OUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBetter ManLuke MillarAndy TaylorDavid ClaytonKeith HerftPeter StubbsDune: Part TwoPaul LambertBrice ParkerStephen JamesRhys SalcombeGerd NefzerKingdom of the Planet of the ApesErik WinquistJulia NeighlyPaul StoryDanielle ImmermanRodney BurkeMufasa: The Lion KingAdam ValdezBarry St. JohnAudrey FerraraDaniel FotheringhamTwistersBen SnowMark SoperFlorian WitzelSusan GreenhowScott FisherOUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBlitzAndrew WhitehurstSona PakTheo DemirisVincent PoitrasHayley WilliamsCivil WarDavid SimpsonMichelle RoseFreddy SalazarChris ZehJ.D. SchwalmHorizon: An American Saga Chapter 1Jason NeeseArmen FetulagianJamie NeeseJ.P. JaramilloNosferatuAngela BarsonLisa RenneyDavid ScottDave CookPavel SgnerYoung Woman and the SeaRichard BriscoeCarrie RishelJeremy RobertStphane DittooIvo JivkovOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREInside Out 2Kelsey MannMark NielsenSudeep RangaswamyBill WatralMoana 2Carlos CabralTucker GilmoreIan GoodingGabriela HernandezThe Wild RobotChris SandersJeff HermannJeff BudsbergJacob Hjort JensenTransformers OneFrazer ChurchillFiona ChiltonJosh CooleyStephen KingUltraman: RisingHayden JonesSean M. MurphyShannon TindleMathieu VigOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODEFallout; The HeadJay WorthAndrea KnollGrant EverettJoao SitaDevin MaggioHouse of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the GoldDai EinarssonTom HortonSven MartinWayne StablesMike DawsonShgun; AnjinMichael CliettMelody MeadPhilip EngstrmEd BruceCameron WaldbauerStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 5John KnollPablo MollesJhon AlvaradoJeff CapogrecoThe Lord of The Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; EldestJason SmithTim KeeneAnn PodloznyAra KhanikianRyan ConderOUTSTANDING SUPPORTING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL EPISODEExpats: HomeRobert BockGlorivette SomozaCharles LabbTim EmeisLady in the Lake; It Has to Do With the Search for the MarvelousJay WorthEddie BoninJoe WehmeyerEric Levin-HatzMike MyersMasters of the Air; Part Three; The Regensburg-Schweinfurt MissionStephen RosenbaumBruce FranklinXavier Matia BernasconiDavid AndrewsNeil CorbouldThe Penguin; BlissJohnny HanMichelle RoseGoran PavlesEd BruceDevin MaggioThe Tattooist of Auschwitz; PilotSimon GilesAlan ChurchDavid SchneiderJames HattsmithOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A REAL-TIME PROJECT[REDACTED]Fabio SilvaMatthew ShermanCaleb EssexBob KopinskyDestiny 2: The Final ShapeDave SamuelBen FabricEric GreenliefGlenn GambleStar Wars OutlawsStephen HawesLionel Le DainBenedikt PodlesniggBogdan DraghiciWhat If? An Immersive StoryPatrick N.P. ConranShereif FattouhZain HomerJax LeeUntil DawnNicholas ChambersJack Hidde GlavimansAlex GaborOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A COMMERCIALYouTube TV NFL Sunday Ticket: The Magic of SundayChris BayolJeremy BrooksLane JollyJacob BergmanDisney; Holidays 2024Adam DroyHelen TangChristian Baker-SteeleDavid FleetVirgin Media; Walrus WhizzerSebastian CaldwellIan BerryBen CroninAlex GreyCoca-Cola; The HeroesGreg McKneallyAntonia VlastoRyan KnowlesFabrice FiteniSix Kings Slam; Call of the KingsRyan KnowlesJoe BillingtonDean RobinsonGeorge SavvasOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A SPECIAL VENUE PROJECTD23; Real-Time RocketEvan GoldbergAlyssa FinleyJason BrenemanAlice TaylorThe Goldau Landslide ExperienceRoman KaelinGianluca RavioliFlorian BaumannMTV Video Music Awards; Slim Shady LiveJo PlaeteSara MustafaCameron JacksonAndries CourteauxTokyo DisneySea; Peter Pans Never Land AdventureMichael Sean FoleyKirk BodyfeltDarin HollingsBert KleinMaya VyasParis Olympics Opening Ceremony; RunBenjamin Le SterGilles De LusigmanGerome ViavantRomain TinturierOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREBetter Man; Robbie WilliamsMilton RamirezAndrea MerloSeoungseok Charlie KimEteuati TemaKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; NoaRachael DunkAndrei CovalJohn SoreNiels Peter KaagaardKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; RakaSeoungseok Charlie KimGiorgio LafrattaTim TeramotoAidan MartinMufasa: The Lion King; TakaKlaus SkovboValentina RosselliEli De KoninckAmelie TalarmainOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREInside Out 2; AnxietyAlexander AlvaradoBrianne FranciscoAmanda WagnerBrenda Lin ZhangThe Wild Robot; RozFabio LigniniYukinori InagakiOwen DemersHyun HuhThelma The Unicorn; Vic DiamondGuillaume ArantesAdrien MonteroAnne-Claire LerouxGaspard RocheWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl; GromitJo FentonAlison EvansAndy SymanowskiEmanuel NevadoOUTSTANDING CHARACTER IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTSecret Level; Armored Core: Asset Management; Mech PilotZsolt VidaPter Krucsaignes VonaEnric Nebleza PaellaDiablo IV: Vessel of Hatred; NeyrelleChris BostjanickJames MaYeon-Ho LeeAtsushi IkarashiDisney; Holidays 2024; OctopusAlex DoylePhilippe MoineLewis PickstonAndrea LacedelliRonja the Robbers Daughter; Vildvittran the Queen HarpyNicklas AnderssonDavid AllanGustav hrenNiklas WallnOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN A PHOTOREAL FEATURECivil War; Washington, D.C.Matthew ChandlerJames HarmerRobert MooreAdrien ZeppieriDune: Part Two; The Arrakeen BasinDaniel RheinDaniel Anton FernandezMarc James AustinChristopher AnciaumeGladiator II; RomeOliver KaneStefano FarciJohn SeruFrederick ValleeWicked; The Emerald CityAlan LamSteve BevinsDeepali NegiMiguel Sanchez Lpez-RuzOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREKung Fu Panda 4; Juniper CityBenjamin LippertRyan PrestridgeSarah VawterPeter MaynezThe Wild Robot; The ForestJohn WakeHe Jung ParkWoojin ChoiShane GladingTransformers One; Iacon CityAlex PopescuGeoffrey LebretonRyan KirbyHussein NabeelWallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl; AqueductMatt PerryDave Alex RiddettMatt SandersHoward JonesOUTSTANDING ENVIRONMENT IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTDune: Prophecy; Pilot; The Imperial PalaceScott CoatesSam BesseauVincent lHeureuxLourenco AbreuDune: Prophecy; Two Wolves; Zimia SpaceportNils WeisbrodDavid AnastacioRene BorstRuben ValenteShgun; OsakaManuel MartinezPhil HanniganKeith MaloneFrancesco CorvinoThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Doomed to Die; EregionYordan PetrovBertrand CabrolLea DesrozierKaran DhandhaOUTSTANDING CG CINEMATOGRAPHYBetter ManBlair BurkeShweta BhatnagarTim WalkerCraig YoungDune: Part Two; ArrakisGreig FraserXin Steve GuoSandra MurtaBen WiggsHouse of the Dragon; Season 2; The Red Dragon and the Gold; Battle at Rooks RestMatt PerrinJames ThompsonJacob DoehnerP.J. DillonKingdom of the Planet of the Apes ; Egg ClimbDennis YooAngelo PerrottaSamantha ErickstadMiae KangOUTSTANDING MODEL IN A PHOTOREAL OR ANIMATED PROJECTAlien: Romulus; Renaissance Space StationWaldemar BartkowiakTrevor WideMatt MiddletonBen ShearmanDeadpool & Wolverine; Ant-Man ArenaCarlos Flores GomezCorinne DyChris ByrnesGerald BlaiseDune: Part Two; The Harkonnen HarvesterAndrew HodgsonTimothy RussellErik LehmannLouie ChoGladiator II; The ColosseumOliver KaneMarnie PittsCharlotte FargierLaurie PriestOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN A PHOTOREAL FEATUREDune: Part Two; Atomic Explosions and WormridingNicholas PapworthSandy la TourelleLisa NolanChristopher PhillipsKingdom of the Planet of the Apes; Burning Village, Rapids and FloodsAlex NowotnyClaude SchitterFrdric ValleurKevin KelmTwistersMatthew HangerJoakim ArnessonLaurent KermelZheng Yong OhVenom: The Last Dance; Water, Fire & Symbiote EffectsXavi Martin RamirezOscar DahlenHedi NamarYuri YangOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN ANIMATED FEATUREKung Fu Panda 4Jinguang HuangZhao WangHamid ShahsavariJoshua LaBrotMoana 2Zoran StojanoskiJesse EricksonShamintha Kalamba ArachchiErin V. RamosThe Wild