One of the Splash founders is back in business – Kevin Smith will be launching a giant new media agency, which he says will be the photographers’ friend.
Having made Splash one of the most respected and recognised entertainment brands in the world, Smith promised The Mega Agency will be ‘bigger, better and smarter’ than its rivals. “I want this company to be even bigger than before – and we’ll be on the lookout for the best talent across the world” says Smith.
The agency is set for launch in the coming weeks with offices across the US, Europe and Australasia, gathering news and content from all four corners of the world and selling directly in as many territories as possible.
Tom Tramborg, formerly a senior director of Getty Images and head of All Over Press International, is joining Mega as CEO. Tramborg has extensive knowledge of both the media and commercial licensing markets, one of the many business lines segment Mega also intends to move into.
“Tom has a wealth of experience and a tremendous track record in strategising, developing and growing media businesses and I’m thrilled to have him onboard,” said Smith.
Smith, who sold his part of Splash four years ago, believes the timing is perfect and is busy assembling a dynamic team. He promised ‘exciting and innovative’ new technologies to ‘shake-up’ the agency world.
“I’ve been recharging my batteries and taking a long, hard look at what’s needed in today’s rapidly changing media world and where the business is going,” he said. Being a friend and ally to photographers and videographers will be Mega’s main mantra.
“I have never lost sight of the fact that content is king and those who provide it make us what we are,” said Smith.
“I appreciate how upsetting it is for photographers to see their images being given away for next to nothing,” said Smith. “I dislike the way prices have fallen as much as they do.
Tramborg said: “The Mega Agency is built on the experience from more than 25 years of licensing visual material, but built with new cutting edge mobile technology and a focus on new revenue streams and a development plan that will help to sustain the benefits of our investment.”
“We have identified a need for a global platform that will deliver better content, deliver it faster and at scale; faster and fairer payments to photographers – and I am pleased to see how it resonates with photographers as well as key people in the media business in joining The Mega Agency. We intend to roll out exciting new services and features – for both contributors and clients. We intend to scale and grow at a rapid rate immediately after launch.”
Image shows Kevin Smith, founder of Splash and Mega
