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[Monday at NAB]
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‘Content Central’ Makes NAB Show Debut
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by John Merli,
~ April 14, 2008
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TV TECHNOLOGY
Anyone who has not attended an NAB Show in the past few years will notice the industry’s biggest annual event has not only grown dramatically in sheer size and depth, but has expanded its priorities in significant ways — notable this year by the addition of the new Content Central, complete with its own sessions, pavilions, special appearances, and state-of-the-art digital theater.
The show’s diverse focus on content comes at an opportune time as broadcasters and other content creators, producers and distributors find themselves in the middle of an immense array of intriguing new opportunities to produce, edit, deliver and customize content for a growing array of devices and technologies — from large-screen HDTV sets to tiny handhelds to wireless laptop monitors.
LEARNING TRACKS
Strategically located in the Central Hall off the main lobby of the LVCC, Content Central’s special sessions, hands-on display sector and acoustically isolated theater will probe four key learning tracks beginning today and running through Thursday: IP Video; Mobility; Video Outside the Box; and Into the Digital Home.
The Content Distribution Forum will comprise discussions of current trends via myriad distribution venues — terrestrial, satellite, wireless, fiber, cable, IPTV, broadband and digital signage.
The forum is sponsored by Ascent Media and Intelsat and being produced by two influential groups: The Society of Satellite Professionals International (SSPI) and the World Teleport Association (WTA), the trade group for commercial teleport operators.
“[The NAB Show] has remained the world’s largest electronic media event by staying ahead of the curve,” said Robert Bell, executive director of both SSPI and WTA. “That’s what we’re doing with the Content Distribution Forum. Today, broadcast and cable content is being repurposed for Internet streaming, while new shows are debuting on the Internet, building an audience and making their way onto [terrestrial] and cable.”
Also, in the new Content Commerce Area, more than 60 companies have signed on as Content Central sponsors in a dedicated sector for displaying wares and services that comprise more than 23,000 square feet. This commerce area includes venues for both purchasing and distributing content, as well as provides an environment for content-related partnering and new ventures.
Another new multipurpose resource, the Content Theater, will house its share of Hollywood production superstars to offer their candid views on new content technologies and their methods of production, using the case-study approach.
“We know there are a lot of NAB Show exhibitors and attendees who are interested in seeing how creative people use the tools they develop, from the beginning of the production process through post [production], so we created this theater to be that bridge into the content world,” said Rochelle Winters, head of Los Angeles communications firm Smoke & Mirrors, who is programming three days of sessions and special presentations at the theater.
VISUAL SWEET SPOT
Monday’s Content Theater topics include a primer on stereoscopic 3D image capture, content and display and case studies about the making of “Journey to the Center of the Earth 3D” (the first live action/visual effects feature produced for digital release) and U2 3D. For Tuesday’s sessions, Winters said, prominent content creators on-site will include Barry Sonnenfeld, executive producer of the ABC series “Pushing Daisies,” and filmmakers Mark Neveldine and Brian Taylor (“Crank”), who will talk about the 2009 release “Game,” one of the first big studio films shot with the controversial Red camera.
Tuesday events, devoted to animation, visual effects and new digital workflows, will also include a panel of traditional animators (stop motion, hand drawn, etc.) discussing how they combine their classic approach with new digital tools.
“We think a lot of the Content Theater sessions will not only be interesting to the studio world, but also to indie filmmakers, Winters said. “Each session and presentation is designed to hit a ‘sweet spot’ for that particular topic.”
On Wednesday, Winters said, sessions will be devoted to broadband content and to creating content for cell phones, the smallest of screens. Among the well-known voices appearing that day will be comedian and political satirist Harry Shearer, a contributor to the online site My Damn Channel.
Another major theme at Content Central is “IPTV” — which NAB’s convention chief, Executive Vice President Chris Brown, said was the most-searched term during last year’s show. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) has come a long way in a relatively short period of time, and a new IPTV Pavilion will be located within the Content Central area of the Central Hall.
“Telecommunications providers are now in the content delivery business with their IPTV offerings,” said Jonathan Chalon, vice president of Penton Media, NAB’s media partner for the IPTV Pavilion.
“The phrase ‘content is king’ rings true for IP delivery platforms, much like it does for traditional television,” Chalon said. “The key for any new entertainment media will be to have the best, and the right content, which must be high quality.”
He said programs must be flexible and user-controllable.
“IPTV service providers must also be able to generate local content,” Chalon said.
Content Central events are open to all NAB Show attendees.
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