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VISUAL CREATORS
For your artistic side.

🐠 Dive into 2024 Ocean Art Winners! 🌊

The Story: The 2024 Ocean Art Underwater Photo Contest has crowned Eduardo Labat's stunning photo, "Dancing White Tips," as Best in Show. This extraordinary black-and-white shot features white-tip reef sharks gracefully navigating the waters of Roca Partida, Mexico. The competition highlighted the talent from over 90 countries, showcasing the need for ocean conservation through breathtaking visual storytelling.

The Details:

• Eduardo Labat's award-winning photo captures white-tip reef sharks in a mesmerizing ballet, taken at a depth of 25 feet near Roca Partida, Mexico.

• This year's contest saw record participation, with thousands of entries showcasing marine life and the fragility of underwater ecosystems.

• The competition highlighted 14 categories, including macro, conservation, and underwater fashion, allowing a wide range of creativity and artistry.

• Over $60,000 in prizes were awarded, including luxury dive trips and top-tier underwater photography gear, encouraging further exploration.

• Ocean Art aims to draw attention to marine conservation efforts by showcasing the beauty of ocean life, reminding viewers of their responsibility in protecting it.

Why It Matters: Labat's winning image and the overall contest convey a powerful message about the beauty and vulnerability of our oceans. Given the growing environmental challenges facing marine ecosystems, this annual competition not only celebrates artistic achievement but also serves as a rallying call for underwater conservation. It galvanizes passionate photographers and audiences alike, encouraging all to appreciate and safeguard the treasures of the underwater world.

PRODUCTION MASTERY
The commercial aspects of creativity.

🎥 Corbet Defends AI in 'The Brutalist' Controversy

The Story: “The Brutalist,” directed by Brady Corbet, is facing a firestorm of criticism after editor Dávid Jancsó revealed that AI technology was used to enhance the Hungarian dialogue of stars Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones. Jancsó utilized AI-driven tools from the Ukrainian company Respeecher to refine the actors' pronunciations, claiming this method preserved the essence of their performances while ensuring authenticity in language.

The Details:

• Editor Dávid Jancsó clarified that the AI was used exclusively for Hungarian dialogue, allowing for corrections in vowels and letters, while English dialogue remained unchanged.

• Amid the backlash, Jancsó emphasized the necessity of AI in post-production, stating the extensive Hungarian dialogue required a more efficient approach that would otherwise prolong the editing process.

• Corbet defended the use of technology, arguing that it didn’t diminish the actors' hard work and collaborative efforts, but aimed to refine their performances in a foreign language.

• Interestingly, Jancsó noted that AI usage in film isn’t new; Respeecher has been employed in other notable projects like “Obi-Wan Kenobi” to recreate the voices of iconic characters accurately.

• Despite the outrage, the director maintained that every aspect of “The Brutalist” highlights human creativity and collaboration, building on traditional craftsmanship.

Why It Matters: The backlash against “The Brutalist” exemplifies the hot-button issue of AI in filmmaking, raising critical questions about artistic integrity and authenticity. As creative professionals navigate an increasingly AI-driven landscape, the controversy serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between leveraging technology and preserving the human touch in storytelling. This discussion is especially pertinent as AI continues to evolve and proliferate in various industries, compelling creatives to examine ethical boundaries. Insights from this debate could inform future practices and leadership stances within the creative community, shaping how technology is integrated into artistry moving forward.

CREATOR ECONOMY
Navigating the digital creative world.

📱 TikTok Saved By…Trump?

The Story: After a brief outage, TikTok is back online in the U.S. thanks to President-elect Donald Trump’s assurance that he would delay enforcement of a ban intended to address national security concerns tied to its Chinese ownership. The app's restoration brings relief to its vast user base and the businesses reliant on it.

The Details:

• TikTok ceased operations in the U.S. after a new law mandated its Chinese parent company, ByteDance, to divest or face a ban, but resumed operations following reassurances from Trump.

• Trump announced he would issue an executive order post-inauguration to delay enforcement of the law, promising no liability for companies supporting TikTok's operations during the grace period.

• TikTok's CEO expressed gratitude to Trump, emphasizing their willingness to collaborate with him for a long-term solution to keep the app active in the U.S.

• Although the app is back, its long-term existence remains uncertain due to ongoing pressure from lawmakers advocating for a complete severance from Chinese control.

• Trump’s previous attempt to ban the app has now turned into a campaign strategy as he looks to maintain support from the app’s youthful user base.

Why It Matters: TikTok's rollercoaster ride showcases the intertwining of politics and technology, particularly as it relates to the young and digitally savvy American market. Trump's pivot from potential ban to support reflects an understanding of the app's cultural impact and influence on young voters, making it crucial for creative professionals who utilize the platform for outreach and engagement. Its swift restoration underscores the volatile landscape of social media regulation, highlighting the importance of staying informed and adaptable in a rapidly evolving digital environment.

🔥 Press Worthy

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

Canon's new Live Switcher Mobile app allows live streaming from up to three iPhones or iPads, but, oddly, it won’t connect to any Canon digital cameras—functionality is expected later. Despite 720p quality and ads, the app targets budding influencers wanting ease over complexity.

Meta's new video editing app, Edits, aims to fill the vacuum left by CapCut's absence in the U.S. With a suite of creative tools and seamless Instagram integration, it targets both novice and professional creators, emphasizing high-quality production and real-time analytics.

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

Netflix has officially added the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF to its prestigious approved camera list, joining other Blackmagic models. The camera boasts a full-frame sensor, 16 stops of dynamic range, and features like built-in ND filters, enhancing its utility for serious filmmakers.

Hollywood's music scene is in crisis, warns Peter Rotter, a veteran orchestra contractor. He urges the community to rally and support a beleaguered infrastructure facing potential collapse. Post-COVID and strike-induced migration threaten Los Angeles' vibrant scoring legacy, driving creatives to seek opportunities elsewhere.

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

Big Tech is poised to poach TikTok creators as fears of a ban remain. Companies like Snap are ramping up outreach with campaigns to lure users while Substack dangles cash incentives for original content. It's a rapid reshuffle in social media's creator landscape.

Berlin-based dev Sebastian Vogelsang is launching Flashes, a new photo-sharing app linked with Bluesky. It allows users to share four photos and one-minute videos per post, targeting those hesitant about traditional social networks. Expect an open beta soon!

📚 Learn & Grow

📽️ VISUAL CREATORS

• Stop Ignoring Job Boards: Upwork & Fiverr Aren’t Dead!

• How a course for law students uses art museums to teach them how to present arguments

📈 PRODUCTION MASTERY

• 3 Feature Films To Develop Right Now

• ‘I don’t like being revered’: Brian Eno on art, AI, and why he hates talking about David Bowie

🎭 CREATOR ECONOMY

• An information dark age is upon us. I’m logging off.

• AI Company Aims to Remove Photographers and Models From Fashion