On Thursday, June 9^th 2022, an impressive roster of Latinx media talent will participate in the inaugural OTT.X Diversity Summit including Mireya Dongo (Televisa), Victor Elizalde (Viva Pictures), Cris Franco (actor/writer/comedian), Matt Montemayor (Canela Media), Carlos Sanchez (A&E), Yolanda Macias & Tony Huidor (Cinedigm). Its mission: is to join industry leaders and innovators in bolstering diversity among OTT (Over the Top) streaming organizations via access to information, connections, and opportunities. 

This all-day event to be held at the world-famous Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. It will feature presentations, panels and breakout sessions to support increased distribution, awareness and viewership for OTT businesses that are owned and operated by minorities and underrepresented groups. 

This unique conference will focus on the ever-growing production of streaming content. Formerly EMA, OTT.X was established in April 2006 through the merger of the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA) and the Interactive Entertainment Merchants Association (IEMA). Its far-reaching discussion topics will include: AVOD (Advertising-Based Video on Demand),  FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) and Subscription Matching the Right Model With the Right Content and Audiences; Gaining Meaningful Distribution for Indie Content Creators; Making Money with ad Supported Video; Producing Content for Underrepresented Groups and Reaching a Diverse Audience.

The confab will create a dynamic forum where like-minded members of the various streaming content industries can network and grow their businesses. When asked why he thinks a summit focused on diversity is important, OTT.X EVP, Eric Hanson replied, “While OTT streaming holds the promise of leveling the playing field for all people to create, produce and distribute content, the industry continues to be dominated by businesses that are owned and run by a strikingly homogenous demographic. The OTT.X Diversity Summit brings together content creators, distributors, platforms and services across the breadth of human experience to share, learn and connect; advancing their businesses and amplifying their voices.”

Because the event is more focused on distribution rather than creative production, it would most benefit filmmakers seeking distribution and emerging channels looking to grow viewership. The panel of industry experts will discuss: how small independent creators and distributors can thrive amongst media megaliths; the challenges and strategies for succeeding in financing, licensing, and staffing; the risks of over-focusing on a target audience and how to reach a wider demographic; business models that develop and retain viewers and monetize content; and how to create an ad-supported business model. If it sounds like a hefty curriculum chock-full o’ vital info — it is. 

For anyone dreaming of streaming, this is where you can find all the answers to your question.  Make reservations for the OTT.X Diversity Summit. For all info: https://www.ottx.org/events-and-programs/diversitysummit/

Your career and creative soul will thank you.

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Friday, November 15, 2019 @ Skirball Cultural Center

Beverly Hills, CA — Legendary actor, director, producer and philanthropist Edward James Olmos is the Industry Icon Honoree at The Caucus for Producers, Writers & Directors 37^th Annual Caucus Awards Dinner that will be held on Friday, November 15, 2019, 6:30 PM at the Skirball Cultural Center, 2701 N. Sepulveda Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90049. 

Edward James Olmos’ career in entertainment spans over 50 years. He is an Emmy and Golden Globe winning actor, and has been nominated for an Academy Award® and Tony Awards. Olmos is best known to young audiences for his work on the SYFY television series Battlestar Galactica as Admiral William Adama. Although the series kept the actor busy during its run from 2003 through 2009, it didn’t stop him from directing the HBO movie 

Walkout in 2007, for which he earned a DGA Nomination in the Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television category. 

Originally a musician, Olmos branched out into acting, appearing in many small theatre productions until portraying the iconic El Pachuco in Zoot Suit. The play moved to Broadway and Olmos earned a Tony nomination for the role, which he reprised in the 1981 film version. 

Olmos went on to appear in the films Wolfen, Blade Runner, and The Ballad of Gregorio Cortez before starring in that of Lieutenant Martin Castillo in the iconic 80’s television series Miami Vice. In 1988, the actor was nominated for an Academy Award® and won the Golden Globe for his portrayal of Jaime Escalante in Stand and Deliver. He directed and starred in his first motion picture, American Me, in 1992. 

Olmos’ passion for the arts grows every year, but he never forgets to give back to the dedicated communities that support him. He is an international advocate, spokesman, and humanitarian working with organizations such as Thank You Ocean, Project Hope Foundation, Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles, The Boy’s and Girl’s Club of America, The River Keepers, Dr. Andros’ Diabetic Foot Global Conference and he speaks up to 150 times a year in schools, universities, and corporations. 

Other credits as an actor include the motion pictures My Family/Mi Familia; Selena, and In the Time of Butterflies; notable television shows include The West Wing, PBS drama American Family: Journey of Dreams, and Dexter. He currently is bringing gravitas to Mayans, M.C., in its second hit season on FX networks. 

2019 Caucus Award Honorees Full List: 

Edward James Olmos | Actor/Director/Producer/Philanthropist | Industry Icon Award Gary Levine | President of Entertainment, Showtime Networks, Inc. | Executive of the Year Award Paul Miller | Producer/Director | Lifetime Achievement Award Michael Berk | Writer/Producer/Director | Distinguished Service Award Dr. Edna Sims | Publicist for The Caucus | Chairs Award Carolyn Strauss | Executive Producer | Producers Honor I HBO’s Game of Thrones, Chernobyl and Deadwood the Movie Brett Johnson | Writer/Producer | Writers Honor I Showtimes’ Escape at Dannemora Michael Tolkin | Writer/Producer/Director | Writers Honor I Showtimes’ Escape at Dannemora Amy York Rubin | Director | Directors Honor I Netflix’s Dead to Me 

James Pickens, Jr. star of ABC’s Grey’s Anatomy, will be the host for this wonderful evening. 

The Caucus is leading the evolution of television by providing a creative forum for Producers, Writers and Directors to explore the issues of the ever-changing landscape of content and exhibition.

Current members of The Caucus also include: Chuck Fries, JJ Abrams, Tom Hanks, Kevin Bright, James Burrows, Vin Di Bona, Loreen Arbus, Dennis Doty, Jim Hirsch, Robert Papazian, Tanya Hart, Chas Floyd Johnson, Norman Powell, Herman Rush, Sharon Arnett, and other leading producers, writers and directors. 

Follow The Caucus www.caucus.org https://www.facebook.com/caucus.org https://twitter.com/tvcaucus 

For ticket information and sponsorships opportunities, please contact Allison Jackson at caucus@allisonjacksonco.com or call 310.550.7719. 

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