2007 International Film Festival Summit Addresses Impact of Technology on Content and Film Festivals

One of the main theme's at this year's IFFS the convergence of technology with film festivals, and several issues relating to this topic will be addressed in a morning session on Monday, Dec. 3rd. The film and entertainment industries realize the evolution of technology is seriously impacting how content is promoted and delivered. The 2007 IFFS will address digital content shedding light on this evolving landscape.

New York, NY (PRWEB) September 20, 2007 -- The 4th Annual International Film Festival Summit (IFFS) (www.filmfestivalsummit.com) will take place Dec. 2-4, 2007, in Las Vegas, at the Loews Lake Las Vegas Resort.

One of the main theme's at this year's IFFS the convergence of technology with film festivals, and several issues relating to this topic will be addressed in a morning session on Monday, Dec. 3rd. The film and entertainment industries realize the evolution of technology is seriously impacting how content is promoted and delivered.    

This particular panel session, entitled The Next Big Thing: Tying it all together - Content, Technology and Your Film Festival, will discuss how new technologies are impacting audiences, filmmakers, film festivals and the new opportunities now available to all of them. New technologies are disrupting the traditional distribution methods of film, so outlets must evolve, also, to comply with the greater consumer choices and control. Not to be forgotten in this are the film festivals, and with the continued growth of film festivals will come their role in the promotion of independent film and the education of the consumer about new services and ways of receiving this content.

The innovative panel is moderated by Scott Kirsner, the author and editor of CinemaTech. Kirsner's writing is well recognized, as his work on Innovation has appeared in publications such as the Boston Globe, The New York Times, Wired, Variety, Fast Company, The Hollywood Reporter, Salon.com, BusinessWeek and Newsweek.

"Technology is changing not just the way movies are made, but also the way that directors and film festivals build audiences for them. I'm looking forward to exploring those changes at the 2007 IFFS - and also talking about the way film festivals might extend their relationship with fans and filmmakers throughout the year," Kirsner said.

Panelists include Mike Gordon, the Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer of Limelight Networks; Chris Hyams, the CEO of B-Side Entertainment; and Graham Leggat, the Executive Director of the San Francisco Film Society.

These industry experts are currently working on the changing landscape with other film festivals and content owners. And they should provide attendees with an incredible amount of valuable knowledge in the following areas: understanding innovative models for film distribution; how to use leading edge technology to get your audience and filmmakers more involved; and how various technologies can benefit your film festival.

"The rapidly changing media distribution landscape is creating exciting opportunities for filmmakers and film festival organizers to reach audiences and tell stories in innovative ways," said Mike Gordon, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Limelight Networks. "New technologies are making it possible for filmmakers and film festival organizers to connect directly with a new generation of Internet-savvy, media-passionate viewers and film enthusiasts."

Some of the in-depth case studies, presentations and perspectives will include Toronto International Film Festival Group, Variety, indieWIRE, Tallgrass Film Festival, CinemaTech, Limelight Networks, B-Side, San Francisco Film Society, ENTA USA, inticketing, Agile Ticketing Solutions, Withoutabox, Baseline Studio Systems, Film Threat, KeyRelevance.com, Cinekink, H.P. Lovecraft Film Festival, San Diego Film Festival, Bend Film Festival, Atlantic Film Festival, Mountainfilm in Telluride, Slamdance Media Group, Nelson Madison Films, IndieFlix.com, Festival Media Corporation, Bates Creative Group and more.
        
Sponsors of the 2007 IFFS include AAA Flag & Banner, Agile Ticketing, Baseline StudioSystems, B-Side Entertainment, ClicknPrint Tickets, ENTA USA, Festival Media Corporation, IndieFlix.com, IndiePix, iTravel411, KeyRelevance.com, Limelight Networks, Nevada Film Office, Onstream Media Corporation, Origin Digital, POP, Right Angle Studios, Screamfest, SkyPRO AG, Varto Technologies, Withoutabox, Inc.

Media Partners of the 2007 IFFS include Cineuropa.org, Fest21.com, FilmFestivals.com, Film Festival Reporter, Filmmaker, Film Threat, Independent Film Quarterly, indieWIRE, MovieMaker, The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, The Reeler, National Alliance for Media Arts and Culture (NAMAC), Digital Cinematography and DV Magazine.

About International Film Festival Summit (IFFS):

The International Film Festival Summit is the only annual conference and trade show for professionals from the film festival industry. The IFFS provides a platform for the community to explore ways to collaborate and promote the advancement of the film festival industry. This is a place to dialogue with your peers, share insights and gain knowledge that will help you grow your film festival and keep it thriving. The IFFS is dedicated to providing resources, information and avenues of communication for industry professionals and the entertainment industry. For IFFS North America visit www.filmfestivalsummit.com. For IFFS Europe visit www.iffseurope.com.

Contact: Chad Reott, +1.330.294.0094

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