Hazel Savage

🎥 HBO Releases Full Episodes for Seasons 1-8 of ‘Last Week Tonight With John Oliver’ on YouTube In a noteworthy development, HBO has taken a strategic shift in releasing full episodes from its catalogue of John Oliver's hit show onto YouTube. At first glance, this might seem unconventional for the premium cable network as YouTube is a direct competitor to its streaming service MAX, but it’s a savvy business move that reflects broader industry trends. Content owners like HBO are increasingly leveraging platforms like YouTube and TikTok to tease their premium offerings. By dropping full episodes online for free, they aim to entice viewers by driving traffic, viewership, and subscriptions to their services. This approach can effectively convert casual viewers into paying subscribers. However, this strategy carries its inherent risks. There's a delicate balance between attracting new subscribers on a third party platform like YouTube and potentially cannibalizing the existing viewership on their primary platform. The success of such initiatives ultimately depends on how effectively they can convert free viewers into committed subscribers without diluting the perceived value of their premium service. As professionals in the media and entertainment industry, this move by HBO offers us a fascinating case study in strategic content deployment. How do you think this will play out for HBO and the industry at large?

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In New York for fantastic investor pitches organised by London & Partners. It has been really exciting to bring our AI technology and skills to NY. HOWEVER, this post is to share a summary from a brilliant keynote by Amy Kalokerinos AKalaid which has ten key insights that all non-US companies should address before moving to the US: 1. Product market fit outside of the US does not mean it will work in the US. Tip: Partnering with a local company that has a strong base in the US is a good short cut. 2. Sales people are coin-operated, meaning they need to have all the sales material in place before they start. This includes a CRM, Analytics, Ability to A/B test, and most importantly one single brilliant deck. 3. Separated by a common language. Having a UK spelling in comms or a deck is a mistake. Localize the spell check! Brits are humble, but that doesn't work in US start ups or sales for a more agressive and competitive environment. 4. Meetings Non-US meetings might chat for an hour about personal lives, family but not get to business. This is weird in the US. Stick to 10 mins pleasantries [I'd say 5 !] and then focus on why the meeting is happening, and what the outcomes should be. 5. Hire local It's tempting to send a rep, but hiring local with proven connections is the way to go, even though it will be more expensive. 6. Sales Channels The UK uses email for 30-40% of sales comms, but the US is an omnichannel market using phone, social media, LinkedIn, conferences and warm intros, and increasingly live chat on your websites, *but* control the volume across each channel to optimise. 7. Add value to all customer interactions Default to Speeds and Feeds. Listen to customer problems, and add value such as giving a white paper, insights, invites to an event. Become a great value-add partner over and above what you're selling. 8. Time to respond. The average time to respond to a sales lead in the UK is 47 hours. In New York, this is one hour. At most! 9. If a sales person is not performing, let them go. Make the overseer of the sales person is American, as the UK managers are likely to take much longer to fire an underperformer. Tip: NYC is the sales capital of the US, and with many redundancies there are more people on the market than usual. 10. Marketing owns the message, and Sales owns the relationship. A start-up often doesn't focus on getting the marketing right for two years after starting. Needs to be much sooner! Michal Marcinik, Oana Andreea Jinga, Kaushal Shah, Timo P Kunz 🎧, Serge Milbank, Tunde Ogundipe, Phil Westcott, Joshua Wöhle, Simon Hicks, Jeremy Brassington, Dami Hastrup, Jorge Muñoz, Juan Crosby, Gauthier Van Malderen, Gori Yahaya Laura Citron OBE Amrit Kang Richa Ghai Chauhan #Startupsuccess #Salesforstartups #Entrepreneurswhoscale

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On the way to ADE, and reading this which feels timely A great post that anyone in and around the music industry would benefit from reading Is this good news? Some thoughts: 1: probably isn’t true, they will buy up stuff as they always do. The no new genres thing is kinda boomer vibes, there’s cool stuff, it’s just hard to find it cause it’s niche and in chat groups etc The doubling down on the super fans thing is getting exhausting as a concept. Are we saying that replacing the 1000 fan theory with super fan theory plays out differently?

