The Media Odyssey

On this special episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast, hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro discuss their favorite moments from Season 1. Evan and Marion select standout clips that capture the biggest themes, surprises, and insights from across the year. It’s a thoughtful, high-energy wrap-up on the state of media through the lens of prediction, collaboration, tech disruption, and creator evolution.This isn’t just a recap, it’s a snapshot of the tectonic shifts reshaping the global content economy, from bundling to content discovery to fandom as KPI.Key Takeaways:1. Europe Is Driving Media InnovationIn a moment of validation for Marion’s early prediction that 2024 would be the year of France, the episode revisits a conversation with Bedrock CEO Jonas Engwall. His vision of a shared pan-European tech platform reflects a new path forward: regional collaboration and infrastructure investment over a singular SVOD champion.2. Bundling Is the New Normal, but Not Just for VideoBango’s Anil Malhotra explores how telcos, retailers, and even social media apps are bundling subscriptions in new, creative ways. Gen Z is paying not just for Netflix, but also for AI tools and retail. The subscription economy is no longer just about entertainment; it’s a trillion-dollar convergence.3. Discovery Fatigue Is Real—and FixableContent discovery is one of the industry’s most overlooked problems. Calle Sjönell of Swipefinder shares a startling stat: 20 minutes spent searching per streaming session, with 20% of users giving up entirely. Fixing discovery isn’t a UI tweak—it’s central to retention, monetization, and consumer loyalty.4. Traditional Studios Must Think Like CreatorsThe BBC’s Jasmine Dawson breaks down how a legacy studio can reorient KPIs toward fandom, not views. Alongside creator Amelia Dimoldenberg, she illustrates how creators and institutions alike must evolve together and adopt flexible metrics, platform-specific content, and pure-play IP strategies.5. Media Alignment, Not ChaosDespite the perceived chaos of streaming, Marion and Evan argue that we’re entering a phase of settling and strategic realignment. From France Télévisions teaming with Amazon to platform consolidations and retail bundling, the market is moving from fragmentation to formation.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Season Highlights (00:36) - Jazz and Podcasting Chemistry (01:11) - Reflecting on the Season (02:11) - Diverse Perspectives and Guest Contributions (03:07) - Favorite Episodes and Clips (06:22) - European Media Innovations (17:58) - Content Discovery Challenges (24:58) - Creator Economy Insights (29:45) - Conclusion and Next Episode Tease

Welcome to a new episode of The Media Odyssey Podcast, where we explore the people and ideas reshaping the media landscape. Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro sit down with Dhar Mann, one of the most successful independent creators in the world, to unpack what it really means to build an owned-and-operated media empire in the age of platforms. With over 70 billion views across social media, Dhar has mastered the art of storytelling at scale—without relying on traditional Hollywood systems.In a sharp, insightful conversation, Dhar shares the mechanics behind his studio’s meteoric rise, the values that drive his content, and why creators should think like CEOs. From data-driven production to brand-safe storytelling, this episode offers a rare look into what it takes to succeed at the intersection of commerce, creativity, and community.Key Takeaways:1. Dhar Mann Studios Operates Like a Scalable, Independent Media CompanyDhar built his studio from scratch with full vertical integration: in-house scripting, production, post, and distribution. Producing more than 100 episodes a year with over 100 full-time employees, he’s proving that creator-led companies can compete with—and outperform—traditional studios.2. Storytelling is Engineered for ImpactThe key to Dhar’s success is emotional storytelling. Every script is optimized through data, test reads, and feedback loops. His team analyzes performance daily, adjusts thumbnails, titles, and narrative arcs in real time—and shoots with Shorts and long-form in mind across YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, and beyond.3. Brand Safety Doesn’t Mean BoringDhar Mann’s content is deeply family-friendly and advertiser-safe, which makes it attractive to brands. But it’s not sanitized—it tackles real issues like bullying, poverty, and prejudice through emotionally resonant narratives that audiences connect with.4. Platform Diversification is StrategicFrom Facebook and YouTube to Snapchat, TikTok, and even theatrical releases, Dhar doesn’t rely on one platform. His team adapts content formats to fit algorithmic behaviors—using Shorts for reach and long-form for retention and monetization.5. Creators Should Think Like CEOs Dhar’s biggest advice to creators: treat your channel like a business. Build teams, invest in infrastructure, understand your audience, and create repeatable systems. Virality is nice—but building a long-term, sustainable operation is the real win.Thank you Dhar Mann for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dharmann/Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:35) - Creators at Cannes Lion (01:21) - Dar Man D's Backstory (01:55) - The Hero's Journey in Storytelling (03:28) - From Struggles to Success (04:19) - Transition to Content Creation (04:56) - Accidental Filmmaking (11:21) - Scaling Up and Staying Scrappy (19:39) - Economic Model and Community Focus (22:02) - Balancing Mission and Economics (22:36) - Exploring Ad-Supported and SVOD Models (22:54) - YouTube's Dominance and Competitors' Strategies (25:36) - Ownership and Analytics in Content Creation (27:27) - The Power of Community and IP (28:18) - Partnership with Samsung and Production Speed (34:24) - Future Opportunities and Nonfiction Content (38:00) - Advice for Aspiring Creators (43:20) - Concluding Thoughts and Final Reflections

