Entertainment Research Executive at SAG-AFTRA Was 63
- Story Leader, a veteran entertainment industry research executive known for his collaborative spirit and positive impact on colleagues, died recently at teh age of 62.
- Most recently, Leader served as director of research at MarketCast.Prior to that, he held a significant role at the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), where he played a...
- Leader's career began with hands-on experience in movie theaters, which ignited his passion for the entertainment world.
Story Leader, Entertainment Research Executive, Dies at 62
Story Leader, a veteran entertainment industry research executive known for his collaborative spirit and positive impact on colleagues, died recently at teh age of 62. He resided in Denver, Colorado, and is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt. A private party of his life will be held in the near future.
Most recently, Leader served as director of research at MarketCast.Prior to that, he held a significant role at the Video Software Dealers Association (VSDA), where he played a key part in adapting the video distribution market to the digital age. His contributions were widely recognized within the industry.
Leader’s career began with hands-on experience in movie theaters, which ignited his passion for the entertainment world. He pursued this passion through higher education,earning a master’s degree from the University of Southern California’s Annenberg School and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly pomona.
Early Career and Impact at VSDA
At the Video Software Dealers Association, Story Leader’s work was pivotal in navigating the transition from physical media to digital distribution. While specific details of his contributions at VSDA require further research, his role was described as “instrumental” in bringing the video distribution market into the modern age. This suggests involvement in strategic planning, market analysis, and possibly the adoption of new technologies.
his time at VSDA likely coincided with the rapid growth of DVD sales in the late 1990s and early 2000s, followed by the rise of video-on-demand and streaming services. Leader’s expertise would have been crucial in helping the industry adapt to these changes.
Leadership at MarketCast and SAG-AFTRA
Leader brought his extensive experience to MarketCast as Director of Research.MarketCast specializes in providing insights into audience behavior and preferences for the entertainment industry, utilizing data analytics and market research methodologies. His role likely involved overseeing research projects, analyzing data, and providing strategic recommendations to clients.
Before MarketCast, his tenure as Director of Research at SAG-AFTRA (Screen Actors Guild – american Federation of Television and Radio Artists) positioned him as a key advocate for performers’ rights and interests. At SAG-AFTRA, he would have been responsible for conducting research on industry trends, compensation, and working conditions, informing the union’s negotiating strategies and policy decisions.