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Three conversations yesterday - one at Labour Conference and two at last night's dinner for the Princes Trust - have all got me thinking about the UK's ambitions in a global digital economy. The first, which took place at the meet-up for COSTAR in #Liverpool, was about the immense environmental and energy cost of AI. While I am firmly on the side of "AI brings astonishing new human capabilities", there is no escaping that the simplest interaction depends on a quantity of "compute" that could power an entire neighbourhood. The second was with a business leader in the AI space. I asked how the UK is doing in the global race for position in a "post-AI" world. His view is that we are doing really well in two specific areas - the deep engineering of Large Language Models and their practical application to specific business and public service needs. However, we are rapidly falling behind in the third, which is the building of UK digital infrastructure to sustain our own AI domain. The third was with a senior leader at one of the UK's leading green and renewable energy providers. They told me that next week our last remaining coal-fired power station will be shut down, marking the end of one era or energy use. Apparently, we now produce up to 42% of the UKs energy needs via renewables. Both conversations centred fundamentally on "sovereignty" - not in an isolationist sense, but in the sense of self-sufficiency. The energy leader and the AI leader were asking me for comfort from Labour Conference that we had the vision to accelerate now to ensure that the emerging Digital Industrial Revolution isn't choked off or left dependent on other nations infrastructure (with a matching loss of revenue). The same, by the way, is true of our video game industry - we must work with Government to take action today that will ensure not only that our UK industry thrives but also that all of the associated revenue and IP doesn't just leave the country and some of the value is fed back into our own ecosystem to foster the conditions for sustainable growth. So, can we? Are we capable of the vision and pace needed to meet our own data and energy needs in the coming decade? Can we build a globally-leading video game industry that maximises it's contribution to the UK's creative digital economy? Can we help policymakers to see that the time to put their foot on the gas isn't next year, or next Parliament, but right now? I really hope we can!

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Is Paramount's Tech Transformation Just a Pipe Dream? In the ever-evolving landscape of media, David Ellison’s announcement about transforming Paramount into a tech powerhouse stirred quite the conversation. Including by me: https://lnkd.in/eBsi2xbi But as we dive deeper, several challenges emerge, casting shadows of doubt over this ambitious pivot. #1. Financial Feasibility With Paramount grappling with substantial debt and pressing financial obligations, notably hefty NFL payments, the costs of attracting top tech talent become a significant concern. Can Paramount realistically afford this tech overhaul amidst economic uncertainties and a struggling stock? The talent war isn't won on ambitions alone, especially when competitors like Google offer more stable havens. #2. Creator vs. Coder Paramount’s tech ambition, while necessary, seems at odds with maintaining the creator-friendly environment Ellison dually promised. In an era when interest rates have climbed, balancing tech innovation with creative freedom is a tightrope walk. Remember, even Netflix, once a haven for creators with its blank checks during #ZIRP, is tightening its purse strings. How can Paramount navigate these waters without the cushion of a tech giant's capital or rising stock prices? 3. Building vs. Buying Tech Infrastructure David Ellison’s plan for Paramount involves a substantial commitment to developing in-house tech capabilities, focusing on cloud services, AI, user interfaces, recommendation algorithms, and ad-serving technologies. This approach aims to differentiate Paramount from competitors and enhance user experience. However, the tech sector’s history suggests leveraging established third-party platforms could be more cost-effective and reliable. Giants like Disney have successfully integrated platforms like BamTech, while HBO initially utilized external technology before transitioning. AMC Networks similarly relies on Brightcove for streaming technologies. The pivotal question for Ellison is whether the potential benefits of custom-built solutions justify the investment and risk, especially when patching together proven third-party solutions might yield quicker and more economical results. #InEssence... These challenges are monumental, yet not insurmountable. As we watch Paramount’s narrative unfold, one thing is clear: transitioning into a tech entity is more than just a strategic pivot—it’s a gamble on the future of entertainment itself. Thoughts? #Paramount #StreamingWars #MediaTech

