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What is The Brief?
I release a weekly digest every Friday, tailored for professionals ranging from executives to writers, directors, cinematographers, editors, and anyone actively involved in the film and television domain. This briefing offers a comprehensive yet accessible perspective on the convergence of technology and its implications for the movie and TV industry. It serves as an efficient gateway to understanding the nexus between Hollywood and Silicon Valley.
Who am I?
I'm Steve Newcomb, perhaps most recognized for founding Powerset, which was later acquired by Microsoft and transformed into Microsoft Bing. I had the privilege of being on the pioneering team that witnessed the inaugural email sent via a mobile device. My journey also led me to SRI (Stanford Research Institute), where we laid the groundwork for contemporary speech recognition technology. Additionally, I was a co-founder of the debut company to introduce a 3D physics engine in Javascript. I've held positions on the board of directors and contributed funding to massive open source initiatives like NodeJS and even the largest such project, jQuery. My experience extends to academia, having been a senior fellow at the University of California, Berkeley's engineering and business faculties. Recently, I ventured into Layer 2 internet protocols and assisted a company named Matter Labs in securing $440 million in funding to bolster their endeavors.
What’s the format of The Brief?
In the evolving landscape of Film and Television, concerns about the repercussions of rapid technological advancements are growing. Many in the industry fear that innovations, like AI, could threaten job security, while there's an unease that corporations might put profit margins ahead of fair compensation. But history, particularly from past technological waves in Silicon Valley, offers us valuable lessons. In this daily analysis, I'll juxtapose historical context with present-day developments, aiming to provide clear and informed insights into how the industry is being reshaped — acknowledging the challenges but also spotlighting the new horizons.
What am I doing besides writing these posts?
Typically, I allocate a year between groundbreaking ventures. My exploration for the upcoming project commenced in May 2023, and the sole certainty is its nexus with the film, television, SMURF, and AI domains. Sharing insights on my research endeavors helps me discern between feasible prospects and mere illusions.
Can I hire you?
In the midst of my studies, I occasionally extend my expertise to studios and other stakeholders desiring a part-time Chief Technology Officer's insights. I frequently guide businesses in priming for AI integration and advise on transitions to SMURF-related software platforms. Additionally, I collaborate with venture capital entities (pro bono) to evaluate potential startup investments. Predominantly, my involvement serves to protect investments by offering a technical litmus test to the assertions of budding enterprises.
If you are interested in contacting me, my email is steve.e.newcomb@gmail.com.
