Photo by Jon Rice
Virgin Produced, the film, television, and entertainment division of the British Virgin Group recently collaborated with the Fred Kiesner Center for Entrepreneurship at Loyola Marymount University for the Hilton Distinguished Entrepreneur Lecture Series held at their West Los Angeles campus on March 19th.
The lecture, moderated by LMU College of Business Assistant Professor Jason D'Mello, highlighted Jason Felts, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Virgin Produced. As one of the youngest CEOs in the company, Felts has built Virgin Produced into a global brand that puts quality and innovation first. Named by Variety as one of the "Top 10 Producers to Watch," Felts is creating a new approach to premium television and commercial branded entertainment and is expanding the company into India, China and South America.
"Yes, my business card has a fancy title, but I would be nowhere without the support of my incredible team," said Felts. "This is a very demanding industry - you end up working really long hours and have to make sacrifices - that's why I'm a big believer in establishing a fun and creative work environment that spurs innovation."
Shelby Spalione, an emerging artist most recently known for her collaboration with will.i.am performed her originals and was also highlighted at the event.
Leading up to evening, Virgin hosted a unique music video contest that allowed LMU students the opportunity to showcase their project aboard all Virgin America Airlines. Hailey Rowe, a junior entrepreneurship major and aspiring singer, was the lucky winner. To her, it was a dream come true.
"I'm so excited to be associated with the Virgin brand!" said Rowe.
Felts chose Rowe as the winner because "her music video was right on brand with the Virgin Group and had a very entrepreneurial theme in its message about not needing approval by others".
Seems like an appropriate pick for Virgin who has reinvented domestic air travel thanks to leading visionary Richard Branson. "Don't Need Your Approval" can be seen on board all Virgin America flights this summer.