From Disney to Digital: Rafi Bagdasarian on Storytelling, Tech, and the Future of Video

In this captivating episode of In Focus, hosts Michael Ayjian and Stephen Skeel sit down with Rafi Bagdasarian—a seasoned entertainment executive and startup innovator—to explore the evolving intersection of storytelling and technology.

A Career Rooted in Storytelling

From his beginnings in music and film scoring to working with industry giants like Miramax, Disney, Sony, and Crackle, Rafi’s journey is a masterclass in adaptability and creative vision. He reveals how storytelling has always been central to his work, whether producing short-form Disney animations or helping launch Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee at Crackle. His perspective? “Technology is just a tool. It’s the story that matters.”

Why Video Content Still Reigns

Rafi underscores the enduring power of video content. He recounts his time at Disney, where storytelling was baked into everything—even down to soda choices at theme parks. As the media landscape shifts, one thing remains clear: compelling video is still the most powerful medium for connection and engagement.

Enter Packet: FAST as a Service

Rafi’s latest venture, Packet, is poised to transform how free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) reaches audiences. With "FAST as a Service," Packet empowers brands, influencers, and platforms to deliver curated TV content anywhere, from websites to apps, without relying on legacy cable models. It’s about bringing video to where the audience already is.

Key Takeaways:

• Storytelling is timeless: Whether you're in tech, media, or marketing, knowing how to tell a good story is essential.

• Video isn’t just entertainment. It’s engagement: Platforms that leverage video storytelling are seeing deeper audience connections.

• The future is modular, not monolithic: Services like Packet prove content doesn’t need to live on big platforms. It can—and should—be where your audience already hangs out.

  
  

👉 Watch the full podcast episode on YouTube