RadicalMedia
RadicalMedia, LLC is an independent global media production company founded in 1993 by Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma, specializing in the development and creation of content across television, film, documentaries, commercials, branded partnerships, and digital platforms.[1][2]
Headquartered in New York City with additional offices in Los Angeles and London, the company employs a multidisciplinary approach, collaborating with directors, producers, and artists to produce innovative projects for clients including major brands, broadcasters, and streaming services.[3][4]
Among its significant achievements, RadicalMedia produced the Academy Award-winning documentary Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) in 2021, directed by Questlove, and the Emmy-winning What Happened, Miss Simone? in 2016, alongside the filmed adaptations of Broadway productions like Hamilton and David Byrne's American Utopia.[5][6][7]
The company has earned recognition for its commercial work, including Cannes Lions and Clio Awards for editing and production in campaigns like Nike Basketball.[8]
RadicalMedia has encountered controversies, notably a 2025 lawsuit filed by a production coordinator alleging racial discrimination and hostile work environment during the filming of a Questlove-directed documentary on Earth, Wind & Fire.[9]
History
Founding and Early Focus on Advertising (1993–2000)
RadicalMedia was founded in 1993 by Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma in New York City as an independent production company initially dedicated to television commercial production.[10][11] The partners established the firm to create innovative advertising content, drawing on Kamen's prior experience in production and Scherma's business acumen to target high-impact campaigns for major brands.[12] Headquartered at 435 Hudson Street, the company quickly positioned itself within the competitive New York advertising scene, emphasizing creative execution for global clients.[1] From 1993 to 2000, RadicalMedia's core operations centered on advertising, producing commercials that prioritized visual storytelling and brand integration over narrative depth typical of later media expansions.[13] This period saw the firm build its reputation through prolific output in the commercial sector, collaborating with agencies and directors to deliver campaigns noted for their technical innovation and market effectiveness, though specific project volumes or revenue figures from these years remain undocumented in public records.[14] The focus on advertising allowed RadicalMedia to cultivate a roster of talent and client relationships that formed the foundation for future diversification, with early successes reinforcing its status as a key player in the 1990s commercial production landscape.[15]Expansion into Broader Media Production (2000s–2010s)
During the 2000s, RadicalMedia diversified from its core advertising roots into long-form television programming and documentaries, leveraging founders Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma's prior experience in unscripted content to produce projects with broader narrative scope.[10] A pivotal early example was the 2004 documentary Metallica: Some Kind of Monster, which chronicled the rock band's internal therapy sessions and lineup changes, premiering at Sundance and grossing over $2.6 million in limited release while establishing the company's reputation in music-focused films.[16] This shift reflected adaptation to evolving media demands, with annual output expanding to include pilots for scripted series like Mad Men (2007 pilot) and unscripted formats, amid a company workforce growing to support multi-platform production.[17] The late 2000s saw further infrastructural growth, including international office openings in London and Berlin to facilitate global collaborations, enabling branded content and TV series for networks like AMC and IFC.[4] In 2010, RadicalMedia sold a 60% stake to FremantleMedia for an undisclosed sum, providing capital and distribution access to accelerate TV and film output, which rose to multiple unscripted series annually by the mid-2010s.[18] This partnership supported projects like experiential branded events and digital extensions, though creative control tensions led to repurchasing the majority stake by 2015, reaffirming independence while retaining expanded capabilities in film (4–5 annually) and television (up to 12 series).[18] By the end of the decade, such diversification had positioned RadicalMedia as a hybrid producer, blending commercial precision with narrative depth across platforms.[11]Recent Growth and Digital Integration (2020–Present)
Since 2020, RadicalMedia has expanded its production slate with high-profile documentary and concert films, including the filmed adaptation of the Broadway musical Hamilton, captured live in 2016 but released via Disney+ in July 2020, which garnered over 1.25 million streams in its first three days.[7][5] The company also produced Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) in 2021, a documentary on the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, which won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022.[19][5] Additional projects include the 2020 HBO concert film David Byrne's American Utopia, directed by Spike Lee, and the 2024 premiere of Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero at the Toronto International Film Festival, reflecting sustained output in music and performance content amid industry shifts post-COVID-19.