Studio71 Alum Joseph Marchese Joins Bent Pixels as Head of Creator Strategy and Business

Joseph Marchese has joined creator network Bent Pixels as executive VP of creator strategy and business as the firm revs up its portfolio of support services offered to attention-economy clients. Marchese spent the past 12 years as a senior executive at Studio71, another creator media firm that handled distribution and advertising sales representation for a range of digital-native stars. Los Angeles-based Bent Pixels is a pioneering digital media firm that has been active in the sector since its launch in 2009. “Creator media has become one of the most powerful ways for brands to reach consumers because it puts their message inside programming that audiences are already choosing to watch,” said Mike Pusateri, Bent Pixels’ founder and CEO. “The opportunity is not simply about putting an ad in front of millions of people; it’s about connecting brands with the right audiences through creators and content that are strategically aligned with their message. Joe understands that ecosystem from the inside out. We’re excited to have him not only build on our already strong portfolio of creators, but also expand the business opportunities we can bring to those creators and our brand partners.” Popular on Variety Marchese hire reflects the company’s push to beef up its creator business. In March, Bent Pixels acquired Sunny State Agency, a creator services firm that brought a valuable scaled short-form distribution platform. The enlarged Bent Pixels now represents more than 850 creators who have cross-platform reach across YouTube, Snapchat, Facebook and Instagram. The company reports 50.2 million monthly unique visitors across its social footprint and 1.2 billion minutes of content viewed on connected TV free streaming platforms. “I’m thrilled to join Bent Pixels at a pivotal moment for the creator economy,” Marchese said. “I have tremendous respect for Michael and what he has built, as well as his continued commitment to innovation. Bent Pixels has established an impressive foundation, and I see a significant opportunity to build on its reputation, capabilities, and vision to shape what’s next for creators, agencies, and brands. I’m excited to help forge partnerships that create lasting value, strengthen trust, and move the entire creator ecosystem forward.” Marchese joined Studio71 in 2014 and rose through the ranks in partner relations and talent posts to executive VP. Studio71 was recently acquired by rival digital media firm Fixated.