How Online Fandom Is Rewriting the IP Playbook

How Online Fandom Is Rewriting the IP Playbook

“People don’t want to just watch anymore. They want to participate,” says Cathy Hackl, describing the future of new IP. She’s pointing at a telling 2026: Netflix’s upcoming Unhinged turns your phone into a controller — flashlight, receiver of in-game calls and texts — while A24’s Backrooms became the studio’s biggest film based on a…

The Creator-Led Studio Playbook

The Creator-Led Studio Playbook

In this episode, host Kalie Moore talks with Zach Letter, Co-founder & CEO of Wonder Works Studio, the makers of hit Roblox experiences, including three SpongeBob titles this year. We dig into how creator roots shape game design and distribution, how influencer-native teams launch differently, and Wonder Works’ long-term bet on licensed IP. The conversation dives into…