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Arrival Appoints Industry Veteran Kristofor Mellroth as Senior Vice President and Head of Co-Development

LOS ANGELES, CA - Arrival, the premier game creative and co-development partner for global properties and platforms, today announced the appointment of AAA industry veteran Kristofor Mellroth as Senior Vice President, Head of Co-development. This strategic addition to Arrival’s executive leadership team further cements the studio’s position as the definitive destination for world-class production partnerships and elite-level game development.

In his new role, Mellroth will oversee the overarching strategy, operations, and execution of Arrival’s global co-development pipelines. With more than two decades of demonstrated experience managing large-scale, distributed teams and delivering critically acclaimed blockbuster franchises in his previous roles at Xbox, Mellroth will be instrumental in scaling Arrival’s engineering, technical services, art, and design capabilities to meet the complex demands of the changing game development landscape.

Reporting directly to President Paul Lipson, Mellroth will ensure that Arrival continues to seamlessly partner with the world’s leading publishers and developers, providing robust, scalable, and uncompromising development support and bandwidth.

“Bringing Kristofor to Arrival is a massive milestone for us and a clear signal of our commitment to development partners and publishers worldwide,” said Lipson. “His expertise and deep, intuitive understanding of what partners need to succeed make him the perfect leader for our continued growth and expansion. Kristofor will radically advance our deep collaborative capability and support the most ambitious experiences across every platform and screen.”

“Arrival is a leader in audio co-development and I believe now is the time to expand our capabilities. There is a big opportunity to help solve challenges developers and publishers face every day in their quest to deliver exciting and memorable games,” said Mellroth. “I have admired Arrival’s commitment to creative excellence through partnerships with some of the world’s best game makers. We share a passion for building highly skilled teams and I am here to create integrated partnerships that empower the best developers in the world to push the boundaries of gaming.”

Mellroth’s appointment follows a period of rapid momentum and strategic growth for Arrival, underscoring the company’s trajectory as a powerhouse of creative talent and technical expertise. As the games industry continues to embrace distributed development models, Arrival remains uniquely positioned to deliver the integrated, top-tier partnerships required to produce generation-defining content.

For more information about Arrival, its co-development services, and available career opportunities at its global studios, please visit:

www.arrivalgc.com

About Arrival:

Arrival, the dedicated gaming division of Streamland Media, is the premier game creative and co-development partner for global properties and platforms. Comprised of industry veterans and visionary creators, Arrival provides world-class development, audio, narrative, and creative services to the world’s leading game publishers and developers. With a commitment to excellence and innovation, Arrival helps bring the most ambitious interactive experiences to every screen and platform.

About Streamland Media:

Streamland Media is a global post-production company delivering picture, VFX, sound, and marketing services through its well-established industry brands. The company supports feature film, episodic, interactive, and emerging forms of entertainment by providing top-tier talent, technical expertise, and customized solutions. Headquartered in Los Angeles, Streamland Media operates multiple locations worldwide, focused on meeting the unique needs of content creators.

Other World Computing Introduces OWC Stack AI – The World’s First Thunderbolt 5 AI Accelerator and Storage Hub That Lets Users “Own Their AI”

New Thunderbolt 5 AI accelerator enables businesses, developers, and researchers to run larger AI models locally with faster performance, lower cost, and on-prem privacy and security

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (May 21, 2026) Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced OWC Stack AITM, the world’s first Thunderbolt 5 TM AI accelerator and storage hub designed to help businesses, developers, researchers, and power users run larger AI models and workflows locally on select Windows and Linux PCs and laptops with Mac support planned for future release. OWC Stack AI will be demonstrated for the first time at COMPUTEX TAIPEI, in OWC Booth R1002, 4F, Nangang Hall 2.

Businesses today are adding more and more AI models across their operations so quickly that a lot of the hardware assets businesses already own are starting to hit a wall trying to keep up. As a result, many organizations end up stuck choosing between sending sensitive data offsite and paying ongoing cloud AI costs, or trying to run AI locally and discovering their existing hardware simply can’t handle it. OWC Stack AI fixes this by expanding the amount of effective AI working memory available to existing PCs and laptops, allowing them to run much larger AI models locally than their onboard GPU memory would normally support. OWC Stack AI helps existing PCs and laptops run larger AI models locally without slowing down, crashing, or running out of GPU memory. Instead of paying ongoing cloud AI fees and sending sensitive data offsite, organizations can keep AI local with better speed, privacy, security, and cost control.

“AI right now is forcing a lot of organizations into a corner. Either you keep burning tokens and paying growing cloud costs every time someone asks a question, runs a workflow, or deploys an AI agent, or you try to run larger models locally and quickly discover your existing hardware cannot keep up,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing. “What makes OWC Stack AI exciting is that it changes that equation without forcing people to rip out and replace the systems they already own. We’re giving businesses, developers, researchers, and power users a practical way to own their AI - run larger AI models locally, keep sensitive data on-prem, and take more control over the cost, speed, and privacy of their AI infrastructure.”

OWC Stack AI - Features/Benefits:

  • Cost Savings That Actually Compound - Recurring cloud AI fees stack up fast. OWC Stack AI is a one-time purchase that runs unlimited inferences and fine-tuning locally, with no per-token billing and no escalating subscriptions. One OWC Stack AI replaces ongoing cloud spend across an entire team.

  • Privacy and Security by Default - Confidential legal, financial, medical, and HR files never leave your machine. Stay compliant with NDA and security requirements without rerouting work to the cloud. Local processing means no data egress, no third-party exposure, no audit trail offsite.

  • Faster Responses to Inquiries - Stack AI runs queries at native local speeds, with no cloud roundtrips and no stalling on undersized GPUs. Thunderbolt 5 throughput keeps data moving so the accelerator stays fed.

  • Bigger Models, Longer Sessions - OWC Stack AI extends your GPU’s working memory through high-speed flash, so models and AI workflows that exceed onboard VRAM still run start to finish. Fine-tune, infer, and run multi-turn sessions on hardware that used to hit a wall.

  • Portable Across the Office, the Road, and Home - Small enough to move between desks, OWC Stack AI plugs into any Thunderbolt 5 PC or laptop with a single cable. Share it across the team, take it on the road, or bring it home. Built-in upgradeable storage and downstream Thunderbolt 5 and USB ports keep work flowing wherever the box lands.

OWC Stack AI works with numerous ecosystem AI agents and applications, including OpenClaw at launch. Additional models will expand over time as the platform matures, letting teams plug Stack AI into the workflows they already use rather than building around new software.

OWC Stack AI is planned for later this year. For further information and to sign up to receive product updates, please visit https://www.owc.com/solutions/stack-ai.

Hensgens Pairs Airglow & LiteMat on Cannes 2026 Premiering L’Affaire Marie-Claire

Jean-François Hensgens, AFC, SBC, (Tueurs, Six Days in Spring, Le Fil) brings his signature visual approach to Cannes 2026 premiering biopic L’Affaire Marie-Claire, starring Charlotte Gainsbourg and Cécile de France. The 1970s-set drama centers on lawyer and activist Gisèle Halimi and her landmark case defending young Marie-Claire Chevalier (Saul Benchetrit)—a trial that would pave the way for abortion rights in France. With much of the action unfolding in Parisian apartments and courtrooms, Hensgens needed a versatile, elegant way to shape light from within real, multi-story locations where exterior rig options were limited. For this, he turned to DoPchoice’s Airglow booklight.

