What do you do if you're an executive in animation and want to thrive in the digital age?

Stay abreast of emerging technologies and trends shaping the animation industry, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and real-time rendering. Invest in tools and software that enhance creativity, streamline production processes, and improve collaboration.

Don't sweat it. Advances in technology arrive all the time. Don't try and learn all the new tools and techniques, that is not your job. You do need to understand what new programs can do and how they can facilitate the work. However, animation is and always has been about story-telling and visual entertainment. Tell your story, create your story boards and support your technicians to bring it to life.

Stay up to date with the latest tech in animation. Learn how new tools can make work easier and improve quality. Explore CGI, motion capture, and virtual reality advancements. Using these technologies keeps your studio innovative for modern storytelling.

"Be willing to learn new skills and adapt to changes in the industry. Understand how to use digital marketing strategies to promote and distribute your content. Build a strong network within the animation industry to stay connected and informed about industry trends and opportunities."

If you're an executive in animation aiming to thrive in the digital age, embracing technology is essential. Digital Production Tools: Invest in digital tools and software for animation production. Interactive Content: Explore interactive storytelling formats enabled by technology, such as virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), to engage audiences in new and immersive ways. Data Analytics: Leverage data analytics to understand audience preferences and trends. Digital Distribution: Embrace online streaming platforms and digital distribution channels to reach a global audience. User-generated Content: Engage with fans and encourage user-generated content through social media and online communities.

Stay tuned to trends. As an executive, know what's up in the market. Understand what people like, platform changes, and popular content. This helps your company stay relevant and competitive.

Follow the vloggers. They are in the trenches doing the research for you on what's happening. Do a basic Youtube search to find ones that you like. And the algorithms will lead you to others that can be just as useful if not better. And then just follow your nose to what's new and available. Nowadays especially is a great time to discover better software that is less expensive and that can improve your workflow tremendously. Also, as trends happen audiences become conditioned to see certain types of animation. Figure animation is not something that you should be doing today. But generative-ai-based animation is becoming very normalized today. So as animators we have to learn and adapt in order to survive. Be open and curious.

Strengthen your team's skills. Encourage ongoing learning through workshops, online courses, or events. Foster growth to keep your productions innovative.

Without a solid foundation failure is much more likely in the digital space. I truly believe the first step in monetizing your time online is to invest in yourself years in advance.

Don't think too much I believe in unity for a vision productivity investment efforts no politics that makes any buisness successful

Encourage creativity—it's crucial. Create a space where new ideas are valued. Urge your team to take risks and think outside the box. This attracts talent and leads to standout content.

Connect with your audience—it's crucial. Use social media, interactive platforms, and feedback to build a community around your content. This helps you understand what viewers like, creating engaging content that keeps their attention.

I have had a 17+ years career in tech. But have recently ventured into VFX company. Completely new, but one skill that was transferable from my previous experience is fostering and building new connections in this space. We are all on the inception point of AI and its implications. I'm optimistic its going to be a boon to the VFX industry, make the artists efficient and elevate their quality of work. Networking with thought leaders in this space, assures me we can collaborate and ideate together to build something better!

To thrive as an animation executive in the digital age, I prioritize staying updated on technology and trends, expanding our digital presence, fostering collaboration, nurturing creativity and innovation, investing in talent development, and diversifying revenue streams.