by nadja.pirchheim -

IMPULSE #2_”Designing Disney Magic and Disney World” – World Usability Congress 2024

For my second Impuls Blog entry I refer to the talk I heard at the World Usability Congress 2024. The speech was held by Dan Hamer-Hodges who is working at the Walt Disney Company. Even though I have to admit the talk itself was not really good in terms of how the presenter talked and the content he delivered, I took something important away with me. Dan was talking about how he and his team delivered the Disney Magic through the Disney PhotoPass. He mentioned that you always pay attention to details. They developed an AR application where visitor can use their own phone and interact with Disney characters. In the development phase they focused on the interaction with the character as well as the 3D model and its perfectly design especially when it comes to details. Also was he mentioned that the photographers which take photos of visitors in the park how they create an extraordinary experience where also lightning plays a huge role.

Why I mention this for my impuls? This talk made me think about my project and that I also should keep the details in mind which can enhance the experience in VR to another level. Creating very detailed 3D models as well as keep lightning as natural as possible. Also another layer would be sound and haptic feedback. Everything which takes part of creating a holistic experience for the user.

Links:

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/how-can-you-create-more-immersive-vr-games-sound

https://worldusabilitycongress.com/conference/?agenda=CB9XY7

https://www.linkedin.com/advice/0/what-key-factors-designing-engaging-vr-experiences

by Hannah Drobir -

Let’s have the Finance Talk – Budgeting in Filmmaking

Finances is probably the most frightening aspect of a movie pre-production. For me, budgeting has always been something that I was happy to avoid. Until now! Today, I want to make friends with movie money. And show you why you should too!

What is a Movie Budget?

When we think of a movie budget, according to Mike Bedard via StudioBinder, most people instantly think of crew and cast costs, money for building sets, make-up, VFX and everything included in a classical production.

However, that’s only half the battle in Hollywood. From there, you need to market the film so that people actually know it exists. For major productions, this is readily apparent in the form of trailers, billboards, radio ads, and everything else you can possibly slap a poster on.

Mike Bedard via StudioBinder

So far so good. But in the case of independent productions or indie films, production managers will not have such a big budget. Therefore, they will have to find alternative ways of marketing the movie. Besides the already mentioned ads on billboards, radio and posters, social media could be a big part of the distribution budget. (Bedard, StudioBinder)

According to Newbie Film School, “an average short film costs between $700 to $1500 per minute.” Of course, this number can fluctuate depending on what kind of short film you are planning to make and how big the production will be. That is why it is smart to make a budget breakdown before you are starting to shoot and actually do work on the project. (Newbie Film School)

How to Calculate a Budget

Newbie Film School goes on to describe how they plan their budgets for shooting short movies (a short movie being anything under 40 minutes). According to them, the most important thing to know is the length of the movie. If you follow the standard way of calculating one minute per script page, you can easily determine how long your film will be. Still, the costs for a 20 minute film can vary between $2000 and $30000 which is a really big range. To narrow this down it might be smart to additionally consider the so-called production value of your movie which is the sum of the following costs:

  • Pre-production cost
  • Production cost
    • Location
    • Cast
    • Crew
    • Types of equipment
    • Art design
    • Other production services
  • Post-production cost
    • Editing
    • Sound design and music
    • VFX
    • Digital Intermediate
  • Marketing and promotion

So, let’s dive into these in more detail. (Newbie Film School)

Pre-Production Cost

These costs include every step of planning a movie from location scouting to visualization in a storyboard. Still, they are manageable and should not exceed $500 but rather be around $250. (Newbie Film School)

Production Cost

These costs are estimated to make up 75-80% of your overall budget. If you want your budget to not exceed in the end, it would be smart to include the following points in it.

Location

Your location needs to have some sort of power supply. For independent productions it is smart to use free locations to keep the costs at a minimum. However, calculating between $250 and $500 is smart to have as an extra for shooting permits you might need.

Cast

Working with pupils from acting schools or freelancers is the smartest for independent productions. That way, you save additional costs for insurances. On average, one can calculate approximately $100 per person per day. However, if you negociate wisely this price can be brought down. Still, calculating with $100 is smart and having a little surplus in the end is not bad either.

Crew

Cinematographers don’t usually charge higher rates for short films. It ranges from $150 to 300 per day. […] The Sound Recordist is vital if you need to record sync sound and hence the costs range between $150 to $250 a day. The Direction team should cost anywhere between $100 and $150 per day. […] The Gripper and the Gaffers should add up to another $200 per day in total. Costume if needed should be dealt with the designer on a negotiated price. If you rent them, it should not add up to more than $100 per day for the entire cast.

Newbie Film School

In total, that makes up for around $750 per day. However, if your script does not require special costumes, etc. these costs can be minimized.

Types of equipment

Equipment will add to your overall budget! In total, cameras, lenses, grips, jibs and lighting will cost an average of $500 per day. The wage for the sound recordists usually already include the gear so at least there is no need to rent this.

