Briaan L. Barron

Who knows how the Generative AI ethical and legal debates will play out? Not me, so in the meantime I'll be over here blissfully tinkering away in Suno's whimsical generative song maker. No joke, you simply input a song prompt and in seconds out pops a 2-minute gem – complete with lyrics (if you fancy)! A couple wacky prompts my kids and I hurled at Suno: "A family of sad unicorns who love to eat lasagna but Italian restaurants don't allow unicorns, in the style of 80's British new wave with the chorus "I am your mama!!"" https://lnkd.in/e4Zjiysz "A mailbox who is allergic to mail in the style of a barbershop quartet with the chorus "you'll always be stupider than me because I love dinosaurs" https://lnkd.in/e7Ggv3h9 While the genre/style results can be hit or miss, the lyrics are usually spot-on-ish, and the overall final product rarely disappoints (worth noting that the sound quality can be distractingly soggy at times). Sure, there are countless practical uses for a powerful song-generating engine like this, but c'mon who needs practicality when you can near-instantly conjure a ditty about otters and beavers battling for control of the magical golden lawnmower?! https://lnkd.in/e9fnR8Ud Bottom line: this tech is a captivating time-sink...and, yes, ok, sure, also another impressive AI tool with some major eyebrow-raising implications for a spectrum of creative industries... YOU'VE BEEN WARNED: https://suno.com/

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As the Destined One walks toward the inevitability of enlightenment, I pause to reflect on the incredible journey that Black Myth: Wukong has been. From its awe-inspiring announcement in August 2020 to finally experiencing its brilliance on the PS5 in August 2024, this has been a masterpiece years in the making. Game Science (the developer) has proven that passion and perseverance can bring extraordinary visions to life. What they’ve created is more than a game—it’s an experience that pushes boundaries and redefines expectations. Every moment in Black Myth: Wukong stands as a testament to their artistry, technical excellence, and deep understanding of storytelling. As I breathe a sigh of relief at having completed this part of a remarkable chapter, I can’t help but feel a sense of anticipation for what comes next. The journey to greatness, like the Destined One’s path to enlightenment, is never easy. It demands dedication, innovation, and the courage to face the unknown again and again. Game Science, this part of your journey has been extraordinary. You’ve shined brilliantly, and now, I eagerly await the next chapter of your story. The world is watching—what magic will you bring us next?

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Reading books changes ones perspective! Affordable Escapes: The Ultimate Travel Guide for Black Families Unlock the world without breaking the bank! *Affordable Escapes* is your essential guide to traveling smarter, not harder. Designed specifically for Black families, this e-book is packed with expert tips, hidden gems, and practical strategies to help you plan unforgettable trips on any budget. From exploring iconic destinations to discovering local treasures, you'll learn how to maximize travel rewards, find affordable accommodations, and even cook on the go. Whether you're road-tripping across the country or flying to new horizons, *Affordable Escapes* shows you how to make every adventure affordable and full of joy. Ready to create lasting memories? Start your next budget-friendly journey today! 

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As a Black, queer creative, there’s nothing more difficult than securing funding for content creation. Before the media industry experienced this downturn, it was already difficult enough to get a meeting with anyone with enough power and interest in Black-targeted media to help scale our work. My partners and I were lucky enough to figure out how to grow our brands without any help or even a dollar for marketing. It was a slow climb, but we built shows that resonated with Black/BIPOC millennials and gen z all over the world. Today, as DEI is viewed as a nuisance rather than a necessity, the media industry has become more antagonistic towards Black creatives. I’ve had executives steal my ideas, repeatedly ask me why I think my work has been successful as if it’s a fluke, and I’ve had to prove over and over again that Black people are intellingent and deserving of authentic programming that speaks to our actual realities. It’s a battle every single day. If you are a Black/BIPOC media executive or if you are an ally, hold the door open even as you see your colleagues slamming them in our faces. We must stick together and prioritize helping one another at such a time as this. Stay encouraged, y’all! 🫶🏾

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I've been asked what inspired me to write this novella and it's reviews like this one that convey the reasons better than I can. Rolondo Talbott's "The Spectrum Awakens" is a small book that packs a big punch. It tells the story of Zion Jefferson, a young Black boy who's autistic, as he navigates middle school and discovers who he is. Talbott's writing is clear and powerful. He helps us see and feel what Zion experiences. We understand how bright lights can be too much, how social rules can be confusing, and how hard it is to be different in two ways - being Black and autistic. There's a scene in a mall that really stands out. Zion is already struggling with too much noise and movement when a security guard starts following him because of his race. This moment shows how unfair the world can be, and it made me think about times I might have misunderstood someone like Zion. What's amazing is how much Talbott fits into this short book. We see Zion's daily challenges, his joys, and his growth. We see him face prejudice and discover his strengths. It's all there, and it feels real and honest. This isn't just Zion's story. It's a story that makes us think about how we treat people who are different from us. It shows us that being autistic or being a person of color aren't things to "overcome," but parts of who a person is. After reading this book, I found myself thinking about my own attitudes. Have I ever judged someone without understanding their story? Have I missed seeing someone's unique gifts because they didn't fit what I expected? "The Spectrum Awakens" is an important book for anyone who has felt like they don't fit in. It's for parents and teachers who want to understand kids better. It's for anyone who believes in being kind and open-minded. Talbott has given us a special chance to see the world through Zion's eyes. This book doesn't just tell a story - it starts conversations we need to have. It's a book that can change how we see the world and treat others.

