Universal MUSIC GROUP

Business Development and Content Partnership Initiatives

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Challenge 

  • Utilize expertise in project development, partnerships, and commercial negotiation for Universal’s legacy content division, in order to develop new products and also exploit existing content in innovative ways.

  • Grow topline revenues for the division through innovative products and partnerships.

Solution

  • Improved internal processes by revamping and refocusing the team of staff producers, and improving cross-functional processes with Finance, Sales, Legal, and Production departments, globally.

  • Created a new culture focused on developing external relationships and hitting production schedule delivery targets.

Result

  • Grew annual revenues by 27% over a four year period.

  • Developed and negotiated 17 partnerships for products and branding initiatives with a range of companies including Lionsgate, KCRW, SPi Entertainment/Human Nature/Motown, Tuff Gong/Bob Marley Estate, WalMart, and Zappa Records.

  • Released innovative digital products in partnership with Apple/iTunes, and delivered 63 products for simultaneous release as part of Apple’s Mastered for iTunes initiative, the biggest simultaneous product release ever for UMG.