The best way to learn about other countries and cultures is to experience them. On 16-18 May 2023, Spherex attended CabSat in the Emirate of Dubai, a regional trade show similar in focus and content to the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in the U.S. At CabSat, two things stood out among the technologies and topics discussed: the region's market size and its resolve to produce local film and television content.

In recent years, the Middle East, African, and Southern Asian (MEASA) Media and Entertainment (M&E) markets have witnessed significant growth and transformation. Fueled by the expansion of streaming platforms into the region, the demand for original, regionally created content, and the desire for culturally relevant stories from their populations worldwide, these regions have actively invested in expanding and growing their content creation and distribution capabilities. This article delves into the changing dynamics of these markets and their impact on the global business community.

Experience Spherexgreenlight™ at NAB 2023The first version of Spherexgreenlight™ was and still is, the only artificial intelligence/machine learning technology available to analyze video content for cultural and regulatory compliance and provide accurate age ratings for original or catalog content worldwide. Before that, content intended for international release underwent a protracted, expensive trial-and-error investigation process to identify necessary edits to achieve regulatory and market compliance. Spherexgreenlight 's expert-in-the-loop AI/ML technology reduced that time to days at a fraction of the cost.

The Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry is complex, and many factors can impact content's ability to find an audience. Writing and producing an engaging story are only two elements of a profitable title release.

The French writer Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr wrote in 1849 , "the more things change, the more they stay the same." Writing about the social changes occurring in France at the time, his point was that nothing changes without a fundamental shift in knowledge and thinking.

To operate successfully in a country, content providers and streaming platforms must comply with local regulations and perceive cultural sensitivities. This entails everything from editing prohibited content and assigning correct age ratings to accurately portraying religions and sub-cultures. With nearly 200 countries worldwide, it's almost impossible for any content creator to know what is or is not prohibited in certain countries. Cultural competence is crucial, and that's where Spherex is unmatched. We know how to handle all these issues and get them right the first time to reduce cost, mitigate risk, and accelerate time-to-market.

Most people have the regretful experience of causing a misstep that could have been avoided. Something as simple as publicly mispronouncing your boss's name, telling your partner their favorite outfit makes them look fat, or promising a client a discount only to find out the deal doesn't extend to them can have embarrassing consequences. The sad truth is that committing a faux pas is more likely when you don't know as much about the situation or audience as you should. The challenge is how to avoid them.

Spherex has been approved as the national classification tool and a new mechanism to regulate film content in Australia.

A new classification tool will help online streaming services speed up the time it takes to assess new movies and TV shows from up to 20 days to 24 hours.