Equipment Management and Vendor Relations for Long-Term Media Success

Miles possesses an unwavering commitment to expanding his knowledge and skill sets. His passion for the work is complemented by a strong technical aptitude, a creative approach to problem-solving, and proficiency in budget and project management. His flexibility and agility are critical, as Vox Media is an ever-changing business environment, where short-term and long-term reprioritization is a necessary and important daily activity.

Could you tell us about the journey you've had so far and your roles and responsibilities at Vox Media?

I pursued education while simultaneously engaging in dance music production. While working in a different industry, I produced dance music until I made the decision to relocate to New York City to pursue dance music. I secured a job as a sound engineer at a prominent club in Brooklyn and honed my skills in sound engineering professionally. Subsequently, a friend reached out for assistance with their live-stream studio, inquiring about my familiarity with broadcast audio and video, to which I tentatively affirmed, despite lacking substantial experience. However, I embraced the opportunity, swiftly learning and troubleshooting various issues.

My journey led me to become the inaugural audio engineer at Vox Media, initially based in a different location before contributing to the design of their new facility in Broad Street, Manhattan. As the company expanded, so did my responsibilities and expertise. Progressing from managing audio engineers to overseeing video operations and audio systems, I eventually assumed leadership in both audio and video engineering, along with equipment rental systems.

What are some of the major challenges in the broadcast equipment industry?

Several years ago, in both my personal endeavors and within my industry, there was a strong inclination towards what we then referred to as a "new media company." This term is not as applicable today, but during the period, companies like Vox Media were considered as such. We aspired to utilize broadcast-level technology, systems, and operations, envisioning our studios equipped with the same high-quality cameras used by major networks like NBC. Our goal was to create studios that mirrored the design and operations of classic broadcast TV, essentially aspiring to be a scaled-down version of a full-fledged live TV studio. We believed that the classic broadcast TV studio design and operations were the epitome of excellence, and we wanted to build upon that foundation.

Over time, I've come to realize that the differences between internet-first media conglomerates like Vox Media and traditional cable TV broadcasting necessitate distinct technology solutions. While there are some inherent best practices, the key lies in recognizing the unique requirements of companies like Vox Media, demanding a level of agility that only specific technical designs can support. One example is our choice of cameras for a studio, where we opted for full HD broadcast Hitachi cameras designed for larger spaces. In hindsight, a different camera model, not traditionally found in broadcast studios, might have better suited our needs. The lesson here is the importance of understanding and catering to the unique needs of a company, rather than simply following the practices of traditional broadcasters.

"Strategic exploration of new technology and workflows is vital for operations. We introduce innovations to a smaller user base or specific teams, allowing incubation and thorough testing before standardization. This approach proves more budget-friendly and assesses viability on a smaller scale before high-profile implementation"

Adapting to evolving user habits and consumption patterns in media such as the popularity of vertical videos on social platforms poses another substantial challenge. Interestingly, addressing these needs doesn't always necessitate cutting-edge technological solutions; sometimes, it could be as straightforward as acquiring a set of iPhone 15s, outfitting them with ring lights, and deploying them for a more user-friendly experience.

When selecting equipment, have you implemented any best practices derived from your experience and knowledge within the industry?

We rely on our network of directors of photography and creators within Vox Media, as well as those we hire for projects, to guide our choices in camera bodies. Understanding what equipment professionals are using and excited about in the field helps us make informed decisions, especially since much of our equipment is utilized outside of traditional studio settings.

We produce a lot of documentary-style and explainer-style content, so we prioritize the preferences and requirements of creators in those domains. Regularly, I connect with peers in the podcasting, video, and live-streaming industries to glean insights into successful equipment choices and studio practices.

Our approach involves hands-on testing before committing to equipment purchases. Rather than striking deals based solely on sales pitches, we prefer to acquire one unit at a time and test its suitability over time. I'm particularly drawn to technology that offers agility and longevity, such as Dante audio networking products. These solutions provide the flexibility we need for various scenarios, whether in-field or studio setups, without a significant risk of becoming obsolete.

While we are aware of industry trends, we prioritize investing in equipment that stands the test of time. Although we may be influenced by popular trends in lights, cameras, or accessories, our commitment is to focus on items with enduring value for our productions.

What are some of the future trends or technologies that excite you?

I'm enthusiastic about exploring new avenues in Remy production at Vox Media. While it may not always involve cutting-edge technology, there are elements that certainly are. One idea we're eager to try involves hosting large, in-person events in various locations, followed by live cutting and mixing at our New York facility, a concept we haven't yet delved into. We're particularly excited about experimenting with the new Azure Bridge Live products to facilitate this workflow.

In addition, I'm intrigued by the possibilities of Dante over distance, which enables live audio transmission between facilities, opening up new opportunities for collaboration. We're also considering ventures into XR wall and augmented reality production and waiting for the right opportunity to justify exploring these areas further. Personally, I'm especially interested in XR stage-based production and would love to see us delve into that realm if the opportunity arises.

Any specific piece of advice that you'd like to share with your fellow peers or other industry leaders?

I believe that exploring new technology and workflows in a strategic manner is crucial for operations. We believe in initially introducing these innovations to a smaller user base or specific teams within the company. This approach allows for incubation and thorough testing before deciding on standardization. It also proves to be more manageable budget-wise, as we can assess the viability of these concepts on a smaller scale before implementing them in high-profile productions.

When it comes to managing equipment, we value giving opportunities to new vendors and companies. However, the paramount consideration is the quality of support they provide. Whether dealing with established legacy companies or emerging ones, we prioritize reliable and effective manufacturer support because that is essential for ensuring the seamless operation of our equipment and addressing any issues promptly.

In our procurement process, we prefer to test the waters with new vendors by initially purchasing a single item rather than committing to a fleet to assess their products and support before making larger investments.

In addition, we emphasize the importance of creative problem-solving and flexible solutions. While we primarily use broadcast-level and high-end equipment, we recognize that unconventional combinations or prosumer tools may sometimes be the best fit for specific projects. In 2024, our approach is characterized by a willingness to leverage consumer workflows, such as using iPhones instead of cinema cameras, when it proves more effective for certain production requirements. Essentially, we embrace a mindset of "no rules" to stay agile and meet the diverse needs of our creators.