Michael Walbert

In 2007, Georgia generated roughly $100 million in annual direct production spend before uncapping its incentive program. By 2022, that number had climbed to $4.4 billion. In 2025, it sits closer to $2.3 billion — still impressive, but notably down. Why the drop? The global incentive race is pushing much of the industry overseas. Production is more mobile than ever. Capital is chasing the most competitive environments. Studios dictate the where and the what — and development stalls when those economics don’t pencil. Rock Paper Cannon flips the script. We are financing and producing recurring live-audience sitcoms in a business-friendly region with sitcom-specific state incentives — designed to create a stronger, more durable foundation for Oklahoma’s entertainment industry. For more than sixty years, broadcast sitcoms have stabilized legacy studios. We are using that same trusted format to rebrand and relocate the American sitcom genre. Which also allows our investors to monetize that asset. Oklahoma can become the destination for live-audience sitcoms. Nashville generates roughly $30 million a day in tourism revenue anchored to its entertainment identity. In Burbank, Universal earns more from the tourism ecosystem at CityWalk than from soundstage rentals alone. Branson thrives as a ticked live-entertainment destination. Demand for content has never been higher. Industry analysis shows global streaming platforms alone are projected to spend more than $100 billion on content in 2026 — nearly 40% of worldwide media production budgets. Total global content investment is forecast to reach approximately $255 billion this year. (deadline) Demand is accelerating.
Scripted output is declining.
Seasons are compressed.
Costs are rising.
Incentive competition is intensifying globally.
Platforms are prioritizing short-run subscription drivers over long-running libraries. A structural gap is forming.
Rock Paper Cannon is poised to fill it. Entertainment is art.
But it’s also an asset class.
The key is building systems that make creativity sustainable. Who’s coming with us? More on the blog rachelcannon(dot)com✨

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Florida Sports Economy report Summary • Overall Scale: Florida’s sports economy generated $146.5 billion in total output during FY19/20 and FY20/21. It supported nearly 978,200 jobs annually and produced $13.9 billion in state and local tax revenue . • Tourism Impact: Sports tourism accounted for 28.1 million non-resident visitors, nearly 14% of all Florida tourism. These visitors spent over $25.2 billion on goods and services . • Direct Spending: The combined sports economic footprint amounted to $71.7 billion in direct spending, split between local operational spending ($28.5B) and off-site visitor spending ($43.2B) . • Amateur & Leisure Sports: By far the largest segment, generating $57.2 billion in direct spending, leading to $113.6 billion total impact, and supporting 716,300 jobs. Sub-sectors include golf ($44.2B impact), fishing ($16.4B), wildlife viewing ($12.9B), parks and recreation ($14.1B), and more . • Professional Sports: Direct footprint of $4.7 billion, generating $10.2 billion total impact and 74,200 jobs. Includes major league teams, Spring Training ($680M impact), minor league sports, motorsports, and tennis . • Collegiate Athletics: Created a $5.5 billion total economic impact, with 41,500 jobs and $559 million in state and local taxes. This includes college sports seasons and high-profile bowl games . • Equine Industry Contributed $6.1 billion in total impact and 51,600 jobs, with major activity in breeding, racing, and equestrian events . • Retail Sales: Sports-related retail purchases added $4.7 billion in direct spending, generating $11.2 billion in total impact and supporting 94,700 jobs . Takeaways 1. Sports as a Core Economic Driver: With nearly $150 billion in output, sports rival Florida’s other key industries like agriculture and aerospace in economic weight. 2. Amateur & Leisure Sports Dominate Everyday activities (golf, fishing, wildlife viewing, parks) create the majority of impact, proving that Florida’s sports economy is not just about pro franchises but broad participation. 3. Tourism Linkage: Sports tourism makes up 14% of Florida’s total visitation, showing how strongly it contributes to hotel stays, dining, retail, and recreation. 4. Job Creation Engine Nearly 1 in every 10 Florida jobs is tied directly or indirectly to sports and event tourism. 5. Tax Benefits Sports activities generated nearly $14 billion in state and local taxes 6. Strategic Assets: Florida’s climate, year-round facilities, and geographic reach position it uniquely to host youth tournaments, major league teams, and mega-events (Super Bowl, Daytona 500, etc.). 7. Regional Sports Commissions: Over 30 local commissions play a pivotal role in attracting and retaining events, while the Florida Sports Foundation coordinates state-wide promotion and grants. 8. Resilience and Growth Potential: Even with disruptions like the pandemic, Florida’s sports economy maintained significant impacts.

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Turning Passion into Play: Fireside Games’ Journey with Justin De Witt In this episode of Toy Business Unboxed, we chat with Justin De Witt, co-founder of Fireside Games, the creators of Castle Panic and other beloved board games. Justin shares his journey from hobbyist game designer to founding a successful board game company in 2007. We dive into the history of Fireside Games, the challenges of marketing analog games in today’s digital-first world, and the intricacies of cooperative game design. Whether you're a game designer, entrepreneur, or board game enthusiast, this conversation offers valuable insights into building a brand that brings people together through the joy of play.

