Technology

Taiwan Hosts Asian Animation Summit for the First Time Bringing Together Major Buyers Netflix and Warner Bros. to Promote Taiwanese Animation to the World

Published

2 hours ago

November 26, 2024

TAIPEI, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Asian Animation Summit (AAS), the representative event with the greatest focus on the development of children’s animation in the Asia Pacific, was held in Taipei for the first time from November 19 to November 21. This year’s AAS was jointly organized by the Taiwan Creative Content Agency (TAICCA) and Kidscreen, the world’s leading animation magazine in the children’s entertainment industry. The event aimed to promote investment by European and American broadcasters in the development or co-production of Asian animation. It attracted well-known international animation channels and streaming platforms, including Netflix, Warner Bros., Discovery Kids APAC, and BBC Children. During the three-day event, Taiwan engaged in in-depth exchange with members of the animation industry from all over the world, discussing global trends and facilitating many opportunities for international collaboration.

AAS is focused on developing animation series suitable for children aged 15 and younger. Business matchmaking activities scheduled during the event consisted of investor pitches, one-on-one business meetings, and industry forums. Among attendees were European and American broadcasters and investors, as well as representative industry promoters from the Asia Pacific such as Japan’s Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO), Thailand’s Thai Animation and Computer Graphic Association (TACGA), and Australia’s Screen Queensland. Numerous Taiwanese distribution platforms and investors with an interest in children’s content also attended, including PTS XS, Chunghwa Digital Cultural and Creative, Taiwan Mobile, Fubon Cultural & Educational Foundation, MOMO, and EBC YoYo. With Taiwan as the host, Taiwanese animation studios also used the opportunity to participate.

To increase the number of original works and enhance the diversity of children’s content, TAICCA promotes a series of support programs, including talent cultivation and content incubation projects. TAICCA also works with key international organizations, invests resources in initial development and individual projects, and assists in carrying out international co-productions. TAICCA Chairperson Homme Tsai indicated that with TAICCA’s support, AAS could be held in Taiwan for the first time this year, giving children’s content an edge. This opportunity also allowed animation companies, platforms, and important industry organizations to gather for exchanges, and to match more Taiwanese works with international buyers. TAICCA will continue to encourage co-financing and co-productions between Taiwanese and international animation teams, and invest more resources to push outstanding Taiwanese animation teams to the international stage.

For investor pitches, there were a total of 13 pitches from Taiwan, Japan, Thailand, Australia, and India, including five works from Taiwanese teams recommended for selection by TAICCA: Coby & Jack by Whatube Studios, set in Taipei, combines the creator’s experience growing up with Eastern and Western humor to create a unique comedy short film for children; Aero Ace by TWR Entertainment, which uses “imagination is humankind’s most important asset” as its creative principle to create a world in which children can control machines with brain waves, hoping to encourage children to go outdoors and explore the world by stimulating their boundless creativity; the delightful Titi & Roro by Play Big Music, which draws on the concept of “Mudio = music + video,” uses music as the core of the story to lead viewers on a fantastical adventure. “This universe needs some joy!” Galaxy Wonders by Cheer Digiart, a science fiction comedy adventure short film that hopes children can explore, study, and discover this universe through the story; Pillow Pals by Pig Box Studio, featuring a soft and warm drawing style, with the underlying belief that “everything has a soul,” and that once children give toys a name, they will come to “life” and become soulmates. The pitches from the Taiwanese teams stood out and were favorites of buyers and industry members. Titi & Roro even won the audience choice award for most popular and will be advertised on the Kidscreen website.

During the industry forums, Libbie Doherty, Co-CEO of Run Wild Media, and David Kleeman, Senior Vice President of Global Trends of Dubit, shared little-known details about creating popular animation and using data to develop animation. Doherty pointed out that when facing challenges such as the pandemic, AI technology, and market changes, creators must understand the current ecosystem and creatively integrate universal values, establish an emotional connection with the audience, and create works with impact and emotional depth. She also said, “Children are the most amazing. Our mission is to let children have a happy childhood.” Kleeman shared that the generation of digital natives prefers user-generated content (UGC) and metaverse platforms; content creators can get instant feedback and test markets on these platforms, and they can use UGC and AI tools to make their content more interactive, to attract the attention of young groups in an ecosystem that combines virtuality and reality.

