Jon Briggs is an Emmy award-winning creative producer, co-founder, and executive board member at Food Fight Studios. 

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In our conversation, we explore how NFTs have revolutionized the way creators can build communities and push projects forward on their own terms.

• Jon's journey from medical device sales to becoming a content entrepreneur

• How NFTs enabled him to bring a long-shelved project to life without Hollywood red tape

• The role of AI in Jon's creative process and content creation

• Building a co-created universe with the Battle Bunnies NFT project

• Leveraging NFTs to fund animation and develop intellectual property

• Advice for content creators and entrepreneurs exploring Web3 and emerging technologies

Jon's excitement about the upcoming Battle Bunnies book series, co-created with the communityThis episode was recorded through a Podcastle call on April 4, 2024. Read the blog article and show notes here: 

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Unlocking the Creative Power of NFTs

In the ever-evolving digital landscape, NFTs have emerged as a game-changer for creators, offering a new frontier for artistic expression and community-driven storytelling. Jon Briggs, an Emmy award-winning creative producer and co-founder of Foo Fight Studios, has embraced this revolution, embarking on a journey that transformed his perspective on content creation and ownership.

From his humble beginnings in medical device sales to his foray into content entrepreneurship, Jon's path has been a testament to the power of curiosity and adaptability. Recognizing the cultural pulse through influencers like Gary Vaynerchuk, he delved into the world of NFTs, initially skeptical but ultimately captivated by their potential.

The birth of Battle Bunnies, a collaborative NFT project, marked a pivotal moment in Jon's creative journey. By harnessing the power of NFTs, he and his team have built a thriving community of co-creators, pushing the boundaries of storytelling and intellectual property ownership. With each release, from the Genesis collection to the upcoming book series, Battle Bunnies exemplifies the transformative impact of NFTs on the creative process, empowering artists to forge their own paths and engage audiences in unprecedented ways.

Jon's journey with NFTs began with skepticism, a sentiment shared by many in the early days of this emerging technology. However, his keen eye for cultural trends and his willingness to explore new avenues led him to recognize the potential of NFTs through influential voices like Gary Vaynerchuk.

Initially, Jon struggled to grasp the concept of NFTs, dismissing them as a passing fad. He recalls being perplexed by the hype surrounding projects like Lindsay Lohan's NFT venture, questioning the value and longevity of such endeavors. However, his curiosity persisted, and he continued to explore the space, leveraging AI tools to deepen his understanding.

The turning point came when Jon encountered the Stoner Cats project, which helped him comprehend the true power of NFTs. By allowing holders to connect their wallets and access exclusive animations, Stoner Cats demonstrated how NFTs could fund creative projects without the constraints of traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. This revelation resonated with Jon, who had previously shelved his own intellectual property, Neverdad, due to the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry's complex landscape.

Jon's "aha" moment crystallized when he reconnected with renowned tattoo artist Frank Leinatra, whose art he had been collecting for years. Leinatra had launched his own NFT project, Battle Bunnies, and Jon recognized the opportunity to bring his long-awaited vision to life. With the support of his team, including Mike and Taylor, Jon dove headfirst into the Battle Bunnies project, leveraging NFTs to build a community of co-creators and push the boundaries of storytelling and intellectual property ownership.

Through Battle Bunnies, Jon and his team have already released a book, a trading card game, and are working on the second installment of the book series. This journey has not only validated the potential of NFTs but has also opened up a world of creative possibilities, where artists can forge their own paths, engage audiences, and redefine the concept of ownership in the digital age.

The Journey Towards Creating IP and NFT Projects

Jon's pursuit of intellectual property (IP) creation stemmed from a desire to transcend client work and establish a lasting creative legacy. His animation company had been collaborating with influencers and creators, but he yearned for something more substantial – a property that he could truly own and shape.

One of the pivotal collaborations that fueled this ambition was with Frank Leinatra, a world-renowned tattoo artist whose art Jon had been collecting for years. Jon's son's nursery was adorned with Leinatra's whimsical character designs, a testament to the artist's ability to capture the essence of childhood wonder.

In an effort to breathe life into Leinatra's characters, Jon's animation team attempted to animate them, sparking a conversation about a development project called Neverdad. Described as a "Pet Sematary for kids," Neverdad was a captivating story that blended elements of horror and nostalgia, reminiscent of the hit series "Stranger Things."

However, the path to bringing Neverdad to fruition was fraught with challenges. The traditional Hollywood development process threatened to dilute the project's essence, with potential deals offering meager compensation and limited creative control. It became clear that the work invested might not yield the desired rewards, leading Jon and his team to reluctantly shelve the project.