Art Design and Other Production Services

This part of the budget can be easily avoided if you are not building sets for your film. For indie productions it is recommended to shoot outdoors (and also use natural light to lower the costs there). Other Production Services might include spot boys or caterers. These can also be avoided easily in independent productions. However, keeping a spare budget of around $300 is recommended.

Post-Production Cost

These costs consist of sound, music, VFX and editing post production processes.

Editing

It is recommended to not hire editors who are paid hourly. Rather “offer them a package between $500 to $1500 depending on the length […].” (Newbie Film School)

Sound Design and Music

This will cost another $750 on average. However, it is recommended to look for talents who have not been recognised yet. Maybe you know someone or could hire given people from art schools.

VFX

If possible, avoid having any VFX in your indie production. Costs for this field are very high!

Digital Intermediate

This service includes the coloring of the film. As this can be very expensive as well it pays off to hire students or enthusiasts who will color your entire movie for an average of $500.

Marketing and Promotion

In order to have a decent exposure after the film is finished, one should think of using free tools to send the movie to festivals. There are a lot of screening opportunities that are free. However, some festivals have an entrance fee which is why an additional $1000 is recommended for marketing and promotion. As said already, using social media to promote your movie is also a great and cheap tool to market your work. (Newbie Film School)

Summary

If one follows the points mentioned above, your average movie budget will be around $3800 for fixed costs plus $100 per actor per day plus $1250 per day for crew and equipment. For a 3 day production with two actors your budget should therefore be:

3800+100*2*3+1250*3=
3800+600+3750=$8150 (or around €7700)

As you see, these costs are immense and no indie newcomer will ever have the dollars to cover them. This is where small productions will need to get creative. One example to do so is using a method called Guerilla Filmmaking. More on that in another post.

Still, it is important for filmmakers to know these numbers. And I believe that having an approximate estimate guide such as this post can help you calculate your first budgets. I will use these numbers to calculate my next expenses for a short movie as well and will keep you updated on how that goes.

However, I will leave you with this for now. I think it is already a big enough pill to swallow.

.

.

.

Sources

Bedard, Mark: Average Movie Budget — How Much Do Movies Cost to Make? In: StudioBinder, https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/average-movie-budget/ (last seen: 08.10.2023)

Newbie Film School: How much does it Cost to make a Short Film? In: Newbie Film School, https://newbiefilmschool.com/how-much-does-it-cost-to-make-a-short-film/ (last seen: 08.10.2023)

by nadja.pirchheim -

IMPULSE #1_”Where Arts meets Science: Design and Development of Project Chimera” – Game Dev Days Graz

Today I was at the Game Dev Days 2023 in Graz. One talk was from Saeed Safikhani, who is a HCI Researcher and Tech Artist with the topic of “Where Arts meets Science: Design and Development of Project Chimera”. Project Chimera is a VR game specified in gamified learning. The user will find itself in an spaceship and explore it while learning about diverse topics. Which he pointed out during the talk was that you should never break the presence of the user in VR – which means when exploring or playing different levels the user should feel that jumping between the levels feels as natural (however “natural” feels like in VR :-P) as possible. In Project Chimera the user will be guided through different levels while using the elevator. Interaction implemented in the menu design is a way where the Virtual Reality experience is not interrupted and feels consistent for the user.

For my DesRes Research I take away the fact, that creating a menu design without interrupting the VR experience is essential for the user flow. As I am working on a virtual reality experience for an apprenticeship in a chef’s position, I need to think about the different level design and also a menu design which supports the user in his experience.

Links:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2593770/Project_Chimera/

https://medium.com/@lucycarp/vr-menu-patterns-and-use-cases-f30fd8b5ef36

Saeed Safikhani
https://gamelabgraz.com/team/saeed-safikhani/
by jona-tristan.koehring -

Impuls 1: An Environmental Toolkit for the New Zealand Screen Production Industry

An Environmental Toolkit for the New Zealand Screen Production Industry:

Given that my thesis will address Sustainable Production Workflows in Independent Nature Conservation Films, I aim to explore established guidelines designed to ensure eco-friendly production practices. It’s worth noting that many existing guides primarily focus on feature films with various involved parties, such as makeup departments and lighting crews. In this blog entry, I intend to assess the feasibility of applying some of these concepts to independent conservation film productions. Additionally, I’ll examine if there are any pertinent aspects missing in this guide or others that could be relevant to such productions.

This specific toolkit was developed by South Pacific Films in collaboration with the Ministry for the Environment, Landcare Research, and Waitakere City Council. I chose this particular guide because it offers more comprehensive information compared to others like the Green Toolkit Film & TV.

