Press Release
Oscar Winner Jonathan Kitzen and Emmy Nominee David Ari Leon Joins Star-Studded Lineup at New Media Film Festival 2025
16th New Media Film Festival is back, June 4-5 2025 bringing together visionary creators from across the globe to showcase 80 New Media Films & Tech content. 20 World -11 U.S. -18 L.A. Premieres from USA, UK, South Korea, Netherlands, Ireland, Hong Kong, Germany, France, Denmark, Canada, Bulgaria, Brazil, Australia, Argentina.
Los Angeles, CA, United States, 14th May 2025 – The 16th Annual New Media Film Festival, taking place June 4-5, 2025, is set to be a spectacular celebration of innovation and storytelling. Featuring a dynamic mix of AI-generated content, thought-provoking shorts in 28 categories, and groundbreaking narratives, this year’s festival promises an eclectic and immersive experience for creators and audiences alike.

With its renowned judging panel, diverse categories, and unparalleled networking opportunities, the festival serves as a premier platform for content creators to showcase their work and engage with industry leaders. The festival’s prestigious accolades and global recognition further underscore its impact on advancing creative media and technology.
The New Media Film Festival is thrilled to welcome an exceptional lineup of industry pioneers and visionary artists, making this year’s event an unmissable celebration of cutting-edge storytelling.
Oscar Winner Jonathan Kitzen
Jonathan Kitzen is an accomplished filmmaker, producer, and director known for his innovative contributions to the film industry. He has been involved in various aspects of filmmaking, from building cameras and optics to directing and producing award-winning films. Jonathan co-produced the Academy Award-winning short documentary “The Lady in Number 6: Music Saved My Life”. As of 2015, he became a partner in Last Studio Standing, the largest hand-drawn animation studio in the Western Hemisphere, where he leads English language development and production. Jonathan’s work spans multiple genres, including science fiction, and he continues to push the boundaries of creative storytelling.
EMMY Nominee David Ari Leon
David Ari Leon is an award-winning and Emmy-nominated composer and music supervisor and CEO Sound Mind Music, with screen credits on hundreds of movies, television shows, and interactive projects. He earned his first screen credit working on music for a film with Danny Elfman while obtaining a B.A. in music from UCLA.
At 22, David began his professional career as the Director of Music at NBC for “Days of Our Lives,” where he selected music for nearly 1,000 episodes and placed songs by iconic artists like Jimi Hendrix, The Supremes, and Chris Isaak. He later served as Vice President of Music at Fox for six years, supervising major titles like Power Rangers, Les Misérables, and Incredible Hulk.
David then founded Sound Mind Music, a full-service music house with clients including Marvel, Warner Brothers, Disney, Netflix, NBC/Universal, Starz, EA, and Lionsgate. He has helped create the signature sound of recognizable brands such as X-Men, Woody Woodpecker, Captain America, Peanuts, and Superman. His movie credits include music supervising titles for Marvel like Invincible Iron Man, Ultimate Avengers, and Thor: Tales of Asgard. Currently, David is working on music for the next season of Real Housewives and other TV series in development for Bravo Network.
Founder/Director, New Media Film Festival – Susan Johnston
Susan Johnston is the Founder and Director of the New Media Film Festival, a pioneering event that celebrates the convergence of technology and storytelling. Additionally, she serves as the President of Select Services Films Inc., an award-winning film studio. Her career spans various roles, including performing, producing, and casting.
Susan’s contributions have been widely recognized. She was knighted in 2017 for her impact on the arts and humanity. Since 2010 she has been a judge for the blue-ribbon panel for the EMMYS and a SAG/AFTRA affiliate since 1990, Susan has played a significant role in shaping the entertainment industry.
With an array of Emmy, Telly & Peabody winners as well as novices, there is a story for everyone. Opening the festival is Meevil the Weevil, setting the tone for a celebration of cutting-edge narratives and inventive perspectives. Closing the event is My Face, a satirical music video that epitomizes the festival’s commitment to high-quality, impactful storytelling. This curated lineup underscores the festival’s dedication to providing a platform for emerging and seasoned creators alike.
Director; Kyle Arneson (Robot Chicken, Bratz, Meevil the Weevil) is a director and production designer who loves telling fantastical stories in mixed media animation.
Meevil the Weevil celebrates the charm and excitement of a bygone era: the wood-paneled, shag-carpeted, glittery magic of my youth. It was an age where daring to try was compelling enough to inspire a generation and the unknown felt endlessly explorable. The enormity of Meevil’s world and his quest to be a great stuntbug perfectly blends my passion for whimsical storytelling with my professional dedication to miniature effects, stop motion animation and mixed media storytelling. Thanks to the encouragement and enthusiasm of his coach, Olis, our sometimes-self-doubting hero finds the inner strength to achieve his goals: an echo of my relationship with my recently departed father to whom this film is dedicated. When Meevil’s big dreams intersect with reality, it often requires mustering courage, equally as big, to rise to the occasion and simply enjoy the ride. After all, it’s not about being the best, it’s about trying our best.
