NAB notes that "Technology and technology applications are reshaping our world and our business model." No greater example of that can be found than the planned lineup of NAB Show Super Sessions.
Ranging from "cool gadgets" to 3D technology to effects-laden Hollywood blockbusters to Internet and mobile technologies, this year's Super Sessions demonstrate how wide the world of the broadcaster has become. Most notably, two of Hollywood's current A-List directors, Rob Cohen ("The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor," "The Fast and the Furious" and "xXx") and Henry Selick ("Coraline," "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and "James and the Giant Peach") will visit. Both will be looking at topics that once would have been considered exclusively "film" topics, but are now considered applicable to HDTV-based production.
Disney & Adobe: Reinventing the Boundaries of Storytelling
Monday, April 20, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
"A tale well told," has been the font of successful entertainment for millennia. How can technology help the storyteller? A.D. "Bud" Albers, chief technology officer, Disney Interactive Media Group and Shatanu Narayen, president and CEO for Adobe will examine that topic.
Independent Filmmaking: A Million Dollar Look on a Thousand Dollar Budget: 2009 Edition
Monday, April 20, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
Having proved so popular last year, Brian Valente (and others) return for another round of tips on how to maximize a production budget, take advantage of new technologies and make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.
From the movie CarolineHenry Selick: Blending Classic and Digital Techniques for a Timeless Experience
Monday, April 20, 2:30–3:30 p.m.
Henry Selick probably has more experience than anyone with stop motion animation. With "Coraline" he's branched out into 3D animation. He offers his experience and valuable insight.
Alternative Stereoscopic 3D Content: The Next Breakout Hit?
Monday, April 20, 4–5:30 p.m.
Since the 1950s the concept of 3D entertainment has tantalized the entertainment industry, but has never delivered. However, modern digital technology may be putting an end to that curse. Yet what venues might be most advantageous for successful 3D content? Jonathan Dern, president, Cinedigm Content and Entertainment Group and Gerry O'Sullivan, director, Strategic Product Development, BSkyB, will consider whether 3D on TV is finally going to break out or slink back into the Black Lagoon.
Rob Cohen: In Defense of the Action Film
Tuesday, April 21, 10:30–11:30 a.m.
For broadcast content producers who wonder whether their productions are a little bland or their action sequences a tad anemic, Hollywood big-budget, blockbuster director Rob Cohen is available for a group consult. Action is his game. His credits (and success) include some of the fastest and most furious films in recent years. He knows how to attract eyeballs and that is what broadcasters want.
Cool Gadgets, Hot Content
Tuesday, April 21, 11:45–12:45 p.m.
In no previous era of history has more technology bred more usable "entertainment" devices. All of these devices are hungry for content to justify their existence. CNET Networks Editor-at-Large Brian Cooley reprises his gadget guru role from last year to inspect the possibilities. He's joined by Peggy Miles, president and CEO, Intervox Communications.
The Making of Battlestar Galactica: Or, How to Create a Dark, Desperate, Nihilistic Franchise in the Age of Comfort Food Television
Tuesday, April 21, 2–3 p.m.
"Battlestar Galactica" producer and co-creator David Eick will explain how his BG team has used nonbroadcast technologies and outlets to promote the show and build a solid, bankable fan base.
Mobile Video: Entertainment to Go
Tuesday, April 21, 4:30–5:30 p.m.
Who's going to pay? Who's going to control? What's the content? What is the business model? These are just a few of the questions concerning video on mobile devices. Oliver Coste, chairman, Alcatel-Lucent Mobile Broadcast Venture; Tammy Franklin, vice president, Business Development, Turner Broadcasting System; Nandhu Nandhakumar, senior vice president, Advanced Technology, LG Electronics; and Scott Willis, president, Trifocal will be on hand to offer thoughts on the big picture about the little picture.
Generations: Media Consumption Habits and Preferences
Wednesday, April 22, 11:45 a.m.–12:45 p.m.
"Broadcast" TV has a smaller proportion of the TV viewing pie than it used to. This is especially true of younger viewers. Yet the pie seems to be getting larger. This panel will delve into studies and polls on how consumers get their media; who these consumers are; what they want and where they are going.
Josh Schwartz: Creating in the New Media Landscape
Wednesday, April 22, 2–3 p.m.
The creator of "Chuck" and "Gossip Girl," Josh Schwartz will opine on success, creativity, industry evolution/revolution and the future.
Personalized Content: Is It TV's Next Given?
Wednesday, April 22, 4–5 p.m.
Broadcast is by definition an impersonal tool. One size fits all. So how can broadcasters fit into a future of consumers with a demanding appetite for extremely "personalized" content? Media consultant Jimmy Schaeffler moderates a panel attempting to get a handle on that question.