Since environmental films are typically shot in natural settings rather than studios, I will primarily focus on the environmental impacts at the filming location. Here, the guide outlines the following impacts:

  1. Vehicle use
  2. Damage to natural landscapes
  3. Damage to wildlife habitats
  4. Overexposure of sensitive and protected environments
  5. Modifications to natural landscapes
  6. Noise and artificial light pollution
  7. Damage to infrastructure, such as historic buildings and monuments

All of these factors are indeed applicable to independent conservation film production.

Werner Heisenberg once said that it’s impossible to observe something without altering it. For most of the last 300 years, scientists believed they could objectively observe the natural world without influencing what they were studying. They presented their scientific findings as if no specific person had made the observations. This approach differed from fields like the humanities and theology, where the observer’s perspective was an integral part of the subject. In the scientific realm, the observer seemed detached, with no apparent influence on the results.

However, in the 20th century, this perception changed. Scientists realized that when they attempted to observe very small particles, such as atoms, their observations unavoidably altered the particles’ behavior. For example, trying to measure the position of an atom would change its speed. This concept became known as the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle: When you closely monitor something, you unavoidably affect it. Ultimately, it became evident that all scientists were active participants in the universe they were studying, and they couldn’t remain purely detached observers.

With this in mind, it’s essential to understand the impact that filming, essentially glorified observation, can have on an environment. The guide refrains from providing specific examples, but based on personal experience, I’ll offer an example. When you observe nature using a drone, it becomes evident how your observation alters the subject’s behavior. Drones are unnatural objects that most animals fear. Birds flee from them, and they can startle horses. This is one of the reasons why flying drones in Protected Areas is prohibited.

Returning to the guide, it lists several reasons for complying with its recommendations, such as the necessity of protecting nature to maintain picturesque backdrops for stunning productions.

In the “Office” section of the guide, you’ll find additional guidelines that are applicable to independent conservation films, including:

  1. Working digitally
  2. Minimizing printing

Many of the office guidelines are tailored to companies with multiple employees. I’ll skip over makeup and lighting since they are not relevant to my research.

The most significant aspect for my thesis is production and post-production, so let’s continue with that:

  1. Unplug video players, television monitors, and other equipment with stand-by mode when not in use.
  2. When purchasing or renting technical equipment, inquire about energy-efficient alternatives or more efficient ways to use the equipment.
  3. Use digital processes for filming and sound recording where quality allows.
  4. When using film, ensure that your suppliers have end-of-life management programs compliant with local regulations for disposing of photographic processing chemicals.
  5. Explore recycling options with your film supplier to avoid sending waste film to landfills.

In general, these recommendations are all applicable to conservation films. However, this section of the guide seems relatively brief. Considering that this is the most relevant part of my project, it will be intriguing to delve into how specific equipment choices can make a more significant impact.

Now, let’s proceed to post-production:

  1. If available and suitable, use tapeless post-production workflow systems.
  2. Utilize the energy-saving features of technical equipment and computers.
  3. If compatible with your customers, distribute projects and demonstration reels on DVD.
  4. Apply the purchasing, energy efficiency, water conservation, and waste reduction tips provided for the office.

These post-production guidelines are also applicable, but, as before, it seems that there is potential for further expansion in this section.

In conclusion, it’s worth noting that these guides tend to skim over production and post-production aspects, which is unfortunate because there is much to discuss in these areas. For instance, it’s essential to explore which camera companies align with eco-friendly practices and carbon emissions reduction in filmmaking.

by nadine.lowden -

Impulse #1_”Mastering the Emotional User Experience”_World Usability Congress

On October 11th, 2023, I attended a talk entitled Mastering the Emotional User Experience by Bill Albert, SVP of Global Customer Experience at Mach49 in Silicon Valley. Albert began the talk by noting that the emotional user experience was the topic of a recently added chapter in the newest edition of his book, Measuring the User Experience: Collecting, Analyzing, and Presenting Usability Metrics and something his company is now just beginning to touch on.

Why should we care about measuring emotional UX? Albert cites improving products/services beyond usability, achieving KPIs (loyalty, satisfaction, etc.), aligning with brand strategy, and gaining competitive advantage as positive outcomes for considering emotions in UX research.

Albert utilizes scales of “Arousal” and “Valence” to classify emotions. Arousal classifies the degree of excitement or engagement from “calm” to “excited’. Valence measures the “goodness” or “badness” of a response from negative to positive. Albert argues that only a few emotions are truly relevant to UX design. He includes engagement, confidence, trust, frustration, affect, and stress, but also notes that these are highly contextual. As an example, Albert shared a user testing video for a participant who was laughing at the poor functioning of a website. The face tracking software registered her smiles as a “joyful” response, where in reality she was amused at how bad the website was. Albert also notes that UX testing usually elicits a “weak signal”, or low emotional intensity, and is thus not as obvious to measure compared to high emotional intensity events such as a roller coaster ride, a great first date, or a team winning a big game. The example of the user laughing at the poor functioning of the website, and that response being registered as “joy” is known as “noisy data”, or data that has to be sifted through and removed by a person, not AI. Albert points out that we don’t all have the same definition of each emotion, and we have to also consider cultural and language-based differences – this all results in “noisy data”.

