While the world is still some way off returning to normality, glimmers of hope are being seen as certain sectors begin to resemble their pre-pandemic form. For example, Walt Disney World in Orlando, US – one of our featured projects (page 46) – reopened following more than three months of closure, complete with a powerful trick in its spell book to tempt people back: the new Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway. The attraction will follow strict safety guidelines whilst immersing guests in landscapes from famous movies using innovation.
In broadcast production, the pandemic accelerated the adoption of technologies and techniques such as remote workflows, extended reality and live streaming, as you can learn about on page 54. And, as you’ll discover in BBC Studioworks’ studio resource manager Craig Dancy’s Industry Insights column (page 10), creating a Covid-secure broadcast environment addressing show-specific nuances to accommodate different types of content was essential to allow the team to continue to operate during the peak of the pandemic.
Lockdown halted catwalk shows and closed shops, transforming the fashion business – a sector already exploring the use of extended realities. With virtual solutions helping design and showcase fashion in an immersive and sustainable way, the benefits of adopting immersive tech might mean such innovations continue to play a key role after the pandemic. Read more about this on page 58.
Elsewhere, AVIXA’s latest monthly pro-AV business index showed growth in sales and employment in North America for the first time since February. “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows yet, as this month’s figure represents only slow growth. But the operative word is ‘growth’ and all signs point to it continuing,” according to AVIXA.
During this time of change and uncertainty it is a delight to celebrate the industry’s achievements as we proudly present the AV Awards finalists. Head to page 6 of the digital edition to marvel at the project, technology, people and company category shortlists. Congratulations to all the finalists – we look forward to revealing the shining stars at the awards ceremony on Friday 20 November.
Read the digital edition of the August/September issue here.
Other exclusive content in the issue includes:
- An exploration of user experience and its relevance to the AV world
- Comment from Beyond Workspace Consulting on the employee experience in a post-pandemic world
- An interview with Digital Projection’s Dermot Quinn
- Insight into how a vast digital canvas transformed Edinburgh Airport’s check-in hall and how a technical upgrade enhanced the broadcast quality of services at Heart Revolution Church
- Guidance on ensuring home offices are fit for purpose
- A profile on Jo Saull, head of technical, Science Museum
- Plus, features on AV business in Canada; the cinema and broadcast markets; AV accessories; and digital audio
Read the digital edition of the August/September issue here.
