269 founders of the world’s leading independent creative studios have already joined.
For founders, by founders. That is the heartbeat of Founder Forum, the new member-driven private network launched by global studio advisor Joel Pilger. Forum (for short) is a movement bringing together leaders of the world’s best independent creative studios, production companies and content agencies to help them grow their businesses and strengthen the industry.
At launch, Forum already has 269 members worldwide with a planned cap of 200 paid memberships for focused impact. Benefits include lively discussion spaces, Weekly Roundtables, FUSE private meetups / elite dinners and a library of roundtable replays, pitch decks, templates and more. Alongside Pilger, leadership includes a council of 9 diverse industry luminaries.
"Being a former studio owner myself, I am a relentless champion of the small and mid-sized creative business owner," says Pilger. "Forum is unique. It’s not run by consultants. This is for founders, by founders as the place where hand-picked leaders and I are pushing each other toward collective success.”
Forum makes its official launch with four new exclusive member benefits:
- Derail the Pitch: A course teaching members the unorthodox way to navigate RFPs and competitive pitches so they are never again the dreaded third bid.
- Resident Experts: Access to the advice of industry experts in legal, public relations, new business/lead generation, HR/operations and AI for studios.
- Studios United: A joint venture with Stimulated-Inc. introducing a revolutionary platform that will bring big brands and their projects directly to members’ doorsteps.
- Forum+: An elevated tier for members who need personal guidance from Joel Pilger.
“Forum is an essential resource that helps me run a successful studio,” says Ed Rhine, Owner/ECD at motion studio Spillt. "It's where I can connect with other top creative leaders and we can share perspectives on our ever-evolving industry. Combined with Joel's vast perspective and experience as a founder, it's a go-to community for balance and success."
Studio or production company leaders seeking more information or to join Forum may visit https://www.joelpilger.com/forum
MUAHS Awards Unveils New Award Category For Theatrical Productions
The Make-Up Artists & Hair Stylists Guild (MUAHS) IATSE Local 706 will debut the highly anticipated new award category, Broadway International, to their awards ceremony on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at the Fairmont Century Plaza Hotel, presented by Giovanni Eco Chic Beauty. The new category will expand the recognition of outstanding Make-Up and Hair Styling Artists to encompass all live theater productions, including Broadway International live productions. With the addition of Broadway International, the ceremony will now shine a spotlight on beloved theatrical productions from around the world, recognizing the hard work and creativity of Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in this genre. The MUAHS Guild Awards also honor Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in motion pictures, television, commercials, and music videos in 23 categories. “We are so pleased to announce the addition of the Broadway and International Live Theater Production category. The MUAHS Guild Awards are now all-inclusive and participation is worldwide for film, television, and theater. We are very proud to be one of the very few awards shows that recognize the extraordinary work of Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists in theater productions,” said Julie Socash, President, MUAHS, IATSE Local 706. “I couldn’t be more excited to learn of the addition of the Broadway and International Live Theater Production category to the Make-Up Artists and Hair Stylists Guild Awards. I look forward to these amazingly talented artisans from the theatrical world receiving recognition for their hard work, expertise, and dedication to their crafts,” said Angela L. Johnson, President, Make-Up and Hair Stylists, IATSE Local 798. The qualifications for Outstanding Make-Up... Read More