Editors' Lounge Predicting a Cloudy NAB 2012

Burbank, CA, April 10, 2012 --(PR.com)-- Will post production move to the cloud? That was just one of the many questions speculated upon during the ninth annual Editors’ Lounge Pre-NAB panel discussion on where the future of post is headed. Hosted by AlphaDogs and Key Code Media, the event drew an audience of well over 100 production and post-production professionals, all eager to learn what’s in store at NAB 2012.

After networking over dinner and drinks, attendees were welcomed by panelists that included; Debra Kaufman, Associate Editor at Creative COW (as moderator) Terence Curren (Editor/Colorist and Founder of AlphaDogs Post), Mark Raudonis (VP of Post Production, Bunim/Murrary Productions), Steve Cohen (Film/TV Editor and author of “Avid Agility) and Michael Kammes (Senior Technology & Workflow Consultant, Key Code Media)

This year’s buzz at NAB is expected to be cloud computing versus the 3-D frenzy that happened last year. Cloud based video editing will make it easier than ever for content producers to outsource projects with low labor costs attached. Panelists agreed this could pose a real threat to the editor’s future career. Competition for skilled post-production professionals would likely move to a global level and no longer be limited to the local talent pool. This means editors will be required to possess diverse skill sets to stand out in an oversaturated field that employers will have to choose from. “The cloud is a looming threat, as well as a great opportunity,” said Terence Curren owner of AlphaDogs Post. “It’s easily scalable in a shared environment allowing the potential to save time and cut costs. On the flip side it opens the field to all editors regardless of location.” Skeptics are still spooked when it comes to making the switch. Security and bandwidth limitations are a major concern. Deficient Internet connections can lead to long delays in moving media, and online storage can be expensive. Film and TV editor Steve Cohen comments, “I don’t own the server, what if the cloud fails?” It’s also questionable as to whether cloud based software can operate at the same capacity of what’s currently being used. Costs of proxies, and multi step workflows required to edit in the cloud may not save as much time and money as perceived. “Cloud editing is not worth it yet. We are not quite there,” said Michael Kammes, Senior Technology Consultant at Key Code Media.

“Editors of the 21st century will also need to have a willingness to be versatile with their job description in order to succeed.” Michael Kammes comments, “You can’t just be creative, you also have to be technical.” With the old business models continuing to erode, and the streaming of live content gaining popularity with audiences, it will be crucial to evolve as an editor by learning new technical skills while continuing to co-exist in the current environment. Mark Raudonis, VP of Post at Bunim/Murray Productions comments, “On a positive note, there will be more work and more opportunities with internet content.” Television and Internet are continuing to merge allowing the consumer to watch programming on their own time. The demand for content isn’t going away. Citizen journalism is also expected to gain market share in the next few years. “If everyone starts using video to communicate, then perhaps the professionals will stand out. Anyone can afford a pencil and paper, but there are only a few good writers,” said Terence Curren.

To see the panel in its entirety including more discussion on the Final Cut Pro fog please visit http://www.editorslounge.com

About the Editors’ Lounge: The Editors’ Lounge is a hands-on seminar for industry professionals. Each month, dozens of professionals in the production and post-production industries exchange ideas, discuss trends and learn about new technologies; allowing editors to have their questions addressed objectively. To learn more visit http://www.editorslounge.com