Biography
Tommy Swanhaus is an industry thought leader, entertainment pioneer, and globally recognized executive in Media. Mr. Swanhaus' expertise, honors, and extensive experience in overseeing the development, production, distribution, and marketing process of high quality programming in the film, television, and advertising worlds have earned him membership in The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS), a Streamy Nomination, Min's Integrated Marketing Award, and recognition as a premier global content publisher and authentic platform creator and curator. Mr. Swanhaus' projects have been written up in financial, cultural, and mainstream publications, such as The New York Times, Reuters, The Hollywood Reporter, USA Today, along with more niche, gadget focused and tastemaking blogs, such as Thrillist. He has lectured and keynoted at global conferences and exclusive summits, such as Global Entrepreneurship Week, along with conducting seminars to top advertising and broadcasting executives on the process and fundamentals of how to create, distribute, and monetize content through a multi-platform approach utilizing online, digital, mobile, social media and traditional distribution outlets. Projects and work in media that Mr. Swanhaus has helped market have had case studies written about them, won a 2013 National Gracie Award for Outstanding Viral Video, and entered the Oscar race as the Official Submission from Peru to the 2013 Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.
Mr. Swanhaus' entrepreneurial drive from a very young age has allowed him to gain experience in development, production, and acquisitions at Miramax, Dimension Films, Scott Rudin Productions, Content Films, Sol Productions, and Original Media. At Original Media, Mr. Swanhaus was an instrumental component in their acquisition by Endemol for $50 million. Mr. Swanhaus has worked with some of the top Fortune 500 brands, companies and clients. Mr. Swanhaus' projects have appeared on screens of all sizes from Award winning films, to docu-series with Discovery Communications, to what was declared the 1st successful series on the mobile phone for the Playboy brand.
Mr. Swanhaus is Co-Founder and Chairman of The FreeStyle Life Inc., a digital independent film destination that identifies, curates and centralizes groundbreaking and thought-provoking independent film content from around the globe, focusing on distributing and bringing awareness to independent films. Launched in 2010, The FreeStyle Life is committed to helping independent filmmakers showcase and distribute their work to a global audience while providing artists with an outlet to monetize their works. Frustrated with the limitations of the traditional film distribution process and determined to give independent filmmakers new opportunities to showcase and monetize their films, Mr. Swanhaus set out to create a premium authentic platform for filmmakers to build international awareness for their projects while also targeting and reaching their audience. The FreeStyle Life prides itself on allowing filmmakers to present their work to not only their peers in the artistic community, but also the larger global community of film lovers eager to see the work of emerging filmmakers with new unique voices and visions.
Looking to expand internationally The FreeStyle Life Trademark, Brand, and Platform, in 2011 Mr. Swanhaus created and launched The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition, the premier online independent film exhibition that features first rate feature films, documentaries, and short films by filmmakers from across the globe. The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition set out to democratize and revolutionize the festival experience by bringing Award-winning independent films, World Premieres, and Live Question & Answer sessions directly to the audience via any computer, mobile device or Internet capable TV. Today, The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition is ranked among the top ten film festivals in the world in terms of Internet traffic, is accessible to viewers in 110 countries, 26 different languages, and has been called the "Olympics of Independent Film". Mr. Swanhaus' vision of offering the best thought-provoking films and documentaries to a truly global audience has earned the support of and the opportunity to collaborate with filmmakers, cultural ministries, and premier media companies in both established and emerging markets. Mr. Swanhaus has garnered the support of the United Nations and is recognized by the White House, the Kauffman Foundation, StartUp America, etc., as one of the instrumental players for the U.S. to "win the future by out-innovating competitors."
Mr. Swanhaus' vision and ability to intersect creativity, technology, and global culture with high quality content has allowed for him to engage viewers longer and provide a premium multi-platform destination for advertisers to align themselves with and reach their target demographic. His visionary leadership style, ability to innovate across numerous industries, and actually implement and achieve his vision is exemplified through The FreeStyle Life, which was described and hailed as "The Future of Media and Entertainment" at Global Entrepreneurship Week out of the other 40,000 events going on in 100 countries, and among the 10 million people involved.
Mr. Swanhaus' concentration in Public Policy and Mass Media at Duke University are two key components in his pursuit to help drive the creative, technical, and professional transformation of the different mediums and evolution of media to digital. Mr. Swanhaus' thirst for continuous learning and his ability to inspire his team has allowed him to accomplish great feats in short periods of time. Under his leadership, vision, and direction, Mr. Swanhaus has overseen the hiring, created the work flow and managed the daily operations of engineers, web specialist, editors, writers, and content creators, etc. Mr. Swanhaus has executed dozens of strategic partnerships for The FreeStyle Life Inc. consisting of the world's premier publicly traded cloud, software, application, and multinational hardware companies. Mr. Swanhaus' philosophy of working with the best in all fields and his relationships with these companies and individuals has been instrumental to the creation, launch, and execution of The FreeStyle Life Inc. In less than a year, The FreeStyle Life became one of the world's premier independent video platforms and was considered 3rd in the world for the video solution provider that it was using at the time. From conception to implementation to daily operations, Mr. Swanhaus has also overseen board member appointments, stock allocation, strategic partnerships, filings with the SEC and securities regulations, along with the overall global brand strategy for the currently private-held company, The FreeStyle Life Inc.
