UGC – What Is it? Why Is It Important?

What is UGC?

User-generated content (UGC): This is content that is created by users or fans of a particular brand or product, often shared on social media or other online platforms. UGC can include photos, videos, reviews, and other types of content that are created by consumers rather than professionals.

Why Is UGC Important?

UGC is a powerful tool for businesses and content creators looking to engage with their audience and create authentic content. Editing UGC can be a bit different than editing other types of footage, as the footage is often shot on a mobile device and may not be of professional quality. However, with the right approach, UGC can be edited into a compelling final product.

Here are some steps involved in the UGC editing process:

1. Gathering footage: The first step in editing UGC is to gather the footage from your audience. This could involve asking your followers to submit videos or photos that relate to a particular theme or topic.

2. Reviewing footage: Once you have gathered the footage, you will need to review it to identify the best clips to use in your final edit. This could include footage that is well-shot and on-topic, as well as footage that evokes a strong emotional response.

3. Organizing footage: Once you have identified the best clips, you will need to organize them in a way that tells a compelling story. This could involve creating a rough storyboard or timeline to map out the flow of the video.

4. Enhancing footage: Depending on the quality of the footage, you may need to enhance it to improve its visual quality. This could include color correction, noise reduction, or other techniques to improve the look of the footage.

5. Adding music and sound effects: Once you have organized and enhanced the footage, you can add music and sound effects to create a more immersive viewing experience. This could include selecting music that complements the mood and tone of the video, as well as sound effects that add texture and depth.

6. Finalizing the edit: Once the editing process is complete, the final product is reviewed and approved by the creative team. Any necessary changes are made, and the final edit is exported for distribution.

Editing UGC can be a powerful way to engage with your audience and create authentic content that resonates with viewers. By gathering, reviewing, and organizing footage, enhancing it with music and sound effects, and finalizing the edit, you can create a compelling final product that showcases the best of what your audience has to offer.

Digging Out of A Career Black Hole

No matter profession you’re in.  One day you might find yourself here…..But where is here?

A career is an essential aspect of one’s life. It is not only a source of livelihood but also a means of personal growth and fulfillment. However, many people find themselves in a career “black hole” at some point in their lives. This is a situation where they feel stuck in a job that does not offer any prospects for growth, development, and advancement. If you are in a career black hole, you may feel unfulfilled, demotivated, and frustrated. However, there are solutions to get out of it.

Here are some signs that you may be in a career black hole:

1. You are not growing professionally

If you are not learning or growing in your job, it could be a sign that you are in a career black hole. A good job should offer you the opportunity to learn new skills and develop professionally. If you are not getting any training, promotions, or opportunities to take on new challenges, it could be a sign that you are in a dead-end job.

2. You are not challenged

If your job is too easy or repetitive, you may not be challenged enough. A good job should offer you the opportunity to use your skills and abilities to the fullest. If you are not being challenged, you may feel bored and unfulfilled.

3. You are not happy

If you dread going to work every day, it could be a sign that you are not happy in your job. A good job should offer you some degree of job satisfaction. If you are not happy, it could affect your mental and emotional well-being.

If you identify with any of these signs, you may be in a career black hole. Here are some solutions to get out of it:

1. Evaluate your skills and interests

Start by evaluating your skills and interests. Identify the skills that you have and the ones that you would like to develop. Think about the type of work that interests you and the industries that you would like to work in. This will help you to identify the type of job that would be a good fit for you.

2. Update your resume and cover letter

Update your resume and cover letter to highlight your skills and experience. Make sure that they are tailored to the type of job that you are interested in. This will increase your chances of getting a job interview.

3. Network

Networking is a great way to find job opportunities. Attend industry events, job fairs, and conferences. Connect with people on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Let people know that you are looking for a job. You never know when an opportunity may arise.

4. Consider further education

Further education can help you to develop new skills and improve your job prospects. Consider enrolling in a course or a program that is relevant to your career goals. This will not only improve your skills but also demonstrate your commitment to your career.

5. Take on new challenges

If you are not being challenged in your current job, seek opportunities to take on new challenges. Volunteer for new projects or take on additional responsibilities. This will not only help you to develop new skills but also demonstrate your initiative and commitment to your job.

