Natalie Kocekian

This past year has been one of my absolute favorites. We were a part of so many awesome campaigns, but more importantly, we built an incredible team that I couldn’t be prouder of. As much as I love working with our talents, building something special with our team—alongside Karim Rekik and Herman Korsunov—has meant just as much to me. In 2024, while many agencies left the scene and others joined, we grew and thrived as a team. That growth is a testament to what we’re building: something truly special with a people-first mindset. Quick shoutout to our amazing team: Louis-Philippe Dalpé and Marie Dalpé – This duo has quickly become one of the most potent forces in the gaming realm. Watching their impact grow has been incredible, and I don't think there is a better duo in the gaming industry. Lana Yuen and Cin – These two have truly shown what it means to give your all. Lana, in particular, has redefined what being a good agent looks like, continuously proving to talents with bad past experiences that there’s a better way to be an agent. Lana and Cin have worked on some insane collabs such as Netflix, Yahoo, and TikTok. Justin Williams, Nickolas S., and Dawson Lippert – These three embody collaboration, always going above and beyond for each other and the team. It’s been inspiring to witness. Robbie Tee and Mars Chow – They always prioritize their talents’ needs, even when it’s not about paid collabs. Their commitment to showing that agencies can do so much more than brand deals is unmatched. Janson Nepomuceno and Brent B. – Just starting their agent journeys, they’ve already signed massive talents and closed deals with big brands like Amazon Prime Video. The future is bright for these two. Andrew Thomas, Alexis Jacques-De Vries, and Hakan Urgancioglu – This trio is building one of the most unique and fun rosters in the space. Andrew has also recently just started, but his work ethic shows through to the team every single day. They’ve signed amazing talents like Semi Stupid and continue to expand their YouTube roster of Platinum Trophy hunters. 2025 is going to be massive for them. Aria Calligaris, Monica Falcos, and Matthew Sosnowski – Though not technically in our division, their support for our team this year has been invaluable. Their care and dedication to everyone cannot be overstated. 2024 was incredible, and I’m so excited to see what’s in store for us this year!

38

22 Comments

Please join us this Friday, April 26th, at 10 am PDT for a special episode of Virtual Producer! We'll be chatting with Bryan Pratte about Hallway, creator of Avatars supercharged with artificial intelligence. Please reserve your spot on the event page now and join us live! You can answer questions, network and comment, and we'll reply live during the show. If you're at all interested in the possibilities of AI, this is the episode for you. And here's the event link for more details: https://lnkd.in/gyHT8nEn #virtualproduction #linkedinlive #generativeai #artificialintelligence

39

This week at IAB #NewFronts our team was excited to launch Roblox's video ad product out of beta and bring it to all advertisers! Reach tens of millions of those hard to reach Gen Zers where they're spending their time (nearly 2.5 hours a day to be exact). Maybe you're thinking "Video ads? I know all about video ads". BUT you might not know about #Roblox video ads. Our video ads are different - they're unobtrusive. They're triggered by the user who intentionally chooses to interact with them and they're placed within Roblox experiences by the experience creators, ensuring they're authentic to the creator's experience. This strategy helps to make sure our users have a valuable interaction with your brand's message, not one that frustrates them or they don't pay attention to. Via a new study conducted by Latitude, it was found that 75% of Roblox users said they are more likely to notice brands that advertised on Roblox vs. elsewhere. In a time when a viewer's attention span and recall are shorter than ever, that's pretty huge! See the full study's results here: https://lnkd.in/eWVs559C Stay up to date on all things Roblox for Brands by signing up for our newsletter: https://bit.ly/rblxfrbrnds #advertising #metaverse #digitalmarketing #genz #immersiveadvertising #gaming

