Digital Intermediate Workflows
Efficient data management can help a Digital Intermediate Service Provider (The Provider) address their customer concerns and overall business challenges as images services transition from tape based to digital workflows.
 
Business Challenges  
   
Projects Consuming Storage Resources For Long Periods Sample Data Organization Scheme
Currently there is no financial incentive for customers to have their project data removed from The Provider’s online storage resources. Two factors often contribute to a reduction in The Provider’s production capacity due to excess / extending consumption of storage resources: di data organization
  • Video Deliverables
  • Extended Quality Control Periods
 
 
Data Security
Many of the major motion picture studios have focused on the value of their content and are mandating that both vendors and internal divisions develop and implement formal security policies.
 
 
Reduced Data Production Line Capacity
The raw quantity of data can quickly consume the overall production line capacity. Efficient management of the data flow is key to maximizing overall job throughput on limited resources. The level of management complexity is increased with multiple services / workflows offered by The Provider to customers. All The Provider’s jobs ultimately share the same fixed storage resources, these workflows might include:
 
 
Operational Efficiency Challenges
Increased volume coupled with shorter time frames of projects increases the operational complexities associated with data management. Careful coordination of the data and shared resources is required among multiple jobs and the creative staff to ensure maximum efficiency in the data production line. Automation of routine tasks can: a) reduce The Provider’s operational costs, or b) increase overall production capacity without a corresponding increase in operational costs.
 
Separation of “Church and State”
Studios are increasingly demanding their service providers physically separate “production networks” from the general “Information Technology network,” due to piracy concerns. The requirement introduces additional constraints for The Provider’s personnel not directly involved in the creative aspects of the project. For example, Customer Service Representatives need the ability to effectively communicate project status to customers, but don’t necessarily need physically access to actual image data. A mechanism is needed to provide The Provider’s personnel with the information required to perform job function, without necessarily increasing piracy risks or exposure points.
 
Digital Intermediate Deployment Overview