Bart Story, Veteran Entertainment Research Executive, Dies at 63

Bart Story, a veteran entertainment research executive who helped shape Hollywood’s understanding of audiences, has died at the age of 63. He passed away Tuesday in Los Angeles from complications related to metastatic urothelial carcinoma, according to a family representative.

Career at MarketCast

For more than two decades, Story served as senior director of market research at MarketCast, a leading entertainment advisory firm. His work guided studios, networks, and streaming platforms in audience engagement, creative testing, and positioning strategies. Story’s insights influenced hundreds of films and television projects, helping them connect with audiences in meaningful ways. Jeremy Radisich, President of Entertainment at MarketCast, reflected on his impact: “Across his two-decade career with MarketCast, Bart helped hundreds of movies achieve success, meaningfully connecting with thousands of clients, focus group respondents, and teammates along the way. His work was characterized by a thoughtful and gentle approach that made him not only an excellent collaborator and partner, but an incredible person who made an impact on everyone he met.”

Work at SAG-AFTRA and Video Software Dealers Association

Before joining MarketCast, Story was director of research at SAG-AFTRA, where he played a pivotal role in advancing the union’s understanding of industry trends. He also worked at the Video Software Dealers Association, where he was instrumental in modernizing the video distribution market during a time of rapid change. His efforts helped usher in new strategies that aligned with evolving consumer habits and technological shifts.

Academic Background and Early Passion

Story’s academic journey included earning a master’s degree from USC’s Annenberg School and a bachelor’s degree from Cal Poly Pomona. His passion for entertainment began early, sparked by his experiences working in movie theaters as a young man. That curiosity grew into a lifelong career dedicated to bridging the gap between audiences and creators.

Personal Life and Legacy

Known for his kindness and collaborative spirit, Story was admired not only for his professional achievements but also for his personal warmth. He resided in Denver, Colorado, and is survived by his husband, Patrick Jager, and their son, Brandt. A private celebration of his life will be held in the near future. Bart Story’s passing marks the loss of a figure who quietly but profoundly shaped the entertainment industry’s approach to research and audience connection. His legacy lives on in the countless projects and professionals he influenced throughout his career.