58

1 Comment

When I worked at Sony Pictures Entertainment, my department implemented what they called ROWE. ROWE stands for Results Only Work Environment. My SVP liked to say that it just means treating people like adults. 💁🏻‍♀️ Rather than micromanaging people and expecting them to be at their desk to show their output, we would measure people on their output or results. 📝 This meant it was less about the amount of time it took to work on something ⏱️ and more about whether it got done and at what level the deliverable turned out. 💾💿💻 Now, people didn't get punished for being efficient. Now, people didn't get questioned for leaving early, taking a long lunch, or coming in late. ROWE was way ahead of its time. Since I started working for myself at Imaginit, LLC, I've begun to embody ROWE. I'm slowly starting to learn how to move with the ebbs and flows of work. 🌊 I'm slowly starting to learn how to take advantage of the slow times to get ahead on things like marketing, focus on sales, or just take a break. This doesn't mean I work any less, but that I'm learning to work WITH the level of work rather than trying to force it into a boxed time frame. While I haven't fully stepped out of the "corporate" environment of being at my desk during a set number of hours during the day, I'm owning the flexibility and of my job as part of my life more and more each day. ⚖️ And not surprisingly, I'm really loving it! If you have any advice on how to work more flexibly with the ups and downs of work as a freelancer or consultant, please share in the comments! I love to learn from others and see what works for me. #ROWE #ResultsOriented #Entrepreneurship

26

1 Comment

Last week, I had the privilege of opening WongDoody's exclusive AI event with a presentation on how GenAI is revolutionizing production and brand communication. Speaking from my background as a producer, I explained how GenAI bridges the gap between traditional workflows and AI-powered scalability, enabling brands to maintain creative control while achieving operational efficiency. One of my main topics was the potential of AI-Humans to provide scalable and adaptable solutions for e-commerce in the retail and fashion industries. And I asked an essential question: How can we ensure that AI-generated content, which is visually indistinguishable from reality, is aligned with consumer expectations and brand values? Based on the results of our study “AI-Humans in Brand Communication”, I provided actionable recommendations for balancing innovation and responsibility. The discussions and shared enthusiasm for the possibilities of GenAI this evening were really inspiring.   A big thank you to the organizing team Ulrike Stierle, Aileen Dewitz, Ann-Kristin Beyer and to the speakers for their insights Andrea Hendrickx Simon Umbreit Dennis Dünnwald Giampiero Riggio Michael Duldner Janine Nemec Holger Reuss Wolfgang Würth. And to the guests for driving such an open and meaningful dialog. I look forward to the new opportunities as we are just at the beginning. If you’d like to learn more, check out my latest interview with DMEXCO - Digital Marketing Expo & Conference: https://lnkd.in/ef5Gpkjw. You will find the download for the study here: https://lnkd.in/eb4aYXeR #Wongdoody #AIEvent #GenAI #Innovation #AIHumans #GenAIContentProduction #FutureOfProduction #GenAISolutions #DigitalTwin #eCommerce #futureproofedmarketing #bewatermyfriend

64

3 Comments

Deepna Devkar, Ph.D. what a treat having you on the podcast! If you’ve ever wondered what goes into building your personalised experience on Max, this is the episode for you. Tune in to hear from one of the minds leading the build of the platform experience!

52

3 Comments

[ #Musicbiz #HowTo #DJs ] The great thing about DJs is most of us are producers / music makers + we play each other's tracks - but with no proper way of attribution or royalty collection from that activity. I am sorry to hear about the demise of Aslice which sought to account + pay royalties for DJ play of tracks in club / festival / performance environments. We should be able to track DJ play of tracks in that world but also online. I wrote this piece about how producers can monitor for inclusion of their tracks in DJ mixes. https://lnkd.in/gvdfb4DK

4

See what leaders in the community are saying about EmpoweringHumanityTV.com, founded by my amazing mentor, Aimmee Kodachian. “I am so grateful to be part of this enlightening initiative. Empowering Humanity Show brings together the leaders in the community and awakens people. It raises awareness about intentional living and empowers people to follow their truth. Our community needs a lot of light and this show helps bring it to Humanity.” ~Ava Mucikyan, Founder and Owner of The Salt Room in Las Vegas. Click here https://shorturl.at/iTl2H and learn powerful insights, unique techniques, and wisdom from some of the top experts in their fields. Watch NOW!