The story of Gisèle Halimi and the Chevalier women is a defining chapter in modern French feminism. A lifelong political activist, the film focuses on Halimi’s work during the trial in Bobigny when 16-year-old Marie-Claire Chevalier was accused of getting an illegal abortion after having been sexually assaulted. The three-year court case was fraught with politicization and conflict but led directly to the overturning of the country’s anti-abortion legislation.

“This film was very exciting to me; the subject is important,” explains Hensgens. “I have a daughter who is eighteen and we have discussions about abortion. Plus, it was a chance to work with a fantastic cast, including Charlotte Gainsbourg (Gisèle Halimi) and Cécile de France (Marie-Claire’s mother, Michèle Chevalier).” Produced by Gaumont, L’Affaire Marie-Claire adopts an intimate, indie-scaled approach, centered on three primary locations and a 33-day shoot. Working nimbly in the tall historic spaces yet still delivering an elegance suited to the film’s star pairing, was a top priority. Hensgens turned to a new tool: the Airglow.

The cinematographer had first encountered DoPchoice’s Airglow just weeks before production at the AFC Micro Salon 2025. Intrigued by the inflatable, booklight-style diffusion, he and gaffer Fred Vanard tested the accessory with LiteMat fixtures. “We were immediately impressed by the enveloping quality of the light,” Hensgens recalls. “The effect on Charlotte’s face won us over.” The lightweight, single accessory streamlined the set while achieving a creamy soft source using only one stand. “We knew right away with the Airglow, it would be possible.”

The combo immediately became Hensgens’ go-to for closeups. Halimi’s law office location is dominated by a big classic window. Occupying the third floor of a Parisian apartment, the crew controlled that large source by adding gels to cut incoming light. Inside the cramped set, the adroit booklight with LiteMat completed the lighting setup. “The Airglow made it possible to follow Charlotte through the apartment as the camera moved,” he explains. “Just two minutes to set up, and we could move with the actors and camera without slowing down.”

The film also depicts Halimi’s televised interviews given during the prolonged trial. The production crew staged a news station, using a 2x2 sized Airglow fit with a Snapgrid as a key just out of shot. “In the 1972 TV station I again used the Airglow to help light every one of Charlotte’s closeups. The Airglow was immediately softer and gave us that nice wrap.”

“I call the Airglow part of our internal cuisine,” says Hensgens borrowing a metaphor he first heard from renowned French cinematographer Denis Lenoir, AFC, ASC. “Like a chef chooses spices, we choose tools—lenses, filters, lighting. Airglow became an integral part the image. To see something at the Micro Salon and then five weeks later use it on set, for me that’s perfect timing. I love these Airglow products.”

L’Affaire Marie-Claire is set to premiere as a Special Screening at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, with a theatrical release planned for later this fall. To learn more about Airglow Booklight from DoPchoice: https://www.dopchoice.com/products/airglow-booklight/

Sony Electronics Accelerates High-Resolution Photography with the Alpha 7R VI

66.8-megapixel full-frame mirrorless interchangeable-lens camera offering the highest resolution and continuous shooting performance in the Alpha™ series[1]

San Diego — May 13, 2026 — Sony Electronics introduces the Alpha 7R VI, the sixth generation of its celebrated Alpha 7R series. Built on the series’ legacy of leading resolution, this full-frame mirrorless camera pairs an approximately 66.8 effective megapixel back-illuminated fully-stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS sensor with the new BIONZ XR2™ engine. The result: exceptional resolution, accurate color, and reliable performance across subjects ranging from people in motion to wildlife to expansive landscapes.

Sony also introduces the XLR-A4 XLR adaptor to expand on-camera audio capabilities for professional productions, including 32-bit float recording [2].

“The Alpha 7R series stands for image quality you can trust on screen, in print, and in the most demanding conditions. The Alpha 7R VI takes that further with the speed, intelligence, battery life, and viewfinder quality our creators have been asking for. Every decision strengthens what this series does best and makes it work harder for the people who rely on it,” said Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc.

  • Alpha 7R VI (ILCE-7RM6), mirrorless interchangeable-lens digital camera; Release date: June 2026; Price: $4.499.99 USD, $5,999.99 CAD

  • XLR-A4, XLR adaptor, Release date: June 2026; Price: $779.99 USD, $1089.99 CAD

Alpha 7R VI Product Feature video:

Alpha 7R VI Key Features:

Expanded High-Resolution Shooting

  • 66.8 MP (approximate, effective) full-frame fully-stacked Exmor RS sensor with up to 16 stops[3]of dynamic range and reduced noise in the mid-sensitivity range

  • Precise 5-axis optical image stabilization delivering up to 8.5 stops at the center and 7.0 stops at the periphery[4]

  • Auto White Balance powered by visible light and infrared (IR) sensor and deep-learning illumination estimation, for stable natural color in shaded or indoor scenes

Intelligence in Every Frame with High-Speed, High-Precision Continuous Shooting

  • BIONZ XR2 engine with integrated AI processing unit and approximately 5.6x faster sensor readout than the previous model [5], enabling blackout-free continuous shooting at up to approximately 30 fps[6] delivering up to 60 AF/AE calculations per second with AF/AE tracking

  • Real-time Recognition AF+ (Plus) with skeletal-based human pose estimation and tracking, for reliable focus on fast-moving subjects including athletes and dynamic scenes

Built for Professional Demands

  • New NP-SA100 high-capacity battery (2670 mAh) supports up to 710 still images via LCD monitor or 600 via viewfinder (CIPA standard), reducing battery changes during extended shoots[7]

  • Approximately 9.44M dot OLED viewfinder with a DCI-P3 equivalent color gamut and 10-bit HDR—maximum brightness is approximately three times higher than conventional models [5] for clear visibility in bright environments

  • Effective heat management allows uninterrupted 8K movie recording up to 120 min[8]

  • Dual USB Type-C🄬 ports for simultaneous charging and data transfer; illuminated rear buttons for low-light operation

  • Magnesium alloy for a lightweight and durable body; 4-axis multi-angle LCD monitor for flexible shooting angles; mode-dial “Memory Recall” links shooting setups to customizable buttons [9]

  • Supports Sony’s Camera Authenticity Solution, including the C2PA standard, enabling verification that still images and videos were captured with a camera (not AI-generated)

Professional Video

  • 8K 30p recording with 8.2K oversampling[10] and full frame 4K 60p and 120p recording without crop[11]

  • Dual Gain Shooting, a first in the Alpha series[12], optimizes sensor performance to reduce noise losing shadow detail for smooth gradation and wide latitude

  • Redesigned in-camera stabilization expands the roll-direction compensation range by 2x[5]; Dynamic active Mode[13] delivers smooth and steady handheld

  • 32-bit float audio internal recording in camera when paired with the XLR-A4 XLR adaptor, eliminating the need for fine adjustment on location[14]

