The entertainment industry is in a perpetual state of flux, driven by direct-to-consumer (D2C) models, the streaming wars, the rise of the creator economy, and the commercialization of the Metaverse. For C-suite executives, having a strategic partner who can not only navigate this disruption but also chart a profitable path forward is non-negotiable.
This curated list breaks down the top 20 vendors that are truly setting the agenda, offering detailed profiles designed to help you, the savvy decision-maker, understand their unique strengths and strategic focus areas.
1. McKinsey & Company
Founders: James O. McKinsey
Founded Year: 1926
Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, Digital Transformation, Organizational Change, Corporate Finance, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
Description:
McKinsey & Company is arguably the most prestigious and globally recognized management consulting firm, known for advising a significant portion of the Fortune 500 and the world’s most influential media conglomerates. Their M&E practice is highly focused on large-scale strategic transformation, tackling issues from content investment strategy and subscriber churn optimization to operating model redesign for global studios. They leverage deep proprietary research and advanced analytics to deliver data-backed, high-level strategic recommendations that shape industry trends. Their work is characterized by intellectual rigor and unparalleled access to top global leaders.
Key Features:
- Advises on D2C Streaming Strategy and subscriber monetization.
- Pioneering research through the McKinsey Global Institute (MGI).
- Deep expertise in organizational restructuring for media giants.
- Strong focus on M&A due diligence and post-merger integration (PMI).
- Global scale allowing for seamless support on international market entry and content rights.
- Specialist support in Advanced Analytics and AI application in content programming.
- Renowned for developing high-level corporate and business unit strategy.
2. Boston Consulting Group (BCG)
Founders: Bruce Henderson
Founded Year: 1963
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, Corporate Development, Digital Ventures, Technology, Media & Telecommunications (TMT)
Description:
BCG is a global leader in strategy consulting, celebrated for its innovative thinking, intellectual culture, and “game-changing” frameworks. Their TMT practice is a powerhouse in the entertainment sector, focusing on helping media companies secure sustainable competitive advantage amid relentless disruption. BCG excels at complex problem-solving, often pioneering new operating models for clients in film, publishing, and sports. They are known for a collaborative approach and for helping clients launch digital ventures and disruptive business units to compete in the new media landscape.
Key Features:
- Expertise in Zero-Based Budgeting (ZBB) for media efficiency.
- Strong focus on content commercialization and new revenue streams.
- Specialized experience in gaming, sports, and live entertainment.
- Develops strategies for acquiring and retaining subscribers (pricing optimization).
- Deep knowledge of tech stack optimization and digital platform strategy.
- Utilizes proprietary methodologies like the “Growth Share Matrix” adapted for M&E.
3. Bain & Company
Founders: Bill Bain
Founded Year: 1973
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, Private Equity (PE) Due Diligence, Customer Strategy & Marketing, Digital Transformation
Description:
Bain & Company, the youngest of the “Big Three” strategy firms, is deeply involved in the M&E sector, focusing relentlessly on measurable results and implementation. Bain has an exceptionally strong Private Equity practice, making them the go-to firm for commercial due diligence on media assets, from large film libraries to ad-tech firms. They are masters of full potential transformation, helping clients move from strategy to rapid, tangible performance improvement. Their work often centers on customer engagement, utilizing their expertise in Net Promoter Score (NPS) to link customer happiness to financial outcomes.
Key Features:
- Market leader in Private Equity Commercial Due Diligence for media assets.
- Deep expertise in Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) strategy and marketing.
- Strong emphasis on performance improvement and cost transformation.
- Focus on optimizing the Customer Experience (CX) and reducing churn.
- Utilizes the Mensio product suite for real-time competitive intelligence.
- Specialization in M&A strategy and post-acquisition value creation.
- Pioneers the use of AI for audience engagement and monetization.
4. Deloitte Consulting (Monitor Deloitte)
Founders: William Deloitte, George Touche, George Bailey, and more (as part of the Big Four)12
Founded Year: 1845 (Predecessor Company)34
Headquarters: London, UK (Global Network Coordination)56
Product Categories: Strategy (Monitor Deloitte), Technology Implementation, Risk Advisory, Human Capital, M&A78
Description:910
Deloitte’s Consult11ing practic12e is a massive, multifaceted organization that provides end-to-end solutions for media and entertainment clients. Their strategy arm, Monitor Deloitte, tackles high-level issues like market disruption and business model transformation. However, Deloitte’s unique strength lies in its ability to follow strategy through to implementation, leveraging vast technology and operational resources (Deloitte Digital) to build the platforms, manage the risk, and align the workforce needed for change. They are invaluable for global media companies requiring a blend of strategic foresight and large-scale technical execution.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive capability from strategy (Monitor) to implementation (Digital).