Director /Artist Jeff Hilliard (Frankenstein) is a multifaceted artist celebrated for his satirical music videos and creative storytelling. His ability to combine satire with compelling visuals has made him a standout figure in the world of music and film.
My Face is a music video Powerful executive who has an interesting way to relieve stress through creative role-play.
The music video category is showcased right before the Awards Ceremony, serving as a tribute to the energy and excitement of an opening act at a live performance.
The New Media Film Festival—an IMDb and UFFO-accredited event—stands out as a destination for creatives and industry professionals. Since its inception in 2009, the festival has remained true to its goal of discovering and cultivating highly creative work from talented content creators across the globe. It offers a unique opportunity for filmmakers to connect with executives and studios, paving the way for broader audiences and long-lasting success. www.newmediafilmfestival.com
Media Contact
Organization: New Media Film Festival®
Contact Person: Crystal
Website: https://www.newmediafilmfestival.com
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +13102881100
Address:2355 Westwood Blvd.
Address 2: 381
City: Los Angeles
State: CA
Country:United States
Release id:27756
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Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Veteran and Fitness Coach Andres Ruocco Featured in Candid Interview on Building Confidence Through Routine, Not Motivation
Florida, US, 23rd August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Army veteran, certified personal trainer, and nutrition coach Andres Ruocco is spotlighted in a new in-depth Q&A where he opens up about the mental and emotional realities of post-military life—and how daily routines can restore confidence, stability, and purpose.
Ruocco, who served during Operation Iraqi Freedom and is currently completing his bachelor’s degree in Sports and Health Sciences, uses his voice to advocate for a more grounded, accessible approach to wellness for veterans and everyday people alike.
“Motivation is overrated,” Ruocco shares. “It’s about showing up, even when you don’t feel like it. That’s what creates real confidence—doing the small things consistently.”
His story is one of redirection. From feeling lost after high school, to enlisting in the Army, and later working in veteran support and coaching, Ruocco reflects on the routines that helped him and others rebuild from the ground up.
“When I worked in VA benefits intake, I realized veterans weren’t just looking for help with paperwork—they were looking to be heard,” he says. “Now as a trainer, I approach fitness the same way. I listen. That’s how trust is built.”
Why This Matters
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs:
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Nearly 50% of post-9/11 veterans report difficulty adjusting to civilian life.
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1 in 3 veterans report symptoms of anxiety or depression.
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Only 13% of veterans meet physical activity guidelines—despite its proven benefits in reducing PTSD symptoms and improving mental health.
“A 15-minute walk every day can help more than people realize,” Ruocco explains. “It clears your head. It gives you something you can control.”
He credits this habit—started during the COVID lockdowns—as a major turning point that reconnected him to fitness, inspired his certification through NASM, and launched his new career in health coaching.
Inspiration Through Action, Not Perfection
Ruocco stresses that people don’t need perfect plans or fancy equipment to take the first step. He advises readers to choose one thing each day—a walk, a journaling prompt, a phone call to someone they trust.
“I tell people: focus on three goals a day—one for your body, one for your mind, and one for your relationships,” he shares in the interview. “That’s it. Keep it simple, and you’ll build momentum naturally.”
Call to Action: Rebuild From Where You Are
This interview isn’t just a reflection of Ruocco’s journey—it’s a call to reframe success not as perfection, but as presence.
He encourages readers to take action today by:
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Taking a 15-minute walk without distractions
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Setting 3 simple goals—body, mind, and relationship
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Checking in with someone who may be silently struggling
As Ruocco says:
“I used to think success was knowing everything. Now I know it’s just showing up for yourself—over and over.”
To read the full interview, visit the website here.
About Andres Ruocco
Andres Ruocco is a trilingual U.S. Army veteran, certified personal trainer, and nutrition coach based in Miami. He specializes in helping veterans and civilians rebuild strength and structure through fitness, habit-building, and holistic support. He is completing his Bachelor of Science in Sports and Health Sciences at American Military University.
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Playdigo and BIGO Ads Scale AI-Powered Programmatic Advertising, Driving 486% Revenue Growth, 93% sRCPM Improvement, and 152% Impressions Growth Through Transparent Collaboration
San Francisco, Ca, 23rd August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Playdigo, a leading AI driven programmatic advertising platform, and BIGO Ads have delivered standout performance results in a recent case study, showcasing the power of collaborative innovation and format expansion.
Key Results in Under Five Months
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Revenue Growth: 486% increase
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sRCPM Improvement: 93% uplift
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Impressions Growth: 152% gain
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Requests Volume Growth: 9% increase
Strategy for Success
Playdigo and BIGO Ads drove results by refining bidstream parameters, reducing delivery friction, and expanding ad formats, including the addition of native supply. Regular performance reviews and continuous algorithm optimization supported transparency, alignment on revenue pacing, and accelerated monetization across video and display inventory.
