Pollensa, Balearic Islands, Spain
Jeff's first novel The Lord's Tusks (about the rise and fall of a poaching ring in Africa), was published in 2022. Jeff Ulin spent more than half of his 25+ years in the film and television business at Lucasfilm, where he headed worldwide distribution for all markets (theatrical, video, TV, online), and managed sales for Star Wars and Indiana Jones. He also co-founded and ran animation studio Wild Brain (where he created Disney’s pre-school hit Higglytown Heroes), helped manage Paramount and Universal’s overseas video joint venture, and used his book The Business of Media Distribution to teach the class “Media & Entertainment: Economics, Policy and Strategy” at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. He is now writing, consulting and living in Europe; for consulting inquiries see www.jeffulin.com or write to [email protected].
Author fiction novel The Lord's Tusks. Also wrote three editions of non-fiction text The Business of Media Distribution, leading industry book relied upon by industry professionals, and used worldwide by film schools, media and communication schools, business schools and law schools. I have used the book to teach the class Media & Entertainment: Economics, Policy & Strategy at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business, and also lecture and consult globally based on the book. The book hit #1 in Communications on Amazon, includes quotes and endorsements from top studio/TV/Online executives (e.g., President of Pixar, Exec Producer of Batman movies) and academics, and leverages my background heading worldwide distribution for Lucasfilm, working as a studio executive and founding/being CEO of leading independent animation studio Wild Brain.
Led worldwide legal group of software and services technology company, providing security and distribution solutions for media platforms (company expanding into security for other connected industries, e.g., auto). Manage worldwide staff, with key offices in The Netherlands, China and North America. Oversee global legal and intellectual property matters, and spearhead risk management function; pioneering 21st century metrics for managing in-house team. Part of MultiChoice Group, formerly part of Naspers.
Taught the class Media & Entertainment: Economics, Policy & Strategy. As part of class applied both practical and academic analysis to media issues, and attracted leading industry guest speakers (e.g., Pixar, Apple, YouTube, Pandora, Industrial Light & Magic, Elevation Partners, Electronic Arts).
Grew media practice at top Silicon Valley law firm (firm that launched Apple and Google), working in technology transactions practice. Provided a Hollywood-Silicon Valley bridge, serving as principal advisor to Wikipedia and growing clients in games space, traditional media and Online (e.g., Movieclips.com).
•Managed distribution of all rights to Lucasfilm’s film and television product (e.g., Star Wars, Indiana Jones); oversaw worldwide distribution of Star Wars: Episode III in all media, breaking multiple records through release stages •Managed Lucas Online, transitioning starwars.com to profitable business unit implementing pioneering web features (highlighted in Wall Street Journal) •Personally managed direct sales to pay and free television networks worldwide (50+ territories), closing Variety-headlining deals, and represented company at major international festivals and markets (e.g., MIP, MIPCOM, NATPE)