Latest news with #visualstorytelling
Hospitality Net
3 days ago
- Business
- Hospitality Net
The Shift in Hotel Visual Marketing: Why Emotion, Movement, and Drone Storytelling Are Defining 2025
What trends do I see in hotel visual marketing today? The biggest one is emotional presence. In 2025, guests no longer respond to static perfection — they seek atmosphere. They want to feel what it's like to be there before they ever arrive. That's why we're seeing a shift away from traditional photography and toward dynamic, immersive content — especially short-form videos and drone storytelling. As a drone content creator and hotel visual strategist, I've seen firsthand how this shift is influencing booking behavior. When hotels embrace this new format, they don't just enhance their visuals — they redefine how they connect with their audience. The Rise of Movement-Based Marketing The modern traveler isn't inspired by a perfect room photo — they want to see sunlight flooding the balcony, hear the ocean from above, and imagine themselves walking barefoot to the pool. This demand for authenticity is why platforms like Instagram Reels and TikTok have become the front lines of hotel discovery. Drone footage has emerged as a leading format because it offers something no other tool can: emotional scale and spatial context. It allows potential guests to understand not just the room, but the property, the surroundings, the feeling of arrival. This matters deeply, especially for resorts, nature retreats, and coastal hotels. From Flyovers to Storytelling: What Actually Works A common misconception is that a single drone flyover is enough. In reality, it's not about capturing a building from the sky — it's about crafting a visual experience that evokes emotion and tells a story. In my work with hotels across the U.S., I approach each shoot as a brand strategist would: Who is this property for? What is the unique mood or promise? What moments will resonate with the guest? Then I build a shot sequence: early morning coffee on the patio, the golden glow of sunset by the pool, the layout of the property from above. Every clip has a purpose — to bring the atmosphere to life. Real Results: Why Drone Content Drives Bookings The most successful hotels I've worked with use drone videos not just on social media, but also: on their websites, in booking platforms like Expedia and in digital advertising campaigns, and in email marketing. One client — a boutique hotel in California — reported a notable increase in direct bookings after incorporating my drone footage into a retargeting campaign. Why? Because it showed what static photos couldn't: mood, landscape, and an emotional preview of the stay. This kind of content isn't just visual — it's strategic. Relatability Over Luxury Another key trend: guests today respond more to relatable experiences than to opulence. Aerial shots of everyday beauty — swaying trees, quiet moments, golden skies — often outperform hyper-curated 'luxury' visuals. It's no longer about selling a product. It's about inviting someone into a moment. Final Thoughts: Drone Storytelling Is the New Standard As we look ahead, drone content is becoming essential for hospitality brands that want to stay competitive. It's immersive, emotional, and efficient — one shoot can produce dozens of reusable assets across formats and platforms. My advice to hotels: Don't just hire a videographer. Collaborate with a creator who understands marketing, storytelling, and your brand's soul. The future of hotel marketing is no longer static — it moves, breathes, and flies. Olha Kotova Freelance Travel Content Creator & Hotel Collaborator
Al Bawaba
3 days ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Canon Academy Juniors Partners with Star Kids Club to Ignite Creativity in Kampala's Young Talent through Photography Training
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) ( a global leader in imaging and optical products, launched its Canon Academy Juniors photography training programme in partnership with Star Kids Club, East Africa's renowned kids' talent academy. The programme, which kicked off in Kampala, Uganda, caters to children aged 8 to 16 and aims to nurture creativity, build technical skills, and inspire visual storytelling among the next generation of young Creativity, Building Skills and Empowering African YouthThe Canon Academy Juniors programme forms part of Canon's wider commitment to education and skills development across Africa, joining flagship initiatives such as the Miraisha Programme and the Young People Programme (YPP). These long-standing programmes are designed to equip young Africans with the tools and training they need to succeed in creative its core, the initiative