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SOURCE Taiwan Creative Content Agency

Technology

Ben Kunz Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer of Mediassociates

Published

5 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Brings focus on predictive analytics and AI research to advertising media campaigns

SANDY HOOK, Conn., Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Recently, Mediassociates—a leading media planning, buying, and marketing analytics agency—announced the promotion of Ben Kunz to Chief Strategy Officer. Ben has been with the agency for nearly two decades, most recently serving as Executive Vice President, where he managed the agency’s client strategy and business development teams.

Ben Kunz Promoted to Chief Strategy Officer of Mediassociates

In his new role, Ben will lead marketing client strategy and product/service development at the agency, focusing on guiding the strategic direction of Precision Branding, Mediassociates’ unique approach to media buying and analytics. Ben was a driving force behind the agency’s Precision Branding methodology, which integrates upper- and lower-funnel advertising communications with new data signals about consumer and B2B prospect behavior, leading to more effective marketing outcomes. In addition, Ben will spearhead several key initiatives the agency including evolving its next generation PrecisionBranding.AI platform for improved ad campaign planning, testing, and forecasting, as well as developing innovative data strategies to help marketers connect with future customers.

A former management consultant and nationally published columnist, Ben has established himself as a prominent voice in media innovation, artificial intelligence and behavioral economics. Ben was an early champion of digital transformation in our industry and the shift to mobile. His insights have been featured in publications such as Ad Age, Forbes, Adweek, BusinessWeek, The Atlantic, and The Wall Street Journal. Additionally, he is a sought-after speaker at industry events, including the DMA Awards and SXSW.

“Ben is always 20 moves ahead in his thinking. With his foresight and expertise in tech and media trends, Ben is the ideal leader to elevate strategic thinking for our clients and our team,” said Jeff Larson, CEO of Mediassociates. “His track record of predicting industry shifts and his innovative approach to client solutions will be instrumental in driving the next phase of our growth.”

Throughout his tenure at Mediassociates, he has played a central role in building client success, launching the agency’s analytics, programmatic, predictive modeling, and AI practices. This has contributed to over 400% growth over the past decade.

“It’s an exciting time to be a leader in media,” Kunz said. “With advertising platforms changing almost daily and artificial intelligence building power and speed in campaign planning, I look forward to bringing new solutions forward for our clients and creative-agency partners.”

In his personal time, Ben is dedicated to cancer research fundraising, enjoys hiking in Iceland with his wife, and is passionate about photography.

About Mediassociates

Mediassociates is a leading independent, full-service media agency headquartered in Sandy Hook, CT. Since its founding in 1996, the agency has experienced remarkable growth, expanding threefold since 2020. With $275 million in media billings and a dedicated team of 102 employees, Mediassociates is positioned to be both nimble and scalable. The agency serves a national client base, partnering with mid-market companies to drive growth and leverage media as a competitive advantage. Mediassociates is a proud member of the Worldwide Partners Independent Agency Network and has received numerous industry accolades, including being recognized as a Best Place to Work by Ad Age, listed among the Fastest Growing Agencies by Adweek, honored as Media All-Stars by MediaPost, and designated a Premier Partner by Google.

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SOURCE Mediassociates

Technology

LeafLink Acquires Wholesale Marketplace Leaf Trade

Published

5 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

Combined companies are estimated to facilitate nearly $9 billion in wholesale gross merchandise value (GMV) yearly

Acquisition further streamlines technology tools available for cannabis operators to run their businesses more efficiently

LeafLink’s suite of cannabis solutions now includes B2B Marketplace tools, business banking, payment options like Payment on Sell-Through, data insights, B2B advertising, and retailer tools

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — LeafLink, the nation’s leading cannabis wholesale platform, today announced it has acquired Leaf Trade, a wholesale marketplace primarily used by multi-state operators (MSOs) and enterprise cannabis companies.

