Jason Kirk

2015 CA Summit - Honing California’s Edge in Technology and Entertainment

Jane Wells, Beatriz Acevedo, John Bolton, Jason Kirk, Chris Williams

This discussion analyzes the Los Angeles digital media ecosystem, highlighting its unique blend of entertainment infrastructure and emerging technology sectors where companies like Maker Studios, Flippagram, and MeToo operate alongside traditional aerospace giants. Key outcomes include the strategic acquisition of Maker Studios by Disney to capture millennial audiences, the pivot of Zephyr toward B2B rights management, and the significant challenge of recruiting engineering talent in a region historically dominated by creative figures. Furthermore, the event outlines future growth vectors in virtual reality and mobile video monetization while addressing critical hurdles such as H-1B visa restrictions and the need for culturally diverse content strategies.