Category: The Business of Production

Google adds to smart APIs

Post author By Philip
Post date July 20, 2016

Google today launched a new API to help parse natural language. An API is anÂ Application Programming Interface, that developers can use to send data to, and get a response back. Natural Language Parsing is used to understand language that is available in computer-readable form (text). Google’s API joins an increasingly long list of very smart APIs that will understand language, recognize images and much more.

A lot has changed since I last wrote about Advances in Content Recognition late last year.

The Business of Production

Two companies: $8 billion of production

Post author By Philip
Post date July 15, 2016

It’s hard to imaging but between them Amazon and Netflix plan on spending $8 billion on original content in 2016.

Amazon is expected to spend $2 billion, subsidized by Prime subscribers

Netflix’s subscribers will finance $6 billion in original programming.

Combined that would be 60Â movies with a $100 million budget each. (Typically 400-500 movies are released by studios every year.)

Or 3000 ‘hour’ television episodes assuming a $2 million an episode budget. (Some would be higher, some lower). At 23 episodes a season, that’s one season for 130 different shows.

Apple Pro Apps Lumberjack The Business of Production

The Terence and Philip Show Episode 72: Workflow 2016, featuring Lumberjack

Post author By Philip
Post date June 27, 2016

In this episode I get to spend a lot of time talking about the background the Lumberjack System, in the context ofÂ the very unsexy topic of workflow, particularly automating the workflow. IÂ share many of the background decisions related to Lumberjack System – ourÂ logging and pre-editing system for Final Cut Pro X – including why it’s limited to FCP X.

Other topics include automation; Digital Heaven’s announcement of SpeedScriber; how Lumberjack has developed based on user, and use, feedback; the post NAB development of noteLogger; Prelude LIveLogger and the Premiere Pro ecosystem and NLE market shares; how development resources are allocated.

Adobe The Business of Production

Adobe sets new revenue, subscriber records

Post author By Philip
Post date March 18, 2016

Adobe revealed record quarterly earnings on March 17th, with $1.38 billion in quarterly revenue ($5.5B annualized) and 4.252 million Creative Cloud subscribers (us included).

Of course, Adobe is strongest in document handling and photography but every subscriber has access to the entire Creative Cloud suite. I believe the integration between the video and audio apps is one of Adobe’s strengths in the creative TV, film and video space.

If I had to place an educated guess, I’d say there are more active Premiere Pro CC users than Media Composer active users, but not as many as Final Cut Pro X.

Apple The Business of Production

Apple to create original programming?

Post author By Philip
Post date January 29, 2016
1 Comment on Apple to create original programming?

According to an article on MacRumors today, Apple is negotiating with Studios and Producers to create original programming for Apple TV. Two thoughts.

Apple have long created their own content by running music festivals and recording the performances.

It’s been a long time coming, but I thing it was inevitable. Back in late 2009 I postulated onÂ What if Apple or Google simply bypassed Networks and Studios?Â My conclusion then:

Clearly, either Google or Apple could destroy the existing content production industries without borrowing or risking their business. Just what leverage do the current middlemen really have?

It’s a strategy that’s working well for Netflix and Amazon.

Family History Video Project Lunch The Business of Production

2015’s Best Blog Posts

Post author By Philip
Post date January 4, 2016

My year seems to have three major themes: sucking while learning, family history video and small production kit. Along the way there have been 13 episodes ofÂ Lunch with Philip and Greg.Â

Technology The Business of Production The Technology of Production

Here’s to 2015: More!

Post author By Philip
Post date December 31, 2015

If there was a theme to 2015 in production technology, it would be that this was the year of more. More pixels – 4K and beyond; more dynamic range with HDR video; more field of view as VR establishes; and more programming sources as Netflix et. al. become fully fledged ‘networks’.

Business & Marketing Career The Business of Production The Technology of Production

The Terence and Philip Show: Episode 69

Post author By Philip
Post date July 30, 2015

Episode 69 of The Terence and Philip Show has us discussing how we adapt to change, as change is inevitable.

Apple Pro Apps Lunch The Business of Production Video Technology

Lunch with Peter Wiggins

Post author By Philip
Post date July 28, 2015

Peter Wiggins is aÂ freelance editor who has been using Final Cut Pro for broadcast since 2003. He runs the successful FCP plugin website iDustrial RevolutionÂ and he is the force behind FCP.co.

Peter joined us for lunch in San Jose during the recent FCP X Creative Summit.

Interesting Technology The Business of Production

The Terence and Philip Show: Episode 68 – the Future.

Post author By Philip
Post date June 1, 2015

In the latest episode of the Terence and Philip Show, TerryÂ and IÂ discuss how to survive an ever-changing world and keep your career alive. Triggered by a discussion of a family history video project I’m undertaking (and will be writing about more shortly).

Episode 68: Planning for the Future