A new beginning. Yes, it’s that time of the year–for New Year’s resolutions, which often aren’t kept, and predictions, which often aren’t accurate. Nonetheless, SHOOT called upon a brave cross-section of artists and execs from the production and post community to offer their hopes, wishes and expectations for 2014.
We also asked for respondents to reflect on lessons learned from 2013 in terms of what they might do differently this year.
SHOOT posed the following three questions to a varied mix of industry folk:
1) What is your #1 professional resolution for 2014?
2) What is the one thing you will do differently business-wise or creative-wise in 2014 than you did in 2013?
3) In terms of your industry wish for the new year, what creative, business-related or technological development would you like to see come to fruition in 2014?
Mark Androw, executive producer, STORY
1) I’ve already broken my first three resolutions. I resolve not to make any more for 2015.
2) In 2014 I promise not to fall for any of those emails from Nigerian ministers of finance.
3) I am looking forward to the full convergence of all media and more multi-platform advertising campaigns that integrate all types of production and content.
Sally Antonacchio, owner/executive producer, The Artists Company
1) To use emerging technologies that come our way in 2014; we are always evolving our process.
2) Honestly I think we are pretty perfect in the way we work now.
3) To rely more on a creative approach than strictly financial to determine final award.
Jordan Brady, partner/director, Superlounge
1) For 2014, I’ve pledged to start wearing pants to pre-production meetings. My clients deserve that. Standard-issue cargo shorts will remain prevalent throughout all other phases of production.
2) Business-wise, nothing really changes: we have the same commitment to collaboration. We’ll continue to package production with post, when requested. Creatively, I’ve shot a personal project every year for myself. This year, I’m committed to producing passion projects for our roster of filmmakers.
3) My hope is that we stop finishing spots in 4:3 for grandpa’s television. Anyone who has not purchased a flat screen by now is probably not going to buy your product, either. I also hope agencies continue to tap into our directors’ writing skills early on in the process, especially with longer-form projects.
David Brixton, managing partner, the Whitehouse
1) As the managing partner for all our companies, I am always looking for how I can be more effective and efficient in fulfilling my duties. So, to keep the resolution simple (which is probably always a good idea!), my resolution is to be more organized, be the best and most effective manager I can be, and to spend more time with my family.
2) Because we constantly evaluate our business practices, and adjust and refine–and in some cases transform–how we run our businesses and provide services to our clients, it is difficult to predict what we will do differently, but if I had to pick one thing, it would be to ensure we provide the best possible environment in all of our companies for the creative process to be sustained over time – especially in the latter stages of any project, creativity often gets pushed to the side in the mad rush to simply get something approved and shipped.
3) With 4 companies covering the full spectrum of live action and post services operating in London, NY, Chicago & LA, we seek a breakthrough in having our enterprises interoperate at a much higher level, which will benefit our clients as projects become more complex and time-challenged.
Gail Butler, executive producer, Hybrid Edit + Content
1) Be open to each creative opportunity; there are so many new avenues to play in (not that I’m advocating for playing in the street, but if you do, please look both ways)!
2) Know who you are, and ask for what you need, to ensure a mutually beneficial client partnership. Success lies in communication of thoughts and ideas. A one-way street is usually a dead end creatively. Hybrid is about success in each stage of the process. That, and our talent, is what sets us apart from the herd. Every project is vital and important to us, no matter the brand or budget.
3) Truly, I’d like to see less bad storytelling in the video content world. And to continue efforts working within the AICE to educate the industry on the inherent difference of a true creative editor vs. an editor-operator. Great concepts, and even the best production values, are often undone by a poor edit. A screen is a screen is a screen! It all matters. So this is my wish for the World Wide Web in 2014.
Ray Carballada, president/CEO, Shooters
1) To further empower those around me. During my tenure, our company has grown from a regional editorial boutique to a national media content company with diversities that cross industry boundaries.
Throughout that development I’ve needed to continually transform myself professionally. I’ve needed to release myself from the oversight of the day-to-day activities that have allowed this company to flourish.
It’s a challenge—letting go of things you’ve worked so hard at for so long—but my individual growth as a President and CEO has disciplined me to put the right personnel in the right place and at the right time. In 2014 I’m going to continue that trend while empowering them, and in turn the company, to thrive.
2) We’ve developed into a company that is successfully creating work in various parts of the advertising, television and motion picture business with artists who have cross-pollinated industry segments. We’ve done so while, at times, suppressing opportunities to exploit our experience in certain areas. In 2014 we’re going to more directly leverage our industry-wide experience across the various business segments in which we’re successful. We’re going to more overtly promote our ability to deliver the unique hybrid services that our clients are seeking.
