Welcome to the Visual Content Supply Chain!

THE BIG NEWS from ShotFlow Summit 2023...

We all know that navigating this terrain can be overwhelming. The challenges seem insurmountable, and many feel the weight of the task before them. However, I believe that you are here because you have chosen this industry as your passion. You are not likely driven by money or fame, but by a genuine love for creative production. You are the ones who refuse to settle for mundane tasks like mindlessly copying and pasting data, wondering if it's even accurate.

At ShotFlow, our mission is to transform the notion of difficulty into actionable steps. We want to empower you by providing entry points and turning your passion into a call to action. Instead of being intimidated by the vastness of the landscape, we encourage you to focus on the next 10 feet you want to conquer. Embrace the opportunity to trade up your current problems and elevate your workflow.

Over the past 11 years, I have closely observed this industry, and I have learned some valuable lessons. Initially, I had a studio-centric mindset, automating file naming and metadata tagging in Capture One. However, it soon became clear that the samples, shots, and data all belong to the brands. The studio is not an isolated entity but an integral part of a larger process, driven by the collaboration between brands and their vendors.

The complexity of the studio is a direct result of the many variables introduced by brands. An empty studio is a straightforward place until it fills up with work, which is influenced by factors beyond the studio's control. In essence, the studio is situated in the middle of a visual content supply chain, with upstream and downstream dependencies that cannot be addressed in isolation. The term "visual content supply chain" encompasses the interdependent links between key parties involved in the content creation process.

Just like carabiners connecting and overlapping, each party in the supply chain shares data, processes, and resources with another. There are no true silos. Brands and vendors share product information, the studio and vendors exchange shipping information, and the post team collaborates with the studio on retouching assets. Think of a producer standing in a physical studio but producing a shoot based on a brand's specific content rules. Everything is interconnected, making the problem seem daunting, yet solvable through an iterative approach.

To illustrate the reality of this journey, I want to share an image that resonates with many of you. It captures the essence of the visual content supply chain—spreadsheets on screens, printed shot lists, samples stacked high, and manual markups on sheets. We have all passed through this phase, and some may still find themselves immersed in it. It serves as evidence that this work is undeniably challenging, but succumbing to an all-or-nothing mindset is equally dangerous. We must avoid the belief that a single magic solution will instantly fix everything. It's tempting to fall for the hype and seek an easy way out.

Instead, let's embrace the understanding that nothing is as simple as it appears. Every object in the visual content supply chain holds depth and complexity. By scratching beneath the surface, we reveal a multitude of connections and relationships. Accurate data modeling and fostering these relationships are vital in breaking free from the current state of frustration and stagnation.

It's also important to note the visual content supply chain is not a terrain built for tourists. It requires commitment, dedication, and a genuine love for the climb. Along the way, you will encounter breathtaking peaks, only to realize that an even greater one lies just beyond. The journey is ongoing, and my team at ShotFlow is honored to be part of it, accompanying many of you in overcoming challenges and reaching new heights.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. We are loading up all the recorded sessions from our Summit 2023 here. Together, let's forge ahead, pushing boundaries and creating extraordinary visual content.

Eric Fulmer , CEO at ShotFlow

THE BUZZ in Enterprise Content Production...

???Here’s to Human Intelligence (HI)

The rapid expansion of creative operations and production teams presents both opportunities and challenges. The key takeaways from the recent Henry Stewart Events sessions last month emphasize the critical role of talent, adaptability, leadership, purpose, and collaboration in empowering creative teams. While technology and automation have their place, they are tools that enable human creativity and quality control. As the industry continues to evolve, it is essential to recognize that smart humans power this industry, and investing in their growth and well-being is key to achieving content at scale while maintaining quality and relevance.

Check out the post?here.

Chad Sanderson Addresses the Importance of High-Quality Data in the wave of AI

High-quality data is crucial for successful AI and analytics initiatives, as poor data can have detrimental effects on businesses. To address this issue, data producers should take ownership of production data and collaborate with data consumers, using API-based data contracts to support valuable use cases. This framework treats data as code, fostering conversations and collaboration around meaningful data, its semantics, usage, and importance. Data contracts, a new implementation of an old idea, have the potential to become the foundation of production-quality data, driving AI/ML, advanced analytics, and other high-value use cases in the future.

Check out the post?here.

ICP Speaks to Reducing the Carbon Footprint of Visual Assets

Check out this article from ICP exploring the growing importance of digital sustainability within the context of organizations' commitment to reducing their carbon footprint. As part of their Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) framework, companies are now disclosing their efforts to promote digital sustainability, especially during procurement processes.

While some organizations have a relatively small carbon footprint, others face significant challenges in this area. Interestingly, within the content ecosystem, visual assets such as photos, images, videos, and related media contribute significantly to carbon emissions compared to text-based content.

To address this issue, Rahel Anne Bailie ???? ???? ???? provides valuable insights in our article, outlining over a dozen considerations for effectively reducing the carbon impact of visual assets. By implementing these strategies, organizations can significantly lighten the environmental weight associated with their visual content.

Check out the post?here.

Pixelz Presents Top 30 E-Commerce Photo Studio Professionals 2023 - “People’s Choice” Voting Is Open!

Pixelz Inc received over 70 nominations from around the world for the "Top 30 E-Commerce Photo Studio Professionals 2023" award. Vote for your favorite nominees for the "People's Choice" Award. Each person can vote for up to 5 nominees. The winner of the "People's Choice" will be announced along with the Top 30 finalists on June 29th.

Check out the post?here.

UX Content Writer Shares the Importance of QC

"A great example as to why it's important for writers, editors, and proofreaders to check designs and development before they're published ??

[not my photo, just needed to share]"

Check out the post?here.