Pedro Pina, Vice President of YouTube EMEA, shares his expertise on the evolving landscape of media and creators. He discusses how traditional brands are shifting from questioning the value of partnering with creators to focusing on collaboration strategies. Pina reveals insights about YouTube's evolving Partner Sales Program and its challenges, emphasizing better training for creators. He also highlights the growing trend of YouTube content on television and why understanding audience engagement is key to the future of both creators and brands.

Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the buzzing beachfront of Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro explore the collision of traditional media, streaming giants, and the creator economy in an environment buzzing with brand activations and bold narratives. With viewership migrating to digital but ad dollars lagging behind, the episode dives into how media organizations are rethinking measurement, monetization, and storytelling.They’re joined by three influential voices leading that transformation: Jasmine Dawson, SVP Digital at BBC Studios; Kiell Smith-Bynoe, actor on Ghosts and digital-native performer; and Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of Chicken Shop Date and founder of Dimz Inc. Each brings a unique perspective on how legacy brands, emerging talent, and creator-first studios are navigating the fast-changing content and advertising landscape.It’s a candid, energetic discussion about creator influence, IP ownership, and the evolving rules of engagement across platforms.Key Takeaways:1. Fandom is the KPI That Matters BBC Studios has redefined success around fandom, not just views—focusing on watch time, user-generated content (UGC), sentiment, and engagement to drive deeper audience value and commercial return.2. Thinking Like a Creator Drives Growth With hits like Bluey, BBC Studios is behaving more like a creator: producing platform-native content, partnering with creators, and customizing formats across YouTube, TikTok, and TV—resulting in a 110% YoY revenue jump.3. Owning IP is a Power Move Amelia Dimoldenberg built Chicken Shop Date independently after being rejected by broadcasters. By keeping full control of her brand and monetizing separately, she turned it into a cultural touchstone and launched her own production company.4. Creators Aren’t Just Influencers—They’re Partners BBC Studios’ Talent Works program reflects a shift from hiring creators as ad vehicles to co-creating content with them. This partnership model fuels authentic storytelling and long-term brand growth.5. The Creator Economy Is Equal (or Superior) to Traditional TV Whether it's Chicken Shop Date, improv tours, or digital-first IP expansions, creators are proving their work is just as professional, strategic, and impactful as broadcast content—often with more cultural relevance and flexibility.Thank you Jasmine Dawson for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasminesdawson/?originalSubdomain=uk Thank you Kiell Smith-Bynoe for joining the pod!Thank you Amelia Dimoldenberg for joining the pod!https://www.youtube.com/@AmeliaDimoldenberg Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:31) - First Impressions of Cannes Lions (01:04) - The Significance of Major Activations (02:27) - The Streaming Ecosystem and Advertising (04:12) - The Creator Economy and Big Brands (06:31) - BBC Studios' Approach to Content Creation (07:05) - Interview with Yasmin Docent from BBC Studios (10:59) - Bluey's Success and Future Plans (12:45) - The Importance of Fandom Metrics (21:01) - Talent Works and Creator Collaborations (22:04) - Interview with Kayel Smith Bino (22:45) - Discovering the Festival Vibe (23:21) - Snapchat Party Highlights (23:49) - From BBC Projects to Global Hits (24:36) - Navigating TV and Digital Worlds (26:29) - Advice for Aspiring Creators (26:55) - Improv Comedy and Future Projects (28:27) - The Journey of Chicken Shop Date (33:53) - Building a Brand and Production Company (38:41) - Debunking Myths About Creators (39:43) - Closing Remarks and Farewell

