BMW, under the leadership of Jim McDowell, took a wild swing that connected in a way that no one ever expected. In 2002, most people were accessing the internet on aggravatingly slow dial-up connections, often requiring hours to download a 10-minute film, yet millions did. BMW had hoped that 2 million people might download the films, but a stunning 13 million downloads of the first 8-film series happened in 2002, setting the internet ablaze and BMW sales soaring!

To celebrate the BMW Films 20 Year Anniversary, we are (virtually) bringing together the creative team at Fallon who dreamed it all up and Jim McDowell, Head of U.S. Advertising for BMW, the one who controlled the purse strings in 2001/2002, green-lighting the films and placing his career on the line. Hosting the conversation is the advertising journalist of the day, Scott Donaton, Editor and Publisher of Advertising Age and author of the 2004 book, Madison & Vine.

This podcast episode features Jim McDowell, David Carter, Bruce Bilston, Kevin Flatt, Robyn Boardman, Brian DiLorenzo, and BSN's own Rick Parkhill.

Check out the Brand Storytelling Network for professional certifications, live events, and community as well as resources like brand examples, case studies, and expert interviews.

Brand Storytelling Network
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Episode recorded April 26, 2021

A film for this historic moment. In a nation still struggling to rectify its racial legacy - BLACK BOYS illuminates the full humanity of Black boys and men in America. An intimate, inter-generational exploration, BLACK BOYS strives for insight to black identity and opportunity at the nexus of sports, education and criminal justice. This podcast episode features Ben Proudfoot, Jon-Thomas Royston, Emily Azrael, and Juwan Thompson.

For more information about the film and its makers, please visit https://www.blackboysfilm.com/

Check out the Brand Storytelling Network for professional certifications, live events, and community as well as resources like brand examples, case studies, and expert interviews.

Brand Storytelling Network
https://www.brandstorytellingnetwork.com/home

Episode recorded April 6, 2022

On the heels of producing three successful films under the UM Studios banner and having just launched Mediabrands Content Studio and indie development and production entity, TRAVERSE32, Mediabrands Global Chief Content Officer, Brendan Gaul, shares the steps he takes to shepherd a brand-funded movie project from development to distribution. In this candid conversation, Gaul will also discuss the differences between approaching branded content with an entertainment lens versus a marketing mindset.

Check out the Brand Storytelling Network for professional certifications, live events, and community as well as resources like brand examples, case studies, and expert interviews.

Brand Storytelling Network
https://www.brandstorytellingnetwork.com/home
Episode recorded April 14, 2021