Tech and Creativity A Filmmakers Evolving Journey

Commentary: Trying new tools helps you figure out what works and develops your craft.

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Two Decades in Entertainment: A Creative's Journey with Tech

I’ve worked in the entertainment industry for over 20 years, and have seen firsthand how technological advances in equipment, software, and AI can impact the creative process. Throughout my career, I’ve been behind the camera, in the edit bay, and in writers’ rooms. I’ve seen how this industry works and how it’s always changing, often because of technology.

From Analog Roots to Digital Frontiers

When I went to NYU for film school, I experienced firsthand how deeply tech is intertwined with the creative process. I learned to edit 16mm film on a Steenbeck, then later edited tape-to-tape on a VCR (might be aging myself with those references). These days, however, I edit TV series with powerful computers and apps, like AVID and Adobe Premiere.

Technology as a Creative Partner

Through all of it, I’ve seen how technology continues to reshape the way we create content, making the production process faster, smarter, and more accessible. I’ve always kept up with the latest innovations in gear, apps, and workflows, not just because they’re cool, but because they show us what’s possible and help us maximize our creative potential. Technology can't replace the human touch, but it might be able to help us better express ourselves to one another.

Innovating Storytelling with Modern Tools

Whether it’s new, AI-driven functions in software that help to speed up post-production, or apps that let you control your whole lighting setup from your phone when creating your own content, these tools are changing the way we tell stories by helping us bring ideas to life in more efficient and inventive ways.

Cultivating Your Craft Through Experience

Maybe we should give these new technologies a try for ourselves. And if we don't like 'em, at least we now know that through firsthand experience, rather than hearsay. It's all part of cultivating your craft as a creative, because when you know how to wield skills and tools well, you can tell engaging stories and share them with the world.

About the Author

John Hoyos is a Mashable Perspectives contributor. He's a Hispanic-American film and television producer who's managed and edited top-tier animated productions, including Family Guy, King of the Hill, and Hellboy. He was the post production supervisor for Starz Media for 7 years, where he worked on shows like The Simpsons, Dante's Inferno, and* Dead Space Downfall*. He's always on the lookout for new and innovative ways to tell stories. Learn more about John at https://www.johnhoyos.com/.

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