Dexton Deboree, partner/co-owner, Stardust LLC
1) To simply work with more clients on a repeat basis, allowing for the concept, ideation and early creation phase to roll with more fluency, efficiency and a trusted place of collaboration versus a lot of wasted time in the mode of “competition,” or trying to dissect the ask. Trusted relationships and true collaboration increases the integrity and quality of the whole industry and the product we are all producing.
2) In terms of business, I aim to use even greater discretion in avoiding opportunities that I know instinctively are not a fit for Stardust; and focusing more exclusively on relationships and projects that are. Creatively, I’m pushing to work with a greater pool of the best talent out there; and holding our teams and the company itself to a higher, more rigorous standard.
3) I’d like to introduce a new term / philosophy: “POR” – Production Company of Record. Just as our agency clients cherish the loyalty and value of true collaboration with brands they serve, production companies hold the same values dear. I think we (agencies, brands, production companies) could gain a great deal by investing in longer term and iterative relationships with one another, leveraging true and deep brand knowledge and working experience to craft creative results that truly serve the brand’s voice over time. This, instead of a scattershot of random, inexperienced and undereducated attempts; starting from scratch on every project assignment.
Kerstin Emhoff, co-founder/executive producer, PRETTYBIRD
1) To look at each project that comes to us as a completely unique opportunity. It’s easy to label something as a commercial, music video, web piece, film, etc. Labeling it hurts the potential of bringing more to it or connecting it with other things being developed within the company. We have seen some really amazing evolution in projects last year with connections between music, brands, film, and technology. We need to look at every project with that in mind.
2) I need to be more of a participant in entertainment rather than just a producer. So says my son while home for winter break. Last year I watched CNN, posted pictures of my dogs and kids on Facebook, posted pictures of food on Instagram, and was given a Netflix subscription that I never activated. This year already I’ve seen 12 movies, activated Netflix (I might watch Breaking Bad), had an in-depth tutorial on GTA 5 (horrifying!), am addicted to Reddit, and am trying to read more than industry trades.
3) My wish is that we streamline the production process to be all digital and get rid of the busy work that takes up time we don’t have. That will require efforts from payroll companies, agencies, clients, and crews. Why are we still filling out timecards? Can talent contracts, releases, NDAs all be filled out and signed on line? I bought a house recently and did everything on line. We should be able to do that in production as well. Printing and scanning should be abolished this year!
Michelle Eskin, U.S. managing director, Cut+Run
1) My #1 is twofold–lead with optimism & not only see constraints of the changes in our industry, but focus on the opportunity to create a better and more efficient, creative business model. Focus on optimism and the passion for what we do each day and really listen to those around us, whether it is our clients, employees, the busy parking attendant or my moody 14 year old teenage son. You never know where wisdom will come from.
2) 2013 was a year of expansion for our company. In 2014 we will be fine-tuning and looking to make ground we have laid even more efficient. Our aim is to always be a resource for clients, to offer creativity with problem solving, so we are constantly evaluating the landscape. There is no one thing we will do differently, but I would say we’ll go from the leaps of last year to sticking the landing.
3) I wish for fewer wires, cables, adapters and chargers. The big buzz phrase in our industry: good cable management. We have a team dedicated to it. Without these wires, cables, adapters and chargers our world slams to a halt, “Where is a charger?” “Oh, that’s the wrong model.” “Where can I plug this in?” “The media is offline,” At least apple solved the problem of me desperately trying to find my misplaced iPhone (except when the battery is dead). I wish for us all to be less tangled in wires, but create a solution where the environment isn’t the consequence.
Graham Gangi, executive producer, RADAR
1) To be happy and to foster a happy work environment.
2) We will push ourselves even further in creative offerings. RADAR will be signing on additional directors and creatives and, as always, exploring new technology to help us continue to offer the vast range of capabilities of production through post.
3) There is a long-standing debate at RADAR about which would be better, the ability to fly, or the ability to teleport. Personally, I am in the camp of wanting the ability to teleport. I would love for teleporting to come into its own in 2014. Oh also, I would like to see the industry and networks get rid of 4:3 center extract once and for all.
Jim Geib, president/executive producer, Twist
1) In 2014, I’d like to challenge our team to approach every project with a fresh eye. With new technologies, innovations, and global relationships, the work flow has continued to change and evolve. Challenging protocol requires a certain amount of trust, loyalty, and accountability in the individuals collaborating, but it’s nice to remember that is still meaningful.
2) The one thing I hope to do differently is to overcome electronic barriers (e-mail, texts, voice mail), and to connect more with people on a human level.
3) Advertisers have been asking for a more integrated approach to their marketing for some time. I would like to become a more integral part of that process. I would like Twist and our production partners to be allowed to bring our expertise to the process at a point where we can actually have a positive effect on the outcome and ultimate success of the project. Amyliz Pera [executive producer & director of business development out of the New York office] will be rolling out announcements and company changes during the first part of the year, in line with this approach.
