Looking Back to Move Forward
One of the critical ingredients in developing new media is looking back….as in is the creation of *Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band* and *2001: A Space Odyssey*. If you weren’t born yet, there are more contemporary examples, but these two are especially important as they emerged in turbulent times as we are experiencing today. Here’s why:
- They encapsulated the zeitgeist of their time, resonating perfectly with the culture. An aim is to evoke that same resonance in today's world.
- They were fueled by a revolutionary mindset—bold, unrestricted, and passionate about breaking boundaries.
This isn’t about reliving the 1960s; it’s about introducing a process and style that fosters original, remarkable work that reflects our contemporary era—specifically the 21st century—rather than relying on outdated methods or the conventional wisdom of networks. There is a way to create media art that drives commerce.
Our approach is free from the clichés of Madison Avenue and corporate jargon. We’re cultivating a culture and creative process that empowers creators—whether they’re writers, producers, brand leaders, or channel executives—with the mental tools and blueprint to innovate at the level of *Sgt. Pepper* or *2001*, but tailored for today.
Gonzo creativity thrives in technology! However, in the realm of content and programming, we’re still lagging behind. The essence lies in merging exceptional content with cutting-edge technology, creating programming that’s as magical as the tech that delivers it, rather than hoping mediocre content becomes exceptional simply because it’s online.
Our inspiration comes from places like Sgt. Pepper and 2001, not from networks, traditional media, or recent mega-mergers. It’s about the process, the soul, the imagination, and the audacity to create extraordinary work that is focused, complete, and reflective of this century. While we see this innovation in film, it has yet to manifest in the formats and brands we’re developing.
We’re designing the future through radical creativity and inspiration from extraordinary sources. The process, surprisingly, has remained consistent over the centuries; it’s just that few are thinking creatively today, preferring boardroom decisions and autopilot creativity.
What excites me most about today’s reinvention is the opportunity to hire exceptional talent, provide them with a blueprint and a fresh perspective, and witness them create our own version of *2001* and *Sgt. Pepper*. For now, here are some insightful readings and videos—not about reliving the past, but about a mindset that can inspire and be adapted into new brands and formats, new production styles, new economics, and soul. You can’t design the future without understanding the past, then it’s time to unleash creativity and craft something that truly embodies 2026—shaped by the streets, imaginative minds, and the magic of creation, rather than by maintaining outdated media and clichés.