- Deep expertise in Content Supply Chain optimization and digital asset management.
- Leading advisor on Future of Advertising and Ad-Tech transformation.
- Strong focus on Cyber Risk and Regulatory Compliance for media data.
- Global publisher of the influential TMT Predictions and industry outlook reports.
- Specialization in blockchain and digital assets for content rights management.
5. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Founders: Samuel Lowell Price, Edwin Waterhouse, William Cooper (merged companies)
Founded Year: 1849 (Predecessor Company)
Headquarters: London, UK (Global Network Coordination)
Product Categories: Strategy, Deals (M&A), Tax & Legal, Risk Assurance, Technology Consulting
Description:
PwC’s Consulting practice is a crucial advisor to the media and entertainment industry, often working in tandem with its powerful Deals team. They are renowned for their annual Global Entertainment & Media Outlook, providing critical market intelligence and forecasts. PwC excels in helping clients navigate complex financial transactions, manage the operational aspects of digital shifts, and leverage new technologies. Their global scale, combined with deep tax and regulatory expertise, makes them an indispensable partner for multinational media conglomerates dealing with international licensing, content valuation, and intellectual property (IP) management.
Key Features:
- Publishes the authoritative Global Entertainment & Media Outlook.
- Expertise in content valuation, rights, and licensing strategy.
- Strong integration with Deals team for transaction advisory and M&A.
- Focus on leveraging technology like blockchain for content rights management.
- Specialization in financial planning, tax structuring, and compliance for global IP.
- Advises on risk management associated with data privacy and new revenue models.
6. Ernst & Young (EY-Parthenon)
Founders: Arthur Young, Alwin C. Ernst
Founded Year: 1989 (as EY, through mergers dating back to the mid-1800s)
Headquarters: London, UK (Global Network Coordination)
Product Categories: Strategy (EY-Parthenon), Transaction Advisory, Digital & Technology, Audit, Tax
Description:
EY-Parthenon is the strategy consulting arm of the global EY network, bringing a highly specialized, boutique-style focus on corporate and transaction strategy to the media world. Unlike the broader EY consulting, Parthenon focuses almost exclusively on C-suite strategy, excelling in commercial due diligence, growth strategy, and turnaround management for both legacy and digital media companies. They are particularly skilled at helping private equity firms evaluate new media investments and helping corporate clients drive growth through portfolio optimization.
Key Features:
- Dedicated strategy house (Parthenon) within a Big Four structure.
- Specializes in commercial due diligence and transaction strategy.
- Deep expertise in Private Equity and media investment thesis development.
- Focus on growth strategy, market sizing, and new business launch.
- Strong capabilities in digital sports and betting advisory.
- Helps clients with operating model and cost-reduction strategies.
7. Accenture
Founders: Arthur Andersen’s business and technology consulting division (spun off)
Founded Year: 1989 (as Andersen Consulting), 2001 (as Accenture)
Headquarters: Dublin, Ireland
Product Categories: Strategy & Consulting, Interactive (Accenture Song), Technology, Operations
Description:
Accenture is one of the world’s largest professional services companies, with a massive Media & Entertainment practice that blends technology, creative, and strategy. They are a leader in large-scale digital transformation, helping media companies move complex production and distribution workflows to the cloud. The integration of Accenture Song (formerly Accenture Interactive) also gives them a unique edge, merging strategic consulting with creative, marketing, and experience design to help clients not just define a content strategy, but effectively market it and build the necessary digital customer experiences.
Key Features:
- Leading provider of Cloud Migration for media production and distribution.
- Accenture Song integrates creative, marketing, and experience design.
- Expertise in building and managing streaming platforms and tech stacks.
- Focus on Gen AI and Metaverse strategy for content creation and engagement.
- Advises on customer experience (CX) and personalized content delivery.
- Strong capabilities in ad sales transformation and monetization.
8. Altman Solon
Founders: Robert Altman, Steve Solon
Founded Year: 2020 (following the merger of Altman and Solon Consulting)
Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Product Categories: Strategy Consulting exclusively for Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT)1314
Description:1516
Altman Solon is the world’s largest strategy consulting firm exclusively focused on the TMT sector. This deep, uncompromised specialization gives them sharper insight into the unique challenges of media—from evolving audience cons17umption patterns to complex content rights valuations. They are highly sought after by C-suite executives and private equity investors wh18ose core business is TMT. Their work is characterized by data-driven strategies grounded in proprietary research and a granular understanding of the competitive landscape across every media vertical.