embodies Canon's Kyosei philosophy, a commitment to working together for the greater good. Canon's investment in young talent goes beyond individual growth, building stronger communities and energising the creative economy. Through a partnership with Star Kids Club, East Africa's premier academy for young talent, this programme blends Canon's creative leadership with Star Kids Club's track record of cultivating artistic theatre, music, dance, and film, young creatives get the chance to develop their talents and take meaningful steps toward a future in the Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, said, 'We believe that every child has a story to tell, and photography offers them a powerful way to express it. Through Canon Academy Juniors, we aim to create a space where young minds can explore their creativity, learn new skills, and build confidence in their ability to shape the world through imagery. This partnership with Star Kids Club reflects our commitment to empowering youth and making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve. By investing in the next generation of storytellers, we are investing in the future of visual culture in Africa.'Transforming Young Lives Through Arts and Imaging Star Kids Club has earned a strong reputation as a leading force in arts, culture, and talent development across East Africa. Driven by a passion for nurturing young creatives, the club has spearheaded a range of programmes in theatre, music, dance, and film, providing emerging artists with a platform to the Canon Academy Juniors workshops, participants gained hands-on experience in photography, learning the essentials of visual storytelling and how to capture powerful narratives through images. The programme rewarded participants with certificates, branded T-shirts, and exclusive Canon product offers. Spanning multiple cycles, the workshops ensured continuous mentorship and support, helping young creatives grow in skill, confidence and self-expression. 'Partnering with Canon on the Academy Juniors programme aligned perfectly with our mission and values,' said Hunter Moses Nsubuga, CEO, Star Kids Club. 'At Star Kids Club, we are passionate about giving children the tools and confidence to explore their creative talents. This initiative provided a platform for our young members to engage with photography as a means of self-expression and storytelling. It was inspiring to see their excitement as they learned new skills and discovered their visual voices.' Building the Future of Uganda's Creative Industry through Photography The Canon Academy Juniors programme is rapidly transforming Uganda's creative industry, giving children an early introduction to photography and the possibilities it holds for their future. By sparking curiosity and developing skills, the programme is opening doors to career opportunities in the creative and media industries. This initiative is part of Canon's long-term vision for skills development across Africa, with a strong focus on mentoring young talent. Looking ahead, Canon and Star Kids Club plan to take things further, offering advanced workshops, showcasing student work through curated exhibitions, and launching photography competitions to inspire storytellers. By investing in these young creatives, Canon is empowering the region to build a more vibrant and inclusive creative Journey AheadThe launch of Canon Academy Juniors in Uganda highlighted the remarkable potential of creative education to inspire confidence, develop skills, and fuel imagination in young minds. With this initiative, Canon reinforced its dedication to empowering the next generation across Africa, ensuring they have the resources, mentorship, and opportunities to succeed in the creative industry. With the programme's expansion, Canon looks forward to discovering emerging talent, sparking inspiring stories, and cultivating a diverse, inclusive imaging community for the future. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (
Fast Company
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Fast Company
Embracing emerging technologies like a visionary director
