Forest Conner is the in-house data scientist for digital distribution company VHX, where he analyzes both filmmaker and audience behavior to create insights into effective models of distribution for independent films. VHX is a digital distribution platform that empowers independent artists and distributors to sell video content and connect directly with their audience. Forest graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2006 with a dual-degree in Computer Science and Psychology, specializing in Artificial Intelligence Research. He subsequently worked in the tech world until his entry into the dual MBA/MFA program at NYU Tisch School of the Arts and Stern School of Business. Through this dual-degree program, he focused his study on independent film production and entrepreneurship in the film industry while also producing numerous award-winning short films and web series. In addition, he is a 2014 fellow of NYU’s Cinema Research Institute where he explored the connections between film and audience through a system of creating common personality types. Titles that have used VHX for online distribution include Golden Globe nominated Aziz Ansari’s standup show “Dangerously Delicious”, Sundance Film Festival winner “Indie Game: The Movie”, Oscar winner Kevin Spacey’s documentary “NOW: In The Wings on a World Stage”, and Golden Globe nominated Zach Braff’s “Wish I Was Here”. VHX is backed by, amongst others, Chris Sacca and William Morris Endeavor.
