Ronilo Cayanan, Jr.

For my Artist Representation course this week, I came across a LinkedIn post by United Talent Agency reposting a Hollywood Reporter article naming the top 50 most influential influencers. Among those top 50 are UTA clients, Charli D’amelio, Bretman Rock, Jake Shane, and Jimmy Tatro. UTA mentioned 19 clients included in this list, proving their prominence in the digital sphere. The influencers in the article range in the digital content space from podcasters to Instagram models. Ali Berman, Oren Rosenbaum, Damon Lau, and Raina Penchansky are included as the heads of UTA’s digital and podcasting departments. As a relatively new area for representation, UTA has cemented itself as one of the frontrunners of the influencer game with its impressive number of clients in the top percent. They continue to show their innovation in the entertainment industry by paving the way for new areas of talent and having sustained success. The UTA clients in this article are ones I have either seen for years growing up or newly on my social media feed. It is refreshing to know that so many incredibly talented influencers are being represented by an outstanding talent agency that cares about the future of the industry. I am looking forward to keeping an eye on this sector of the industry to see if there are any key shifts in the future. Read The Article Here:https://lnkd.in/g4Bnaxhv Esquire Group Inc. James (J.T.) Hutchinson

5

If you're a creator or a leader within a creator led organization, I would love to get on a call to hear about all your operational issues, hurdles, roadblocks, and gripes! I've helped top creators solve problems and develop solutions to scale their businesses past where they ever thought possible. So let's figure out how to solve your problems so you can have a healthier org and a happier life! Hit me up :) #creatoreconomy #youtube #business

54

2 Comments

🏅 Recognition isn't just a reward — it's a powerful tool to foster fairness and reduce biases. Ok, this may not make sense at first, but here's the thing: awarded status seem to have a disciplining effect on people, who then end up better scrutinising their own behaviour for #bias. 📄 In an insightful study, Tristan Botelho and Marina Gertsberg explore how status awards, such as Yelp's "Elite" designation, influence evaluators' behaviour, particularly in reducing #GenderBias in restaurant reviews. By analysing a large dataset from Yelp, they demonstrate that once evaluators receive a status award, the disparity in ratings between men and women servers decreases significantly (56.5%!). This effect is particularly notable in contexts where evaluators are under the scrutiny of their local Elite community. In other words – and if I got this right – once we see ourselves in the podium, being not only recognised but also watched by our peers, we feel compelled to put an extra effort in better doing the job we've just been rewarded for. And that includes checking out for ways in which unfairness may cloud our judgement. 💡 I see this insight can be valuable for organisations when we implement our own status recognition programmes (such as "employee of the month" kind of rewards), as it seems that increased scrutiny and peer evaluation within these groups can further reduce bias and promote accountability. 🤔 How else would you see this principle being useful in organisations? 🔗 Link to paper in the comments. P.S.: if I were you, I'd follow Rosalind Chow for more evidence-based approaches to get #diversity and #inclusion right.

11

2 Comments

I recently posted about a job opportunity, emphasizing the requirement to live in the Los Angeles area with no exceptions. In just 18 hours, I received 120 applications, but only 2 were from LA. Unfortunately, the majority of applicants did not meet the basic requirements and lacked relevant experience. This experience shed light on why some recruiters may avoid LinkedIn applications. The high number of applicants from countries like Kenya and Pakistan was shocking and disappointing. The amount of applicants from people with little to no relevant experience was just, wow. Do people READ at all? It's disheartening to realize the challenges of securing a suitable candidate through LinkedIn applications. Ive submitted hundreds of applications via Linkedin for roles I have 100% experience for and have done successfully for over a decade and can see how my application doesn't get "viewed". I have to wonder if its because of the amount of spam that is going around. I wonder if there is anything that can be done about this.

