2030 Showcase Program Archives - MovieLabs

Turning the Spotlight on the Showcase

Mark Turner — Thu, 15 Jun 2023 21:44:01 +0000

We just opened submissions for the second year of the MovieLabs 2030 Showcase program. You can see the existing case studies we selected and posted last year on our website at www.movielabs.com/2030showcase. These first selections are the start of a library of learnings that MovieLabs will host featuring case studies from companies on the bleeding edge of innovation that have been willing to share their journey, their challenges, and the lessons they learned in building solutions which deliver on the 2030 Vision principles today.

While we can’t accept every qualifying submission our goal is to highlight what we believe to be the best examples of the principles being put into practice today and that will complement the rest of the case study library. As we approached this year’s showcase, we wanted to be as transparent as possible about the selection criteria we use to narrow down the list of submissions, and especially how we evaluate implementations that adopt aspects of the 10 principles. So, in this blog I’ll share what we’ve been doing to ensure that all the 2023 entrants have the opportunity to prepare their best possible submission.

The purpose of the 2030 Showcase program is to enable MovieLabs to highlight case studies from organizations, large and small, that are demonstrating delivery against the 10 principles of the 2030 Vision today. We don’t want anyone to think that the industry should wait until 2029 to deliver on the 2030 Vision, in fact we’ve seen great progress in many areas and so the Showcase program allows us to celebrate that work. However, it’s also clear that there’s more work to be done (see our upcoming blog on the current open gaps that we have identified) so let’s not try suggesting that all of the principles can be fully achieved today as that’s not yet the case.

Showcase Submission Best Practices

Before we look into how we interpret the principles, let’s just recap some best practices for the Showcase program:

The Showcase program is not an awards program. MovieLabs does not promote or provide awards to companies or products. The Showcase highlights case studies of actual implementations with real workflows that demonstrate progress towards the 2030 Vision. So while it’s not an award ascribed to products or the companies that built them, the program is designed to share compelling examples of more efficient, secure and interoperable workflows for the benefit of the industry
It’s not about products or companies, but about the case studies. Last year we had to decline some submissions because they didn’t contain an actual case study but rather a demonstration of how the whole company or product aligns to the 2030 Vision. While that is great to hear (and you should blog about it yourselves!!), the Showcase program is about being able to demonstrate real-world implementations of the 2030 Principles, describe the key learnings, include benefits achieved with real metrics, and show how problems were solved or new capabilities were achieved on real workflows.
Less is sometimes more. We have 10 principles and we’re looking for alignment against one or more of them, certainly not all 10. We don’t believe that’s even possible in 2023 (see below) because to fulfill some of these principles (like Principles 5 and 6) will require an entire industry effort. So, we suggest focusing on a really deep story around a handful of principles that can be well documented rather than try and make a more tenuous case in an attempt to include more of them.
The principles are at a high level – the real detail is in the whitepaper. We often abbreviate the 10 Principles of the 2030 Vision to make them easier to convey quickly but when assessing which principles your case study reached you should also consult the more detailed descriptions of each in the original 2030 white paper. There are also areas where we have provided subsequent material like additional whitepapers (security, software defined workflows) and blogs (ontology, interop, zero trust etc.) which are also worth studying to see how we interpret the principles themselves.

Objective Analysis

The 10 Principles of the 2030 Vision were never designed to be used as the basis of a certification program, rather, they are high level guiding philosophies, so it can be challenging even for us to objectively measure against them! But we also want to remove subjectivity wherever possible when we’re looking at case studies, so for full transparency we’re listing below what we believe are good examples of demonstrating factors for the 2030 Vision at the present moment in time. That’s important because as we get closer to 2030 we hope to raise the bar in our assessments, but at this stage we wanted to give room for features which are moving us in the right direction, even if they don’t reach the letter of the 2030 Vision just yet.

Principle

Examples that demonstrate…

Workflows in which all content is created or uploaded to shared cloud (public, private, hybrid) storage where applications and services can access it

The above using systems that bridge file/object boundaries, use global namespaces, or remove boundaries between clouds, silos, and domains

A workflow including multiple tools and services accessing content in the same storage, e.g., all of pre-production, editorial, or VFX, etc. (At this stage we feel it’s too hard for end-to-end workflows to have all applications coming to the media, but we’d like to see entire department or pipeline workflows that do.)

High-performance, cloud-based workstations working together on shared media

Creative applications (even via plug-ins) directly accessing and manipulating cloud assets without copying them locally. (Exemptions for caching for speed/latency, may be OK in some cases.)

