A Content Creators Guide to Navigating the Mediaverse™ from an informal talk with Seth Jaret at the 2012 CineStory Writers Retreat.

Can writers continue consider themselves silo’d artists who  What kinds of opportunities does the hyphenate open up? Does having a reel, short film or web series that you directed or produced add value to your career?

In this informal talk from the 2012 CineStory Retreat, Seth Jaret, CEO of Content Engine, and Josh, a literary manager, speak to the question and the implications of the changing Mediaverse™ for writers and Content Creators trying to succeed in today’s Hollywood.

Josh, who otherwise wished to remain anonymous, is the other voice on the podcast. If you don’t *know* Seth Jaret’s voice, you can hear it on Hollywood Drive & Talk. And if you’re at all familiar with his concepts — Melange is the New Job Description, Redefine Failure, Don’t Ask Permission, Content Creator, Branding in the Mediaverse™ – you’ll know who’s speaking.

Thanks for listening! You’re sure to get both an introduction and an overview of the fresh outlook and empowering methodology that defines Content Engine.

For more on these topics, you should also read An Open Memo To Content Creators.

Get Inspired. Be the Change. ContentEngine.tv

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As Content Creators, all of your traditional media efforts can and should continue. What I advocate is supplemental to doing everything you might be doing to “get an agent or manager” and to find a producer or financier for your projects.

In the interim, we’ve entered an age of the Mediaverse™ in which Content Creators need to think of themselves as brands (even successful, “established” Content Creators). One can no longer be a silo’d writer, silo’d director or silo’d anything. You must see yourself as a brand with a distinct voice and unique point-of-view.

In order to be relevant and to stand out from the crowd, Content Creators must publish their unique and original content to any one of a number of new distribution platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, YouTube, a blog, website, etc.) on a regular and consistent basis. The tools are accessible and the cost is virtually nonexistent. It just takes dedication, creativity and time. It also takes some moxie to Hang it Out There, but it’s essential that you do so.

We’re also in a traditional media environment that requires proof of audience on other platforms, which is why the studios are making so many errant IP grabs, remaking everything in sight and trying to launch franchises from non-narrative board games.

Yes, writers and directors need advocates, but the role of those advocates must evolve in the same way the responsibilities and purview of writers and directors (Content Creators) must evolve to remain vital.

Endeavor in all respects and on all platforms. In the meantime, eschew the permission of the gatekeepers and publish your creative works to your own Micro-Audience™.

And remember at all times to “Inspire, Have Fun and Be the Change.”

Before you know it, you’ll be an integral part of New Hollywood™.

Content Engine is here to help.

Good luck!

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Seth covers his “origin story” and personal journey, starting with his initial successes with Rounders and 10 Things I Hate About You, culminating in the launch of Content Engine. He addresses the transformation of the film business, what it means to be a Content Creator, and how writers and directors need to eschew the culture of permission in favor of empowering themselves to establish their own IP.

He also describes how the industry is ever-changing and more competitive than ever, touches on current trends in the business and explains how ContentEngine.tv can help creators grow IP and Content Creator brands.

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