14

15 Comments

My Journey: The Pursuit of Credibility and Reality I thought UCLA would be a crucial stepping stone in my pursuit of credibility as a Latina screenwriter. With years of hard work and some excellent credits in the industry, I believed an MFA in Film, TV, and Digital Media would validate my experience and allow me to teach in a university setting what I knew firsthand as an accredited professional writer. Enrolling was fueled by hope; I envisioned a collaborative, nurturing environment filled with colleagues who had industry experience like mine. Instead, I found myself in a program marked by favoritism, mediocrity, and a lack of resources. Professors, wrapped in their own sense of entitlement, spent more time tooting their own horns than mentoring aspiring filmmakers. The result? My work went unsupported and unnoticed, leaving me feeling alienated in a space where I thought I would find community. Graduating with my MFA brought a wave of profound disappointment. I emerged without the professional confidence I once had and—worse still—unemployed. The degree that was supposed to open doors felt like an expensive piece of paper that did little to advance my career. After years of struggling with the fallout from this experience, I reached out to the Department of Education to share how UCLA’s failure to deliver on its promises had detrimental effects on my career. Ultimately, my loans were discharged due to "university misconduct." However, this small victory left me grappling with lingering questions: Where did this leave me, and how would I move forward? Through this process, I realized my journey wasn’t about seeking validation from an institution; it was about reclaiming my narrative. While UCLA failed to provide the credibility I sought, I refused to let it define my worth. I’m carving my own path, driven by the stories only I can tell. My journey continues—authentic, unapologetic, and on my terms—as I remain dedicated to teaching in a university setting, eager to share the lessons I’ve learned along the way and empower future storytellers with the knowledge I gained through years of hard work and experience in the industry.

3

The visions and opportunities that God is not only bringing to me…but also showing me how to bring those to others. These are life changing moments. When you hear about this one…🥹🤯🙏🏾 As mentioned…at this point, you can’t afford not to work with me. But also…yesterday’s price…you know the rest. 🤣 Let’s go! #sync #levelup #synclicensing #musicbusiness #networking #musicmarketing #custommusic

11

1 Comment

One of the things I really appreciate about my job is that entertainment payroll is the backbone of ensuring creatives, cast & crew, and all those who work on productions in the #entertainment space get paid. This isn't a small thing. GreenSlate's CEO John Finn just shared some of his thoughts on the evolution of entertainment payroll by looking at past, present, and future. It's an informative read (link below), but it's the last part of what he said that I want to specifically highlight here: "Despite periodic institutional resistance to new technologies, new ways of working, strikes, pandemics, recessions, or just plain stubbornness, this industry is filled with absolutely brilliant, creative, and motivated people. Whether those people are the accountants forming the backbone of finance teams, studio leadership, #producers, cast and crew, or anybody else, there is one goal and one mission: To tell the most entertaining stories imaginable.   A miracle of moving parts and people have to come together to tell these stories, and despite how much things evolve, there is always at the core ensuring people are paid fairly, efficiently, and with care." That. That right there. 💡 Tagging a few folks in my network who might find this interesting ~ Patrick Caligiuri, Ryan Lakestream, Donna Mostrom, Stephen Mostrom, Patrick Regan, Tim Williams, 😻 Maeva Cifuentes, Mariah Flores, Jake Perez, Alyssa Tufts, Ramsay Wharton, M.A., Alex Lewis, Izzie Pick Ibarra, Max Lance, Nicki Moore, Ian Faison, Eric Kostello, Jessica Howard, Vanessa Mendal

14

1 Comment

Leadership Insight: Importance of Boredom for Creativity Boredom is often viewed as a negative. However, boredom can actually be a catalyst for creativity and innovation. Studies show that mundane tasks, like sorting beans by color, can enhance creative thinking more than engaging activities. Boredom allows our minds to wander and daydream, leading to innovative ideas. Action Step: Schedule regular moments of unstructured time to let your mind wander (e.g., go for a walk, lift weights). These activities can disconnect you from distractions and spark creativity or a sense of peace. Encourage your team members to do the same. Go Deeper: https://lnkd.in/gv-sH9Ak

