One hundred and eighteen films from 48 countries were screened as part of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) last month. What a grand way to close the curtain on another beautiful year! DIFF has grown from strength to strength over the years, and we are happy to have been part of this growth since […]
One hundred and eighteen films from 48 countries were screened as part of the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) last month. What a grand way to close the curtain on another beautiful year! DIFF has grown from strength to strength over the years, and we are happy to have been part of this growth since the event took its first baby steps 11 years ago
Among topics piquing the interest of Dubai Film Forum attendees this year was digital storytelling, and the impact of new technologies and platforms on content creation. I had the pleasure of moderating a panel on this topic. As a panellist from European broadcaster ZDF pointed out, broadcasters are no longer the gatekeepers of content. Platforms such as YouTube, Vimeo and Facebook among others now give content creators the opportunity to display their work.
Panellist Philip Alberstat, branded content expert and COO of LA-based firm Contend, explained how his company had successfully used website visitor profile data to create specific branded content. He cited the example of a web series his company had created for Lexus on people who had invented something, and how one video had received 32 million hits.
The availability of platforms such as YouTube and Facebook to showcase work without relying on any external entity has clearly given rise to a new breed of entrepreneurs. Another panellist, Diana Baddar, Head of Partnerships at YouTube, MENA, commented that two hours of video is uploaded to YouTube from this region every minute.
The potential of online platforms and websites to generate an even larger audience cost-effectively has given rise to entrepreneurs like panellist Dinesh Lalvani, a Dubai-bred techie. Lalvani established Growl Media, a company that creates apps and webisodes. He is now looking to integrate print with augmented reality, apps and other online platforms for children his prime target audience so they can genuinely enjoy a rich and immersive user experience.
All of these panellists are part of an emerging business ecosystem that will give rise to a new generation of entrepreneurs. Theres no greater way to start the new year than with such uplifting stories of innovation and I believe we will hear more on this topic at IBC Content Everywhere, which will run from January 20-22. I wish all of you a happy 2015.
