Spencer Stephen, CTO, Sony Pictures Entertainment

As Chief Technology Officer at Sony Pictures at Sony Pictures Entertainment, Spencer Stephens helps lead the studio’s use of technology in support of the creation and distribution of movies, television and other entertainment content.

Stephens guides the company’s Digital Backbone implementation, designed to streamline and expedite production and post production; works in creating new digital media and production work flows and systems, such as cloud-based, 3D and 4K enabled-services; helps set digital policy for the company; and participates in the technology development of the Digital Entertainment Content Ecosystem, with the new UltraViolet digital standard. In addition, he represents the company in several technical working groups; technology consortiums and industry forums involved in shaping the future of entertainment.

As one of Sony Pictures' senior technologists, Stephens also interfaces with counterparts across Sony Corp. to further the development and use of tools for the creation, distribution and display of high-quality entertainment across platforms.

Stephens brings over 25 years experience in technology and management experience to Sony Pictures. Prior to joining Sony Pictures, Stephens worked as a technologist for Warner Bros. where he was responsible for technology development and application across a broad range of digital content distribution and production systems. As Vice-President Production Technology, Warner Bros. Home Entertainment Group, Stephens oversaw the creation, evaluation and implementation of cutting-edge technologies. He created new digital infrastructures, procedures and workflows to facilitate the production needs of the studio’s motion picture and television productions and online properties such as celebrity site TMZ.

Stephens started in data communications as system engineer at the inception of the computer network industry. He has focused on the design and the innovative application of network systems for other leading entertainment companies including Disney where he worked on digital production for Walt Disney TV Animation.