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.
“Conclave” Tops BAFTA Film Awards With 12 Nominations, One More Than “Emilia Pérez”
Papal thriller “Conclave,” which stars Ralph Fiennes as a cardinal overseeing the election of a new pope, leads the race — just — for the British Academy Film Awards, with nominations in 12 categories, one more than the genre-busting trans musical “Emilia Pérez.”
But with the wildfires in Los Angeles over the past week fresh in the minds of everyone in the movie industry, Wednesday’s announcement of the latest BAFTA nominations was understandably subdued.
“We are very much thinking of our colleagues, friends, community over there,” said BAFTA chair Sara Putt. “It’s devastating what’s going on.”
She wouldn’t be drawn on whether the fires may impact the BAFTA ceremony, which is due to take place on Feb. 16.
“The ceremony is a month away, it would be inappropriate and far too early to say anything about that,” Putt said.
The five films nominated for the prestigious best film award were “Conclave,” “Emilia Pérez,” the 215-minute postwar epic “ The Brutalist,” the Palme d’Or-winning comedy/drama “ Anora “ and the Bob Dylan biopic “ A Complete Unknown.”
“The Brutalist” ended up with nine nominations, including leading actor for Adrien Brody, who faces stiff competition from Fiennes and Timothee Chalamet, who plays the young Dylan in “A Complete Unknown.”
The other actors nominated are Hugh Grant for his creepy role in the horror film “ Heretic,” Colman Domingo in real-life prison drama “ Sing Sing “ and Sebastian Stan for his portrayal of a real estate mogul — a certain Donald Trump — in “ The Apprentice.”
“Anora,” the sci-fi epic “Dune: Part Two” and “Wicked” each received seven nominations. “A Complete Unknown”... Read More