Today we welcome Stacy Spikes, CEO and Co-Founder of MoviePass and the driving force behind Mogul, a bold new platform that brings together blockchain and film to give fans real ownership and influence in the entertainment industry.
Stacy’s story is one of grit, vision, and reinvention. From humble beginnings in the industry to launching one of the fastest-growing subscription services in history, he’s always looked for ways to challenge the status quo. Now, he’s turning to Web3 to build something even bigger.
In this episode, we’ll dive into how Mogul uses the power of crypto tokenized engagement and community coordination to turn passive film fans into active participants, and why that shift could change the future of Hollywood. We’ll also explore what drew Stacy to the Sui blockchain, how the partnership with Animoca Brands came to life, and why he believes Web3 can help the film industry break free from traditional gatekeeping.
You’ll learn:
🎬 Web3 can help break down the barriers in Hollywood: From decentralized film finance to DAO-driven communities, blockchain primitives can help creators bypass traditional gatekeepers and build a more open, participatory film ecosystem.
🧩 Why Mogul chose Sui: Accessibility is everything: With features like social login and seamless UX, Sui helps make Mogul’s platform accessible to fans of all backgrounds, whether or not they know it’s powered by Web3. For those who want to dive deeper, onchain ownership and digital assets await.
🤖 AI won’t replace movie magic, but it can enhance it: While audiences crave the raw, human performance of real actors and stunts, AI has a role to play in elevating the craft, from backgrounds to effects, without compromising authenticity.
TED Talk by Stacy - The intersection of storytelling, cinema and AI
HBO Documentary - MoviePass, MovieCrash | Watch the Movie on HBO
Stacy's Book - Black Founder: The Hidden Power of Being an Outsider
PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.
Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!
02:05 - Let’s start with your story—from studio gopher to tech CEO, you've had an incredible journey. What inspired you to start MoviePass, and what lessons from that early phase shaped your approach to building the company today?
03:55 - Mogul is MoviePass’ bold step into Web3. Why Web3? What convinced you that blockchain was the right tool to power this next chapter in audience engagement?
06:30 - Tell us about Mogul. For listeners new to it—what is Mogul, and how does it reimagine how fans can engage with the entertainment industry?
12:55 - Mogul runs on Sui and has backing from Animoca Brands. Can you share how those partnerships came about and what made you choose Sui as the blockchain to build on?
16:55 - Crypto UX is a challenge for many projects. How are you making Mogul accessible and simple for those who are new to Web3?
18:35 - One thing that stands out about Mogul is onchain ownership. How important is the idea of “real ownership” for fans—and what possibilities does that unlock for the future of film and audience participation?
21:15 - MoviePass has always been about lowering financial barriers to film access. How do you see Web3 tools contributing to that mission—whether through token incentives, fractional ownership, or new economic models?
26:20 - What has been the reception in the film industry to emerging technologies like Web3 and Artificial Intelligence?
30:20 - Your background includes founding the Urbanworld Film Festival, which uplifts underrepresented voices in film. How do you see Web3 helping to expand inclusion and equity in the entertainment industry?
34:15 - You were famously ousted from your own company and then rebuilt it from scratch. That takes a lot of resilience. What kept you going, and what advice would you give to other founders facing setbacks?
38:35 - What’s your call to action for listeners who want to learn more or get involved with Mogul or MoviePass? Where should they go next?
40:55 - Do you have any movie recommendations for film lovers listening it?
42:10 - What are your long-term hopes for Mogul and MoviePass? What impact would you love to see five or ten years from now—on the film industry, and on everyday moviegoers?
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While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More available HERE.