As we begin the semester, I am thinking about how I can narrow my research and get closer to my final thesis topic. Bill Albert’s talk was very relevant to my past research, as he exposed the shortcomings of AI in understanding human behavior, and the prevailing importance of having real people test, analyze, and summarize data. This “impulse” was a great way to get the ball rolling for this semester of Design and Research, and will provide “food for thought” moving forward.

by Kris Van Hout -

Blog #1 – Topics thesis question

Recap:
Last semester I ended my design and research with the topic ‘’short form video’’ And with this topic I created thesis questions. Which could help me finding a clearer view of what I want to do in the 4th semester. Which are:

  • Exploring the storytelling potential of short form video content on social media platforms.
  • The impact of editing techniques in creating engaging narratives in short form videos.
  • Analyzing the effectiveness of different video formats (e.g., vertical, square, horizontal) for short form video platforms.
  • The aesthetics of composition and framing in short form videos: Techniques for capturing attention.

For the design and research course this semester I would like to dive deeper in these questions and see how much potential they have and how I can make them worthy as a thesis topic.

To make it already clearer by forehand what short form video is and other terms in these questions. I made a glossary for terms that I think will be very handy to know.

Glossary:

Short form video:
Short form video is to a type of video content that typically has a shorter duration compared to traditional long-form videos. These videos are often created for social media. Short form videos are made to capture viewers’ attention quickly and deliver content in engaging way, they usually are between a few seconds to a few minutes.

Social Media Storytelling:
Social media storytelling uses content on social media, such as posts, pictures, videos or interactive content, to tell a story about your company, product or brand.

Short-term storytelling:
Story telling which lasts for one piece of content.

Long-term storytelling:
Story telling which takes place over multiple pieces of content and over a period of time.

User participation interaction:
The engagement and involvement of users in the content or experience. It provides the chance for users to actively participate, contribute, or interact with the content or the overall experience.

Content Trends:
Content trends refer to the popular and prevailing themes, topics, formats, or styles that are prominent in a particular period.

by Hannah Drobir -

IMPULSE #1 – Production Management with Gregor Wilson – Podcast

For my first IMPULSE session I sat down and listened to one episode of the podcast Team Deakins. Every episode they talk to and with people from the film industry. In this specific one their guest was Gregor Wilson, the production manager of films such as Inglorious Bastards, Man of Steal, Justice League and others. Let’s see what he has to say about his very wide-ranging role.

Initially having studied Urban Design, Gregor got involved in film after a very drunk night out. After working different jobs such as construction coordinator, he finally found his place in production management. According to him, the responsibilities of his position include hiring the crew, getting the people, getting the equipment (which consumes the majority of time), working on the schedule and the budget. He works closely together with the line producer, who is one step higher up the hierarchy in a big production.

Gregor goes on to describing his standard steps when being onboarded as a PM. First he has a look at the script to have an idea on locations, necessary decisions, cameras, … right away. He then goes on to making his own schedule where he creates breakdowns of the script and a rough shooting schedule (even though normally the assistant director is responsible for the final shooting schedule) to determine possible problems. After that, the cast availability needs to be checked as well as location availability. According to Wilson, this gets harder every time. The more shows are produced the less stage space, gear, etc. is available to everyone.

To continue he briefly talks about his favorite part of shooting movies: Outdoor shoots. He particularely enjoys them because everyone has to be more flexibile with the weather and one can get light situations that they didn’t expect (which is always exciting for the DPs).

Another big point during his interview was of course the budget (which I will write more about in the next post). Something I didn’t know was that in big productions there is actually a production accountant who is responsible for that. However, the PM is involved in regular money meetings and they work together very closely. Gregor did not mention indie productions but I can imagine that in smaller undertakings, this is still a responsibility assigned to the PM.

An additional new thing for me was that apparently the greatest sin PMs and accountants can make in Hollywood is coming in under budget. This is due to the fact that as soon as there is a surplus of money, studios lose control over how it is use. Also, most studios take up loans from banks to finance the shoots. If a production ends up not using all the money, the studio has made a huge minus with all the interests they will have to pay back unnecessarily. Gregors approach to that is to “take it out on post” (which he says with a laugh).

The third and final interesting thing he mentions (although just in one sentence) is the fact that even though there are a lot of female production supervisors there are not a lot of female production managers. This is especially motivating for me to further persue this interest and maybe make a carreer out of it someday.

Some other points Gregor mentions very briefly are production reports and bond companies, which I will have to look up and research in more detail.

The final subject he talks about is stress and working hours. According to Gregor one of the biggest mistakes production managers can make is not having a good stress management. When you are responsible for so many different parts of a production, being able to make good and calm desicions is very important in the case of an emergency or something happening. Even though you have to be able to work insanely long working hours (e.g. in the US there is no penalty for having your film crew work too long, the situation in AUT will have to be found out about in a seperate post) keeping calm is something that is highly regarded and respected amongst your crew.

