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Stagwell Revs Up for SXSW 2023 to Explore Brand Fandom, Generative AI, Immersive Experiences and More

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Roving Video Content Studio Will Capture On-the-Ground Perspectives to be Shared via Stagwell’s Digital Channels

NEW YORK and AUSTIN, Texas, March 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — Stagwell (NASDAQ: STGW), the challenger network built to transform marketing, is gearing up for its biggest South by Southwest Festival (SXSW) presence to date with programming ranging from official panels to side-stage conversations to special events. Stagwell network leaders from Assembly, Brand Performance Network, Code and Theory, GALE, KWT Global, MMI Agency, National Research Group (NRG), Stagwell Marketing Cloud, and YML will explore artificial intelligence, advertising, marketing, emerging tech, fandom, public relations and communications, sports innovation, sustainability, and other buzzing topics.

STGW SXSW2023
Stagwell revs up for South by Southwest Festival 2023.

“SXSW sets the tone for the creative and cultural trends that define the year ahead,” said Stagwell Chairman and CEO Mark Penn. “From the unifying power of sports and brand fandom to the next frontiers of AR and AI, Stagwell is headed to Austin to help drive – and learn from – the conversations that are top-of-mind right now for marketers, technologists, entrepreneurs and business leaders alike.”

Press or brand leaders interested in attending any of the below and/or connecting with Stagwell on the ground should contact sxsw2023@stagwellglobal.com.

Where Stagwell is Showing Up

Saturday, March 11

  • 11:30AM: The Power of Fandom in the Metaverse: This session will explore how fandom is the forum for new immersive ways, spaces, and types of connection, and how the metaverse is changing the way audiences connect and interact with sports, entertainment, music, and gaming; featuring Infinite Reality CMO Hope Frank, NRG CMO Grady Miller, Lenovo CMO, North America Gerald Youngblood, and Brand Performance Network, Global Chief Content & Partnership Innovation Officer Shannon Pruitt.
  • 11:50AMWomen in Marketing Leadership Forum: YML’s SVP of Growth Stephanie Wiseman will join Danone’s Head of Marketing Linda Bethea, Hyatt VP, Global Marketing Laurie Blair, MetLife SVP, Global Brand & Marketing Michelle Froah, and Visa Head of Corporate Marketing Alison Herzog in conversation at the Brand Innovators Leadership Summit.
  • 4PM: Stagwell, in partnership with Sportico, will host cocktails to commemorate the kickoff of SXSW at the Four Seasons Hotel.

Sunday, March 12

  • 11:15AM: Women in Marketing Leadership ForumWhile an increasing number of female leadership appointments make headlines, progress still feels slow. Wells Enterprises Chief Commercial Officer Santhi Ramesh, Nature’s Sunshine VP, Marketing Stephanie O’Farrell, former P&G Beauty, Grooming & Health Chief Communications Officer Kelly Vanasse, and MMI Agency CEO Maggie Malek join Brand Innovators Leadership Summit to share lessons learned.
  • 11:30AM-12:30PM: Anatomy of a Fan: Harnessing Loyalty, Insights, and Emerging TechnologyJoin ARound Founder and CEO Josh Beatty, NRG EVP, Strategy & Innovation Fotoulla Damaskos, Minnesota Twins Sr. Director, Innovation and Growth Chris Iles, and Sportico Sports Business Reporter Eben Novy-Williams in conversation on the power of sports, and creating and nurturing brand fandom.
  • 2:20PM: Sustainability & Purpose-Driven Marketing: This Brand Innovators Leadership Summit session will feature YML CCO Stephen Clements in conversation with PepsiCo Senior Director, Creative & Digital Christian Hoyle, YETI Director, Creative Ginny Golden, Kickstarter VP, Brand Marketing Elyse Mallouk, and OkCupid Global Head of Communications Michael Kaye, moderated by Everfi VP, Enterprise Marketing Paula Cobb.

Monday, March 13

  • 11AM-5PM: Driving the Transformation of Marketing: Stagwell at Circuit of the Americas: Brand leaders and Stagwell agencies will come together for a day at the Formula 1 racetrack, where they will learn how to drive like a pro from the Skip Barber Racing School. The day will include lunch, tactical driving, speed drills, time behind the wheel of an F4 car, and cocktails to wrap the day.
  • 5:30-7:30PM: Axios and PRophet: The New Communications Engineer: Aaron Kwittken, founder and CEO of PRophet, the AI-driven predictive pitch platform for PR professionals, will join the Axios editorial team in conversation spotlighting how AI can revolutionize the way communicators work, create content and exchange ideas.

