Dynamik’s Mary Bou Akl shares a snapshot of the rise in local post-production talent and how human talent is now more crucial with the entry of AI-powered tools.
Is there a skills gap that needs to be addressed given the rise of and demand for AI-powered tools?
While AI-powered editing tools and advanced technologies have certainly transformed the industry, there’s an essential element that remains irreplaceable: raw human talent. AI can assist in speeding up workflows, automating repetitive tasks, and providing technical efficiency. Still, it lacks something fundamental – creativity, emotional intelligence, and the instinctive craftsmanship that only a skilled human artist can bring to the table.
AI has no sense of nuance, storytelling, or emotion. It can analyse data and execute algorithms, but it doesn’t understand the power of a well-timed cut, the subtlety of visual storytelling or how to evoke an emotional response from an audience. That’s where human talent comes in, and it’s more crucial now than ever. Craft and emotion are at the heart of every great piece of post-production work. The human touch is what transforms ‘good’ into ‘great’. An AI tool will never capture the feeling, context or story that an artist with years of experience can bring. It is in our core at Dynamik to prioritise human craftsmanship.
Have you seen a rise in the local post-production talent within the Middle East region, and what opportunities lie ahead for them?
There has been indeed a remarkable rise in local post-production talent across the Middle East. This is an exciting time for the region, as we see more home-grown professionals bringing their creativity and cultural insights into the industry. I see a growing appetite for original content from the region, and as the Middle East continues to position itself as a global hub for media and entertainment, there’s enormous potential for our local artists to be at the forefront.
However, I find it essential to foster collaboration between local talent and international expertise. True innovation happens when diverse talents come together. We create an opportunity for a dynamic exchange of skills, ideas, and inspiration. It’s never about replacing local talent but enriching the creative process, allowing everyone to learn from each other and grow. When cultures meet, the result is often groundbreaking. Stories are told in ways that feel both familiar and new, capturing a global audience while staying true to regional roots.
Is there a need for more post-production academies?
Certainly, there is a significant and growing need for specialised training programs and post-production academies that cover advanced techniques. At Dynamik, we are in current discussions to invest in the development of training programmes to nurture and grow new talent in these areas.
This initiative is central to our vision and next steps. We are initially in discussions and collaborations with universities to create a comprehensive program for the rising talent. Dynamik’s vision is to attract international clients into the Middle East, and we are committed to leading this transformation and elevating post-production excellence through focused training and strategic partnerships.
Do challenges such as tight deadlines, compatibility issues, and gaps in technical knowledge continue to plague the industry?
Our clients are generally skilled, however tight deadlines, missed timelines, and varying levels of knowledge in post-production can impact quality and efficiency. A key factor is for clients to trust the expertise of their post partners. This trust fosters a collaborative environment, allowing artists to deliver their best work. Additionally, a common bottleneck is booking post-production artists last minute, which often undermines this important phase. Allocating adequate time and attention to post-production from the outset is essential for achieving optimal results.