With this deal, LeafLink will support the full spectrum of cannabis businesses, from small brands and retailers to MSOs, with robust marketplace offerings and industry-leading tools. The LeafLink and Leaf Trade technology platforms will operate as-is without disruption while a full integration roadmap is rolled out.

“Leaf Trade has been the clear industry leader serving the MSO and enterprise segment and we are thrilled to welcome the Leaf Trade team to LeafLink. We look forward to working closely with our new customers and providing integrated technology solutions that allow them to run their businesses more efficiently,” said Artie Minson, President and CEO of LeafLink. “Our mission at LeafLink is to help the regulated cannabis industry reach its greatest potential. We’re doing this by providing products and implementing standards that significantly streamline operational processes and meaningfully improve financial performance. Streamlining the technology stack is critical to ensuring the industry’s long-term success and we are thrilled to be partnering with the industry’s largest companies in pursuit of this goal.”

“This acquisition is an incredible win for our team, our customers, and the advancement of the cannabis industry. The Leaf Trade team has done a tremendous job driving significant growth while achieving profitability. With LeafLink’s acquisition of Leaf Trade, we’re unifying our strengths to create even more innovative solutions that drive growth and value across the supply chain. We are excited that our customers will now be able to leverage some of the major product investments that LeafLink has made recently,” said Brian Ward, CEO of Leaf Trade. “Sweed, a partner of Leaf Trade under High Tech Holdings, will remain an independent business, which allows us to reinvest in its growth and continue building on the tremendous momentum we’ve achieved. By leveraging our strategic partnership with LeafLink, Sweed will deliver smarter tools that empower our customers to drive growth and streamline operations.”

This past year, LeafLink has gained significant momentum behind its product portfolio with a suite of new tools. These new additions include Payment on Sell-Through, an industry-first fintech tool that tackles delinquent payments and enhances LeafLink’s existing payment tools; LeafLink Plus, a subscription service that includes detailed inventory analytics; and enhanced access to reliable, compliant, and safe cannabis business banking on the LeafLink platform via the acquisition of Dama Financial. These new products complement and enhance LeafLink’s existing product suite, which includes marketplace tools, targeted advertising, SaaS integrations, logistics software, and market insights.

As a result of strong performance, organic growth opportunities, and its focused mission to be the B2B operating system for the regulated cannabis industry, LeafLink recently upsized its Series D fundraising round from $100 million to $125 million. Investors in the Series D financing include CPMG, Nosara, L2 Ventures, Thrive Capital, and Tiger Global.

Contact: Press@LeafLink.com

About LeafLink
Founded in 2016, LeafLink is the wholesale cannabis industry’s leading B2B technology platform helping thousands of customers in 30+ markets. LeafLink believes that better access to modern financial services will propel the industry towards sustainable growth. In July of 2024, LeafLink announced the acquisition of leading cannabis banking platform Dama Financial in order to provide access to safe, reliable, and compliant banking. In 2024, LeafLink was included in the Fast Company, Best Workplaces for Innovators List in the Banking, Finance, and Fintech category and was also awarded Green Market Report’s Best Cannabis Fintech.

About Leaf Trade
Leaf Trade, a pioneering wholesale cannabis platform, is transforming how the industry connects cultivators, distributors, and retailers. By streamlining the supply chain and integrating with top industry systems, Leaf Trade ensures efficient and compliant transactions. With a significant presence in over 25 states and trusted by many of the largest cannabis operators, Leaf Trade stands out as a reliable and innovative solution for the cannabis market.