RobotDerek CheungMichael LosureDavid ChowNyoung KimUltraman: RisingGoncalo CabacaZheng Yong OhNicholas Yoon Joo KuangPraveen BoppanaOUTSTANDING EFFECTS SIMULATIONS IN AN EPISODE, COMMERCIAL, GAME CINEMATIC, OR REAL-TIME PROJECTAvatar: The Last Airbender; Legends; KoizillaIoan BoieriuDavid StopfordPer BalaySaysana RintharamyShgun; Broken to the Fist; LandslideDominic TiedekenHeinrich LweCharles GuertonTimmy LundinStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Pilot; Spaceship Hillside TakeoffTravis HarkleroadXiaolong PengMarcella BrownMickael RiciottiThe Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power; Season 2; Shadow and Flame; Balrog Fire and Collapsing CliffKoenraad HofmeesterMiguel Perez SenentMiguel Santana Da SilvaBilly CopleyThree Body Problem; Judgement DayYves DIncauGavin TemplerMartin ChabannesEloi Andaluz FullOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN A FEATUREBetter ManMark McNichollGordon Spencer de HasethEva SnyderMarkus ReithofferDune: Part Two; Wormriding, Geidi Prime, and the Final BattleChristopher RickardFrancesco DellAnnaPaul ChapmanRyan WingKingdom of the Planet of the ApesJoerg BruemmerZachary BrakeTim WalkerKaustubh A. PatilThe Wild RobotSondra L. VerlanderBaptiste Van OpstalEszter OffertalerAustin CasaleOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN AN EPISODEShgun; Broken to the Fist; LandslideBenjamin BernonDouglas RoshamnVictor KirschCharlie RaudStar Wars: Skeleton Crew; Episode 6; JawsRich GrandeTomas LefebvreIan DodmanRey ReynoldsThe Boys; Season 4; Life Among the SepticsTristan ZerafaMike StadnyckyjToshi KosakaRajeev BRThe Penguin; After HoursJonas StuckenbrockKaren ChangEugene BondarMiky GirnOUTSTANDING COMPOSITING & LIGHTING IN A COMMERCIALVirgin Media; Walrus WhizzerSebastian CaldwellAlex GreyKanishk ChouhanShubham MehtaCoca-Cola; The HeroesRyan KnowlesAlex GabucciJack PowellDan YarcigiCorcept; MarionetteYongchan KimArman MatinYoon BaeRajesh KaushikDisney; Holidays 2024Christian Baker-SteeleLuke WarpusPritesh KotianJack HarrisOUTSTANDING SPECIAL (PRACTICAL) EFFECTS IN A PHOTOREAL PROJECTBlitzHayley WilliamsDavid EvesAlex FreemanDavid WatsonConstellationMartin GoeresJohara RaukampLion David BogusLeon MarkThe Penguin; Safe GunsDevin MaggioJohnny HanCory CandrilliAlexandre ProdhommeEMERGING TECHNOLOGY AWARDDune: Part Two; Nuke CopyCatBen KentGuillaume GalesMairead GroganJohanna BarbierFuriosa: A Mad Max Saga; Artist-driven Machine Learning CharacterJohn BastianBen WardThomas RowntreeRobert BeveridgeHere; Neural Performance ToolsetJo PlaeteOriel FrigoTomas KoutskyMatteo Oliviero DancyMufasa: The Lion King; Real-Time Interactive Filmmaking, From Stage To PostCallum JamesJames HoodLloyd BishopBruno PedrinhaThe Penguin; Phase Synced Flash-Gun SystemJohnny HanJefferson HanJoseph MenafraMichael PynnOUTSTANDING VISUAL EFFECTS IN A STUDENT PROJECTDawn (entry from ESMA cole Suprieure Des Mtiers Artistiques)Noah MercierApolline RoyerLorys StoraMarie PradeillesStudent Accomplice (entry from Brigham Young University)Spencer BlanchardLisa BirdAnson SavageKiara SpencerPittura (entry from ARTFX Schools of Digital Arts)Lauriol AdamLassre TitouanVivenza RmiMarre HellosCourage (entry from Supinfocom Rubika)Salom CognonMargot JacquetNathan BaudryLise Delcroix

AIANY has named the 23 projects which earned this years New York Design Awards. The projects are split into four different categoriesarchitecture, interiors, projects, and urban design. They celebrate the wide range of exceptional work by New York City professionals today. The 2025 AIA NY Design Awards Jury included Anna Dyson, Yale Center for Ecosystems + Architecture; Michael Guthrie, INFORM Studio; Lucaster Hall, Studio RAP; Stacy Passmore, Superbloom; Brian Phillips, ISA; Troy Schaum, of Schaum Architects; and Melodie Yashar, ICON.We saw a lot of airport and infrastructural projects that were indebted to this practice as well, Dyson said in a statement. Were awarding this project