An in-depth look at various business growth strategies involving leveraging your IP. In today’s market, it is clear that those who diversify their platforms can monetize across various sectors resulting in business growth and robust economic dividends. Our esteemed panelists; producers, CEOs, and executives, will share their successful IP expansion strategies and what their take is on current trends and predictions for 2020.
Moderator:
Jordan Pinto, Associate Editor, Playback
Panelists:
Mark Bishop | Co-Founder, Executive Producer, marblemedia
Mark Bishop is co-founder and executive producer at Toronto-based marblemedia, the award-winning, independent production company he started 19 years ago with best friend, Matt Hornburg. Together they have built the business into one of Canada’s leading and most respected indies, producing scripted and unscripted shows for primetime, family and kids’ audiences. marblemedia’s latest shows include global Netflix series Blown Away and Restaurants on the Edge. marblemedia also runs a successful YouTube channel, marbleKids, and owns Distribution360. Mark is vice-chair of the Canadian Media Producers Association board of directors and a board member of the Canadian Association of Content Exporters.
Aron Levitz | Head of Wattpad Studios
As Head of Wattpad Studios, Aron Levitz connects the entertainment and publishing industries with new voices and original content on Wattpad. Leveraging data and community insights, Aron works with the industry to co-produce Wattpad stories for film, television, print and digital formats. Previously, as Head of Business Development, Aron helped establish the company’s monetization strategy and launched Wattpad Brand Stories, a native advertising solution. He was also instrumental in launching the Wattpad Stars program that gives top influencers access to a variety of opportunities.
Vinay Virmani | Chief Content Officer, Uninterrupted Canada
Vinay Virmani is a graduate of Toronto’s York University, known for its progressive programs in media, arts and performance. Also a student of the esteemed Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute in New York City, Vinay is the Founder of the Toronto film and TV production company First Take Entertainment.
His deep connection to film and experience in acting, writing and production were elemental in the creation of First Take Entertainment. Driven by the belief that diversity in storytelling is the future of the film industry’s ability to give life to real stories that span time and culture, First Take Entertainment was created in the spirit of connecting people to compelling stories no matter where they are in the world.
As the content industry continues to evolve, so does Vinay’s vision. His latest appointment as Partner & Chief Content Officer with Uninterrupted, the joint venture founded by LeBron James and Maverick Carter marks an industry turning point as the highly publicized expansion moves into the Canadian market accompanied by a partnership with Drake.
Vinay’s latest role with Uninterrupted brings promise to the country’s most celebrated and diverse group of athletes. Uninterrupted is a valuable creative endeavour that will offer athletes the right platform to share their unique stories and authentic experiences with an audience that’s ready to be inspired.
