Nrubloc

The entire core product is probably secondary to marketing.
They probably have 10x the number of branding and marketing or PR staff than people working in technical, design and creative positions.
The core product will go to shit at some point and all their customers will use something better, from a hungry rival.
And Adobe will be dead.

This is hilarious! Old school propaganda!
 I am using Adobe since the 90s and I can't wait to move to Resolve.
Adobe is like Canon in a sense, dominates the market, but could be easily left behind in a couple of years.

It is common to get a numbers, finance/investment banker(in this case) type of person, sometimes as just a semi-temporary role, at least for a transitional change of a company’s direction. Some people make a career out of it and just bounce around and do this to serve a given purpose or roll. I have seen it first hand. From my experience it doesn’t always end well for clients and customers and can cost a lot for a company with very little in return initially or never, but that is sometimes already built in to be that way, especially with some buyouts, mergers, restructuring, or when setting out to have a different appearance for implementing new revenue streams/growth/investment plans.
As for how this person got there, as CEO. I would imagine she is a very bright and likeable person, but sometimes it can be favorable and sometimes not. She has proven herself as an investment banker and that’s what Vimeo wanted for their plans. I have meet with technical engineers and occasionally afterwards, I’m also surprised when I also ask myself the same, “How did this person end up here, because they can barely change a light bulb.” I just had this similar discussion with someone recently, and concluded that sometimes you just want to deal with someone who can get the job done properly, and don't really care if they are a nice or good person necessarily. Interestingly enough she acts like a runner up who just won a participation or conciliatory award role, when she mentions her other investment banker friends who got better opportunities right out of university. Maybe she will keep the seat warm, as things unfold as these are just business decisions made all the time, which can be (but are often not), to the benefit of the customer.
This is really the norm now, as I also see this when dealing with various random people from many different industries. After meeting with some management decision makers, I do sometimes wonder how anything ever gets done in some organizations. Don’t forget, doing things just half-ass is still a real achievement for some it seems. Then there are always the few probably doing the equivalent of 3-4 peoples jobs just holding things together, while management tries to come up with new “target strategies” or is busy working on “appearance projects” ideas to re-invent the wheel, to justify their own job. How progressive and brave.
One of my friends was hired a few years ago to setup a new software system and to train others at a company to transition… 4 years on now, and the company still hasn’t managed to implement it even though it was created. What an inefficient waste of time and resources, but it served its purpose to appear they were “managing” and doing something at the time.

I think it is too late. They bought her in there to chop off some heads, and apparently she is damn good at it for the time being.
I think the bought her in there to be the scapegoat. And they can blame it on her youth. And then they will hire some middle of the road CEO and get it back on track after weeding out the bad apples in their mind.

