The Journey of Zootopia: Exploring Discrimination and the Seven Needs of Real-Time Curators

The Journey of Zootopia: Exploring Discrimination and the Seven Needs of Real-Time Curators

Introduction:
In this article, we will delve into the production history of the animated film "Zootopia" and its underlying theme of discrimination. Additionally, we will explore the concept of real-time curation and the seven needs that curators require to efficiently carry out their work.

The Making of Zootopia:
John Lasseter, a lover of Disney's animated films featuring talking animals who walk on two legs and wear human clothes, had not seen a movie that fully met these criteria since the remake of "Winnie the Pooh" in 2005. Lasseter made a comeback to Disney in 2006, and the concept of "talking animals" became a reality once again. "Zootopia" credits three directors: Byron Howard, Rich Moore, and co-director Jared Bush. While it may not be uncommon for multiple individuals to share the director role in the world of animated films, it is apparent that Lasseter held significant influence over the project.

The Theme of Discrimination in Zootopia:
Extensive research revealed an intriguing ratio: 90% of mammals are prey, while only 10% are predators. This unique statistic became the foundation for exploring the theme of discrimination in the film. By using this ratio, the filmmakers were able to create a diverse range of stories centered around the dynamics between the majority and minority groups within society.

Real-Time Curators and Their Needs:
Real-time curators play the role of information chemists, combining atoms of information to create valuable "info-molecules." However, existing real-time tools and platforms such as Google Buzz, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Flickr do not provide curators with the necessary tools to efficiently perform their work. Here are the seven needs of real-time curators:

1. Bundling: Curators require the ability to bundle information from various sources and platforms. Cross-platform bundling would allow curators to extract valuable atoms from real-time streams and organize them into sub-bundles.

2. Reordering: Real-time curators need the capability to reorder information within their curated content to effectively convey their intended message.

3. Distribution: Curation tools should be smart enough to distribute bundles across different platforms, allowing curators to reach their desired audience.

4. Editorialization: Curators should have the ability to add their own insights and commentary to their curated content, adding value to the information molecules they create.

5. Updating: Real-time curators need the capability to update their curated bundles as new information becomes available, ensuring the relevance and accuracy of their content.

6. Participation Widgets: Curators should have access to a variety of widgets that encourage audience participation and engagement with their curated content.

7. Audience Tracking: A new system is needed for real-time curation to track and analyze audience engagement with curated content, providing valuable insights for curators.

Challenges in Building Cross-Platform Tools:
Despite the need for cross-platform curation tools, their development poses challenges. Building tools that seamlessly integrate with multiple platforms is a complex task that requires significant resources and expertise.

Fear of Platform Vendors:
Some platform vendors may be reluctant to provide the necessary tools and features for real-time curators, fearing that they will only be utilized by a niche group of professionals.

Assumptions about User Base:
There may be a misconception that the features required by real-time curators will only be used by a specific group, leading to a lack of prioritization in their development.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, "Zootopia" serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and animation in addressing complex themes such as discrimination. Real-time curators play a crucial role in shaping the way information is consumed and shared. To enhance their work, it is essential to develop cross-platform tools that meet their seven needs. By doing so, we can empower curators to efficiently curate and distribute valuable content in real-time, ultimately enriching the digital landscape.