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[Monday at NAB]
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Doug Liman Works Toward Independent TV
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by Robin Berger,
~ April 14, 2008
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TV TECHNOLOGY
With a whole slew of movie and television hits attributed to his name, producer-director Doug Liman is looking ahead — at new technology and the impact it will have on television.
According to Liman, his session “Redefining Must See TV,” today, 5 p.m., is part of the Spotlight Series and will explain how new technologies will usher in “independent television.”
“I have a unique perspective on that,” said Liman, noting that he was at the forefront of the independent film movement when he directed the 1996 breakout hit “Swingers,” a phenomenon that he said was enabled by the advent of home video. “The Internet is going to have the same impact on television.”
Liman said during the address he plans to outline where he envisions the Internet heading in the next two years, provide examples of where the first true independent television hits will come from, and demonstrate how the unfolding scenario will benefit broadcasters. His intent is to get his audience positioned so that “when a true star is born on the Internet, it is brought into the fold.”
And Liman seems to have an eye for gold across the entertainment spectrum.
Through his company Hypnotic, Liman produced the Jason Bourne series, and helmed its launch film, “The Bourne Identity.” He directed box office hits for Hollywood like this year’s sci-fi film “Jumper,” as well as the thriller/black comedy “Mr. & Mrs. Smith.”
MIDAS TOUCH
Liman produces, markets and distributes film and television content under the Dutch Oven label. He has shepherded TV hits like Fox’s prime-time drama “The O.C.,” serving as the executive producer for its first season and directing the hit series pilot and first episodes. NBC contracted him to executive produce an updated version of the 1980s “Knight Rider” series (its two-hour pilot aired Feb. 17).
Liman also heads up Jackson Bites, a company dedicated to creating TV-style programming for alternative distribution. He produced the viral Internet hit “Terry Tate: Office Linebacker.”
He has supported the next generation of filmmakers through his involvement with the Chrysler Million Dollar Film Festival and as a producer of indie films “Mail Order Wife” and “Kissing Jessica Stein.” In the late 1990s, Liman’s Nibblebox venture enabled college students to experiment with computer-based entertainment like the interactive sitcom “Virtual Rob.”
“Technology can allow you to create something [having a] concept that wouldn’t even have crossed your mind without the technology,” he said. “Convergence is not just on the distribution end — it’s also everybody coming together on the creative/production side.”
As such, he said he sees manifold technology-induced opportunities increasing for everybody.
During his address, Liman plans to discuss the independent television projects he is working on via Jackson Bites, as part of his intention to lay out the new landscape and start the dialogue.
“I see the Internet and technology having ultimately a really positive impact,” Liman said. “When we look back in five years, we will say that what’s on TV and what the networks are broadcasting is better as a result of the changes that are going to take place in the next couple of years.”
“Created to promote the practical uses of content and discuss applications of different technologies, the [Spotlight] series provides an excellent platform for the content creators and industry visionaries who are revolutionizing entertainment to present their unique perspectives on the digital media industry,” said Pamela Magnani, senior vice president, Education and Conferences for NAB.
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