Technological advances in communication and sharing information–cloud computing, mobile platforms, custom software, wireless networks–have brought about fundamental changes to the way we do business in the creative industry. As software engineers, we thrive on this type of innovation. We’re constantly seeking and building new technology solutions to help us enhance and improve the way we work, and the way our clients work.
Unfortunately, new technology is often perceived as replacing an existing invention and forcing the user to take up something unfamiliar. Acquiring new skills, changing behaviors and regaining a comfort with technology can feel threatening for those used to an established way of doing things, even if that way is inferior. So how do you encourage and ease technology adoption for those reluctant to change?
Within the creative industry, technology has made a telling impact on the entire business process, from sales to production to post. In fact, the software tools used for managing workflow and sharing digital assets have evolved considerably, driven by the growing demand from industry leaders for more features, more functionality, more customization and more integration.
New technology has fostered the design and development of software solutions that give production companies, agencies, music houses and other service providers 360º oversight to their sales activities, reel library, presentations, project workflow, web content and analytics. The ones in the creative industry using these platforms see them as mission-critical, redefining the way they do business.
Many users in the creative industry are hindered by what they view as the unrecoverable costs of time and money when learning new technology. But they are much more likely to accept and participate in technology change if they understand how it can positively impact their jobs.
Rich analytics built into the latest media management tools gather critical data on reels–when and if they were opened, viewed, forwarded, how many times, and whether a spot was watched partially or in its entirety. For sales reps, it’s valuable info about client tastes and sensibilities and helps them fine-tune their pitches and adjust sales strategies.
Additionally, users like producers, directors and designers can build comprehensive online presentations containing video, music, or document files, to boost collaboration with clients and give them opportunities to comment and approve projects on-the-go.
Because there are so many parties involved in creative projects, and therefore many important users, company leaders must convey a sense of urgency to get everyone to engage and adopt new technology. This means clearly explaining why change is needed, for example, to save time, to increase productivity, to decrease costs, to improve accountability.
Competition is fierce in the creative industry. Technology has significantly affected the big picture and makes change mandatory for organizations to maintain a competitive edge. The future prosperity of companies in the creative field will rely on tech-savvy professionals who embrace and leverage technology to their advantage.
–Brian Atton and Jay Brooks are founders/owners of Simian.
Netflix Series “The Leopard” Spots Classic Italian Novel, Remakes It As A Sumptuous Period Drama
"The Leopard," a new Netflix series, takes the classic Italian novel by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa and transforms it into a sumptuous period piece showing the struggles of the aristocracy in 19th-century Sicily, during tumultuous social upheavals as their way of life is crumbling around them.
Tom Shankland, who directs four of the eight episodes, had the courage to attempt his own version of what is one of the most popular films in Italian history. The 1963 movie "The Leopard," directed by Luchino Visconti, starring Burt Lancaster, Alain Delon and Claudia Cardinale, won the Palme d'Or in Cannes.
One Italian critic said that it would be the equivalent of a director in the United States taking "Gone with the Wind" and turning it into a series, but Shankland wasn't the least bit intimidated.
He said that he didn't think of anything other than his own passion for the project, which grew out of his love of the book. His father was a university professor of Italian literature in England, and as a child, he loved the book and traveling to Sicily with his family.
The book tells the story of Don Fabrizio Corbera, the Prince of Salina, a tall, handsome, wealthy aristocrat who owns palaces and land across Sicily.
His comfortable world is shaken with the invasion of Sicily in 1860 by Giuseppe Garibaldi, who was to overthrow the Bourbon king in Naples and bring about the Unification of Italy.
The prince's family leads an opulent life in their magnificent palaces with servants and peasants kowtowing to their every need. They spend their time at opulent banquets and lavish balls with their fellow aristocrats.
Shankland has made the series into a visual feast with tables heaped with food, elaborate gardens and sensuous costumes.... Read More