About Sweed
Sweed is redefining cannabis retail management with its cohesive platform, seamlessly combining Point of Sale, eCommerce, and Marketing & Loyalty solutions. As the original enterprise-grade platform purpose-built for multi-location scalability, Sweed empowers retailers to efficiently manage sales, customer engagement, marketing, and inventory — all from one system. By delivering a tailored, data-driven experience without relying on external integrations, Sweed enables cannabis retailers to drive growth and deliver exceptional customer experiences. For more information, visit https://sweedpos.com/.

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SOURCE Leaflink

Technology

Unlock Laser Engraving Excellence: Monport’s Biggest Black Friday Sale

Published

5 minutes ago

November 26, 2024

NEW YORK, Nov. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Monport Laser is rolling out its highly anticipated Black Friday Blowout Sale, offering up to $6,000 in savings on top-tier laser engraving machines. The Black Friday sale, which runs from November 5 to December 5, 2024, includes massive discounts, exclusive bundle deals, and free gift offers for customers looking to upgrade their engraving capabilities.

Monport’s Black Friday sale is packed with unbeatable offers for both new and seasoned laser engraving enthusiasts. Whether you’re a hobbyist, small business owner, or professional looking to upgrade, Monport’s extensive sale has something for everyone. Customers can take advantage of massive savings, including up to $6,000 off on select machines, and enjoy special bundle offers that provide even more value.

Key Deals:

Up to $6,000 Off on top Monport Laser Engravers: Monport’s top models, including the Reno Pro and Mega Laser, are available at incredible discounts, ensuring customers can get high-quality, professional-grade machines at the best prices of the year.Buy More, Save More with Bundle Offers: Shoppers can save even more by purchasing laser engraver bundles, which include essential accessories and materials at discounted prices.Limited-Time Free Gift: For a limited time, customers who purchase any laser engraver will receive a gift card up to $300, perfect for future upgrades, accessories, or materials.60-Day Price Guarantee: Monport ensures customers get the best deal by offering a 60-day price guarantee, promising the lowest price available during the promotion.

For a limited time, customers who purchase any laser engraver will receive a gift card up to $300, which can be used for future upgrades or materials. Additionally, Monport is offering a 60-day price guarantee, ensuring buyers get the best price during the Black Friday promotion period.

The Monport Black Friday Sale also includes discounts on engraving materials and accessories, with savings of up to 20%. Whether a beginner or a seasoned pro, there’s a machine or accessory to suit every need, from small business owners to laser engraving enthusiasts.

Exclusive Online Livestream Events

In celebration of the Black Friday sale and the launch of the Monport MEGA Laser, Monport is hosting three livestream events featuring product demos, engraving tips, and Q&A sessions with experts. The Black Friday livestreams will also offer a chance to win prizes like LightBurn software licenses and air purifiers.

Livestream Schedule:

November 25, 2024, at 8 PM CST : Hosted by GregNovember 27, 2024, at 8 PM CST : Hosted by CasonNovember 29, 2024, at 3 PM PST : Hosted by Brett

During these Black Friday livestream events, viewers will see the capabilities of the Monport Reno Pro, learn engraving techniques, and get a sneak peek of the Mega Laser’s advanced features. Prizes will be awarded to participants who engage during the livestreams.

Shop Now for Unbeatable Savings

Monport Laser urges customers to act quickly to secure the best deals of the year. With exclusive discounts, special bundles, and live event giveaways, the Monport Black Friday Blowout Sale is the perfect opportunity to invest in laser engraving equipment or expand an existing setup.

For more details and to shop the full range of discounts, visit Monport Laser’s Black Friday Sale.

Shop now and get exclusive savings—limited time only!

About Monport Laser
Monport Laser is a leading provider of high-quality laser engraving machines and accessories, offering innovative solutions for hobbyists, small businesses, and professionals. Known for cutting-edge technology and exceptional customer service, Monport continues to set the standard in the laser engraving industry.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/unlock-laser-engraving-excellence-monports-biggest-black-friday-sale-302316668.html

SOURCE Monport Laser