22

2 Comments

It’s a buzzword now. Can’t escape it. But it’s not a trend. Mindset is where it’s all at, y’all. We built a business on it, an artist roster and producer roster around it, and our teams and strategic partners all align with it. Here’s todays audio chat with certified financial planner Spenser Liszt on how we use mindset work to build foundations for sustainable careers in music every single day. #mindset #mentorship #momentum https://lnkd.in/givMXxqm

6

2 Comments

Sane advice here. “Develop respectful relationships with journalists. I know firsthand the frustrations of dealing with press teams at some organisations – and it doesn’t need to be that way. In the end, you’ve both got a job to do so look for ways to make it work.”

2

Work-life Balance 💼 ⛱️ I think Sade's schedule might be even better! 😆 Anybody know of any companies hiring with this flex schedule? If so, please forward them my profile! 🙏🏾 In the meantime, we should focus on setting clear boundaries with our schedule and prioritizing our time to match our goals. As I stated in yesterday's post, we can't always be "on" mentally. 💡 The same applies physically. Take time out to rest, recharge, and recover or your body will eventually force you too. 😴 Just don't take 7 years. That may not workout quite as well for the rest of us! You might literally find yourself saying "Hello from the other side" to your former coworkers upon return! 🎶 #tuesdaytips 💥 ----‐‐-----------‐------------------------------------------------------------------ 👋🏾 Thanks for dropping by‼️🙏🏾 For more content like this, please like, share and ring the bell at the top of my profile to receive notifications for all new posts.

38

16 Comments

In our hustle culture, and a business that demands we be available 24/7, Cal Newport's advocacy for slow productivity resonates deeply. As I navigate a fast-paced work environment with diminishing prep time and less resources, finding balance feels like a meditative exercise. Amidst the daily barrage of emails and texts, I'm exploring ways to elevate key conversations with teams, partners and clients to focused, in-person meetings or zooms. Less is more. Slow is fast (Shout out to Dan & Kellen). Perhaps our communication challenges stem from an over-reliance on transactional digital tools, lacking the richness of face-to-face interaction. On our projects, I've found we tend to agree more and solve problems better when we are in person with our teams and clients or we save key issues to a focused meeting. Recalibrating our approach to dialogue could unlock new depths of understanding and better, more fulfilling work. Here's the book I'm reading, it's short;) https://lnkd.in/gE_ETh4j

35

6 Comments

Lately, I’ve been overwhelmed by public challenges and private grief that have been difficult to manage. I recently submitted an op-ed to the Daily Bruin, detailing the unfair treatment and lack of opportunity I experienced as a MFA film student at UCLA and thereafter. My hope is to highlight the uphill battles I’ve faced since completing my degree—battles that have continued long after leaving UCLA. Despite my qualifications and experience as a screenwriter and longtime member of the Writers Guild, I’ve struggled to secure meaningful employment in academia. During my time there, I encountered a system that undermined rather than uplifted minority voices. I’m optimistic that this op-ed will open a dialogue on these issues and encourage greater transparency in faculty hiring. Meanwhile, I’m also addressing another battle with Glendale Water and Power (GWP). Sky-high rates and unaccountable increases have created a financial burden that forces tough choices. I’ve had to rely on credit just to keep up with the electricity bill, all while seeing little transparency from the city council. The latest rate hikes have made it nearly impossible for residents to manage their utility bills. To top it off, Assemblywoman Friedman’s office has dismissed my concerns, reinforcing outdated stereotypes rather than addressing a tax-paying constituent with legitimate grievances. I’ve felt dismissed as an “illiterate Latina,” reminding me of the bias that still exists in supposedly progressive spaces. Adding to these challenges, I recently faced a deep personal loss. My beloved schnauzer, Cato, passed away at 14, and I miss him intensely every day. I still have two small dogs, Tullia (Cato’s daughter) and Clementine, and while they bring me comfort, nothing can replace the bond I shared with Cato. His passing on September 11 came at a particularly overwhelming time, adding to the grief and exhaustion I felt from these struggles. There are moments when I catch myself calling him for breakfast, only to realize he’s no longer here. Then, there are the frustrating hiring practices at CSUN, where I’ve applied for a faculty position for over a decade, only to face a process that feels impenetrable. Despite my extensive experience, I haven’t been able to secure an interview. I see this as another symptom of a system that overlooks qualified candidates while claiming to support diversity and inclusion. These issues—dealing with GWP, advocating for fairness at UCLA, navigating the pain of losing Cato, and confronting closed doors at CSUN—have left me feeling drained. Yet, I’m grateful to see my words finally finding an audience. My hope is that bringing these issues to light will relieve some burdens I’ve carried alone for too long and perhaps spark change in the systems that have, for too long, remained unaccountable.