“We’ve truly enjoyed working with Playdigo. As two AI-powered companies, our collaboration has been smooth and efficient. Together, we’ve helped developers unlock greater revenue potential while enabling advertisers to access more accurate and valuable exposure. Looking forward to further cooperation!” said Eden Liu, Head of Global Business at BIGO Ads.
“At Playdigo, I couldn’t be more thrilled with the synergy we’ve found with BIGO Ads,” said Daniel Ehevich, CEO of Playdigo. “Our shared AI-first mindset and mutual dedication to transparency have unlocked dramatic monetization gains. This is exactly the kind of partnership we strive for—where innovation, performance, and openness align.”
About Playdigo
Playdigo, founded in 2019 and headquartered in San Francisco, is a world class AI-powered programmatic advertising company specializing in mobile, CTV, and cross-channel performance marketing. The company combines best in class DSP and SSP solutions into one streamlined ecosystem, helping advertisers maximize ROI while enabling publishers to scale monetization. With a focus on transparency, efficiency, and measurable results, Playdigo delivers campaigns that perform across the world’s most competitive digital environments.
For more information or to request a demo, visit playdigo.com or email hello@playdigo.com .
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
Press Release
Tamar Toledano Shares Insights on How Startups Can Drive Impactful Marketing on a Budget
Michigan, US, 23rd August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, Tamar Toledano, a San Francisco–based marketing strategist known for guiding both startups and established businesses, is offering practical strategies for early-stage companies looking to make an impact without overspending. Drawing from her experience leading marketing initiatives in a multinational corporation and now as the head of her own consultancy, Toledano emphasizes that effective marketing is not about how much is spent, but how wisely resources are used.
“Many founders think they need a big budget to break through,” Toledano explains. “But what startups need is clarity. If you know who your audience is and what motivates them, you can achieve remarkable results with limited resources.”
Building a Foundation Through Targeted Storytelling
According to Toledano, the first step toward impact marketing is identifying a clear narrative that connects with the intended audience. Startups should focus on defining their unique value proposition and crafting messages that resonate with their core clients. She suggests founders invest in understanding customer pain points through direct conversations, surveys, or even informal feedback sessions.
“Impact marketing is about creating an emotional connection,” Toledano says. “When your story aligns with the values and challenges of your audience, it creates loyalty from the start.”
Leveraging Digital Tools for Cost Efficiency
Toledano highlights the importance of embracing digital platforms, which allow startups to maximize visibility at relatively low cost. Social media campaigns, content marketing, and email newsletters can reach wide audiences without requiring large expenditures. She advises entrepreneurs to prioritize channels where their audience is most active, rather than spreading efforts too thin.
Additionally, she points out that organic content, such as blog posts, thought leadership articles, or behind-the-scenes videos, can be just as powerful as paid advertising when done consistently. “Authenticity matters more than polish,” she notes. “A startup does not need a Hollywood-style production team to tell its story effectively.”
Partnerships and Community Engagement
Another cost-conscious approach is building partnerships. Toledano encourages startups to collaborate with complementary businesses, local organizations, or even customer advocates to amplify reach. Joint events, co-branded content, or shared campaigns can stretch limited budgets further while fostering meaningful relationships.
“Startups should view themselves as part of an ecosystem,” Toledano says. “By working together with others who share your audience, you can multiply your impact without multiplying your costs.”
Data as a Guiding Compass
Toledano stresses that measurement is critical for startups working with lean budgets. Tracking engagement, conversion rates, and customer feedback enables companies to focus their resources where they create the most value. She recommends that startups make use of free or affordable analytics tools to evaluate performance regularly.
“Data doesn’t just tell you what worked,” she explains. “It tells you where to double down and where to pivot, which ensures that every dollar spent goes further.”
Philanthropy and Purpose as Differentiators
Beyond traditional marketing tactics, Toledano believes startups can stand out by aligning themselves with causes that matter. She has seen how purpose-driven initiatives, even small ones, build credibility and attract customers who value companies with a social conscience.
“Supporting a cause doesn’t have to mean donating millions,” she says. “It could be something as simple as contributing a percentage of sales to a local project or volunteering time as a team. The key is authenticity – choosing something that truly reflects your values.”
A Balanced Approach to Growth
For Toledano, the essence of impact marketing lies in balance: combining creativity with discipline, bold ideas with careful measurement, and purpose with profit. She emphasizes that startups should view marketing not as an expense, but as an investment in building lasting connections.
“The best marketing strategies don’t just generate attention, they create trust,” she concludes. “With clarity, resourcefulness, and a genuine commitment to their audience, startups can achieve powerful results even on the leanest of budgets.”
About Author
Disclaimer: The views, suggestions, and opinions expressed here are the sole responsibility of the experts. No Digi Observer journalist was involved in the writing and production of this article.
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