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Hey Produce People! After 4 years and a few hundred episodes later, Tony Nuovo of Growerstock Inc. | Precision Sourcing Intelligence 🥬 🍎 🍉 🍌 is at the Aglife Media, Inc. studios here in Tampa, Florida. Its been amazing to watch the growth of the platform and see from real clients how it works and why its works! Joined by Ross Nelson 🍓 🍉 🍎 🍌 🥬 🥗 🥕 🍄 🥔 🧅 of FreshEdge we talk about some of the Key Features of the platform; Request for Proposal (RFP), Request for Quote (RFQ) ,Quote Tracker and a new PAL: Procurement Automated Liaison   #technology #digitaltransformation #artificialintelligence #producelife #farming #agriculture #innovation ***Link to full episode in comments below***

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Casinos aren’t just about the games. They’re about the experience. From the moment a guest walks in to the moment they cash out, every touchpoint matters. Behind the scenes, staff need the same clarity and connection to keep it all running smoothly. Digital signage is becoming the house favorite for making that happen.   Our new guide breaks down how a unified strategy can boost guest engagement, streamline operations, and keep people coming back for more.   Read the Ultimate Guide to Casino Digital Signage here: https://lnkd.in/eXMptQrt &utm_term=ds

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CBS is moving its Atlanta affiliation from Gray Media WANF to its owned WUPA, promising to also launch a 24/7 local news channel. Gray pledges more news, sports and entertainment for the station and says the move will allow gray to reduce levrage and improve its balance sheet and financial leverage. #media #local #broadcasting https://lnkd.in/eVjVqDf2

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“There’s no such thing as a million-dollar idea. It’s just a billion-dollar execution.” — Suneera Madhani From building Orlando’s first tech unicorn to raising a $25M seed round for Worth, Suneera knows a thing or two about exits and more importantly, what it takes to earn one. In Inc. Magazine's latest piece, she breaks down what founders should really be chasing (spoiler: it’s not just funding) and why every business should be built with enterprise value in mind (exit or not). Read Inc.'s full story here: https://lnkd.in/ebZ_nKBj

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For regional casino marketers, this article highlights the need to understand and engage with evolving community interests beyond traditional gaming. How can casinos leverage these shifts to build stronger local connections? #GamingTrends #CommunityEngagement #CasinoMarketing https://lnkd.in/g_2XuNQK

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// How Best Western Plus Casino Royale Plays the Value Card. A Case Study of "Re-casting an Underdog" The Las Vegas Strip is built on excess - a battleground of extravagance. Towering resorts. #Michelin-starred dining. Immersive theming. Sky-high fees hidden behind neon. However, in recent years, the Strip has been under pressure: 🔸 Las Vegas Visitor volume is down ~7.3% thru first half of 2025. 🔸 Hotel occupancy, average daily rates, and revenue-per-available-room (RevPAR) are all slipping. 🔸 Resort fees are being pushed higher - many Strip hotels now charge $50+ per night for “amenities” and parking, etc. For budget travellers, these dynamics risk pushing them off the Strip entirely. Seizing this as an opportunity, Best Western Plus Casino Royale decided to work on a contrarian approach, beyond its bargain menu. They discovered that: 🔹 Guests are not expecting glamour - but want transparency. Pay what they see. 🔹 The trade-offs (dated décor, no spectacular views) are acknowledged - but made acceptable because their core frustrations are eliminated (eg. hidden fees, parking costs, overpriced food) 🔹 Amid a city-wide slump, travellers opt for simpler, affordable “Value tourism” experiences. Rather than matching the luxury race, Casino Royale leaned into value, simplicity and essentials: 👉 ZERO resort fee, ZERO parking fee, affordable food, plus central Strip location. 👉 Attention grabbing signages highlight budget offers - '$10 Denny’s Super Slam', '$3.99 hot dogs' 👉 Minimal friction operation - streamlined check-in, less upsell, focus on delivering essential guest experiences (clean room, fridge) 👉 Leveraging food and casino synergies thru loyalty programs, coupons, comped meals - e.g. steak dinner via comp - to add perceived value. Results were immediate: 🔺 Media coverage positions it as a “throwback for budget travel” - a compelling narrative in a luxury-driven market. 🔺 Guest feedback is strong around “value for money” and location. Trivago reviews it Very Good (~8.1); highlights zero hidden fees and free parking. So what are the takeaways for brands, marketers, experience-designers? 1️⃣ Be the sane voice in a noisy marketplace. When everyone else shouts “more luxury, more fees,” your “no fees, great value” stands out loudest. 2️⃣ Hidden costs are trust killers. Zero resort fees seems basic. But where $55 fees are common, it's a powerful differentiator. 3️⃣ Align expectations vs reality. Modest amenities + honest promise = satisfied guests. Overpromise luxury + hidden fees = disappointment. 4️⃣ Data shows markets shift first, then behaviour. Small budget hotels will more than just survive - they may thrive if they lean into value. When markets push ever upward, the margin for differentiation often lies in restraint, honesty, and purposeful trade-off. The rebel modesty route can succeed - even on the Las Vegas Strip. #Hospitality #BrandStrategy #ValueProposition The Wall Street Journal

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