August 28, 2023

The Attention Economy Unlocks It All

Anthony Longo

Change is a constant reality.

- The weather.
- The latest tech.
- The stock market..
- The entertainment industry.

Have you ever seen a burger joint grand opening look like a Taylor Swift concert?  That's what happens when you mash together the biggest Youtube'er and some hamburger patties.

In today’s attention economy, look at the platforms of Logan Paul and Mr. Beast. How did they rise to the place they have today? With their Prime drinks and Mr. Beast burgers, it’s fascinating to see how our appetite for entertainment has evolved. 

This shift, coupled with current industrial strikes in Hollywood over streaming residuals, is forcing the industry to reconsider what engaging content looks like in the digital age.

A few weeks ago, we distinguished between entertainers and experts. For a select few, though, those lines are increasingly blurring. Personalities like Gary Vee combine expertise and charisma, commanding attention and cultivating a passionate fan base. They are the ones winning on this new big stage. How long will it last? No one knows because change is a constant reality.

Success hinges on the creator's ability to capture and hold an audience's interest. This can be measured digitally, resulting in the 'old' and 'new' worlds of entertainment colliding like we are seeing play out in Hollywood right now.

Think about it — pre-social media, the likes of Logan Paul and Mr. Beast almost certainly wouldn’t have broken into the mainstream. I mean we’ve always had the traditional hallmarks of fame like professional athleticism or Wall Street genius, but the current power of social media virality is so strong that new talents and creators have a platform.

Their talent lies in leveraging social platforms to their advantage, cultivating a following previously only achievable by Hollywood heavyweights.

This shift towards digital prominence is putting pressure on traditional entertainment sectors. It's no longer just about views and clicks; attention has become the new currency. For example, Mr. Beast, with his tank tops and cut-off jean shorts, amasses more views on YouTube than many big-budget Hollywood productions. 

This shift in viewer preference is challenging established industry norms, causing ripples that extend to the way writers and actors are compensated for their work. I’m personally enthralled with what’s happening in Hollywood and the way that this current power struggle is going to unfold in the coming months. 

But what a time we live in now. The opportunities for success in this new landscape are vast. My younger self would never have believed the levels of attention and monetary compensation that are possible today. 

The narrative of wealth and success is being rewritten. A YouTuber like Mr. Beast is now on track to becoming a billionaire – a status historically reserved for Fortune 100 CEOs, tech inventors, and heirs to vast fortunes.

It's a new world, where wealth and influence are no longer just the realm of doctors, lawyers, or pilots. YouTubers and indie filmmakers are now part of this elite group, and it's a testament to how much digital platforms have expanded the opportunities for talent of all kinds.

We're here to help you navigate this brave new world and turn what once seemed impossible into reality, all the while ensuring it doesn't take over your life. It's an exciting time when the next Steven Spielberg might just be starting out with a smartphone, a compelling story, and a dream.

Go chase that dream!