SHENZHEN, China, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 2025 International Image Culture Week has successfully concluded. The event covers three main sections: 2025 Visionary Storytellers Industry Forum, SmallRig Awards Ceremony, and public image experience activities such as The Social Impact Image Pitching Sessions, Filmmaking Class. During the event, the SmallRig Visionary Storytellers Industry Forum featured over 200 global industry leaders, including representatives from Sony, Nikon, and vivo, as well as prominent filmmakers and scholars.
2025 Visionary Storytellers Industry Forum
In the forum’s opening remarks, Zhou Yang, the founder and CEO of SmallRig, Leqi Innovation, emphasized the rapid evolution of the imaging scene industry. “From traditional cameras to mobile phones and emerging multi-functional gear, the diversification of image-capturing scenarios is reshaping the industry. Innovation in stability systems, lighting, and power solutions is accelerating.”
More Insights from the Frontlines of the Imaging Industry
- Roundtable: Imaging Scene Development & the Camera Industry Revival
Experts agreed that the camera industry’s revival is driven not just by hardware sales but by the democratization of technology, the rise of short-form content, and synergistic ecosystems. Lightweight, versatile gear is empowering more creators to tell stories. - Roundtable: Imaging Scene Development & the Bigger Picture
Representatives from Nikon, Insta360, Lexar, and independent filmmakers explored how AI, panoramic formats, and expanded storage are driving creative frontiers. They emphasized the power of storytelling, employing innovation not only to accelerate production but also to create content that resonates emotionally, striking a perfect balance between artistic vision and practical use. - Roundtable: Smartphone Imaging & Growth Potential
The smartphone is no longer just a tool but an evolving creative ecosystem. Experts highlighted the growth of mobile imaging in AR and professional video, stressing user co-creation as a key to innovation and product refinement. - Roundtable: Innovation & Persistence in Professional Filmmaking
Veteran filmmakers delved into the emotional roots of cinema amid rising tech trends like HDR and virtual production. They encouraged younger creators to master light and composition, understand cinematic history, and integrate new tools with the time-honored art of storytelling. - Roundtable: AIGC & Dual Imaging in Commercial Photography
With the rise of AI-generated content (AIGC), the commercial photography world is embracing dual modalities: still and motion. Experts urged photographers to evolve into “AI directors,” using intelligent tools for ideation and streamlining workflow, yet retaining the human touch that fosters brand connection and emotional resonance.
Moreover, the forum also marked the establishment of the Global Imaging Scene Research Initiative, jointly founded by Nikon, Lexar, SmallRig, and Haohan, aiming to explore the symbiotic relationship between imaging and lifestyle, and forecast the future innovations in the industry. The initiative will launch the Flick It imaging product shopping season in late 2025, the first global consumer event focused on co-created imaging scenarios. SmallRig focusing on user co-creation, platform synergy, content development, industry standards, talent growth, and academic certification for a more inclusive global imaging industry.
About SmallRig
Founded in 2013, SmallRig designs and builds complete accessory solutions including camera and phone rigs, battery, tripod and video light for content creation. SmallRig’s accessories are widely used in live broadcasting, vlogging, professional video production, and other fields supported by over two million creators worldwide. SmallRig pioneered the User Co-Design (UCD) approach and the DreamRig program, with the ultimate goal of co-designing alongside global creators to help turn their dreams into reality.
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