1

NunnBetter Entertainment Acquires YG Ad Network to Empower Content Creators and Website Owners June 12, 2024 – NunnBetter Entertainment is excited to announce the acquisition of YG Ad Network, a leading firm in digital advertising solutions. This strategic move aims to provide innovative tools and services that enable the average person or creator to monetize their websites and content, weather it be Independent films, Podcast,Social media influencers, TV shows, music videos effectively. With YG Ad Network expertise in targeted advertising, NunnBetter Entertainment will offer a seamless experience for content creators, helping them maximize their revenue potential. This acquisition underscores NunnBetter Entertainment's commitment to supporting the digital creator economy and fostering sustainable growth for online businesses. "By integrating YG Ad Networks cutting-edge technology and advertising solutions, we are empowering individuals to transform their passion into profit," said Greg Nunn, CEO of NunnBetter Entertainment. "This partnership marks a significant step forward in our mission to democratize digital monetization." Creators and website owners can look forward to a suite of robust tools designed to enhance user engagement, optimize ad placements, and drive higher earnings. NunnBetter Entertainment remains dedicated to providing top-notch support and innovative solutions in the ever-evolving digital landscape. --- About NunnBetter Entertainment NunnBetter Entertainment is a premier entertainment company dedicated to delivering high-quality content and innovative solutions for creators worldwide. With a focus on creativity and technology, NunnBetter Entertainment aims to empower individuals and businesses to thrive in the digital age. About YG Ad Network YG Ad Network specializes in digital advertising and monetization strategies, offering advanced solutions to help clients maximize their online revenue. Known for their expertise and cutting-edge technology, YG Ad Network is a trusted partner for businesses and creators seeking effective advertising solutions.

4

2 Comments

Disney is about to merge Hulu+Live, their VMVPD, with Fubo - and here’s my take: When Bob Iger surprised the street in November by announcing a $1B profitability target from their direct to consumer businesses, he said “from SVOD”. At the time I thought they were leaving hulu+live out because it may lose money stand-alone, but it pays significant fees to Disney’s cable channels, plus having hulu+ live gives them significant leverage against third-party MVPDs in carriage negotiations. I now see there was more to the story. Seems to be a great outcome for Disney and the team at Fubo in several ways: 1. The parties settled the litigation between Venu's shareholders (Disney, Fox, WBD) and Fubo, allowing Venu to proceed. The Venu owners will pay $220m to Fubo, and Disney will additionally offer a $145m term loan, significantly improving Fubo's financial flexibility (Fubo had $223m in cash and receivables as of 9/30). 2. Notably, only Disney and the current Fubo shareholders will be on the cap table, not WBD or Fox, which suggests their share of the $220m payment was purely litigation-related. 3. The combined Fubo / hulu+live, when the deal closes (12-18 months) will be the 2nd largest vMVPDD (to YouTube) and 6th largest MVPD (behind Spectrum, xFinity, DirecTV, YouTube, Dish) 4. The street is loving the deal: Fubo's market cap is up over 3x on the news, to near $500m (of which $220m will be straight cash to the bottom line via the litigation settlement). But Disney is also up by 1.2% (~$2.4bn in extra market cap), as are Fox (+1.7%, extra ~$400m) and WBD (+2.3%, ~$600m in extra market cap). The S&P500 is up 1%, all numbers as of approx 12:30 ET

52

3 Comments

California Production Coalition: Fighting to Keep Hollywood Filming in California. https://lnkd.in/g-BtDZgq Entertainment Partners is excited to be part of the California Production Coalition to ensure California remains THE place to film! California has phenomenal resources and over 100 years of experience in productions. Excited to see this coalition being launched today! It's very important to note, Productions in California bring high-paying jobs and economic activity to every part of our state. And I'm proud to be part of the fight to protect that. Are you ready to join the fight for film, TV, and streaming production in California?   Along with nearly early three dozen film, television, and streaming production businesses and associations have formed the California Production Coalition to advocate for policies that strengthen California’s film industry. It’s a pleasure to be working alongside other businesses to improve conditions for filming in our home state. The group, including members like the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Television City Studios, and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, aims to address declining production activity, which has been slow to recover after the pandemic and last year’s strikes.   Representing prop houses, equipment leasing firms, payroll companies and other service providers, the coalition is focused on expanding California’s film tax credit program. Their first priority: supporting Gov. Gavin Newsom’s proposal to increase the annual program from $330M to $750M. This expansion could boost local jobs and revenue, building on the $961.5M in tax revenue and over 110,000 jobs supported by the credit between 2015 and 2020, per the LAEDC.   The coalition, which began organizing last summer, aims to educate policymakers and the public on the benefits of keeping productions in-state. They also advocate for reducing red tape to make California more competitive with rivals like Georgia, New Mexico, Canada, the UK and Australia.   With production volumes down 17% globally and reality TV shoots in Los Angeles declining by 56%, coalition members warn of the economic ripple effects on businesses that rely on a thriving production ecosystem.   The coalition’s mission: ensure that Hollywood’s legacy and economic contributions remain rooted in California, while creating a stronger, more competitive future for the state’s film and TV industry.   https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ https://lnkd.in/gxXi4BuQ Entertainment Partners #CaliforniaProductionCoalition #CaliforniaFilmIndustry #TaxCredits #Hollywood #jobs