Key Features of the XLR-A4 XLR Adaptor

  • Supports in-camera digital audio recording with up to 4-channel; XLR microphones, such as the ECM-778 (up to 2ch), and connects 3.5 mm stereo mini jack microphones (2ch stereo) via the Multi Interface (MI) Shoe

  • Dual AD converters digitize microphone signals across a wide dynamic range, capturing quiet ambience through loud action with clarity[2]

  • Records digital audio at up to 96kHz 32-bit float 4ch on compatible cameras[2], fully leveraging high-end XLR microphone quality. The 32-bit float format eliminates the need for fine gain adjustment on location, significantly reducing the risk of audio distortion[14]

  • Lower profile height design and a reinforced chassis structure compared to the XLR-K3M, supporting stable shooting across on-location scenarios

  • Supplied shoe audio extension cable allows placement up to approximately 60 cm from the camera; side routing minimizes interference with rigs and accessories

  • USB Audio Class 2.0 compatible; functions as a 96 kHz 24-bit 2ch audio interface when connected to a PC for on-site audio monitoring and editing

Optional accessories for Alpha 7R VI (sold separately)

  • Rechargeable Battery Pack NP-SA100- High-capacity battery with InfoLITHIUM functionality, delivering approximately 1.3x the power capacity of the NP-FZ100 Z-series battery. Integrates with camera power management to optimize endurance and thermal behavior. Includes an in-camera battery deterioration indicator. Available June 2026 Price: $119.99 USD, $169.99 CAD

  • Vertical Grip VG-C6- Ergonomic grip for comfortable vertical or horizontal shooting, housing up to two high-capacity SA-series batteries. Dust- and moisture-resistant construction, equivalent to the camera body. Available: June 2026 Price: $459.99 USD, $649.99 CAD

  • Battery Charger BC-SAD1- Dedicated charger for the SA-type battery NP-SA100. With a USB Power Delivery source of 45 W or higher[15], charges two batteries simultaneously in approximately 115 minutes or one battery to 80% in approximately 55 minutes and full charge in approximately 85 minutes. Displays battery pack deterioration status during charging. Available: June 2026 Price: $139.99 USD, $199.99 CAD

  • DC Coupler DC-C2- Provides stable continuous power via an external USB Power Delivery source of 100 W or higher a USB-C® to USB-C cable.[15] Available: June 2026 Price: $149.99 USD, $209.99 CAD

For main specifications and details, please visit the product websites:

Alpha 7R VI: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/interchangeab​le-le​ns-ca​meras​/full​-fram​e/p/i​lce7r​m6b ​

XLR-A4: https://electronics.sony.com/imaging/imaging-acces​sorie​s/int​ercha​ngeab​le-le​ns-ca​mera-​acces​sorie​s/p/x​lra4

Exclusive stories and exciting new content shot with the new Alpha 7R VI, XLR-A4 and Sony’s other imaging products can be found at www.alphauniverse.com, a site created to inform, educate, and inspire content creators.

Learn more about the Alpha 7R VI from the newly released in-depth course on AlphaCameraAcademy.com, a free education site for beginner creators.

Other World Computing (OWC) to Showcase Mac and PC Storage, Connectivity, and Expansion Solutions at COMPUTEX TAIPEI

Attendees to See Firsthand How OWC Ensures Professional and Prosumer Users Are Prepared for What Comes Tomorrow, While Protecting and Extending What Already Works Today

WOODSTOCK, IL (May 12, 2026) — Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced it will showcase its unrivaled roster of storage, memory, software, apps, connectivity, PCIe expansion, memory cards, and readers at next month’s COMPUTEX TAIPEI, a leading exhibition for AI and startups, taking place June 2-5, at the Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center (Halls 1 & 2) and Taipei World Trade Center (Hall 1).

Visitors to OWC Booth R1002, 4F, Nangang Hall 2 will have an opportunity to view live demos of the following OWC solutions:

OWC Storage Solutions

  • OWC Envoy Ultra First, fastest, and only certified 8TB Thunderbolt™ 5 portable SSD

  • OWC ThunderBlade X12: Fastest and highest capacity production shuttle and editing RAID SSD in the universe.

  • OWC Express 1M2 80G: Ultra-fast, compatible, and reliable portable USB4 NVMe SSD - build your own or choose ready-to-run solutions.

  • OWC Guardian: USB 3.2 (10Gb/s) hardware-encrypted bus-powered portable NVMe SSD.

  • OWC Express 4M2 Ultra: The fastest compact DIY NVMe RAID. Period.

  • OWC StudioStack: Up to 32TB of stackable Thunderbolt 5-powered storage.

OWC Shared Storage Solutions

OWC Memory (Server, Datacenter, Midrange, NAS RAM, Notebook, and PC): Upgrade the performance of nearly any laptop or desktop with OWC memory.

OWC Software & Apps

  • OWC Innergize Software: Checks card health and lifespan, updates firmware for optimal performance, fully sanitizes cards to prevent slowdowns or dropped frames, and prepares them for use with a simple pre-flight check before every shoot.

  • OWC SoftRAID 8: Ideal solution to manage your RAID arrays while delivering robust protection coupled with exceptional speed.

  • OWC MacDrive 12: One solution for complete Mac disk access on Windows.

OWC Connectivity Solutions

OWC PCIe Expansion

  • OWC Mercury Helio 5S: Powerful expansion solution that adds an external PCIe slot to your Thunderbolt 3-equipped laptop, space-constrained Mac, or Windows PC desktop.

OWC Memory Cards & Readers

Strada

Strada’s Peer-to-Peer Collaboration Platform: enables video content professionals to access, share, and review large video files stored on local drives anywhere in the world without needing to upload anything to the cloud.

“COMPUTEX is where you get a clear view of where the industry is headed, and that’s always been important to us. But just as important is making sure people have solutions that work right now, in the environments they’re already running. At OWC, we build with both in mind,” said Chris Kooistra, Vice President, Marketing, Other World Computing (OWC). “We help professionals grow their capabilities, protect what they’ve already invested in, and extend those environments without disruption. Technology keeps moving, that’s the reality, and the last thing anyone needs is to start over every time it does. So, at OWC we build solutions that will ensure you’re ready for what’s next. While, ensuring you get the most out of what you already have today.”

To learn more about COMPUTEX TAIPEI, please visit: https://www.computextaipei.com.tw/en/index.html.

Other World Computing (OWC) Expands UK Channel with M2M Direct Distribution Partnership

UK resellers and e-commerce partners gain access to OWC solutions that perform in the real world – creating more opportunity for partners and better outcomes for customers

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (May 7, 2026) Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the appointment of M2M Direct as a UK distribution partner. Effective April 6, 2026, the agreement expands OWC’s reach across the UK, making its full portfolio more accessible to specialist retailers, value-added resellers, system integrators, and e-commerce channels as part of the company’s broader European growth strategy.