After making a joke about why all movies are shot in California (the good weather) the two hosts Roger Deakins and Isabella James Purefoy Ellis close the interview.

As mentioned above there are some things I will have to find out more about: production reports, bond companies and the legal working hours for film crews in Austria.

Links:

  1. https://www.industrialtrainer.org/production-report and https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/daily-production-report-explained-free-template/
  2. https://www.mediaservices.com/blog/how-to-bond-a-film-a-definitive-guide-to-completion-bonds/
  3. https://www.wko.at/branchen/gewerbe-handwerk/film-musikwirtschaft/start.html/ and https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/arbeit_und_pension/arbeitszeit.html

Sources

Team Deakins Podcast: EPISODE 87 – GREGOR WILSON – Production Manager: https://teamdeakins.libsyn.com/gregor-wilson-production-manager (last seen 10.10.2023) (not to self: not cited correctly yet)

by naomi.bujdei -

Impuls 1: Why We Still Love Film: Analog Photography in the Digital Age

Das Video spricht über: Social Media, ein enger Verbündeter, der die analoge Anwendung von Film wiederbelebt hat. Unter dem Hashtag #FilmIsNotDead findet man über 14 Millionen Beiträge von Nutzern aus aller Welt. Warum also, in einer Welt, in der es so einfach, schnell und kostengünstig ist, das perfekte Foto mit dem Handy aufzunehmen, umarmen die jüngeren Generationen einen langsameren Prozess? Warum verzeichnen Film- und Vintage-Kamera-Verkäufe einen so steilen Anstieg? Und wie hat eine Online-Community geholfen, die analoge Fotografiebranche zu revitalisieren?

Die Photowalks gehören zu den beliebtesten Videokategorien auf Williams Kanal, und sie erfreuen das Publikum. Die Zuschauer begleiten ihn im Wesentlichen, während er mehrere Filmrollen belichtet.

Viele Kinder, die vor 15 oder 20 Jahren geboren wurden, hatten einen Großteil ihres Lebens, wie zum Beispiel die erwähnte Person, nicht die Erfahrung, taktile Aufzeichnungen zu erstellen oder Kameras zu benutzen, bei denen sie tatsächlich Film einlegen und entwickeln mussten. Ironischerweise scheint soziale Medien in den letzten fünf Jahren, insbesondere durch Instagram, einen erheblichen Einfluss auf die Verbreitung der Filmfotografie gehabt zu haben. Menschen haben sie entdeckt, mögen den Look und denken: “Das möchte ich auch ausprobieren.”

Die Kosten für die Entwicklung von Fotos, den Filmkauf und sogar die Anschaffung der Kameras sind recht hoch. Dennoch führt das am Ende des Tages viele authentische Menschen zusammen.

Es scheint eine gewisse Erschöpfung darüber zu geben, wie flüchtig die Welt der jüngeren Generation ist. Viele schrieben sie bereits ab und dachten: “Sie wollen alles sofort, sie wollen alles einfach.” Doch sie haben die Filmfotografie viel stärker angenommen, als man erwartet hat.

Die Dunkelkammerfotografie und die analoge Fotografie behandeln Bilder als individuell wichtig, und es wird viel Zeit und Mühe investiert, um sie wertvoll und bedeutsam zu machen. Sie sind nicht einfach wegzudenken. Während viele Millennials und Mitglieder der Generation Z über soziale Medien mit der analogen Fotografie in Berührung kommen, ziehen andere, wie Wesley-Studenten, diesen langsameren Prozess in der Dunkelkammer vor, gerade weil sie von ihren Social-Media-Feeds überfordert sind.

Wesley und viele andere teilen die Ansicht, dass der Prozess der analogen Fotografie in Bezug auf die Umwelt nicht nachhaltig ist. Wenn man an die Umwelt denkt, ist Film nicht besonders umweltfreundlich, sei es bei seiner Produktion, beim chemischen Verarbeitungsprozess oder beim verwendeten Wasser. Ein Professor glaubt deshalb, dass der Film mit der Zeit verschwinden wird. Für Kodak sieht die Zukunft jedoch vielversprechend aus.

William glaubt, wenn man in die Zukunft blickt, dass die analoge Fotografie immer noch eine Nische sein wird. Insgesamt ist seine Einschätzung, dass die Mehrheit der Menschen nicht die Geduld dafür aufbringen wird.

Kernideen:

Die Filmfotografie hat einen Aufschwung erlebt und wird von vielen wegen ihres haptischen Erlebnisses bevorzugt.

YouTuber Willem verdient seinen Lebensunterhalt damit, dass er auf seinem YouTube-Kanal über Filmfotografie spricht.

Soziale Medien haben die Filmfotografie populär gemacht und jüngere Generationen angezogen.

Überraschenderweise hat die Filmfotografie-Community in den letzten Jahren ein deutliches Wachstum verzeichnet.

