies emerging in video in response to mobile and social viewing habits and how that will accelerate the collision of digital and Old Hollywood. But the biggest problem I wish we could solve already is the measurement issue - digital, mobile, TV are different beasts but there needs to be a baseline comparison for audience reach. The least interesting -- branded entertainment. ​