"...The Friends We Met Along The Way” - 2023
As we bid farewell to our best year yet at the Transmedia Zone, it's not just about the numbers, charts, and milestones. Instead, we find ourselves reflecting on something far more significant and enduring—the power of community.
When we began the TZ summer model of incubation, it was a virtual cohort that happened largely in a lockdown and the memories and community were so vital to creating and thriving under the worst of circumstances. When we returned to make a physical space for the TZ, at The Innovation Studio - we wanted to showcase the faces of the folks and founders, who make tz such a special place to work each week. So, in that spirit, we create a poster at the end of every year to celebrate the people, who created the kind of space, where one can thrive.
In an industry often driven by statistics and metrics, it's easy to get caught up in the pursuit of quantitative success. But as we close the chapter on this year, we want to take a moment to celebrate the true power of connection and creativity.
Beyond the Metrics: Members, Momentum and Moments
In the fast-paced world of entertainment, many overlook the ingredients that go into the end result. It’s true, we’ve had teams launch projects to media acclaim, shoot videos at the Creator Space, that hit millions of views, companies travel via grants to level up their skill sets - and pitch for thousands of dollars. We’ve given hundreds of hours of advisor sessions, Hivemind Mondays and shone spotlight and shared stories, of the best of Toronto and what’s next – every week on our radio show Toronto Tomorrow.
Yet, behind every win, is a moment of coming together, bouncing ideas off of someone you trust, sharing the hurdles that scare you. The old trope of “... was the friends we met along the way” has become quite meme-able. But like all good memes, there’s a bit of truth, and that truth is, the wealth truly lies in the relationships we build and the community that surrounds us. The creative entrepreneur - isn’t built in a day, it’s the ideas, failures and wins of the many, that create your entrepreneurial mindset.
This year, our diverse group of creators, collaborators, and supporters created an echo effect of passion, dedication, and mutual support. From founders to musicians, storytellers to technologists, it's the people who make up TZ that make it the true launchpad for the next wave of entertainment and technology. It’s those relationships you build here, that pay you back in true value in the months and years to come.
“A Journey That’s Just a Little Shorter” - The Secret Hack of Connectivity
The alumni who were once beginners, make the next wave’s journey, just a little bit shorter. Last year, we were touched, when a podcaster from the first TZ Summer 2020, landed a job inside of one of Canada’s largest media companies. This year, they used that platform to shine spotlight on a new TZ member project. And we know that this project's founder will use their new platform to help TZ projects, next year. It’s that direct connectivity, and echo effect that makes the path just a little easier. And alongside strikes down south, and cuts in the arts, “just a little shorter” can be the big difference maker in your entrepreneurial journey.
Yet, no journey is without its challenges, and there’s no doubt that entertainment and media had its share of layoffs, disruptions and cuts. But the community can tame turmoil and create calm. Whether it was navigating the uncertainties of this year’s entertainment industry or overcoming personal creative roadblocks, we witnessed the results of a community that supports, encourages, and uplifts. Whether it was mentorship bootcamps or just impromptu ideation sessions, our members rallied around each other, showing that growing and learning, is never just in the triumph, but in the lessons of resilience and perseverance.
Cheers to the Dreamers, Creators and Believers:
As we turn the page to a new year, our commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community - grows even stronger. We’ll be announcing new opportunities, partners and mentors, and we can’t wait to unveil our new digital mag, or T-Zine, if you will (i’m so sorry), that will showcase the issues, answers, hurdles and passion that feed our community.
So, here's to the community that makes the Transmedia Zone more than just a place for entertainment and media — but a home for dreamers, creators, and believers.
Thanks to all of the TMU and Zone Learning community, who have dedicated their time, thoughts and friendship to the TZ, in 2023. And here's to a new year ahead, filled with boundless creativity, unwavering support, and the enduring power of community.
Happy Holidays,
Dan Speerin
Jessie Lee
Tamer Gargour