Filmkameras erfreuen sich zunehmender Beliebtheit, was zu erheblichen Preissteigerungen führt.

Die analoge Fotografieindustrie ist immer noch lebendig und floriert.

Die analoge Fotografie bietet Kindern einen Rückzugsort, um langsamer zu werden und gezielt mit der Kamera umzugehen.

Filmfotografie erinnert uns daran, langsamer zu werden und jeden Moment zu schätzen.

by Hannah Drobir -

Make Production Management Great Again

The posts I published during the last two semesters only delt with production management in general. As this is a very broad topic my goal for this term is to narrow it down to an applicable master’s thesis topic. Today is my first try.

The title might suggest as if I am trying to reinvent production management. I am not! However, I was thinking of making it more seminal. In the approaching AI era, I want production management to be a part of filmmaking that will not lose its importance. And I asked myself: How can I do that?

Well, the answer I found was somehow primitive. I know that production management is already a very important part of filmmaking. A lot of trial and error has been done by a bunch of people before me. Still, I feel like the processes that we follow when planning a movie production are very inflexible and therefore not really viable. What they lack in my opinion is a focus on current topics such as sustainability.

For this reason I have decided to not only work on production management for outdoor movies in general but narrow it down to:

Sustainable Production Workflows for Independent Outdoor Filmmaking

I believe that production management has the potential to be a positive force for this industry’s impact on climate change. And I hope that for my master’s thesis I will be able to unlock it.

The plan is to find out more about the following (adapted) research questions:

  • Which parts of classical production management can be improved in order to be more sustainable?
  • What sustainability measures can be taken by production managers?
  • How does sustainable production management impact a production’s budget compared to classical production management?
  • Does it make sense for independent productions to switch to sustainable production management?
  • How does sustainable production management work in the field?

I am excited to start working on this altered topic even more as I think it could be interesting to people beyond my master’s thesis. For now, I will leave you with this quick update.

by yao.sossou1 -

The future of healthcare is sustainable: how e-health, robotics, and miot can help tackle the climate crisis

Introduction

Digital health is rapidly transforming the healthcare industry, with the use of technologies such as telemedicine, telehealth, and artificial intelligence (AI) playing a significant role [1]. Smart technologies are also being adopted to improve patient outcomes and experiences [2]. Deloitte predicts that the future of health will involve a shift towards a more personalized and proactive approach, enabled by digital technologies [3]. Climate change is a global challenge that requires urgent action across all sectors, including healthcare, which is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Many of the health risks posed by climate change require long-term planning and investment [4].  In today’s health care context, the application of the Internet of Things (IoT) offers suitability for doctors and patients as we can use them in many medical fields [5]. The healthcare industry’s carbon footprint stems from energy consumption, waste generation, and transportation, and its impact is expected to increase due to the growing demand for healthcare services worldwide. However, emerging technologies such as eHealth, “Medical Internet of Things” (MIoT) (a derivative of IoT or Internet of Things), and robotics offer promising solutions to reduce the environmental impact of healthcare. As Istepanian et al., stressed it, the use of wearables and other connected devices in health care is expected to become more common, with the potential to improve both patient outcomes and the efficiency of health care systems [6].

For instance, eHealth technologies have been widely adopted in the United States and other developed countries, enabling electronic health record systems and telehealth programs that reduce the need for paper-based records and transportation, respectively [7]. In Africa, where healthcare facilities face significant challenges due to a lack of infrastructure, resources, and healthcare services, eHealth technologies such as the National Health Information System in many African countries has the potential to enabled real-time disease outbreak monitoring, improved patient care, and reduced the need for paper-based records [8,9]. However as [10] mentioned it a decentralised approach to the implementation of HIS is more appropriate for Africa’s health systems 

Furthermore, robotics technologies have the potential to transform surgical care in Africa, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and hospital visits while improving patient outcomes. For example, the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in South Africa has implemented robotic surgery for prostate cancer treatment [11, 12]. One example of digital innovation in healthcare is the deployment of an innovative data system at the University of California, San Francisco, which integrates research and care to improve patient outcomes [13]. Another example is Eko Health, a digital health company that uses AI and machine learning to analyze heart sounds and identify potential heart conditions [14].

While the potential of these technologies to reduce the healthcare industry’s carbon footprint is clear, their adoption and implementation remain uneven across the globe. More research and investment are required to encourage widespread adoption of these technologies and address implementation challenges in resource-limited settings. This article will examine the advantages and disadvantages of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics in reducing the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint, as well as provide recommendations for policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers on how to promote sustainable healthcare practices.

I. Overview of the impact of healthcare on the climate

The healthcare industry is responsible for a significant amount of greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated 5% of global emissions coming from the healthcare sector. The industry generates carbon footprint through energy consumption, waste generation and transportation. Healthcare facilities consume large amounts of energy to power medical equipment, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems. The use of single-use medical devices and packaging materials also generates a significant amount of waste. Additionally, transportation of patients, medical personnel, and supplies also contributes to carbon footprint.