not only for the excellence of the architecture, its urbanism, and for the very, very complex programs that come together, but also for its contribution to the field in general. A consistent thread is the power of the narrative of storytelling, Guthrie added. Where did the vision start? Where are the diagrams? Give us the illustrative impact because ultimately we hope that these projects are going to impact people. I think we felt like people-centric projects were paramount and important.Of the 23 awards conferred, 17 were in the architecture category, 3 were interiors, 1 was in the project category, and 2 went to urban design submissions. Snhetta and Studio Gang received multiple awards in different categories, to name but a few.We were very impressed by projects that transform the city theyre located in, Passmore noted, and I think this was really the top tier example of that and not just the city, but the harbor and how it interacts with the economy of the city was really important in this project as well.Best in CompetitionKaohsiung Port Terminal street view (Iwan Baan)Kaohsiung Port Terminal, Reiser+Umemoto, RUR ArchitectureA highly anticipated project built in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan, took home AIANYs Best in Competition Award. Kaohsiung Port Terminal by Reiser+Umemoto, RUR Architecture DPC, and Fei and Cheng Associates, the architect of record, earned the top prize.ArchitectureHonorsCast Iron House in Tribeca (Michael Moran)Cast Iron House, Shigeru Ban ArchitectsTogether with Dean Maltz Architect and Higgins Quasebarth & Partners, Shigeru Ban Architects struck an honors award for Cast Iron House, a 2-story penthouse that was added to a cast iron building in Tribeca.Interior view of PDX (Ema Peter)Portland International Airport, ZGF ArchitectsThe city of Portlands new airport took home a bevy of awards these past few months, including the 2024 AN Award for Project of the Year. Portland International Airport by ZGF, PLACE, and Terrapin Bright Green was also given an honors award from AIANY.Vesterheim Commons (Michael Grimm)Vesterheim Commons, SnhettaA project in Decorah, Iowa, by Snhetta and BNIM was the third AIANY honors award recipient. Vesterheim Commons is home to the National Norwegian-American Museum and Heritage Center. MeritsInterior view of The Church (Scott Frances)The Church, SKOLNICK Architecture + Design PartnershipOut in Sag Harbor, New York, an adaptive reuse project by SKOLNICK Architecture + Design Partnership and Hollander Design Landscape Architects earned a merit award. The Church, as the name suggests, is an exhibition space sited inside of a 1863 Methodist church.Equatorial School of Architecture (Finbarr Fallon)Equatorial School of Architecture, Pencil OfficeCampus Design Innovations Group, together with CPG Consultants and DP Green, likewise won a merit award for an architecture school they designed in Singapore. Equatorial School of Architecture is also an adaptive reuse project.Aerial view of Kresge Extension (Jason ORear)Kresge College Expansion at UC Santa Cruz, Studio GangStudio Gang, TEF Design, Joni L. Janecki and Associates, and Office of Cheryl Barton were recognized for a new building they added to a 1971 campus by Charles Moore and William Turnbull. Kresge College Expansion at UC Santa Cruz is tucked deep within a redwood forest along the ridges and ravines of northern California.The Lindemann (Iwan Baan)The Lindemann Performing Arts Center at Brown University, REXREX, Stimson, Studio Loutsis, and others on the design team for the Lindemann Performing Arts Center at Brown University were recognized for the campuss new gleaming arts hub.Narrow House (Iwan Baan)Narrow House, Only If ArchitectureOnly If Architectures Narrow House in Brooklyn impressively inserted a home within a plot that measured 13-4 wide by 100 deep. Narrow House also earned a merit award.Pink House (Chris Cooper)Pink House, Roger Ferris + PartnersOut in Sagaponack, New York, Roger Ferris + Partners conceived Pink House, an extension and response to a pink Corian pool in a lush, private residential backyard, earning the office a prize.Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center (Chao Zhang)Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center, Atelier XIAtelier XI, together with Shenzhen Wenke Landscape, earned a merit award for Qiaochengbei Park Visitor Center in Shenzhen, China. That award-winning project featured multiple, low lying volumes nestled in a verdant landscape.University of Toronto Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus (Albert Vecerka)University of Toronto Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus, Weiss/ManfrediIn Toronto, Weiss/Manfredi completed a handsome campus project with Teeple Architects. University of Toronto Schwartz Reisman Innovation Campus links academic research and entrepreneurial endeavors; it was recognized for its aesthetic and design merits. CitationHonorsAllen Apartments (Alexander Severin)Allen Apartments, Adam Sokol Architecture PracticeIn Buffalo, New York, Allen Apartments offer attractive new multifamily housing. The award-winning project in the citation category was by Adam Sokol Architecture Practice and Joy Kuebler Landscape Architect.Casa Celina roof terrace (David Sundberg/ESTO)Casa Celina, Magnusson Architecture and PlanningCasa Celina in the Bronx received a citation for affordable housing. The project was designed by Magnusson Architecture and Planning and Terrain-NYC.Far Rockaway Library (Jeff Goldberg)Far Rockaway Library, SnhettaSnhettas Far Rockaway Library in Queens earned a citation for resilience and community impact. Thelibrarys facade mimics the coastal neighborhoods dramatic sunsets,Interior view of Palace Theatre (Francis Dzikowski/OTTO)Palace Theatre, PBDW ArchitectsA theater redesign by PBDW Architects and Mancini Duffy was also recognized. Palace Theatre in New York City earned a citation in the innovation in preservation category.Garden at St. Johns Terminal (Courtesy Google)St. Johns Terminal, COOKFOX ArchitectsCOOKFOX Architects, Gensler, AAI Architects, and Future Green Studio won a citation for biodiversity. The project added verdant outdoor spaces to the tower component added to the recently renovated St. Johns Terminal, now offices for Google. InteriorsMeritExterior view of Manhattan Pet Adoption Center (Alex Fradkin)Manhattan Pet Adoption Center, Studio JosephStudio Joseph won an interiors award for work on the Manhattan Pet Adoption Center in Manhattan, which posited the adaptive reuse of a former warehouse.Interior view of Rockefeller Plaza (Eric Laignel)Rockefeller Center Rink Level Public Concourse, INC Architecture & DesignAlso in Manhattan, Rockefeller Center Rink Level Public Concourse by INC Architecture & Design took home an interiors award in the merit category.CitationWest Village Townhouse (William Jess Laird)West Village Townhouse, JG Neukomm ArchitectureJG Neukomm Architecture, together with Francis Sultana, struck a citation for materials and detailing thanks to a townhouse that pair finished in West Village.ProjectsHonorBiogenic House Sections (LTL Architects)Biogenic House Sections, LTLStudies by LTL Architects, in the offices signature sectional fashion, for biogenic houses took home the sole project award. Urban DesignHonorBlanton Museum of Art Grounds Redesign (Casey Dunn)Blanton Museum of Art Grounds Redesign at UT Austin, SnhettaSnhettatogether with Architexas, architect of recordredesigned the grounds of an art museum at University of Texas at Austin. Those firms took home an honors award in the urban design category.Tom Lee Park (Tom Harris)Tom Lee Park, Studio GangLast but not least, a stunning new waterfront park in Memphis, Tennessee, by Studio Gang and SCAPE earned an urban design award. The project prioritized native species and includes space for play and a pavilion for recreational activities.

