Impact Collaborative, the New York-based network of non-profits, has headed west and opened a Los Angeles office at the Preserve in Hollywood.
As part of its expansion, it is launching Social Impact Entertainment Studio, with the aim of telling socially impactful stories and perhaps provide revenue streams for non-profit groups. The ambition is to help partially fill the void left by Participant Media, which shuttered last year after 20 years of socially conscious programming. Among the projects it has in the pipeline is a doc feature from filmmaker Ben Levin focusing on the U.S. Paralympic Sled Hockey team as it prepares for a rematch with rival Canada in 2026 in Milan, Italy.
To help fullfill its ambitions, it is nearing completion on a physical soundstage in The Preserve LA, which will host a number of podcasts and is aiming for a fall ribbon cutting.
“L.A. is world-renowned for its creativity and the power of storytelling, but it is also a city that embodies resilience, diversity, and the spirit of community,” said Dr. Claire Wang, the organization’s inaugural executive director. “The Impact Collaborative is all about collaborative innovation by connecting nonprofit community-based organizations, business solutions, and storytelling. I can’t think of a better backdrop for charting a new frontier.”
Impact Collaborative has also added to the ranks of its advisory board by bringing in Brandy Curry, chief of staff of the Television Academy and producer for the Emmys.
“Brandy’s unique ability to craft narratives that inspire action is exactly what we need to bridge understanding and drive support for our initiatives. I’m thrilled to collaborate with someone who recognizes the power of authentic storytelling in advancing social impact,” said Traci Donnelly, founder and president of Impact Collaborative.