Thinking Out Loud

What if you could see exactly where your content appears across every platform, device, and connected TV in the world? From compliance challenges to earned shelf space analytics, this conversation reveals the hidden levers powering success. In this episode, Lucas Bertrand, CEO & Co-founder of Looper Insights discusses how top Hollywood studios and global streamers are using placement analytics to drive performance, negotiate be...

In today’s saturated content market, capturing attention is no longer enough, brands must earn participation. In this episode, host Vicki Lins sits down with AMC Networks’ CMO Kim Granito to explore how the company turns fandom into a strategic asset. From franchise-building to cross-platform engagement, Kim reveals how AMC Networks blends data, instinct, and premium storytelling to create brand experie...

Diana Pessin, the marketing leader behind BritBox and host Vicki Lins discuss how BritBox is redefining British television for audiences globally through data-driven decisions to understand viewer preferences, the influence of fandom, how cultivating a passionate viewer base can drive engagement and brand loyalty, and innovative strategies that drive subscriber growth.

Outrageous, the hit BritBox Original, is now playing and exempl...

Guest Erick Opeka, President & Chief Strategy Officer at Cineverse, details the cutting-edge strategies shaping the future of entertainment. Erick breaks down Cineverse’s role as a full-service entertainment studio, their groundbreaking technology platform that’s revolutionizing content management, and the use of AI to optimize business. Tune in for Erick’s insights on the streaming-forward evolution of the industry and Cinever...

In a media landscape overflowing with choices, anime shines through with its distinct storytelling style that strongly resonates with audiences—especially Gen Z and Gen Alpha. Guest Gita Rebbapragada, Crunchyroll, and host Vicki Lins explore anime's compelling narratives and uncover why this genre creates such profound emotional connections. Discover how anime's storytelling is a powerful gateway to engage a loyal and expanding fan...

Columbia Business School Professor Sheena Iyengar is a leading expert in the study of choice. In this episode, host Vicki Lins delves into how the explosion of streaming services and the era of Peak TV have provided consumers with an unprecedented array of options, often leading to decision paralysis and choice overload. Together, they explore the paradox of choice and discuss ways to validate consumers’ decisions to keep them comi...

Guest, Marcien Jenckes, president of Xumo shares insights into their holistic approach aimed at captivating audiences and monetizing content through advertising. Xumo's strategy spans the distribution of streaming devices, collaborations with TV manufacturers, and the expansion of FAST channels. Their swift adoption underscores the platform's appeal and effectiveness in addressing the dynamic demands of consumers and operators alik...

Guest Kristin Dolan, CEO of AMC Networks, explores the dynamic trajectory of AMC Networks. Kristin shares her expertise in navigating the ever-changing media landscape by utilizing new technology, data, and information to engage diverse audiences through innovative distribution methods. Gain valuable perspectives on the challenges posed by content saturation and the influence of consolidation on media brands. Discover the success o...

Stephanie Fried, CMO of Fandom, reveals the behind-the-scenes strategies that have elevated Fandom to a global enthusiast hub. Learn about successful collaborations and how Fandom is reshaping the landscape of interactive fan experiences. This episode delves into cultivating engagement, leveraging fan-driven content for unique marketing opportunities, and exploring the dynamic intersection of community building and marketing. Explo...

In this episode, Colin Brady, Chief Creative Officer, AMGI studios, a visionary executive who has not only left his mark at Pixar, working on beloved classics like Toy Story and A Bug's Life, but has now ventured into the realm of gaming, bringing a groundbreaking new style of animation with him. We also explore the exciting frontier of using AI to craft personalized and immersive experiences, where technology becomes a tool to wea...

Get ready for a fascinating exploration of the intersection between influencers, television, brands, and technology that's shaping the future of entertainment. In this thought-provoking episode, host Vicki Lins and guests Jonathan Chanti and Paul Telner dive into how Viral Nation harnesses the power of artificial intelligence (AI) to protect both content creators and the brands they represent. And discover how influencers lend thei...

What does it take to succeed in an over-saturated streaming world? According to guest Michael Wright, head of MGM+, it’s focusing on quantity, quality, and value. Michael asserts today’s sophisticated audience determines within five minutes whether they will keep a subscription after the free trial by quickly assessing three important things. Host Vicki Lins and guest Michael Wright discuss chasing people over profit, their recent ...

Guest Stacy Jolna has a long career in changing how people watch TV. He was a founding executive for TiVo and most recently, the founder and CMO of Clix, a multi-platform streaming model. Jolna applies the three C’s to create new viewing experiences for the consumer – choice, control, and convenience. In our discussion, he explains how through human editorial curation and AI machine learning, Clix is providing a personal viewing ex...

As the Streaming Wars evolved, we witnessed business models pull apart, sending parties to their respective corners, all trying to figure out what’s next. It became clear global scale is necessary to stay competitive, making co-productions a priority. Host Vicki Lins and guest Rebecca Glashow, CEO of Global Distribution for BBC Studios, discuss several topics including how through co-productions and partnerships, we are witnessing ...

Erin Schmidt, chief product placement officer, BEN, is behind some of the most iconic brand placements, including James Bond switching his favorite drink to a Heineken, Ant-Man working in a Baskin Robbins, and Steve and Nancy from Stranger Things eating KFC’s finger-lickin'-good fried chicken. Erin and host Vicki Lins discuss how entertainment drives cultural conversations and how brand placements are supporting the creator economy...

Peak TV has hit a new peak where different points of convergence are driving diverse programming for consumption and streaming platforms have created a space to connect with new audiences. Guest Catherine Tait, the CEO of CBC, provides a glimpse into Canadian viewing habits, examples of how their content has successfully crossed borders, and how collaborations allow them to continue to compete in the content...

President & Chief Media Analyst of Variety’s Intelligence Platform, Andrew Wallenstein, recaps the trending topics of 2021 and predictions for 2022. Wallenstein and host Vicki Lins discuss navigating the three-dimensional metaverse experience; and its potential within entertainment, recent pandemic release strategy experimentations, what competing streaming services will have to do to get ahead and recent ...