Tuesday, March 14

  • 4-4:30PM: How Trust Impacts Fandom in Immersive Experiences: The immersive fan experience isn’t just a hype-cycle XR, VR, or the metaverse. It’s how sports, media, and entertainment companies are connecting with their audiences in ways we never imagined. The session will feature Infinite Reality President of Metaverse Operations Helix Wolfson, OpenWeb CMO Tiffany Xingyu Wang, COTY SVP, U.S. Marketing Kevin Shapiro, and Brand Performance Network, Global Chief Content & Partnership Innovation Officer Shannon Pruitt.

Wednesday, March 15

  • Tune into the SXSW official podcast channel throughout the day for Stagwell and Infinite Reality’s 4-part series on trends in the metaverse. Guests will include executives from Napster, Afropunk, Obsesh, Animal Concerts and Let’s Get FR.EE, among others.

About Stagwell
Stagwell is the challenger network built to transform marketing. We deliver scaled creative performance for the world’s most ambitious brands, connecting culture-moving creativity with leading-edge technology to harmonize the art and science of marketing.  Led by entrepreneurs, our 13,000+ specialists in 34+ countries are unified under a single purpose: to drive effectiveness and improve business results for their clients. Join us at www.stagwellglobal.com.

SOURCE Stagwell Inc.

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Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son in Custody

Renowned filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found dead in their Los Angeles home in a reported homicide. Police have arrested their son in connection with the case, and tributes are pouring in.

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Last Updated on December 16, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Portrait of filmmaker Rob Reiner

Director Rob Reiner participates in a discussion following a screening of the film LBJ at the LBJ Presidential Library in Austin, Texas on Saturday October 22, 2016
On Saturday evening October 22, 2016, the LBJ Presidential Library held a sneak peek of Rob Reiner’s new filmÊLBJ, starring Woody Harrelson as the 36th president. The film, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September, chronicles the life and times of Lyndon Johnson who would inherit the presidency at one of the most fraught moments in American history.
Following the screening, director Rob Reiner, actor Woody Harrelson, and writer Joey Hartstone joined LBJ Library Director Mark Updegrove on stage for a conversation about the film.
LBJ Library photo by Jay Godwin
10/22/2016

Hollywood Legend Rob Reiner and Wife Found Dead; Son in Custody

December 15, 2025

Renowned filmmaker and actor Rob Reiner, 78, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found dead in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday, authorities say. Emergency responders were called to the residence Sunday afternoon, where both were discovered with fatal wounds consistent with a stabbing. Police are treating the case as a double homicide. 

Los Angeles police arrested the couple’s 32-year-old son, Nick Reiner, in connection with the deaths. He is being held in custody as investigators continue to piece together the circumstances surrounding the incident. 

Nick Reiner and Rob Reiner at the 2016 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administrations 2016 SAMHSA Voice Awards cropped

2016 SAMHSA Voice Awards

Reiner was one of Hollywood’s most influential figures, known for his work as a director, producer and actor. His career spanned decades, from early television fame to directing beloved films that shaped American cinema. 

Friends, colleagues and public figures have begun sharing tributes and reactions to the news as the investigation is ongoing. 

More details will be updated as they become available.

The Inspiring Legacy of Raymond E. Fowler: A Journey into the Unknown
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/the-inspiring-legacy-of-raymond-e-fowler-a-journey-into-the-unknown/

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Hollywood vs. Reality: How LA’s Wilshire Subway Was Really Built

Wilshire Subway: Did LA blast subway tunnels under Wilshire Boulevard? Hollywood says yes — engineers say no. Here’s how Metro safely tunneled beneath Miracle Mile.

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envato labs image edit

When the 1997 disaster film Volcano depicted lava erupting along Wilshire Boulevard and referenced blasting during Red Line subway construction, it delivered gripping cinema — but not accurate engineering.

In reality, Los Angeles Metro did not rely on large-scale blasting to construct subway tunnels beneath Wilshire Boulevard and the Miracle Mile. Instead, engineers used tunnel boring machines (TBMs) specifically to avoid the very risks Hollywood dramatized.

Why Blasting Was Avoided

The Wilshire Corridor sits atop historic oil fields, making methane gas pockets a known and serious concern. A deadly methane explosion near Fairfax Avenue in 1985 led to heightened scrutiny of underground construction in the area. Blasting in such conditions could have caused unpredictable gas releases, ground instability, or damage to surface structures.

As a result, Metro engineers chose pressurized, closed-face tunnel boring machines, which allow for:

  • Controlled excavation in dense urban environments

  • Continuous ground support to prevent settlement

  • Integrated gas detection and ventilation systems

These machines grind slowly through soil and rock while installing precast concrete tunnel linings, creating a sealed, gas-resistant structure as they advance. envato labs image edit

The Real Engineering Feat

Although Volcano took creative liberties for dramatic effect, the true story of tunneling under Wilshire is no less impressive. Advances in TBM technology and methane mitigation ultimately allowed the Metro D Line (formerly the Red Line/Purple Line) to safely pass through one of Los Angeles’ most geologically complex corridors — without explosions, collapsing streets, or cinematic chaos.

