Biographical Information
Jake Ward
Business Development Director
Jake is Business Development Director at Groovy Gecko, responsible for managing key accounts, as well as further expanding the company’s reach into new markets and territories.
Jake has worked in the streaming industry for over fifteen years. In that time he has produced the first webcast from the Bank of China Tower in Hong Kong, developed video strategies for major high street names, and even climbed Mount Fuji, although we are still waiting for that webcast. He comes to Groovy Gecko from Broadview Communications, where, in his role as Director of Accounts, he developed both a wide range of content programming, including over 50 live interactive programmes for BT, and managed major accounts including National Grid, ACCA, BT, IBM, and Cisco.
Articles for Jake Ward
Improving Audience Engagement With Virtual Meetings and Events
26 Aug 2024
Since the mass adoption of working from home during the pandemic, we have seen massive growth in platforms such as Teams and Zoom for not only meetings that would have previously been carried out face-to-face, but also for training sessions, events, and internal communications. While being incredibly useful and widely used communication tools, these services are not without some serious problems when it comes to engaging and retaining an audience.
Accessibility and Localisation: How AI Can Create More Accessible Content for Larger Audiences
26 Aug 2024
With key streaming services such as Disney+, Amazon, and Netflix trying to drive down production costs across the board, premium content providers have spent considerable time looking at how they can develop or license content which isn't produced in English but can offer global appeal.
The State of Media & Entertainment 2023
27 Mar 2023
While we're still seeing significant growth in the media & entertainment streaming market at the start of 2023, its pace has slowed compared to the first year of the pandemic. All of the entertainment streaming platforms are looking at a range of different services and approaches for their business models in order to continue to drive growth in subscriber numbers and justify the significant spend on developing content and expanding market share.
The State of Corporate Video 2023
27 Mar 2023
After the massive growth in users for online video, virtual event, and video communications platforms during the pandemic,2022 was a year when a lot of the key players in the industry re-examined how to continue to drive growth and increase profitability.
The State of Corporate Video 2021
10 Mar 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of corporate video, and while Zoom led the way, platforms like Microsoft Teams and Google Meet are doubling down.
The State of Media and Entertainment 2021
10 Mar 2021
2020 was a year unlike any other. Can the OTT momentum be sustained in 2021?
The State of Corporate Video 2020
19 Mar 2020
We've seen major shifts in the corporate streaming landscape, even before COVID-19 changed the way we all do business. What will 2020 bring?
The State of OTT 2020
02 Mar 2020
The SVOD market is already crowded. Do new entrants Disney+, Apple TV+, and BritBox have what it takes to give Netflix and Amazon Prime Video a run for their money?
Why Broadcasters Should be Utilising Second-Screen Culture
21 Jan 2020
Almost half of your audience is using a second screen while watching your shows. If you're not using Facebook Live or another second-screen experience, you're missing out on crucial fan engagement
The State of Corporate Video 2019
20 Mar 2019
Familiar names run up against challenges of scale, while new entrants search for adoption
The State of OTT 2019
19 Mar 2019
There are more services than ever, soon to be joined by new offerings from Disney and Apple. But how many can the market support?
The State of Corporate Video 2018
12 Mar 2018
Even though video is thriving behind the firewall and companies are finding new ways to succeed with streamed content, signs point to rocky waters ahead for online video platforms.
The State of Media and Entertainment 2018
09 Mar 2018
Netflix and Amazon sit atop the cord-cutting throne. Do Disney, Apple, or any other challengers have what it takes to compete?
The Challenges of Live Streaming 360° Video
24 Jan 2018
Live 360° video offers an immersive experience like no other, and presents a way for publishers to stand out in the crowd. But it presents unique—thought not insurmountable—technical and creative challenges.
Extending Access to Goodwood Festival of Speed using 360° Live Video
10 Aug 2017
The venerable racing festival draws 150,000 spectators, but many more around the world are interested, and this year Renault teamed with Groovy Gecko to bring 360° views to fans around the globe.
The State of Media and Entertainment Video 2017
06 Mar 2017
Social streaming is on the rise, the BBC diversifies its output, and leading subscription services Amazon and Netflix grow in international markets.
The State of Corporate Video 2017
02 Mar 2017
Do today's corporations prefer to build or buy their video solutions? Online video platforms work to differentiate their offerings, while Facebook shakes up the market.
The State of Media and Entertainment Streaming 2016
13 Apr 2016
More choices for viewers, both in terms of content and devices upon which to watch it, make 2016 a tipping point in the evolution of OTT video
The State of Corporate Streaming 2016
08 Apr 2016
Corporates are embracing social video, while still investing heavily in traditional enterprise video platforms.
The State of Enterprise Video 2015
26 Feb 2015
Video is now a standard corporate communications tool, and OVPs are pivoting to stay relevant as the market changes.
The State of Media and Entertainment Video 2015
25 Feb 2015
Changes in delivery and discovery are making 2015 a turning point in OTT video. Learn why the BBC iPlayer, YouView, and Netfilx and leading a wave of innovation.
The State of Media and Entertainment Video 2014
21 Feb 2014
Changes in the BBC's iPlayer, the growth of YouView, and the transformation of Twitter all offer a glimpse into the issues facing content providers throughout Europe.
The State of the Streaming Industry 2013
05 Mar 2013
Online video consumption grew massively in 2012, and leading video platforms are preparing for even more expansion in 2013.
The State of Media and Entertainment 2012
05 Mar 2012
Content owners, device manufacturers, and distribution platforms all vie for their piece of the pie.
The State of Enterprise Video 2012
05 Mar 2012
Online video platforms and social networks are transforming corporate communications.
Corporates Get Social: The State of Enterprise Video
27 Apr 2011
Social media and SEO are the keys to continued growth in enterprise video success
The Year in Review: Media & Entertainment
09 Apr 2010
The fortunes of the BBC’s iPlayer offer a microcosm of the story of internet video across Europe in 2008. Here's a look back at the most notable events and developments from the past year.
Mirada Focuses on Content and Community, Not Platforms
19 Mar 2009
Interactive TV company Mirada hopes to buck the downward advertising trend by focusing on broadcast and mobile content delivery that emphasizes community and building viewer loyalty.
Thurs., Mar. 19, by Jake Ward
BBC iPlayer: The First Three Months—Trials, Tribulations, and Success?
07 Apr 2008
Much has been made of the iPlayer’s shortcomings, but its market penetration within the first three months of its availability indicates that the BBC may indeed have a winner on its hands.
Mon., 7 April, by Jake Ward
BBC Set To (Finally) Launch iPlayer
17 Jul 2007
With a downloadable client, electronic programme guide, and peer-to-peer delivery, BBC’s new online video initiative could be a harbinger of things to come in the attempt by traditional broadcasters to get viewers to watch television programmes online.
Tues., 17 July, by Jake Ward
Streaming in the European B2B Space: The Next Big Opportunity
15 May 2006
Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder relations are driving organisations to add external streaming media programmes to their communications mix.
by Jake Ward