As vice president of unscripted programming for ABC Originals and Hulu, Dane Joseph is using USC Bovard College’s online Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA) to explore how AI and data can shape the future of entertainment.
From the rise of silent films to the streaming revolution, the entertainment industry has always evolved alongside technology. Now, artificial intelligence is accelerating that transformation.
For Dane Joseph, whose work includes hits like The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, The Bachelor and House of Stassi, staying ahead of those changes means continuing to learn.
Joseph, who is vice president of unscripted programming for ABC Originals and Hulu, recently returned to school to pursue his second master’s degree — the online Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA) from USC Bovard College — and prepare for where the industry is going next.
With a background in theater and arts administration, Joseph initially planned to focus on theater producing and nonprofit arts. But an internship at Bravo introduced him to a different side of the entertainment industry.
“I started interning for a place I knew nothing about, called Bravo, at the time. It was really fun, so I ended up staying there,” he said.
After additional experience at CNBC and as an NBC page, Joseph eventually moved into development and unscripted programming, helping shape nonfiction television concepts and bring them to the screen. He went on to work across the industry, including at Viacom on VH1 and MTV, before joining Hulu and ABC.
“I started working on developing shows for different companies. I have probably helped develop a show for almost every cable network at some point,” he said. “Then, I ended up here at Hulu and ABC, where I help launch unscripted series.”
Over the course of his career, Joseph has worked on major franchises and series including The Kardashians, Vanderpump Villa, Celebrity Family Feud and Celebrity Jeopardy. But even after more than a decade of experience, he recognized the industry was entering another period of significant change — the advent of AI.
“So much has changed in the past years. Particularly, AI has come in fast and furious in the industry,” he said. “I want to be ready, to know what’s going on, to know how to use these technologies, to know how to use the tools to inform business decisions and keep leveling up in my career.”
For someone who has spent his career balancing creative and business considerations, Joseph saw analytics and AI as an opportunity to broaden the way he approaches both. After researching online master’s programs that could fit around his demanding schedule, Joseph discovered USC Bovard College’s online MSAA program, which combines analytics and AI tools with business strategy, giving professionals the opportunity to develop data-driven approaches to solve organizational challenges.
Although still new to the program, Joseph has already found opportunities to apply what he is learning directly to his work.
“Every assignment and discussion board, I’m trying to fit into my framing as a Disney executive,” he said.
That practical connection and real-time relevance have been some of the program’s biggest benefits.
“I’m able to look at problems differently, analyze things differently, and I’m learning more about how analytics can help guide and inform creative decisions and choices and strategies,” Joseph added.
For Joseph, the value isn’t simply learning technical skills. It’s understanding how data and emerging technologies can complement the creative decision-making that drives the entertainment industry — and help it adapt to rapid technological and behavioral shifts, from the growth of streaming to evolving audience habits.
“It’s fascinating, this degree. It’s specifically AI and analytics, and it’s the cutting edge in terms of what’s now and what’s next, which is great and so helpful for the future,” he said.
While Joseph remains passionate about entertainment and plans to continue growing within the Walt Disney Company, he also sees an opportunity to help address some of the industry’s biggest challenges.
“Ultimately, my hope is that I’m able to play some small part in helping figure out what is a sustainable business model of entertainment,” he said. “I want to make sure our people who are really talented, both creators and people who are behind the scenes, get to keep doing excellent work. I’m hoping I’ll be able to better predict trends with this type of degree in analytics, to stay ahead of the curve and whatever the next big swing is.”
After building a career through multiple transformations in entertainment, Joseph sees continued learning as another way to stay ready for the industry’s next chapter.
Ultimately, he said, “I think this degree will help me stay competitive in this industry.”
Learn more about the online Master of Science in Applied Analytics (MSAA) program today.
This article originally appeared on USC Online.