Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1367665
T he annual CES — formerly known as the Consumer Electronics Show — is a platform for eye-popping innovation and transformational technology that is changing how we live and work. SAG-AFTRA's Labor Innovation & Technology Summit presentation, 10 Game Changers from CES, captured some of the highlights of the expo. VIDEO WITH DEPTH Volumetric Video is the process of capturing three-dimensional moving images that can later be viewed from any angle. Dileep Rao, a member of SAG-AFTRA's National Innovation and New Technology Committee, sees the technology as changing "how performers have their work captured and used, and this is a leap forward." STREAMING The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the revenue and subscription growth of streaming, and spurred large media companies to forego traditional theatrical releases and move film debuts directly to streaming services. The critical question we are focused on going forward is ensuring performers' compensation will be protected with the closing of one residual window in favor of the expansion of a new platform. NEXTGEN TV The next generation of broadcast television technology is upon us. Also known as ATSC 3.0, NextGen TV offers 4K ultra high- definition video quality, theater-like sound, mobile reception and innovative new features to enhance and expand the broadcast viewing experience. Aubrey Mozino, a member of SAG-AFTRA's National Innovation and New Technology Committee, cited estimates by LG and Samsung that 50% of households should have access to NextGen TV this year, adding that, with advanced viewing options, advertisers will also be able to track viewing and target ads to the viewer, so there is an "upside and downside depending how you look at it." GAMING The entire sector is witnessing significant leaps forward, with improved processors and video cards, 4K capabilities and the upgrading of the experience of gaming on phones, no matter where a consumer is. SAG-AFTRA National and Los Angeles Local Board member Ben Whitehair, a National Innovation and New Technology Committee member, pointed out that it will impact even performers who are not immersed in gaming. "All of the video work in the gaming space has a huge impact on the filmmaking process … because the technology makes it easier and easier to make world-class content on the backs of the gaming technology itself," he said. RECREATED HUMANS Will technology jeopardize our ability to believe what we see? Deepfakes and the ability of robots to take the place of humans are not only challenges to performers whose images can be purloined for profit-making or nefarious purposes, but for all workers who can potentially be replaced by robots and computers. SAG-AFTRA Executive Vice President Rebecca Damon, the chair of the National Innovation and New Technology Committee, underscored the widespread influence of this trend: "We are watching this closely, as is the entire labor movement, and will fight to make sure this is done in a responsible way." Visit sagaftra.org/videos for the full presentation. Click the "Technology" tab. Groundbreaking Innovations from CES