The PreNAB Editors Lounge event returned after a two-year hiatus, supported by Key Code Media and the SMPTE Hollywood chapter. The panel provided a deep dive into the challenges and solutions facing the post-production industry today, with a focus on emerging trends and innovations. The panel was moderated by Debra Kaufman, a respected M&E tech journalist, and featured an impressive lineup of new and familiar faces.
The pandemic has had a profound impact on the media and entertainment industry, accelerating the adoption of cloud-based workflows and remote collaboration. Moderated by Debra Kaufman, four industry experts shared their insights and experiences on this topic. Here’s a recap of the key points discussed:
The Benefits of Cloud-based Workflows
JoAnne Kim, Head of Studio Productions at Amazon Studios, highlighted the benefits of cloud-based workflows, including the ability to scale quickly, access resources from anywhere, and collaborate more easily with global teams. According to Kim, the pandemic has shown that cloud-based workflows can be more resilient than traditional on-premises workflows, which can be affected by local disruptions.That being said, the unpredictable nature of egress charges makes it hard for large studios to budget.Challenges of Remote Collaboration
Katie Hinsen, Director of Technology at Marvel Studios, discussed some of the challenges of remote collaboration, including the need for effective communication, security, and performance. Hinsen emphasized the importance of giving people the flexibility to work in the way that is best for them, whether that’s in the office or at home.Preparing for Remote Work
Michael Kammes, Senior Director of Innovation at Shift Media, highlighted the importance of preparing for remote work by investing in the right technology, infrastructure, and training. According to Kammes, the key is to make sure that remote workers have access to the same resources and tools as in-house workers, and that they can collaborate seamlessly.Cloud-based Storage Models
Jeff Sengpiehl, CTO at Key Code Media, discussed the different cloud-based storage models available, including performance models where you can prepay for a certain level of performance and know exactly what it will cost you per terabyte. Sengpiehl also noted that some studios have struck deals with cloud providers to take advantage of their scale and reduce costs.Security and Privacy
The panelists also discussed the importance of security and privacy in cloud-based workflows. Hinsen emphasized the need for a layered security approach, including firewalls, VPNs, and encryption. Kim noted that Amazon Web Services (AWS) has a Shared Responsibility Model, where AWS is responsible for the security of the cloud infrastructure, while customers are responsible for the security of their own content and applications.Future of Remote Work
The panelists agreed that the pandemic has accelerated the trend towards remote work, and that it’s likely to continue even after the pandemic is over. Sengpiehl noted that the pandemic has shown that remote workflows can be more efficient and flexible than traditional on-premises workflows, and that they can help to attract and retain talent. Kim also emphasized the importance of investing in technologies that enable remote work, such as cloud-based infrastructure and collaboration tools.Conclusion
Overall, the panel discussion highlighted the importance of cloud-based workflows and remote collaboration in the media and entertainment industry. While there are certainly challenges to overcome, such as security and performance, the benefits of cloud-based workflows, including scalability, flexibility, and resilience, make them an attractive option for the future of work.Subscribe to the Podcast
