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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 was a year unlike any other. Can the OTT momentum be sustained in 2021?

The State of Corporate Video 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

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

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

Familiar names run up against challenges of scale, while new entrants search for adoption

The State of OTT 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Corporates are embracing social video, while still investing heavily in traditional enterprise video platforms.

The State of Enterprise Video 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

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

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

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

Content owners, device manufacturers, and distribution platforms all vie for their piece of the pie.

The State of Enterprise Video 2012

Online video platforms and social networks are transforming corporate communications.

Corporates Get Social: The State of Enterprise Video

Social media and SEO are the keys to continued growth in enterprise video success

The Year in Review: Media & Entertainment

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

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?

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

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

Corporate social responsibility and stakeholder relations are driving organisations to add external streaming media programmes to their communications mix.
by Jake Ward