For OWC, this builds on an established UK presence and pairs it with a partner that brings the reach, expertise, and execution to dramatically expand it across a highly business-critical market. For M2M Direct, it adds a high-performance portfolio that aligns with where demand is going – content creation, data-heavy environments, and AI-driven workloads that don’t leave room for compromise. For the channel, it opens the door to more opportunity – giving partners access to solutions they can confidently bring to customers, expanding what they offer and how they show up. And for end users, it simply means better access to technology that performs, scales, and keeps up with the way modern work actually gets done.

“We’re excited about this partnership because OWC brings something our partners don’t get from most vendors – a complete, high-performance ecosystem they can actually build around. This isn’t just another product line; it’s a set of solutions that solve real workflow challenges, from capture to connectivity to storage,” said Charlie Hacker, Director of Sales and Marketing, M2M Direct. “That gives our resellers the ability to have better conversations with their customers, deliver technology that performs where it matters, and ultimately create more value at every step.”

“We’ve built OWC around a simple idea – performance only matters if it shows up in the real world. What makes this partnership with M2M Direct so compelling is the alignment. They understand how to bring high-performance solutions to market the right way, and together we can reach more customers who need technology that keeps up with how they actually work,” said Harry Berner, Channel Director UK & Ireland, Other World Computing (OWC). “This is about combining strengths to deliver better outcomes – for the channel and for the end user.”

“OWC Europe has long recognized the needs of customers across the region and worked to build visibility and accessibility to our full product line. With a strong European team and established headquarters, it’s now time to ensure those who can benefit from OWC solutions have easy access to them,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing (OWC). “We’re excited about the energy, effort, and success M2M brings, alongside our broader European channel partners.”

Resellers interested in becoming OWC partners can contact M2M Direct here: sales@m2m-direct.co.uk to learn more about the OWC Deal Registration and Partner Programme.

About M2M Direct

Since 1998, M2M Direct has been delivering specialist value-added IT distribution to the channel, supporting resellers, retailers, VARs, system builders and B2B customers with world-class technology, dependable supply, and expert commercial support.

With established coverage across the UK and EMEA, we help customers source and deliver technology efficiently across multiple markets. Combining strong vendor relationships, specialist product knowledge, reliable stock holding, and responsive service, we provide a modern distribution model built around value, partnership and performance.

Other World Computing (OWC) Wins Future’s Best of Show Award, NAB 2026, Presented by TV Tech

OWC Express 4M2 Ultra Recognized for Delivering Maximum Control, Performance, and Future-Ready Scalability In Single Compact Solution

WOODSTOCK, Ill, April 22, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced its newly launched OWC Express 4M2 Ultra, the first certified Thunderbolt 5 four-slot NVMe M.2 SSD enclosure, is the recipient of Future’s Best of Show Award, presented at the 2026 NAB Show by TV Tech.

OWC Express 4M2 Ultra, built for professionals seeking the fastest DIY RAID performance in a compact design, was recognized for its ability to enable customers to install their choice of NVMe M.2 drives and configure in RAID 0, 1, 4, 5, or 10, as well as JBOD – for speeds of up to 6622MB/s. The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra’s design received additional kudos. Its solid aircraft-grade aluminum body and smart adaptive fan provide effective and quiet thermal management. A second Thunderbolt 5 port enables daisy chaining of up to five additional Thunderbolt devices, including additional Express 4M2 Ultra enclosures that can be combined into a single massive capacity volume. OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is compatible with Thunderbolt 5, 4, 3 (Mac only), and USB4 systems.

“The products nominated for the Best of Show program provide an outstanding overview of new technology on the show floor and shine a spotlight on the very best,” said the awards editorial team.

“We didn’t build the OWC Express 4M2 Ultra to check a box – we built it because creative professionals were hitting a wall with performance, flexibility, and scalability in their storage workflows. What this award really recognizes is a shift in how people need to work today: faster, more modular, and without compromise,” said Chris Kooistra, Vice President, Marketing, Other World Computing (OWC). “With Thunderbolt 5 and true DIY flexibility, OWC is giving users the power to design exactly the performance and capacity they need, and then scale it as their projects grow. That’s the difference between keeping up with modern production, and actually staying ahead of it.”

Future’s Best of Show Awards are evaluated by a panel of engineers and industry experts, and are selected based on innovation, feature set, perceived value, and application in serving the industry.

The OWC Express 4M2 Ultra is available for pre-order now, starting at $399.99 for non-SoftRAID models and $549.99 with SoftRAID. With strong, early demand at NAB, pre-orders will begin shipping in late Spring. To learn more and purchase, please visit: https://www.owc.com/solutions/express-4m2-ultra.

Blackmagic Design Announces Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 Update

New update adds camera control and monitoring with Apple Watch, support for ATEM camera control and support for Blackmagic Focus and Zoom Demands!

Fremont, CA, USA - Wednesday, April 15, 2026 - Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3, which is a new update for the software based digital film camera for iPhones. This new update adds support for camera control and monitoring using an Apple Watch, so customers can start and stop recording, and monitor the shot from their wrist. That’s great for when the iPhone is mounted out of reach. Also in this update is a new feature that adds support for ATEM camera control so the iPhone can be used as a live studio camera. Customers can even use the studio camera’s Blackmagic Focus and Zoom Demands when connected via the Blackmagic Camera ProDock. It’s like a studio camera!

Customers even get full tally and camera control as well as broadcast style lens controls over a single HDMI cable when connected to an ATEM Mini live production switcher. Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store.

The Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 update will be demonstrated on the Blackmagic Design NAB 2026 booth #N2502.

Blackmagic Camera unlocks the power of iPhones and iPads by adding Blackmagic’s digital film camera controls and image processing! Now customers can create the same cinematic ‘look’ as Hollywood feature films. Customers get the same intuitive and user friendly interface as Blackmagic Design’s award winning cameras. It’s just like using a professional digital film camera! Customers can adjust settings such as frame rate, shutter angle, white balance and ISO all in a single tap. Or, record and upload directly to Blackmagic Cloud in industry standard files up to 4K! Blackmagic Cloud lets customers collaborate on DaVinci Resolve projects with editors anywhere in the world, all at the same time!

The Blackmagic Camera Apple Watch companion app lets customers remotely control and monitor their iPhone from almost anywhere on set or on location. It’s perfect for situations where an iPhone is mounted out of reach or in a position where physically touching it would cause camera shake. Setup is easy as all customers need to do is install the companion app through the Watch app on their iPhone. Then from their wrist, customers can monitor framing and audio levels, start and stop recording and adjust key settings including exposure, focus and LUTs. Customers can even change lenses and control zoom! It’s a simple way to control and monitor Blackmagic Camera without ever needing to touch the iPhone!

Transform the iPhone into a powerful studio camera with remote camera control! When Blackmagic Camera ProDock is connected to ATEM Mini, video, tally and camera control are sent over a single HDMI cable, so there’s no complex setup. Customers can adjust camera settings such as white balance, ISO and shutter remotely, as well as trigger recording, all from ATEM Software Control. Plus customers can adjust focus and zoom! There’s even a DaVinci primary color corrector built in so customers can go beyond simple camera color balance, allowing precise camera matching and creative digital film looks during live production. For advanced use, customers can even add a dedicated ATEM Micro Camera Control panel!