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My hot take on impostor syndrome. As someone who became an executive film & TV producer before turning 30 years old. Over the years, many up-and-coming creatives have opened up to me about their struggles: -Lacking self-confidence -Feeling isolated -Questioning if they’re good enough If this is you, keep reading! I interact with high-level, A-list industry players and entrepreneurs on a weekly basis. And guess what? They experience it too. The difference between you and them? Mindset. I’ve been where you are, and used to feel like I don’t belong. But now, when impostor syndrome creeps in, I take it as a sign that I’m pushing past my comfort zone, breaking boundaries, and paving a new path forward. It can be extremely uncomfortable sometimes. But I don’t personally know anyone successful in this industry who hasn’t faced discomfort or hardship. So next time you’re feeling impostor syndrome, shift your perspective. You’re probably headed in the right direction. And I love that for you! - Enjoy this? ♻️ Repost it to your network and follow Monica Medellin for more. Want weekly actionable tips, strategies, and resources for navigating the film & TV industry? 👇🏽 https://lnkd.in/gfNbz7HH

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*Description: In @Hulu and @Andscape’s new documentary, Making of an Activist, DeRay Mckesson and allies harness the power of data and analytics to fight police brutality after the killing of Michael Brown. *Direct Hulu Watch Link (An active Hulu subscription is required.) https://lnkd.in/gxUzyznv *Promo Discussion Questions: ⁃ Why has police brutality been under reported for so many decades? ⁃ With data as a resource, what next steps do you think can be taken to protect people? ⁃ What are some actions you can take to see change in your local communities?

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*Description: In @Hulu and @Andscape’s new documentary, Making of an Activist, DeRay Mckesson and allies harness the power of data and analytics to fight police brutality after the killing of Michael Brown. *Direct Hulu Watch Link (An active Hulu subscription is required.) https://lnkd.in/gxUzyznv *Promo Discussion Questions: ⁃ Why has police brutality been under reported for so many decades? ⁃ With data as a resource, what next steps do you think can be taken to protect people? ⁃ What are some actions you can take to see change in your local communities?

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So much of what Rick Beato articulates in this video is equally true of other forms of media besides music — video, photography, books, software, and more. I’m not sure what the solution is other than individually finding the energy and discipline to invest in “radical attention”, dedicating yourself to truly investing in and paying attention to a limited set of great works. I’ve done it myself and can attest that it’s certainly worth the effort. https://lnkd.in/gXAHDeVV #attention #consumption #art

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I’m thrilled to announce that our next guest on Circle of Influence is none other than Kevin Brodwick, a true pioneer in the consumer safe product industry. Kevin has been at the forefront of developing products that are not only effective but also safe for everyone. Tune in as we dive into his journey, the impact of his work, and what the future holds for consumer safety. You won’t want to miss this insightful episode! Kevin Brodwick #SafetyFirst #InnovativeMinds #podcastguest #circleofinfluence

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In this week's explosive 💥 episode of Badasses in Tech, Summer Mitchell sits down with the one and only Laura Stringer- product leader and operations mastermind. 🧠 Laura reveals game-changing strategies from her years in the trenches at startups and corporate titans like Merck: 🗺️ Roadmapping software products like an absolute boss 🙌 Conquering customer experience challenges with a relentless drive for success 👥 Assembling high-performing product teams that are ready to take on the world 🎧 This is your front-row seat 🎟️ to a master class on the art of operations and building an empowered team culture that gets results. So, if you're ready to take charge of your path, grab your headphones and tune in👇

