Neal Harmon: An Entrepreneur's Journey in Family-Friendly Media

Early Life and Education

Neal Harmon was born into a family that valued creativity, entrepreneurship, and strong moral principles. Raised in a supportive and close-knit environment, he developed an early interest in technology and business. This foundation paved the way for his future endeavors in the media industry, where he would make significant contributions.

Harmon pursued higher education with a focus on both technology and business. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies from Brigham Young University (BYU), which provided him with a broad understanding of American culture and values. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, equipping him with advanced skills in business management and strategy.

Early Career

Before venturing into the world of digital media, Neal Harmon had a diverse career that included various entrepreneurial and technology-focused roles. He worked in product management and strategy for several tech companies, where he gained invaluable experience in understanding consumer needs and developing innovative solutions.

Founding VidAngel

Neal Harmon is best known for co-founding VidAngel, a streaming service that allows families to filter out objectionable content from movies and TV shows. The idea for VidAngel stemmed from Harmon’s desire to create a platform where families could enjoy mainstream media without being exposed to content that might be inappropriate for children or contrary to their values.

VidAngel was launched in 2013 by Neal Harmon and his brothers, who shared his vision of providing a family-friendly streaming option. The platform gained rapid popularity among parents and individuals looking for cleaner entertainment choices. VidAngel's filtering technology allows users to customize their viewing experience by skipping or muting scenes containing violence, nudity, language, or other content they find objectionable.

Legal Challenges

Despite its popularity, VidAngel faced significant legal challenges from major Hollywood studios. The studios argued that VidAngel's filtering service violated copyright laws. In 2016, a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction against VidAngel, leading to a protracted legal battle. VidAngel argued that its service was protected under the Family Movie Act of 2005, which allows for the filtering of movies for private viewing without altering the original content.

The legal battle took a toll on VidAngel, forcing the company to file for bankruptcy protection in 2017. Despite these setbacks, Neal Harmon and his team remained committed to their mission. They restructured the company and shifted their business model, eventually launching a new version of VidAngel that partnered with streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon to provide filtering options for their content.

The Chosen

One of Neal Harmon’s most significant achievements in recent years is his involvement with "The Chosen," a groundbreaking television series about the life of Jesus Christ. "The Chosen" is notable for being the first multi-season series about Jesus and for its innovative crowd-funding model. Neal Harmon played a crucial role in the production and distribution of the series through VidAngel Studios.

"The Chosen" has received widespread acclaim for its high production quality, compelling storytelling, and respectful portrayal of biblical events. It has been praised for its ability to reach diverse audiences and provide a fresh perspective on the life of Jesus. The series has garnered millions of viewers worldwide and has been translated into multiple languages, further expanding its global reach.

Personal Life and Values

Neal Harmon is a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), and his faith significantly influences his personal and professional life. His commitment to creating family-friendly content is rooted in his religious beliefs and his desire to promote wholesome values in media.

Harmon’s dedication to his family is evident in both his business ventures and his personal life. He is married and has children, and he often emphasizes the importance of family in interviews and public appearances. His work with VidAngel and "The Chosen" reflects his passion for creating content that aligns with his values and provides positive, uplifting entertainment for families.

Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Neal Harmon continues to be a prominent figure in the media industry, advocating for cleaner content and innovative ways to deliver it. VidAngel remains a key player in the streaming world, continually adapting to meet the needs of its users and navigate the complex legal landscape.

Harmon’s ongoing involvement with "The Chosen" also promises further contributions to faith-based media. As the series progresses through its planned seasons, it is expected to reach even larger audiences and solidify its place as a significant work in religious and family entertainment.

Conclusion

Neal Harmon’s journey from a tech-savvy entrepreneur to a pioneer in family-friendly media is marked by resilience, innovation, and a steadfast commitment to his values. Through VidAngel and "The Chosen," he has made a lasting impact on the entertainment industry, offering audiences a way to enjoy media that aligns with their personal and family values. Neal Harmon’s work continues to inspire and influence, demonstrating the power of combining faith, technology, and entrepreneurship to create positive change.