15 December 2011
During the annual Mindshare Media Summit that was held at the Address Dubai Marina Hotel on November 1st 2011, attended by a number of executives from large multinational media groups, communication and advertising agencies, a panel session was held to debate the future of digital media, opportunities and challenges, and the impact of technology on TV content. Participating in this panel was Mazen Hayek, Group Director of PR & Commercial/official Spokesman of MBC Group, and Jonathan Howlett, SVP International Sales at BBC Worldwide. The panel was moderated by Greg Brooks, Content Strategy Director at C Squared.
Tackling this issue at the panel, Mazen Hayek started by stressing on the importance of investing in content, both traditional and new (digital), elevating it to world-class standards, and delivering it to the viewers and Arab readers across various platforms, whether they be fixed, mobile or interactive platforms. He further added that the challenge lies in expanding the advertising market in the MENA region and developing it, noting that the total annual regional ad spend is approximately 1% of total worldwide ad spend, and therefore perceives a potential to double the size of the market in comparison with the already economically and technologically advanced markets.
This in return will provide the necessary capabilities to invest in content that is of high quality, nurture human resources and talents while building knowledge economies, to eventually benefit companies and individuals working within the content industry.
In conclusion, Hayek stressed that advertising is the backbone of information in all its forms, and that TV will remain the main source of entertainment and information- as well as education in the region, pointing to the role that new media plays, and confirming that content remains as the pedestal, wherever and however displayed: on screen, on mobile, online, in print or any other platform and device.
8 December 2011
GlobeCast announces today the expansion of its satellite capacity over Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) with a new Ku-band platform on the Yamal-201 satellite. Offering significant opportunities to penetrate the cable market throughout the CIS, GlobeCast’s capacity provides full coverage of this area to regional and international channels.
Uplinked from Moscow, and located at 90°E, GlobeCast’s distribution platform on Yamal-201 will offer FTA (Free-to-Air) or encrypted channels very wide coverage from Eastern Europe to east of Japan, and from North China up to Siberia.
The satellite has been live since 2003 and boasts more than 70 diverse prime Russian and regional programs, with 90 percent penetration of cable operators and a potential reach of more than 16 million cable homes.
With this new platform GlobeCast is once again showing its commitment to offering premium services to broadcasters in this growing region.
8 December 2011
Vizrt Ltd., a leading supplier of production tools to the digital media industry, announced today that the Company has signed an agreement with a Central European Production Company worth approximately 280,000 USD.
The contract with Vizrt will allow the production company to produce a weather show, driven by Vizrt graphics software. Viz Engine will be used to produce real time HD content. Dynamic 3D content will be designed using Viz Artist. Viz Content Pilot will drive live, pre and post-production as a Character Generator (CG).
6 December 2011
Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) has joined forces with Abu Dhabi media and entertainment hub twofour54 to provide HCT students with opportunities to develop skills and careers in the local media industry, with the recent signing of a Memorandum of Agreement.
The agreement was signed by Dr. Tayeb Kamali, Vice Chancellor of the Higher Colleges of Technology and Mr Tony Orsten, CEO of twofour54. As part of the parties commitment to developing the media skills of HCT students they will work closely to establish a dedicated twofour54 lab at the HCT Abu Dhabi Mens College campus.
The parties will also collaborate on major HCT events such as the Festival of Thinkers and Education without Borders international conferences, and twofour54 will provide internship opportunities for HCT students with twofour54 and its partner community. Furthermore, twofour54 will run a series of workshops and industry development events at the HCT campuses and at the twofour54 facilities.
HCT Vice Chancellor Dr Tayeb Kamali said the innovative lab would greatly assist applied media students to hone their skills. The Higher Colleges of Technology is proud to provide cutting-edge, student-centred and relevant technologies and education practices, such as this lab, to prepare its graduates for in-demand careers in this increasingly globalised economy, Dr Kamali said.
With this partnership we are developing graduates with the knowledge, skills and confidence to contribute effectively for the 21st Century and to reach their full potential, Dr Kamali added.
twofour54 CEO Tony Orsten said the proposed media lab was about forming a creative and professional partnership with HCT to engage local youth in the burgeoning local media industry. We want to connect with the youth and ignite their passion for media. This agreement reflects our commitment to developing world class Arabic media and entertainment content by stimulating local talent and creating professional opportunities for them here, Mr Orsten said.
We are delighted to be working with HCT, combining our joint expertise and skills, to develop Emirati students for a successful career in the media industry.
As part of the agreement, twofour54 will become a founding member of the HCT Foundations HCT 100, which will enable it to be involved in a number of future HCT events.
twofour54’s vision is to enable the development of world class Arabic media and entertainment content, by Arabs for Arabs, and to position Abu Dhabi as a regional centre of excellence in content creation across all media platforms including film, broadcast, music, digital media, events, gaming and publishing.
1 December 2011
Vizrt Ltd., a leading supplier of production tools to the digital media industry, announced today that a major central European production company has entered into a 600.000 contract with Vizrt.
The deal includes upgrades, both hardware and software, which will allow the clients production facility to produce real-time HD content using Viz Engine 3.5. Viz Content Pilot will allow producers to create content throughout the facility. Viz Trio will be used as a character generator (CG) for live events in the studio and in OB vans.
About Vizrt:
Vizrt offers a new vision for content creation and delivery with an end-to-end solution from ingest to visualization. Our solution combines Vizrts true 2D/3D graphics tools with Curious Softwares World Maps and Ardendos Asset Management. Running on non proprietary software, the combination of these unique cutting edge products ensures a seamless workflow from conception to multi-format distribution. The latest addition to the Vizrt product suite is Viz|3G for hand held devices.
Vizrts product suite is used by the worlds leading broadcasters including: CNN, CBS, Fox, BBC, Sky, ITN, ZDF, Star TV, TV Today, CCTV and NHK. Also, many world-class production houses and corporate institutions, including both the New York and London Stock Exchanges, utilize Vizrt solutions.
