BONUS EP: What Is Cannes Lions — and Why YouTube vs. Netflix Was All the Talk

Cannes Lions has evolved from a niche advertising creative showcase into a high-stakes epicenter for the global entertainment industry, where Hollywood, Silicon Valley, and digital creators converge to secure major business deals. This transformation highlights the shifting power dynamics of the creator economy, where independent creators like Brittany Broski now operate as premium, self-funded businesses that own their intellectual property and bypass traditional studio gatekeepers. Fandoms serve as the primary currency in this new landscape, as brands increasingly prioritize partnerships with creators who maintain direct, trusted relationships with their audiences. While traditional media platforms like Netflix and Fox attempt to integrate creator-led strategies, YouTube continues to solidify its role as the primary home for ambitious, audience-driven storytelling, effectively redefining the standards of quality and legitimacy in modern entertainment.