In Advisor Studio sessions, film and television industry professionals share field experiences and insights into their specific areas of craft, including writing, directing and producing for TV and film.


In this increasingly digital age, branded content has emerged as a powerful way to create meaningful connections with consumers. But what makes branded content truly effective, and how can creators and brands collaborate to produce work that resonates?


Join us for an exclusive online session with Brian Newman, producer and founder of Sub-Genre, a strategic consultancy that helps brands and agencies understand and engage with the entertainment world. In this session, Newman will share insights from his acclaimed newsletter and years of experience advising both brands and creators on crafting authentic, impactful content partnerships.


In this interactive 60-minute session, Newman will highlight the ways branded content can be incorporated in short form videos, narrative filmmaking, documentary, and impact campaigns. Whether you're a filmmaker putting together the funding for your next project, a brand manager seeking more authentic audience connections, or a content creator navigating the evolving media landscape, you'll gain practical knowledge about this increasingly essential part of the creative economy.


Topics include:

  • The evolution of branded content and why it matters now
  • Building authentic partnerships between producers, talent and brands
  • Maintaining creative vision while satisfying commercial objectives
  • Case studies: What works and what doesn't in branded storytelling
  • Funding your creative work through brand collaborations
  • Distribution and film festival strategies
  • Future trends: Where branded content is heading next


If you would benefit from an accommodation to fully participate in this event, please complete this form, contact us at (435) 776-7790, or email us at accessibility@sundance.org to discuss your specific requests. Every effort will be made to accommodate advance requests; however, requests made within 5 days of the event may not be guaranteed.


Live event registration for Sundance Collab Advisor Studios is free of charge. A recording of this event will be posted to our Video Library the next business day following the event. All registered attendees can watch the recording for two business days after it is posted. After that, on-demand access to the recording can be purchased for $10.

Brian Newman, founder of Sub-Genre, consults on content strategy, development, distribution and marketing for some of the top brands in the world. Current and former clients include: The Climate Pledge (Amazon), GoDaddy, IBM, Keen, Mud\Wtr, New York Times, Oatly, Patagonia, Purina, REI, Shopify Studios , Sonos, Stripe, Sundance, Tazo, Unilever, Yeti Coolers, and Zero Point Zero. Brian is also an independent film producer. Projects include: IF YOU SEE SOMETHING (narrative, in post); THE OUTSIDE STORY (narrative, Tribeca Film Festival 2021 premiere, theatrical distribution by Samuel Goldwyn Films, 2021) LOVE & TAXES (narrative, 2017 theatrical release); and executive producer of SHORED UP, THE INVISIBLE WORLD (docs) and REMITTANCE (narrative). more...
Moderator | Digital Course & Event Producer
Erica Elson is a Producer, Writer and Educator based in the mountains outside Los Angeles. Her short film, WING NIGHT, premiered at Method Fest in Los Angeles. She is the co-author of the book THE AWKWARD HUMAN SURVIVAL GUIDE and co-hosted a podcast by the same name on the 5by5 network for five years. Elson's articles have been published by HuffPost, Lifehacker, and Reader's Digest. Prior to working in education, she worked in television development and writers’ rooms such as VH1’s HINDSIGHT, where she had the chance to write for the spinoff web series PLANET SEBASTIAN. more...

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