Media Industry Survives COVID-19:

How the changes affect you

Date: Wednesday 24th June 2020

Time: 6pm in Sydney AEST, 8pm in New Zealand, 4am in Eastern Canada (EDT)

Since the COVID-19 pandemic threatened to send the film, TV and production industries into virtual shutdown, the sector has been exploring – and finding – clever ways to keep going:

  • program makers have had to find technology solutions to series, reality and one-off productions to enable work to continue
  • TV stations have had to look for, and have found, alternatives to news gathering and panel show production techniques in use for decades
  • equipment manufacturers have been asked for new tools and ways of configuring existing product to meet completely unexpected demand

In this special SMPTE Australia Section webinar, join us as we talk to three senior industry leaders who have met the challenges of the COVID-19 era. The lessons learned might surprise you, and will certainly inform.


Guest Speakers

Nick Murray

Nick Murray is the co-founder of CJZ – the Australian based and owned production company which has won three Rose d’Ors, an Emmy Award, multiple AACTAs and Logies and is known for its locally developed programs such as Gruen, Bondi Rescue, Highway Patrol, Julia Zemiro’s Home Delivery and recent dramas such as House of Hancock and House of Bond (Nine) and My Life is Murder (Ten). CJZ is one of the Australian few companies working across all genre and with all local broadcasters and also last week released the documentary series Murder in the Outback on UK’s Channel 4. Nick is a past president of Screen Producers Australia and prior to working in production, was founding CEO of Foxtel’s Comedy Channel and ran legal and business affairs at Network Ten. He is also a bee keeper.

Dean Wadsworth

Dean Wadsworth, Head of Technology at Network 10 a division of ViacomCBS International Networks

With over 25 years’ experience, Dean has extensive knowledge and diverse experience in all aspects of the broadcast & media industry, having held senior leadership positions in Technology and Operations.

Focused on operational optimisation and innovation, Dean has led cross functional teams to successfully deliver cost efficiencies programs and business transformation initiatives at 10.  These programs have varied from implementing enterprise wide Media Asset Management systems and workflow solutions, to implementing new operating models and change management initiatives for 10’s News operations. As Head of Technology at Network 10, he is currently focused on identifying opportunities to leverage new technology and business models that will support 10’s business strategies for the future.

Jeff Moore

Jeff Moore is the Executive Vice-President, Chief Marketing Officer and Vice-Chair of the Board of Directors of Ross Video, a global leader in live video production solutions for broadcast, sports, entertainment, legislative, worship, and corporate facilities. Jeff is responsible for day-to-day business execution: managing sales, marketing and product management, while contributing to the executive team’s strategy and vision of the company.

Joining Ross in 1997, Jeff has been integrally involved in the company’s dramatic rise from a small, 50-person niche company to a premier player in live video production technology with a global presence. He has helped to build the Ross Video team and culture that has forged many new corporate relationships with customers and business partners, dramatically expanding Ross’ market share worldwide.

Jeff has over 30 years of experience in the broadcast and production industries with broad knowledge of Ross product lines, industry technology and customer applications. Jeff began his career in broadcast in the engineering group of CHUM Television, working closely with the Manager of Engineering on the complete redesign and move of CityTV and MuchMusic to a ground-breaking new facility. Before joining Ross Video, he spent fourteen years in Toronto where he enjoyed a career of increasing scope and responsibility. He worked for Azcar Technologies, managing broadcast design and installation projects; Sony, as Broadcast Account Manager; Broadcast Television Systems as Regional Sales Manager; Acura Technology Group as Regional Sales Manager; and Tektronix VND (Grass Valley Group) as Canadian National Business Manager.

Jeff holds an Executive MBA from the University of Ottawa and graduated with honours from the Broadcast Electronics Technology program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology. Jeff was raised in Canada’s north, in Whitehorse, Yukon. He enjoys hiking, playing hockey, traveling, and spending time with his family. Fun fact about Jeff: a few years ago, he and his son completed the Yukon River Quest, the world’s longest annual canoe race – and they didn’t come last!

Paul Broderick

Paul is the current SMPTE Australia Section Chair. He has over 30 years’ experience in the FTA Broadcasting industry including 3 years in post-production in both London and Sydney and 6 years in the IPTV and streaming video space.

Paul commenced his career with the ABC before moving to London, TCN Nine, VTS/Edit Point, Seven as Engineering manager of their Epping facility and SBS and Director of Technology & Distribution. Paul then moved Telstra to work with IPTV and streaming video technology.

During his career Paul has worked on projects such as FTA digital TV conversion, Sydney 2000 Olympics, Seven’s News facility in Martin Place, broadcast of multiple Tour de France and World Cups (Rugby & Soccer), the world’s first terrestrial 3D broadcast, Foxtel’s Presto service and Telstra TV products. Whilst at SBS Paul oversaw the development of a five year technology plan to move SBS from its aging videotape environment to a fully file-based facility. Paul is now an independent consultant for the industry.