By: Nic Abelian
IO Media LLC, founded by Imelda Suzara, is a media channel that showcases a unique collection of videos documenting community and creative events. Originally started in Toronto, Canada, the company has since expanded its reach to the San Francisco East Bay, nestled in the heart of Silicon Valley between San Francisco and San Jose, California. IO Media has grown from a simple hobby into a registered business, emphasizing diversity and inclusion by offering a voice to those who often lack the resources for video production.
Suzara, who serves as the Founder and Video Channel Producer, started the business with her own funds, turning a personal passion into a company that now provides valuable video assets for organizations, businesses, and individual professionals. Unlike traditional production companies, IO Media thrives on creating 10-minute video samplers for each event, which are broadcast on popular internet television platforms such as Roku, Amazon, Apple, and Android, as well as mobile platforms like iOS and Android. These bite-sized video productions serve as promotional tools for events, allowing global audiences to engage with local content.
Photo Courtesy: Imelda Suzara
IO Media’s services stand out by offering a personalized viewpoint, primarily through the lens of Suzara, a woman of color. Her experience as a minority in a male-dominated field of video production provides an invaluable perspective. Suzara’s journey is one of resilience and innovation, balancing entrepreneurial ambitions with the reality of limited resources. IO Media also includes 10-minute video TV interviews at a business location, organization event or at its board room. Two new interviewers have been hired, offering the choices of Judy Cerda, an actress and emcee, and Luis Ramos, an athlete and model. A ten-minute video TV interview will give the business proprietor or organizer a chance to talk about their business and organization to viewers, who can become future customers. This format offers more value and insight than a 15-second commercial ad.
Photo Courtesy: Imelda Suzara
In his own words, Luis Rodrigo Ramos says, “I am a 24 year old professional, originally from Mexico City, I am a former D1 college football athlete. Since I moved to the Bay area, I have specialized in sales, worked with the San Francisco Giants and become a high fashion model. I am passionate for bringing out the best of people through everyday interactions and providing people with the opportunity to express their best self.”
Photo Courtesy: Imelda Suzara
In her own words, Judy Cerda says, “I have the leading role in The Ghost of Annie Lee, which is on Amazon Prime, and I play the lead role of Darby Lee, the niece of Annie Lee – it’s an action comedy movie. I also have a principal role in River of Ghosts, which is on Amazon Prime, and I play the role of Macy Connor, a best friend of a girl losing her mind; Inhumane playing Rebecca Levy, an occult woman. I have been in many feature films, award-winning short films, commercials, and music videos. I have a YouTube channel with my short films in the festival circuit, music videos and movie trailers. I love acting and modeling. I am also a good dancer and singer.”
IO Media has also made significant strides in becoming accessible to a broader audience. By partnering with TVstartup, an IPTV app developer, the channel is now available on free Internet television platforms. This has expanded its audience, ensuring that anyone with a smart device can access its content. IO Media’s application, which can be found under “io media studio” on app stores, allows users to download and stream the channel’s content for free. This innovative approach enables IO Media to remain independent while offering a valuable service to its viewers and clients.
What truly sets IO Media apart is its focus on uplifting voices and events that are often underrepresented in mainstream media. By highlighting community events and professional talents through a female minority perspective, IO Media is bridging the gap in representation in the video production industry. Suzara’s background and experiences bring a fresh viewpoint to the industry, which is largely dominated by men, particularly in the technical aspects of video production. Her approach allows IO Media to connect with a diverse audience and offers clients the opportunity to showcase their work in an inclusive and thoughtful way.
As IO Media continues to grow, the company aims to scale its operations by fostering business-to-business relationships with other entrepreneurs and professionals in the field. Suzara sees potential for collaboration, not just competition, in the industry. Her work with male counterparts in co-producing content demonstrates the importance of teamwork in achieving success in the media industry. Also future developments include scripted story vidtv moviemercial shorts 10 minutes long with inserts of songs, products and business locations. This will also give more value to business sponsors and advertisers, whose products and locations will be integrated within an acted short story vidtv movie.
Recently, Suzara was recognized for her entrepreneurial efforts with a digital Founder’s Card, awarded by Founderscard.com. This recognition acknowledges her contributions to the media landscape and her success in turning a passion into a thriving business. In a media environment where large corporations often dominate, IO Media offers a refreshing alternative. It gives a platform to events and individuals that might not otherwise receive attention, all while staying true to its grassroots origins. Suzara’s dedication to community-driven content, combined with her personal entrepreneurial journey, makes IO Media stand out in the world of video TV production. ItsIt’s business goal is to also become an S Corporation, with global reach thanks to the technology of internet smart television, computers and mobile phones.
For more information about IO Media LLC and to view its content, visit iomedia.tv, iomediavideos.com, or connect with Imelda Suzara on LinkedIn. You can also explore her creative work on her Lulu spotlight page and on YouTube.
Published by: Martin De Juan
