Sony partners with NRK to pilot new cloud-based tool set to simplify production workflow

Basingstoke, 23/09/2020: Sony has partnered with leading Norwegian public broadcaster, NRK on a Proof of Concept project, pioneering new a cloud-based automated production tool. Designed to refine the production process, by removing the duplication of metadata entry combined with automated content management, the toolset currently codenamed ‘Metadata Wrangler’ has successfully increased production efficiency and reduced costs during production of a primetime cookery show.

The purpose has been to exploit the benefits when utilising a direct upload of the proxy version of the recordings to Sony Ci cloud service for immediate access and reviewing, rather than using the technical process of handling content upload later in the process. This would ensure staff not at the shoot location had quick and easy access to new content, so they could concentrate on the creative process, rather than the technical process of handling content upload from cameras.

A micro-service addition to Sony’s Ci Media Cloud, Metadata Wrangler works by automatically connecting files (in this case proxy files) from connected cameras with existing preproduction metadata sourced from production planning. Incoming files are identified, populated with metadata and placed in the appropriate cloud folders, making them easily searchable by editors and production staff. Developed and refined during production of “Kokkeliv” (a Chef’s Life), a seasonal cookery show featuring famous chefs, NRK and Sony refined iterations of the service for each season across a 12-month period.

“We are constantly working on streamlining and simplify our post-production workflow and seeking the right tools that support our strategy of delivering high quality TV series with limited technical resources.

This pilot gives valuable insights to both sides and we appreciate the opportunity to discuss our ideas and what to expect from the market when it comes to meeting our challenges, says Trond Ramberg, Technology Supervisor – Postproduction Workflow at NRK.

For us, transferring proxy versions of captured footage directly from the camera to a server or cloud service has shown a great production value. This combined with an early metadata harvest and preservation all the way to the editing stage is an important measure for efficient media management. If solved, this has the potential to become a game-changer for the industry”.

Developed by Sony engineers in the European headquarters, Metadata Wrangler is built to work on Sony’s Ci media cloud platform, a media-centric cloud environment with applications that empower media companies with remote teams to leverage the scalability and availability of the cloud to streamline production, editorial, and delivery workflows. Ci’s growing portfolio of REST APIs enables seamless integration with existing workflows to cost-effectively leverage the scalability and resiliency of the cloud.

“At Sony we seek to understand the common challenges faced by our customers and partners and look for opportunities to address these with innovative solutions, comments Claus Pfeifer, Head of Connected Content Acquisition, Media Solutions, Sony Professional Solutions Europe.

“To pilot Metadata Wrangler we needed the right type of customer that was willing to work alongside us to bring the product to life. NRK’s opportunistic outlook and pioneering technological spirit provided the perfect partnership for the product’s development. We remain encouraged by its progress during the production of NRK’s cookery programme and the opportunity it brings for its wider future rollout.”

Metadata Wrangler is currently under development at Sony. Any plans for a future commercialisation will be announced at a later date.