Podcast Summary
Executive Producers Ben Silverman and Howard Owens combine business and content in Planet of the Apps: Ben Silverman and Howard Owens, with backgrounds in TV production and entertainment industry, created Planet of the Apps, a groundbreaking show where app developers, investors, and celebrities collaborate to create and invest in innovative app ideas.
Ben Silverman and Howard Owens, the executive producers of Planet of the Apps, have had impressive careers in the entertainment industry. Ben, a self-made man from Bridgeport, has a background in creating and producing TV shows, including "Jane the Virgin," "Ugly Betty," and "The Office." Howard, a Connecticut native, has worked in the entertainment industry for years and has been involved in shows like "The Biggest Loser" and "Nashville Star." Together, they brought their expertise to Planet of the Apps, which they describe as a game-changing show that combines business dynamics with content. Ben's inspiration for the show came from a previous project called "Fashion Star," where retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, H&M, and Macy's invested in live product purchases. The show, which aired before Planet of the Apps, featured celebrities like Jessica Simpson, Nicole Richie, and John Varvatos. The collaboration between Ben and Howard resulted in Planet of the Apps, which brings together app developers, investors, and celebrities to create and invest in innovative app ideas.
Revolutionizing media consumption with technology: During the APEC conference around 2007, apps and digital consumption were first introduced, changing the way we engage with entertainment, with shows like 'Who Wants to be a Millionaire' allowing viewers to participate from home and groundbreaking business models like 'Fashion Star' allowing direct product purchases through apps.
The intersection of technology and media has revolutionized the way we consume content and engage with entertainment. This was evident during the APEC conference around 2007 when the concept of apps and digital consumption was first introduced. Shows like "Who Wants to be a Millionaire" democratized game shows and allowed viewers to participate from home. The business model was groundbreaking, and the ability to download and access content in real-time was a game-changer. Ben Silverman took this a step further with shows like "Fashion Star," where audiences could purchase related products directly from the app. The ecosystem of consumption, following, and engagement had never existed before, and it paved the way for the future of media and entertainment.
Discovering New Talents with Technology: Technology has made it easier for aspiring entrepreneurs to reach a wider audience and gain exposure through shows like App Wars, inspiring innovation and adaptability in the process.
Technology has revolutionized the way we engage with and discover new talents, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship. This was first seen with the use of telephony for voting in shows like Big Brother, and now with the rise of apps, the process has become even more accessible and convenient. Shows like "App Wars" serve not only to provide a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs but also to bring awareness to the world of direct-to-consumer businesses and inspire those who may not make it onto such shows. The age of grinding hard to make it has given way to the age of hustling smartly and leveraging technology to reach a wider audience. The distinction between a grinder and a hustler lies in the former's focus on hard work alone, while the latter embraces innovation and adaptability. Overall, the use of technology in discovering and promoting new talents is a powerful force that continues to shape our world.
The power of the hustler mindset in entrepreneurship: Turn rejections into opportunities, trust in abilities, and form emotional connections for successful app investments. Apple's consumer-facing marketing partnership adds global reach.
The hustler mindset, which involves turning rejections into opportunities and trusting in one's abilities, is a powerful force in entrepreneurship. This was evident in the production of the apps featured in the show, with investors like Howard, Jessica, Gwyneth, and Ben becoming deeply invested in the creators and their projects. Another surprise was the excitement and novelty of working with Apple as a consumer-facing marketing partner, even for industry veterans like Ben, who formerly ran NBC. Overall, the process of discovering and investing in apps required immense perseverance and emotional connection, and the potential for global reach through Apple's platforms added an extra layer of excitement to the experience.
Ukrainian audience's connection with Gary Vaynerchuk and the success of the GaryVee Audio Experience: The Ukrainian audience appreciates visual storytelling in the digital age, and Gary Vaynerchuk's mentorship and enthusiasm were key to the success of the GaryVee Audio Experience as a new art form.
The Ukrainian audience has a strong connection with Gary Vaynerchuk, and this connection stems from the fact that many entrepreneurs and app creators are visual storytellers who understand the importance of the screen. The escalator pitch, which defines the age and experience of the storyteller, was a surprise success. The mentors for the GaryVee Audio Experience were carefully selected, with Howard having early involvement and the first choices being secured for the roles. The transition from what the entrepreneurs are doing on their devices to the actual studio screen represents a new art form in the digital age. The enthusiasm and support of Gary Vaynerchuk were instrumental in the success of the project.
Creating Apple Music's first original show: A collaborative effort: Four diverse entrepreneurs brought their unique skills and experiences to create Apple Music's first original show, 'Planet of the Apps'. With support from mentors and industry professionals, they persevered through challenges and delivered a groundbreaking production.
The creation of Apple Music's first original show, "Planet of the Apps," was a collaborative effort between four diverse entrepreneurs, supported by a network of mentors and industry professionals. The moment the team's names surfaced, the army of supporters and colleagues rallied behind them, providing guidance and resources. Jimmy Iovine, a mentor and industry legend, immediately connected with the team and became a driving force behind the project. The first day of filming, which fell on the producer's birthday, was a disaster, but the team persevered, and the show's unique blend of business acumen and personality resonated with audiences. The team's different business filters and approaches added an unexpected layer of complexity to the production process. The association with producing Apple Music's first original show is a source of pride and innovation for the team, showcasing their ability to navigate the Hollywood landscape and create something groundbreaking.
Tech Giants Disrupting Entertainment Industry: Apple's entry into content creation and distribution marks a significant shift in the entertainment industry, with creators having more platforms to showcase their work, but facing changes in business models and control from tech companies.
We are witnessing a significant shift in the entertainment industry, with tech giants like Apple becoming major players in content creation and distribution. This is an exciting time for creators as they now have more platforms to showcase their work, including Netflix, Hulu, Apple TV+, and Amazon Prime. However, this new landscape can be intimidating for those who have been in the industry for a long time, as the business model is changing, with more control being taken by these tech companies. The traditional 22-episode season is being replaced by shorter seasons, and profit participations are moving from open markets to closed markets. Despite these changes, creators who are passionate about storytelling are generally content with the current state of the industry, while those who focus solely on the financial aspect are feeling nervous. Apple, in particular, has been praised for its support of creativity and design, allowing creators to make great content, which is a core element of the company's culture. Overall, the entertainment industry is undergoing a generational shift, with tech companies becoming major players in content creation and distribution, and creators adapting to this new landscape.
Embrace visual storytelling trend: Consider global audience, mindful of time differences when sharing visual content, significant opportunity in AR/VR
We are living in a visually-driven world, particularly for younger generations who spend a significant amount of time on platforms like YouTube and Instagram. This shift towards visual storytelling presents a vast opportunity for content creators, especially in emerging technologies like AR and VR. However, it's essential to consider the global audience and time differences when releasing content. Despite the US being a significant market, it's crucial not to overlook the rest of the world. Overall, the key takeaway is to embrace the visual storytelling trend and be mindful of the global audience when sharing content.
