Dan Weinstein, President and co-founder of Studio71 is exiting, effective November 1, after 13 years to pursue new career opportunities. Weinstein has played an integral role in building Studio71, ensuring that the company has successfully pivoted and thrived over the years, to become the world’s largest producer and distributor of short-form content.
2020 has proven to be a watershed year for Studio71. Despite the significant challenges facing many digital and entertainment companies due to the negative impact of COVID-19, Studio71 has seen unprecedented success across numerous divisions. This is largely due to a new business model that the company implemented last year, which focuses on multi-platform distribution, advertising partnership deals, and in-house production.
“My decision to leave Studio71 was not an easy one, as I care deeply about the company that I have helped architect from the ground up over the past 13 years,” said Weinstein. “So many wonderful and talented people have come through our doors and I take great pride in what we’ve been able to accomplish together. However, there are a lot of interesting opportunities in our ecosystem and I’m excited to return to my roots as an entrepreneur. I’m ready to get back into build mode and am looking forward to tackling the startup challenges that lie ahead. I’m also deeply comforted in knowing that I’m leaving Studio71 in great hands.”
“Dan will forever be a part of this company’s DNA as employee #1,” added Reza Izad, current CEO and co-founder, and soon to be Chairman, of Studio71. “His passion has always been to start and grow companies, and that’s exactly what he’s accomplished during his time at Studio71. We look forward to seeing what he does next.”
During his tenure, Weinstein led all talent and content initiatives for the business, which will now be run by Adam Boorstin, current COO and soon to be Co-CEO of Studio71. Over the years, Weinstein oversaw activities for some of the most acclaimed creators that have disrupted the digital landscape including Lilly Singh, Rhett & Link, Hannah Hart, iJustine, The Fine Bros., Logan Paul and Freddie Wong, and entertainment icons like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Shay Mitchell. Weinstein was quick to recognize the impact and importance of the emerging digital landscape and its new generation of talent, so he left UTA in 2006 to join forward-thinking Hollywood Management company, The Collective. Shortly thereafter he co-founded Collective Digital Studio, which rebranded as Studio71 after its acquisition by international media company, ProSiebenSat.1.
Studio71 recently announced that Boorstin and Matt Crowley, CRO, will be upped to Co-CEOs of the company, effective November 1. Reza Izad, current CEO and co-founder of Studio71, will become Chairman of the company.