1. How Networks and Viral Video
Created a Multi-Billion Dollar Industry
for Action Sports
Allycia Jones
Savannah College of Art and Design
Service Design MFA Candidate
Design Management MA Candidate
allyciajones@me.com
3. “Action sports are based on motion, innovation and
adrenaline... things that are difficult to translate through
words. Only pictures and videos can give them justice ...
...Brands need to embrace social media, but firstly build
a plan on how to effectively utilize it...
...to build an accessible ‘voice and face to the brand
- Mark Sperling, founder of Group Y, a community of action sports enthusiasts
”
4. Action Sports vs. “Stick and Ball” Sports
Lifestyle
Lifestyle
Enthusiasts
Athlete Personality
Brand Persona
Progression
Creativity
Innovation
Sharing
Spectator / Fan
Athlete Statistics
Brand Sponsorship
Static
Skills
Equipment
Scoring
6. New versions of tricks are
reflected back in a
positive amplification loop
Progression through
new tricks and skills
Professional Athletes
Response YouTube Posts
Branded / Event Video
Tricks and skills are
repeated and modified by
amateurs and enthusiasts
Progression spreads to
amateurs and enthusiasts
Amateurs / Enthusiasts
7. [Programmed TV Hours]
2000
2010
X Games
36 hrs
X Games
62 hrs
Gravity Games
5 hrs
Dew Tour
40 hrs
X Trials
5 hrs
Maloof Money Cup
8 hrs
Vans Triple Crown
21 hrs
Super/Motocross
39 hrs
Bluetorch
260 hrs
Fuel TV
8760 hrs
327 hrs
13 Days 15 hours
CJ Oliviares - Action Sports Conference 2010
8,902 hrs
1 Year 5 Days 15 hours
8. 232 Million
= 1 Million Viewers
37 Million
29 Million
Digital Platforms
ESPN.com
U.S. TV Programming
Worldwide TV Programming
9. 3.8 million views
1.5 million views
video posted
on YouTube
Feb. 15 2011
Outside Magazine August 2011
video launched on
iTunes for $7.99
1 Week
Sept. 8 2011
11. “Ten years ago, as an athlete, you could rely solely on
the people who represented you -- agents and managers
-- to make you a brand.
... I could get off the camera and everything would take
care of itself. Now I have to take pictures of what went on
behind the scenes ... I have to give the people more
because they have options. Way more options.
-Sal Masekela, Action Sports MC
”
14. vs.
“Red Bull gives you wiiings”
No TV or print advertising
Only sponsored athletes can
wear brand logo
Brand logo available to all in
various merchandise
Elite brand
Brand for all
Big budget projects for
athletes and sponsored
events
Co-Sponsor of events with
high exposure for athletes
Community lifestyle
Aspirational lifestyle