Laura Frank of Luminous FX is an innovative pioneer in the media server/video technology field. She has written an informative book, Screens Producing & Media Operations: Advanced Practice for Media Server and Video Content Preparation, which documents the video file production process for managing complex multi-screen entertainment designs. “Whether there is one video screen or eighty in a set, a thoughtfully prepared content delivery specification is critical for a smooth rehearsal process and efficient media server programming,” says Frank, who has taken some time off from her challenging, award-winning career to travel the world with her husband, describing herself as “a digital nomad in search of the world’s best dumplings.” They are currently searching in Southeast Asia.
Written as a textbook, it defines best practices based on Frank’s 25+ years of shows, working with many content design teams. “Media servers have established themselves as the dominant video playback tool for live events,” she notes. “However, the practice of delivering content to these systems and the structure of the media operations team is still evolving. This book outlines a workflow for video content delivery and describes team communication that can be applied to any entertainment production and is designed to evolve with future technologies as they become established in the field. This work also provides insights beneficial to students and current practitioners of media server technology, screens producers, and video content developers.”
Starting her career as a moving light technician, Frank established herself as a top lighting programmer with projects spanning rock tours with David Bowie and Madonna, to Broadway shows such as Spamalot, and television events like the Concert for NY. As the media server market started to evolve, she made the shift to screen content and control. After a decade of refining a media delivery workflow, she established herself as a screens producer, leading a highly regarded media operations team for prominent events around the world. Her shows included the MTV Video Music Awards, The Game Awards, the Turner Upfront, and the CMA Music Awards. Currently, Frank is focused on education, community development, and consulting in the live event video and xR production space.
Published by Focal Press/Routledge, “Screens Producing & Media Operations: Advanced Practice for Media Server and Video Content Preparation” is available at amazon.com.