Key Takeaways
- Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive, passed away at the age of 63 due to complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma.
- Story spent over three decades helping studios, networks, and streamers better understand audiences and develop effective marketing strategies.
- He worked as senior director at MarketCast from 2003 until July, advising clients on creative testing and positioning strategies.
- Story’s career spanned multiple roles, including director of research for the Video Software Dealers Association and SAG.
- He is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt.
Introduction to Bart Story’s Life and Career
Bart Story, a renowned entertainment research executive, passed away on Tuesday at the age of 63. His family announced that he died in Los Angeles due to complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma. Story’s death has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, where he spent over three decades helping studios, networks, and streamers better understand audiences and develop effective marketing strategies. His work had a significant impact on the industry, and he will be remembered for his thoughtful and gentle approach to his work.
Bart Story’s Career Highlights
Story’s career in the entertainment industry was long and distinguished. He began his career working in movie theaters, which gave him a unique understanding of the audience and the industry. He later earned his bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona in 1985 and his master’s from USC’s Annenberg School three years later. This education laid the foundation for his future success in the industry. Story occupied various roles throughout his career, including director of research for the Video Software Dealers Association from 1995-96 and the same position at SAG from 1996-2001. However, it was his work as senior director at MarketCast from 2003 until July that had the most significant impact on the industry.
Impact on the Entertainment Industry
As senior director at MarketCast, Story advised clients on creative testing and positioning strategies. This involved helping studios, networks, and streamers better understand their audiences and develop effective marketing strategies. His work was characterized by a thoughtful and gentle approach, which made him an excellent collaborator and partner. According to Jeremy Radisich, president of entertainment at MarketCast, "Across his two-decade career with MarketCast, Bart helped hundreds of movies achieve success, meaningfully connecting with thousands of clients, focus group respondents, and teammates along the way." This statement highlights the significant impact Story had on the industry and the many people he worked with throughout his career.
Tributes and Legacy
The news of Story’s passing has been met with an outpouring of tributes from the entertainment industry. Many of his colleagues and clients have spoken about his gentle and thoughtful approach to his work, as well as his incredible ability to connect with people. Story’s legacy will be remembered for years to come, and his work will continue to have an impact on the industry. As Radisich said, "His work was characterized by a thoughtful and gentle approach that made him not only an excellent collaborator and partner, but an incredible person who made an impact on everyone he met." This statement highlights the significant impact Story had on the people he worked with and the industry as a whole.
Personal Life and Family
Story is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt. A private celebration of life will be held to honor his memory. This will be an opportunity for his loved ones and colleagues to come together and remember his life and career. Story’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. However, his legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of entertainment research executives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bart Story’s passing is a significant loss to the entertainment industry. His work had a profound impact on the industry, and he will be remembered for his thoughtful and gentle approach to his work. Story’s career spanned over three decades, and he worked with many studios, networks, and streamers. His legacy will continue to inspire and influence future generations of entertainment research executives. As the industry moves forward, it will be important to remember Story’s contributions and the impact he had on the many people he worked with throughout his career.