II. Introduction to eHealth, MIoT, and robotics

EHealth, IoT, and robotics are examples of digital technologies with the potential to transform the healthcare industry. EHealth is the use of digital technologies to provide healthcare services, such as telemedicine, Electronic Health Recorders(EHRs), and digital medical devices. Recently, a growing trend in the healthcare industry is the emergence of a subcategory of the IoT known as the “Medical Internet of Things” (MIoT). Unlike traditional IoT devices, MIoT devices are specifically designed for medical purposes and are connected to the internet or other networks to enable communication with each other. MIoT devices allow for the sharing of important patient information in real-time, enhancing the accuracy and speed of diagnosis and treatment. This advancement has the potential to revolutionize the way medical professionals approach patient care and lead to more efficient and effective healthcare services.

MIoT entails the collection and transmission of healthcare data via interconnected devices and sensors. In contrast, robotics is the use of machines to automate processes, perform surgeries, and deliver medical supplies.

III. How eHealth can minimize the impact on the climate?

3.1. Telemedicine 

Telemedicine is the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare remotely. This reduces the need for patients and healthcare providers to travel, thereby lowering the carbon footprint. Patients can get healthcare from the comfort of their own homes, reducing the need for transportation. Remote consultations can also be provided by healthcare providers, reducing the need for patients to travel to healthcare facilities. More and more people in the healthcare industry are working with developers around the world to provide telemedicine software and platforms.

3.2. Electronic Health Records (EHRs) 

The EHRs can significantly reduce paper usage and storage, which contributes significantly to the carbon footprint in healthcare facilities. EHRs allow healthcare providers to electronically access patient data, eliminating the need for paper-based records. Furthermore, electronic prescribing can reduce the need for paper-based prescriptions, reducing paper usage even further.

3.3. Digital Medical Devices

The EHRs can significantly reduce paper usage and storage, which contributes significantly to the carbon footprint in healthcare facilities. EHRs allow healthcare providers to electronically access patient data, eliminating the need for paper-based records. Furthermore, electronic prescribing can reduce the need for paper-based prescriptions, reducing paper usage even furth Wearable health monitors and mobile health apps, for example, can enable patients to manage their health remotely, reducing the need for frequent hospital visits. These devices can also monitor vital signs and notify healthcare providers of any irregularities, allowing for early intervention and reducing the need for emergency hospital visits.

Other than those, there are numerous eHealth device solutions that can help to minimize the impact on the climate. For instance, smart water bottles can track water intake and hydration levels, while smart thermostats allow for remote control of heating systems. One example of a wireless vital signs monitor is the Caretaker, which connects to an Android device and provides real-time vital sign data, including continuous beat-by-beat blood pressure, without the need for wires or invasive methods. In addition to measuring blood oxygen levels, respiration rate, core body temperature, early warning score, and blood volume levels, the device can be worn by the patient as a finger cuff and wristband. The Eko Core digital stethoscope, on the other hand, has both analog and amplified modes and can be used with a smartphone app to visualize and record sounds picked up. The device is HIPAA-approved, allowing for easy sharing of results with colleagues or patients or direct upload to electronic medical records [14]. Finally, smart injection devices are connected drug delivery devices that allow doctors and patients to monitor injection administration, support any syringe design, and share data with the doctor about the amount being administered and any common patient errors. These eHealth solutions can significantly reduce the environmental impact of healthcare while improving patient outcomes.

IV. How MIoT can minimize the impact on the climate?

4.1. Remote patient monitoring

Remote patient monitoring is the use of interconnected devices to remotely monitor a patient’s health. This reduces the need for frequent hospital visits, as well as the carbon footprint associated with transportation. Patients can also benefit from early interventions, which reduces the need for emergency room visits.

4.2. Smart healthcare facilities

Smart healthcare facilities optimize energy usage with interconnected devices and sensors, lowering energy consumption and carbon footprint. These devices can monitor energy consumption and adjust lighting, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems automatically to reduce energy waste. For example the smart hospital room project where IBM Watson has collaborated with Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia to develop a smart hospital room that is being implemented in the three hospitals overseen by the university. This partnership aims to provide a fully integrated and intelligent hospital room that can enhance patient outcomes by providing personalized care and support to medical staff.

4.3. Real-time inventory management

MIoT can also enable real-time inventory management, reducing waste from expired or unused medical supplies. Interconnected devices can monitor inventory levels and alert healthcare providers of any low supplies, reducing overstocking and waste.

V. How robotics can minimize the impact on the climate?

5.1. Automated processes

Robots can automate processes such as sterilization, cleaning, and laundry, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Automated processes can also reduce the need for human labor, reducing carbon footprint from transportation.