Welcome to a special edition of The Media Odyssey Podcast from the heart of the Croisette at Cannes Lions! Hosts Marion Ranchet and Evan Shapiro dive into the evolving mood and key narratives emerging from the industry’s most vibrant gathering. From linear TV’s staying power in Europe to the acceleration of addressable advertising and first-party data, they set the stage for a candid, high-energy conversation on the state of the market.Joining them are two major voices shaping media’s future: Dan Callahan, newly appointed SVP and CRO at Spectrum Reach, and Dave Campanelli, President of Global Investments at Horizon Media. The group unpacks the dominance of sports in the upfronts, the murky waters of multi-currency measurement, and how AI is transforming both creative and campaign performance. It’s a sharp, forward-looking dialogue about attention, collaboration, and the tectonic shifts reshaping how we define effectiveness in a converging media world.Key Takeaways:1. Sports is the Anchor of Upfronts Sports content is driving upfront media buys more than ever, with brands aggressively securing placements around high-impact events like the Super Bowl well ahead of schedule.2. Multi-Currency Measurement is a Work-in-ProgressThe transition away from a single dominant currency (Nielsen) toward a fragmented, multi-currency ecosystem is proving complex and inconsistent. A lack of sell-side standardization remains a major hurdle to scalable adoption.3. Creative + Context = Future of TV AdvertisingWith AI accelerating creative production and optimization, there's growing emphasis on aligning ad tone and mood with surrounding content. Matching emotional context is becoming a new frontier for premium video advertising effectiveness.4. The Programmatic Model is Under Pressure As CTV gains ground, legacy programmatic models—filled with intermediaries and "ad tech tax"—are being questioned. With a more finite set of publishers, buyers are increasingly seeking direct, data-rich relationships. Thank you Dan Callahan for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-callahan-28956015Thank you Dave Campanelli for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-campanelli-b9b39464/Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (00:39) - First Impressions of Cannes Lion (01:37) - News Highlights and Industry Insights (02:53) - Guest Introductions (03:53) - Discussion on Upfronts and Sports Dominance (04:48) - The Currency Question and Multicurrency World (14:53) - Creative Matters and AI in Advertising (19:05) - Contextual and Mood-Based Advertising (23:13) - Future Trends and Programmatic Overhaul (25:13) - Conclusion and Farewell