The optional zoom and focus demands can be added to give customers broadcast style lens control with Blackmagic Camera! The focus and zoom demands have USB-C connections so they can easily connect to Blackmagic Camera ProDock. Each zoom and focus demand has 2 USB-C ports, so customers can daisy chain them, then connect them to the ProDock with a single USB connection. The design has an incredibly precise feel and gives customers very fine lens control, allowing customers to frame and adjust the lens without taking their hands off the tripod handles. The buttons can be customized so customers can assign different camera functions to them! Plus, hardware is included for mounting the focus and zoom demand onto tripod handles.

“We really want to help everyone use their iPhones in professional productions and to come up with new ways that the iPhone can be used,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “The Apple Watch companion app does that because it means you can mount an iPhone anywhere and still have full control of it from your wrist. But the most exciting feature is the brand new support for ATEM camera control and the Blackmagic Zoom Demand and the Focus Demand. This means you can use the iPhone as a studio camera while holding onto the tripod handles to focus and zoom. It’s a real studio camera and it’s a lot of fun!”

Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 Features

  • Camera control and monitoring with companion app for Apple Watch.

  • Support for ATEM camera control with Blackmagic Camera ProDock.

  • Support for Blackmagic Focus and Zoom Demands with Blackmagic Camera ProDock.

  • Support for full screen portrait mode HDMI output.

  • Front camera now supports portrait and landscape without rotation for iPhone 17.

  • Support for ProRes RAW stabilization in iOS 26.1 and above.

  • General performance and stability improvements.

Availability and Price

Blackmagic Camera for iOS 3.3 is available now as a free download from the Apple App Store.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com.

Other World Computing (OWC) Appoints Rob Steffens, Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Former Marvel Co-President/Chief Financial Officer Brings Over Two Decades of Financial and Operational Leadership to New Role

WOODSTOCK, Ill. — Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced the appointment of Rob Steffens to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Reporting directly to Founder and CEO, Larry O’Connor, Steffens will be responsible for leading global finance, operations, and strategic planning.

Steffens brings more than two decades of hands-on financial and operational leadership scaling high-growth media and technology businesses to his new role at OWC. Best known for his tenure at Marvel Entertainment, Steffens played a central role in transforming the company from a ~$100 million publicly traded business into a $4.5 billion acquisition by Disney, and then helping scale it into a $50 billion global entertainment powerhouse over the following decade. Across multiple senior leadership roles at Marvel, including CFO and Co-President, he drove landmark deals, expanded high-margin divisions, and led complex post-merger integration and global growth initiatives. A CPA and NYU Stern MBA, Steffens has a proven track record of delivering industry-leading profitability, building high-performance teams, and translating financial strategy into compelling narratives for investors and boards. At OWC, he brings this same rigor and growth-oriented mindset to support the company’s continued expansion and operational excellence.

“I have been fortunate to have been part of something exceptional before, a company that grew at a phenomenal rate over my twenty years. I joined OWC as I believe they have the team and the market opportunity to grow at a fast pace well into the future. OWC is a company that’s already built something real, with loyal customers and a reputation for doing things the right way, and still has a tremendous amount of runway ahead. That’s a rare combination. You don’t get many opportunities like this, at this stage, with this kind of foundation. I’m proud the team chose me, and I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and help take it to the next level,” said Steffens.

“Rob could have gone anywhere — and that’s not an exaggeration. When you’ve been part of building something like Marvel into what it became, doors tend to open. The fact that he chose OWC says a lot about where we are as a company and, more importantly, where we’re going,” said O’Connor. “He sees what we see — that we’ve built something real here, something trusted, and something with a lot more room to run. Bringing Rob on isn’t about filling a seat, it’s about adding a leader who knows how to scale a great business into something truly exceptional.”

About Other World Computing (OWC)

Founded in 1988, Other World Computing (OWC®) is a trusted leader in high-performance storage, docks, and memory card solutions that empower professionals in video and audio production, photography, and business with the tools to maximize the performance and reliability of their workflows seamlessly. OWC’s professional-grade storage, expansion, media cards, docks, and connectivity, as well as its apps and accessories, are built to last by the people who use them: creatives, businesses, and consumers. For further information, please visit www.owc.com. OWC can also be found on LinkedIn and X.

Bruno Mars' "Risk It All" Music Video Captures Timeless Texture with Pro8mm

Pro8mm, the Super 8 experts, provided cameras, Super 8 movie film, and scanning services for Bruno Mars’ “Risk It All” music video. The debut single from Bruno Mars’ new solo album, The Romantic, was released February 27, 2026. The chartbuster debuted at #1 with over 40 million views in its first two weeks.

Directed by Bruno Mars and Daniel Ramos, the Director of Photography was Todd Banhazl ASC, with Justin Cameron, SOC operating camera. Banhazl and Cameron had previously collaborated with Pro8mm on HBO’s Winning Time series (2022), which utilized more than 1,200 rolls of Super 8 film.

To achieve a nostalgic vintage aesthetic, the Risk It All team chose Pro8mm’s Classic Pro Max 8 camera with 6-66mm Schneider lens for the intimate home-movie style sequences that wind throughout the story. The Super 8 footage, scanned at 2K to ProRes 4444 HQ, was shot on three Kodak film stocks: Ektachrome Super 8-94 100D for exteriors, Pro8-500T for interiors and night work, and Tri-X for select scenes requiring additional texture and contrast.

“We really loved the 1:33 overscan aspect ratio, especially with the Ektachrome, explains Justin Cameron.” It felt like the colors were so elegant and stunning. Still, including a piece of the perf in the overscan felt important to feel that 8mm full gate vibe we’ve grown to love.

“We got to rejoin our Pro8mm family for this beautiful project,” adds Banhazl. “The vibrant Ektachrome and textural Tri-X Super 8 film in particular were perfect counterpoints to the gentle, smooth digital footage. And nobody rocks that little camera on planet earth better than Justin Cameron.”

“Risk It All” is the latest high-profile project to embrace Super 8’s resurgent appeal, as the format’s timeless warmth and texture continue to capture the cultural moment.

For the full story visit here

Preserving UNESCO World Heritage with URSA Cine Immersive

The Explorers turned to France’s cultural landmarks, capturing Paris and the Château de Chambord in Apple Immersive for Vision Pro

Fremont, CA, USA - From documenting remote expeditions to capturing iconic locations around the world, The Explorers has built a reputation for high resolution storytelling. The Paris based team of explorers, media professionals, scientists and artists is producing what they call “the first planet inventory,” showcasing Earth’s diversity through visual storytelling.

When the team explored Apple Immersive production, they brought that approach to two contrasting French locations: the streets of Paris and the Château de Chambord, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the Renaissance’s most iconic architectural achievements.

“We wanted to test the URSA Cine Immersive and workflow in contrasting environments,” said Olivier Chiabodo, founder of The Explorers. “Paris in June and July, then Chambord in September. It let us build real experience before moving on to larger projects.”

Immersive first in Paris

The team treated the Paris shoot as a cinematic walk through monuments and street life. Locations were chosen for strong foreground detail, natural motion in the frame and the ability to stage short sequences that would remain comfortable to view in a headset. Two Paris moments in particular crystallized the potential of Apple Immersive as a format for The Explorers.