Workflows with systems using block storage to automatically cache required assets from object storage when necessary for performance and then return any changes back to object store afterwards

Propagating assets as a publish function without moving them, using notifications (to people and/or services) and changes to access controls, if needed

The above happening automatically upon the completion of a task

Stretch goal – automatically removing permissions for those no longer needing access

Storing Archive assets in the cloud with an easily searchable system that makes them an accessible library

Other systems accessing the library to surface archive assets more broadly

Documenting Archive rules in policies that drive automation of the archive

Using open standards or formats that can make essence files accessible over very long time periods

Stretch goal – The above that also makes them modifiable

The industry wide Production User ID system posited in the paper does not currently exist, so for now we have narrowed the scope for now

Using a single or federated identity management system with a single identity for each user across a workflow that integrates multiple vendors or a significant number of tools and services from different providers (e.g., all of pre-production, editorial, or VFX)

The above, possibly with more than one identity used for authentication, but with all authorization policy management tied to a single common user identifier

Implementing and using a CSAP Zero Trust Foundation for a significant workflow

Workflow management systems changing authorization policies based on task assignment and completion

Using a single machine-readable language for communicating authorization policies across systems

Using asset level encryption and key management systems

Managing assets using complex relationships to other assets, context, tasks, and participants

Implementing the Ontology for Media Creation in a workflow

Dynamically configuring or creating workflows based on asset inputs, outputs, or policies

Workflows that spin up, shut down or trigger additional tasks automatically without human intervention

Using systems to translate human readable workflows into machine readable workflows, and vice versa

Using service meshes or messaging buses to handle notifications throughout a multi-step pipeline

Workflow processes that used to take hours or overnight, now happening in so much faster that it changes the way work is done, for example:

Rendering In-Camera VFX with a game engine

Collaborating on complex visual assets in an Omniverse

Rendering conforms with final color in real-time

High-quality rotoscoping in real-time

Producing dailies immediately instead of overnight

Processing on a TV episode that used to take hours now only taking the 22-minute duration of the episode

Examples that don’t demonstrate..

Fast file movers between clouds or private infrastructure

Fast uploaders to cloud

Cross-connect services that open up access between clouds

Single purpose SaaS applications (e.g., cloud-based video clipping or annotation tools)

Vendors or services downloading cloud assets, doing their work offline, and reuploading variants later

Using local storage area networks behind a firewall or private network

Manually notifying (e.g., sending emails) to downstream users, tasks, or services

Manually changing permissions for publication

Moving assets to participants performing the next task in the workflow. (Creating unique deliverables in an accessible location, e.g., a transcode required only for the next task, is OK.)

Fast indexing of media assets, with or without AI

Bucket-to-bucket movement of files for cost optimization across cloud tiers

Using an organization or team identity to access cloud media/storage/services without enforcing granular access controls for individual team members

Simply using Single Sign-On or Federated Login for some services

Simply using the same login name across multiple identity management systems

Workflows relying on perimeter security

Rigid workflows using pre-determined data flows or decision making

Using video conferencing for collaboration, e.g., remote editing with multiple collaborators

An existing process, e.g., encoding, running faster now because of Moore’s law, but without it changing the process

We’re always interested in seeing examples of case studies that demonstrate any of these principles although this year we have a special interest on 3 key MovieLabs focus areas:

Implementation of Common Security Architecture for Production (CSAP) to help realize Principle 9.
Implementation of the ‘Ontology for Media Creation’ as it pertains to putting Principles 8 and 9 into practice.
Implementations of Asset or Data interchange that demonstrate interoperability in either the control plane or data plane of a workflow to help realize Principle 9.

For more information on the 2030 Showcase program and how to apply visit: www.movielabs.com/showcase-submissions. We’re looking forward to seeing your submissions for the 2030 Showcase!

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MovieLabs Announces Initial 2030 Vision Showcase Selections

Clare Plaisted — Wed, 07 Sep 2022 04:34:11 +0000

San Francisco, September 7, 2022 – MovieLabs, the technology joint venture of the major Hollywood motion picture studios, has announced the initial 2030 Vision Showcase selections that illustrate aspects of the 2030 Vision that have been implemented today. The organizations with selected cases studies are Accenture, Amazon Web Services, Dreamworks Animation, Microsoft, Overcast, Prime Focus Technologies, ProductionPro, Skywalker Sound, Sony Pictures/Sony Ci and Disney Studios Content.

The MovieLabs 2030 Showcase Program recognizes organizations in the Media & Entertainment industry that are applying emerging cloud and production technologies to actual media workflows as case studies that are aligned with the 2030 Vision Principles. These companies are advancing the industry and reinventing the media creation ecosystem and, in the process, helping realize the MovieLabs 2030 Vision’s goals of enhanced efficiency and interoperability.

Richard Berger, CEO of MovieLabs, said: “We have had a tremendous response to the first phase of our 2030 Vision Showcase Program. It was great to see so many organizations submit case studies showing how they have been putting the principles of the 2030 Vision into practice across various parts of the media supply chain including: movie and TV production, broadcast and streaming distribution, live news, live sports and even music events. We had great difficulty choosing the first ten case studies to highlight as it has become clear that the MovieLabs 2030 Vision has been embraced by the industry and so much progress is being made in so many areas. This first set of case studies is just the beginning, and we look forward to highlighting additional case studies in the future as organizations across the industry make progress implementing the MovieLabs 2030 Vision.”

