Meet Daril Fannin | CEO / Co-Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Daril Fannin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Daril, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
KINO Studio was started with a mission to make the film and television industry more equitable for all. Working in Hollywood I was able to see first hand how inefficient and expensive the industry business model had become and I knew there was a better way. There is an entire movement underfoot utilizing technology to democratize the production, financing and distribution of film/tv, and I knew if we could use technology to connect to more people who have a mutual interest in the creative process we could revolutionize the entertainment industry.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We started KINO in 2022, and prior to that I was a screenwriter and producer in LA. Like every other writer in Hollywood I’ve experienced Hollywood accounting first hand. I’ve been cut out of six months of pay on a union shoot, seen the pay squeezed out of writers in writer’s rooms, and have watched friends who have created billion dollar franchises struggle to survive.

We started KINO with the idea that technology can be utilized to make the entire process of movie making more efficient and equitable.

I think part of what sets us apart is the way in which we look at technology as an ally to the creative process. At a time when technology threatens to divide us, it’s important we remember it’s something that brings us closer to the things and people we care about. Technologies can connect fans directly to writers and creators, enabling over time a more equitable revenue share between them. Technology can also dramatically increase efficiency in how we’re paying out royalties. There are newer financial technologies that can create a “smart contract” that serves as a financial railing that can automatically pay union workers, guilds, agencies, etc.

This isn’t easy and it won’t happen overnight, but with the WGA and SAG-AFTRA on strike together for the first time since 1960, it’s clear something needs to be done. The old Hollywood way of making movies isn’t working for anyone, and we’re here with a solution.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Is it bad that my suggestions all center around food? Grab a box of donuts from Sidecar Donuts in Santa Monica – maple bacon is a must! Stroll to the beach and people watch on the Venice strip. I always like to create mini backstories for everyone. For lunch go to Craigs on Melrose (because getting reservations at night can be tough). Everything on the menu is delicious, you can’t miss. And I’d wrap the night down at K-town for some Korean BBQ and karaoke.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
The vision behind KINO and the belief that we can make the industry a better place wouldn’t be possible without the tireless efforts, creativity and passion of my fellow KINO co-founders: Austin Worrell (COO), Brit MacRae (CMO) and David Fannin (CTO), the full KINO team, and the incredible filmmakers and producing partners who are helping us champion this mission.

Website: https://www.kino.studio/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kinomakesmovies/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daril-fannin-98b72333

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7050977/

Image Credits
ISSAC Poster – Joshua Webber