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Atlanta Is Going LoCo+ New streaming network helps local creators find audiences and profit
opportunity to address the issue of independent content creators not having a way to get their work ‘out there.’ “We provide a network connection with the tools to monetize online and
LoCo+ co-founders Megan Matousek, left, and Kate Atwood.
By Kathy Dean
T
here is no limit to Atlanta’s creative spirit, and that’s exactly what has inspired the founders of a new streaming network to launch and base their business here. LoCo+ (pronounced Loco plus) is the first streaming service to curate and distribute lifestyle, culture, business, and entertainment content made by local creators. “Independent content creators today, who are serious about their craft, toggle on average between 2.5 platforms, trying to find the one that will efficiently build an audience and make money,” said LoCo+ co-founder and CEO Kate Atwood. “LoCo+ is an opportunity for them to level-up from the one-size-fitsall video-sharing platforms and help them grow and make a living.” An Atlanta resident, Atwood created teen grief support organization Kate’s Club, served as executive director of ChoseATL and executive director of the Arby’s Foundation. She is quick to stress that LoCo+ is a collaborative creation with two other co-founders, Megan Matousek and Ronald B. Williams. “Now more than ever, people are
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looking for a personalized experience to culture.” consume content that brings them closer She noted that millennials are the to what’s happening outside their front first generation to watch more media door,” said Williams, LoCo+ co-founder that is not created by traditional media and Chief Strategy Officer. “LoCo+ sources, “yet there is no infrastructure provides a pivotal opportunity to powerin streaming to watch this new, up creativity, independent commerce and media in community in a curated, an innovative localized way.” way that LoCo+ resonates most gives creators a with the next strategic entry generation.” point to build According their careers to Atwood, supported by the inspiration a city-based for LoCo+ community. came from For viewers, her time with LoCo+ is a ChooseATL. geo-filtered “The Metro network of Atlanta shorts, series LoCo+ co-founder Ronald B. Williams. Chamber’s and films that initiative included attracting millennial provides a community-based lens to talent to the region. I was moved by the content. lack of infrastructure and access to local Atwood said she met co-founding content,” she said. “Atlanta is rich with partner Megan Matousek just after young people struggling to find ways to she left the Hollywood studio system connect with the city in a meaningful after years at Lucasfilm, LAIKA, ILM way – our food, music, commerce, and Disney. “We mutually saw an
uniquely offline,” Atwood stressed. “No other app or online video platform is offering them the same perks and connections.” Atwood said that the LoCo+ team has already met with more than 100 content creators around Atlanta, and the LoCo+ team has been blown away at seeing the best of Atlanta creators and filmmakers. She and Matousek want Atlanta content creators to know that they have a constant invitation to submit their quality work. “LoCo+ was created for you!” Matousek said. “We’re here for you with your chance to shine and profit. If you have a web series, short film, documentary, long form film, music video — content that’s already produced — we want to hear from you.” While it’s starting locally, LoCo+ has its sights set on providing service in cities across America. The service is set to launch this fall, with apps available through ioS and Android, with connected TV to follow.
LoCo+ is currently collecting and curating submissions from Atlantabased content creators. Anyone can submit, and the range of content includes lifestyle series, vodcasts, music videos, short films and more. Content creators can submit their work for licensing consideration at locoplusatl.com. At l a n t a I n t o w n Pa p e r. c o m