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Big news! I’m now officially available on Intro to help early founders and entrepreneurs create the next generation of entertainment tech. I created UNSHUT to change the way people think about themselves and the world around them, pioneering cutting-edge immersive adventures that are so much better than doomscrolling. (I also built and led campaigns for companies like HBO, Microsoft, Samsung, Calvin Klein, and Marriott, merging storytelling and advanced tech to elevate brand engagement). Recently, I’ve had LOTS of founders reaching out for help—What’s the right strategy to pursue? How can they build their personal brand? What’s wrong with their pitch deck? I’m happy to share everything I’ve learned to help you craft a brand, prototype your products, and connect emotionally with your audience. Grab a call at intro.co/jonclinkenbeard for advice on: ✔️ Building immersive experiences ✔️ Crafting your personal brand ✔️ Integrating AI and VR into your core strategy ✔️ Creating marketing concepts for high growth ✔️ Brand storytelling & audience connection Super excited to share my expertise in 1:1 bespoke sessions, where we talk about YOUR needs right NOW, not just the general best practices you hear again and again in tech conferences and blog posts. Grab a session here and let's get started: https://lnkd.in/gYAs7z39 Honored to be alongside other incredible experts like Rajat Suri (co-founder of Lyft, NASDAQ: LYFT), Shelby Clark (founder of Turo, $1B+ valuation), Jay DeSantis (VP at Parkway VC with exits at Microsoft & Salesforce), Alex Eagle (CEO of Freebirds World Burrito), Xavier Collins (Entrepreneur at world-changing companies like Uber, Deliveroo, and Turo), Siddharth M. (former Sr. Director in AI, Autonomous Vehicles at Waymo), and JOE BURKE (ex-Disney, inventor of Ollyball.

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✨ What an inspiring week at Content London C21Media! ✨ A huge thank you to Shani Mandel-Laufer, Guy Gadney, FRSA Avneesh Prakash, and Graham Lovelace for leading such a thought-provoking, standing-room-only session. 🎤 We tackled the BIG question: Has AI reached a believable level in storytelling, production, and localization? 🤔 Strong opinions, bold predictions, and a few surprises kept the audience buzzing (and yes, it is scary!). What struck me most is how rapidly #AI and #GenAI are reshaping the creative industries—what once felt futuristic is now at our fingertips. The potential for storytelling that’s localized, engaging, and impactful has never been greater. 🚀 It’s an exciting time to be at the intersection of #Createch and innovation. Let’s keep the conversation going—what do you think? Are we there yet, or is the best still to come? Drop your thoughts below! 👇 #ContentLondon #AIstorytelling #Innovation #Creativity #GenAI

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Brilliant to be taking to independent agencies and explain how they never need to lose a pitch every again, by using the SQREEM AI tech stack.

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📲 Is your mobile phone listening to your conversations?? Isn’t it creepy how you always end up with an advert after a conversation…. 🎧Listen to John Regan CEO of #AiM quoted Electric Guitar PLC discuss #firstpartydata and how post #GDPR the advertising and commercial landscape is changing. 🤖 The emergence of #AI and it’s importance in your future decision making processes. #advertising #ArtificialIntelligence #newbusinessdevelopment #ECM #smallcap 3radical