Little did they know that the emergence of NFTs would reignite their dreams of creating IP on their own terms. As Jon delved deeper into the world of NFTs, he realized their potential to bypass the gatekeepers and empower creators to build communities around their stories.

Embracing the NFT Revolution

Jon's journey with NFTs began with skepticism, a sentiment shared by many in the early days of this emerging technology. However, his keen eye for cultural trends and his willingness to explore new avenues led him to recognize the potential of NFTs through influential voices like Gary Vaynerchuk.

Initially, Jon struggled to grasp the concept of NFTs, dismissing them as a passing fad. He recalls being perplexed by the hype surrounding projects like Lindsay Lohan's NFT venture, questioning the value and longevity of such endeavors. However, his curiosity persisted, and he continued to explore the space, leveraging AI tools to deepen his understanding.

The turning point came when Jon encountered the Stoner Cats project, which helped him comprehend the true power of NFTs. By allowing holders to connect their wallets and access exclusive animations, Stoner Cats demonstrated how NFTs could fund creative projects without the constraints of traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. This revelation resonated with Jon, who had previously shelved his own intellectual property, Neverdad, due to the challenges of navigating the entertainment industry's complex landscape.

Jon's "aha" moment crystallized when he reconnected with renowned tattoo artist Frank Leinatra, whose art he had been collecting for years. Leinatra had launched his own NFT project, Battle Bunnies, and Jon recognized the opportunity to bring his long-awaited vision to life. With the support of his team, including Mike and Taylor, Jon dove headfirst into the Battle Bunnies project, leveraging NFTs to build a community of co-creators and push the boundaries of storytelling and intellectual property ownership.

Through Battle Bunnies, Jon and his team have already released a book, a trading card game, and are working on the second installment of the book series. This journey has not only validated the potential of NFTs but has also opened up a world of creative possibilities, where artists can forge their own paths, engage audiences, and redefine the concept of ownership in the digital age.

The Role of Community in NFT Projects

One of the key aspects that Jon emphasizes in his NFT journey is the pivotal role of community. NFTs have enabled creators like Jon to build a vibrant ecosystem of co-creators, fostering engagement and collaboration in ways that were previously unimaginable.

Through projects like Battle Bunnies, Jon and his team have harnessed the power of NFT ownership to cultivate a dedicated community of enthusiasts who are invested in the project's success. By granting holders exclusive access to animations, books, and trading card games, they have created a sense of ownership and belonging that transcends mere consumption.

This community-driven approach has not only fueled the growth of Battle Bunnies but has also infused the creative process with a sense of joy and camaraderie. Jon underscores the importance of having fun and enjoying the journey, a sentiment that resonates throughout the project's ethos.

By embracing the decentralized nature of NFTs, Jon and his team have been able to push their projects forward on their own terms, free from the constraints and compromises often imposed by traditional gatekeepers. The community's support and engagement have become a driving force, propelling the project's evolution and ensuring its longevity.

Moreover, the collaborative spirit fostered by NFT communities has opened up new avenues for creativity and innovation. As co-creators contribute their ideas and perspectives, the boundaries of storytelling and intellectual property ownership are being redefined, paving the way for a more inclusive and participatory creative landscape.

Lessons Learned and Advice for Creators

Jon's journey into the realm of NFTs and intellectual property creation has been a transformative one, filled with valuable lessons and insights that can guide aspiring creators on their own paths. As he reflects on his experiences, several key themes emerge, offering a roadmap for those seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of digital creativity.

One of the most profound lessons Jon has learned is the importance of embracing a beginner's mindset and committing to continuous learning. The world of NFTs and blockchain technology was initially foreign to him, and he acknowledges the skepticism he harbored in the early days. However, his willingness to explore, question, and remain open-minded allowed him to recognize the potential of this emerging technology.

Jon's advice to creators is to find a problem they genuinely have and start building solutions around it. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the dimensions of what a product can do, whether it's summarization, categorization, generative exploration, predictive analysis, or personalization. By mapping out these capabilities, creators can better align their ideas with the capabilities of language models and AI tools.

Furthermore, Jon underscores the value of leveraging AI and technology to enhance the creative process. He has been an early adopter of AI tools like Jasper (formerly Jarvis) and has witnessed their rapid evolution firsthand. By embracing these tools, creators can streamline their workflows, generate ideas, and explore new avenues of expression.