Being in a career black hole can be demotivating and frustrating. However, there are solutions to get out of it. Start by evaluating your skills and interests, update your resume and cover letter, network, consider further education, and take on new challenges. With these strategies, you can break free from a career black hole and find a job that offers you growth, development, and fulfillment.

Please share your experiences. It’s free!

Job Seeking in Broadcasting (this really applies to many industries)

Are you tired of seeing job postings that seem impossible to qualify for? You’re not alone. As someone who receives countless requests for help to break into the broadcasting industry, I’ve seen my fair share of job descriptions that require years of experience or advanced degrees for entry-level positions.

It’s frustrating and it doesn’t make sense. Entry-level should mean just that – a starting point for someone who is just beginning their career. These positions should be filled with individuals who are eager to learn and grow within the company. Instead, companies are expecting candidates to have years and years of experience for positions that are supposed to provide a pathway to success.

This is particularly problematic in the broadcasting industry, where there is a severe lack of crew around the world. The industry simply cannot afford to turn away talented individuals who are just starting out because they don’t have the years of experience that some job postings require. We need to be nurturing new talent, not pushing them away.

Of course, experience is important, and it’s understandable that companies want to hire individuals who have some level of expertise. But there has to be a balance. Entry-level positions should not require multiple years of experience or a master’s degree. That’s not reasonable or realistic.

Instead, we need to start thinking about entry-level positions as an opportunity to train and mentor new talent. Companies should be providing on-the-job training and investing in their employees’ professional development. This not only benefits the company, but it also benefits the industry as a whole by creating a pipeline of talented individuals who can take on more advanced roles in the future.

So, if you’re someone who is just starting out in their career and feeling discouraged by the unrealistic job postings out there, know that you’re not alone. It’s time for companies to rethink their approach to entry-level positions and start investing in the next generation of talent. And if you’re a company looking for new talent, consider taking a chance on someone who may not have years of experience, but who is eager to learn and grow with your organization. You might just be surprised at the results.

Now that we’ve identified the problem of unrealistic job postings and the need to invest in new talent, let’s take a look at some potential solutions.

1. Redefine entry-level positions: Companies need to redefine entry-level positions to better reflect what they actually are – starting points for people who are just beginning their careers. This means dropping unrealistic experience and education requirements and focusing on a candidate’s potential and willingness to learn.

2. Offer training and mentorship: Companies need to invest in their employees by offering on-the-job training and mentorship programs. This will not only help new hires develop their skills, but it will also create a supportive work environment that encourages growth and development.

3. Partner with educational institutions: Companies can partner with educational institutions to create pipelines of new talent. This can include internships, co-op programs, or apprenticeships that provide students with hands-on experience and a pathway to a career in the broadcasting industry.

4. Focus on diversity and inclusion: Companies need to focus on diversity and inclusion by actively seeking out and hiring candidates from underrepresented backgrounds. This will not only bring new perspectives and ideas to the table, but it will also help address the systemic issues that have led to a lack of diversity in the broadcasting industry.

5. Create entry-level job boards: Finally, companies can create entry-level job boards that are specifically designed for individuals who are just starting out in their careers. These job boards can help job seekers find opportunities that are more realistic and attainable, while also helping companies find new talent.

By implementing these solutions, companies can start to address the issue of unrealistic job postings and invest in the next generation of talent. This will not only benefit companies by creating a pipeline of skilled workers, but it will also benefit the broadcasting industry as a whole by creating a more diverse and inclusive workforce.

But wait there’s more! What can the job seeker do?

While companies have a responsibility to provide entry-level opportunities and invest in new talent, job seekers also have a role to play in their own career development. Here are some things that job seekers can do to enhance their skills and gain experience:

1. Attend local events: Job seekers can attend local events, such as industry conferences, workshops, and networking events, to meet professionals in the broadcasting industry and learn about new trends and technologies. This can also be an opportunity to ask questions and get advice from people who are already working in the industry.

2. Pursue internships or apprenticeships: Job seekers can pursue internships or apprenticeships to gain hands-on experience in the broadcasting industry. These programs provide opportunities to work alongside professionals and learn from their experiences.