Bonnie Goldfarb, co-founder/executive producer, harvest films
1) Super simple…..quality, not quantity. Bigger isn’t better; ‘more’ doesn’t make better content.
2) I promise to not try and be the DP, the Stunt Co-ordinator and the Producer all in one day.
3) I wish for an uncluttered world in 2014. And I hope for a beat of creative breathing space to move the conversation forward without being reactive each and every day.
Angus Kneale, executive creative director, The Mill
1) My #1 professional resolution…. Innovate in everything we do.
2) 2013 was creatively a very strong year for The Mill. In 2014 I would like to challenge ourselves to push past our comfort zones and be brave. A wise man once said, “If you always do what you always did, you always get what you always got”!
3) I would like to see the Oculus VR become a runaway hit when it is released later this year. This is groundbreaking technology that could have huge impact on so many different experiences. I can imagine immersive content where you can experience narrative in the first person. Kind of like what “Sleep No More” did for the live theatre experience.
Paul Korver, president, Cinelicious
1) My professional resolution for 2014 is 4K.
2) Delegating. I’m taking off another hat or two professionally and carving out more time for my marriage and kids. Anyone who works in this industry knows how profoundly difficult it is to strike a balance. Especially if you love what you do. Cinelicious now has two locations, Hollywood & Santa Monica, as well as remote services and other exciting ventures for 2014. I have trusted partners and collaborators in each; the trick is letting go…just a little (can you tell I am still working on it?).
3) I wish we had a perfect medium to store digital images and data. An organic, non-powered, nano-substrate providing cheap, high-density, longterm, secure storage that didn’t spin, crash or corrupt, doesn’t require digital migration. Whoever figures it out is the next Bill Gates.
Igor Kovalik, editor/chief creative officer, Beast
1) Continue to learn and improve upon the new ways of working.
Digital workflows have had tremendous impact on editing. Quantity of data combined with compromised budgets and abbreviated schedules have proved challenging. The positive consequence is that editors are now afforded an unprecedented creative opportunity. More then ever, we are tasked with finding stories and crafting emotion from increasing quantities of material. Often unsupervised for much of the process. Combined with the fantastic software options in our toolbox, editors can really flex their creative muscles. For those who love discovering new ways of working and are comfortable navigating the fast-paced digital world, it’s more rewarding than ever to be cutting. Never have we been more vital or so plugged into the creative process.
3) A return to 1994 budgets…..but that’s just wishful thinking.
Jackie Lee, VP, feature sales, Company 3
1) My personal resolution for 2014 is to keep expanding our creative horizons and working on the most interesting projects with the most interesting filmmakers. I’m excited about the way Company 3 maximizes efficiencies while still providing a top level of client service. Our clients are the best and they expect the best.
2) I want to focus on building the global footprint of Company 3, which allows us to service our clientele wherever they need to be. In addition to facilities all over the world, we also have small outposts where clients can work with our colorists remotely, regardless of geography. Company 3 has been ahead of the curve in this arena for some time and in 2014 I want to make sure the whole industry knows about it.
3) In 2014, Company 3 will be introducing new tools that will help automate many of the most cumbersome aspects of post production asset management. These tools combined with our cutting edge near-set dailies service, offered through our sister company, EC3, will allow filmmakers to have more options creatively and technologically than ever before. Our whole business is changing and Company 3 is at the forefront of many of those changes. My top goal for the new year is to spread the word.
Mark Leiss, managing partner, ArsenalFX
1) Building upon our group of companies’ successes in 2013, we continue to target for expansion in 2014 with new locations in the LA and NY markets. We’re seeing an uptick in business for these markets and, as such, will continue to grow accordingly.
2) 2014 will be a very interesting year for the LA market, in particular. We’ll be placing a special focus in this sector as we continue to position ourselves in diversified business models, generating revenues that were not on the industry radar in 2013. I’ll be working alongside my partners in these ventures as we adjust our model throughout this year.
3) From a creative standpoint, this is a great time for postproduction. Hardware and software developments in recent years have given our industry the tools needed to create even more mind-blowing work. We’re always searching for the next technological breakthrough to further our creative output. I expect to see some major industry leaps this year in render speeds and tools for our artists.
Lola Lott, president, charlieuniformtango
1) To not be fearful of being crazier and more inventive with the types of projects and things we work on and talk about.
John Noble, executive producer, Traveling Picture Show Company
1) To aid in the teaching and mentoring of younger agency producers, specifically in the bidding process. Something happened along the way where many, certainly not all, but many agency producers were sadly not given the proper classic training before embarking into the commercial bidding processes. When I ran production departments (Martin/Element79) we taught a system and a professional bidding decorum that not only served the idea, but also protected the agency and the client from any surprises and false expectations. It was also fair and respectful towards the vendor. Admittedly, a lot has changed in the industry, and will continue to change, however I believe the basic covenants of the traditional bidding process (respect, integrity, fairness) should be the rule and not the exception.