However, Jon's journey has also highlighted the importance of intellectual property ownership in the digital age. His initial struggles with the traditional Hollywood development process, where creative control and fair compensation were often compromised, led him to seek alternative paths. NFTs have provided a solution, enabling creators to build communities around their stories and retain ownership of their intellectual property.

Lastly, Jon emphasizes the significance of fostering a community-driven approach to content creation and project development. Through projects like Battle Bunnies, he has witnessed the power of co-creation, where holders and enthusiasts become invested in the project's success, contributing ideas and shaping its evolution. This collaborative spirit not only fuels growth but also infuses the creative process with a sense of joy and camaraderie.

As Jon continues to explore the frontiers of NFTs and intellectual property creation, his experiences serve as a beacon for creators seeking to forge their own paths. By embracing a beginner's mindset, leveraging technology, valuing ownership, and cultivating communities, creators can unlock new realms of creative expression and redefine the boundaries of storytelling in the digital age.

The Battle Bunnies Project: A Sustainable NFT Universe

As Jon's understanding of NFTs deepened, he recognized the potential to breathe new life into a long-shelved project – Neverdad, a captivating story he had explored years earlier with renowned tattoo artist Frank Leinatra. The advent of NFTs presented an opportunity to bypass the traditional gatekeepers and create on their own terms, a prospect that reignited Jon's passion for the project.

Inspired by this newfound freedom, Jon and his team embarked on the Battle Bunnies NFT project, a collaboration with Frank Leinatra that would serve as a launchpad for a vibrant, co-created universe. Recognizing the potential pitfalls of diving headfirst into the NFT hype, they adopted a strategic approach, releasing a limited Genesis collection of 300 Spartan bunnies as a soft launch.

This measured approach allowed Jon and his team to navigate the uncharted waters of NFT launches, learning valuable lessons and refining their strategies along the way. However, their ambitions extended far beyond a fleeting NFT craze; they were determined to build a sustainable business rooted in the co-creation of intellectual property (IP) that would outlive the initial hype.

True to their vision, the Battle Bunnies project has since expanded into a multifaceted universe, encompassing books, trading card games, and a vibrant community of co-creators. The first book in the series, "Battle Bunnies and the Unlikely Spartan," was released a year after the Genesis collection, with 80% of the characters bearing the names of community members or contributors.

Fueled by the success of the initial book, Jon has been tirelessly working on the second and third installments simultaneously, further deepening the lore and expanding the Battle Bunnies universe. The collaborative spirit that underpins the project has only grown stronger, with community members contributing their ideas and perspectives, shaping the narrative and infusing it with a sense of collective ownership.

Embracing New Technologies and Platforms

As the digital landscape continues to evolve at a breakneck pace, Jon recognizes the importance of embracing new technologies and platforms to stay ahead of the curve. One area that has captured his attention is the metaverse, a convergence of virtual and augmented realities that promises to redefine how we interact, create, and experience content.

With an insatiable curiosity and a willingness to experiment, Jon has been actively exploring various metaverse platforms and virtual event spaces. He understands that these emerging technologies offer unique opportunities to engage audiences in immersive and interactive ways, blurring the lines between the physical and digital realms.

Jon's approach to embracing new technologies is marked by a delicate balance between exploration and focused execution. While he encourages creators to remain open-minded and embrace an abundance mindset, he also emphasizes the importance of identifying specific use cases and aligning them with their creative visions.

One example that illustrates this approach is Jon's involvement in AI art exhibitions, where he collaborates with artists from around the world to explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and creative expression. By leveraging tools like Midjourney and Adobe's AI offerings, these immersive events showcase the potential of AI-generated art while fostering a sense of community and shared discovery.

Furthermore, Jon recognizes the potential of integrating physical and digital experiences, a concept that has gained traction in the realm of extended reality (XR). He envisions a future where brands and creators can seamlessly blend virtual and augmented realities with tangible products and experiences, creating a cohesive and captivating journey for their audiences.

As the Battle Bunnies universe continues to expand, Jon remains committed to exploring new frontiers and embracing emerging technologies. Whether it's through virtual events, AI-powered art exhibitions, or innovative product integrations, he understands that staying ahead of the curve requires a willingness to experiment, learn, and adapt – all while maintaining a clear vision and a commitment to delivering exceptional experiences.