3. Build a portfolio: Job seekers can build a portfolio of their work to showcase their skills and experience to potential employers. This can include samples of their writing, photography or videography work, or other projects that demonstrate their abilities.

4. Invest in their own education: Job seekers can invest in their own education by taking courses or pursuing certifications in areas related to broadcasting, such as journalism, media studies, or video production. This shows a commitment to their field and demonstrates a willingness to learn and develop new skills.

5. Seek out mentors: Job seekers can seek out mentors in the broadcasting industry who can provide guidance and advice on their career development. This can be a valuable resource for job seekers who are just starting out and looking for direction.

Ultimately, job seekers need to take an active role in their own career development. By seeking out opportunities for on-the-job training, attending local events, building a portfolio, investing in their education, and seeking out mentors, job seekers can enhance their skills and gain experience that can help them land their first job in the broadcasting industry.

New Experiences

What are your challenges?  Do you challenge yourself daily?

With over 33 years of broadcast experience, I have seen the industry evolve and change in significant ways. When I heard about the opportunity to join a large media client’s Digital Video Engineering team, I knew this was a chance to once again put my skills to the test.

As I started the contract just over a month ago, I was eager to learn and contribute to the team. The small team I joined communicates regularly to ensure we were all on the same page and working towards the same goals. I quickly learned that I had a lot to learn, but my previous experience would be an asset to the team.

I am responsible for maintaining core technologies, workflows, and systems vital to live-video and file-based digital workflows. I support the engineering solutions for video editing, transcoding, video streaming, and publishing across multiple properties. I have experience with video routers and Vantage Telestream from my previous roles, which has helped me handle these tasks.  Learning all the new systems and their acronyms has been equally challenging at times, but going with the flow and adapting are essential.

Working within an AWS cloud environment, I am tasked with setting up virtual machines and ensuring that the digital workflow deliveries are met. My experience with S3 and FSX has been crucial in managing Windows file systems that run in the cloud.

Although I have not worked extensively with Python or JSON, I am eager to learn and expand my knowledge in these areas. I have a background in edit post-production, specifically Adobe Premier, and have experience with Linux OS and file acceleration.  So, as a support person, I get to help users that are not only having editing issues, but cloud creation, and connectivity issues.

Throughout my career in broadcasting and digital streaming, I have learned the importance of staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and techniques. I am committed to continuing to learn and grow in this field, and I am excited that this opportunity to brought some of my experience and skills into play and new skill sets to the table.

33 years of experience have provided me with the expertise to tackle any challenge that comes my way. I am confident that my skills and background make me a valuable asset to the team, and I look forward to contributing to the team’s success even more. I’m on-call this holiday weekend, which had already tested my knowledge base, and with the stellar help of my teammates I have been able / we have been able to support the news divisions, while maintaining the level of support and service they not only want, but is essential to produce the news.

I am grateful for every challenge that comes my way. I am grateful to learn and grow everyday. It keeps life and my career fresh and I’m perspective everyday.

Become a SCTE SME

Where to start?

Do you want to become a SCTE (Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers)  subject matter expert (SME)?  You can take the following steps:


1. Gain a foundational understanding of SCTE technologies: Start by learning the basics of SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35, SCTE-104, and SCTE-224. This can be done by reading articles, whitepapers, and technical documentation available on the SCTE website and other industry resources.

2. Attend SCTE training courses: SCTE offers a range of training courses on various SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35, SCTE-104, and SCTE-224. These courses cover the fundamentals of the technology, best practices, and practical applications. Attending these courses can help you gain a deeper understanding of SCTE technologies and prepare you for certification.

3. Pursue SCTE certification: SCTE offers certification programs for various SCTE technologies, including SCTE-35 and SCTE-104. These programs are designed to validate the knowledge and skills of professionals working with SCTE technologies. Pursuing certification can help you establish your expertise in SCTE technologies and advance your career.

4. Participate in SCTE events and communities: SCTE hosts various events, including conferences, webinars, and workshops, where professionals can learn about the latest developments in SCTE technologies and network with other experts. Additionally, SCTE has a community forum where professionals can ask questions, share knowledge, and collaborate with other experts in the field.

By taking these steps, you can become a subject matter expert in SCTE technologies. It’s also important to stay up-to-date with the latest developments in the field by reading industry publications, attending conferences, and participating in online communities.

