Yair Landau
Innovative Media and Technology Leader
Los Angeles Metropolitan Area
Overview
Work Experience
Digital Media Advisor | Founder | Investor
2017 - Current
I dive deeply into each project to identify challenges and opportunities, propose solutions, and execute deliverables—offering both strategic advice and roll-up-your-sleeves leadership. In ongoing engagements, I support CEOs and stakeholders as a mentor, consultant, advisor, and often as board member to implement sound business practices, advance innovation, and embrace storytelling to resonate with target audiences. • Supervised production of Harry Potter location-based virtual reality (VR) for Warner Bros. • Provided business, technology, and creative expertise to early-stage and high-growth companies, such as: – Vault AI: pioneer in machine learning predictive analytics for streaming media – Mainline GG: leading collegiate ESports tournament monetization / management platform – Stop, Breathe, Think: wellness app acquired by Meredith Corp., NYSE: MDP - Dramafever: streaming Korean drama SVOD platform; acquired by Warner Bros. - Infinadeck: VR Experience platform driven by unique omni-directional treadmill
Producer & Director—Crowdsourced & Studio Animation Projects
2008 - 2020
I launched Mass Animation in 2008—a crowdsourced animation production studio that used social media to connect with artists around the world (the world’s first crowdsourced creativity platform of any scale). Also under this company umbrella, I conceived and managed a wide range of creative projects that engaged audiences worldwide. • Produced and directed the first theatrically released animated film on Facebook, “Live Music,” with over 50,000 contributors in 17 countries. • Developed and produced animated TV series starting Eva Longoria, “Mother Up!” Sold rights to Hulu and CityTV. • Developed and Produced of “Blazing Samurai,” starring Samuel L. Jackson, Ricky Gervais, Michael Cera, and Mel Brooks. Released as "Paws of Fury: The Legend of Hank" June 2022 • Delivered the first TED Talk on crowdsourced creativity
Partner—Digital Video, Gaming & Marketplaces
2009 - 2014
After leaving Sony Pictures, I leveraged my experience to build out emerging companies in the digital media and gaming space. I worked alongside CEOs and entrepreneurs to strengthen and scale companies in the global marketplace. • Provided vision and leadership—as well as technical expertise—to position digital media companies for growth. • Propelled the business life cycle for several early-stage businesses, including AwesomenessTV (acquired by Dreamworks), Machinima (acquired by Warner Bros.), PlayCast (acquired by EA), and ZEFR.
Vice Chair, Sony Pictures Entertainment | President, Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment
2000 - 2008
I capped my career at Sony as Vice Chair of Sony Pictures Entertainment and President of Sony Pictures Digital Entertainment (SPDE), which I formed in 1999. This was the first digital entertainment division within a major Hollywood studio. During my tenure, SPDE grew to 1,500 employees worldwide. • Created SPDE from the ground up—and shaped global strategy for digital entertainment. • Scaled SPDE’s Imageworks into a state-of-the-art digital animation and visual effects company. Supervised production of Academy Award®-winning films “The Chubb Chubbs!” (Best Animated Short) and “Spider-Man 2” (Best Visual Effects). • Created Sony Pictures Animation division and developed content pipeline including Academy Award® nominee “Surf’s Up” (Best Animated Feature) and Golden Globe nominee “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs” (Best Animated Feature). • Grew Sony Online Entertainment into the global leader in massively multiplayer online (MMO) video games (e.g. EverQuest) with over 750,000 active subscribers worldwide. • Directed the team at Columbia-TriStar Interactive to develop and distribute consumer-facing digital content services—in many cases, these services were ahead of their time. Examples included MovieLink (early online movie downloads), SoapCity (the first online subscription video-on-demand service), and Screenblast (online user-generated content platform).
EVP & SVP, Global Corporate Development & Strategic Planning
1995 - 2000
I initiated and headed the global Corporate Development Group for Sony Pictures Entertainment. With international growth in mind, I designed strategic plans, identified opportunities, and established relationships (including negotiating production and distribution partnerships) with stakeholders worldwide. • Negotiated purchase of ongoing rights to the Spider-Man franchise from Marvel Entertainment. • Structured and directed the acquisition of Telemundo (jointly with Apollo and Liberty Media investors). Later sold the broadcast network to NBC/Universal. • Launched Sony Entertainment Television in India, which quickly grew to become the region’s top multichannel video programming distributor (MVPD). • Built the company’s corporate development presence in Hong Kong, London, Mumbai, and Tokyo.
Vice President of Motion Picture Operations
1993 - 1995
Reported to and mentored by President of Motion Picture Group, Jonathan Dolgen. Recruited and managed team of talented analysts who have gone on to industry prominence. Structured finance of motion pictures including: "A River Runs Through It" and "In the Line of Fire".
Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE) is a subsidiary of Sony Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation.
Raised $1,000,000.00.