The Future of Co-Created Storytelling

As Jon's excitement builds around the upcoming releases of books two and three in the Battle Bunnies series, his vision for the project extends far beyond these literary milestones. With an ambitious goal of crafting a franchise on par with cultural phenomena like Harry Potter or Star Wars, Jon is committed to fostering a vibrant, collaborative ecosystem where the community plays a pivotal role in shaping the narrative and expanding the Battle Bunnies universe.

At the heart of this endeavor lies the concept of co-created storytelling, a paradigm shift that empowers audiences to transcend their traditional roles as passive consumers and become active participants in the creative process. By inviting community members to contribute their ideas, perspectives, and even their digital identities, Jon is weaving a tapestry of shared experiences and collective ownership.

The upcoming books are a testament to this collaborative spirit, with 80% of the characters bearing the names and personas of community members. This level of integration not only fosters a sense of belonging but also ensures that the Battle Bunnies universe remains a living, breathing entity, constantly evolving and adapting to the collective imagination of its co-creators.

However, Jon's vision extends beyond the written word. He envisions a transmedia universe where the Battle Bunnies narrative transcends traditional boundaries, manifesting in various forms such as video games, animated series, and immersive experiences. By leveraging emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality, Jon aims to create a seamless bridge between the physical and digital realms, allowing audiences to fully immerse themselves in the world they helped shape.

As the Battle Bunnies universe continues to evolve, Jon extends an open invitation to fellow creators, artists, and storytellers to join this co-creation journey. By embracing a spirit of collaboration and leveraging the power of Web3 technologies, he believes that the Battle Bunnies can become a beacon of what's possible when creativity is democratized and communities are empowered to shape their own narratives.

In a world where traditional storytelling models are being disrupted, the Battle Bunnies project stands as a testament to the transformative potential of co-creation, offering a glimpse into a future where the lines between creators and audiences dissolve, and the collective imagination reigns supreme.

Conclusion: Embracing the Potential of NFTs and Co-Created Storytelling

Jon Bricks' journey with NFTs and the Battle Bunnies project serves as a testament to the transformative power of embracing new technologies and fostering a community-driven approach to content creation. From initial skepticism to a profound understanding of the potential of NFTs, Jon's path has been a remarkable one, marked by a willingness to explore, learn, and adapt.

Through the Battle Bunnies universe, Jon and his team have demonstrated the magic of co-creation, inviting community members to become active participants in shaping the narrative and infusing it with a sense of collective ownership. With 80% of the characters bearing the names and personas of contributors, the upcoming book releases are a celebration of this collaborative spirit, transcending the traditional boundaries between creators and consumers.

As Jon looks towards the future, his vision extends far beyond the literary realm, encompassing a transmedia universe where the Battle Bunnies narrative manifests in various forms, from video games and animated series to immersive experiences powered by emerging technologies like virtual and augmented reality. This ambitious endeavor is a testament to the boundless potential of co-created storytelling, where the collective imagination reigns supreme.

Jon's journey serves as an inspiration for creators and storytellers alike, offering a glimpse into a future where creativity is democratized, and communities are empowered to shape their own narratives. By embracing the power of Web3 technologies and fostering a spirit of collaboration, the Battle Bunnies universe stands as a beacon of what's possible when we transcend traditional models and embrace the transformative potential of co-creation.

Jon Briggs and Joeri Billast

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

[01:44] Can you share your journey in digital content creation and what inspired you to co-founder Food Fight Studios? 

[05:30] How are you addressing the needs of digital entrepreneurs? 

[08:00] Is the creative process different when developing content for your Web3 NFT projects compared to traditional ones? 

[09:10] What role does AI play in everything you are doing? 

[17:49] Did collaborations, building your network, or working with influencers contribute to your success, or was it something else? 

[20:25] What one piece of advice would you give about creating content using technologies like Web3, AI, and the Metaverse? 

[21:16] For a content creators wanting to stand out beyond standard digital marketing, do you have an example or advice? 

[23:43] What are you most excited about right now, in your business or life? 

NOTABLE QUOTES 

“NFTs have been a great way for us to build a community of co creators that also help us push the project forward on our own terms and have a hell of a lot of fun doing it while we're doing it.” 

“I don't see many applications that AI is not useful in the stuff that I'm doing.” 

“NFT has been a huge component of it and still is a component of it, but we were never in it for the quick buck and I think that's why we're still around doing our thing.” 

MENTIONED RESOURCES  

Food Fight Studios: https://foodfightstudios.com/ 

CONNECT 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-briggs/ 

The post From Emmy Awards to Battle Bunnies: The Creative Evolution of Jon Briggs appeared first on Joeri Billast, the Web3 CMO.