All images courtesy of Saori Matsushita, shared with permissionPaper or Porcelain? Saori Matsushita Folds Delicate Ceramic into Playful ObjectsJanuary 14, 2025ArtCraftGrace EbertIt might be tempting to throw one of Saori Matsushitas paper airplanes across the room, but we promise you the landing would be less than graceful. From her Seattle studio, Matsushita transforms delicate sheets of porcelain into vases, mugs, and sculptures that appear as if they were folded from paper. Punctured with binder holes and the fringed edge of a torn-out sheet, the functional objects bear the iconic blue lines of a school notebook. Other works are similarly deceptive, like the cloth sack or collared-shirt vessels that capture the folds, bends, and bulges of fabric in ceramic. To create these pieces, Matsushita utilizes nerikomi, a Japanese pottery technique that involves layering colored bodies of clay together and then cutting them to reveal a patterned section. Stripes of blue and pink appear through stacking slabs rather than the glazing process, and the artist builds most works by hand (head to her YouTube to see more).When Matsushita began incorporating this labor-intensive method into her practice in 2023, it helped develop whats now become her signature style. She shares: Previously, I focused on Neriage, a technique where colored clays are combined and wheel-thrown. However, I transitioned to Nerikomi and began treating porcelain sheets like origami or leather to create more unique, personal expressions of my vision. I feel this shift has allowed me to establish a style that truly reflects my individuality as an artist.One of Matsushitas pieces will be featured in Saltstone Ceramics annual Mug Madness tournament this March. Follow the latest in her practice, along with announcements about new works available in her shop, on Instagram.Next article

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Creators lobby Washington to keep TikTok in the U.S.Cassie SorensenAs conversations about banning TikTok in the U.S. escalate, the debate has reached a pivotal moment. The U.S. Supreme Court recently reviewed arguments surrounding a law that mandates TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, to sell its U.S. operations by January 19, 2025, or face an outright ban. Speculation swirls about potential buyers, including high-profile names like Elon Musk. While this law underscores national security concerns, its repercussions go far beyond policy discussions, potentially disrupting the livelihoods of millions of creators, small businesses, and the 170 million monthly active users in the U.S. who rely on TikTok as an indispensable tool for connection, creativity, and income.Yet, behind the headlines are real people whose livelihoods are deeply intertwined with the platform. One of those individuals is Cassie Sorensen, a stay-at-home mom who turned her creativity into a lucrative income stream. For creators like Cassie, losing TikTok isnt just about switching platformsits about losing a cornerstone of her livelihood and identity.Cassies Success StoryCassie Sorensens journey began modestly. She initially used TikTok to promote her small business, TasselAmor, sharing relatable and authentic content that resonated with her audience. Over time, she transitioned to posting advice for fellow small business owners to grow via social media. Most recently, Cassie has focused more on TikToks Creative Challenge Program (TTCC), a user-generated content platform where creators work with brands to produce sponsored videos that are posted on the brands social media accounts.Last year Cassie earned $150,000 by producing ads on TikTok for brands like IKEA, Walmart, Microsoft, Este Lauder, Crocs, Stanley, and TurboTax. She completes around 20 brand deals per month through TTCC, making her income not just significant but also consistent: It would be devastating, she said about the potential TikTok ban. Im a stay-at-home mom, and this platform has allowed me to provide for my family in ways I never thought possible.Beyond Monetization: TikTok as a ResourceFor Cassie (@smallbizcassie, 198K followers), TikTok is more than just a source of income. I go to TikTok to be entertained and educated, she explained. From trip recommendations for her familys vacation in London to insights into everyday life, TikTok has become an integral part of her daily routine. The platforms unique algorithm and community have allowed her to connect with people and brands she might never have reached otherwise.MORE FOR YOUThe Challenges of DiversificationCritics often suggest creators simply move to another platform, but as Cassie points out, its not that simple. Building an audience on TikTok since 2021 has required years of effort and consistency. Transitioning to platforms like YouTube comes with challenges, from mastering a different algorithm to creating content tailored for another audience and platform. Creators must also contend with lower engagement rates on unfamiliar platforms, a lack of immediate monetization tools, and the difficulty of replicating TikToks unique community-driven discovery features. For many, the emotional toll of starting overrebuilding trust, audience loyalty, and momentumadds another layer of complexity.If TikTok were banned, my next step would be to focus more on YouTube, both on shorts and long-form videos, Cassie shared. Shes already experimenting with evergreen content, noting that her five-minute video has generated promising viewership. But even as she diversifies, the uncertainty looms large. Its