Evan and Marion take The Media Odyssey Podcast live at Stream TV's Media Universe Summit, joined by two special guests shaking up the content discovery game. Matthew Henick of Ventura TV OS, revealed how Ventura is building a new kind of CTV OS: one that puts transparency, user experience, and publishers first. Then Alan d’Escragnolle, CEO of Filmhub, showed us what a true distribution machine looks like, connecting indie creators and major studios alike to over 100 territories and thousands of licensing deals, with hits like Bounce Patrol leading the charge.From the chaos of fragmentation to the future of platform-personalized content, this episode dives deep into who really owns discovery, and what it takes to stand out in a sea of screens. It’s no longer enough to simply have great content; you need the tools, tech, and strategy toensure it’s seen. Whether you’re building an OS, distributing niche documentaries and films, or trying to reach Gen Alpha with serialized vertical video, the future belongs to those who can cut through the noise and deliver meaningful, personalized viewer experiences. Spoiler: it’s not just about eyeballs—it’s about building engines that find, serve, and grow loyal audiences.Key Takeaways:1. Discovery is broken, and both platforms and publishers must fix it.Content discovery is fragmented, biased, and often user-hostile. Platforms must prioritize content over apps, while publishers need to invest in tools, data, and partnerships to help their content surface and thrive.2. Filmhub is building the distribution engine indie creators need. With over 6,300 rights holders and 320,000 licenses delivered, Filmhub is using proprietary tech, AI-assisted curation, and human relationships to give creators access to 100+ platforms—scaling discoverability across a deeply fragmented ecosystem.3. Personalization is the next frontier in discovery.With massive libraries and fragmented audiences, platforms that master smart, personalized recommendations, like YouTube and Tubi, are winning attention and retention. Success now hinges on serving the right content, not just more content.4. The creator economy is maturing, and it’s operational now. It’s not just about clicks and ad revenue anymore. Success in today’s creator economy requires infrastructure, rights management, marketing strategy, and relentless optimization. The “upload and hope” era is over.Thank you Matthew Henick for joining the pod! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-henickThank you Alan d’Escragnolle for joining the pod!LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alandescragnolleInterested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Welcome (01:09) - Streaming Made Easy: The Newsletter (01:46) - The Media Odyssey Podcast (03:07) - Debating YouTube as TV (06:19) - Discovery and Niche Content (06:59) - Interview with Matthew Henick from Ventura TV OS (18:24) - Interview with Alan d'Escragnolle from Filmhub (21:26) - The Technology Behind Filmhub (24:07) - The Rise of Vertical Video and Real Short (26:05) - Challenges and Strategies in Content Distribution (28:07) - Case Study: Bounce Patrol (33:07) - The Role of Platforms in Content Discovery (40:38) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Unai Iparragirre, Head of Channels & OTT at EITB, the public broadcaster in the Basque Country, about being able to adapt to a changing landscape, brave content, and the intersection of public service and entertainment.  Iparragirre explains the importance of EITB beyond entertainment to preserve the Basque culture, identity, and language while serving the Basque community across the globe.  EITB’s I Need Help, a series about the mental health challenges teenagers faced as a result of the COVID pandemic, underlines Iparragirre’s commitment to public service and social responsibility while navigating the decline of traditional television formats. As Head of Channels at EITB, Unai Iparragirre is responsible for the TV portfolio as well as the OTT services at the Basque Public Broadcasting Corporation. This includes four local FTA networks, a pan-regional network as well as the recently launched streaming service, Primeran, which has received the prestigious 2023 Digital Award from the Association of Basque Journalists. Iparragirre’s journey in the broadcasting sector is marked by a dynamic and passionate leadership style. With extensive experience managing cross-functional teams across several EMEA markets during his tenure at Discovery Communications. Now at EITB, Iparragirre’s focus is on developing and implementing channel strategies that align with our business and strategic goals while exploring new opportunities, and on strengthening the role of EITB as a public media group that gives back to society through the content we produce. Fluent in English, Spanish, and Basque.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/

In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Emmanuelle Lacaze, President and Owner of Gédéon Communications, about television design, the Olympics, and innovative collaboration.  Lacaze explains how Gédéon Communications, a design agency known for its work on media branding in France and internationally, contributed to the rise of television design with new ways of thinking about creativity and concept.  Lacaze also speaks to how Gédéon Communications was responsible for designing the 2024 Paris Olympic emblem as well as their elaborate pitch strategy and the five-year-long process of preparing for the Opening Ceremony.  Emmanuelle Lacaze is the President of Gédéon, a design agency known for its work on media branding in France and internationally. She has managed award-winning projects across multiple countries, including branding for Paris 2024, where her agency played a key role in the games’ visual identity, campaigns, and opening ceremony. Emmanuelle also has a background in film production, having produced the movie La Vie d’une Autre and developed the digital series Joy for Canal+. She is an active board member of the French AD Club and a partner of the mentoring program Media Club Elles in France.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/