Mr. Swanhaus' expertise in interactive advertising, online film, websites, and digital media has been recognized internationally. Since 2010, Mr. Swanhaus has been a member of The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB), which is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising. He has represented the Internet small businesses community on Capital Hill, and met with different Congressional and Political figures about Internet Advertising, Online Privacy, and helped lawmakers understand how certain legislation could affect online small business. Mr. Swanhaus is also a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), which strives to advance technology in the World for Humanity. In 2013, Mr. Swanhaus was invited to be a member of the International Digital Academy of Arts and Sciences (IADAS). Other members of the exclusive group or the International Academy, include Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Internet Inventor and Google Chief Internet Evangelist Vinton Cerg, Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington, and, also include the writers and editors from publications such as The New York Times, Wired, Forbes, and The Los Angeles Times.
Mr. Swanhaus is a judge and member of the selection committee for The Webby Awards and The Lovie Awards, which are the leading honors on the web and the highest individual achievement in all of digital media. Mr. Swanhaus is also a founder and member of selection committee for The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition, which is the premier international online film exhibition. Mr. Swanhaus is also a judge for The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition's GOLDEN SWAN Award, which goes to the filmmaker that demonstrates outstanding filmmaking in the international community.
Mr. Swanhaus has focused his career on seamlessly integrating innovation technology with thought-provoking content to authentically reach and engage today's "always on" consumer and audience. Mr. Swanhaus combines his long and successful relationships with the top content creators, studios, agencies, and tastemakers with the premier global Wireless, Telco, Cable, and Fiber Optics Companies to provide his clients an integrated touch friendly monetized solution. Mr. Swanhaus' knowledge and background in programming, coding, content creation, website design, online publishing and content syndication, interactive advertising, along with his expertise in social media and mobile has allowed him to efficiently build from the ground up a scaleable premium advertising and video streaming ecosystem, as well as effectively lead and oversee an existing platform from a top down approach to ensure maximum value for its shareholders, customers, and end-users.
OVERVIEW OF EXPERIENCE:
Chairman & Co-Founder The FreeStyle Life, Inc. 2010 - Present
The FreeStyle Life or TheFreeStyleLife.com is a premier destination channel featuring original video content from leading and up-and-coming artists, exclusive interviews with big name directors and actors, along with music videos by world-renowned musicians. The high quality video distribution channel is multi-platform, supports cross channel publishing, viral distribution, and multi level integrated merchandising and advertising.
Co-Founder & Chairman FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition 2011 - Present http://exhibition.thefreestylelife.com
The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition takes the Olympic Spirit of Sports and applies it to independent film in their Film Exhibition. The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition strides to cut through the clutter of an international business that has 30,000 new films each year, and provide the best thought provoking and ground breaking films to its international audience.
The FreeStyle Life Film Exhibition features first rate feature films, documentaries, student films, music videos, and shorts from independent filmmakers across the globe.
Advisor iN DEMAND February 2013 - Present iN DEMAND is a provider of pay-per-view and subscription video-on-demand services, jointly owned by Comcast, Cox Communications, Time Warner Cable, and Bright House Networks. It is the world's leading supplier of PPV and VOD programming.
CEO & Founder MediaHaus Productions & Agency June 2009 - Present Media Haus is a full service production company and agency that works with the media industry's leaders in traditional programming, digital, online, and mobile content. The multi-media group specializes in innovative content that connects with the consumer through multiple platforms. Media Haus prides itself on the ability to combine quality content with the right technology to maximize their clients' return on investment.
In 2009, Media Haus signed a content partnership with Google and YouTube. Utilizing the creative talent from television, film, marketing, and branded entertainment, they are able to provide engaging marketing solutions.
Founder/Partner Swan Haus Media April 2008 - June 2009 (1 year 3 months) Swan Haus Media is a boutique multi-media firm that specializes in innovative entertainment content. Started by brothers, we pride ourselves on creating innovative programming for diverse platforms including alternative media, feature films and TV. It is our close ties to top talent, acclaimed political figures, major performers, and directors that set us apart. Our projects have been screened and honored at prestigious international film festivals in London, New York, Montreal, and Los Angeles. Our programs have been broadcast on global networks including MTV, ABC, TLC, WE, A&E, MSNBC and HBO.
