Our regular round-up of industry innovators presents AV professionals from across the board, including CEOs, co-founders and managing directors, as well as higher-ups in sales and R&D
Erhan Ark
Job title Founder & CEO
Company SignMetrix | AI
How did you get into AV?
After successfully exiting my previous company, which enabled over 25 million IoT devices, I was ready for a bigger challenge. With 17 years of experience in tech, I was approached by Microsoft’s retail division. They needed a solution to enhance their shop-in-shop in-store customer experience and measure the product performance and campaign succession of their end caps.
My team and I developed a simple yet effective solution that triggers content on digital signage devices when customers interact with in-store Xbox controllers. This project marked my entry into the AV industry, blending my tech background with innovative AV solutions.
What are you currently working on?
My team and I recently released our newest AI powered product, SignMetrix | AI, enabling AV professionals to harness the power of data analytics, enhancing the overall effectiveness and efficiency of digital signage and ad networks. This leads to better audience engagement, optimised content strategies, improved ROI and ad reach, making SignMetrix a valuable partner in the AV industry.
Favourite project?
One of my favourite projects is a global- scale software solution that can collect data from thousands of BrightSign players simultaneously. This innovation has opened up new opportunities for sensor-using digital signage companies to quantify the experiences they create.
I love this project because it offers a quick and efficient solution without the need for in-person installation or set-up, yet it delivers impactful results. This innovation not only streamlines the process but also provides valuable AI insights.
What does the future hold for AV?
I believe the AV industry will make great strides in integrating analytics and AI into their frameworks. The combination of these technologies will offer invaluable insights into audience behaviour and ad reach, enabling businesses to curate highly personalised and engaging content.
This is a key reason why my team and I have chosen to develop our software solution SignMetrix | AI. I see a future where AI-driven analytics become integral to AV, driving more impactful and data-driven content strategies.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Starting a career in AV tech is an exciting opportunity, and there are two key pieces of advice I’d offer.
First, network and build relationships. Connect with industry pros, attend conferences and join AV associations. Networking can open doors to new opportunities and provide valuable insights into industry trends.
Second, be adaptable and innovative. The AV industry is rapidly evolving with new technologies like AI, data analytics and IoT. Stay curious and commit to continuous learning to keep up with these advancements and stay ahead. My career has spanned various projects, from IoT to AV technologies, because I remained open to new solutions. Staying curious and willing to learn will help you navigate and excel in the ever-changing landscape of AV tech.
George Scott
Job title Operations director, EMEA
Company Utelogy
How did you get into AV?
After graduating from university, I landed a summer job at an AV business. During that time, I had the opportunity to travel to the US branch and share my expertise for a few months. Little did I know this experience would lead to a permanent position – I went home and never looked back. I have since held positions ranging from AV product specialist and AV product manager to technical operations manager – and now operations director.
What are you currently working on?
As the operations director at Utelogy, I oversee several critical functions in the department; these include onboarding new customers, providing training and support and ensuring customer success. I’m deeply involved in significant Utelogy deployments, where I assist enterprise clients in transforming their AV service workflows from reactive to proactive.
Favourite project?
Working with and deploying Utelogy at a significant construction company in Paris. Several key advantages emerged: first, energy-saving measures were implemented, contributing to sustainability and significant cost efficiency. Second, automated testing streamlined processes, ensuring quality and reliability. Lastly, instant alerting mechanisms kept stakeholders both informed and responsive. All of these efforts were implemented for a satisfied customer who appreciates our work.
What does the future hold for AV?
The future of the AV industry is starting with an overhaul; I anticipate simpler, faster and more user-friendly systems, designed to enhance our audio-visual experiences. These advancements won’t stop there – artificial intelligence is set to play a significant role. In the coming years, AI will revolutionise how we interact with AV technology, making it smarter, more intuitive and seamlessly integrated into our lives. Get ready for an AV landscape that combines simplicity with cutting-edge intelligence!
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
The audio-visual industry is progressively aligning with the well-established IT market. As this convergence accelerates, professionals must equip themselves with a comprehensive understanding of both domains. I would consider ITSM workflows and monitoring/management tools. Being well-versed in these evolving landscapes means embracing IT practices, emphasising simplicity and leveraging data-driven insights. Whatever you specialise in, the future of AV lies at the intersection of tech and user experience.