@Liam
It seems that you are starting to somewhat answer your own questions in a few of your responses here, which is always a good thing.
Never give up, but become very comfortable with adapting while trying to maintain your “ideal” standards. Don’t get any goals or standards mixed up with the idea of not being adaptable yourself. True adaptability fortunately does not always mean full compromise, even though it often can present itself that way, especially in the constant self-promotion social media world.
I often discover incredibly interesting work online and I’m amazed how some very talented people have a very low profile, as their work should be more widely known. Of course, I see the opposite as well, but then again sometimes it is not really about the work in relation to popular social media information, as their personable or charismatic persona and the ability to share random things at times, is more of a draw or focus. Even if you are not interested, some more business and marketing type of approaches should be explored, to at least see how things work and emerge when using different platforms if you decide to use those in the future. It may not be the fun part for you, but it is important.
What do you really want? In your area of focus, who do you respect and why? Do you have access to a group/club, of like-minded people (writers, filmmakers, editors, illustrators, animators, etc.) in your town or region? Perhaps get involved in some different things that can help you grow, create with others, pull together knowledge and resources or approaches from many places. Maybe you could meet someone you could collaborate with, that likes to be in front of a camera, while you on the other hand could contribute mainly to the content shown to try out some different things you have in mind. It could be an occasional or just a one-off thing. As you have referenced one person previously (Adrian Tomine), maybe you can also consider some elements from the approaches of others even outside of your area of focus as well. Don't romanticize things or any "one" approach or method to much, or that could influence you to maybe not be open enough in the future to any changes that may really be needed to adapt.
I’m not going to tell a lie here, so yes it can at times take some luck to achieve further progress when stuck, but all the hard work (often unrewarded) that has been done initially, has to be explored continually to prepare for any such future possibilities, whether they may involve luck or not. Prepare for no luck, but be very appreciative when you experience it. Since most everyone has a little luck at some point, if somewhat prepared, one can then get more out of it.
Any achievements attained large or small, can be really life changing and the positive consequences imparted may last many years or sometimes just only for a short while. It is not easy at times, as things change and evolve all the time. I still like to think hard work, research, and creativity will always help one adapt and evolve. It is a lot to navigate, but try to keep your standards and stay hungry, and even sometimes warrior like. When great success happens, use that to move further forward, but keep the idea in the back of the mind of not getting to comfortable as things can change over time.
Follow the guideposts along the way, which you may uniquely notice, since you may already immerse yourself in that area of interest, follow a similar standard or perspective established by those before you that have gained some respect in your area of focus. Again, adaptability does not have to be a compromise, so use your creativity, learn and grow further to even higher standards perhaps not thought of.
You cannot win if you do not play, so it is important to finish things also. Start and finish many projects, even if you don't like the final product, just start something else and keep doing it till finished, as it will decidedly evolve and maybe a clearer direction would emerge for you to pursue with promoting your work. Whether your work develops into a more niche area or becomes broader in scope, it could then help to more clearly determine better, the “what, where and how” to then focus on and possibly gain some more traction. Not sure if it is ever an issue for you, but don't forget to not take yourself to seriously at times either, and don't forget to give yourself some credit when warranted or if a goal (big or small) is achieved. All progress counts.

@Liam
It seems that you are starting to somewhat answer your own questions in a few of your responses here, which is always a good thing.
Never give up, but become very comfortable with adapting while trying to maintain your “ideal” standards. Don’t get any goals or standards mixed up with the idea of not being adaptable yourself. True adaptability fortunately does not always mean full compromise, even though it often can present itself that way, especially in the constant self-promotion social media world.
I often discover incredibly interesting work online and I’m amazed how some very talented people have a very low profile, as their work should be more widely known. Of course, I see the opposite as well, but then again sometimes it is not really about the work in relation to popular social media information, as their personable or charismatic persona and the ability to share random things at times, is more of a draw or focus. Even if you are not interested, some more business and marketing type of approaches should be explored, to at least see how things work and emerge when using different platforms if you decide to use those in the future. It may not be the fun part for you, but it is important.
What do you really want? In your area of focus, who do you respect and why? Do you have access to a group/club, of like-minded people (writers, filmmakers, editors, illustrators, animators, etc.) in your town or region? Perhaps get involved in some different things that can help you grow, create with others, pull together knowledge and resources or approaches from many places. Maybe you could meet someone you could collaborate with, that likes to be in front of a camera, while you on the other hand could contribute mainly to the content shown to try out some different things you have in mind. It could be an occasional or just a one-off thing. As you have referenced one person previously (Adrian Tomine), maybe you can also consider some elements from the approaches of others even outside of your area of focus as well. Don't romanticize things or any "one" approach or method to much, or that could influence you to maybe not be open enough in the future to any changes that may really be needed to adapt.
I’m not going to tell a lie here, so yes it can at times take some luck to achieve further progress when stuck, but all the hard work (often unrewarded) that has been done initially, has to be explored continually to prepare for any such future possibilities, whether they may involve luck or not. Prepare for no luck, but be very appreciative when you experience it. Since most everyone has a little luck at some point, if somewhat prepared, one can then get more out of it.
Any achievements attained large or small, can be really life changing and the positive consequences imparted may last many years or sometimes just only for a short while. It is not easy at times, as things change and evolve all the time. I still like to think hard work, research, and creativity will always help one adapt and evolve. It is a lot to navigate, but try to keep your standards and stay hungry, and even sometimes warrior like. When great success happens, use that to move further forward, but keep the idea in the back of the mind of not getting to comfortable as things can change over time.
Follow the guideposts along the way, which you may uniquely notice, since you may already immerse yourself in that area of interest, follow a similar standard or perspective established by those before you that have gained some respect in your area of focus. Again, adaptability does not have to be a compromise, so use your creativity, learn and grow further to even higher standards perhaps not thought of.
You cannot win if you do not play, so it is important to finish things also. Start and finish many projects, even if you don't like the final product, just start something else and keep doing it till finished, as it will decidedly evolve and maybe a clearer direction would emerge for you to pursue with promoting your work. Whether your work develops into a more niche area or becomes broader in scope, it could then help to more clearly determine better, the “what, where and how” to then focus on and possibly gain some more traction. Not sure if it is ever an issue for you, but don't forget to not take yourself to seriously at times either, and don't forget to give yourself some credit when warranted or if a goal (big or small) is achieved. All progress counts.

