Cloud storage for active and working media used to be a non-starter in the world of post production. Historically, these assets were just too large to move smoothly through insufficient internet speeds, and the tech just wasn’t up-to-snuff to make the content readily accessible. Even today, while sync solutions like Dropbox still tend to be a popular choice amongst post teams, syncing just doesn’t cut it. If you’ve ever worked on a multi-terabyte project with a “sync” solution, you know what I’m talking about.
Today, internet speeds and connectivity are sufficient to support remote editing, and are readily improving. Meanwhile, the technology to support remote post production now exists. Suite’s cloud storage provides realtime access to media without the need to sync data locally before working, making it possible to confidently offer remote post production without the wait.
What used to only be possible with everyone under the same roof is now possible for every hybrid & remote team, no matter how many people are involved or how far away a collaborator might live. Suite’s cloud storage looks and feels familiar to teams — it works the same as any mounted drive — which ultimately gets creatives back to their work faster without dealing with the usual headaches of working from the cloud. For project leads and supervisors, too, remote oversight of team members and permissions also extends that “in-house” feel, offering realtime data control from anywhere.
Post production is entering a new generation, and Suite is at the forefront of transition, offering the ability for teams to work in ways that just weren’t possible before. But the influence of the cloud on post production doesn’t stop with active storage. The most forward-thinking teams are building end-to-end workflows entirely on the cloud, with the savviest studios choosing Suite to store and edit active media, using cloud compute for edit workstations and rendering, and implementing cloud-based archival solutions and media asset managers to easily manage content libraries.
The media industry is moving faster than ever, with tighter timelines and higher expectations on the final product. Slowdown, hiccups, lost files and time wasted are all missed opportunities. Working efficiently, and thus empowering creativity, is the only way to forward. There’s little need to fill a closet full of hard drives anymore, so will your studio be ready for the shift?
Jay Maxwell is the Co-Founder & CPO of Suite Studios (www.suitestudios.io). Based in Boulder, CO, Suite specializes in creating cloud-based editing workflows for the media & entertainment industry.