Brian Newman, founder of Sub-Genre, consults on content strategy, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Brian has served as CEO of the Tribeca Film Institute, produces independent films, and writes a popular weekly newsletter on film.
How many years have you been a judge?
This is my first year!
What are your responsibilities in your current role and what do you love most about your job?
I love helping companies to have a bigger impact when taking their films to audiences.
What inspired you to pursue your career path?
A love of good movies.
What was your first job in the industry? What did it teach you?
Programming at the Atlanta Film Festival, which taught me to listen to what the audience wants, as well as to push them to explore new things.
What do you look for to determine excellence in video?
A clear story that someone will watch and tell someone else to watch it – it doesn’t work if it’s not that compelling.
What initiatives or projects are you working on now that excite you?
Helping Selkirk to expand the audience for their films.
In your experience, what is a significant change you are seeing happen in the video, television, and/or film industry, and what insight can you share about how to navigate it?
The audience wants to be involved – participatory culture is the norm. You have to engage them in the conversation.
What excites you about judging for the Telly Awards?
Seeing great new work and getting more inspiration for future work.