Need more info?  Sure! 

Some of the latest developments in the field of SCTE include advancements in DOCSIS 4.0 technology, the deployment of 5G networks, the adoption of cloud-based technologies, and the integration of artificial intelligence and machine learning in cable networks. Industry publications like Broadband Library and Cablefax, as well as conferences like SCTE Cable-Tec Expo and online communities like SCTE Connect, are great resources to stay up-to-date on these developments.

From the Sidelines to the Big Screen: How Venues are Using Projection Technology to Enhance Sports Events

Venues use projection technology to elevate the game-day experiences in several ways, including:

  • Projection Mapping: Is used to create immersive experiences for fans. Projection mapping involves projecting images and videos onto surfaces such as walls, floors, or ceilings to create the illusion of movement or depth. This technology can be used to create dynamic displays during pre-game introductions, halftime shows, or other events.
  • Digital Signage: Venues can use digital signage to display scores, stats, and other information to fans. Digital signage allows venues to update information in real-time and can be customized to display different types of content depending on the event. This technology can also be used to display advertisements or promotions to fans.
  • Interactive Displays: Venues can use interactive displays to engage fans and provide them with a more immersive experience. Interactive displays can include touchscreens, virtual reality experiences, and augmented reality experiences. These displays can be used to provide fans with information about the game, players, or venue, or they can be used to create interactive games or challenges for fans to participate in.
  • Light Shows: Venues can use projection technology to create dynamic light shows during pre-game introductions or halftime shows. This technology can be used to project images and videos onto the playing surface, creating a visually stunning display for fans.

Some other ways that venues use projection technology to elevate the game-day experience include:

  • Customizable lighting effects that change based on the game’s progress or score
  • 3D projection mapping to create a fully immersive experience
  • Interactive floor projections that respond to fans’ movements
  • Live streaming of the game on large screens
  • Use of holographic technology to bring players or mascots to life
  • Digital overlays on the playing surface to create interactive games or challenges
  • Use of LED lighting for dynamic and colorful displays
  • Real-time social media feeds displayed on screens throughout the venue
  • Use of augmented reality technology to provide fans with additional information or experiences
  • Projection of “fan cams” to engage the crowd and create a more interactive experience
  • Use of projection technology to create realistic simulations of the game or venue
  • Use of projection technology to create stunning visual effects during pre-game introductions or halftime shows
  • Projection of sponsor logos or advertisements in creative ways
  • Use of projection technology to create interactive photo booths or selfie stations for fans
  • Use of projection technology to create unique and immersive soundscapes
  • Projection of interactive games or challenges onto the walls or ceilings of the venue
  • Use of projection technology to create dynamic and engaging pre-game videos or introductions
  • Use of projection technology to create custom animations or graphics for the venue or team
  • Integration of projection technology with live music performances or concerts
  • Use of projection technology to create virtual experiences for fans who can’t attend the game in person.

Overall, the use of projection technology in venues can enhance the game-day experience for fans, providing them with new and exciting ways to engage with the game and the venue. With the continued development of projection technology, the possibilities for creating unique and immersive experiences for fans are endless.

101: Troubleshooting SCTE-35 DAI A Quick Guide

Sometimes things just don’t work. You’ve rebooted, run reports, and you just need to pause. Here are some steps to troubleshoot SCTE-35 DAI issues:

1. Check for SCTE-35 markers: The first step in troubleshooting SCTE-35 DAI issues is to check if the SCTE-35 markers are being inserted into the video stream correctly. You can use a tool like SCTE-35 Analyzer to check if the markers are being sent at the appropriate times and if their contents are correct.

2. Check your ad server: If the SCTE-35 markers are being sent correctly, the next step is to check your ad server. Ensure that the ad server is sending ad inventory to the video player at the appropriate times and that the ad creative is correct.

3. Check your video player: If the ad server is sending ad inventory correctly, the issue may be with your video player. Ensure that your video player is configured correctly to receive SCTE-35 markers and that it is capable of processing them correctly. Check the video player logs for any errors or warnings related to SCTE-35 processing.

