The impact of COVID-19 on the creative industry has been exponential, with the closure of concerts, events and physical spaces forcing professionals to rapidly adapt to the ‘new normal’. In the wake of the pandemic, Sydney- and London-based creative studio Studio Messa have launched ‘Candid’, a raw and unfiltered video series which explores the ramifications of COVID-19, and how those in the arts and entertainment field are adjusting to the transformed landscape.
Employing over 50,000 artists and 600,000 workers across the country, the creative industry is worth billions to the Australian economy — and it’s also been one of the hardest-hit by the pandemic. Many have lost their livelihoods and found themselves navigating a drastically changed environment, as audience behaviours and events moved online. As an end-to-end brand experience studio, Studio Messa has witnessed this shift first-hand with an increased demand from clients for digital services, such as creative campaign strategy and execution, virtual production, photoshoots, and immersive video content.
Inspired by their experience and conversations with the broader community, ‘Candid’ explores how creatives are navigating, responding, and innovating in a climate of uncertainty. The series features an open discussion with a duo of creatives, including 3D artist David Porter Beckerfield and videographer Patrick Rohl, Communications Manager Amber Morris and Freelance Producer Amy Gopperth, and Studio Messa’s own Creative Director Kate Blank and Managing Director Peter Pengly.
“These are trying times for the creative industry. Candid captures the shared hardships we are going through in a sincere, honest and unplugged way. It’s our way of showing solidarity for our peers in the creative community, while also instilling a sense of possibility and anticipation for how creatives are reimagining their craft for the future,” said Peter Pengly, Director of Studio Messa.
“At Studio Messa, we are strong believers in the power of creativity and curiosity to transform challenges into opportunities. COVID-19 has given our industry a rare chance to reimagine the future. We’re seeing the creative community experiment and adapt in exciting ways, and expect this to continue even as restrictions lift,” continued Peter.
As the first pair to be featured in the series, Kate and Peter are an example of how creatives are adapting their businesses for the new normal. With a number of content pieces already in their portfolio for brands such as Chandon, and Bombay Sapphire, Studio Messa has helped clients effectively transition from offering physical events to creating digital and virtual experiences.
As social distancing measures lift, Studio Messa believes that the demand for digital content will continue. Driven by an innate curiosity, Studio Messa are constantly experimenting with creative possibilities and processes. In addition to their bold, transcendent physical experiences and immersive content creation offering, Studio Messa is exploring new ways to evoke emotional responses with audiences through digital and virtual content.
The ‘Candid’ video series can be viewed on Studio Messa’s Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Vimeo and website.
