[press release from Ozdox]
Ozdox, the The Australian Documentary Forum and The Australian Director’s Guild in association with AFTRS supported by Metroscreen and Sydney Film School presents:
The Documentary Distribution Dilemma
What online video can and cannot deliver, and why filmmakers need to understand it NOW!
Date: THURS 9 April 2009 – 6.30pm for 7pm
Venue: AFTRS Theatre
130 Bent St
The Entertainment Quarter, Moore Park
$5 at the door (no reservations)
Video online has been developing for a number of years and has now gained a large following and a big press. From You Tube to the ABC, increasing numbers of people are uploading and downloading increasing amounts of material, and filmmakers have an imperative need to understand the rapidly evolving online environment.
At this point, Video-on-Demand is relatively underused but Hollywood and TV networks alike are looking toward VOD as a complementary distribution platform, and it is about to take off. As the educational market is also moving towards VOD, documentary DVD sales will also affected — perhaps even replaced. Significantly, VOD revenues are currently around $1.5 billion and are predicted to reach $5 billion in two years — and it’s only the beginning…
This special OzDox session, produced by Sensory Image, will explore new technologies and online video festival and multi-channel distribution sites (e.g. raindance.tv). It will gaze into the crystal ball for documentary filmmakers, in the new climate of ABC and SBS online streaming. It will bring together experts and filmmakers to examine the impact of VOD upon our work, our pocketbooks and our futures.
Special guests include:
Elliot Grove and Zara Ballantyne Grove (Raindance.tv in UK) – via video
Robert Hutchinson – Head of New Media & Digital Services Interface stream, ABC
Chris Gilbey OAM – www.perceptric.com
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Among the issues we will be addressing are…
What is the actual state of online development today?
What do filmmakers need to know about online – technically, creatively and in terms of marketing and delivery to audiences?
What do we need to change in the way we plan and make our films?
Is online delivery a viable alternative to DVD distribution?
Where can filmmakers go to make a return on investment in the online forum?
There will also be time for those attending the seminar to ask questions of the panel.
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Guests:
Robert Hutchinson – Head of New Media & Digital Services Interface stream, ABC
As Head of the Australian Broadcasting Corporation’s New Media & Digital Services Interface stream, Robert is responsible for the visual presentation and ease of use of digital content and services on the website, broadband service and other digital platforms. Robert is also Creative Director of ABC2, the ABC’s new digital TV channel. His current role includes developing broadband and digital television strategies and initiatives for the corporation. Robert has been working in the multi-media and Internet industries since 1995 in a variety of roles including new media arts practitioner, web designer and business analyst. He has been responsible for establishing Internet ventures for major advertising and media companies including Saatchi & Saatchi (Wellington) and The Radio Network (NZ). Robert also works as an independent film producer and director.
Chris Gilbey OAM – www.perceptric.com and www.vquence.com.au
One of the leading visionaries in Australian Media and Technology, Chris consults on business strategy with particular regard to the impact of P2P technologies on media through Perceptric Pty Limited. As CEO of Lake Technology (ASX) he successfully led the company to a sale to Dolby Laboratories (NYSE), and subsequently consulted to Dolby’s Consumer Division on global consumer strategy. With 20 years in the Australian Music Industry, Chris led the development of the first transactional web site for CDs at BMG, as well as the development of the enhanced CD. Founding chairman of the Australian Music Industry’s charity, the Golden Stave Foundation, and founding chairman of Export Music Australia, Chris received the Order of Australia for his contribution to the music industry and charity.
Elliot Grove – Raindance
Founder of Raindance Film Festival in 1993, the British Independent Film Awards in 1998, and Raindance.TV in 2007, Elliot has produced over 150 short films and 5 feature films. He teaches writers and producers in the UK, Europe, Japan and America. He has written three books which have become industry standards: BEGINNERS GUIDE TO MAKING IT IN FILM (Barrons 2009), RAINDANCE WRITERS LAB 2nd Edition (Focal Press 2008) and RAINDANCE PRODUCERS LAB (2004).
Zara Ballantyne-Grove – Raindance.tv
Zara managed the 2006 Nokia Shorts competition as well as the creation of mobile assets for the popular CSI franchise. She currently manages the licensing of content for Raindance.tv and supervises the scheduling and delivery of films to over 10 distribution partners. London-based Raindance.tv streams off-beat shorts, features and documentaries worldwide over 10 media platforms. In the last five months, over 300,000 people have already watched raindance.tv.