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The intersection of sports and entertainment: A new era of storytelling
In a marketplace dominated by social media, streaming, and celebrities, sports and entertainment have never been more aligned. Streamers across the board are clamoring for live sports to pair with their original content, and athletes of all disciplines and genders can rocket to international fame with a single post.
To examine the growing nexus of sports, media, and entertainment, Variety & Sportico held the Sports & Entertainment Summit, presented by City National Bank, on July 12 at the Beverly Hilton. The summit brought together agents, executives, and athletes to discuss fan engagement, the rise of women’s sports, the state of the art in presenting live games, and much more.
Keynote conversation with Jay Williams
Jay Williams, Chairman and Co-Founder, Improbable Media and ESPN Analyst
In January, ESPN anchor Jay Williams and NBA Champion Giannis Antetokounmpo founded Improbable Media with the mission to reinvent storytelling in the world of sports. Rather than focus on the circumstances around athletes, Williams and Antetokounmpo want to uplift stories about the athletes themselves.
Williams sat down with SVP and head of sports and family office banking at City National Bank Todd Burach to discuss how Improbable Media is changing the narrative around athletes.
In February, Improbable Media released one of their first major projects with Amazon, “Giannis: The Marvelous Journey,” a documentary around Antetokounmpo’s journey to the NBA. Features like “The Marvelous Journey” are only the beginning for Williams, and he hopes to extend more opportunities to tell their stories to athletes across the globe.
“I can only imagine [Giannis’] mom and dad being from Nigeria, and being born and raised in Greece as an illegal immigrant and growing up that way for 16-17 years. Then, all of a sudden, becoming really good at basketball, and the next day, he and his family, who have been hiding for so long, take a picture with the Prime Minister of Greece. And he’s the face of Greece basketball,” Williams said. “He just qualified for the Olympics the other day. He’s going to be the flag bearer for Greece…so we are excited for him and expanding that to other athletes is one of our goals.”
Breakthrough sports storytelling across platforms
Therese Andrews, Head of Production, Omaha Productions
Angela Ellis, VP of Original Content & Entertainment, NFL Media
Marc Gilbar, President of Imagine Brands, Imagine Entertainment
Dave Easton, Head of Sports, Comedy, Topical and Alternative Programming, Wondery
Angel McCoughtry, WNBA star and 2-time Olympic Gold Medalist
Jim Rome, Sports Commentator & Host, “The Jim Rome Show”
Michelle Beadle (Moderator), Host of “Beadle & Decker” on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel
Engaging stories are the center of success for any media or entertainment company, whether in film or sports.
Head of production at Omaha Productions Therese Andrews, VP of original content and entertainment at NFL Media Angela Ellis, host of “The Jim Rome Show” Jim Rome, head of sports, comedy, topical and alternative programming at Wondery Dave Easton, WNBA athlete Angel McCoughtry and president of Imagine Brands at Imagine Entertainment Marc Gilbar sat down with host of “Beadle & Decker” on SiriusXM’s Mad Dog Sports Radio channel Michelle Beadle to discuss the intersection of storytelling and sports.
For Rome, the biggest challenge for “The Jim Rome Show” is to find content that appeals to a global market. The answer to this problem is to find universal voices and stories that can connect to all audiences regardless of where they come from.
“How do you appeal to everyone with one single show? The answer was to find transcendent figures, find transcendent stories, and find things that are entertaining and smart,” Rome said. “What do I want to talk about? I want to find a way to entertain as many people as possible while, at the same time, creating value for the people I work for and our brand partners.”
Conversation with John Dahl & Ryan Blaney
John Dahl, SVP Content, NASCAR
Ryan Blaney, 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Driver of the No. 12 Ford for Team Penske
Sports and documentaries have been tightly intertwined for decades. The film medium has been used to cover stories of underdogs and superstars in flicks like “Hoop Dreams,” “Icarus” and “Free Solo.” In recent years, Netflix has transformed the genre for the age of streaming, creating captivating series from an age-old formula with shows like “F1: Drive to Survive” and “Cheer.”
As part of Variety and Sportico’s Sports and Entertainment Summit, John Dahl, SVP of content at NASCAR and Ryan Blaney, driver of the No.12 Ford for Team Penske and 2023 NASCAR Cup Series Champion, sat down with Sportico deputy editor Eben Novy-Williams to discuss the success of the Netflix docuseries, “NASCAR: Full Speed.”
The five-episode docuseries chronicles the seasons of NASCAR’s 15 teams and their pursuit of the Cup Series Championship. Dahl, an 11-time Emmy winner and executive producer of “The Last Dance,” says one of the biggest successes of “Full Speed” was its ability to “cut through” and reach viewers beyond NASCAR’s dedicated fan base.
“It reaches outside the normal NASCAR world, where the fanbase is so strong and so dedicated to their favorite drivers,” Dahl said. “Netflix helps you reach a new audience. That’s why NASCAR brought me aboard, to help grow the sport through storytelling and content to reach new audiences that I believe we can reach.”