I remember the moment vividly: the so-called 'whale room' at Digital Domain's Venice, California, studio. Frank Gehry's design made it feel as if we were sitting inside the ribcage of a giant whale—wooden beams arching overhead like the bones of a leviathan, a cathedral built for dreamers and builders. We were deep in a script review for Avatar with James Cameron. The air was thick, almost reverent. As the creative technology team unfolded the world of Pandora—its bioluminescent forests, its floating mountains, its living ecosystems—one truth became brutally clear: the technology to bring Cameron's vision to life simply didn't exist yet. Rather than compromise on his vision, Cameron shelved the project for a decade—not because the story wasn't ready, but because the world wasn't ready—only to return to it when the technology just about caught up. This wasn't hesitation. It was mastery. The discipline to wait until the technology and the market had arrived. This approach—knowing when to wait, when to leap—offers deep insight for today's leaders navigating the AI and mixed reality revolutions. Cameron's insightful timing echoes today in his recent move to join Stability AI's board of directors, as well as his partnering with Meta's Reality Labs. These are not just corporate alignments—they are signals of where visual storytelling is at today, and where it is heading. The inflection point in AI and MR technology is here, empowering creativity in ways previously unimaginable. When working at the intersection of creativity and technology, timing is as crucial as vision. The question is not just whether to adopt new tools, but when and how to integrate them to serve, not dilute, the creative purpose and business objectives. HUMAN-CENTERED, ARTIST-FIRST APPROACH The most powerful technological implementations start with human creativity. Technology should expand the imagination, not replace it. AI tools offer the chance to test ideas before committing full budgets, and reduce risk while encouraging bolder experimentation. By automating repetitive tasks, AI enables creators to focus more sharply on narrative, emotional depth, and artistic direction—the irreplaceable zones of human genius. Today, tools once reserved for major studios are reaching independent creators and smaller teams, ultimately reshaping who can tell stories and how. This democratization opens new doors to more diverse, powerful storytelling. The future of storytelling is about thoughtful fusion. Traditional CGI (computer-generated imagery) and Gen AI (generative artificial intelligence) represent different creative engines that are now converging to unlock possibilities neither could achieve alone. This convergence, not replacement, defines the next evolution of visual storytelling. As Cameron recently noted, 'The intersection of Gen AI and CGI image creation is the next wave. The convergence of these two totally different engines of creation will unlock new ways for artists to tell stories in ways we could have never imagined.' Blending these engines will unleash artistic expression in ways we have never seen before. Timing isn't just about technological readiness—it's about societal and market readiness. Ten years ago, mixed reality was too nascent for mainstream adoption. Today, as Cameron notes, MR is a medium to 'create, experience, and enjoy new and mind-blowing forms of media.' This shift today is not circumstantial. Rather, it is the outcome of sustained industry investment, including Meta's long bet on spatial computing. As Frank Rose writes in The Art of Immersion, 'a new type of narrative is emerging—one that's nonlinear, participatory, and immersive.' What was once confined to passive rectangular screens is evolving into living, breathing worlds—places audiences can enter and shape. This is the kind of deep engagement Cameron envisioned decades ago—a vision that could only be realized once the tools—and the world—were ready. Today, MR is evolving from experiment to ecosystem, a participatory platform where, as Cameron emphasizes, 'all of us' can be world builders. Cameron returned to Avatar when the tools were just ready enough to push them beyond their limits to achieve his vision. The result wasn't just a film. It was a redefinition of storytelling itself. The implications for storytelling now, with today's tools of Gen AI and mixed reality, are all the more pervasive. LOOKING FORWARD: DREAM WITH YOUR EYES WIDE OPEN 'Dream with your eyes wide open' was a mantra at Digital Domain decades ago, and it feels even more relevant now than ever. The inference capabilities of Gen AI and the sense of presence afforded by real-time MR technology make these dreams more achievable than ever. The leaders who will thrive are those who: Maintain a clear, creative vision that technology enhances, not dictates Time their adoption strategically Integrate complementary tools rather than replace or refuse them Empower human creativity above all. Having transitioned from traditional CGI on projects like Cameron's Terminator 2/3D to real-time 3D immersive media and AI-powered storytelling at Wevr, I'm more optimistic about this convergence than ever. When visionaries align with new technologies and product-market fit is reached, creativity doesn't just survive, it amplifies in ways we're only beginning to imagine.
