Over the last four days I was in Amsterdam, working and exchanging ideas with colleagues in our industry.
I try to listen more than I speak. Hearing what others think is more exciting to me than sharing my own opinion.
During those conversations I heard many say the business of OB vans is dead and production trucks will soon be extinct. Whether driven by commercial interests or conviction, they assume cloud or remote is the only answer.
On the other hand, others swear by the long-term stability of traditional production trucks for the biggest events. They still see software-based tools as good only for two to three camera productions.
I cannot say either side is right or wrong. I can say the story is not black or white.
There is room for everyone, and needs should determine the tools, not the other way around.
I like to be an early adopter. I enjoy test driving new tools and new workflows. Still, I have learned that traditional ways of working do not disappear overnight.
The OB van as we know it will evolve, but it will not go away. The big companies will be here for a long time, with services and approaches that keep changing.
Remote and cloud solutions will keep growing. Many large productions can already be delivered with them. There is still room to grow and improve.
Again, needs should dictate the tools.
More and more, we are seeing hybrid approaches at every production size. I think that will continue for at least a decade.
OB trucks and flypacks will evolve and take advantage of new developments to become more cost-effective and leaner. Software tool setups will be more reliable and more accessible for everyone.
I am a centrist who also likes to take risks. My life and career have taught me that extremes are risky, and absolutes blind us to the possibilities the world can offer.
What do you think?
Favorite line I heard this week: “Many people in broadcasting can finally have a dog because remote production means they spend more time at home.” Heard at the SVG Europe Summit.
Big fan of the guy with the cool hair in the picture (not me). Evan Shapiro explains what is happening in the media business in a simple and impactful way.
I pay the subscription to his newsletter (Media War & Peace) for the valuable information he shares about our industry and the cool graphics.