Scoring all-important Gen Z sports fans
Heidi Browning Pearson, SVP and Chief Marketing Officer of the NHL
Paul Heyman, WWE Hall of Famer
Anmol Malhotra, Head of Sports and Media Partnerships at Snap Inc.
Camille Maratchi, VP of Unscripted and Documentaries at SpringHill Entertainment
Nick Kelly, VP of Partnerships at Verizon
With the NHL airing games featuring Warner Brothers characters and Nickelodeon streaming a SpongeBob-centric Superbowl broadcast, it is clear that sports marketers and media companies are monitoring the younger generation.
As part of Variety and Sportico’s Sports and Entertainment Summit, SVP and chief marketing officer of the NHL Heidi Browning Pearson, WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman, head of sports and media partnerships at Snap Inc. Anmol Malhotra, VP of unscripted and documentaries at SpringHill Entertainment Camille Maratchi and VP of partnerships at Verizon Nick Kelly sat down with Sportico deputy editor Eben Novy-Williams to discuss how they are reaching an emerging Gen Z audience.
The NHL youth advisory board, aka the NHL Power Players, was inspired by an 11-year-old girl who wrote a letter to Pearson promising she could help “market to the next generation” of fans. After inviting her into the office and listening to her thoughts, Pearson realized the NHL needed to start reaching young fans “in the right spaces and places.”
“[NHL Power Players] is a group of 25 13 to 17-year-olds. We refresh every season and we have around 1,500 applications a season,” Pearson said. “We meet with them twice a month and we talk about everything. It’s not just hockey, it’s about sports, media, content, culture, music and social justice. What I learned is that all the research studies we have… are fantastic, but the nuance really comes from meeting with these kids.”
Keynote conversation
Paige Bueckers, UConn Huskies
Lindsay Kagawa Colas, EVP, Talent + The Collective
Paige Bueckers has skyrocketed to fame as a standout player for the UConn Huskies, and her journey is a testament to the power of storytelling in sports. Bueckers, alongside Lindsay Kagawa Colas, EVP of Talent + The Collective, shared insights into how athletes can leverage their platforms to tell compelling stories that resonate with fans and inspire the next generation.
Reflecting on the summit, it becomes clear that the future of sports and entertainment lies in the ability to tell stories that transcend the game itself. Whether through documentaries, live broadcasts, or social media, the narrative around athletes and their journeys continues to captivate audiences worldwide. As we move forward, the challenge will be to find new and innovative ways to connect with fans and keep the spirit of sports alive in an ever-evolving media landscape.Movies and TV series: A deep dive into the evolving landscape
The world of movies and TV series is ever-evolving, with new trends, technologies, and talents constantly reshaping the landscape. This article delves into the latest developments, highlighting key films and series, and offering personal reflections and detailed analysis.
The rise of streaming platforms
In recent years, streaming platforms have revolutionized how we consume content. Services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ have not only provided a vast library of movies and TV series but have also ventured into producing original content. This shift has given rise to some of the most talked-about shows and films of the decade.
One such example is “Stranger Things” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/stranger-things), a Netflix original that has captivated audiences with its nostalgic 80s vibe and thrilling storyline. The main cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder, has become household names, and the series has garnered a massive fanbase worldwide.
The impact of original content
Original content has allowed streaming platforms to differentiate themselves and attract subscribers. Amazon Prime Video’s “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-marvelous-mrs-maisel) is a prime example. Starring Rachel Brosnahan, Tony Shalhoub, and Alex Borstein, the series has won numerous awards and accolades for its witty writing and stellar performances.
Similarly, Disney+ has made a significant impact with its original series “The Mandalorian” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/the-mandalorian). Featuring Pedro Pascal in the lead role, the show has expanded the Star Wars universe and introduced the world to the adorable Baby Yoda, officially known as Grogu.
The resurgence of classic genres
While new content is essential, there’s also been a resurgence of classic genres. Horror, for instance, has seen a revival with films like “A Quiet Place” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/a-quiet-place) and “Hereditary” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/hereditary). These films have redefined the genre, focusing on psychological terror and emotional depth rather than just jump scares.
“A Quiet Place,” directed by John Krasinski and starring Emily Blunt, has been praised for its innovative use of sound and silence. On the other hand, “Hereditary,” featuring Toni Collette, has been lauded for its intense and unsettling atmosphere.
The influence of international cinema
International cinema has also made significant strides, with films like “Parasite” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/parasite) breaking barriers and winning prestigious awards. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, “Parasite” became the first non-English language film to win the Academy Award for Best Picture. The film’s cast, including Song Kang-ho and Choi Woo-shik, delivered powerful performances that resonated with audiences globally.
Similarly, Spanish series “Money Heist” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/money-heist) has gained a massive following on Netflix. The show’s intricate plot and charismatic characters, portrayed by actors like Álvaro Morte and Úrsula Corberó, have made it a global phenomenon.