4. Check for network issues: If the SCTE-35 markers, ad server, and video player are all working correctly, but the ads are still not showing up, there may be a network issue. Check for any network issues that may be preventing the video player from receiving the ad inventory correctly.

5. Test with different devices and platforms: If the issue is only occurring on certain devices or platforms, test with different devices and platforms to identify if it is a device-specific issue.

6. Contact your ad server or video player provider: If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact your ad server or video player provider for further assistance. They may be able to provide more targeted troubleshooting steps or identify any issues specific to their platform.

Building A Stack for Your Business: 101

What does building a stack mean?

Building a stack refers to the process of selecting and integrating different software tools and technologies to create a customized software solution that meets your specific business needs.

1. Identify your business needs: The first step in building a stack is to identify your business needs. Determine what problems you are trying to solve and what goals you want to achieve.

2. Research available tools: Once you have identified your business needs, research different software tools and technologies that can help you meet those needs. Look for tools that are reputable, well-supported, and have a track record of success in your industry.

3. Evaluate tools: Evaluate the tools you have identified by looking at their features, pricing, ease of use, and compatibility with your existing systems. Consider factors such as scalability, security, and customization options.

4. Select tools: Based on your research and evaluation, select the tools that best meet your needs and fit within your budget. Make sure to consider how the different tools will work together and integrate with your existing systems.

5. Integrate tools: Once you have selected your tools, work on integrating them to create a seamless and cohesive software stack. This may involve customizing the tools, creating APIs, or developing other integration solutions.

6. Test and refine: After you have integrated your tools, test the stack to ensure it is working as expected. Refine the stack as necessary to optimize performance and ensure it is meeting your business needs.

7. Maintain and update: Finally, maintain and update your software stack over time to ensure it remains up-to-date and continues to meet your business needs. Keep an eye on emerging technologies and be willing to make changes as needed to stay competitive and efficient.

Streaming Strategies: 30 Popular Broadcasters -Who Do You Use?

There are several considerations that companies keep in mind when developing streaming strategies.

Some key factors:

•Content: The availability and quality of content is a critical factor in attracting and retaining subscribers. Companies must consider what type of content to offer, including original programming, movies, TV shows, and live events.

•Pricing: Companies must carefully consider their pricing strategy to remain competitive and attract subscribers. They may offer different subscription tiers with varying features and pricing options.

•Distribution: Companies must consider how to distribute their content, whether through their own website or app, through third-party platforms, or through partnerships with other companies.

•User Experience: The user experience is critical in retaining subscribers. Companies must ensure that their streaming service is easy to use, reliable, and offers high-quality video and audio.

•Marketing: Companies must develop effective marketing strategies to promote their streaming service and attract new subscribers. This may include social media advertising, influencer partnerships, or other tactics.

•Technology: Companies must consider the technology required to deliver their streaming service, including video encoding, content delivery networks, and other infrastructure.

•Competition: Companies must keep an eye on the competition and adapt their strategies accordingly. They may need to adjust their pricing, content, or marketing strategies to remain competitive in the market.

30 “Streamers”, and Their Strategies:

1. Netflix – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows

2. Hulu – Subscription-based streaming of TV shows and movies, with live TV options

3. Amazon Prime Video – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows, with additional perks for Amazon Prime members

