Join Dan Cogan, an Oscar-winning producer known for 'Icarus,' Heather Freeland, Adobe's chief brand officer, Jordan Howlett, a viral creator with 14 million followers, and Julian Jacobs from UTA for a lively discussion on the evolving landscape of entertainment. They delve into how brands are reshaping storytelling, emphasize the importance of authenticity in collaborations, and reflect on how social media is transforming audience engagement. It's a fresh take on how creators, filmmakers, and marketers are joining forces to create compelling narratives.
Branded storytelling is evolving as brands align with authentic narratives, fostering deeper connections with audiences beyond traditional promotional tactics.
The collaboration between creators and brands is transforming, emphasizing authenticity and allowing creators to maintain their voice while enhancing storytelling quality.
Deep dives
The Shift in Brand Storytelling
Branded storytelling has seen a significant transformation, shedding the negative perceptions once held within the Hollywood sphere. This shift has been primarily fueled by the emergence of meaningful distribution opportunities for content produced in partnership with brands. Experts in the podcast highlighted that brands are increasingly recognizing the value of aligning their narratives with authentic stories that resonate with audiences, moving beyond mere promotional tactics. Consequently, creative partnerships between brands and filmmakers are becoming more collaborative, enabling storytellers to convey deeper messages while enhancing brand recognition.
Authenticity in Content Creation
The importance of authenticity in branded content has emerged as a driving force for creators when working with brands. Creators stress that successful collaborations occur when there is a genuine alignment between personal values and brand messaging, leading to content that feels organic and engaging. For example, TikTok creator Jordan Howlett described his approach to partnerships, emphasizing the need for a connection with brands that ultimately results in better storytelling. This level of authenticity fosters audience trust and allows creators to build more impactful narratives.
Evolving Relationships Between Creators and Brands
The dynamics of relationships between creators and brands are evolving, characterized by a growing desire for more direct interaction. Instead of traditional advertising models, brands are increasingly seeking to work collaboratively with creators to enhance storytelling that highlights brand values. Experts noted that this shift enables brands to contribute creatively without overly controlling content, which in return allows creators to maintain their unique voice. As this trend continues, it's expected that brands will rely more heavily on creators to authentically convey their messages through engaging narratives.
Opportunities in Short-Form and Social Content
The rise of social media has opened new avenues for storytelling, particularly in short-form content that retains premium quality. Creatives are experimenting with formats that balance entertainment and brand messaging, utilizing platforms like TikTok and Instagram to captivate audiences while fostering connections. The podcast highlighted the potential for brands to explore compelling stories within this format, as they can reach diverse audiences in innovative ways. As the landscape of digital storytelling evolves, there is an increasing recognition of the synergy between brands and creators in creating memorable content.
The entertainment industry for years turned its nose up at brand-backed film and TV, but in a disrupted Hollywood scrambling for new business models and fresh voices, the tide is turning. Natalie Jarvey, the writer of Like & Subscribe, Ankler Media's new standalone newsletter about the creator economy, moderates a discussion with four top stakeholders — Oscar-winning producer Dan Cogan (“Icarus”), Adobe Chief Brand Officer Heather Freeland, creator Jordan Howlett and UTA Entertainment Marketing Co-HeadJulian Jacobs — about how marketers, filmmakers and creators are collaborating on innovative and meaningful storytelling. “Everybody loves a good story, and brands are aligning with that in a lot of interesting ways,” says Howlett, who as Jordan the Stallion boasts nearly 14 million followers on TikTok. Adds Jacobs, “The rule book is being unwritten and written as we speak.”