The future of movies and TV series
As we look to the future, it’s clear that the landscape of movies and TV series will continue to evolve. Advances in technology, such as virtual reality and augmented reality, promise to offer new ways of experiencing content. Additionally, the rise of artificial intelligence in content creation could lead to more personalized viewing experiences.
Moreover, the increasing focus on diversity and representation in Hollywood is likely to bring more varied and inclusive stories to the forefront. Films like “Black Panther” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/black-panther) and series like “Pose” (https://trailers.movieetv.com/search/pose) have already set the stage for this change, and it’s exciting to see what the future holds.
Personal reflections
As a movie and TV series enthusiast, it’s fascinating to witness these changes. The shift towards streaming platforms has made content more accessible, allowing me to explore a wider range of genres and international films. The resurgence of classic genres and the rise of original content have also provided fresh and innovative storytelling.
Moreover, the increasing focus on diversity and representation has made me more hopeful about the future of the industry. It’s heartening to see stories that reflect different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, making the world of movies and TV series richer and more inclusive.
the landscape of movies and TV series is in a constant state of flux, driven by technological advancements, changing viewer preferences, and a growing emphasis on diversity. As we continue to explore new content and revisit classic genres, one thing is certain: the magic of storytelling will always find a way to captivate and inspire us.Exploring the magic of movies and TV series: A journey through the screen
In the ever-evolving world of entertainment, movies and TV series have become more than just a pastime; they are a cultural phenomenon that shapes our perceptions, emotions, and even our identities. This article delves into the captivating realm of the screen, exploring the magic that movies and TV series bring into our lives. With insights from some of the most beloved actors and actresses, we will uncover the secrets behind their success and the impact of their work on audiences worldwide.
The allure of the silver screen: Why we love movies
Movies have a unique ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke a wide range of emotions, and tell stories that resonate with our deepest desires and fears. From the heart-pounding action of superhero blockbusters to the tear-jerking drama of romantic films, there is something for everyone in the world of cinema.
One of the most anticipated films of the year is “Dune,” starring Timothée Chalamet and Zendaya. This epic science fiction film, directed by Denis Villeneuve, has captivated audiences with its stunning visuals and gripping storyline. Watch the trailer to get a glimpse of this cinematic masterpiece.
The power of storytelling in TV series
TV series have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment, offering long-form storytelling that allows for deeper character development and more intricate plotlines. Shows like “Stranger Things” and “Game of Thrones” have garnered massive followings, creating communities of fans who eagerly discuss theories and dissect every episode.
“Stranger Things,” featuring Millie Bobby Brown and Finn Wolfhard, has become a cultural phenomenon, blending elements of horror, science fiction, and 80s nostalgia. Watch the trailer to dive into the mysterious world of Hawkins, Indiana.
The impact of actors and actresses on the industry
Actors and actresses play a crucial role in bringing stories to life, and their performances can make or break a film or TV series. Their ability to embody characters and convey emotions is what draws us into the narrative and makes us care about the outcome.
Scarlett Johansson, known for her role as Black Widow in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, has become one of the most influential actresses in Hollywood. Her portrayal of Natasha Romanoff has inspired countless fans and solidified her status as a leading lady. Watch the trailer to see her in action.
The rise of streaming platforms
The advent of streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ has transformed the entertainment landscape, making it easier than ever to access a vast library of movies and TV series. This shift has also given rise to original content that pushes the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
One such example is “The Mandalorian,” a Star Wars spin-off series available on Disney+. Starring Pedro Pascal, this show has been praised for its innovative storytelling and stunning visual effects. Watch the trailer to embark on a journey through the Star Wars universe.
Personal reflections: The impact of movies and TV series on our lives
As a lifelong fan of movies and TV series, I have often found solace and inspiration in the stories they tell. Whether it’s the thrill of a high-stakes heist in “Ocean’s Eleven” or the heartwarming journey of self-discovery in “The Pursuit of Happyness,” these narratives have a way of resonating with our own experiences and aspirations.
The ability of movies and TV series to evoke empathy and understanding is perhaps their most powerful attribute. They allow us to see the world through different perspectives and connect with characters who may be vastly different from ourselves. This shared experience fosters a sense of community and reminds us of our shared humanity.
The future of entertainment: What lies ahead?
As technology continues to advance, the future of movies and TV series looks brighter than ever. Virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling are just a few of the innovations that promise to revolutionize the way we experience entertainment.
Imagine stepping into the shoes of your favorite character and navigating their world in a fully immersive environment. The possibilities are endless, and the potential for storytelling is boundless.
the magic of movies and TV series lies in their ability to transport us to different worlds, evoke powerful emotions, and tell stories that resonate with our deepest desires and fears. As we continue to explore the ever-evolving landscape of entertainment, one thing remains certain: the allure of the screen will always captivate our hearts and minds.
