ZASH Global Media and Entertainment is disrupting media and entertainment in the real and virtual worlds we find ourselves in. This innovative powerhouse is led by Adirondack native Ted Farnsworth and his team. They have offices worldwide but Syracuse is becoming the headquarters.
I showed up for a tour of their space, also known locally as The Hub, and was lucky to have a sit down meeting with Farnsworth thanks to his Media Relations Specialist, Kimberly Rossi. Wow, did I learn a lot. I left this meeting very excited about all of the potential this business has for Syracuse and local artists. They have film sets, movie production work, ideas to get local music out into the world, and so much more. Beyond all this content creation is another important avenue- distribution and audience acquisition. ZASH utilizes a 360 degree marketing strategy. “Leveraging all of our platforms gives us the power to yield higher results from marketing efforts, cross-promoting content to users/viewers, social communities, etc.” as noted on their website.
One of their assets is Lomotif, a video editing app that rivals Tik Tok. It’s blowing up in places like India and Asia. Currently there is a music competition, “You’ve Been Scouted,” on the Lomotif platform. Anyone can join and gain popularity. It’s a fan based competition. Lomotif hosted the world’s largest virtual concert in history with 37 million viewers for charity. In 5 short months the app has 5 billion viewers worldwide and is in the top ten competitors of Tik Tok.
We talked about the global arts industry, mergers, liquidity, virtual reality technology…but how does it help local artists? ZASH will be looking to hire people in the pre production end with set fabrication whenever projects come into the Greater Syracuse Sound Stage. Musicians will be encouraged to submit music for soundtracks. MagnifiU, a branch falling under the ZASH corporation, has already done 3 weeks of full production filming on site. With all of these new avenues, ZASH Global is also expanding the business space, with a location in Rochester as well.
Breaking news: Three reality TV shows have been announced. “Bring the dance parties back,” Farnsworth reminisced on the nights watching Soul Train for the fashion as much as the music. One show is called “The Millenium Penthouse.” The contests incorporate dance, fashion and music. The sound stage is perfect for casting all kinds of talent. Syracuse has diversity and architecture that looks similar to NYC. Shooting is cheaper and more efficient here.
ZASH has the ability to drive traffic and viewers, simultaneously running it on Lomotif as well as Network TV. “It’s all about eyeballs today,” Farnsworth explained. The multi platform approach is the way of the future. Algorithms and curated videos will reach the right viewers. They are ahead of the technology curve here and an asset to all of us.
There are so many exciting things in the works. Big names are under contract for movies. A TV series is lined up. They plan to build a recording studio here to allow local producers and musicians to create movie soundtracks. ZASH works with LA producers, Universal Music Group and has ties to hot names worldwide. It’s who you know AND what you know… Imagine the possibilities.
Farnsworth talked a lot about involving and supporting artists. ZASH would like to hold a contest inviting musicians to submit original music for soundtracks. They also want to host a sponsored fundraiser and incorporate a scholarship program for music at local schools or organizations, possibly refurbishing instruments. Farnsworth is passionate about giving back to the local community. Watch out for a big concert announcement.
Click here for some behind the scenes video.
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