Los Angeles, CA. Australian AVOD monetization platform VA Media (“VA”) has hired Los Angeles-based distribution and marketing executive Kristen Bedno as Head of Content Partnerships & Acquisitions, North America in its first move to expand globally in the Social AVOD space.
Based in Sydney and Melbourne, VA Media has built one of the largest networks of movie and unscripted genre channels on YouTube, comprising eight channels and attracting 15M subscribers. Using proprietary knowledge and a team of dedicated YouTube experts, VA Media’s movie network publishes movies to its channels, generating significant revenues for its distributor partners based on the volume of views.
VA Media already has a significant foothold in the US where it helps producers and distributors including The Asylum, Vision Films, Alliance Entertainment’s Distribution Solutions and Indie Rights to monetize their catalogs in the social media space. The company has paid out over US$5M to US independent movie distributors over the past three years, with another US$5M to follow in the next 18 months.
In her new role heading up content partnerships and acquisitions, Bedno will help current VA partners expand their monetization capabilities via VA’s diverse offerings while also spearheading new partnerships with rights holders and producers and overseeing corporate communications in North America.
Mark Ashbridge, Managing Director of VA Media said, “Kristen’s unique experience in the distribution, marketing, and acquisitions space will provide VA with vital resources and connections as we continue to expand our business and establish our North American presence. Generating meaningful revenues for our independent client base across the fast-growing social video and AVOD markets is our key focus and I’m excited to have Kristen joining at such a great time for our business.”
“It’s an exciting time in the AVOD space and VA Media is one of the fastest-growing social monetization companies in film, series, and social production with over 15M network subscribers and 300M monthly views,” said Bedno. “I am looking forward to helping VA expand its network of exceptional content providers.”
Originally from Southern Indiana, Bedno is founder of SideHussleLife. A marketing and distribution consultancy which focuses on amplifying diversity in film and television in the independent sector. Her previous roles include Vice President of Distribution and Marketing at Vision Films. Where she managed producer and platform relationships as well as launching global VOD content.
Before joining Vision Films, Bedno was with the Worldwide Distribution groups Starz and Lionsgate. There, Bedno oversaw sales operations and international marketing and publicity strategies. She helped to launch Starz Original series such as Emmy® Award-winning Black Sails. Bedno also helped to launch Power, Executive Produced by Courtney A Kemp and Curtis “50” Cent Jackson. The Girlfriend Experience (starring Golden Globe®-nominated actress Riley Keough), and Ash vs Evil Dead (created by legendary Director Sam Raimi).
Bedno also previously served as Chair of the OTT.X Leadership Development Foundation initiative. She draws on her passion for the independent film and TV sector. Bedno speaks continues to speak at countless festivals and panels. She and lives in Los Angeles with her adoring husband Scott and their cats Holly Golightly and Frankie Baum.
About VA Media
VA Media is a Sydney based media company that specializes in social video monetization. Which is based in Sydney and Melbourne, Australia. VA helps producers and distributors discover audiences. It also helps to monetize content across YouTube, Facebook, SNAP and other AVOD platforms. VA Media unlocks a world of opportunity check us out at www.vamedianetwork.com
Contact: Kristen Bedno (kristen@valleyarm.com)
Contact: Mark Ashbridge (mark@valleyarm.com)
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