You may get a better response rate to your question, if you ask this same question in the main Anamorphic section instead of this “Diopter Thread”.
As for single focus solutions there are a few these days to choose from. Of course just make sure they are the proper size for your anamorphic front.
Here is one version to check into as a possible option to explore:
Rapido Front Variable Diopter 16A (FVD-16A) , $550
http://www.rapidotechnology.com/products-services/front-variable-diopter-fvd
More Info
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIY_RCKq_Rs
Anamorphic Comparison w/ the Rapido FVD-16A vs  Rectilux Hardcore DNA | with Kowa 16D & 16H Anamorphics
https://vimeo.com/277831080
 
As for the main “taking” lens to use that attaches to the camera, you can use the search option in the forum to find various discussions on that which would probably cover your needs. Here is also a link you may find helpful, as your particular anamorphic the Isco Ultra Star Plus which is mentioned there as well.
https://www.eoshd.com/comments/topic/20783-building-an-anamorphic-lens-kit/

Patience grasshopper.

I often see people constantly engaged with their phones and other devices as if their life depends on it, so companies better not make people to mad by throttling their internet or possibly charging different “preference” rates to some just because they may use a competing app, services or often visit certain sites that are in direct competition to the internet service providers own viewership and other similar services or products that they may also provide. Individuals who use exorbitant bandwidth outside of a fairly normal modern day “connected” usage lifestyle, should of course pay more or be subjected to some limit if it is very excessive and they are not willing to pay more based on the current system. Businesses are in the business to make money and hopefully innovate a bit, but need not be everyone’s friend. Most would understand that.
However, it has also been discussed that different possible negative methods could be used by ISP’s (especially in regions with little or no competition between providers) and ultimately implemented without some level of Net Neutrality being retained. One can not be sure of course, but for example the possible manipulation an ISP may impose on those only using “partial” subscribed services in an attempt to favor their own services/products over another companies competing product is one area alluded to previously. Imagine an ISP tracking every website and subscribed services you use (Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Amazon, etc) over their provided/subscribed service connection and then deciding that since you only pay for one of their internet service plans, rather than some bloated reality TV, Internet, Phone package bundle of theirs, they then decide to essentially punish you for it. The large dinosaur media conglomerates merging with IPS’s is just part of that. Without Net Neutrality it would lead to more structured systems of the past and would then probably lead to exorbitant service fees to “entice” you to then pay only slightly less exorbitant fees for their bloated packages/services type of a structured system from days of olde. They could then essentially charge more and also get “their preferred” advertising sponsors/partners to market to you instead of some other platform you may use over their subscribed internet service that one may be using currently. It is not in the best interest of consumers and the ISP industry would just agree on what is most favorable to them and move on. Let’s not pretend they were ever on the side of the consumer. It has always been a shell and numbers game in the industry. Anyone who suggests otherwise is a large shareholder, works for the industry or is a lobbyist… or a politician who just got paid in some form or another. Go ahead, it’s ok to give your middle finger to the “man” every once in a while or at least feel that you still can. It is ok not to always just accept whatever the implied status quo is or something your being told to do as an only option. It is just good practice to questions things sometimes.
 
Continued privacy issues around ISP’s offering up users info to marketers or getting direct ads that can not easily be blocked coming from an ISP directly would probably be expanded as well (unless you subscribe to their other products maybe). I guess router level VPN’s are going to be more popular then. So, don't make the kids mad either or there will be hell to pay… it may not readily happen, but will sooner rather than later if what I have seen in the past is any indication. Oh, and I think that some areas or categories of both the ISP and healthcare industries in the US should be nationalized. All things in these realms are unfortunately very political it would seem. Politics aside, who is then really representing the consumer’s best interest and concerns? Perhaps not perfect, but Net Neutrality is maybe better than the other idea of absolutely nothing.