really hard when the platform doesnt pick up your video for some reason, she added. Algorithms on platforms like YouTube and Instagram can feel unpredictable, making success feel more like a gamble than a guarantee.Sorensen and creators in Washington D.C. in 2024 Cassie SorensenAdvocacy in ActionCassie is not just passively watching these debates unfold. In March 2024, she traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with representatives and advocate for the platform that has transformed her life. Her trip underscores the broader implications of a potential bannot just for creators but also for small businesses, educators, and everyday users who rely on the app for discovery, learning, and connection.The Broader Implications for the TikTok BanCassies story of building a livelihood on TikTok is one of thousands. TikTok has democratized content creation and monetization, allowing creators from diverse backgrounds to thrive. A ban would disproportionately impact micro creators who have invested in the platform for years, as opposed to larger creators who have had the means to build out a diversified following and business across multiple social media platforms.As the future of TikTok hangs in the balance, Cassies journey serves as a powerful reminder: behind every viral video or sponsored post is a real person, building a life on the opportunities the platform provides. The stakes of a TikTok ban extend far beyond the app itselfthey reach into the homes, dreams, and futures of countless creators like Cassie.AcknowledgmentsA special thanks to Jean Luo and Cassie Sorensen for their insights and contributions to this discussion.Follow me on Instagram or LinkedIn. Check out my website.

Bottom line: New Yorkers will soon be able to take advantage of legislation requiring Internet service providers to provide cheap broadband connectivity to low-income earners. A multi-year court battle between the state of New York and broadband industry lobby groups was recently resolved after the Supreme Court elected not to hear the case. As such, an earlier appeals court ruling stands. Effective January 15, 2025, the Affordable Broadband Act (ABA) will once again take effect in New York. The law requires that ISPs with at least 20,000 subscribers offer 25 Mbps broadband service to low-income customers for $15 per month, inclusive of taxes and fees. ISPs can also comply by offering a 200 Mbps service for $20 a month. Failure to comply can result in a fine of up to $1,000 per violation.Certain exemptions for ISPs are in play, such as for those that serve fewer than 20,000 customers so long as the commission determines that compliance would result in "unreasonable or unsustainable financial impact on the broadband service provider."Roughly 1.7 million New York households and some 23 million homes nationwide used to receive a monthly discount on broadband costs thanks to an FCC program. That program ended in mid-2024, however, after Congress failed to provide additional funding.As Ars Technica highlights, several ISPs already offer solutions for low-income households. Charter Spectrum, for example, has a $25 per month plan that affords a 50 Mbps connection. Both Comcast and Optimum have plans under $15 a month. Verizon's Forward program can bring the price of Internet connectivity down to $20 per month.According to Speedtest.net, anything below 5 Mbps is considered slow by today's standards. A connection in the 5 20 Mbps range is better (but still Meh), while a 20 - 40 Mbps connection is said to be solid enough for 4K video streaming and general online gaming. A 40 100 Mbps connection is labeled as good, anything over 100 Mbps is considered fast, and 1 Gbps should allow you to do anything you want on multiple devices. // Related Stories

Its Robert De Niro versus Robert De Niro in the first trailer for The Alto Knights, Barry Levinsons mob drama for Warner Bros.De Niro is pulling double duty by starring as Frank Costello and Vito Genovese, two of New Yorks most nefarious crime bosses. Once friends, the two criminals become bitter rivals and eventually mortal enemies, culminating with Genoveses attempted assassination of Costello in 1957. After surviving the hit, Costello retires and goes after the mob, igniting the downfall of the American mafia.I need to find a way to take it all down, Costello says as he begins plotting his revenge.Please enable Javascript to view this contentDe Niro has become a leading figure in crime dramas for most of his career, especially in his collaborations with Martin Scorsese. De Niros notable crime movies include Mean Streets,Goodfellas, A Bronx Tale, Casino,The Irishman,andKillers of the Flower Moon. De Niro won Best Supporting Actor at the Oscars for playing a young Vito Corleone inThe Godfather Part II.Besides De Niro,The Alto Knightsstars Debra Messing, Cosmo Jarvis, Kathrine Narducci, Michael Rispoli, Michael Adler, Ed Amatrudo, Joe Bacino, Anthony J. Gallo, Wallace Langham, Louis Mustillo, Frank Piccirillo, Matt Servitto, and Robert Uricola.Levinson, who won the Academy Award for Best Director for 1988s Rain Man, directsThe Alto Knights from a screenplay by GoodfellasThe Wizard of Lies, What Just Happened, Sleepers, and Wag the Dog.RockysIrwin Winkler produces alongside Levinson, Jason Sosnoff, Charles Winkler, and David Winkler, with Mike Drake executive producing.The Alto Knightsopens in theaters on March 21, 2025.Editors Recommendations

The telecommunications company could face a fine of up to $60 million for stealing walkie talkie-related trade secrets.

