Unit 8, 1.2 "Describe cross-industry ownership in the Creative Media Industry."

Unit 8, 1.2 - "Describe cross-industry ownership in the Creative Media Industry."

There are so many companies that cross the divides of industries in the creative media sector (more so than ever, now). It seems that, in order to create a big, successful company in the 21st century, you have to, as the saying goes, "Have a finger in each pie."

 

Here are a few examples of worldwide known companies who have had more success than they could have possibly imagined just based on the decision to not pigeon hole themselves into a certain industry:

The BBC, many years back, were mostly known worldwide for their news coverage, right? Well, now, the BBC own their own commercial subsidiary company, BBC Worldwide LTD. who have stepped into the world of publishing books (via Random House) and magazines (their most successful outlet being The Radio Times). Instead of making films for the small screen, the BBC have created another extension to their brand - BBC films. Many successful exports, both critically and commercially, have come out of BBC films including the body popping StreetDance 3D and Academy Award nominated An Education.

 

Richard Branson begun his venture into business in the late 70s with a record shop he named Virgin. When Branson launched Virgin Records off the back of the success he had with his record shop, it went global. 

Now, years later, Virgin Group are one of the biggest and most recognisable brands going, consisting of more than 400 companies world wide.

From travel (Virgin Airlines), to their own gaming line (Virgin Games), Richard Branson has managed to field a goldmine with so many industries all connected to one company. Films, Music, Technology - Virgin has everything and anything in its brand that is remotely technological (or money making.)

It is near impossible to come across someone who hasn't heard of Universal Studios or Universal Music. Subsidiaries of NBCUniversal, both Universal Studios and Universal Music are two of the most successful branches of a company in their chosen field in the world.

NBCUniversial have not only concurred the music and film industries, but they dominate American television, and even have their own resort park.

So there you have it, three worldwide known companies who, after venturing away from their original target industries (whether that be in TV for BBC or music for Virgin), have made globally known brands that continue to dominate the creative media industry.