[3][5] This period marked RadicalMedia's deeper integration into digital and streaming ecosystems, exemplified by its role in PBS's American Portrait initiative launched in January 2020 as a digital-first crowdsourcing platform for user-submitted videos, photos, and stories to explore American identity, evolving into a multi-part documentary series and specials like the May 2020 COVID-19 adaptation In This Together.[20][21] The company's expertise in live-capture techniques for stage productions, such as Hamilton optimized for streaming, has positioned it as a key player in adapting theatrical content for on-demand platforms, with ongoing efforts in upcoming projects like a Jerry Garcia documentary and History Channel series.[5] In 2024, nonfiction division staff pursued unionization with the Writers Guild of America East, signaling operational scale in digital nonfiction production.[22] RadicalMedia maintained its New York base while leveraging offices in Los Angeles and London for global reach, signing directors like conceptual artist Glenn Kaino in October 2025 to bolster creative capabilities.[5][23] Executives highlighted at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival a focus on translating stage musicals to screens, including discussions around a Bono project, underscoring adaptation strategies for digital audiences.[24]Operations and Business Model
Core Services and Production Capabilities
RadicalMedia operates as a fully integrated media production company, offering end-to-end services from concept development to final delivery across multiple formats. Its core services encompass the creation of feature films, television series, commercials, digital content, branded entertainment, music videos, and live events, tailored for clients including major brands, broadcasters, and streaming platforms.[3][4] The company's production capabilities include in-house expertise in directing, producing, editing, and post-production, supported by a multidisciplinary team of artists, coders, and technicians. This integration allows for seamless execution of complex projects, such as immersive experiences and experiential events, with facilities in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Berlin facilitating global-scale operations.[4][3] RadicalMedia specializes in commercial campaigns that blend advertising with narrative storytelling, producing content for networks and digital platforms while emphasizing innovative visual and experiential elements. Its capabilities extend to music programming and brand partnerships, enabling customized solutions that leverage proprietary content management systems and collaborative workflows.[3][4]Global Reach and Key Partnerships
RadicalMedia operates offices in New York, Los Angeles, London, and Berlin, enabling coordinated production across North America and Europe.[4] This multinational structure supports the company's ability to manage diverse projects, from commercials to documentaries, for international clients and platforms.[4] The Berlin and London locations, in particular, facilitate access to European talent, funding, and markets, contributing to productions tailored for global audiences.[25] Historically, RadicalMedia expanded its international presence through a 2010 partnership with FremantleMedia, which acquired a 60% stake and supported offices in additional locations including Sydney and Shanghai at the time.[26] This alliance focused on branded entertainment and global licensing, enhancing distribution capabilities.[27] By 2015, RadicalMedia repurchased the stake, regaining full independence while retaining a foothold in key creative hubs.[18] In recent years, the company has pursued targeted collaborations to innovate in experiential media. A notable example is the 2020 formation of Illuminarium Experiences, a joint venture with design firm Rockwell Group and producer Alan Greenberg, developing immersive entertainment venues worldwide, with installations launched in Atlanta in 2021 and expanded to Las Vegas and other sites.[28] Such partnerships leverage RadicalMedia's production expertise alongside complementary creative and technical partners to deliver location-based content, underscoring its strategy for global experiential projects.[28]Notable Productions
Entertainment and Documentary Films
RadicalMedia entered the realm of entertainment filmmaking through cinematic captures of stage productions, notably producing the 2020 filmed version of the Broadway musical Hamilton. Directed by Thomas Kail, this live recording of Lin-Manuel Miranda's production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre premiered exclusively on Disney+ on July 3, 2020, and achieved widespread acclaim for preserving the original cast's performances, including those by Miranda as Alexander Hamilton.[7][29] The film later expanded to theatrical releases, including a limited run starting September 5, 2025, marking the 10th anniversary of the musical's Broadway debut.[30] In documentary production, RadicalMedia gained prominence with Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) (2021), directed by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. The film utilizes archival footage from the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival, featuring performances by artists such as Stevie Wonder, Nina Simone, and Sly & the Family Stone, alongside contemporary interviews to contextualize the event's cultural significance amid the civil rights era; it won the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature in 2022.[19][5] Building on this success, the company produced Questlove's SLY LIVES! (aka The Burden of Black Genius) (2025), which examines Sly Stone's career trajectory with The Family Stone, their musical innovations, personal struggles, and the societal pressures on Black artists; the documentary premiered on Hulu in January 2025 and earned an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special.