Darcy Antonellis oversees Warner Bros. Technical Operations (WBTO), where she and her team work across the Studio to solve technology challenges and enable new technology-based businesses.
Working with a notable technology management team, she orchestrated the creation of Emmy-Award winning DETE (Digital End-to-End), the first studio digital supply chain, which cleared the way for sales and distribution to rapidly expand digital distribution partnerships and revenues in film and television. Additional credits include the creation of a wholly digital syndication distribution system, Syndistro, which enables highly flexible HD content distribution to broadcast and cable partners across North America; the formation of a Joint Venture (Javelin) with Deluxe to provide high quality, reliable spot delivery for advertisers; and positioning the Studio as a founding member of Digital Cinema Distribution Coalition (DCDC), which works to support feature, promotional, pre-show and live content distribution to theaters at a low cost by using the latest in digital distribution technologies.
Under Antonellis’ leadership, the Studio’s development and technology operations have grown to resemble those of high-tech companies. Using agile development techniques and scrum methods, WBTO rapidly prototypes new products and services to support both consumer-facing and business-to-business needs.
Recent projects include outmywindow (OMW), WBHive and Media Camp LA. Available via iOS and Android app stores, OMW incorporates the Studio’s intellectual property to create a seamless, multiscreen and multiplatform photo-taking, sharing and storage experience. WBHive, a joint effort with Human Resources and Warner Bros. Corporate Communications & Public Affairs, is the first company-wide ideation platform that allows employees to submit novel ideas and potential solutions to challenges posted by the Studio’s management. WBHive is set to expand to HBO via a pilot program in October 2013. Additionally, WBTO participated in Media Camp LA, the Studio’s inaugural 12-week accelerator program for start-up companies. Through the program, WBTO engaged with and mentored innovative start-ups that are working on products or services directly relevant to growing the Studio’s businesses or solving its critical business problems. At the end of the program, which concluded with a Demo Day where the start-ups showcased their progress to entertainment and technology leaders along with venture capitalists, many Media Camp LA graduates received additional projects or external funding as a result of their experience at Warner Bros.
A veteran of both hard news and network sports, Antonellis has been stationed in Saudi Arabia during the Gulf War for CBS News, as well as covered three Olympic stints for CBS Sports, earning her two Emmy Awards for technical production. A multinational patents holder and Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) Fellow, Antonellis has received a number of industry honors in the areas of technology and innovation. She holds honors in electrical engineering from Temple University and an MBA with a finance concentration from Fordham University.