As audiences around the globe flock to theaters to watch summer blockbusters "Barbie" and "Oppenheimer," it is an exciting time for filmmakers and moviegoers alike. In Episode 5 of Periscope, Steven & Jonathan lead a conversation with Ann Sarnoff, former Chair and CEO of Warner Bros. Entertainment, and President of BBC Studios - Americas. Ann provides key insights on current trends in filmmaking, with studios having to pivot their strategy since the COVID-19 pandemic, the rise of streaming as the preferred form of media consumption for many, and the delicate balance of power between tech giants and production companies. The first woman to run the entirety of a major studio, Ann also shares her optimism for increased leadership by women in the media industry moving forward.

During her prolific career in the entertainment industry, Ann has held titles such as COO of the WNBA, Executive Vice President at Nickelodeon, and President at Dow Jones. She currently serves on the Board of Directors at WTA Ventures, Cineworld, and PayPal, and is a Vice Chair at The Shed. Listen to the full episode to see what Ann had to say about the ongoing Writers Guild of America (WGA) strike, the game changing capabilities of artificial intelligence, and "Project Popcorn," Warner Brothers' initiative to release their 2021 roster of films simultaneously in theaters and on HBO Max to give the industry a much needed adrenaline boost. 

Just in time for the NCAA March Madness Final Four games, this new episode of Periscope features esteemed sports law expert Jodi Balsam, Professor of Clinical Law and Director of Externship Programs at Brooklyn Law School. Jodi is co-author of Sports and the Law, the leading law school casebook in the field, and serves on editorial boards of the Journal of Legal Aspects of Sport and the international sports law blog LawInSport. She is an executive committee member of the Association of American Law Schools’ Section on Law and Sports, and was named by the NCAA to the inaugural NCAA Independent Resolution Panel, which hears complex infractions cases that implicate college athletics’ core values. This dynamic episode covers the boom of NIL (name, image and likeness) financial deals, collective bargaining, the classification of student athletes as employees, and the future of the NCAA as a governing body in the evolving world of sports. Jodi provides us with key insights on the unionization attempts of university athletes, the National Labor Relations Board's role in enforcing unfair labor practices, and why it is critical for young athletes to protect their long-term financial goals. Steven and Jonathan are joined by Lewis Brisbois Sports Law Partner Gregg Clifton and Associate Christina Stylianou, who have extensive experience advising on student athlete contract-related matters, intellectual property matters, workers’ compensation and injury matters, and Title IX issues. If you love college sports, this is a can't-miss episode! 

In Episode 3 of Periscope, Steven and Jonathan lead an exciting conversation with immersive storyteller Stephanie Riggs, author of “The End of Storytelling: The Future of Narrative in the Storyplex.” Formerly a Disney Imagineer and Refinery29/Vice Media Experiential Creative Director, Stephanie has extensive experience with narrative, experience and immersive technology in numerous projects across theaters, theme parks, films, virtual reality (VR), and augmented reality (AR). In this episode, she discusses the rise of audience interaction with a story to influence compelling outcomes, the gaming industry's innovations in the narrative design space, and what breaking the "fifth wall" means. Stephanie also provides listeners with insights on how the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the trend toward online immersive experiences, as live performances no longer need to be restricted to physical venues. This is a can't miss episode for content creators interested in exploring the evolving world of storytelling, and how new technology can help artists branch out into unknown territories. 

Next up on Periscope, Jonathan and Steven speak to pop culture guru Tom Nunan, founder of Bull’s Eye Entertainment, an independent film and television production company headquartered in Los Angeles. Executive producer of the multiple Academy Award-winning Best Picture Crash (2006), Tom currently teaches at UCLA’s Graduate School of Theater, Film and TV, is the past Chairman of the Hollywood Radio and TV Society, and a board member of Mariska Hargitay’s Joyful Heart Foundation. Recently, he launched The Industry Way, designed to help those interested in creating content in the entertainment industry and build their careers in Hollywood. Just in time for the Sundance Film Festival, this conversation features Tom’s insights on the future of independent filmmaking, the rise of streaming platforms as the preferred form of media consumption since the COVID-19 pandemic, and the shifting business model in the world of film and television. A true visionary and media analyst, Tom also discusses the mergers of long-standing media giants, the type of content that is most attractive to major film studios, and the value of retaining intellectual property by filmmakers in the coming years.  

In our first episode of Periscope, Steven leads a conversation with world-renowned concert promoter Peter Shapiro, who details his experience as owner of legendary jam band and activist club the Wetlands Preserve, the iconic Brooklyn Bowl venues and the historic Capitol Theatre. Peter is author of "The Music Never Stops: What Putting on 10,000 Shows Has Taught Me About Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of Magic," which provides an insightful look into what it was like working with artists such as U2, Bob Dylan, Phish, Dave Matthews Band, Al Green, Lauryn Hill, The Roots, and Leonard Cohen. In this conversation, Peter recounts the genesis and promotion of "Fare Thee Well," The Grateful Dead's 50th anniversary reunion shows, and his ongoing work with artists to encourage voter participation in local and state elections. A true pioneer in the live performance industry, Peter also reveals what makes a venue really shine and the attention to detail required by promoters when putting on a show that attendees will truly never forget.

Credits

• Opening Song: "No One As Special” by Michael Mwenso
• Technical Production: Noah Vanderwerf 
• Research Associate: Christina Stylianou
• Coordinating Producer: Robert Maslonka 
• Visual Branding: Curtis Collins
• Marketing Specialist: Ayush Kumar