SACRAMENTO, Calif.,
Feb. 23, 2017
/PRNewswire/ -- Today McClatchy (NYSE: MNI) announced a
bold step in evolving the future of video storytelling as it lays
the groundwork for opening Video Lab West at the historic
Sacramento Valley Train Station. This 10,000-square-foot digital
video facility and incubator space will explore the bounds of
virtual and augmented reality with leading technology partners and
test how people will consume video on ever-changing platforms.
Google and YouTube will join as primary collaborators in the
effort. Teams from Video Lab West will work with members of
the Google News Lab and YouTube to advance innovation in VR and AR
production, test new equipment, launch special projects, and host
speakers and trainings in the space.
Video Lab West is an expansion of The Video Lab,
McClatchy's Washington, D.C.-based
operation that connects video between the company's brands across
the country and new audiences. The operation will focus on
fostering new brands and formats across a variety of platforms and
feature an "open studio" concept designed to invite collaboration
with other creators. The facility, strategically located on the
train line connecting the San Francisco
Bay Area with the capital city, will host several content
teams at a time—employees from across the company, temporary video
fellows and strategic partners. The company and City of Sacramento have agreed to preliminary
business terms to lease space in the historic building.
"We are excited about expanding our operations to the West Coast
-- and specifically to a city buzzing with new creativity and
entrepreneurship," said McClatchy's Vice President of Video and New
Ventures, Andrew Pergam. "This work
should not happen closed off behind the tall brick walls of our
buildings alone, but in the open. It requires a community of video
producers and enthusiasts learning from and engaging with each
other. McClatchy believes it is our job to help develop and
cultivate that sense of community."
"This investment in video represents the digital future we're
racing toward," said Craig Forman,
President and CEO of McClatchy. "We believe in high-quality
storytelling at our core and embracing new business models for
modern media companies. With Video Lab West, we'll be able
to explore new formats and platforms in a collaborative way in a
city with a booming creative environment."
Meghan Sims, who has led video
product and operations for McClatchy, moved to Sacramento to take the helm of Video Lab
West.
The Greater Sacramento Economic Council has played an
instrumental role in bringing this expansion to Sacramento. "As other regions have
demonstrated, attracting this type of creative industry is
essential for driving jobs and economic growth," Greater Sacramento
Economic Council CEO Barry Broome
said. "This video lab will help continue to create an advanced
economy in the Sacramento
region."
As part of the initiative, Video Lab West will support
early-stage video entrepreneurs and hire a number of video
creators, technologists, producers and a program team. The space
will host screenings, workshops and social events, as well as
provide co-working opportunities and be a showcase for the latest
video technology. Video Lab West is an owned and operated
division of McClatchy and will collaborate from time to time with
other innovative companies. The project will also be supported with
an incentive from the City of Sacramento Innovation and Growth
Fund.
"It's only fitting that McClatchy, who was founded during
Sacramento's railroad innovation
boom, is now leading a new creative edge with the opening of
Video Lab West in our historic train station," said Mayor
Darrell Steinberg. "I'm confident
this work will revolutionize the future of news media, something so
important for us at this point in time. This is just one of many
reasons why we are proud to partner with McClatchy, an information
leader dedicated to the values of quality journalism., free
expression and community service."
"The reopening of the Sacramento Valley Station is already
paying dividends for Sacramento,"
said Congresswoman Doris Matsui. "By
bringing their video lab to this historic building, McClatchy is
playing a role in Sacramento's
growing innovation economy."
Video Lab West has a target opening date of Summer
2017.
About McClatchy:
McClatchy is a news and information
publisher of renowned brands such as the Miami Herald,
The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The
Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and the
(Fort Worth) Star-Telegram.
McClatchy operates 30 media companies in 14 states, providing each
of its communities with high-quality news and advertising services
in a wide array of digital and print formats. McClatchy is
headquartered in Sacramento,
Calif., and listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
symbol MNI.
About the Greater Sacramento Economic Council:
The
Greater Sacramento Economic Council is the catalyst for innovative
growth strategies in the Capital Region of California. The organization spearheads
community-led direction to retain, attract, grow and scale new
businesses, develop advanced industries and create jobs and
investment throughout a six-county region. Greater Sacramento represents a collaboration
between local and state governments, market leaders, influencers,
and stakeholders, with the sole mission of driving economic growth.
The Sacramento Region was founded on discovery, built on
leadership, and fueled by innovation. For more information, visit
selectsacramento.com.
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SOURCE McClatchy