Key Features:
- Exclusive focus on Technology, Media, and Telecommunications (TMT).
- Deep expertise in Content & Investment Strategy (windowing, rights).
- Specialization in Go-to-Market and Pricing Models for D2C services.
- Leading advisor on media rights valuation and packaging for sports and leagues.
- Global scale paired with local fluency in media hubs like LA, London, and New York.
- Strong capabilities in M&A transaction support for TMT deals.
9. L.E.K. Consulting
Founders: James Lawrence, Iain Evans, and Richard Koch
Founded Year: 1983
Headquarters: London, UK
Product Categories: Strategy, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A) Support, Value Management, Private Equity Advisory
Description:
L.E.K. Consulting is a prominent global strategy consulting firm that has carved out a significant niche in the M&A ecosystem within the M&E sector. They are known for providing highly detailed commercial due diligence and market entry strategies, particularly in niche and high-growth media segments. L.E.K. has extensive experience across the entire media value chain, including filmed entertainment, sports, music, and site-based entertainment (theme parks, live events), making them a versatile and reliable partner for strategic transactions and growth pathways.
Key Features:
- Extensive experience in commercial due diligence across media verticals.
- Deep expertise in site-based entertainment (theme parks, LBE).
- Strong practice in sports, live events, and music/audio consulting.
- Focus on value management and profitability improvement.
- Advises on international growth and participation strategies.
- Specialization in filmed entertainment strategy and industry transformation.
10. Kearney
Founders: Andrew Thomas Kearney
Founded Year: 1926 (as a division of McKinsey, spun off in 1939)
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, Operations, Transformation, Digital & Analytics, Procurement
Description:
Kearney, formerly A.T. Kearney, is a global management consulting firm recognized for its deep operational expertise and focus on delivering significant, measurable transformations. In the entertainment world, Kearney shines when a company needs to align its operational structure with its digital strategy. They help media clients tackle high-impact operational challenges, such as optimizing their content production workflows, streamlining supply chains, and achieving operational efficiency in a world of complex, global content distribution.
Key Features:
- Recognized for deep operational expertise and supply chain optimization.
- Strong focus on cost reduction and procurement efficiency.
- Specialization in large-scale business transformation programs.
- Advises on the strategic role of digital and analytics in media operations.
- Helps clients align organizational design with new digital operating models.
- Focuses on the integration of 5G and emerging technology into content delivery.
11. MediaLink (a UTA Company)
Founders: Michael E. Kassan
Founded Year: 2003
Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
Product Categories: Media & Marketing Consulting, Event Curation, Strategic Advisory, Partnerships, Talent Access
Description:
MediaLink, a part of the United Talent Agency (UTA), is a specialized advisory and business development firm that operates uniquely at the intersection of media, marketing, advertising, and technology. Their expertise lies not just in strategy, but in connecting the C-suite of major media owners, advertisers, and tech platforms to solve the complex problems of the modern ecosystem. They are famous for their high-profile networking events and their ability to bridge the gap between creative endeavors (talent) and business objectives (monetization), making them a crucial player in the media deal-making landscape.
Key Features:
- Unique positioning due to its integration with United Talent Agency (UTA).
- Expertise in strategic partnerships and high-level networking.
- Deep specialization in media, marketing, and ad-tech strategy.
- Focus on optimizing the relationship between brands and content platforms.
- Advises on organizational and talent alignment in the M&E C-suite.
- Known for its high-impact, event-driven thought leadership.
12. OC&C Strategy Consultants
Founders: Chris Outram, David Clark
Founded Year: 1987
Headquarters: London, UK
Product Categories: Pure-Play Strategy Consulting, Commercial Due Diligence, Growth Strategy
Description:
OC&C is a pure-play strategy consulting boutique with a “challenger” mentality, highly respected for its focused expertise across Consumer Goods, Retail, and Media & Technology. They are known for delivering in-depth, actionable industry insights to large global clients through small, nimble project teams. In the M&E sector, OC&C excels at tackling fundamental business model issues, such as market sizing for new ventures, refining pricing and packaging strategies for digital services, and advising on investment decisions in rapidly evolving markets.
Key Features:
- A pure-play strategy firm with deep sectoral focus.
- Specializes in market entry and commercial growth strategy.
- Strong expertise in the intersection of Retail, Leisure, and Media.
- Focuses on pricing and promotional strategy for subscription services.
- Known for a highly collaborative, non-hierarchical approach.
- Excellent capabilities in commercial due diligence for M&A.
