20 BRIDGING THE POSSIBLE
SMPTE President Renard T Jenkins talks to Michael Burns about the technologies with the potential to transform our industry and the need to move beyond buzzwords when it comes to affecting long-term change
”I see SMPTE as the bridge between the probable and the possible for our industry,” says SMPTE President Renard T Jenkins. “We are the science behind the art and science of content creation, a group of individuals who come together as a collective to make it possible for creatives to bring their visions to fruition. I think it’s an incredible position to be in and an awesome role to play.” As well as presiding over the society, Jenkins is Senior Vice President of Production Integration & Creative Technology Services at Warner Bros. Discovery, and more than 35 years in the industry has not dulled his enthusiasm for innovation. Take machine learning and artifi cial intelligence, one of the big talking points at IBC this year: Jenkins is excited about its impact on every aspect of the production pipeline. “From development through physical
production to postproduction and distribution, I believe this technology has the ability to help our industry advance,” he says. “There are so many possibilities, such as automated transcriptions and subtitling, visual effects and animation, real-time analytics, biometric audience, data and so much more.
“That said, I feel we need to make sure that we see this technology as a tool, and not as an entity. The human and computer interaction is key to success in the space for the long term. I’m concerned when I hear or see plans to develop unmonitored generative workfl ow processes that do not require human interaction and inspection before deployment and implementation. I’m also very concerned about the ethical development of this technology, and its potential use in our industry and beyond.”
Another hot topic at IBC is virtual production and immersive workfl ows. As well as more standardisation and interoperability, Jenkins feels there’s also a need for more training and more opportunities to innovate within the space: “That’s where SMPTE’s Rapid Industry Solution initiative is providing a service, contributing to the adoption of various protocols and procedures,” he says.
YOUNG MINDS Jenkins was introduced to SMPTE at university by his professor, sparking a lifelong interest in production technology and standards. So how do we persuade young people today, particularly
Renard T Jenkins, President, SMPTE
from currently under-represented groups, to provide the technical roles our industry needs? Jenkins feels that it is all about exposure to the various careers that support productions, those listed as “below the line”.
“Representation, inclusion, accessibility, diversity and equity are more than just news cycle buzzwords”
“SMPTE is in the midst of a worldwide university tour, and we are purposefully seeking to connect with schools with whom we do not have an established relationship,” he says. “Our goal is to provide awareness and exposure to under-represented groups around the world about these lucrative careers that allow you to explore your creativity and your technical prowess.” As the fi rst African American to serve as SMPTE President in the organisation’s 100-year history, Jenkins is well-placed to comment on, or criticise, the M&E industry’s journey to a more inclusive, diverse workforce. “In some regions, there has been signifi cant advancements. However, in some of the most developed areas of our globe there’s
been more performative actions and no real transformative actions that positively impact our industry,” he observes. “Representation, inclusion, accessibility, diversity and equity are more than just news cycle buzzwords. Just talking about it or putting an under-represented person in your blog or company newsletter during their particular recognition month during the year is not going to move the ball down the fi eld. There has to be action behind the words and the right people with the right heart for this work positioned and empowered to affect long- term sustainable change.”
“The fact that I am still the only person who looks like me in a lot of the meetings that I have to attend makes me feel that we still have work to do,” he continues. “SMPTE has established the Global Inclusion Working Group; we are working to be more inclusive in every aspect and action of the society. I applaud those who are working hard every day to make this change a reality in our industry and those who truly support them. I stand arm in arm with them and will continue to try and make a difference.”
Renard T Jenkins is President of SMPTE, one of IBC’s owners. Visit the society throughout the show on the partnership pavilion in Hall 8.
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