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Today is talk like a pirate day.. and a great time to talk about a brand new product - Gather 'round and lend an ear, for I bring word of a mighty treasure called ConsistentlyAI, a tool so fine it'll change the very tides of yer business! This wondrous tool be a swift hand in yer bid writin’, helpin' ye churn out responses faster than a ship in full sail, but with the wisdom of a seasoned captain! No fluff, no nonsense, just the pure gold of yer knowledge. Ye could say, "Tell me of work done in schools of the North West, with a bounty of £1.5 million or more," and like a sharp-eyed lookout, it’ll haul the best examples from yer case studies in mere moments. All ye need is to cast yer eyes over it for the final approval. Aye, this here tool brings efficiency, accuracy, and keeps yer ship steady, even when all hands are on deck. No need to worry 'bout how it sounds, for every member of yer crew will speak with one voice. I'll even make sure all yer outward-bound messages stay true to yer brand! 'Tis like havin' yer own ship’s scribe who never falls ill, never jumps ship, and keeps all the secrets safe in the hold. This treasure be bound to become a prized tool across the industry, but the only question remains: how far ahead of the fleet do ye wish to sail?

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New Year, New Money: How can content creators secure funding in a market defined by tight budgets and fierce competition? In this, our final episode of the year, we sit down with Luke Hyams—the creative powerhouse behind The Sidemen Story on Netflix and former Head of Originals at YouTube—to give you practical insights for navigating shrinking budgets, rising competition, and digital disruption. Hear from John Glencross, CEO and Co-Founder of Calculus Capital—one of the UK’s leading independent venture capital and private equity firms. This episode offers expert advice on tapping into private equity, negotiating innovative funding deals, and unlocking capital to get your projects made in 2025. 🎥 Plus, discover how you can secure up to £6,000 through the British Council Film Team’s Travel Grant Fund to showcase your work internationally. If you’re ready to step into the new year and use new ways to secure new money, this is the episode for you 🙌🏾 Listen to the full episode now: https://lnkd.in/ewZDgWMq #TheTVCollective #ContentCreators #NewYearNewMoney #CreativeFunding #FilmGrants #PrivateEquity #Netflix #TheSidemenStory #DigitalMedia #Podcasts #FundingTips #2025Goals #TheTVCollectivePodcast #GoldCircleMedia

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Is Jack White spearheading a change in music and vinyl release strategies? Recently Jack White released a new album, titled 'No Name'. But he did this in an inventive and attention grabbing way... It wasn't announced, it wasn't available on streaming services. Customers of his physical Third Man Records stores were just given it, white-labeled on vinyl with any purchase. It was just slipped into their bag! Great marketing. The story went viral, it created hype, FOMO, and scarcity. Now the record is formally being released. But AGAIN...not on streaming services yet. A day before its release on streaming, it will only be available for physical purchase via vinyl from Third Man record stores. This, once again, creates hype, and queues outside the shops. The artist also being able to make more profit from higher margins of instant profit from physical sales before ongoing minimal income from streaming over a longer period. Fans will be buying physically instead of listening straight away on streaming platforms. This is good case study for possible future release. Artists and labels are always trying different release strategies but most go for the tried and tested methods. What do you think? Would this only work with bigger artists with a bigger fan base and reach? Are marketing strategies needed to change to bring back more profit directly to the artist? #jackwhite #music #vinyl #musicbusiness #thirdmanrecords

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Roblox is fast becoming a UGC video creation tool as well as place for social hangout, digital self-expression and of course gaming. Sure, machinima content isn’t new, but the TikTokesque ‘Clip It’ has amassed 6.2 million visits to date and is supporting organic video creators on the platform with some of the top clips getting over 100,000 likes. By using the toolset of sounds, image and environments amateur creators are coming up with stories like the one below in just a few minutes. It’s allowing storytellers to produce skits and minisodes, unlocking even more ways to create on Gen Z and A’s favourite social gaming platform. Also, is this a testing ground for how commerce will be activated on the platform in 2025? Afterall TikTokshop has proved the model and is aiming for $17 billion in GMV from the US market alone in 2024 📈💰 And although YouTube need not worry yet, by rolling out increased video capacity Roblox is giving users MORE reason to stay and LESS reason to consume content elsewhere. Where there’s attention, there’s the potential for commerce. #gaming #entertainmentindustry

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