2) When asked upon, we’ll continue to seamlessly package jobs with the very best partners in the industry….we’ll build upon our relationships with editorial and post houses, fx and animation teams, music and sound, etc. Creatively our directors will become even more specialized in their respective disciplines whatever they may be…humor, dialogue, sports, fx, doc, kids, emotional storytelling, etc. Agencies are usually very clear and concise about what they are seeking from a reel and their time is limited so we want to be able to provide them with smart laser focused solutions.
3) My wish would be that more commercial production work stays here in the good ole’ USA rather than being produced overseas. It’s becoming a disturbing trend. A lot of politics around that issue.
Anita Olan, executive producer, Directorz & Lucky21
1) Strategic growth… Our primary resolution for this year is to further develop our creative reach. Last year, with the launch of our new office in Los Angeles, we began aggressively establishing a national presence for our directors, and this year, we will continue to build on that momentum… taking on new challenges and opportunities while growing our roster of talent. 2014 is going to be a very exciting year for us.
2) It’s not that we will necessarily do something differently this year, but we do have an exciting development in the works for 2014. It won’t alter who we are philosophically or how we approach the work with passion and trust. Rather, we’re going to take a new look at our company to ensure that we are effectively growing, expanding, and communicating. This examination will inevitably bring about some new ways of working for us… maybe in small ways, maybe in big ones. More on that soon.
3) Self-charging computers, traveling coast to coast in the blink of an eye, or the ability to get a full night’s sleep in an hour? Any of those would be great. But my serious, and more realistic, wish is to work on eliminating communication barriers. If we can, collectively, improve communication then we mitigate the need for time travel and the science of sleep.
Michael Pardee, managing director, The Mission
1) Reinvest heavily back into our company’s infrastructure to ensure that it stays current and can overwhelmingly meet the demands of our clients needs.
2) In 2014, my goal is to hire as many talented VFX artists as we can that have been put out of work by the foreign subsidies.
Michael Raimondi, partner/executive producer, Union Editorial
1) I would continue to take risks and push our company into new and sometimes uncomfortable territories. 2013 was an amazing growth year for us in our entertainment division. We produced three films that did well in big festivals, sold and were distributed worldwide. The latest, Hateship Loveship, will open in theaters on April 11th and stars Kristen Wig, Guy Pearce and Nick Nolte. Its a huge first step for us but its only the beginning of what I believe will be a substantial growth engine for Union. It attracts talent, it diversifies our existing businesses and is a positive revenue generator. It also exposes our company to a new level of creative that helps sustain our existing business.
3) I was blown away by the Dove “Real Beauty Sketches” and the Skype “Stay Together” campaigns this year. To me they were the execution of the branded long form advertising that we have been talking about but not quite realizing for years. Although we did not work on the spots it is exactly the type of work that speaks to my creatives. They are storytellers, film makers and communicators. I hope the industry continues to push into these types of campaigns and we have the privilege of working on a few of them.
Thomas Rossano, partner/executive producer, Station Film
1) Being a new father, I am more aware of the role I play in nurturing and supporting our talent. I want to focus this year on better helping our directors make the right creative choices so they can stretch themselves as filmmakers and bring great ideas to life.
2) We actually had a great year in 2013, but there is always room for improvement. One thing would be to further develop our agency relationships. When I talk to an agency about a project, I want them to know that we’re their partners. And we’re problem solvers. It’s that sort of collaborative spirit that makes a difference.
3) A time machine to transport us back to an era before cost consultants and skinny jeans.
Rick Sander, creative director, HOAX Films
1) We are constantly exploring ways to bring innovative visual effects design to more types of creative clients – and that is really why we started HOAX Films three years ago. We’re very happy to be doing some of the best creative work for web and experiential projects – and that work has been recognized with some great press and a lot of awards. It’s very cool when we can offer people new tools not only for creating content, but for marketing content as well. And it’s very special when clients feel like they are getting some of the magic for movies in their own projects. It’s very satisfying.
2) Our goals are pretty much unchanged–first, offer our clients the highest quality creative that supports their project or story and, second, help guide people through the process from A to Z so they always know what to expect…and what we can do for them.
3) We’re very excited about the all the new consoles for gaming and smart phones and the continued reliance of commercial projects on great visual effects design. It’s those projects where we get a chance to come in at the conceptual level and really open up opportunities and options for our clients. Everyone likes to know from the start what they can do and how they can expand their vision. It’s the reason we get out of bed every single morning!
