I wanted to share something that really caught my attention this week while following updates from IBC2026. As someone deeply involved in the Student Filmmakers community, I’m always looking at where the industry is actually heading,not just in theory, but in practice,and this year’s conversations feel especially grounded.
One of the biggest themes right now is how infrastructure is evolving behind the scenes. There’s a lot of talk about 6G, but not everyone is convinced it’s truly necessary yet. It raises a fair question: are we building toward real needs, or just chasing the next big thing?
At the same time, what is clearly gaining traction is private 5G. It’s already being used in live production environments such as sports, news, large-scale events and it’s changing how teams approach connectivity. Instead of adapting to existing networks, productions can now build networks around their own needs. That shift feels practical and immediate.
Another area that stood out to me is how AI is quietly becoming part of the streaming pipeline, especially when it comes to personalization. This isn’t just about recommendations anymore, it’s about shaping entire viewing experiences in real time. For filmmakers and content creators, this has huge implications for how stories are distributed and discovered.
And then there’s the scale of the industry itself. Europe’s audiovisual market reached around €142 billion, with consumer spending driving a major part of that growth. Streaming, cinema, and home viewing are all contributing, which reinforces something we already feel as creators: the demand for content isn’t slowing down.
What I appreciate about IBC is that it doesn’t just highlight future possibilities. It shows what’s already working. It’s a reminder that innovation in media isn’t only about breakthroughs, but also about implementation. IBC 2026 will take place 11 - 14 September at the RAI Amsterdam, and based on what’s already being discussed, it looks like it will continue pushing these conversations forward in a meaningful way. - Register your interest for IBC2026
I’m curious how others here see these shifts, especially around AI in streaming and the growing role of private networks in production. Are these changes already affecting how you work or think about your projects?