[31][32] Other notable documentaries include The Seat (2025), a short film directed by Kyle Thrash that details the internal Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One team discussions leading to 18-year-old Kimi Antonelli's promotion as driver, released on Netflix in May 2025.[33][34] RadicalMedia also produced What Happened, Miss Simone? (2015), a Netflix documentary on singer Nina Simone's life, activism, and mental health challenges, directed by Liz Garbus, which received an Academy Award nomination for Best Documentary Feature.[18] These projects highlight RadicalMedia's focus on music, cultural history, and high-profile figures, often leveraging archival material and exclusive access for narrative depth.[5]Branded Content and Commercials
RadicalMedia produces commercials and branded content as a core extension of its advertising origins, collaborating with major brands and agencies to create high-profile campaigns that blend narrative storytelling with promotional objectives.[13] These projects often feature renowned directors and talent, emphasizing cinematic quality to engage audiences beyond traditional advertising.[35] Notable commercials include the "Queen" spot for Hotels.com, directed by Alexander Payne, which aired in 2023 and highlighted humorous travel scenarios.[13] Other examples encompass the "Soda Moments" campaign for poppi soda, directed by Dave Meyers; the "Texting Stage" interactive ad for Android by Paul Briganti; and Walmart's Black Friday Deals promotions.[13] Additional works feature automotive brands like Chevy's "Stronger Truck" and Chrysler's "Golf Buddies," alongside apparel campaigns such as Adidas "Unstoppable" and Carhartt spots.[36] In branded content, RadicalMedia has developed series like Conservation International's "Nature Is Speaking," a 2014 initiative featuring short films where celebrities voice natural elements—Julia Roberts as Mother Nature, Harrison Ford as the Ocean, Lupita Nyong'o as Flower, and Robert Redford as the Redwood—to advocate for environmental protection.[37] Other branded efforts include Nike's "Battlegrounds" content series and "Dare" documentary-style campaign, which integrate storytelling with product integration.[38] J.Crew's "Pretty Swell" film series highlights brand heritage through narrative pieces on iconic garments.[39] These projects reflect RadicalMedia's shift toward integrated branded entertainment, as noted in industry analyses from the mid-2000s onward.[40]Music Videos and Digital Projects
RadicalMedia produces music videos through a roster of specialized directors, emphasizing innovative visual storytelling and collaborations with major artists. Directors affiliated with the company, such as Dave Meyers, have helmed high-profile videos including Saweetie and Doja Cat's "Best Friends," Ed Sheeran's "Bad Habits," Coldplay's "Higher Power," Pink's "All I Know So Far," and Drake's "Way 2 Sexy."[41] These works often incorporate advanced visual effects and have garnered significant recognition, with Meyers' portfolio earning two Grammy Awards for Best Music Video and 17 MTV Video Music Awards.[41] Other directors under RadicalMedia's umbrella include Brook Linder, whose videos for artists like Ryan Adams, Charli XCX, and Nine Inch Nails earned a Young Guns 16 Award in 2018, and The Reggies, who have directed clips for DJ Shadow, Max, Dillon Francis, and Yung Gravy, accumulating over 100 million views across their projects.[42][43][44] The company's music video output integrates commercial production techniques, blending narrative depth with high-production values to support artists' creative visions.[45] Beyond conventional videos, RadicalMedia has developed digital interactive projects that leverage user participation and web technologies. The Johnny Cash Project, launched in 2010, is a crowd-sourced music video for Johnny Cash's "Ain't No Grave" from his final album American VI: Ain't No Grave, where participants drew individual frames over archival footage, creating a collaborative, evolving animation with 1,370 possible frames contributed by users worldwide.[46][47][48] Produced in partnership with director Chris Milk, data visualization artist Aaron Koblin, producer Rick Rubin, and the Johnny Cash Estate, the project exemplifies early web-based participatory media, allowing ongoing contributions to form a dynamic tribute to the artist's themes of mortality and resurrection.[46][49] More recent digital efforts include performance-based content like Miley Cyrus's Endless Summer Vacation (Backyard Sessions), a 2023 Disney+ special featuring live renditions of tracks such as "Flowers" and "The Climb" alongside exclusive interviews, produced as an extension of her album promotion.[50] These projects highlight RadicalMedia's shift toward hybrid digital formats that combine music performance with immersive, platform-specific experiences.[45]Leadership and Organizational Structure
Founders and Current Executives
