Optimistic Outlook For Video, Special Effects And Graphics Markets
March 19, 2004
Mill Valley, CA - TrendWatch Inc., a market information company for the pro-video, visual effects and graphics markets, says an upswing in the number of high definition (HD) production facilities is anticipated with the continued adoption of the HD format, and that key data signals increased optimism throughout the content creation marketplace, as published its fourth Visual Effects/Dynamic Media Survey Report.
FINDINGS FROM THIS RESEARCH:
-- Industry optimism is increasing - 18% more studios/facilities than a year ago expect business in 2004 to be excellent, signaling a stronger economy.
-- More 3D work is going to smaller studios and freelancers.
-- 19% of U.S. studios/facilities currently use High Definition (HD).
-- Top HD formats used by studios are HDCAM, D5-HD, and D7-HD (DVCPro-HD).
-- Workstations, video editing software and servers remain top three investment categories for 2004.
-- U.S. visual effects/dynamic media studios/facilities ranked Adobe Systems and Sony Electronics #1 as "most important supplier in the next three years." Apple Computer was ranked #2 and Microsoft #3.
REPORT HIGHLIGHTS:
-- 56% of U.S. studios/facilities use 1 to 4 freelancers/contractors
-- Significantly more studios currently using HD are bullish about business in 2004 compared to those that do not use HD.
-- 69% of mid-size studios expect business in 2004 to be excellent.
-- 83% of studios/facilities that see new business opportunities from 'outsourcing production outside the U.S.' expect business in 2004 to be excellent.
-- Top four 'types of work done' by studios/facilities are non-linear editing, graphic design, DVD authoring and audio sweetening/recording/mixing.
-- 22% of independent filmmakers plan to buy an HD video camera this year for use in their production.
*** TOP 2004 INVESTMENTS ***
-- 65% plan to buy workstations (down 6% from Summer 2003).
-- 39% plan to buy one or more Macs & 36% plan to buy PCs.
-- 51% plan to by video editing software (up 3%).
-- 48% plan to buy servers (up 3%).
*** TOP 2004 BUSINESS CHALLENGES ***
-- Economic conditions remain the top challenge for 82% of studios/facilities (down 4% from Summer 2003).
-- 57% of studios/facilities remain uncertain about the future direction of their businesses.
-- Competition is #3 business challenge with 56% reporting this problem.
-- 46% of studios/facilities list finding qualified employees as a top business challenge
*** TOP 2004 NEW BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES ***
-- Corporate videos and commercials are the top two projects expected to generate new business in 2004.
-- 63% expect their production capabilities and 46% see their creative/design capabilities as tools to generate new business.
-- One in three studios see hiring more employees as key to new business.
This exclusive report covers many of the U.S. pro-video markets, including animation/FX studios, postproduction facilities, audio recording mixing studios, video editing/recording studios, independent filmmakers, corporate film & video companies, production companies, broadcast/cable studios, and Web/interactive media companies. Published twice per year, this report is based on original research conducted with over 550 U.S. studio/facility owners and senior management.
PRICING AND AVAILABILITY:
The TrendWatch Visual Effects/Dynamic Media Survey Report is available now in a two-issue subscription for $9,550 USD per year.
ABOUT TRENDWATCH
TrendWatch is among the most trusted and respected market information brands in the graphics industries. Since 1996, TrendWatch has provided an independent resource for tracking on-going business metrics. TrendWatch reports are based on original market research with business owners/executives and used by leading suppliers and analysts.
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TrendWatch is a registered trademark TrendWatch, Inc. All other brand names, product names, service marks or trademarks belong to their respective holders.
For more information, visit
www.trendwatch.com
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