In this episode of "Chatting at GEMA", Marion Ranchet interviews Pierluigi Colantoni, Creative Director at RAI, Italy’s national broadcasting company, about creative packaging, branding and promotion, and the growing role of data in media.  Colantoni speaks to how data informs creative decisions and the delicate balance between creative instincts and data while warning that data may become too central and rising concerns over privacy. Colantoni highlights the importance of sincerity and localization in creative processes, especially in the age of AI, and what can be lost in the race for efficiency. Pierluigi Colantoni is the Creative Director at RAI. Since 2014, Colantoni and the RAI team have received more than 100 international awards (Clio Awards, Promax, Global BDA, Ebu Connect), including the prestigious Best Creative Team of the Year award. He was nominated Director of the New Formats Development Department in 2020, where among other projects he produced the documentary series Sogno Azzurro, before becoming Creative Director in 2023. Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/The Media Odyssey - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-media-odyssey-podcast/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/

This week on The Media Odyssey Podcast, Evan Shapiro and Marion Ranchet roll up their sleeves to recap the tumultuous first half of 2025. From mass layoffs at Disney, ITV, and Warner Bros. Discovery to a sports rights meltdown in Europe, they dig into the biggest media headlines of the season, and what they truly reveal about the state of the business. Evan and Marion dissect the difference between strategy and reactive chaos, while highlighting where leadership is stepping up, or falling apart.They also explore the rising relevance of public service broadcasters, the challenges of entering new markets with overvalued rights, and why diversifying your business, whether you're a global company or a solo entrepreneur, is no longer optional, it’s survival. If you’re navigating the volatility of today’s media landscape, this is your spring reset. Key Takeaways:The Season of Acting vs. Reacting: Spring 2024 revealed a stark divide between companies with proactive strategies—like Disney and ITV, reallocating resources with intent—and those stuck in reactive mode, like Warner Bros. Discovery and NBCUniversal, whose repeated layoffs reflect short-term panic over long-term planning. In a turbulent market, the difference between surviving and shrinking comes down to whether leadership chooses to lead—or scramble.Sports rights are inflating, and unraveling: As streaming platforms chase high-profile sports content, deals are becoming unsustainable. The case of PSG’s lost broadcaster in France highlights how inflated rights, poor local brand recognition, and fan backlash can destabilize even elite clubs and disrupt fan access.Public broadcasters are poised for a resurgence: With commercial networks cutting back on scripted content and reallocating funds to live events and sports, public service media (like the BBC and France Télévisions) may step into the void, assuming they can secure the funding and infrastructure to deliver.In uncertain times, diversification wins: From personal careers to global media companies, those who reinvest in themselves, whether through diversifying products, revenue streams, or newfound adaptability, are more likely to weather uncertainty and emerge stronger on the other side.Interested in sponsorship? https://forms.gle/2LCWfX2HBNT8mtpx8Connect with us on Linkedin:Evan Shapiro - https://www.linkedin.com/in/eshap-media-cartographer/Marion Ranchet - https://www.linkedin.com/in/marionranchet/Newsletters:Marion Ranchet - https://marionranchet.substack.com/Evan Shapiro - https://eshap.substack.com/ (00:00) - Introduction and Podcast Overview (00:31) - Spring Wrap-Up: Key Topics (01:02) - Football Management Lessons (08:52) - Media Layoffs and Industry Impact (12:05) - ITV Layoffs and Strategic Shifts (16:14) - Public Service Broadcasters and Content Creation (21:16) - Upfronts and Market Uncertainty (24:35) - Navigating Uncertain Times (28:15) - Conclusion and Upcoming Events