Posts tagged Adam Wescott
With all of the recent attention being paid to YouTube multi-channel networks (MCNs), I want to share my personal opinion on the topic.
My first encounter with YouTube was from a privileged perspective: I launched eleven channels for Comcast Entertainment Group (E!, Style, G4). As an established media company with a wealth of video content, YouTube recognized our potential on their platform and rolled out the red carpet.
As I developed the network of Comcast channels, YouTube shared their inner-workings and even developed new functions specifically for us.
After leaving Comcast, I worked with independent Creators on YouTube including Phil DeFranco and Toby Turner for “CuteWinFail.” I quickly learned not all channels received the same attention and privileges of Comcast. Independent YouTubers were struggling to handle the many requirements of producing and publishing original video regularly—let alone actual monetizing it!
This is where networks like Machinima and Maker stepped in. They offered consistent revenue for Creators and allowed them to do what they love while making a standard CPM.
Today, the platform and the Creators have greatly evolved and, now, so must the networks. The land grab of channels is over. Even Maker and Machinima admittedly are refocusing their businesses on targeted categories (ie Comedy, Style, Gaming, Mothers, etc). I have great respect for my friends at BigFrame who emphasize the importance of nurturing and managing their talent as well as building a network of channels.
In my newest role at PMC Studios, I’m identifying talent and brands that have growth potential on and off YouTube. Again, I’m in the privileged position of working for an established media company who is not reliant on YouTube. Instead, our approach is targeted and long-term. I’m committed to 100% transparency and always work with our partners to identify exactly what their needs are—now and as they evolve.
If anything the recent news of Ray William Johnson’s exit from Maker Studio is long overdue. There have been many exits before Ray—but much less public. Ray’s exit signifies a changing of the tides in which networks must truly justify their business and offerings to independent Creators on YouTube.
The network model will only continue to thrive as YouTube updates it’s design and focus towards premium content. Networks empower Creators by combining reach and providing resources they would not be able to fund on their own.
The YouTube and online video industry has made huge strides over the past few years. 2013 will no doubt bring even more change to our fun, young, and ultimately content-based industry. Here’s to the continued evolution of quality and consistency in online video!
This week I attended another successful Digital Hollywood event. I had the pleasure of sitting on a panel with my accomplished peers (listed below).
I was particularly excited to hear from “Jimmy Kimmel Live” EP Doug Deluca. For those of you that have seen my YouTube Clean-Up and Optimization Tips deck, I often use the Jimmy Kimmel channel as an example of how to do it right.
The biggest takeaway from the “New Hollywood Equation” panel is the reassurance that we no longer need to validate why online video is important. We know it is. Now, it’s all about figuring out which models work and, ultimately, what generates the most revenue. We all have slightly different approaches to what we’re producing and distributing, but we’re all empowered to create the best content possible.
Bruce Gersh, President-CEO, FishBowl WorldWide Media
Doug Deluca, co- executive producer, Jimmy Kimmel Live
Kristin Jones, Chief Creative Officer, Vuguru
Dan Goodman, co-founder, Believe Entertainment Group, The LeBrons, In the Booth with Tiësto
Adam S. Wescott, Vice President of Network Development, PMC Studios
Zack Smith, VP, Branded Content, Generate/Alloy Digital
Sarah Passe, Business Development Executive, Creative Artists Agency (CAA)
Mark J. Kapczynski, Chief Operating Officer, Kontrol Media, Moderator
Photo Credits: David Beebe (FishBowl Worldwide Media)/Kevin Winston (DigitalLA)
Ready, Set, Rachel! Rachel won Beauty Vlogger Boot Camp (Season One) so it’s extra validating to see her succeed and become part of the u look haute and YouTube community. To kick it all off, we did a LIVE Google+ Hangout. It may be a web series to begin with…but producing a live episode of anything is still exhilarating, exciting—and exhausting! It’s fascinating to hear from our fans in real time. Check out the episode and our great shout-outs (including USA Today) below:
Premiere Episode:
USA Today’s “TV on the Web” Feature:
Check out EXAMINER.com article, click HERE.
Also, got a shout-out for Lauren Conrad’s Crafty Creations on Tubefilter, click HERE.
Here’s an interview I did back in April. It’s all about my favorite subject…me! I talk about launching ‘u look haute’ and how I got my start in digital. Check it out:
What a ride! Developing and executive producing Beauty Vlogger Boot Camp, Season 1 has been a whirlwind. This was my first online reality competition series. Previously, I’ve mostly worked on and produced comedy or studio-based, topical hosted series.
This series was developed and pre-produced in less than a month (led by our amazing producer, Emily Delaney Pedante). Casting alone typically takes six or more weeks on this type of show…but we had a hard premiere date of April 3, 2012 based on our partnership with YouTube (YouTube Original Partners Program).
Lucky for us, the pieces fell into place and we spent several days shooting the core challenge episodes in a North Hollywood studio. Our amazing post production team (aka Cameron Haslett!) pulled off a small miracle and our first episode set the pace for a memorable first season.
After the premiere, we stepped back and determined best ways to stretch the series for as long as possible. We were lucky enough to shoot original episodes with guest stars like Shane Dawson and add in a Bloopers and Playback episode.
Now, after 18 episodes, more than 85 total videos and 7 hours of content, I’m thrilled to unveil the finale of season one and our Boot Camp winner:
Stay tuned for details of Season Two coming very soon…
To re-watch Beauty Vlogger Boot Camp from the beginning, visit u look haute.