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Is Paramount's Tech Transformation Just a Pipe Dream? In the ever-evolving landscape of media, David Ellison’s announcement about transforming Paramount into a tech powerhouse stirred quite the conversation. Including by me: https://lnkd.in/eBsi2xbi But as we dive deeper, several challenges emerge, casting shadows of doubt over this ambitious pivot. #1. Financial Feasibility With Paramount grappling with substantial debt and pressing financial obligations, notably hefty NFL payments, the costs of attracting top tech talent become a significant concern. Can Paramount realistically afford this tech overhaul amidst economic uncertainties and a struggling stock? The talent war isn't won on ambitions alone, especially when competitors like Google offer more stable havens. #2. Creator vs. Coder Paramount’s tech ambition, while necessary, seems at odds with maintaining the creator-friendly environment Ellison dually promised. In an era when interest rates have climbed, balancing tech innovation with creative freedom is a tightrope walk. Remember, even Netflix, once a haven for creators with its blank checks during #ZIRP, is tightening its purse strings. How can Paramount navigate these waters without the cushion of a tech giant's capital or rising stock prices? 3. Building vs. Buying Tech Infrastructure David Ellison’s plan for Paramount involves a substantial commitment to developing in-house tech capabilities, focusing on cloud services, AI, user interfaces, recommendation algorithms, and ad-serving technologies. This approach aims to differentiate Paramount from competitors and enhance user experience. However, the tech sector’s history suggests leveraging established third-party platforms could be more cost-effective and reliable. Giants like Disney have successfully integrated platforms like BamTech, while HBO initially utilized external technology before transitioning. AMC Networks similarly relies on Brightcove for streaming technologies. The pivotal question for Ellison is whether the potential benefits of custom-built solutions justify the investment and risk, especially when patching together proven third-party solutions might yield quicker and more economical results. #InEssence... These challenges are monumental, yet not insurmountable. As we watch Paramount’s narrative unfold, one thing is clear: transitioning into a tech entity is more than just a strategic pivot—it’s a gamble on the future of entertainment itself. Thoughts? #Paramount #StreamingWars #MediaTech

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🌟 Elevating Black Creators at SXSW! 🌟 We all know the challenges and triumphs that come with being a creator, but imagine having a playbook designed just for us. That’s why I’m excited to share our panel pitch: “Visibility & Wealth: The Black Creator's Playbook” This isn't just another panel; it’s a blueprint for navigating and conquering the creator economy. Here’s what we’re bringing to the table: 🧠 Meet the Game Changers: Alaina Fingal of The Organized Money, who turns budgeting into an art form. LaShonda Brown, the powerhouse behind Bootstrap Biz Advice, transforming tech for creators. Damien Ritter, the strategic genius managing #BiggJah. And me, Uzo Ometu, your guide and Founder of BlackOakTV. 📊 What You’ll Gain: - Strategies to overcome algorithmic barriers and boost your visibility. - Insights on building a community that’s more than just numbers. - Advanced monetization tactics that go beyond what’s obvious. 🔥 Why You Should Care: Because this is about more than just surviving in the creator economy; it’s about thriving and setting new benchmarks for success. We’re here to uplift, educate, and empower. 🗳️ Your Vote Matters: We’re committed to making a difference, but we need your support to get to SXSW. Cast your vote and join us in redefining what’s possible for Black creators! Vote for our panel here: https://lnkd.in/eyqgQ3M3 Let’s make this vision a reality!

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Black Ops 6 raises the bar for storytelling and immersion in the Call of Duty series This entry has not only captured my attention but is being widely praised for its powerful campaign and standout missions. I don’t often weigh in on COD - not because I lack immense respect for the series or the team, but because I like to step in only when I can add something meaningful to an already full conversation. The COD team takes a lot of lumps, much of it unfair. So when they truly deliver, they deserve the praise, and I’m here to give it to them right now. They’ve crafted a campaign that’s engaging, varied, and hard to put down. I’m not alone in this; other reviewers are calling it one of the best COD campaigns in recent memory, filled with intensity and depth that long-time fans expect. For someone like me - not a hardcore COD player but someone who engages because of its central place in games culture - this is the most fun I’ve had since Black Ops 3. If you’re on the fence, I stake my credibility on a full-throated recommendation for giving this one a try - it’s a can’t-miss for both casual and dedicated fans alike. You will experience the quality and effort immediately. Bravo to the whole Activision team and special shout-outs to Treyarch, and Raven Software, killing it on multiplayer AGAIN. We can all learn something seeing your teams at work.

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🎨 Why We Still Need Creatives—Not Just AI 🎨 Guillermo del Toro recently spoke about the limitations of AI in the creative process, emphasizing that creativity can’t be replicated by algorithms. While AI can assist, it lacks the emotional depth, intuition, and storytelling vision that make human creativity irreplaceable. Del Toro is right—true creativity requires imagination, empathy, and nuance. As companies adopt AI for efficiency, it’s vital they continue to invest in hiring talented creatives who bring the soul to storytelling. What do you think? Can AI ever match human creativity? Feel free to share your thoughts! ♻️ #AI #RealArt #opentowork #Videoproduction https://lnkd.in/ekQ9Ruze

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