Story

Pixel8 is a streaming television production studio founded by James Grant Hay, an Australian media executive, producer and CTV strategist working across streaming platforms, smart-TV ecosystems and next generation screen media. As the founder of both Pixel8 Studios and the Connected TV Marketing Association (CTVMA), James operates at the intersection of streaming TV, platform monetisation, OS and branded entertainment, spanning Australia, the United States, Europe and Asia.

Branding

An early entrant into Australia’s digital video and streaming production sector, James has pioneered integrated entertainment campaigns for Hyundai, Swatch and Ray-Ban across more than 137 feature films and television programs, including Little Fish starring Academy Award winner Cate Blanchett. His television experience includes productions and entertainment formats including MasterChef, Australian Idol, The Block, Australian Survivor, The Bachelor and Who Wants To Be A Millionaire, alongside work with Belo Interactive New York, Mindshare Interaction, Skype and Network Ten (Paramount Australia).

Strategy

More recently, his focus has expanded into CTV ecosystems, FAST and AVOD monetisation, smart-TV operating systems, streaming distribution and platform-led media environments, including onboarding content across major global streaming platforms. James is also the author of Beam Me Up: The Future of Smart TV (2025) audiobook on Spotify, examining the commercial, technological and policy forces reshaping television globally.

Through the Connected TV Marketing Association (CTVMA), James has spent more than fifteen years leading CTV industry partnerships, market research and institutional dialogue surrounding streaming governance, platform transparency, advertising technology and the evolution of global TV operating systems.

Creativity

James has been a speaker, contributor and panel participant at CES, NAB, Cannes Lions and the Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA). He holds a Masters of Technology from Swinburne University and is a graduate of the Victorian College of the Arts School of Film and Television.

As head of production at Pixel8, James draws inspiration from filmmakers including Christopher Nolan, Denis Villeneuve, Ridley Scott and Michael Mann, alongside biographies, contemporary history and long-form non-fiction exploring culture, technology and power.