M&E and Sports at re:Invent 2023

From the Rec Center at Mandalay Bay to the AWS for Industries Pavilion at the Venetian, the influence of Media & Entertainment (M&E), and Sports was readily apparent at AWS re:Invent 2023. Held November 27 – December 1 in Las Vegas, the annual AWS event welcomed attendees from around the world to learn from AWS experts, customers, and partners about how cloud services and solutions are being used to transform industries. Along with compelling keynotes from AWS leadership, AWS re:Invent offered a wealth of programming covering relevant topics in M&E and Sports.

Demonstrations at the AWS for Industries Pavilion

Showcasing the power of cloud-based production, the dedicated AWS for Industries Pavilion on the Venetian Expo Floor featured an exciting demo of a content production workflow focused on the making of the short film “Race to the Cloud,” including a virtual production stage, virtual art department, and editorial. Additionally, a live, cloud-based NHL broadcast production was shown, complete with match feed, world feed, and encoding/scheduling.

Spotlight: Wonder Dynamics and the PGA Tour

AWS hosted the 2023 edition of Cocktails and Conversations, an event where journalists are invited to hear from innovative AWS customers. Held at a film production studio, attendees heard from Wonder Dynamics and the PGA TOUR, joined on stage by AWS’s Samira Bakhtiar and Gretchen Libby. Watch the panel.

Revisit AWS re:Invent

While AWS re:Invent is best experienced in-person, AWS has made much of the recorded programming (videos and slides) from 2023 available for viewing. Highlights include:

Media & Entertainment

• Reimagining live, in-person experiences with the cloud (video): Learn how AWS technologies are starting to play an important role in live experiences such as sporting events, esports, and concerts.
• CBS Sports Digital: Innovation in the cloud with the Golazo Network (video): Dive into the evolving role of cloud technology in the convergence of linear and digital broadcasting.
• How ELF reduced their carbon footprint by broadcasting on AWS (video): The European League of Football (ELF) shares their journey as a new sports league to adopt a built-in-the-cloud broadcasting production pipeline on AWS.
• The making of “Race to the Cloud” (video): Learn how short film “Race to the Cloud” was created in just a few weeks using virtual production techniques on AWS.
• NBCUniversal drives media effectiveness through modernized TV (video): Find out how NBCU has partnered with AWS to co-develop products that enable their customers to reach consumers wherever they are, efficiently and at scale.
• Build a complete livestreaming workflow using automated deployments (slides): Learn how to deploy a complete livestreaming architecture using CI/CD pipelines with features like dynamic ad insertion, token authorization, live-to-VOD, observability with a CMCD dashboard, and schedule orchestration deployment.
• File storage and archive migration for media and entertainment (slides): Take a technical deep dive into file storage options and capabilities on AWS for M&E with a focus on content production and supply chain workflows
• Powering FAST channels using AI on AWS (slides): Find out how free ad-supported streaming TV (FAST) services are using AI to deliver automatic scheduling, personalized content recommendations, and targeted advertisements that enhance the viewer experience while providing a sustainable revenue model for content providers.
• Unleashing innovation with a cloud-powered newsroom (slides): Learn how AWS can help news organizations drive innovation in operations and overcome challenges, including ensuring business continuity, driving audience engagement, and streamlining content production and distribution.

Sports

• Creating new analytics in sports (video): Hear the NHL and AWS discuss how new analytics are created—from conception to on-air presentation.
• How the Bundesliga adopts an agile and cross-functional data strategy (video): DFL Digital Sports uncovers how they created an agile data strategy powered by AWS by using the Cloud Adoption Framework for Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Generative AI while being on their journey to become the most fan-centric football league.
• Swimming Australia’s pursuit of gold with data and AWS (slides): Take a deep dive into how AWS helped Swimming Australia become an innovative leader in Olympic sports.
• NASCAR adds 60 video feed angles to fan app for in-venue viewing (slides): Learn how NASCAR used AWS services to redefine the boundaries of live event participation and set a new standard for fan interaction.

For an in-depth review of AWS for Games at AWS re:Invent 2023, check out the dedicated recap blog post.

For the comprehensive AWS re:Invent 2023 session lineup, check out the AWS Events YouTube Channel. Much gratitude to our customers, partners, and AWS team members for making AWS re:Invent 2023 another great event. Until next year!