Brian Grahn
Job title Regional sales manager, south-west US
Company Clear-Com
How did you get into AV?
I started as a musician in high school, and quickly learned that I enjoyed the technology of live sound production.
Then, in college, I earned some extra cash as a sound guy at bars and clubs in the area, and the next thing I knew I was running a small audio company in South Florida staffing and training sound engineers for several clubs and special events. For a few years, I was mixing bands five to seven days a week from bars, churches, weddings and corporate AV events.
After that, I was fortunate enough to join the team of a larger pro audio rental, sales and live events company in the Chicago area, eventually managing the sales and marketing efforts. There, I was able to apply my practical skills of live band mixing to larger, more complex systems like digital console integrations, RF systems and coordination, as well as intercom design.
I’ve now been with Clear-Com for two years, synthesising those years of real-world experience into designing and supporting intercom sales across the south-west US.
What are you currently working on?
I am excited about our new Gen-IC Virtual Intercom product. It’s the first time we’ve offered a platform to access sophisticated, multichannel, real-time voice communication without the need for any Clear-Com hardware. For a lot of organisations, this lowers the barrier to entry for a class of product once reserved for high-end productions. More exciting still is that the same flexible, cloud-managed product can be deployed alongside larger on-premises intercom systems to connect more virtual users than ever before, or easily link multi-site productions across the world.
Favourite project?
It’s hard to pick one, so I’m going with a side-project of mine. I recently started posting short tech-tip videos on social media for Clear-Com, or just anything audio related. I’ve been happy with the response and hope to make it a regular feature. It shows how our industry trends younger in recent years. All around the world, technicians are absorbing info in new and interesting ways. Follow me on Instagram @BriPassFilter.
What does the future hold for AV?
Everything’s gone digital and network-based now, so it’s a good time to learn more about network infrastructure. An important trend in the intercom world is the continued expansion into multi-site connectivity, and the distinction of LAN, WAN and internet-connected systems. Whether that’s a corporate AV event reaching across multiple rooms or buildings within a convention centre, or a multi-campus worship system connecting back to a central control room, I’m sure we will continue seeing growing interconnected systems across all marketplaces.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Ask questions and try to absorb as much information as you can from your peers and co-workers. Gone are the days of technicians gatekeeping information to protect their jobs, and now there is a shared sense of community for the next generation to learn the ropes. I think the best mindset is to always be curious and open to learning new things no matter what stage of your career.
Yush Kalia
Job title Executive producer
Company Dimension
How did you get into AV?
Since my teens as a bedroom DJ, I have always loved tinkering with sound systems and visuals. It was always the most appealing and entertaining way to elicit an immediate response from a viewer or listener. It’s a method of communication that I can understand and an easy draw for someone who doesn’t get on well with spreadsheets.
As with most careers, there was less planning about it and more of a natural progression, steering into the things that I enjoyed the most about the space, and being able to work with some incredibly creative people.
My career at Dimension has always leaned into getting the most out of AV, whether that’s through virtual reality, live broadcast or performance capture, with volumetric video or mocap, so it’s been a good fit.
What are you currently working on?
We’re fortunate at Dimension that we are able to work across entertainment as a whole, and with storytellers who want to use cutting-edge technologies, regardless of where they come into the entertainment sphere. At the moment, I’m working across feature films on one end of the scale, to brand-led and indie innovation projects that require a mix of virtual humans, virtual production, performance capture and the creation of digital products using web3 tech.
Favourite project?
Has to be working with Coldplay on the music video for their collaboration My Universe. We volumetrically captured both Coldplay and K-pop group BTS, meaning their holograms could perform together virtually. The assets we created have been seen by hundreds of millions of people, used on global tours, on The Voice USA finale during a live broadcast, and surreally projected on the top of the Pyramid Stage at this year’s Glastonbury, which was a wow moment.
What does the future hold for AV?