“Riding the Eiffel Tower elevator and filming in a three star chef’s kitchen were real wow moments for us,” Chiabodo said. “The confined elevator, with the city dropping away, and the shoulder to shoulder proximity to culinary work made familiar places feel new when the viewer is placed inside the scene.”

“After watching the immersive footage in Apple Vision Pro, those scenes delivered emotions we had never felt with 2D,” Chiabodo said. “Traditional formats use the frame to guide viewers, while immersive puts you right in the heart of the space. That shift changes how you feel the story.”

While Paris served as the team’s initial exploration, Chambord followed as a client commission, translating early lessons into a more structured production.

Shooting dual formats

At Chambord, the chateau dominated both the frame and the mood. “When you are in a chateau, you are in contemplative territory,” Chiabodo said. “The château is the star, so we had to find a narrative that added energy without fighting the space. Paris pushed in the other direction. The streets were crowded, the foreground was always busy and the natural motion of people and traffic drove the story.”

Chambord as a production required both immersive and traditional outputs. “We shot two formats, Apple Immersive and 12K large format,” Chiabodo explained.

The team shot handled Apple Immersive on the URSA Cine Immersive and captured the traditional coverage using the URSA Cine 12K LF digital film camera. Shooting both in parallel meant the team could produce headset-ready immersive pieces and a conventional documentary edit from the same time on location.

“We had to adjust the way we blocked, lit and moved the camera based upon the format, and for immersive the included slow, controlled moves, nothing abrupt,” Chiabodo said. “The staging had to respect what the camera could do.”

“We paired the URSA Cine 12K LF 16mm and 50mm lenses and shot in 12K which gave us a lot of freedom in post,” he said. “If we needed to reframe, we can crop and still retain the image quality needed for a 4K or 8K finish. Likewise, if you want to avoid cropping, you can shoot 4K and 8K in camera without changing field of view, which is a real advantage of the RGBW sensor and in-sensor scaling.”

Coverage extended beyond interiors and courtyards. The team also filmed the grounds, particularly the deer that roam the park, to place viewers in seasonal landscapes and to gather conventional footage for exhibition screens and broadcast use. The chateau has plans for a dedicated on site space where visitors can experience the immersive film and will use the 12K material at international exhibitions.

Practical considerations

The work in Paris and Chambord also gave The Explorers a clearer sense of what immersive productions demand in practice.

“The first thing is where you put the camera,” said Director of Photography Gregory Martoglio. “With immersive, you are not just choosing a frame, you are choosing the place where the viewer will stand. As such, I tried to pick positions where the action could cross naturally in front of the camera and where the viewer has time to understand the space.”

Movement is the next consideration when shooting for Apple Vision Pro. “You have to be careful with motion,” he said. “We avoided fast pans and sudden changes. If we moved it was with a clear motivation, and at a speed that felt natural for the body. As such, your blocking has to reflect that.”

He also stresses planning for light and exposure shifts. “At Chambord we were going from interiors to exteriors and into the forest very quickly,” Martoglio said. “We used preset modes so we could move fast and still fix transitions later in post as everything you capture is in 12-bit Blackmagic RAW. You do not always have time to stop and adjust every setting in the field.”

His last piece of advice is to think about post from the start. “Immersive captured is two 8K streams at 90 frames a second,” Martoglio said. “You need real computing powe, and you need to keep the image clean. Edge blending and masking aren’t something you fix later; they’re part of the shot design from the start, to keep the viewer anchored inside the story.”

For Chambord, The Explorers delivered a four minute Apple Immersive film for onsite viewing, a nine minute 12K loop for exhibition screens, a two minute edit for general promotion and the rushes are archived for future use. “We deliver in SDR, HDR and down to HD. The client can distribute everything,” Chiabodo said. Immersive masters were exported in ProRes for Apple and in Apple Immersive Video Utility (AIVU) for direct playback on the device.

“Experience Paris” will be available on The Explorers app for Apple Vision Pro.

About Blackmagic Design

Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, postproduction and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in postproduction, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading postproduction editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com

Douglas Dubler Master of Light: Five Decades Shooting with Zeiss

On a rooftop in New York City, veteran photographer Douglas Dubler watched the sun’s angle shift across the urban landscape, his internal clock fastidiously tracking the few minutes of perfect light. With a 13-person crew standing by and model Nadia Kazakova already styled in Aknvas, Dubler prepared to capture the exterior ‘urban NYC’ shot he’d imagined since scouting the location. The weather cooperated and, relying on an intimate knowledge of light cultivated through fifty years of hard-won photographic mastery, the shot was his.

It was a faultless image from the first shutter snap, captured at f/1.4 on the Zeiss Otus ML 85mm–razor sharp on Kazakova’s face despite the wide aperture, with the background melting into creamy boke. (Dubler prefers using a literal translation of the Japanese ‘boke’ ボケ to the Americanized spelling’bokeh’.) Nothing is left to chance in Dubler’s process. Each photo testifies to technical mastery supported by the best technology and cutting-edge optics.

A Legacy Built by the Best

Dubler’s philosophy is straightforward: “Get educated by the people at the top of the pyramid.” A glance at his resume of mentors and associates bears this out. In his early twenties, Dubler studied with Ansel Adams, learning the master’s technique of pre-visualization and famous Zone System for controlling the appearance of the final B&W print. He mentored with renowned fashion photographer Neal Barr in New York City, collaborated with legendary sculptor Isamu Noguchi, and learned the nuances of optics from optical engineer expert Oscar Soetbeer. His 30-year relationship with the studio of Irving Penn included architecting the great 20th century photographer’s digital print workflow.

Dubler’s relationship with Zeiss dates to the 1970s, when camera manufacturer Victor Hasselblad flew the young photographer to Sweden for a personal factory tour, arranging for a Zeiss executive to join them. The two executives gifted Dubler a choice of camera and lens. “Victor Hasselblad made me a special handmade leather case with a brass plaque with my name engraved on it,” Dubler recalls. “I still have the case today.

“Over the years, I collaborated with Zeiss through my connection with Hasselblad. With my transition to digital, post 2000, I made a logical progression to the Loxia, Batis, and Otus lenses, and most recently the Otus ML.” One extraordinary collaboration involved Dubler’s pioneering ultraviolet flash fashion photography using a specialized 105mm quartz Zeiss lens. The result: a completely unique process that produced startlingly vibrant neon images while maintaining Dubler’s pristine style. “In retrospect,” Dubler says, “It has been the most important manufacturer relationship of my career.”

Putting the Otus ML to the Test

In 2025, when Zeiss debuted the new Otus ML lenses, Dubler’s expert review was sought. “I have the original Otus lenses. I was very interested in seeing how this ML lens compared to the originals, which are much heavier and more expensive,” he explains. Designed to provide the highest optical performance, Otus ML lenses build on the Otus legacy with exceptional sharpness, accurate color reproduction, and minimal chromatic aberrations. Available in 1.4/50mm and 1.4/85mm focal lengths, the lenses feature precise manual focus with control at the heart of their design.

