Entertainment Technology Center @ USC 2007-Present - Link
Executive Director
The ETC@USC is a non-profit consortium, funded by the Hollywood studios (Disney, Fox, Paramount, NBC/Universal & Sony) and a variety of leading technology and service companies (e.g. Cisco, Thomson & Deluxe), that looks at how technology is changing the entertainment landscape. Through its "Anytime/Anywhere Content Lab," along with students from USC, the ETC provides a space where the industry can explore how real users will consume content in emerging combinations of technologies and networks. With his appointment in early 2007 to head the Entertainment Technology Center at the University of Southern California (ETC-USC), Wertheimer has brought his expertise to bear on the technological and sociological implications of providing content to consumers who desire it at any time and any place. ETC@USC is headquartered in the School of Cinematic Arts digital collaboratory annex, located in the heart of Los Angeles. The center also conducts digital screening sessions at the school’s flagship Norris Theatre Complex on USC’s University Park Campus.
USC Institute for Creative Technologies 2003-2006 - Link
Executive Director
Oversaw 100+ employees, ~$25M/year budget for this government-funded entertainment technology research and development organization. Worked with entertainment industry creative professionals and computer scientists to develop advanced technologies and content to be delivered on a range of platforms.
Oversaw research portfolio in photoreal graphics, artificial intelligence & sound, as well as state-of-the-art computer game development projects. Focus was on long-range, strategic technology, centered around interactive learning/training environments and CG/digital production. Refined strategic plan for the Institute and negotiated many key deals and sponsorships, including a $100M contract with the government.
DigiMedia Strategies/GreenCap Investments 2001-Present - Link
Founded this investment and management consulting company that provides expertise to public and private companies in the technology and entertainment industries. Primary focus is on new product/service development (conceptualization, design & implementation) and high-level business development. Strategic consulting in: digital content distribution, production, e-commerce, and advertising. Some example roles served:
CEO, Advantage Retailing, LLC
Started company and designed the systems and strategy for a new e-commerce business-to-consumer retailer. Oversee ongoing operations, advertising and search engine optimization.
President, iBlast Services (iBlast, Inc. – a wireless broadband content delivery system)
Hired as strategic/management consultant to this high-profile company funded by Tribune, Cox, etc. Was then brought in as president to create and execute a plan for content services to be delivered over the wireless network.
WireBreak Networks, Venice, CA (Content Production & Digital Delivery) 1998-2001
Chairman & CEO
Founded, built, and ran this early company in the digital content industry that was a pioneer in interactivity coupled with streaming content and commerce on the Internet. Executive produced hundreds of hours of original video programming. Recognized impending Internet market troubles and transitioned WireBreak into a reality television production company. Oversaw development and production of creative projects and pitched/negotiated deals with major television outlets such as MTV, F/X, Comedy Central, etc.
Paramount Studios, Hollywood, CA 1995-1998
President, Paramount Digital Entertainment
Recruited by Paramount to build a new division to leverage Paramount brands and position the studio as a leader in digital content. Refined strategy and business plan and built team. Posted substantial profit in market where competitors were losing large sums of money. Designed and shaped content vision, exec produced original material, programming and technology development. Launched over 25 Web sites, including extending powerful brands such as Star Trek, Entertainment Tonight, etc. into new areas.
Oracle Corporation, Redwood City, CA (Information Management Software) 1993-1995
Senior Director, Entertainment Alliances
Recruited to create and implement strategic relationships for Oracle’s entry into content delivery systems (Oracle Media Server). Worked with major entertainment firms (film/TV studios, music labels, game developers and publishers) to put together business models for delivering content via new distribution formats: Internet, CDROM, Online Services, and Interactive Television. Developed business models, facilitated discussions with service providers (telephone & cable operators) and acted as focal point for all Oracle divisions with respect to digital content alliances. Was industry advocate for digital content delivery and emerging information delivery systems.
NeXT Computer, Inc. (Steve Jobs’ company – purchased by Apple) 1989-1993
OEM Channel Manager 1992-1993
Created new sales channel for NeXT Computer by distributing software through PC manufacturers (e.g. Compaq, Dell, HP, DEC, etc.). Helped the company with the transition from a hardware/software company to software-only by establishing OEM relationships with PC hardware vendors. Defined the strategy and business plan, negotiated licensing terms, hired team and managed group to accomplish corporate objectives. Had full P&L responsibility.
Business Development Manager, NeXT Asia/Pacific 1991-1992
Was responsible for expanding NeXT's business and presence in the Pacific Rim. Managed sales and marketing for Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, Korea, Malaysia. Enhanced NeXT's presence in existing markets, at the same time researched, evaluated and introduced NeXT into new markets.
Sales/Business Development Manager 1989-1991
Oversaw and/or participated in building reseller channels (VAR & Dealer) and hardware/software sales in Bay Area.
The Chalk Board, Dallas, TX (Regional On-line Service) 1983-1985
Founded and operated the company, including all management, financial and marketing responsibilities. Marketed regional on-line database, email, and distributed access services to consumers in the Southwest.
Education: Duke University, Durham, NC, 1985-1989
B.S. Computer Science/Business. Graduated Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
Profile or Feature Articles/Interviews:
• Wall Street Journal
• CNN
• USA Today
• NPR
• New York Times
• KTLA-TV (Los Angeles)
• Los Angeles Magazine
• Los Angeles Business
Journal
• Variety
• Hollywood Reporter
• Electronic Media
• Industry Standard
• Red Herring
• Upside Magazine
Conference Keynote or Featured Speaking Engagements:
• National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
• Comdex
• NATPE
• Internet World
• Digital Hollywood
• Red Herring Conferences
• Paul Kagan Summit
• Ad:tech West
• Variety Interactive Summit
• Interactive Marketing
• Jupiter Online Summit
• Seybold Conference
• Streaming Media West & East
• Stanford University: The Future of Content