Jenny Stiven’s formative years were defined by such geek/sci-fi properties as Star Wars, Aliens, Star Trek, Stargate (all the “Stars-“!), and now as a consultant and digital strategist, she brings fandoms and their content owners together!
After a decade of learning the ropes programming, coding, producing, content, writing, marketing, site builds, media buys, and more, Jenny created Clio Consulting in 2004 to act as an “inside” digital marketing resource for entertainment companies. She has worked with numerous digital agencies in executive roles producing groundbreaking and award-winning campaigns for Fortune 500 entertainment & gaming clients. A long relationship with 20th Century Fox and MGM enabled her to become a geek influencer in the digital and social space – with the Star Wars properties, the James Bond franchise, Predator franchise, Stargate franchise, Alien franchise, the Whedon-verse, and multiple TV franchises.
In 2015, Jenny shifted her focus back to solely working with her first love – geek properties, content, and fandoms. She works with both the intellectual property owners and creators to help them learn how to communicate, interact, and most of all, build a long-lasting relationship with their fandoms.
She also provides guidance on the best partnerships with leading strategic products and influencers, so that the intellectual property owners and/or fandoms, are setting the right tone for their franchise. Jenny believes the goal for geek properties should always be not just to sell, but to #spendthetime and build a community that lasts.
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Show notes:
- |01:40| How and why Jenny transitioned from TV production to digital marketing.
- |04:37| Why are fandoms crucial for success?
- |08:06| Fandoms need to respect intellectual property rights to avoid legal issues.
- |11:52| Jenny’s advice on balancing understanding and evolving in the entertainment industry.
- |15:30| Early success in digital without competition – now there’s a system in place.
- |20:47| Need a shift in marketing? Jenny’s advice: go to your audience.
- |23:50| Being an introvert and struggling with self-promotion in creative fields.
- |29:42| Discussing the Searchlight-Fox deal that fell apart – and recognizing the overworked animators.
- |33:10| The Fox Animation exhibit at Comic Con.
- |37:57| Highlighting the efforts to unionize VFX workers due to mistreatment.
- |40:21| Being cautious about using AI, compensating artists, and concern over exploitation.