A creative who memorizes a camera’s manual cover to cover, Dubler rigorously vets any equipment before putting it to work. When it comes to lenses, he puts each focal length through its paces, taking photos at each f/stop and different distances to ascertain the best performance. “I shot the 85 Otus against the 85 Otis ML,” Dubler elaborates. “The ML lenses compare quite favorably, the 85 especially. To test a lens, you take the lens and focus it manually, take a picture, and then change the f/stop and focus it again. Sometimes when you compare, the focus is different between settings–that doesn’t happen with this Zeiss lens.

“I was immediately curious: could the Otus legacy, legendary resolution, contrast, and micro-contrast translate into mirrorless lenses while retaining the tactile sensibilities I rely on as a professional?”

Shadow & Light

Dubler chose the Zeiss 85mm Otus ML lens for an intensive one-day fashion shoot with Shadow & Light Magazine to photograph model Nadia Kazakova. The shoot consisted of multiple setups using studio flash, studio daylight and exterior sunlight. “I was very interested in the light outdoors, and I was watching that light all day long,” he says. Using the Sun Seeker app, Dubler tracked the sunlight along the rooftop access, preparing for the brief window of afternoon light when the staircase would be thrown mostly intoshadow, leaving Kazakova framed in sunlight against the rich blue of the New York sky.

This optimal light would only last a few minutes. Dubler required absolute confidence in his focus for the rooftop sequences, especially when shooting at f/1.4 for that maximum boke. “I didn’t want the background or the foreground to fight with the model. At 1.4, her face was razor sharp. The first picture that I shot was at 1.4 and it was the perfect picture.” Indeed, a detail cropping at approximately 3% of the full frame in the Shadow & Light story still reveals individual eyelashes. This exceptional resolution for such a wide aperture is characteristic of the crisp dimensionality Dubler brings to every image. His decades long pursuit has been to bring a sense of the third dimension to photography, an inherently a two-dimensional art form. The tools at his disposal are simple and limited. Optics and light. Period.

Back inside the studio, Dubler tested the lenses against various lighting scenarios: daylight filtering through adjustable skylight shutters, Broncolor electronic flash setups, and the notable challenge of photographing reflective sequined fabric without losing highlight detail. The 85mm lens managed the deep shadow and bright highlights of silver gloves effortlessly at f/5.6. For a chartreuse sequined dress, the lens preserved the luminous reflective quality of the challenging material without sacrificing tonal gradation. Each image is striking, with pin-sharp detail that feels more than lifelike.

For Dubler the ultimate test is always the final print. “The art of photography is the print,” he states, a well-known dictum of Ansel Adams. In a technical breakdown of the images for Shadow & Light he notes: “The micro-contrast of the Zeiss Otus ML is quite apparent especially in the high res16-bit ProPhoto file.” By examining the prints on calibrated GTI print viewers Dubler scrutinized the lenses’ ability to preserve the subtlest coloring distinctions. “Contrast and micro-contrast, the small tonal gradations that model three-dimensional form, matter just as much,” he explains. “The lenses render form with an almost sculptural quality.”

Science & Art

In analyzing the Otus ML series, Dubler identifies what sets them apart: “These Otus lenses are a synthesis of art and science. The science is the resolution. The art is the boke. You don’t get this with any other lens.” That synthesis reflects Dubler’s own approach. “In my hands, Carl Zeiss Otus ML lenses do more than record light; they articulate it,” Dubler states. “The best tools don’t dictate the image; they expand the photographer’s vocabulary.”

Dubler will be presenting “The Power of the Printed Image” on March 28, 2026, at Cine Gear Connect New York at Industry City. Dubler’s extensive photography breakdowns can also be found on his Facebook and Instagram, with more work displayed at douglasdubler3.com.

Watch Dubler behind the scenes during this shoot:

Read the full interview with Dubler here

Other World Computing (OWC) to Showcase Best-in-Class Portfolio of Memory Cards and Readers, Storage, and Connectivity Solutions at WPPI 2026

Portrait and Wedding Photographers to See First-Hand Why OWC Is the Most Trusted Brand for Ensuring Speed, Reliability, Durability, and Longevity

WOODSTOCK, Ill. (February 23, 2026) Other World Computing (OWC®), a trusted leader in high-performance storage, memory, connectivity, software, and accessories that empower creative and business professionals to maximize performance, enhance reliability, and streamline workflows, today announced it will showcase its best-in-class portfolio of memory cards and readers, storage, and connectivity solutions at the upcoming WPPI 2026, taking place March 1-5 at RIO, Las Vegas in OWC Booth #422.

During the show, event attendees will have an opportunity to see firsthand how OWC’s memory cards, storage solutions, and connectivity tools elevate professional workflows and deliver the speed, reliability, and durability photographers depend on in the field and in the studio.

Featured OWC solutions on display will include:

OWC Atlas Memory Cards & Readers: OWC Type A CFexpress Cards, OWC Type B CFexpress Cards, OWC Atlas Ultra SD Memory Cards, OWC Atlas Dual SD Card Reader, OWC Atlas CFexpress Card Reader for Type B and A, OWC Atlas Dual CFexpress + SD Card Reader, OWC Atlas FXR

OWC Storage: OWC Envoy Pro Elektron, OWC Envoy Ultra, OWC Envoy Pro Mini, OWC Express 1M2, OWC Express 1M2 80G, OWC Gemini, OWC ThunderBay 4

OWC Docks: OWC Thunderbolt 5 Dock, OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub, OWC 11-Port Thunderbolt Dock, OWC Thunderbolt 4 Hub, OWC USB-C Travel Dock

“There is really no substitution for the opportunity shows like WPPI provide to speak directly with the professional community about their most pressing challenges, creative goals, and aspirational business objectives,” said Chris Kooistra, Vice President of Marketing, Other World Computing (OWC). “Much like the attendees, OWC is here to learn and to be inspired.” He continued, “From this face-to-face real-world feedback, the next revs of our solutions are born. And, it is just one of the many reasons, when the moment matters most, professionals trust OWC.”

To learn more and register to attend, please visit: https://wppiexpo.com/

About Other World Computing (OWC)

Founded in 1988, Other World Computing (OWC®) is a trusted leader in high-performance storage, docks, and memory card solutions that empower professionals in video and audio production, photography, and business with the tools to maximize the performance and reliability of their workflows seamlessly. OWC’s professional-grade storage, expansion, media cards, docks, and connectivity, as well as its apps and accessories, are built to last by the people who use them: creatives, businesses, and consumers. For further information, please visit www.owc.com. OWC can also be found on LinkedIn and X.

Gap Unveils Hollywood Ambitions, Hiring First Chief Entertainment Officer

Former Paramount exec Pam Kaufman will lead the retailer’s push into entertainment

Gap is making a big push into original entertainment, hiring Pam Kaufman as executive vice president, chief entertainment officer, a newly created role.

Kaufman, a former Paramount executive, will be tasked with building the retail company’s “Fashiontainment” platform, which spans entertainment, content, and licensing across music, television, film, sports, gaming, consumer products, and cultural collaborations.

