Zane Zeng, senior product consultant, Kiloview
Tell us through an average day in your role.
My role is to make content creation easier for professionals, whilst making content creation more professional for the general public.
As a product designer in the media industry, my daily job is to pick the best option out of a large number of possibilities, constantly improve the logic, and optimise the process and workflow in order to reduce costs and operational requirements, increase creative efficiency, and provide more comprehensive IP-based content creation solutions. With all of our efforts, we hope to assist the content creators with dreams in completing their masterpiece.
How did you get started in the media industry?
Ten years ago, I was a medical product designer and came across the video and media industry by chance when working on product promotion shooting.
As a starter in the industry, the first time I faced the expensive broadcasting equipment, and its large number of unfamiliar function buttons, the feeling of bewilderment is still vivid in my memory.
I guess many people may have the same feeling as I did and are blocked from the media industry by its high price and the complex requirements.
But today, I would like to share some new opinions, that the IP-based production equipment allows you to get started and enter the field quickly, just as easy as operating a smartphone. Everyone who loves video creation would have the opportunity to produce their professional works with the help of IP-based production.
What training did you have before entering the industry?
When we speak of video production, a satisfying result is usually a blend of technology and creativity. No matter what kind of position you are in this field, I recommend you familiarise yourself with the whole process of video production.
For content creators, the lack of technical knowledge will limit the ability to schedule and combine technical solutions, which directly affects project costs, and impacts the quality of content and market expectations sideways.
For those working in technical positions, the shortage of creative design learning will restrict their personal growth in this field.
If you are a product designer who cannot clearly classify the above two types of work, the designed product will disconnect from the demand, or building a cart behind closed doors in Chinese slang (it means divorce oneself from reality!).
I have systematically learned to use various types of cameras, as well as skills in tuning, mixing, directing, editing, simple special effects production, and IP network setup and configuration.
You don’t have to be a master in every segment since one’s energy is always limited, but understanding the whole workflow comprehensively is very necessary.
Why do you enjoy working in the industry?
Platforms like TikTok and YouTube make us see and believe that everyone has unlimited creative potential.
Our work helps creators to produce more professional, high-quality content, and our products enable them to enter the professional field quickly and easily with low cost. Currently our customers are unanimously approving the solutions we provide after using them.
I enjoy the work of simplifying the complex and professional content creation and making ordinary people’s content creation professional and efficient.
Every bit of our effort contributes to the development of this industry, which makes me quite proud.
What piece of advice would you offer someone looking to explore a role similar to yours?
As I mentioned, video media is an area where technology and art collide. People despise cliches and stuff that never changes. You must consistently upgrade your skills and innovative design to get a stronghold in this field. If you want to be the best in your profession, you’ll need an endless supply of passion and curiosity.
Before entering this field, you need to ask yourself carefully, is it a subsistence job or a loved career? If the goal of your job is to make enough money to enjoy fishing, then I suggest becoming a professional angler from the very beginning. Otherwise, the job will be a burden for you and difficult to do well at.
Maintaining your competitiveness requires you to keep your curiosity alive. Curiosity motivates us to investigate, learn, and solve challenges. When we begin to lose our curiosity, we begin ageing. Mental ageing will impede your progress more than physical ageing!
