A New Stage for Independent Storytellers
For decades, the gatekeepers of Hollywood and the growing tide of independent digital creators operated in separate orbits. That distance is closing rapidly. This September, Disney is hosting 'Created in LA,' a two-day summit and film festival designed to bring 350 of the world’s most influential online storytellers to the heart of the industry.
Conceived by creator Jon Youshaei and presented by Disney, the event kicks off at the historic El Capitan Theatre with a red-carpet premiere of creator-made videos, followed by a series of talks at the iconic Walt Disney Studios lot in Burbank. It isn't just a networking event; it’s an acknowledgment that the definition of a 'filmmaker' is evolving.
Why This Matters for the Future of Content
The event features a blend of Hollywood veterans and digital-native stars. Speakers like Mindy Kaling will join creators like Zach King, AdamW, and Jenny Hoyos to discuss how to build a career as 'your own studio.' The goal is to create a space where, according to Youshaei, creators might one day aspire to premiere their best work as they would at a major traditional film festival.
- Bridging the gap between corporate studios and individual creators.
- Highlighting the role of AI in creative workflows for brainstorming and mockups.
- Moving toward a future where creator content holds prestige alongside traditional film.
- Emphasizing that while technology accelerates production, human taste and authenticity remain paramount.
I think there's room for both to coexist.
— Jon Youshaei
The Role of AI and Authenticity
As the entertainment industry grapples with the rise of generative AI, 'Created in LA' also serves as a workshop for the future. Youshaei notes that his team already integrates AI to accelerate creative workflows. However, the message from organizers remains clear: while AI can generate mockups and assist with brainstorming, the 'taste, perspective, and authenticity' that resonate with audiences must come from the creator themselves.