I often see people constantly engaged with their phones and other devices as if their life depends on it, so companies better not make people to mad by throttling their internet or possibly charging different “preference” rates to some just because they may use a competing app, services or often visit certain sites that are in direct competition to the internet service providers own viewership and other similar services or products that they may also provide. Individuals who use exorbitant bandwidth outside of a fairly normal modern day “connected” usage lifestyle, should of course pay more or be subjected to some limit if it is very excessive and they are not willing to pay more based on the current system. Businesses are in the business to make money and hopefully innovate a bit, but need not be everyone’s friend. Most would understand that.
However, it has also been discussed that different possible negative methods could be used by ISP’s (especially in regions with little or no competition between providers) and ultimately implemented without some level of Net Neutrality being retained. One can not be sure of course, but for example the possible manipulation an ISP may impose on those only using “partial” subscribed services in an attempt to favor their own services/products over another companies competing product is one area alluded to previously. Imagine an ISP tracking every website and subscribed services you use (Netflix, Youtube, Hulu, Amazon, etc) over their provided/subscribed service connection and then deciding that since you only pay for one of their internet service plans, rather than some bloated reality TV, Internet, Phone package bundle of theirs, they then decide to essentially punish you for it. The large dinosaur media conglomerates merging with IPS’s is just part of that. Without Net Neutrality it would lead to more structured systems of the past and would then probably lead to exorbitant service fees to “entice” you to then pay only slightly less exorbitant fees for their bloated packages/services type of a structured system from days of olde. They could then essentially charge more and also get “their preferred” advertising sponsors/partners to market to you instead of some other platform you may use over their subscribed internet service that one may be using currently. It is not in the best interest of consumers and the ISP industry would just agree on what is most favorable to them and move on. Let’s not pretend they were ever on the side of the consumer. It has always been a shell and numbers game in the industry. Anyone who suggests otherwise is a large shareholder, works for the industry or is a lobbyist… or a politician who just got paid in some form or another. Go ahead, it’s ok to give your middle finger to the “man” every once in a while or at least feel that you still can. It is ok not to always just accept whatever the implied status quo is or something your being told to do as an only option. It is just good practice to questions things sometimes.
 
Continued privacy issues around ISP’s offering up users info to marketers or getting direct ads that can not easily be blocked coming from an ISP directly would probably be expanded as well (unless you subscribe to their other products maybe). I guess router level VPN’s are going to be more popular then. So, don't make the kids mad either or there will be hell to pay… it may not readily happen, but will sooner rather than later if what I have seen in the past is any indication. Oh, and I think that some areas or categories of both the ISP and healthcare industries in the US should be nationalized. All things in these realms are unfortunately very political it would seem. Politics aside, who is then really representing the consumer’s best interest and concerns? Perhaps not perfect, but Net Neutrality is maybe better than the other idea of absolutely nothing.

Doubtful... as I think they are two different species.

The problem with the 'real' (old) media is that instead of standing their ground and weathering the storm against 'new' media and actually upping their standards, they shit themselves and joined in.
You only have to look at the websites of traditional newspapers in the UK to see whats happened as they are culling more of their content from social media and trying to sensationalise it.
You regularly now see what 20 years ago would have been a disagreement between two anonymous people in a small town elevated to national 'news' because its so easy, cheap - and natural - for the new crop of journalists at these publications to source these stories and amplify them.
We now have a situation where there is a generation that hasn't grown up with any real depth or quality to the media that they are exposed to.
If 'real' media is now just a randomly compiled, delayed and watered down version of 'new' media then why the hell would anyone pay for it anyway when you can get the other stuff for free?
The future of online might actually be semi-offline for many of us as we seek higher quality of everything from journals, to music, to films but we will have to pay for it directly and properly.
If we want people who are providing the content to be serious then we have to be too and accept that we'll have to pay for it.
I think it is actually doable and the burnout that a large number of people are feeling about the internet could make the timing of it not far off.
The great thing about the internet can be that there is no filter between creators and consumers but sometimes we need to accept that that filter sometimes wasn't a bad thing.
These days, everyone wants to celebrate that the big corporate monsters of print, broadcast, music and film have been bypassed but to my mind they've now been replaced by corporates that are far, far more sinister.