4. Disney+ – Subscription-based streaming of Disney, Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars content

5. HBO Max – Subscription-based streaming of HBO and other content, including original programming

6. Apple TV+ – Subscription-based streaming of original programming and movies

7. YouTube TV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels

8. Sling TV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels

9. FuboTV – Subscription-based streaming of live TV channels, with a focus on sports

10. ESPN+ – Subscription-based streaming of sports events and original programming

11. CBS All Access – Subscription-based streaming of CBS content, including live TV options

12. NBC Universal Peacock – Subscription-based streaming of NBC and Universal content, including live TV options

13. Showtime – Subscription-based streaming of Showtime content, including original programming

14. Starz – Subscription-based streaming of Starz content, including original programming

15. Crunchyroll – Subscription-based streaming of anime and manga

16. Funimation – Subscription-based streaming of anime and manga

17. VRV – Subscription-based streaming of anime, gaming, and other pop culture content

18. Twitch – Free streaming of live gaming and other content, with subscription options for additional perks

19. Mixer – Free streaming of live gaming and other content, with subscription options for additional perks

20. Facebook Watch – Free streaming of original programming and other content

21. Instagram Live – Free streaming of live events and other content

22. Twitter Live – Free streaming of live events and other content

23. Periscope – Free streaming of live events and other content

24. Vimeo – Subscription-based streaming of original programming and other content

25. Dailymotion – Free streaming of user-generated and original programming

26. Kanopy – Free streaming of movies and TV shows, with access through public libraries and universities

27. Crave – Subscription-based streaming of movies and TV shows in Canada

28. BBC iPlayer – Free streaming of BBC content in the UK

29. ITV Hub – Free streaming of ITV content in the UK

30. Sky Go – Subscription-based streaming of Sky content in the UK

These companies are major players in the streaming industry(this is not an exhaustive list), each with their own unique strategies and considerations. They offer a range of content, from movies and TV shows to live events and original programming, and use different pricing models and distribution methods to attract and retain subscribers. User experience, marketing, technology, and competition are all key factors that they must consider when developing their streaming strategies. As the streaming market continues to grow, these companies will need to remain agile and adapt their strategies to remain competitive and meet the changing needs of their audiences.

Level Up Your Resume: Become An Achiever!

Everyone writes about networking, researching, targeting companies, identifying the position or positions you want, and you should, it’s all important and solid advice, but there is more to the job hunt than that…

It’s not a difficult twist it’s just a shift in how your approach is.

Are you Endlessly sending an updated draft of your resume out for the 50 some-teenth time to the internet void, and that isn’t working?  I have had the same experience.  

Years ago it was easy, make a phone call, or send out a resume, interview, and hired.  Today – ummm not so much.

I had been very “busy” changing up my skills, key words, etc to “match” what the resume machine algorithms have been asked to search for (and will discard if your resume isn’t at least a 70% match).  It’s true, a human will NOT EVER see your resume because there’s a program that automatically eliminates you if you haven’t included the sought after key words.  Even worse, you could be algorithm’d out for 6-12 months for a “bad” resume submission. 

I had received NO answers back aside from the automated “thank you for applying”, with decades of experience in the industry.  Incredibly frustrating!  But, I needed to change the way I worded my resume.  I was being seen as a doer.  Isn’t that good though?  Again….Not so much.  Hiring Managers need to see not only what you’ve done, but what you’ve accomplished.  

I was qualified, I could do the jobs I applied for, even better, I actually WANTED the jobs I applied for, I wasn’t just “looking for work”,  I was looking for what I wanted in my life too.  I’ve been lucky to get to an ebb and flow now.

But, I needed to change the language in my resume to show that I still take / took action and that I’m results-oriented person (an over-utilized phrase x1000 btw).  But, follow a few simple steps to level-up your resume:

1. Focus on your achievements: Instead of just listing your responsibilities, highlight your accomplishments and the results you achieved. Use action verbs to describe your achievements and quantify your accomplishments with numbers and percentages.

2. Use strong, action-oriented language in your resume. Avoid passive voice and use verbs that convey a sense of action and accomplishment.

3. Tailor your language to the job posting: Look at the job posting and use language that aligns with the job requirements. Use similar keywords and phrases that the employer is looking for to convey that you have the skills and experience they are seeking.

4. Highlight your skills and how they have contributed to your accomplishments. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you have used your skills to achieve results.

5. Use bullet points to break up dense paragraphs and make your resume easier to read. Use short, punchy statements that highlight your accomplishments and results.

6. Proofread, Proofread, and Proofread again – did I mention Proofread your resume?  Oh yes I did!  Do this carefully to ensure that your language is clear, concise, and error-free. Make sure that your accomplishments and results are easy to understand and are presented in a way that is easy to read.

Overall, by focusing on your networking, your achievements, using strong language, tailoring your language to the job posting, highlighting your skills, using bullet points, and proofreading your resume, you can change the way you as a person appear to a Hiring Manager.  So make yourself human, because you are human.  Make them know you, even better make them WANT to know YOU!   You are your own business, you don’t have to sell yourself, just show the best version of You that you’ve got!  You’re worth it.

This can help you stand out to potential employers and increase your chances of getting hired.