It’s one of the most exciting areas to work in. With the rapid levelling up of the tools in the hands of content creators and the means of production becoming easier, we’re going to see more exciting ways of entertaining audiences, more innovation to move the dial for the viewer and more immersive content as 3D worlds become persistent.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
The space moves quickly, so learn fast, play with the tools available to you and find what aspect of it you enjoy.
Andreas ‘Andi’ Gall
Job title Chief digital officer
Company d&b group
How did you get into AV?
It all started back in the late eighties, during the Neue Deutsche Welle era (New German Wave). I was part of a band but played the wrong instrument (accordion). One day, I found myself at the mixing desk, responsible for the band’s sound. Although I was still part of the band, my new role allowed me to help inspire the audience in a different way. I loved it, and it became the catalyst for my career change.
It was around this time that the digitalisation of music and recording studios began. I was right in the middle of it. I learned about digitisation and the transition from tape to tapeless purely through hands-on experience. Those experiences have shaped me to this day. In other words, I have remained committed to transformation and digitalisation in various fields – music, radio, TV, marketing and the internet.
Digitisation is first and foremost a people business and requires a lot of human (analogue) intelligence before you can celebrate digital project successes. Incidentally, it was during this time that I first encountered d&b loudspeakers and amplifiers. I was really impressed by the quality of the sub-bass sound and their reliability.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I’m a ‘hunter and gatherer’. I like to think of myself as a human potential treasure hunter. In my previous job at Red Bull, I learned to tap into the implicit knowledge of employees. In doing so, I was amazed by the brilliant ideas and visions within the collective. Together with my team, I developed a process to uncover this implicit knowledge and implement or support it.
When I started working at d&b in the beginning of the year, I immediately started the Implicitor programme. After these few months, I can already say that this company has an incredible amount of collective knowledge within its employees. Every week, I’m surprised by new ideas and concepts. The task now is to harness this potential, assess its feasibility and, if we at d&b believe in it, do everything we can to make it happen!
Favourite project?
There are several, but I prefer not to talk about projects still in development. However, this I can tell you: my ambition, and that of many of my colleagues, is to make d&b the world leader in experience technologies within the entertainment and AV sectors. To achieve this, I am using my wealth of experience of over 30 years to contribute with great motivation and optimism. As soon as we’ve concluded some of the projects I’m calling my favourites, I’ll be more than happy to elaborate further.
What does the future hold for AV?
The future holds the continuing desire of people and future generations for perfect audio and video, combined with stunning lighting and other effects that evoke emotional responses. We are far from reaching the limits of our technical and digital capabilities. We can continue to wow audiences with innovations and new technologies that elevate the sensory experience.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Learn by doing, experiment and never stop learning. The internet has an infinite number of opportunities to learn quickly, get smart and develop yourself. However, hands-on experience, like working with professionals, is still the best way to get to know the field, showcase your skills and take advantage of unique openings. Virtual learning provides essential theory, while real-life experience offers practical knowledge and hands-on expertise.
Candice Siow
Job title Regional director, SEA
Company Lightware Visual Engineering
How did you get into AV?
I started working part-time for a fibre optics manufacturer during my semester breaks as a booth staffer, giving out marketing brochures and door gifts whenever the company participated in pro AV tradeshows. That same company eventually offered me a full-time job after my graduation, as a salesperson developing its key accounts.
What are you currently working on?
I am currently setting up our new office in Singapore as a strategic step to expand Lightware’s presence in south-east Asia. I have been working in close collaboration with key stakeholders to deliver a unified corporate message and go-to-market approach.
Favourite project?There are too many! Each project is a commitment and a testament to our partnerships and trust. From educational institutes, corporate, venues, hospitality etc, each of the projects are interesting and unique. All of them give me a sense of satisfaction when I know that the customers are assured of Lightware’s products’ quality.
What does the future hold for AV?
We are entering a period of consistent yet measured growth post-pandemic, and with our global community being more educated and tech-savvy, the quest for a seamless user experience during hybrid working and learning will further increase the need for a simplified system. USB-C technology can enable this ease of use on a single full-featured USB-C cable.
What advice would you give to someone starting a career in AV tech?
Hone your skills and be driven by your passion. Technology evolves but passion keeps you going.
This feature was first publsihed in the Autumn 2024 issue of LIVE.
