Regrouping In Hollywood

For
news from the other side of the country, click here for an essay on
Studio City New York.

Leon Silverman

In 2002, against the backdrop of the effects of Sept. 11, 2001, as
well as threatened and real industry labor strikes, a broad-based
coalition of postproduction professionals formed the Hollywood Post
Alliance. A “meeting of the minds” of the entire community
of Southern California-based postproduction interests (including
manufacturers, labs, audio and video post houses, studios, support
organizations, the trade press, as well as freelance postproduction
business and creative professionals), the HPA was created as a large
voice in times of exciting change and very real challenge.

Never before has technology played a greater role in our industry.
Never before has the need for information and industry education been
greater. And never before has the industry faced a tougher economic
challenge.

The HPA, in focusing on how technology impacts the creative process
in a dynamic and pressure-filled business climate, is poised to provide
valuable guidance and support for an industry at a critical and
exciting juncture. Already, based on attendance at two local HPA
functions, which sold out, it seems clear that people are eager to
network and are interested more than ever in diversifying the
definition of who is a colleague. This is reflected in the variety of
professionals that have been attracted to our events and the fluid
borders among production, post, and even distribution interests.

We used to say we “fixed it in post,” but increasingly,
the once distinctive lines between production and postproduction are
blurring. Powerful new digital tools and methods are making it
necessary to refine and redefine the postproduction process as
“create it in post” becomes a more accurate reflection of
what we do.

Our post industry is reacting to the fact that the way we
photograph, create, and distribute content is increasingly impacted by
digital technology. Digital cinematography, high definition, digital
intermediate, new and low-cost desktop-editing tools,
collaborative-networked environments, and Web-enabled and interactive
content, along with increasingly powerful and affordable computers,
software, and storage certainly make our industry question how some of
the traditional roles of the lab, post house, and jobs in post might be
affected.

HPA was created to ensure that both businesses and individuals are
equipped with the knowledge necessary to compete and survive. We think
that the best way to meet these challenges and opportunities is through
working together with our peers within the entire postproduction
community.

These are extraordinarily exciting times in our industry. The future
of television, advertising, cinema, and new media are becoming more
apparent. On our watch and on our shoulders, rests the burden and
responsibility of a future that is worthy of our past. The HPA has
assumed a role as the clearinghouse, forum, and voice that will help
the Southern California postproduction industry continue as an
instrument to help our industry continue its legacy. That legacy,
through studied and skilled craft, art, and tools, we help create the
stories and media that touch and inform hearts and minds.

If you are in Southern California, and you or your business is
supported by post, then consider the HPA. Visit www.hpaonline.com
for more information.

Leon Silverman is president of the Hollywood Post Alliance, has
worked within the postproduction industry for over 25 years, and is
currently executive VP of LaserPacific Media Corporation, Hollywood. He
also serves as manager of the Hollywood section of SMPTE and sits on
the board of the Entertainment Technology Center at USC.