The Vergecast The head of HBO Max on launching without Roku, adding 4K HDR, and the Snyder Cut
Jun 2, 2020
Julia Alexander, a Verge reporter specializing in media and entertainment, joins Tony Goncalves, CEO of Otter Media, to discuss the launch of HBO Max. Goncalves reveals insights into AT&T's strategies amidst the competitive streaming landscape, including the challenges with Roku and Amazon. They explore HBO Max's appeal against rivals like Disney Plus, the impacts of data usage, and adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic. The discussion also touches on the importance of user experience and upcoming content releases shaping viewer engagement.
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Career Journey
- Tony Gonsalves recounts his career journey, from DirecTV to AT&T, highlighting his role in digital product development.
- He transitioned DirecTV to digital and mobile platforms, eventually leading to the creation of HBO Max.
Launch Day Success
- HBO Max's launch day was successful, due to immense content offerings.
- Gonsalves emphasizes the importance of building efficient systems and processes that allow teams to manage launches effectively.
Streaming Wars Misnomer
- Gonsalves views the "streaming wars" as a misnomer, instead seeing it as a re-aggregation of content.
- He believes there's room for multiple players and that this period is beneficial for consumers due to increased choice.