A new paper that we will expand into our next book…
Apple AI stresses privacy with synthetic and anonymised data
Apple is taking a new approach to training its AI models – one that avoids collecting or copying user content from iPhones or Macs. According to a recent blog post, the company plans to continue to rely on synthetic data (constructed data that is used to…
Hyperautomation’s Next Frontier – How Businesses Can Stay Ahead
Even though hyperautomation is not yet so popular among enterprises, it is already rapidly evolving from just process automation into an interconnected, intelligent ecosystem powered by AI, machine learning (ML), and robotic process automation (RPA). Does it motivate businesses to implement these solutions? Most likely. According…
Tony Hogben, Immersive Studio Lead at Pfizer Digital Omnichannel Services & Solutions (OSS) – Interview Series
Tony Hogben is the Immersive Studio Lead at Pfizer Digital Omnichannel Services & Solutions (OSS). Pfizer Digital Omnichannel Services & Solutions (OSS) is at the forefront of transforming how Pfizer connects with patients, healthcare providers and professionals worldwide. Through innovative digital strategies, cutting-edge technology, and data-driven…
Is Your Data Storage Strategy AI-Ready?
The adoption of AI has caused an increased need for proper data governance, and companies are now under pressure to ensure data maturity. Globally, many companies are either using or exploring AI, with over 82% actively leveraging or considering AI for business operations. Yet, according to…
Next Level CSS Styling for Cursors
Custom cursors with CSS are great, but we can take things to the next level with JavaScript. Using JavaScript, we can transition between cursor states, place dynamic text within the cursor, apply complex animations, and apply filters.
Next Level CSS Styling for Cursors originally published on CSS-Tricks,…
Franklin.TV Powers Multi-Format Broadcasts with Facilis HUB16 Server and DaVinci Resolve
Facilis’s recent article highlights Franklin.TV and Franklin Public Radio, and how they serve the 34,000 residents of Franklin, Massachusetts, with a full-spectrum community media operation. Founded in 2012, the organization started in a modest trailer and has since grown into a 5,000-square-foot multimedia facility complete with two TV studios, two radio studios, and even a professional kitchen set for culinary shows. Executive Director Peter Fasciano, a veteran of the broadcast industry, has overseen this transformation and continues to push for innovation across both television and radio.
Their media production demands are high, often generating up to 500 programs annually, which range from local interview shows to podcast-ready radio features. To keep this complex operation organized and efficient, Franklin.TV relies on a Facilis HUB16 server with 96TB of storage, directly connected to multiple Dell workstations running Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve. These systems handle everything from multi-cam TV footage and Zoom calls to full audio mastering and podcast editing. Each workstation connects via a dedicated 10Gb Ethernet line to the HUB16 for lightning-fast access to shared media.
The HUB16 also serves as a nearline archive for completed projects, allowing the lean team, just five full-time staff plus freelancers, to remain nimble while managing a heavy workload. The production team uses a streamlined “strip production” approach, recording up to five shows in one sitting and editing them over time for staggered release. Facilis has proven to be a rock-solid storage solution, and as Fasciano puts it, “We don’t have full-time IT—Facilis just works.” With scalable storage, strong support, and reliable uptime, Facilis helps Franklin.TV do more with less while delivering professional-quality community programming.
Learn more about Facilis below:
DolphinGemma: Google AI model understands dolphin chatter
Google has developed an AI model called DolphinGemma to decipher how dolphins communicate and one day facilitate interspecies communication. The intricate clicks, whistles, and pulses echoing through the underwater world of dolphins have long fascinated scientists. The dream has been to understand and decipher the patterns…
How Virtual Production with LED Walls Is Revolutionizing Filmmaking and Cutting Costs
A recent post on True View Inc.’s LinkedIn explains how virtual production is rapidly reshaping the film industry, offering stunning visuals, real-time environments, and major cost savings. By combining high-resolution LED video walls with powerful real-time rendering engines like Unreal Engine, filmmakers can now create immersive digital worlds without the need for expensive on-location shoots.
Why Virtual Production Is Disrupting Traditional Filmmaking
Traditional film production often runs into costly roadblocks, including:
- High expenses for location shooting
- Weather-related delays
- Travel and logistics for large crews
- Long and expensive post-production VFX work
Virtual production solves these challenges by bringing the environment to the studio. Productions like House of the Dragon and Star Trek: Strange New Worlds are already showcasing how this tech can deliver cinematic quality while dramatically reducing overhead.
How LED-Powered Virtual Sets Work
The setup is both cutting-edge and efficient:
- LED Panels: Wraparound high-resolution LED walls create dynamic backgrounds.
- Real-Time Rendering: Engines like Unreal Engine generate environments that update instantly.
- Camera Tracking: Physical camera movements are synced with the digital background for seamless perspective.
- In-Camera VFX: Visual effects are captured live, reducing the need for post-production.
The Cost-Cutting Benefits of Virtual Production
While the initial setup requires investment, the long-term financial benefits are game-changing:
- Shoot multiple virtual “locations” in a single day
- Eliminate weather delays and reduce scheduling risks
- Cut down travel and accommodation expenses
- Speed up post-production timelines
What was once limited to big-budget studios is now becoming accessible to indie filmmakers, thanks to rental studios and more affordable virtual production tools.
Strategic Use for Maximum Impact
Many productions now adopt a hybrid approach, using virtual sets for key scenes while incorporating traditional location shoots when necessary. This strategic blend balances creative vision with cost efficiency.
The Future of Film: Big Stories, Smaller Budgets
Virtual production is empowering storytellers of all scales to do more with less, allowing more budget to go toward talent and creativity, not logistics. As the technology continues to evolve, expect to see more ambitious, visually stunning films made faster and more affordably than ever before.
ChatGPT got another viral moment with ‘AI action figure’ trend
ChatGPT’s image generation feature has sparked a new wave of personalised digital creations, with LinkedIn users leading a trend of turning themselves into action figures. The craze began picking up momentum after the viral Studio Ghibli-style portraits sees users sharing images of themselves as boxed dolls…