2

1 Comment

AI stealing your work, copying your data, listening in? Ambient Enterprises is a guardrail solution that is on the bleeding edge of technology. A protection against fakes, content theft, where you- individually or as a business own, control, monetize your IP. What an amazing breakthrough by former division leaders of Intel and IBM.

2

Today’s Adolescent substack covers Reinventing Internships for Gen Z 📝 and What is an it Bag 👜👛 (and why it matters). Subscribe in link below. At Adolescent / Youthtellers we gather, translate and inform, through rigorous social listening and trend analysis, all in service of creating meaningful intergenerational connections. Our deep dive into youth culture doesn't just help you meet young audiences—it fosters understanding across age groups, keeping everyone in the loop on the latest trends. By decoding cultural references and providing valuable insights into the values and communication styles of youth, we're building an on-going dialogue. Whether you're a brand looking to connect with the next generation of consumers or simply someone eager to stay current on youth trends, subscribe and check out our substack which will help you ensure you know what you should know about you. We help you navigate the ever-changing landscape of youth trends together and create impactful, genuine connections that transcend age barriers. https://lnkd.in/g-Hf-FEc #IntergenerationalMarketing #YouthTrends #ContentStrategy #DigitalCulture

9

“Give up 9-5 for a 24/7.” I got this from Art San Diego who subtly jokes about this in his design studio's to-do list section. I laugh at how close to the truth this is. Because you’re not just in charge of doing the work, you’re also in charge of managing it, marketing it, selling it and doing back office work for it. Stepping into the world of entrepreneurship has been a wake-up call. Coming from a structured 9-5 (or more accurately 7am-7pm), I thought I knew hard work. Turns out, I was just getting started. What really changed is: 💠You no longer have structured “work hours,” but it’s in your best interest to define start and end times. 💠You no longer have to dress up to go to work, but it’s in your best interest to look and feel professional during work. 💠You no longer have to follow someone else’s deadlines, but it’s in your best interest to create and stick to your own. 💠You no longer have a formal annual review, but it’s in your best interest to periodically assess your own performance and goals. 💠You no longer have a set “lunch hour,” but it’s in your best interest to take purposeful breaks. 💠You no longer have a manager setting priorities, but it’s in your best interest to prioritize tasks that drive revenue and growth. 💠You no longer have built-in training programs, but it’s in your best interest to invest in ongoing learning. What changed is that you own the results of your work. So it’s in your best interest to lead and manage yourself, your best worker, well. --- Being a founder is really a lot like being a professional athlete. This is why some of the most successful leaders I know hire a coach so that they can perform better. Out of curiosity, I also had the pleasure to meet Matthew Hayden, a transformation coach, who helps people recover from burnout, find their passion, and remove limiting beliefs. After our call, I realized how powerful having a coach is. Read more about the week here: https://lnkd.in/grRzsTvG I’m on a 25-year journey to build a unicorn, I’ll be sharing what I’ve learned in public. Let’s connect and grow together!

15

1 Comment