Phone Arena
20-05-2025
- Phone Arena
Google unveils Flow, an AI-powered tool for video creation
Receive the latest Google news By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Three filmmakers talk about bringing their creative visions to life with Flow. | Video credit — Google Flow is available starting today in the U.S. through Google's AI Pro and AI Ultra subscription plans. The AI Pro plan includes access to core features and up to 100 generations per month. The AI Ultra plan offers expanded limits and early access to Veo 3, which introduces audio generation for environmental sounds and dialogue. According to Google, Flow is an evolution of last year's VideoFX experiment. The company also worked with a group of filmmakers during development to understand how the tool could support real creative workflows. Their feedback was used to refine the tool's features and performance. While Flow is still in its early stages, it reflects a growing interest in how AI might assist with visual storytelling. I don't think at this stage it can replace traditional filmmaking, but it's a great start. Google says it plans to continue working with the creative community to shape the future of this tool. Flow is available starting today in the U.S. through Google's AI Pro and AI Ultra subscription plans. The AI Pro plan includes access to core features and up to 100 generations per month. The AI Ultra plan offers expanded limits and early access to Veo 3, which introduces audio generation for environmental sounds and to Google, Flow is an evolution of last year's VideoFX experiment. The company also worked with a group of filmmakers during development to understand how the tool could support real creative workflows. Their feedback was used to refine the tool's features and Flow is still in its early stages, it reflects a growing interest in how AI might assist with visual storytelling. I don't think at this stage it can replace traditional filmmaking, but it's a great start. Google says it plans to continue working with the creative community to shape the future of this tool. Google just introduced Flow , a new AI filmmaking tool designed to support video creators. Built on Google's advanced AI models — Veo, Imagen, and Gemini — Flow aims to help users generate cinematic scenes using natural language prompts and custom is intended for a wide range of creators, from experienced filmmakers to beginners exploring new ways to produce content. The tool allows users to describe their ideas in everyday language, then brings those concepts to life with visuals and motion. It also lets users create characters and backgrounds using Imagen's text-to-image features or upload their own assets. These elements, called "ingredients", can be reused across different scenes for the center of Flow is Veo, Google's generative video model, which focuses on realistic physics and visual quality. Gemini supports the prompt system, making it easier to describe scenes without technical input. Once a scene is created, users can adjust it using several built-in features include Camera Controls for adjusting angles and movement, Scenebuilder for editing and extending shots, and Asset Management for organizing ingredients and prompts. Flow TV is also included — a curated feed of AI-generated clips where users can explore scenes made with Flow and view the prompts used to create them.
Globe and Mail
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Core Gaming's AI COMIC Transforms Game Asset Creation with Breakthrough AI Visual Technology
App seeing strong adoption with userbase growing to nearly 300k users Strong performance in LTV and ROI User generated content rapidly growing on social media VANCOUVER, British Columbia, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Siyata Mobile Inc. (Nasdaq: SYTA, SYTAW) (" Siyata" or the " Company"), a global developer and vendor of mission-critical Push-to-Talk over Cellular (PoC) handsets and accessories, today announced that Core Gaming, a rising innovator in AI-driven creative technologies, who it recently signed definitive merger agreement with, successfully launched its AI COMIC App. The App utilizes a cutting-edge visual generation platform designed to revolutionize the way creators, gamers and marketers produce content. Core Gaming logo AI COMIC leverages advanced AI models to transform single photos or short video clips into high-quality visuals ranging from anime-style motion videos to hyper-realistic portraits within minutes. By bridging state-of-the-art AI with real-world creative workflows, Core Gaming's AI COMIC is helping to define the future of visual storytelling. "With AI COMIC, we have developed a platform that puts studio-grade production capabilities into the hands of everyday users," said Aitan Zacharin, CEO of Core Gaming. "AI COMIC empowers creators, whether they are gamers, artists or marketers, with AI tools that are not only powerful but also accessible. What once took weeks of planning, design and collaboration can now be accomplished in minutes, freeing creators to focus on their vision and storytelling. AI COMIC rapidly accelerates development, but importantly, it unlocks new forms of expression, removes friction and enables a broader, more diverse creative community to bring their ideas to life delivering results that rival professional studios." With an intuitive interface and striking visual output, AI COMIC offers a powerful suite of AI tools that simplify complex production workflows, including: AI Comic Video Generator – Instantly transforms real-life footage