Bottom Line

Volcano remains a memorable piece of 1990s disaster cinema, but its portrayal of subway construction is fiction. The real achievement lies in decades of careful planning, modern tunneling technology, and engineering solutions that quietly reshaped Los Angeles beneath its busiest boulevard.

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Dreambreaker: A Pickleball Story — A Closer Look at the Documentary and Its Uncredited Voice
Link: https://stmdailynews.com/dreambreaker-a-pickleball-story-a-closer-look-at-the-documentary-and-its-uncredited-voice/

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Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

Discover Beam’s new Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, transforming videos into playable mini-games and interactive stories—no coding required. Explore the future of interactive media for creators and storytellers.

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Last Updated on December 13, 2025 by Daily News Staff

Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

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Beam Unveils Veo 3.1-Powered AI Platform: Transforming Videos into Playable Games and Interactive Stories

In a year where generative AI and short-form content are rewriting the rules of digital storytelling, Beam is pushing the boundaries even further. Today, Beam—developed by Phaser Studio Inc.—announced the launch of its Veo 3.1-powered AI platform, a groundbreaking tool that empowers creators to turn ordinary videos into playable mini-games and interactive AI stories, all without writing a single line of code.

Video, Reimagined: From Passive Watching to Active Playing

For decades, video has been the dominant format online—but it’s always been a one-way street: watch, react, repeat. Beam is flipping that script. By introducing “playable video,” Beam merges the worlds of generative AI, interactive media, and game creation. The result? Stories and experiences that aren’t just watched, but actively played and explored.
“Video has become the dominant format on the internet, but it’s always been passive,” says Matt Dukes, CEO of Beam. “Beam turns video into something interactive. By combining Veo 3.1 with a no-code game-creation workflow, we’re giving creators a new medium where stories, games, and short-form content all converge and come to life.”

How It Works: No-Code Creation, Limitless Possibilities

Beam’s platform is powered by a multi-model AI engine, including the latest Veo 3.1 and other advanced video generation models. Here’s what makes it unique:
  • AI-Generated Media: Instantly create video, images, and music using cutting-edge AI tools.
  • Drag-and-Drop Grid Editor: Arrange scenes, add branching choices, and build interactive storylines—all visually, right in your browser.
  • Instant Publishing: Share your playable mini-games and interactive shorts to the web with a single click.
The platform is designed for everyone—from indie storytellers and educators to brands and viral content creators. Early adopters are already bringing to life dating sims, choose-your-own-adventure stories, action-packed mini-games, interactive ASMR experiences, and even wholesome, playable pet tales.

Free Early Access for Creators

Beam is rolling out with an early-access program that offers unlimited free generations. This means creators can experiment, iterate, and publish their first projects without barriers. Looking ahead, Beam plans to introduce monetization, discovery, and distribution tools to help creators grow their audiences and revenue.
One early creator summed it up perfectly: “I’ve used AI video tools before, but Beam is the first time I felt like I was actually building a game, not just generating clips. Being able to turn a video into something people can interact with completely changes how I think about storytelling.”

The Future of Interactive Media

Beam isn’t just another AI tool—it’s a new creative medium. As Dukes puts it, “AI unlocked image creation. Then it unlocked video. Playable video is the next step in the evolution of digital media, and Beam is built specifically for that future.”
Ready to start building? Explore Beam’s platform and see how you can turn your next story into a playable experience: https://beam.game/

About Beam: Beam, from Phaser Studio Inc., is an AI-powered platform that lets anyone turn video into playable mini-games and interactive stories. With Veo 3.1 at its core, Beam brings together AI video, sound, visuals, and easy-to-use branching logic for a true no-code creative workflow.
For more info, visit https://beam.game/

Who do you see benefiting most from this kind of platform—independent creators, educators, brands, or someone else? Let’s discuss how this tech could shape the next wave of interactive storytelling!
Source: Phaser Studio Inc.
https://beam.game/ (official site)
For more coverage on the latest AI tools and digital media innovations, check out our Artificial Intelligence section on STM Daily News.

STM Daily News is a multifaceted podcast that explores a wide range of topics, from life and consumer issues to the latest in food and beverage trends. Our discussions dive into the realms of science, covering everything from space and Earth to nature, artificial intelligence, and astronomy. We also celebrate the amateur sports scene, highlighting local athletes and events, including our special segment on senior Pickleball, where we report on the latest happenings in this exciting community. With our diverse content, STM Daily News aims to inform, entertain, and engage listeners, providing a comprehensive look at the issues that matter most in our daily lives. https://stories-this-moment.castos.com/

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