US Content Leaders Brief UK Entrepreneurs on Industry Trends

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 8, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Leaders of some of the leading media and entertainment corporations in the US briefed a delegation of more than 60 British technology and content companies on fast-changing trends in digital distribution this week at the 2013 Innovation Forum hosted by Founders Forum and UK Trade & Investment.

Speaking at the inaugural Innovation Forum in the US – bringing together US and UK technology, media and telecommunications – executives including Michael Lynton, President of Sony Entertainment, Inc., Ari Emanuel, co-CEO of William Morris Endeavor (WME), Lucian Grainge, CBE, Chairman & CEO of Universal Music Group (UMG), UK Business Ambassador and CEO of DreamWorks Animation Jeffrey Katzenberg urged their counterparts to explore new payment systems and subscriber platforms for next-generation digital platforms.

"It is a moment of unprecedented transition and transformation," commented Katzenberg, echoing a comment by Daniel Ek, Founder of the streaming service Spotify, who said: "We're going through a tectonic shift to mobile now." 

They were speaking on panels to the Innovation Forum, which was also addressed by web-link from Number 10 Downing Street by British Prime Minister David Cameron.

Prime Minister Cameron told the audience gathered at Soho House, West Hollywood, that he was a strong supporter of the creative industries and called for even deeper dialogue between Britain and the US in digital businesses.

He added that attractive tax breaks and incentives should make Britain an attractive destination for inward investment by US technology and entertainment companies.

Haim Saban, Chairman of Saban Capital Group, described his intervention as a compelling and serious pitch for US companies to move more of their production to the UK.

The forum debate formed part of a two-day technology and content summit in Los Angeles, at which companies from both sides of the Atlantic vowed to explore new trade opportunities in the digital sector. The forum was co-hosted by Lucian Grainge, Michael Lynton, Ari Emanuel and will.i.am.

Additionally, Day 1 Delegates were also addressed by LA Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, alongside UK Trade Envoy Lord Marland; Jimmy Wales, founder of Wikipedia; and California Governor Jerry Brown.

The Innovation Forum LA 2013 was delighted to be supported by Universal Music Group, UK Trade & Investment, Lepe Partners, Tech City UK, Jaguar, Rightster and Shazam.

For additional information on The Innovation Forum LA 2013 please visit: 
http://uktiusaevents.org/innovationforum/index.html

SOURCE Universal Music Group