13. Capgemini Invent
Founders: Serge Kampf (for Capgemini Group)
Founded Year: 2018 (as the digital innovation and strategy arm of Capgemini)
Headquarters: Paris, France
Product Categories: Digital Strategy, Innovation, Cloud, Data & AI, Enterprise Management
Description:
Capgemini Invent is the strategy and consulting arm of the Capgemini Group, focusing heavily on digital transformation and innovation. For the entertainment industry, they provide crucial services for harnessing the potential of technology, particularly in the shift toward data-driven content production and monetization. They are experts in digital engineering, helping clients implement complex tech solutions, and their work frequently addresses the challenges of content aggregation, personalization, and maximizing revenue through tools like their Digital Entertainment Exchange (DEX) platform.
Key Features:
- Strong focus on digital and technology-led transformation.
- Expertise in Data Transformation and AI for audience insights.
- Offers the Digital Entertainment Exchange (DEX) platform for theatrical distribution analysis.
- Advises on the strategic implications and use cases of 5G and Edge Computing.
- Deep knowledge of Content Production and Supply Chain digitalization.
- Focuses on creating a consumer-grade employee experience for media workers.
14. Simon-Kucher
Founders: Hermann Simon, Eckhard Kücher
Founded Year: 1985
Headquarters: Bonn, Germany
Product Categories: Pricing, Sales & Marketing, Strategy Consulting, Monetization
Description:
Simon-Kucher is a global consultancy focused almost entirely on unlocking commercial growth, making them the world’s leading specialist in pricing and monetization. In the entertainment sector, this focus is critically important as companies navigate the shift from transactional revenue (tickets, discs) to subscription (SVOD, audio) and hybrid ad-supported models (AVOD, FAST). They employ rigorous quantitative methods to optimize every aspect of the revenue model, from tiered pricing and bundling strategy to sales force effectiveness and international price harmonization.
Key Features:
- World’s leading consulting firm specializing in pricing and monetization.
- Deep expertise in subscription (SVOD) and ad-supported (FAST) pricing models.
- Focuses on commercial growth by optimizing the “top line.”
- Advises on product packaging and bundling strategy for D2C offerings.
- Specializes in international price harmonization and global revenue uplift.
- Utilizes advanced analytics for price elasticity and demand forecasting.
15. FTI Consulting
Founders: Vincent J. Ryan
Founded Year: 1982
Headquarters: Washington, D.C., USA
Product Categories: Corporate Finance & Restructuring, Economic Consulting, Forensic & Litigation, Technology, Strategic Communications
Description:
FTI Consulting is a market-leading global consulting firm that serves as the trusted advisor during moments of transformation, complexity, and dispute. Their entertainment consulting is often brought in when a company is facing significant financial distress, complex litigation, or a major restructuring. They are experts in financial investigations, business valuations, and turnaround management. Their Strategic Communications arm also plays a critical role in managing reputation and communicating during crises, M&A, and regulatory scrutiny in the public-facing media world.
Key Features:
- Expertise in financial restructuring and turnaround management.
- Strong practice in business valuation and economic consulting for IP.
- Specializes in forensic investigations and complex litigation support.
- Provides crucial support in strategic communications and crisis management.
- Advises on intellectual property disputes and content rights litigation.
- A key partner during bankruptcy, carve-outs, and divestitures of media assets.
16. Grant Thornton
Founders: Alexander Richardson Grant, more (merged companies)
Founded Year: 1924 (Predecessor Company)
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, USA
Product Categories: Audit, Tax, Advisory, Transaction Services
Description:
Grant Thornton is a major global accounting and consulting network that provides integrated advisory services to the M&E industry, with a strong focus on middle-market and fast-growing companies. They excel at the intersection of finance, strategy, and operations, helping clients manage the complexities of global corporate tax, financial reporting for content assets, and technology risks. Their M&E team, with a strong presence in media hubs like Los Angeles and New York, helps companies navigate everything from complex royalty streams to the financial implications of digital transformation.
Key Features:
- Focus on mid-market and private equity-backed M&E companies.
- Strong expertise in corporate tax, compliance, and royalty streams.
- Advises on content capitalization and financial reporting standards.
- Specializes in transaction services and M&A integration support.
- Provides guidance on technology risk and digital finance transformation.
17. Korn Ferry
Founders: Lester Korn, Richard Ferry
Founded Year: 1969
Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, USA
Product Categories: Organizational Strategy, Assessment & Succession, Talent Acquisition, Leadership Development, Total Rewards
Description:
Korn Ferry is a specialized global consultancy focusing on the human capital side of the enterprise. In the entertainment sector, where “talent” is both the product and the most critical asset, this expertise is essential. They help media organizations redesign their structures, assess and develop future leaders, and align their workforce to meet the demands of the digital landscape. Their work is crucial for companies resulting from mega-mergers, helping to integrate different cultures and build the new capabilities (e.g., data scientists, digital marketers) needed to succeed in D2C models.