She will start on Feb. 2 and report to Gap Inc. president and CEO Richard Dickson.

Read more here

Sony Electronics Launches Alpha 7 V and FE 28-70mm f/3.5-5.6 OSS II

Advanced AI Subject Recognition and Unmatched Autofocus Capabilities Deliver a Dramatic Evolution for Stills and Video

Sony Electronics introduces the Alpha 7 V (ILCE-7M5), the highly anticipated fifth generation in the popular Alpha 7 Full-frame mirrorless line-up, powered by the newly developed partially stacked Exmor RS™ CMOS image sensor with approximately 33.0 effective megapixels. The new image processing engine BIONZ XR2™1 incorporates the AI processing unit functions of the latest AlphaTM series. Through these innovations, the Alpha 7 V delivers a significant performance boost across every aspect of imaging, from Real-time Recognition2 AF (Auto-Focus) to Real-time Tracking3, speed, stable color accuracy, still capture, and video versatility.

Read more here

Netflix Bets on Video Podcasts to Capture Even More of Your Free Time

After years insisting it wasn’t interested in the creator economy, Netflix is diving into video podcasts with both original and acquired content

The battle between Netflix and YouTube for eyeballs can best be described as a Cold War of sorts. Each streaming giant — the two largest in the entertainment ecosystem by far — have taken gentle shots at one another in the press, insisting it’s not too worried about the other in the competition for consumers’ attention.

Read more here

Cinematographer and Camera Assistant Nick Eagleston Shoots Social Media-Ready Spots with AJA ROI-SDI

Commercial production approaches are evolving in tandem with the continued growth of the creator economy. This is especially true as more brands opt to distribute video ads on social platforms, in addition to traditional broadcast and OTT services. With social media sites favoring vertical video, many production crews are adapting quickly by updating their pipelines to support simultaneous monitoring and recording of horizontal and vertical video on set. Nick Eagleston is a freelance cinematographer and camera assistant rethinking his workflow to align with the shift.

Explore the tech here

Top Creators’ Shows Find Second Life Off YouTube

Tubi and Roku are increasingly picking up creators’ already shot videos to repackage them on the FAST platforms.

Creators are taking over yet another screen.

Free ad-supported services such as Tubi and Roku have been striking partnerships with top creators including MrBeast, Steven He and Alan Chikin Chow to feature their videos on their platform. The streamers view the move as increasing engagement on the platforms and building fruitful relationships with next-gen talent, while creators see a chance to get greater reach for their content, and to bring in easy money, as they’re repurposing already produced videos.

“Our point of view is that creators are the new media startups,” said Rich Bloom, evp of Tubi for Creators. “They own their own IP, they have distribution, they have these built in fandoms.” Read more here

For Today’s Young Creators, Chaos Reigns

Polished and perfect are out, and candid and messy are in. At least that’s what it appears consumers on social media are drawn to when connecting with creators in 2025.

Some influencers are pivoting away from meticulously curated profile pages, which peaked in the mid-2010s on Instagram. With TikTok‘s rise, spontaneous, quick-edited videos are proving more popular — not just because they stand out as islands of genuine humanity in a sea of glossy luxury and AI slop, but also because they align better with platforms’ current algorithms.

Read more here

Syracuse University Launches Nation’s First Academic Center for the Creator Economy

The new center will offer courses, research and industry partnerships to prepare students for careers in digital content and entrepreneurship.

Syracuse University today announced the launch of its new Center for the Creator Economy, the first academic center of its kind on a U.S. college campus. A joint venture between the Martin J. Whitman School of Management and the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications, the center will position the University at the forefront of research, education and thought leadership within the rapidly expanding creator-driven economic landscape.

“The creator economy represents one of the most significant cultural and commercial transformations of our time,” says Mike Haynie, vice chancellor for strategic initiatives and innovation and executive dean of the Whitman School. “With this bold new center, Syracuse is seizing the opportunity to lead—not follow—in preparing students to thrive at the intersection of creativity, commerce and digital innovation.”

Read more here

CNN Tests the Waters With a Creator-Driven Concept

CNN is planting its own flag in the ever-growing creators economy.

The network’s international division revealed a new initiative on Thursday to create a unit, titled CNN Creators, based out of its newly launched Middle East hub in Media City Qatar, Doha as well as a 30-minute weekly show bowing on Oct. 23 with that same branding.

CNN international exec Meara Erdozain stated that the show “is unlike any show we have ever launched” and “will reflect how our younger audiences are engaging with stories and will deliver compelling, entertaining content in a multitude of ways. It will focus on news-adjacent topics and stories that feel real, relevant, and relatable.”

Read more here

‘You Can Make a Living:’ Honda Accord Driver Says He Makes $3500 a Month From Car Content. Then He Reveals How

A TikTok content creator is proving that you don’t need a supercar to make serious money from automotive content. His revelation about earning thousands monthly from videos featuring his everyday Honda Accord has sparked a conversation about accessible income opportunities in the car community, though industry data shows that only 13% of content creators earn over $100,000 annually.

Read the article here

NWA streamer first solo content creator to fully sponsor NASCAR Cup car

Rexzilla, a Har-Ber High School graduate with strong Northwest Arkansas family ties, has 124k followers on Facebook and 21.7k followers on the streaming platform Kick. He initially gained attention with Call of Duty montages.

Rezxilla is the first digital creator to sponsor a NASCAR Cup series car. Other content creators like the comedy group SuperMega have done so in the Xfinity Series, according to Toby Christie’s Michael Carey. Logan Paul and KSI previously sponsored Timmy Hill in the Xfinity Series through Prime Hydration in 2022.

Read more here

MrBeast filed a trademark for a financial services company (and a bunch of other stuff)

In recent months, Donaldson has filed trademark applications for several phrases, including “MrBeast Financial.” According to the filing, the proposed venture would consist of “downloadable software in the nature of a mobile application for banking services, short-term cash advances, providing cryptocurrency exchange services, providing investment banking services and investment management services, providing consumer lending services and insurance services, providing financial advisory and consultancy services, providing financial planning services, and providing financial wellness education services.”

Read more here

MrBeast Says AI Videos Create ‘Scary Times’ for ‘Millions of Creators’ on YouTube

MrBeast, the world’s top YouTuber with more than 443 million subscribers, is worried about what will happen to his fellow YouTube creators when it becomes impossible to tell AI-generated videos apart from human-created ones.

In a post on X on Sunday, MrBeast, whose real name is Jimmy Donaldson, said AI videos have created “scary times” for content creators. As AI technology advances, it carries the potential to affect “millions of creators” who depend on YouTube to make a living, he said. Read more here

How Adobe’s New AI Tools Empower Creators In 2025

For decades, Adobe has been at the heart of the creative world. From Photoshop and Illustrator to Premiere Pro, Lightroom, and After Effects, Adobe’s tools have shaped how photographers, designers, filmmakers, and now digital creators bring their ideas to life. Whether it’s editing a YouTube thumbnail, designing a brand campaign, or cutting a cinematic video, Adobe has long been the go-to platform for professional-grade creative software for creators and influencers.

Read more here

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