• Episode Overview

Stacy Spikes, the entrepreneurial force behind MoviePass and the Urbanworld Film Festival, shares his incredible journey from the music industry to creating one of the most controversial subscription services in entertainment. Growing up in Houston, Stacy's ambition led him to LA, where he started as a gopher at American Video, quickly rising through the ranks at Motown and Sony. Transitioning to film, he worked with the Weinsteins at Miramax and then moved to October Films. Stacy's story is one of relentless perseverance and groundbreaking innovation. During our conversations over several Diet Cokes, Stacy delves into insights from his book, *Black Founder*, and reflects on the lessons he's learned throughout his multifaceted career.

Key Takeaways:

• Career Evolution: Stacy's journey from music to film highlights the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities.
• Innovation in Entertainment: Founding MoviePass, Stacy demonstrated how disruptive ideas can reshape industries despite challenges.
• Community Impact: The creation of the Urbanworld Film Festival underscores Stacy's commitment to supporting and showcasing diverse voices in film.
• Lessons in Leadership: Stacy’s experiences at major companies like Motown, Sony, and Miramax offer valuable insights into effective leadership and navigating corporate dynamics.
• Resilience and Perseverance: Stacy’s ability to pivot and persevere through industry changes and personal challenges is a testament to his resilience.

Memorable Quotes

• "If you're going to be an app, you need to own an activity. Once I heard that, it changed everything."
• "We increased moviegoing by 111% month over month. It's all about creating a habit."
• "There’s a language to funding. They speak their own language. You need to know how to get in that person's mind quick."
• "Our job is to help streamline that friction and extend the life of smaller films."
• "You don't want to build with a million customers; you want to get your kinks worked out with a community that’s very forgiving."