Variety and Google TV are joining forces to host a forward-looking Next Generation Entertainment Podcast Brunch at the prestigious SXSW festival. This exclusive gathering aims to spotlight the dynamic shifts within the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on how technology is reshaping content creation and consumption. The event will bring together influential figures to discuss emerging trends and celebrate innovative creators who are at the forefront of this evolution.

Variety & Google TV Illuminate Future of Entertainment at SXSW Brunch

On a bright Thursday morning, March 14th, at the vibrant South by Southwest (SXSW) festival, entertainment industry leaders will converge for the highly anticipated Next Generation Entertainment Podcast Brunch. This significant event, presented jointly by Variety and Google TV, promises to be a pivotal moment for discussions surrounding the future trajectory of digital content and audience engagement.

The brunch's program is meticulously curated to foster insightful conversations. A key highlight will be the "Strictly Business Conversation," featuring Jonathan Zepp, Google's Managing Director of Entertainment Content and Platforms, and Tommy Harper, the visionary Founder and CEO of VeYou. Esteemed Editor-at-Large at Variety, Kate Aurthur, will expertly moderate this discussion, delving into how these industry titans are navigating the evolving landscape of digital entertainment. Shalini Govil-Pai, VP & GM of TV Platforms at Google, expressed immense enthusiasm for the partnership, highlighting Google TV's commitment to pioneering new ways for audiences to connect with content and emphasizing their mission to redefine the entertainment landscape through advanced technology and emerging formats.

Adding another layer of depth to the event, an inaugural "Variety 10 Creators to Watch Roundtable" is scheduled. This segment will introduce the first cohort of content creator nominees, including prominent figures such as Sabrina Brier, Mina Le, Eric Sedeño, Julian Shapiro-Barnum, and Vinny Thomas. Moderated by Selome Hailu from Variety, this panel will offer unique perspectives on the rapidly expanding creator economy and the innovative approaches these individuals are employing to captivate global audiences. Dea Lawrence, Publisher and Co-President of Variety, underscored the event's importance, stating that it reflects their dedication to the future of content and aims to showcase voices that are not only adapting to trends but actively shaping the next generation of creative endeavors. This invite-only gathering is poised to be a hub of innovation and strategic foresight, underscoring the collaborative spirit driving the entertainment sector forward.

The collaboration between Variety and Google TV at SXSW serves as a powerful reminder of the continuous innovation defining the entertainment industry. It highlights the critical role of technology in shaping how stories are told and consumed, and emphasizes the growing influence of individual creators. This event inspires a vision where traditional media and tech giants work hand-in-hand with emerging talents to forge a more dynamic, accessible, and diverse future for entertainment worldwide.