The State of Media, Entertainment, and Technology: Insights from Variety’s CES Summit

The struggle is real but so too are the opportunities in the media, entertainment, and technology sectors. Recent discussions at Variety’s two-day summit during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas emphasized that the potential for profit and growth far exceeds current predictions—even amidst challenges.

Key Discussions and Insights

The first day of the summit gathered an impressive roster of top executives, creators, and analysts. The conversations delved into the complexities faced by the entertainment industry, especially as it grapples with changes that have been unfolding for over a decade. The advent of AI tools is reshaping Hollywood workflows, prompting urgent dialogues about the future.

The Impact of AI on Hollywood

Joseph Gordon-Levitt, the actor and filmmaker behind the innovative content venture HitRecord, articulated a shared sentiment: Hollywood stands at a crucial juncture due to generative AI technologies. He expressed both optimism and caution, noting the negative consequences of algorithms that had previously dominated social media landscapes. Gordon-Levitt warned that similar pitfalls could emerge with AI, particularly given the immense computational power and financial stakes involved.

The Creative Perspective on AI

Breckin Meyer, an actor and producer, along with Jonathan Yunger, CEO of the AI-focused firm Arcana, contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the dual aspects of AI’s rise. While it offers new tools for creativity, there remains a concern for the industry’s talent as automation looms large.

Local Language Originals as Game Changers

Kelly Day, VP of Amazon’s Prime Video International, shared insights about how local-language originals are changing the competitive landscape. These productions do not merely widen the playing field; they threaten even the mightiest outputs from Hollywood as audiences seek relatable content in their native languages.

Evolving Streaming Platforms

Anthony Wood, founder of Roku, provided a fascinating look at the evolution of subscription and free streaming platforms. As viewing habits shift, the dynamics of content delivery are rapidly transforming, requiring traditional and digital media alike to adapt.

The Role of Sports in Media

Danielle Carney from Amazon Ads and Marty Blich from WPP Media discussed sports as a pivotal piece linking media platforms and brands. With sports rights reshaping the landscape, the need for innovative strategies in content creation and distribution has never been more important.

Cutting-Edge Marketing Strategies

A panel featuring chief marketing officers from prominent companies like Samsung Electronics America and Blizzard Entertainment explored how cutting-edge distribution platforms and analytics tools redefine brand marketing. Their discussions highlighted how data-driven strategies lead to more engaging and effective marketing campaigns.

Insights from Advertising Sales Chiefs

An impressive assembly of TV and brand advertising sales chiefs reflected on how streaming and AI have redefined traditional advertising models. Executives from Disney, Netflix, and NBCUniversal delved into the transformation of a business once dominated by simple “spots and dots” into a more intricate, data-informed environment.

Sneak Preview of Upcoming Content

The summit also showcased AMC Network’s upcoming dramedy “The Audacity,” giving attendees a glimpse into the show that reflects the audacity required to succeed in the competitive landscape of Silicon Valley.

The Rise of Fandom as a Driving Force

Over the past decade, the concept of “fandom” has evolved, becoming a buzzword across tech launches, entertainment promotions, and brand marketing. Engaging passionate fan bases has become crucial, whether it’s an expansive audience or a tight-knit group of super fans. Panelists shared insights on how to tap into these communities effectively.

Engaging Fan Base Through Diverse Content

Pat Shah from Audible discussed the success of new audio renditions of the Harry Potter series, while Nadine Zylstra of Pinterest elaborated on how consumer trends affect content creation. The dialogue also included executives from brands like IBM and Overtime, all reflecting on strategies to reach and motivate fans.

Leveraging AI for Social Content Analysis

A deeper dive into AI’s potential was presented by Jamie Allan and Jon Morra, who explored how AI tools help the entertainment industry analyze social content at scale. Emphasizing the need for industry players to embrace these technologies, they discussed how innovation can drive future growth.

Adapting to New Distribution Models

The summit commenced with a session featuring top programming and production executives who tackled the challenges of adapting traditional business models to new content distribution demands. Alison Hoffman from Starz Networks spoke about the importance of focusing on premium content to build strong partnerships and identify audience needs.

Navigating Platform Agnostic Ecosystems

Julian Franco from Fox Entertainment detailed how their approach to content distribution has evolved. Rather than engaging in convoluted strategies, they focus on straightforward solutions that bring content to where audiences already exist.

The Benefits of Consolidation Amid Transformation

With the recent split from NBCUniversal, Val Boreland from Versant Media noted how internal transformations compel brands to collaborate more closely, paving the way for innovative partnerships.

The Flexibility of Independent Studios

Jay Levine from Sony Pictures highlighted the advantages of being an independent studio, explaining how this flexibility allows for creative deal-making and cooperation across platforms to better serve diverse audiences.

The Importance of Project Packaging

Jon Liebman, CEO of Brillstein Entertainment Partners, underscored the growing significance of packaging projects. In an era where creative concepts often have to prove their potential through data metrics, presenting a polished idea is more crucial than ever.

Expanding IP Opportunities

Panelists discussed how live experiences and brand extensions have broadened opportunities for intellectual property (IP) to create new revenue streams. Experts from companies like Lionsgate and Live Nation shared insights on leveraging IP for enhanced consumer engagement.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As the summit drew to a close, executives speculated on future trends that will shape their industries. Independent companies discussed their direct connections with fans and how ingenuity can help navigate a marketplace increasingly dominated by tech giants.

This wealth of insights from the summit illustrates that while the challenges within media and technology are significant, the opportunities for innovation, growth, and the transformation of audience engagement are abundant. The dialogue continues as industry leaders explore these evolving landscapes.