Broadcast Tech Talks

This episode of the Broadcast Tech Talks podcast discusses whether cloud workflows are too expensive. As cloud technology becomes embedded in film and TV production, one question cuts through the hype, is it really worth the cost? This debate, which was recorded live at the Broadcast Tech Fest Cloud Innovations Forum, brings together industry experts to explain whether, for them, cloud-based workflows save money—or silently drain budgets. The panel debate issues such as public vs private cloud, connectivity issues, security in the cloud, and how to plan and implement a successful cloud strategy.SpeakersChris Sarson, CEO and Co-Owner - The CollectvCara Kotschy, Managing Director & Co-Founder - Residence PicturesJocelin Capper, Senior Creative Business Consultant - Supernova Heights Moderator: Jake Bickerton, Editorial Director - Broadcast Tech

The Broadcast Tech Talks podcast sits down with Benjamin Field, CEO of Deep Fusion Films, to explore how AI is revolutionising the documentary filmmaking process. Field shares insights into how his team is transforming the use of archival footage, removing traditional commissioning barriers, and streamlining production—without eliminating the human element. Deep Fusion's in-house developed product Weavr uses genAI  to write storylines from archive material and create the first draft of a one-hour documentary using the archive material, all in around 6-7 hours from scratch. The company is using Weavr to create 12 x 1-hour documentaries, created from content in the TopFoto library. These films will be distributed on YouTube next year. The podcast episode was recorded live at Broadcast Tech's Archive & Restoration Forum event held earlier this year at Everyman cinema, KIng's Cross, London. The fireside chat was between Benjamin Field, Co-Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Deep Fusion Films and Charlotte Wheeler, Director, Broadcast Tech.

This podcast explores the current landscape of film and TV archiving in the UK, what’s working, what’s at risk, and what the future holds. It was recorded live at the Broadcast Tech Fest Archive & Restoration Form at Everyman cinema in King's Cross. Speakers: Tim Forrest, Head of Content Distribution & Commercial Innovation - ITN Bríd Dooley, Head of Archives - RTÉ Tom Dunning, CEO & Co-Founder - Ad Signal Heidi Shakespeare, CEO – Memnon Chair: Jake Bickerton, Editorial Director - Broadcast Tech & Sport Group The discussion covers the following subjects: DEMAND FOR ARCHIVE MATERIAL Has there continued to be a high demand for archive content across different genres in 2025? TECH OBSOLESCENCE AND ACCESSIBILITY OF ARCHIVES How does the availability of tape heads, generations of LTO players/tapes, the fragility of film and the obsolescence of certain storage formats impact archiving decisions? CULTURAL GENOCIDE Why first world countries are benefitting by being able to archive, and why we risk cultural genocide where archives from developing countries could be lost forever. DIGITAL-FIRST CONTENT What is being done to preserve digital-first content? Who is financing this? AI How is AI enhancing the management of archives, and the restoration of content? And how do you stop LLMs from using archive content to train their models. HOW TO STORE ARCHIVES What’s the best way to store rushes and project files that’s both cost effective and helps ensure longevity and easy access – LTO, cloud, hard drives in a cupboard…? This speaker session was sponsored by Ad Signal and Memnon

​For this week’s episode of the Broadcast Tech Talks Podcast, senior reporter Max Miller speaks to Warner Bros. Discovery’s director of graphics and innovation, Alex Dinnin, and Vizrt’s head of sport, Andy O’Neil, about the state of play and future of virtual studios. The pair reveal how Warner Bros. Discovery created the TNT Sports studios from scratch, and has managed to centralise its virtual studios for Eurosport across Europe – including innovative uses of space and technology. In addition, they discuss what’s next for virtual studios, and how advances in technology could see them become indistinguishable from real studios for viewers at home.

For this edition of the Broadcast Tech Talks Podcast, senior reporter Max Miller speaks to Azimuth head of audio Kate Davis and HHB CTO John Johnson about how AI is changing the way post-production is completed. AI, or machine learning, has long been used in post, but recent years have seen its use grow at an increasing rate. Audio post is one of the most talked about areas for AI, with new tools that can clean up poorly recorded audio, replace dubbing by replicating an actor’s voice in another language, and more meaning that it is a hotbed for innovation. Davis and Johnson reveal what they have already seen being done in the industry, and what could be coming in the next 12 months.

This episode of the Broadcast Tech Talks podcast series was recorded at the AI Creative Summit at BFI Southbank on 6 November 2024. It features Cyrus Mewawalla, head of thematic intelligence at GlobalData and globally-renowned AI expert and analyst. The session presents the findings of world-leading data and analytics company, GlobalData's most comprehensive and detailed report on AI to date. The report focuses on what AI means for media businesses.

E-commerce business Must Have Ideas has launched an AI-powered TV channel, and Broadcast Tech speak to co-founder and director Amy Knight plus head of Broadcast Michael Wood about how they've done this. The channel aims to look live, while actually being 30 pre-recorded segments that were filmed in an NDI studio. These segments are automatically scheduled and stitched together by an in-house AI tool, which Must Have Ideas has named Spark, and the hope is that no two shows will look or feel the same. 

In this episode of the Broadcast Tech Talks Podcast, senior reporter Max Miller speaks to Forever Audio’s senior sound engineer Alistair Bolt and ADR manager Gabriel Dutru about the present and future of ADR. Delving into the best techniques for the area, the pair speak about how to work with actors, directors, and producers, as well as how to prepare for ADR in production and when it works best. In addition, the conversation turns to the future of ADR, and the tech advances, such as automation and AI cleanup services, that could have an effect on it going forwards.