“Our ability to celebrate the fact that we are thriving in the face of COVID-19 by paying it forward is the best part of our industry, community and, indeed, our country.”
As a group of digital natives, our sector has only become more creative since the onset of the pandemic. From using Zoom to communicate with film producers on lock down in L.A. and using drones to get closer than manned cameras can get due to COVID-19, to helping CEOs set up in-home film studios and more, the industry has adapted, to say the least. In fact, the job of communicating across a community, company and, indeed, the world has never been more important and has resulted in a watershed moment for the production of video. If companies were 49% more likely to realize their revenue targets using video prior to COVID-19, they are that much more likely to survive and thrive using video during COVID-19.
Many companies, like Pro One Media, have pivoted to virtual conferences. Driven by lockdowns, it’s expected that virtual events, meetings and tradeshows will drive revenue above $400 billion globally in the next decade. Addressing legal and technical hurdles, Pro One has been able to broadcast to India, Singapore, Dubai, Russia, Korea, Japan, Latin America and China — all from our studio — in tandem with some of the most amazing companies worldwide.
That said, the best part of this past year has been being able to donate our storytelling skills to support local nonprofits — from veterans to students and orphans in Africa. Our ability to celebrate the fact that we are thriving in the face of COVID-19 by paying it forward is the best part of our industry, community and, indeed, our country.
I see 2021 as the year of unbridled imagination and fearless leadership — of looking past the chaos and uncertainty to see an ocean of opportunity. Companies that focus on solving real problems and delivering meaningful services (online and off) will reap the rewards. The world needs more teambuilding; less virtual rock, paper, scissors. More thinking, less sitting. More curiosity, less fear. It starts with the business community to lead by example and share the knowledge, as well as the journey.
A senior marketing executive with more than 25 years of experience, Ruzica Markovic acquired Pro One Media Productions, Inc. — a 35-year-old multimedia, video and marketing agency — nearly three years ago, doubling revenue year over year. As a global strategist, Markovic has worked with public, global companies in the highly regulated industries of education, financial services and healthcare. She has a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.