Executive Producer/Content Creator Original Media April 2007 - February 2008 (11 months) Tommy Swanhaus is the creator and executive producer of TLC's (Discovery Comm. Inc.) family business reality series, "The Bussey Bunch". Mr. Swanhaus brought the project to the production company, Original Media, which lead to a twelve episode deal with TLC based on his concept. The series follows a Texas family as they run a premier wrestling league that is poised to replicate the success of the McMahons with the WWE.
He created the presentation tape and cast talent for Original Media's "Traveling Sideshow," which TLC originally ordered to pilot. Tommy was also a producer for Fuse's (Rainbow Media) series "Crusty Dirt Demons." While creating and casting for Original Media's network presentation tapes, Mr. Swanhaus was involved in overseeing the company's seven shows/pilots and their operating revenue. He also reviewed and analyzed company financial projections and reports, and was involved in other aspects of day-to-day operations.
Manager of Development SOL PRODUCTIONS October 2004 - March 2007 (2 years 6 months) Mr. Swanhaus was Manager of Development for SOL Productions. He was charged with creating and managing over 65 films and TV endeavors over the course of two years. Recruiting and working with some of the entertainment industry's top professionals, he collaborated with managers, agents, and lawyers with the goal of attaching talent or potential sponsors to specific projects. He implemented creative direction on scripted series, manuscripts, films, and children's entities that were acquired. Tommy also created show proposals/treatments that he presented to network executives.
CEO/Founder WEED WIZARDS (Sole Proprietorship) April 2001 - August 2003 (2 years 5 months) In 2001, Mr. Swanhaus founded and was CEO of Weed Wizards, a Fairfield County landscaping company. He sold the company in 2003.
Partner/Founder MyBudgetSaver.com January 2000 - March 2001 (1 year 3 months) Tommy Swanhaus pioneered MyBudgetSaver.com, which was a cost saving Internet company in 2000. He orchestrated the initial capital for the start-up company while pitching and facilitating strategic partnerships. He also oversaw the functionality and creativity of the site.
ORGANIZATIONS
IADAS - The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences Judge & Member February 2013 - Present The International Academy selects the Nominees and Winners for The Webby Awards and The Lovie Awards, the leading honors for websites and individual achievement in technology and creativity. Members of IADAS include Virgin Group founder Richard Branson, Internet Inventor and Google Chief Internet Evangelist Vinton Cerg, Huffington Post Founder Arianna Huffington, along with musicians like David Bowie, and moguls like Martha Stewart. Members also include writers and editors from publications such as The New York Times, Wired, Forbes, and The Los Angeles Times.
IEEE - Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers Member March 2013 - Present IEEE Advancing Technology for Humanity - The World's largest professional association for the advancement of technology.
IAB - Interactive Advertising Bureau Member 2010 - Present Interactive Advertising Bureau - The Interactive Advertising Bureau is an advertising business organization that develops industry standards, conducts research, and provides legal support for the online advertising industry.
The Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) is comprised of more than 500 leading media and technology companies that are responsible for selling 86% of online advertising in the United States. On behalf of its members, the IAB is dedicated to the growth of the interactive advertising marketplace, of interactive's share of total marketing spend, and of its members' share of total marketing spend. The IAB educates marketers, agencies, media companies and the wider business community about the value of interactive advertising. Working with its member companies, the IAB evaluates and recommends standards and practices and fields critical research on interactive advertising. Founded in 1996, the IAB is headquartered in New York City with a Public Policy office in Washington, D.C. For more information.
Additional Organizations: Duke Alumni Media, IAB, IADAS, IEEE, DEMAN
HONORS AND AWARDS
Member of International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences (IADAS) International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. February 2013 The International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences was founded in 1998 to help drive the creative, technical, and professional progress of the Internet and evolving forms of interactive media.
An international organization, The Academy selects the Nominees and Winners for The Webby Awards and The Lovie Awards, the leading honors for websites and individual achievement in technology and creativity. Presented by The Academy, The Webbys and The Lovies recognizes excellence in interactive creativity, establishing best practices on a yearly basis, and thus pushing the standards of web development continually higher.
Additional Honors & Awards - Min's Integrated Marketing Award for Print, Mobile - Streamy Nomination
SKILLS & EXPERTISE Events Online Advertising Entertainment New Media Strategic Partnerships Integrated Marketing Television Video Social Media Creative Direction Press Releases Entrepreneurship Start-ups Advertising Broadcast Film Mobile Devices Marketing Publishing Multimedia Competitive Analysis Leadership Sponsorship Online Marketing Marketing Strategy Social Media Marketing
EDUCATION Duke University Public Policy, Mass Communications 2000 - 2004