into stylized, animated clips. Portrait & Avatar Creator – Generates lifelike avatars with customizable styles and inclusive skin tone rendering. AI Dance & Face Swap Tools – Brings still images to life with fluid motion and seamless face integration. Scene Recreation & Sticker Maker – Allows users to design manga-style scenes and custom stickers. Aging Video Generator – Visualizes life progression from childhood to old age with AI-based transformation. To support high-performance generation at scale, Core Gaming has built a proprietary Compute Pool System, a dynamic, cloud-based infrastructure that intelligently distributes AI workloads in real time. This elastic system scales processing resources on demand, optimizing efficiency while keeping costs manageable. AI COMIC's impact on game development is equally transformative, offering tools that dramatically streamline asset creation: Automated Scene Design in both photo realistic and stylized formats. Instant Character Modeling with customizable expressions, costumes, and poses. AI-Powered Animation Sequences without the need for manual keyframing or motion capture. Fast Ad Creative Generation tailored for high-performance marketing campaigns. These innovations drastically reduce production time and labor costs, enabling game studios and creative teams to iterate faster and focus more on storytelling and gameplay innovation. Underpinning the platform is a powerful tech stack, including: Multimodal Generative Models that blend text, image, and motion into cohesive outputs. BigP Backend System, which precisely manages GPU loads and AI task orchestration. Real-Time Cloud Orchestration, ensuring optimal compute usage and seamless performance. "Looking ahead, we envision AI COMIC not just as a tool, but as a true creative partner that grows alongside its users, scales with their imagination and continues to push the boundaries of what generative AI can achieve," Zacharin continued. "We are currently focused on expanding our multimodal storytelling engines to empower users to build rich, interactive narratives and fully simulated virtual worlds. In parallel, we are streamlining content deployment across gaming platforms, social media and immersive environments like the metaverse. As we continue to refine our core AI models, we aim to serve the diverse needs of AAA game studios, digital marketers and independent creators alike to capture a meaningful share of a massive market opportunity." To learn more about AI COMIC, please visit: and About Siyata Mobile Inc. Siyata Mobile Inc. is a B2B global developer and vendor of next-generation Push-To-Talk over Cellular handsets and accessories. Its portfolio of rugged PTT handsets and accessories enables first responders and enterprise workers to instantly communicate over a nationwide cellular network of choice, to increase situational awareness and save lives. Police, fire, and ambulance organizations as well as schools, utilities, security companies, hospitals, waste management companies, resorts and many other organizations use Siyata PTT handsets and accessories today. In support of our Push-to-Talk handsets and accessories, Siyata also offers enterprise-grade In-Vehicle solutions and Cellular Booster systems enabling our customers to communicate effectively when they are in their vehicles, and even in areas where the cellular signal is weak. Siyata sells its portfolio through leading North American cellular carriers, and through international cellular carriers and distributors. Siyata's common shares trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol "SYTA", and its common warrants trade on the Nasdaq under the symbol "SYTAW". Visit to learn more. About Core Gaming, Inc. Core Gaming is an international AI driven mobile games developer and publisher headquartered in Miami. We create entertaining games for millions of players worldwide, while empowering other developers to deliver player-focused apps and games to enthusiasts. Core's mission is to be the leading global AI driven gaming company. Since our launch we have developed and co-developed over 2,100 games, driven over 780 million downloads, and generated a global footprint of over 40 million users from over 140 countries. Visit to learn more. Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other Federal securities laws. Words such as "expects," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "believes," "seeks," "estimates" and similar expressions or variations of such words are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Because such statements deal with future events and are based on Siyata's current expectations, they are subject to various risks and uncertainties and actual results, performance, or achievements of Siyata could differ materially from those described in or implied by the statements in this press release. The forward-looking statements contained or implied in this press release are subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in Siyata's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and in any subsequent filings with the SEC. Except as otherwise required by law, Siyata undertakes no obligation to publicly release any revisions to these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. References and links to websites and social media have been provided as a convenience, and the information contained on such websites or social media is not incorporated by reference into this press release. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at A video accompanying this announcement is available at