26

3 Comments

Are Spotify's new minimum listening requirements a step forward or backward for music streaming? 🎧 In the latest episode of our Music Trends video series, industry expert Ed Eschleman unpacks the latest changes in Spotify's royalty structures and how it impacts the future of music streaming. 📽️ Catch the rest of his valuable insights here: https://lnkd.in/gB2wAvvu #MusicIndustry #MusicBusiness #Streaming #Spotify

1

𝗠𝗮𝘅'𝘀 𝗔𝘀𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻: 𝗔 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲-𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗽𝗲! Warner Bros. Discovery's announcement of Max's launch in Southeast Asia marks a significant milestone in the region's streaming market. By bringing together a diverse range of content under one umbrella, Max offers a compelling value proposition for Asian audiences. The Growing Demand for OTT in Southeast Asia: The appetite for streaming content in Southeast Asia is rapidly increasing. With a large and young population, the region presents a lucrative market for OTT platforms. Max's entry into this market is expected to intensify competition and drive innovation. Capitalizing on the Asian Opportunity: If you're looking to launch your own streaming platform in Southeast Asia, now is the time. With Muvi One, you can create a world-class streaming service tailored to the region's preferences. Muvi One Offers: 👍Customization: Create a platform that resonates with Asian audiences by offering content in local languages and with captions. 👍Seamless user experience: Deliver a smooth and intuitive viewing experience across devices. 👍Robust content management: Easily manage your content library and curate playlists for targeted recommendations. 👍Monetization flexibility: Explore various revenue models, including subscriptions, advertising, and in-app purchases. Ready to Make Your Mark in Southeast Asia? Start your free 14-day trial of Muvi One today and discover how our platform can help you launch a successful streaming service in the region. 👉 https://lnkd.in/gbf_tUwE Source: Advanced Television #OTT #Streaming #SoutheastAsia #Max #MuviOne #PlatformLaunch

1

The indie film streaming landscape is fragmented across platforms like Mubi, Criterion Channel, and Shudder, making it challenging for audiences to find content easily. A unified “super streamer” could be the solution, aggregating independent films in one place. This could boost market reach, simplify discovery, and offer more consistent revenue for indie filmmakers, creating a win-win for both consumers and creators in the independent film industry.

7

1 Comment

The week that includes the July 4 holiday is usually a big one for streaming services — but it’s never been as big as this year. Nielsen’s streaming content ratings show the week of July 1-7 as the biggest one ever since the measurement firm began regularly tracking streaming several years ago. TV users spent 313 billion minutes on streaming platforms for the week, and for the first time, every entrant in the top 10 overall titles had at least 1 billion minutes of viewing. The top 10 was led by Netflix’s movie Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which premiered July 3 and had 2.05 billion minutes of viewing. Suits (1.5 billion minutessurged back into the top 10 after the show’s final season made its Netflix debut; it had been exclusive to Peacock during last year’s record-breaking run. House of the Dragon set its second series high in the past three weeks with 1.3 billion minutes of viewing on Max (which doesn’t include any on-air viewing on HBO). Your Honor (1.23 billion minutes on Netflix and Paramount+) continued its strong summer, and The Bear (1.21 billion minutes on Hulu) lost almost none of its series record audience from the prior week.

3

🎶 In a record-setting year for the music industry, sales of recorded music in the U.S. soared to $17.1 billion in 2023. Streaming led the charge with 84%, while vinyl saw double-digit growth. Discover more about the music boom and the changing landscape from the latest RIAA report. https://lnkd.in/ghEaTMYY #MusicIndustry

1

Another round of excitement and rebirths to emerge from #Hollywood as #Paramount, the original producer of #thegodfather seeks to re-create itself as a creative-tech hybrid. I am curious to see what the meat on those bones, given the tendency for large companies to use technology at its edges rather than making it a core operational focus. The fact they have now referenced #directoconsumer, #AI, and even #layoffs suggests that they are looking at the right things and understand the difficult challenges for legacy companies to compete in the new era. The fact that David Ellison's father is CEO of Oracle and is part of the deal makes these claims a little more credible. Expect to see more of these #spins as those left reeling from the #streamingwars find their next footing. #innovation

24

3 Comments