I was very excited when nextMEDIA recently announced a new program called TV 360. Here's what it says about the program on the nextMEDIA website:
About TV 360
The Program is designed to train Canadian writers, directors, developers, interactive designers, show developers and TV, film and new media producers, to develop multiplatform projects and pitch them successfully both to Canadian and international buyers. Prior new media experience is not necessary; however applicants must be professionals from the new media, film and television industries. There are 9 slots per team. Come one, come all! As noted, above, anyone with significant entertainment experience may apply, whether in traditional TV production or in digital production.
Not enough information at all! I had to know more. So I emailed the fabulous Amy Davies, producer of the upcoming nextMEDIA conference in Banff and she agreed to answer a few questions about the conference in general and TV360 in particular. Here are her answers:
Q.
Please describe your role organizing the nextMEDIA conference in Banff in June.A.
In a nut shell, to program a not-to-be missed agenda for Banff 09. Practically it means lots of hard work goes into producing a program that will demonstrate ways to overcome some of the core challenges for the digital media market, and ways to grasp the opportunities.
Then of course it’s bringing onboard speakers, innovators and leaders who are able to talk to that agenda. I always try to get as much input as possible from our Advisory board and the nextMEDIA community (producers, broadcasters, agencies and slowly the brands), which gives me a good idea of where to focus my mind. The over arching theme for Banff will be to address the complexities of the new media ecosystem and the multiple ways to connect with 21st century audiences. This means attendees will hear expert advice on everything from the latest ethnographic research to video syndication, interactive storytelling, mobile opportunities, games, social media and guerilla marketing tactics.
My second remit is to look at ways to push the boundaries of the conference experience so it becomes more than a show and tell. I’m a firm believer that you’re creating an experience for attendees and that you should practice what you preach. i.e. this means facilitating interaction, DJ sets, tech showcases, drinks, ideas!
Q.
What do you think will be the highlights of the event for web creators?A.
First and foremost I think the opportunity to connect with potential business partners. Banff is geared towards big business and what with our post conference MatchMaker tool (Jill I know you’re a fan) and the onsite networking, I think we facilitate this pretty well. Plus it’s a retreat based event so there’s no escape! nextMEDIA have been working hard for the last few years to get agencies involved and we’re pleased to have Mediacom, Proximity BBDO, Ogilvy, Dentsu, Invoke, Indusblue and Cossette all joining us.Q.
Can you give us some more details about how TV360 will work? How will the participants spend their time – will it involve the full 5 days of the conference or will there be time to attend sessions? Can you reveal anything about the multiplatform creative brief?
A.
TV 360 will be led by Lisa Osborne at the AFI and is designed to train Canadian writers, directors, developers, interactive designers, show developers and TV, film and new media producers, to do the development work around multiplatform projects. It doesn’t mean its all work and no play - we’ve designed the course so that attendees also have the time to attend the most pertinent conference sessions. In between they’ll be expected to work on developing a multiplatform proposition, with the help of mentors, and will eventually be called to pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. We haven’t cut into any of the networking times either. The course kicks off on Saturday and they have until Tuesday morning to work on the brief. Tuesday from 3pm – 5pm will be the dragons den, or pitch pit.Q.
Can you reveal anything about the multiplatform creative brief?A.
Absolutely not, that would be telling. It will be a nice “surprise” for participants.I should also mention that accepted applicants will receive full festival registration which includes admission to both NM and BANFF TV fest and access to all official social events, air transportation and hotel accommodation.
Q.
How will the participants for TV360 be selected? I notice there are now three team leads listed on the nextMEDIA website. Will you add more teams or are you set at three? How soon after the May 15th deadline do you expect to announce the participant selection?A.
They will be selected on a number of set criteria, Lisa O and mentors will be handling the judging process. Three teams of 9 will be chosen. Anthea Foyer, Mark Hand and Evan Jones will be heading them up. We’ll announce participants in the week after May 15th so they have time to prepare themselves for the anguish ahead. Just kidding of course! This is a fantastic opportunity for producers so we’re really grateful to Telefilm for supporting this initiative.Q.
What are you most looking forward to about the nextMEDIA Banff event?That’s a tough question, ummmm? Innovation, knowledge share, inspiring people, parties, ideas! I guess ultimately for me I’m really looking forward to mingling with some inspiring people.
There's still time to apply for TV 360, do it right here. The deadline is May 15th.
