Digital Studio caught up with Pooyan Farnam, sales and technical support, Advanced Media LLC to discuss business, trends and challenges in the region’s film and TV equipment channel.
0:00
HOW HAS BUSINESS BEEN AT ADVANCED MEDIA IN THE PAST YEAR? HOW IS GROWTH IN THE REGION?
I can start by saying that since the inception of the company in 2002, when we started with few brands in a relatively small showroom, we have been growing steadily by number of brands and products, professional staff and customers from different regions, and bigger showroom, service centre and warehouses. The demand for more broadcast, professional video and photo equipment has always been there in the region and that’s why we are here today serving the demands of existing and new broadcasters and professional videographers in the Middle East and North Africa.
1:00
WHAT TRENDS ARE YOU SEEING IN THE mena MARKET?
With the expansion of media channels and social media and the introduction of high quality video and photo gadgets, more and more people have joined the video world at a consumer and professional level. At the same, big manufacturers are encouraging everyone to enter the world of 4K and understand the benefits and pleasure of this technology. I believe the trend is to improve the current video production platform from SD to HD, from HD to 2K, 4K and 4K Raw, as well as more creative production with drones, stabilisers, sliders, small quality cameras and so. I can see the trend by looking at our daily sales of 4K cameras and recorders, Phantom drones, Zeiss lenses, FreeFly Movi 5 and 10 as well as many other interesting products.
2:00
WHAT KEY DEVELOPMENTS HAVE THERE BEEN AT THE COMPANY IN THE PAST YEAR?
We are known as a company who always looks for interesting products, ideas and solutions in both video and photo market. We always monitor the market demands and trends closely to address our customers’ needs and interest. In the past few years, we have improved our website and social media to be more informative. Newer brands and products in stock and on display in our showroom for our visitors to test, bigger service centre, and a larger distribution network to reach everyone at every level in the region. I can also point out to the number of workshops and training sessions we have had recently for educational purposes.
3:00
WHAT INTERESTING PLANS ArE THERE FOR 2014-15?
We’re increasing our distribution channel this year. We’re doing some investments in the African market, and of course more activity for the digital cinema and the
4K market.
4:00
WHAT IS THE MOST STANDOUT BRAND OF THE YEAR SO FAR?
For me, as I am personally in charge of Manfrotto family of brands and products, the increase in number of models and products by the supplier as well as more demand and sale for Manfrotto is standing out the most. But I can’t deny the huge growth for DJI drones, and despite the fact that our competitors have tried to introduce competitive drones still the sales of DJI drones are remarkable.
5:00
YOU’RE MAROONED ON A DESERT ISLAND. BY A LUCKY TWIST OF FATE YOU HAD CHANCE TO PICK UP A DVD PLAYER AND YOUR FAVOURITE MOVIES. WHAT’S ON YOUR HASTILY ASSEMBLED PALM TREE SHELF, AND WHY?
I’d prefer to take a Family Guy DVD collection and have a good laugh and never get bored
AND FINALLY, WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
I would say the chance to learn and experience the ever growing world of broadcast, video and photography.