RadicalMedia was founded in 1993 by Jon Kamen and Frank Scherma, who established the company as a New York-based production entity focused initially on music videos and commercials.[1][51] Kamen brought experience from prior ventures in film and video production, while Scherma contributed expertise in creative development and operations.[5][52] Kamen continues as Chairman and CEO, overseeing strategic direction and major productions, including Academy Award-winning documentaries. Scherma remains President, managing day-to-day leadership and expansion into global offices.[53][54] Mike Fiore serves as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer, a role he has held since May 2005, handling financial operations and business infrastructure.[53][55] Additional senior executives include Marc Frydman as Chief Technology Officer, focusing on digital integration, and Cathy Shannon and Chris Kim as Executive Vice Presidents for production oversight.[53] In international operations, Ben Schneider acts as Managing Director and Executive Producer for London and Berlin offices.[53] The leadership structure emphasizes continuity from the founders, with no major executive turnover reported in recent years.[56]Internal Culture and Workforce Dynamics
RadicalMedia's internal culture emphasizes creativity and collaboration, as evidenced by employee descriptions of a supportive environment fostering innovative projects in film and media production. Aggregate employee reviews on Glassdoor rate the company 3.9 out of 5 stars based on 103 submissions, with 71% of respondents recommending it to a friend and 58% expressing a positive business outlook. Culture and values receive a 3.6 rating, while work-life balance scores 3.8, reflecting a mix of satisfaction with team dynamics and challenges in demanding production schedules. Indeed reviews average 3.8 out of 5 across 8 evaluations, highlighting a "fantastically creative team" and productive atmosphere, particularly in New York offices where work-life balance rates 4.0 and pay/benefits 4.1.[57][58][59][60] Positive aspects include perks such as daily breakfasts, fresh bagels, Friday lunches, and social events, which contribute to an inclusive and team-oriented feel, especially in New York where the overall rating reaches 4.2. Employees in creative roles often praise the collaborative culture, with one 2016 Variety report noting a "culture of collaboration" driving activity across projects like documentaries and branded content. However, reviews vary by location; Santa Monica offices rate lower at 3.7, with some anonymous feedback describing the work culture as "awful," "backwards," and "sexist," citing low salaries and employee disrespect. These critiques, drawn from self-selected anonymous submissions, suggest potential inconsistencies in management practices and equity across sites.[61][18][62][63] Workforce dynamics reflect the volatile nature of media production, with approximately 100 employees company-wide and an average tenure of 2.6 years, indicating relatively high turnover consistent with industry norms for project-based roles. Demographics show a balanced gender split of 48% women and 52% men, with ethnic composition at 56% White, 18% Hispanic or Latino, and 11% Asian employees; Zippia assigns a diversity score of 8.9 out of 10. In October 2024, documentary writers at RadicalMedia voluntarily unionized with the Writers Guild of America East, seeking negotiations on job protections including "dark weeks," furloughs, and layoffs amid production uncertainties, signaling employee priorities for stability and transparency in working conditions. This move followed concerns over unpredictable scheduling and benefits, with the company committing to collaborative codification of safeguards. A April 2025 lawsuit by a production coordinator alleging racial discrimination highlights isolated tensions in hiring or treatment, though broader demographic data shows moderate representation.[64][65][66][67]Awards, Recognition, and Industry Impact
Major Awards and Nominations
RadicalMedia has produced content that has won two Academy Awards for Best Documentary Feature: The Fog of War: Eleven Lessons from the Life of Robert S. McNamara in 2004 and Summer of Soul (...Or, When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) in 2022.[68][5] The company's television and specials have earned Primetime Emmy Awards, notably David Byrne's American Utopia in 2021 for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded), Outstanding Sound Mixing for a Variety Series or Special, and Outstanding Music Direction.[69] RadicalMedia holds seven Emmy nominations in total, including a win in 2009 for Outstanding Commercial for Nike's "Bottled Courage" and recent 2025 News & Documentary Emmy nominations for two series.[70] In music production, Concert for George received a Grammy Award for its memorial concert documentation.[71] Additional Grammy recognition has come through associated directors and projects, such as music videos earning Best Music Video honors.[4] RadicalMedia has secured advertising accolades including three Cannes Lions in 2012 for the "GT Academy" campaign for Nissan and multiple Clio Awards, such as a 2021 win for Toyota's "Upstream" in Direction.[72] In 2025, three of its documentaries—Bono: One Story, another music documentary, and a third unspecified—received Critics Choice Award nominations for categories including Best Music Documentary.[73] The company has also earned a Golden Globe and Peabody Awards for select productions.[52]| Award | Project | Year | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
| Academy Award | The Fog of War | 2004 | Best Documentary Feature[68] |
| Academy Award | Summer of Soul | 2022 | Best Documentary Feature[5] |
| Primetime Emmy | David Byrne's American Utopia | 2021 | Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded)[69] |
| Primetime Emmy | Nike "Bottled Courage" | 2009 | Outstanding Commercial[70] |
| Grammy | Concert for George | Undated (post-2002 release) | Music Film Documentation[71] |
| Cannes Lions (x3) | "GT Academy" for Nissan | 2012 | Various Creative Effectiveness[3] |
| Clio | Toyota "Upstream" | 2021 | Direction (90 seconds and under)[72] |