Made In Network is a YouTube-certified multichannel network (MCN) based in Nashville, TN, that creates original video programming and series with an influential collection of creators, in addition to successful custom video integrations for their clients, which include some of the world's top consumer brands.In 2015, Made In Network was in search of equipment to build out their new production facility, in the heart of one of the most creative cities in the country. As two companies working to elevate the production values and quality of online content creation, Made In Network ultimately decided to outfit their new studio with Sony's 4K and HD professional cameras, lenses, wireless audio and monitors.
Made in Network soundstage
Kevin Grosch launched Made In Network at the end of 2013 after producing and executing digital marketing for music releases in Nashville. Being passionate about music his whole life, it was during his experience in the music industry that he fell in love with the idea of being able to build and interact directly with an audience, and realized video was one of the most engaging ways to do just that.
When I first started working with companies like Google and YouTube, I was really fascinated to see and learn about how they built such massive audiences online, says Grosch. Whether it was music or comedy or vlogs, the creators were building communities that were tuning in regularly, much like we'd been used to experiencing with the traditional television model. Once I began really understanding how these companies worked, and realizing the potential of where these platforms were headed and what new technology was on the horizon, I wanted to bring that power and impact to the creators in Nashville.
As Grosch got Made In Network off the ground, the company rapidly expanded, hiring more staff members and taking on additional content creators and clients. Naturally, the company outgrew their old space and decided to design a new office outfitted with a high-end studio, to meet their unique needs. They turned to Sony to ensure their new space afforded employees and users the highest quality experience, using the most advanced production tools.
We wanted to create a space that serves as the creative center of Nashville; something for the music industry and the local filmmakers to be able to come in and use to create content that becomes a part of their release strategy, he says. As we kept growing, we were constantly searching for a place in Nashville that had all of our specific requirements a production facility, a place to film, a place to record music. Ultimately, we decided to build a space that was suited to our exact needs; creating web content. There are different conditions needed for shooting a music video versus an episodic series, both of which we are doing multiple times a week. In designing our own space, and outfitting it with Sony's products, we now have the flexibility to create really high quality web content, build our own sets and have a seamless workflow.
By offering access to their facility equipped with Sony's latest 4K and HD technology to the content creators and brands they work with, Made In Network has been able to help musicians, artists, clients, and the local community in ways they never could before, while still outputting a final product that features the highest production values - something they adamantly refused to compromise on.
We never want our creators to look at a high quality production as a barrier to entry, so we've given them access to all of the best tools in our own facility, Grosch says. Now we can invite the community in, let them use our space to learn, to work, to network and collaborate.
Sony's cameras, technology and equipment have been incredible in giving us a level of quality that you just can't achieve without really great gear, he continues. As YouTube evolved from cat videos and kids in their bedrooms with webcams to original programming, the quality of the productions have increased, as have the delivery methods and the gear needs to be reflective and aid in that. The expectation for quality extends beyond content creators, with an audience looking for polished projects that rival what can be found on television.
Grosch detailed how 4K resolution, which offers four times the detail, information and clarity of full HD and is supported by the latest Sony camera and display technology, helps elevate the quality of YouTube content creation.
Made In Network recently teamed with Sony to create a 4K YouTube video for Sony's 4K Creators channel, which can be seen here. The video, which captures the art of coffee roasting and features a local Nashville business, The Frothy Monkey, was shot using Sony's 4K FS7 camera and is another way the two companies are working together to heighten production values online.
Working with Sony, especially their 4K YouTube channel is really exciting, Grosch says. We at Made in Network are really proud of the work we do, so to see Sony be able to showcase what we're doing as creatives is really impactful to help drive traffic back to us. We're thrilled about working with Sony and to be able to say we can produce content at a really high level because of their equipment that we're working with is a huge asset to us and hopefully we're able to shine a light on their cameras and gear that way.
Don VanCleave, VP of Special Projects, also started in the music industry, but brings different skills and experience to the team. VanCleave started in the record business in 1988, opening a record store in Birmingham, Alabama with his wife. During his successful 14 years at the helm of Magic Platter, he won numerous accolades and broke a lot of new bands in the market. When the independent record stores