"Generous severance" promised Meta to cut 5% of employees deemed unfit for Zuckerbergs AI-fueled future Meta plans to refill roles with top talent to pursue AI and AR ambitions. Ashley Belanger Jan 14, 2025 3:05 pm | 20 Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor | Bloomberg Credit: Bloomberg / Contributor | Bloomberg Story textSizeSmallStandardLargeWidth *StandardWideLinksStandardOrange* Subscribers only Learn moreAnticipating that 2025 will be an "intense year" requiring rapid innovation, Mark Zuckerberg reportedly announced that Meta would be cutting 5 percent of its workforcetargeting "lowest performers."Bloomberg reviewed the internal memo explaining the cuts, which was posted to Meta's internal Workplace forum Tuesday. In it, Zuckerberg confirmed that Meta was shifting its strategy to "move out low performers faster" so that Meta can hire new talent to fill those vacancies this year."Ive decided to raise the bar on performance management," Zuckerberg said. "We typically manage out people who arent meeting expectations over the course of a year, but now were going to do more extensive performance-based cuts during this cycle."Cuts will likely impact more than 3,600 employees, as Meta's most recent headcount in September totaled about 72,000 employees. It may not be as straightforward as letting go anyone with an unsatisfactory performance review, as Zuckerberg said that any employee not currently meeting expectations could be spared if Meta is "optimistic about their future performance," The Wall Street Journal reported.Any employees affected will be notified by February 10 and receive "generous severance," Zuckerberg's memo promised.This is the biggest round of cuts at Meta since 2023, when Meta laid off 10,000 employees during what Zuckerberg dubbed the "year of efficiency." Those layoffs followed a prior round where 11,000 lost their jobs and Zuckerberg realized that "leaner is better." He told employees in 2023 that a "surprising result" from reducing the workforce was "that many things have gone faster.""A leaner org will execute its highest priorities faster," Zuckerberg wrote in 2023. "People will be more productive, and their work will be more fun and fulfilling. We will become an even greater magnet for the most talented people. That's why in our Year of Efficiency, we are focused on canceling projects that are duplicative or lower priority and making every organization as lean as possible."It seems that now that Meta is "leaner," the social media company is looking to ramp up its talent search to fulfill the part of Zuckerberg's plan where Meta becomes a "magnet" for top talent. According to Bloomberg, Zuckerberg's more recent memo revealed Meta's plans to focus on "AI, smart glasses, and the future of social media," partly by replacing low performers with ideally high performers more capable of rapidly delivering innovative products.Meta's AI tweaks to its platform haven't necessarily always been a big hit with users. Earlier this month, Instagram users discovered old AI-powered characters and instantly reviled them. And Zuckerberg sparked additional backlash recently when a court filing alleged that he directly approved training Meta's AI models on a controversial data set of pirated books at the center of several lawsuits.But Meta clearly has no plans to slow down AI projects. In December, the company explained that the "biggest thing" Meta learned after its smart glasses "hit their stride" in 2024 was that "glasses are by far the best form factor for a truly AI-native device" and "might be the first hardware category to be completely defined by AI from the beginning.""There are endless opportunities ahead," Meta's blog said, promising that 2025 will bring "the evolution of AI assistants into tools that dont just respond to a prompt when you ask for help but can become a proactive helper as you go about your day."From there, Meta plans to combine the AI glasses with augmented reality to redefine social media, the blog said.According to the WSJ, Meta's memo has upset some employees, but Zuckerberg justified the new round of cuts as critical for Meta to build the most important technologies in the world.Ashley BelangerSenior Policy ReporterAshley BelangerSenior Policy Reporter Ashley is a senior policy reporter for Ars Technica, dedicated to tracking social impacts of emerging policies and new technologies. She is a Chicago-based journalist with 20 years of experience. 20 Comments