Earlier this Summer organizations were invited to demonstrate how they are implementing aspects of the MovieLabs 2030 Vision and moving from “principles to practice” by submitting their case studies to the 2030 Showcase Program. Submitting organizations needed to illustrate how their examples aligned with one or more of the 10 principles of the MovieLabs 2030 Vision. MovieLabs evaluated each entry, narrowing down the initial list in time to be highlighted at the IBC Show in Amsterdam. Later this year MovieLabs will publish the selected case studies on MovieLabs.com and they may be referenced by MovieLabs at industry events, conferences and online. Additionally, select 2030 Showcase participants will be invited to present their case study at a private event with production technology leaders from across the MovieLabs studio members – Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros.

The selected case studies illustrate Principles 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8 of the MovieLabs 2030 Vision. Collectively they are a demonstration of the Vision concepts of cloud-based workflows, applications coming to the cloud storage, propagation of privileges publishing media through a workflow (instead of moving assets), archival media being used as an asset library for repurposing, a single identity system for all users in a workflow and complex media asset collections being linked through metadata.

More details on the MovieLabs 2030 Vision, the 10 key principles for the evolution of media creation and the selected Showcase participants case study names are all available on the MovieLabs website at www.movielabs.com/2030showcase.

About MovieLabs

Motion Picture Laboratories, Inc. (MovieLabs) is a non-profit technology research lab jointly run by Paramount Pictures Corporation, Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc., Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Pictures and Television, and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

MovieLabs enables member studios to work together to understand new technologies and enhance interoperability and efficiency. We help set the bar for future technology advancement and then define voluntary specifications, standards, and workflows that deliver the industry’s vision. Our goal is always to empower storytellers with new technologies that help deliver the best of future media for consumers.

For more information, please contact:

Clare Plaisted
PRComs
Tel: +1 703 300 3054
clare@prcoms.com

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MovieLabs Launches 2030 Showcase Program to Help Advance Strategic Growth in the M&E Industry

Mark Turner — Wed, 29 Jun 2022 16:54:14 +0000

San Francisco, June 29, 2022 – MovieLabs, the technology joint venture of the major Hollywood motion picture studios, has launched the 2030 Showcase Program to recognize organizations in the Media & Entertainment industry that are applying emerging cloud and production technologies to advance the industry in reinventing the media creation ecosystem and to help realize the MovieLabs 2030 Vision and its goals of enhanced efficiency and interoperability.

Organizations that can demonstrate how they are implementing aspects of the MovieLabs 2030 Vision and moving from “principles to practice” are invited to submit their case studies to the 2030 Showcase Program. Submissions that demonstrate significant alignment with the 2030 Vision will be included in the MovieLabs 2030 case studies hosted on MovieLabs.com and may be referenced by MovieLabs at events, trade shows and speeches. Additionally, select 2030 Showcase participants will also be invited to present their case study at a private event with production technology leaders from across the MovieLabs studio members – Paramount Pictures, Sony Pictures, Universal Pictures, Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery.

The MovieLabs 2030 Vision lays out 10 key principles for the evolution of media creation with which Showcase participants should be aligned with one or more:

All assets are created or ingested straight to the cloud and do not need to move.
Applications come to the media.
Propagation and distribution of assets is a ‘publish’ function.
Archives are deep libraries with access policies matching speed, availability and security to the economics of the cloud.
Preservation of digital assets includes the future means to access and edit them.
Every individual on a project is identified, verified and their access permissions efficiently and consistently managed.
All media creation happens in a highly secure environment that adapts rapidly to changing threats.
Individual media elements are referenced, tracked, interrelated and accessed using a universal linking system.
Media workflows are non-destructive and dynamically created using common interfaces, underlying data formats and metadata.
Workflows are designed around real-time iteration and feedback.

To enter in the 2030 Showcase program, interested organizations are invited to submit a short video (<5 mins) describing their work, and illustrating how it aligns with one or more of the 10 principles of the MovieLabs 2030 Vision listed above. The deadline for submissions is midnight on July 29. Entrants into this year’s 2030 Showcase program will be evaluated by MovieLabs in time to be highlighted at IBC in Amsterdam this September. Application videos should be uploaded to a file sharing/cloud service and a link to the submission emailed to ShowcaseProgram@movielabs.com. More details of the program and submission criteria are available at www.movielabs.com/2030Showcase.

Richard Berger, CEO MovieLabs, said: “Since we launched the MovieLabs 2030 Vision in 2019, we have been working with M&E businesses to share the dramatic changes the media industry is going through and explain the strategic importance of working together and investing in a unified approach to harness these emerging technologies in a way that enhances efficiency and interoperability. Many companies have incorporated the 2030 principles into their product road maps and strategic vision. The 2030 Showcase is our opportunity to highlight and recognize these companies and their progress, and to help the rest of the industry come together to build a more efficient future as we create modern global content at scale to satisfy consumer demand.”

About MovieLabs

For more information, please contact:

Clare Plaisted
PRComs
Tel: +1 703 300 3054
clare@prcoms.com

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