Not a great response by him, but do not take it too personal as missteps occur. Some older people can get grumpy or impatient at times with youngsters who they feel should do a little research on their own first (google, youtube, vimeo and this forum's search engine). Sometimes younger people are also impatient with older people who maybe don't frequently use or understand new ideas, technologies and trend directions as well. Maybe and hopefully, a different approach in response can be considered in the future instead. On can never stop learning and this forum as a whole has more people willing to offer advice than not.

Not a great response by him, but do not take it too personal as missteps occur. Some older people can get grumpy or impatient at times with youngsters who they feel should do a little research on their own first (google, youtube, vimeo and this forum's search engine). Sometimes younger people are also impatient with older people who maybe don't frequently use or understand new ideas, technologies and trend directions as well. Maybe and hopefully, a different approach in response can be considered in the future instead. On can never stop learning and this forum as a whole has more people willing to offer advice than not.

Are you considering the A7SII/A7RII as well or only the first versions A7S/A7R? I think the color science and options were improved on the second versions plus they do have sensor stabilization that one could use in a pinch.

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

I was able to visit the Nashville TN area and took a few images.
There was on and off light pockets of cloud veiling, but I took these as it was getting dark, then darker and when it was emerging.

 

@Ed_David
“And where are we?”
I get it, but placing various labels or using anecdotal phrases is just too easy, especially if one has the means to approach things differently. They (labels) can also be misinterpreted or misrepresented by those who have different life experiences or just ignorant for whatever the reason, willfully or not. In such cases it may be best to try to educate or raise awareness in some way. If you feel the need to help, share, enlighten or educate others in this regard, I would recommend that approach.
Less talk more doing, not only sounds better, but it also comes across as a more genuine when a real effort with actions are made rather than assuming with labels. If you honestly feel you have so much “privilege” then maybe use it in a more effective and positive way.
I see people quite often with much less “privilege” still doing great things to bring awareness and positive changes to long standing issues found in their own communities around the world. If they can actually do something, you and your “privilege” surely can. Sometimes you just have to get out of a comfortable narrative zone, and to hell with the consequences really. Often one has to be at least a little bit crazy. So slightly crazy can equal crazy good.
Use your well established professional “chops” that have developed, along with your immediate network/connection resources when needed to create things (documentaries, films, etc.) that you find interesting, meaningful or worthy to further promote and bring awareness to such issues. I’m sure you are surrounded by like minded individuals that believe in doing such non-commercial side projects already… get new friends if not.
It can be difficult day-in and day-out and somewhat unsatisfying at times by being involved in the creation of maybe less meaningful content that is sometimes generated when working in the commercial production space. Use any longer downtime between intense gigs to work on your own project ideas covering privilege, discriminatory practices, workplace conditions or any other issues that you have raised in the past. When you’re busy focusing on some side passion projects or just out to create something more positive through awareness instead, that passion project itself also helps to prevent your mind from wandering a bit towards any negativity floating around. Positive thoughts help lead to positive things. One cannot effectively communicate or create such a genuine message to possibly share if negativity clouds the airways.
Create something positive to educate using your obvious passion and strong convictions, but just don't tell them (viewers) what to think during the process. Maybe show a different perspective and some viewers would arrive at similar conclusions, have on their own realizations, or just maybe agree to disagree. Regardless, such an approach could start a real dialog and something interesting to share.
One also doesn’t have to be a philanthropic billionaire to contribute to society by helping their communities or focus on the different issues that they are passionate about. Use whatever you personally have access to. So use whatever “privilege”, knowledge, opportunity, or ability you feel you may have to bring awareness by actions and create things that maybe you could make a difference or positive contribution towards.
Let the negative actions of some condemn themselves, while focusing on any “positive actions” that could ultimately bring a positive influence or encourage others. Whatever project ultimately created in that spirit would be taken seriously and you could then bring your ideas to a wide/broader audience. Most rational people, whether or not they agree with each and every stance you may have on various topics would respect the efforts. At the least you would be putting thoughts into action while others would maybe still be offering nothing, just the same labels or unfortunately perhaps further negativity.
Look Mr. Charlie Chicken deep into the eyes and ask him… he seems like an honest bloke. If you ask him nicely maybe he would even help you work it out, if he is not to busy with his Art Retrospective.
Good luck