If you are watching a Hollywood movie with amazing VFX, they are likely created by the Indian VFX industry. The reason is, that India is now a world hotspot where different projects are contracted out. From Hollywood's fantasy movies to indie projects, they outsource their VFX to India. Having 70 to 80% of its revenue from the US and leading European countries, the Indian VFX and animation industry has undoubtedly become the leading global actor in VFX.
Here are some fascinating stats from the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FICCI) and Ernst & Young's 2024 report:
India's low cost, capacity to scale, and English proficiency attract Animation and VFX projects.
However, ensuring crucial data security in the VFX business is essential. Every venture requires millions of dollars to succeed. Meanwhile, a breach, like piracy or earlier releases, can be disastrous. Thus, behind the scenes, many invisible hands are working to secure those assets!
When we say visual effects (VFX), we think of the jaw-dropping visuals of blockbuster movies. But behind those amazing visuals lies an incredible mountain of sensitive data. This includes raw footage, pre-production assets, and unreleased movie scripts. Even a little leak can cause massive financial and reputational harm for studios. To understand better, let's discuss the importance of data security in the VFX industry.
The VFX industry deals with intellectual properties, like superhero films and sci-fi universes. If compromised through cyber threats, it could cost billions of dollars.
In an incident in 2017, Disney got a threatening message from hackers who claimed they had a copy of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales. The hackers demanded an absurd ransom payment or threatened to release it online. Fortunately, nothing came of this incident, although it reminds us of the value of data security in the industry.
The VFX industry never works alone. It collaborates with teams across continents. While working on the same movie, they pass files back and forth through computer servers. Every hand touching these files could pose a risk, intentional or accidental.
A single weak point or an oversight, like continuous use of older software, an undetected bug, or even untrained staff can open the door to a breach and lead to disaster.
In 2017, HBO's popular Game of Thrones scripts and episodes were leaked online, reportedly containing about 1.5 terabytes of data. Such a large breach led to a huge financial loss to the makers. No studio ever wants to face this situation when they hand over their project to any VFX company.
The legal consequences will also be intense, with lawsuits and penalties. A data leak will not just cost you a client but may put your company's reputation and future at stake.
While big studios like Disney, Marvel, or Warner Bros. have gigantic budgets for cybersecurity measures, small VFX houses are more at risk. Hackers see smaller firms as easy targets due to their weak defenses.
If you are working in the VFX industry, invest in data security before it is too late! Any breach anywhere along the production pipeline could have far-reaching repercussions.
Cybersecurity is not just a technical issue; most vulnerabilities lie in human error. One can click on phishing emails or misplace USB drives. Even secure systems can completely protect you from human errors. VFX teams should recognize suspicious activities and care about sensitive data.
Maintaining data security in VFX work is neither too complex nor time-consuming. Strong encryption and multi-factor authentication (MFA) can be used to ensure secure storage and transfer of files. Further, take regular data backups, and always keep an offline backup of your projects.
Humans are more susceptible to opening doors for hackers. Please make it mandatory for all staff to attend security training sessions.
Trusted Partner Network (TPN) certification, initiated by the Motion Picture Association (MPA) in collaboration with the Content Delivery & Security Association (CDSA), is a framework that ensures comprehensive security of data in the VFX industry. The sole purpose of TPN is to vet and certify companies for following security practices.
Think of TPN certification as a seal that tells studios you take security seriously. TPN-certified VFX companies can demonstrate they meet industry standards for protecting content. Any big studio looking for a VFX partner will find the one with a TPN certificate the most reliable.
The Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA) also has strong data security regulations. These include everything from protecting physical spaces to digital protection measures. If you follow MPAA guidelines, you ensure studios that you meet industry expectations.
So now you know how high the stakes are in the VFX industry. Ignoring security measures can result in devastating consequences leading to huge losses in terms of finance and reputation. Hence, ensuring data security by deploying proper measures and systems is not just a choice but a requirement in modern times. Getting a TPN certification and adhering to MPAA guidelines can significantly increase your content security and build your credibility.
