Part 8/10:
Mayer and Staggs seem aware of this challenge. Their emphasis on identifying "category-defining" brands indicates they understand the importance of genuine audience connection. However, critics warn that heavy corporate involvement could dilute the emotional bonds that programmers, creators, and fans have with these stories. There's an underlying concern that monetization might overshadow authenticity.
The Broader Market: A Fish-Eat-Fish Ecosystem
The animation and media landscape currently resembles a "fish-eat-fish" ecosystem. Companies are rapidly buying and selling properties, with studios like Lionsgate and others continuously changing hands. It’s a cycle of consolidation, with big players absorbing smaller entities to carve out dominant market positions.