Doug Sack

Los Angeles, CA | (603) 233-8460 | dougsack@gmail.com

Dedicated and results-driven Data & Entertainment professional with more than 10 years of experience in leveraging data-driven insights in the entertainment industry. Proven expertise in machine learning, statistical analysis, and data visualization. Skilled in leading and mentoring cross-functional teams to deliver high-impact analytics projects.

Experience

President, Research & Analytics, Annapurna

Oct 2024 - Present

  • TBD

Head of Data Science, Enact Insight

Sept 2022 - Oct 2024

  • Led data science initiatives leveraging Enact's syndicated tracking data, employing advanced Machine Learning techniques (e.g., XGBoost, Random Forest) to enhance predictive accuracy, resulting in a 25% improvement in forecasting accuracy.
  • Engineered and implemented ensemble models using Monte Carlo simulations and advanced forecasting algorithms, achieving 20% MAPE in predicting global box office performance up to 2 years before release.
  • Established an LLM-based computer-vision algorithm that matched titles through meta-data descriptions, streamlining Long Lead Comping and Concept Testing processes.
  • Initiated a real-time ELO scoring system for competitive ranking of movie titles, analyzing over 1M survey responses, which improved accuracy in measuring title competitiveness.
  • Pioneered AI-driven visual-metadata encoding for video analysis, processing thousands of videos to generate insights that powered Machine Learning Creative Optimization models, enhancing creative decision-making.
  • Devised an innovative application that generates a “Movie Barcode” from video files or URLs, visualizing the "color story" to assist in creative analysis for content production and optimization.
  • Built a web application enabling clients to interact with respondent “Choice” data, leading to a 30% increase in engagement and driving additional revenue by empowering internal teams with actionable insights.
  • Spearheaded an interactive comp finder tool that utilized audience interest metrics, demographics, and timeframes to discover similar titles, significantly improving decision-making in deliverables and greenlighting discussions.
  • Created an interactive “What If” planning tool powered by Genetic Algorithms, exploring thousands of generations to optimize media mix allocation, leading to an improvement in campaign management efficiency.
  • Designed and implemented a Bayesian Network model using over 2M respondent data rows to estimate audience interest in titles, enabling comprehensive assumption testing and sensitivity analysis for better content development.
  • Initiated the development of AI-powered survey analysis tools, incorporating NLP and automated data parsing to reduce response processing time by 40%.
  • Integrated multiple external data sources through web scraping and APIs, doubling the model training pool and improving model robustness and predictive power.
  • Drove analytics projects end-to-end in partnership with Product, Engineering, and Client-Service teams to inform, influence, support, and execute product strategy and investment decisions.
  • Led end-to-end analytics projects in collaboration with Product, Engineering, and Client-Service teams, delivering data-driven insights that informed product strategy and influenced multi-million-dollar investment decisions.

Manager, Strategy, Analytics & Operations, Netflix

May 2019 - June 2022

  • Championed data-driven decision-making for over 100 movie releases annually, delivering insights that optimized release strategies.
  • Delivered actionable insights through advanced data analysis, supporting green-lighting projects, creative marketing strategies, global prioritization, and audience optimization for strategic growth.
  • Conducted detailed valuation analyses using predictive models and financial metrics to inform high-stakes content and marketing decisions.
  • Led the execution of statistically significant A/B tests and natural experiments, leveraging Netflix's global member base to drive optimization in content and marketing decisions.
  • Advanced the development of the Global Campaign Evaluation Framework, guiding marketing strategy and enabling performance review for marketing teams worldwide, leading to a 20% increase in campaign efficiency.
  • Conducted in-depth research and analysis of new business opportunities, delivering data-driven recommendations to Netflix executives that informed strategic decisions and market expansion efforts.

Vice President, Data & Analytics, Annapurna Pictures / MGM

March 2017 - May 2019

  • Developed a comprehensive audience segmentation strategy using a mix of quantitative (e.g., cluster analysis) and qualitative methods, resulting in a 20% improvement in digital media ad spend efficiency.
  • Implemented a robust multivariate testing framework to evaluate over 500 custom messaging and audience combinations, optimizing micro-segment positioning with a turnaround time of less than 72 hours.
  • Monitored and reported on real-time social listening, analyzing over 1M weekly social messages to dynamically adjust creative and targeting strategies, improving campaign responsiveness and audience engagement.
  • Optimized the digital ecosystem by implementing scalable user tracking systems and data capture methods, leading to the successful tracking of over 10 million users within 6 months.

Vice President, Entertainment Accounts, CitizenNet Inc. - Acquired by Conde Nast

May 2013 - March 2017

  • Led the development and execution of digital strategies for entertainment clients, driving a 45% YoY revenue increase and contributing to 50% of the company’s total revenue through targeted campaigns and data-driven optimizations.
  • Played a pivotal role in the company’s successful acquisition by Conde Nast, through strategic revenue growth, client management, and digital innovation.

Education

Master of Business Administration, California State University, Long Beach

Sept 2011 - June 2013

Bachelor of Arts - Film Production & Business Administration, Keene State College

Sept 2007 - June 2011

Skills

Technical Skills

Soft Skills