Disney opens Created in L.A. with 350 creators in Hollywood
Disney rolled out the red carpet for online video stars on Thursday night in Hollywood.
The studio opened its first creator gathering, Created in L.A., at the El Capitan Theatre, according to Variety. The two-day event brings together more than 350 creators, innovators and industry leaders. Creators here means people who film, edit and publish their own shows for YouTube, TikTok and Instagram.
The gathering was conceived and hosted by creator Jon Youshaei, who previously held leadership roles at YouTube and Instagram, Variety reported. Disney had organised the week with Youshaei and billed it in advance as a first-of-its-kind creator event, according to Disney. The programme spans the El Capitan and the Walt Disney Studios.
Dana Walden, President and Chief Creative Officer of The Walt Disney Company, spoke at the opening night. She said she hoped the event would allow Disney and creators to exchange ideas, learn from each other and find future storytelling collaborations, Variety reported. Her title is listed by Disney.
Two Golden State Awards were handed out on the first night. The first went to brothers Lucas and Curtis Nicotra, known online as Sticks, for “The Technoblade Movie.” The second went to Zach King for “Cardboard Strikes Back,” a Star Wars parody.
Both are short-form makers with large followings built outside cinemas and television. King is known for quick visual tricks and edits. Sticks built its name around Minecraft culture and its fan community.
What makes this stand out for viewers is the guest list. Disney normally centres its big nights on actors, directors and executives. This time the invitations went to people whose studios are often a bedroom and a phone.
No deals were announced on the night. For fans, this means the interest is in who Disney talks to next, not in a release date or a trailer.