Key Features:
- Leading expertise in Organizational Design and Operating Model alignment.
- Specializes in Executive Search for C-suite media roles.
- Focuses on talent strategy, leadership assessment, and succession planning.
- Advises on Total Rewards strategy and compensation in the competitive media market.
- Helps media companies build digital and technical capabilities within their workforce.
- Strong focus on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) strategy in media.
18. OC&C Strategy Consultants
Founders: Chris Outram, David Clark
Founded Year: 1987
Headquarters: London, UK
Product Categories: Pure-Play Strategy Consulting, Commercial Due Diligence, Growth Strategy
Description:
OC&C is a pure-play strategy consulting boutique with a “challenger” mentality, highly respected for its focused expertise across Consumer Goods, Retail, and Media & Technology. They are known for delivering in-depth, actionable industry insights to large global clients through small, nimble project teams. In the M&E sector, OC&C excels at tackling fundamental business model issues, such as market sizing for new ventures, refining pricing and packaging strategies for digital services, and advising on investment decisions in rapidly evolving markets.
Key Features:
- A pure-play strategy firm with deep sectoral focus.
- Specializes in market entry and commercial growth strategy.
- Strong expertise in the intersection of Retail, Leisure, and Media.
- Focuses on pricing and promotional strategy for subscription services.
- Known for a highly collaborative, non-hierarchical approach.
- Excellent capabilities in commercial due diligence for M&A.
19. Oliver Wyman
Founders: Alexander Oliver, Michael Wyman
Founded Year: 1984
Headquarters: New York, New York, USA
Product Categories: Strategy, Risk Management, Digital, Financial Services
Description:
Oliver Wyman is a fast-growing, highly respected global strategy consulting firm, often seen as a sophisticated alternative to the “Big Three.” While renowned for their strength in Financial Services, their Communications, Media, and Technology (CMT) practice is a significant player in entertainment. They bring a highly analytic, data-intensive approach to problems, excelling at quantifying risk and opportunity in new media ventures. They are a valuable partner for firms looking to rapidly scale, integrate acquisitions, or fundamentally redesign their risk and compliance functions in the digital age.
Key Features:
- Highly analytic and quantitative approach to strategy.
- Strong expertise in financial modeling and risk management for media investments.
- Focuses on Accelerated Performance Transformation and rapid results.
- Advises on the impact of Fintech and digital payments on media monetization.
- Specializes in M&A integration and operational alignment post-merger.
20. PMP Strategy
Founders: Gilles Lemaire, Jean-François Ténèze, Christian Coz, Yves-Antoine Jager, Hervé Lize, Patrick Mercier, Stéphane Régnier
Founded Year: 1998
Headquarters: Paris, France
Product Categories: Strategy, Digital Transformation, Telecom, Media & Entertainment, Energy
Description:
PMP Strategy is a European-based independent strategy consulting firm with a very strong focus on the Telecom, Media, and Entertainment sectors, particularly influential in Europe and the Middle East. They position themselves as experts in complex transformations, blending strategic advisory with deep industry-specific knowledge. Their work is highly practical, helping clients manage the convergence of telecom and media, optimize content distribution, and develop robust digital services. They are known for their proximity to clients and their ability to execute strategic projects in challenging regulatory environments.
Key Features:
- Strong geographical focus in Europe and the Middle East (MENA).
- Deep expertise in Telecom/Media convergence strategy.
- Advises on content distribution optimization and regulatory compliance.
- Specializes in digital services launch and customer journey mapping.
- Focuses on turnaround management and major transformation projects.
Conclusion
The choice of an entertainment consulting partner must be driven by the specific nature of the challenge facing your organization. If your priority is a high-stakes M&A deal, a firm like Bain & Company or EY-Parthenon offers best-in-class commercial due diligence. If it’s a complete overhaul of your global content supply chain and tech stack, Accenture or Deloitte offers the execution horsepower. If your issue is a fundamental disruption to your monetization model, the deep specialization of Altman Solon or Simon-Kucher may be the most prudent investment.
The common thread across all these market leaders is their understanding that the future of entertainment is intrinsically linked to data, digital platforms, and the dynamic nature of consumer attention. Selecting a firm from this list ensures you are partnering with an organization capable of delivering the strategic foresight and implementation rigor required to not just survive, but to define the next era of media.
