Author: Joe D’Amato, Senior Solutions Architect, CDW Canada
As the senior solutions architect for media and entertainment for CDW in Canada, I get to help a myriad of studios overcome issues and plan innovative solutions across render, storage and other infrastructure. During my 22 year career working at visual effects and animation companies, I’ve had first-hand experience with both the opportunities and challenges posed by emerging technologies. As digital transformation continues across the media and entertainment industry, I’ve noticed many studios struggling to take advantage of modern production practices made possible by rapidly advancing technology. While traditional production approaches and rendering methods may be tried and true, they often prevent studios from reaching their full creative potential, while simultaneously limiting access to new, cost-saving approaches.
In this series of blogs, I’d like to provide my insights on five key trends shaping the future of our industry and tips to help you prepare to proactively pursue innovation and derive more value from your workflows. This series includes:
Real-Time Rendering: The Next Evolution in Previsualization
This blog will focus on the emergence of virtualized sets as a replacement for traditional green screen methodologies. Already in use for big name films and shows, virtualized sets offer improved flexibility, faster production timelines and cost savings. Click here to learn more about virtual sets and see how to start planning for adopting them into your production.
Cloud vs. on-premises services: A hybrid approach
Like many industries, movie studios are considering whether to utilize on-premises technology or leverage cloud environments. This blog takes a close look at the benefits and challenges of cloud and why many studios are taking a hard look at a hybrid cloud approach to achieve cost-efficient workflow improvement. Click here to learn more about how hybrid cloud can give you the best of both worlds.
RAM and disk space requirements addressed through process improvement
Increasing resolutions are pushing RAM and disk space to the limit. This blog will provide insights into how some key process improvements can help prevent hardware requirements, resource consumption and footprints from spiralling out of control. Click here to see how to keep high-resolution rendering requirements in check.
GPU rendering gains momentum
GPU rendering has taken the M&E industry by storm in recent years. This blog will focus on why GPUs have grown in popularity, the pros and cons of GPUs vs. CPUs and guidance around adopting GPU rendering capabilities into your workflows. Click here to see how GPUs can change your rendering workflow.
Employing AI to help manage enormous amounts of data
As studios approach 15,000 core render farms, the complexity and scale of the datasets that need to be analyzed to effectively track and manage resources become overwhelming. This blog will discuss the rise of AI solutions designed to optimize production workflows and provides tips on choosing the right AI vendor. Click here to learn about the vital role AI will play in your rendering operations in the near future.
Learn more about CDW’s solutions for the Media and Entertainment industry.
