Hollywood Reporter A new frontier in the creator economy has opened with the launch of UP NEXT: The Creator IP Market, scheduled to take place in Los Angeles in October 2026 in partnership with Access Media.
This first-of-its-kind event marketplace will provide global, development-ready digital content producers a bridge to reach major studios, streaming companies, broadcasters, talent agencies, digital platforms, production companies, brands and buyers. In addition to curated deal opportunities and industry outreach, the UP NEXT Market will feature keynote talks, creator showcases, live IP showcases and exclusive editorial programming from THR.
says Mayer Roshan, editor-in-chief of the magazine THR: “We’re excited to bring the fast-growing creator economy and Hollywood together, as digital innovators continue to fuel studio talent pipelines, drive brand marketing strategies and redefine who gets to be a star.”
Launching UP NEXT: The Creator IP Market is designed to accelerate partnerships amid a major shift across the global media landscape where audience-first storytelling has reshaped how content is discovered, funded, developed and monetized. This disruption in the industry has led Hollywood players to search for commercially viable IP for new audiences and new content such as podcasts and micro-dramas as they expand their traditional content pipelines.
“Entertainment is going through one of the most important transformations in its history, and creators are at the center of this transformation. The traditional development pipeline is evolving rapidly, and some of the most valuable and culturally relevant intellectual property in the world is now coming out of creator-led communities with highly engaged audiences. This event is about creating a serious business marketplace where these creators can connect directly with studios, streamers, networks, brands and investors looking to shape the future of entertainment,” said Vern Cohen, Access Media President and CEO of UP NEXT. Statement.
The new market aims to create a distinct business environment where Hollywood and the creative economy can participate directly and strategically. Next: The Creator IP Market has appointed WorldBuilder Summit founder and former Buffer Festival CEO Scott Benzie as its GM.
More details will be announced from event organizers in the coming months.