5.2. Robotics-assisted surgery 

Robotic-assisted surgery can reduce the amount of time patients spend in the hospital, reducing energy consumption and carbon footprint. Robotic-assisted surgery also has a higher success rate, reducing the need for repeat surgeries and hospital visits. IDC [15] has forecast that by 2026 two-thirds of medical imaging processes will use AI to detect diseases and guide treatment. A growing number of healthcare leaders believe that investing in AI technology is important for the future of their medical facility, according to the Royal Philips report.

5.3. Autonomous delivery of medical supplies

Robots can also be used to deliver medical supplies autonomously, reducing carbon footprint from transportation. Autonomous delivery can also reduce the risk of human error, ensuring that medical supplies are delivered on time and in the correct quantity. Swisslog and Savioke have introduced a new autonomous service robot to the healthcare industry, which can perform tasks such as delivering medication and supplies to patients [16].The robots are equipped with sensors to navigate through hospital hallways and elevators, and can even open doors using RFID technology. This not only reduces the carbon footprint from transportation but also reduces the risk of human error and frees up hospital staff to focus on patient care.

VI. Challenges of implementing eHealth, MIoT, and robotics

6.1. Cost

The implementation of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics can be costly, making it difficult for some healthcare providers to adopt these technologies.

An example of the cost of implementing these technologies can be seen in the case of the University of California San Francisco Medical Center (UCSF), which implemented an electronic medical records system [13]. The system cost you could tell is over $100 million to implement and resulted in significant operational and financial challenges for the organization. Other healthcare providers have faced similar challenges with the cost of implementing new technologies, which can include hardware, software, training, and ongoing maintenance costs. These costs can be prohibitive for smaller healthcare providers with limited budgets, making it challenging for them to keep up with the latest technological advancements.

6.1. Privacy and security concerns

The use of digital technologies in healthcare raises privacy and security concerns. Healthcare providers need to ensure that patient data is protected and secure. With the increasing reliance on technology in healthcare comes the risk of cybersecurity breaches. For instance, the Anthem healthcare breach in 2015 was the largest healthcare breach in history, affecting 78.8 million individuals [17]

In 2015 Hackers were able to steal from Anthem, Inc personal information, including names, birth dates, social security numbers, and healthcare ID numbers, from approximately 80 million Anthem customers. This breach was a wake-up call for the healthcare industry, highlighting the need for stronger security measures to protect patient data. As the use of digital technologies in healthcare continues to grow, it is crucial for healthcare providers to implement robust security protocols to safeguard patient data.

6.1. Resistance to change

Resistance to change can also be a barrier to the adoption of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics. Healthcare providers may be reluctant to adopt new technologies, preferring traditional methods. A tangible example of resistance to change in healthcare technology can be seen in the slow adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) by some healthcare providers. Despite the many benefits of EHRs, such as improved patient safety, reduced medical errors, and increased efficiency, some providers still prefer to use paper records. This resistance to change can be due to various reasons such as cost, lack of training, and fear of technology failure.

VII. Recommendations and conclusion

The adoption of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics technologies has the potential to reduce the healthcare sector’s carbon footprint significantly. However, the adoption and implementation of these technologies remain uneven across the globe, and several challenges and limitations must be addressed to promote sustainable healthcare practices.

Policymakers can encourage the use of eHealth, MIoT, and robotics by providing incentives such as tax credits and subsidies. Healthcare providers can also be encouraged to adopt these technologies by providing training and support.

Investing in research and development can help overcome the challenges of implementing eHealth, MIoT, and robotics. Research can also help identify the most effective and efficient ways to implement these technologies.

Regulations and standards as to be established to help ensure that eHealth, MIoT, and robotics are used ethically and responsibly. Regulations can also help protect patient data and ensure that healthcare providers adopt these technologies safely.

In conclusion, the issue of climate change continues to be a major concern for the future of our planet. With increasing levels of carbon emissions and rising global temperatures, the effects on our environment are becoming more evident each year. From devastating natural disasters to the extinction of species, the impact of climate change is far-reaching and complex. However, with increased awareness and global cooperation, we can work towards mitigating the effects of climate change and finding sustainable solutions for the future. By reducing our carbon footprint, investing in renewable energy, and promoting environmentally friendly practices, we can help to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for ourselves and future generations. Adoption of eHealth, MIoT,and AI powered technologies has the potential to reduce the carbon footprint, optimize energy consumption, and improve patient outcomes. However, eHealth, MIoT, and robotics implementation faces challenges such as cost, privacy and security concerns, and resistance to change. To overcome these obstacles, policymakers, healthcare providers, and technology developers must collaborate to promote the use of these technologies. This can be accomplished by providing incentives, investing in R&D, and establishing regulations and standards. By doing so, we can build a more resilient and sustainable healthcare system that is better prepared to face the challenges of climate change.

References

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[2] World Economic Forum. (2021, October 5). How smart technologies are transforming healthcare.https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2021/10/smart-technologies-transforming-healthcare/

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