Wednesday, June 24, 2009

6th Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference 2009

SASFED is supporting Organisation to the 6th Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference 2009 which takes place on Thursday the 23rd of July 2009 at the Coca-Cola Dome, Northgate, Johannesburg.

Here is the info if you have not seen it yet. The afternoon session represents really good value, and SASFED's TPA affiliate, Robbie Thorpe will be part of the 15h35 panel. We know times are tough, but this conference is a vital part of planning for our future, please attend.

THURSDAY 23 JULY 2009
THE COCA-COLA DOME, NORTHGATE, JOHANNESBURG

When you know more, you achieve more!
A one-day conference covering broadcast issues and low budget content creation.


MORNING CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
ARE YOU READY FOR 2010?
07:00-08:00Registration and welcome refreshments
08:15Welcome and introduction to overall programme
Presiding chairman: Lynn Mansfield, Chairman SADIBA & SABC Strategic Adviser to the Group CEO
08:25Introduction to keynote speaker
Nic Bonthuys, GM SABC Air Time Outside Broadcasts
08:35KEYNOTE
Richard Waghorn, CTO SABC Technology

He was formerly the BBC's Controller of Distribution and was responsible for setting strategies for delivering digital switchover and directing the implementation of the BBC's switchover infrastructure. He is an acknowledged industry expert on digital broadcasting.
09:00PREPARING FOR 2010
Discussion includes the recent FIFA Confederation Cup, the forerunner event for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup; Communications strategy; Role of technology; Opportunities for the industry.

Overview: Gary Shaw, HBS for FIFA
Panel discussion: Thami Magazi, Telkom Group Executive : Multi-National Customers;
David Swannack Programme Director Siemens;
Nic Bonthuys, SABC - Air Time Outside Broadcasts
Panel Convenor: Lynn Mansfield, SADIBA
Q&A
10:00UPDATE ON DIGITAL TERRESTRIAL TV TRIALS AND DELIVERY STRATEGY
The panel will discuss how the trials are proceeding, the definition of digital standards specifications, the management of the technical platform, marketing the concept of digital transition to the public, whether the Set Top Box subsidy system is feasible, and if 2011 is a realistic deadline for the analogue switch-off?

Introduction: Lara Kantor Digital Dzonga chairperson
Panel discussion: Dave Hagen, M-Net Digital Dzonga representive;
Yusuf Nabee, DTT Project Leader at SABC;
Zubair Munshi, e.tv Digital Dzonga representative;
Marius du Plessis, SADIBA
Panel Convenor: Johann Koster, NAB
Q&A
11:00Refreshments
11:30AFRICA READY TO DO BUSINESS
The International Monetary Fund recently forecast a 3% growth for the continent. Even though only six countries have a national GDP of more than $50bn, Africa has a population of more than 900-million potential capital market participants which represents a huge audience for broadcast, Internet and mobile communication. The panel will discuss personal experiences of working in Africa, the possibilities for broadcasters and the crucial areas of training which need to be undertaken if the continent is to develop its full broadcast potential.

Overview & Panel Convenor: Phil Molefe, Acting Head of SABC News;
Panel: Dr Melanie Chait, Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking;
GlobeCast Africa, further speakers to be confirmed
Q&A
12:30THE NEW TELEVISION EXPERIENCE
The impact of cheap broadband on broadcasters and how they must adapt and change or face extinction.
Marcos Gonzalez-Flower, Global Head of Media Consulting Siemens IT Solutions and Services Ltd, UK
13:00Networking luncheon sponsored by Siemens Southern Africa
AFTERNOON CONFERENCE PROGRAMME
LOW BUDGET PRODUCTION
13:00 - 13:30Registration
13:45Welcome and introduction to overall programme
Presiding chairman: Prof Christo Doherty, Head of Digital Arts, Wits School of Arts
14:00KEYNOTE:
Industrial Development Corporation - Film funding criteria

In the current economic downturn, it is tougher than ever before for filmmakers to find the money to make a film. There were well over 10 South African feature films made last year and to exceed this number in the next 12 months, traditional government and organisational film funders will need to rethink the financial equation round supporting the development of the industry.

Basil Ford, head of the IDC Media and Motion Picture Division:
The rationale behind the IDC's funding criteria; industry misconceptions and how the IDC views low budget projects.
14:15SUCCESS ON A SHOESTRING
Hollywood isn't going to come knocking on your door to get you to direct the next blockbuster film. Truth is you are going to have to do it on your own. Learn how to get your movie made by people who are proof that with a little creativity and a lot of hard work, you can be a success without spending millions.

Panel: UE Ukpong, Nigerian filmmaker - the Nollywood model, and current developments in Nigerian low budget filmmaking;
Jann Turner, award winning filmmaker and director of the successful box office low budget feature White Wedding;
Charlie Sepadin, writer / producer of Swop! specifically made for DVD release;
Aryan Kaganoff, award winning filmmaker, who shot SMS Sugar Man, the first full length feature film on a mobile phone camera.
Q&A
15:15Afternoon refreshments
15:35ARE LOW BUDGET FILMS THE SOLUTION TO CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FILM INDUSTRY?
Will cost-effective filmmaking become the order of the day for local films and co-productions? The role of government and the funding of low budget films.

Panel discussion: Department of trade & industry (dti);
SASFED - Robbie Thorpe, IPO, Basil Ford, IDC and Paul Raleigh, Film Finance SA.
Q&A
16:30BROADBAND INTERNET THE NEW OPPORTUNITY?
As broadband penetration and speeds increase, content owners, channels, online video platforms, social networks and mobile networks will have to rethink their business models. Will traditional ways of distributing content via film distributors and cinema or television broadcasters change under the pressure of broadband Internet?
Indra de Lanerolle, independent media and communications consultant;
Jason Probert, General Manager Entertainment: DStv Online. Q&A
17:15Networking cocktails

This premier 6th Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference, which takes place on 23 July 2009 alongside the Mediatech Africa exhibition, is dedicated to thebusiness of broadcast, film, new media and communications media in South Africa and Africa. It represents an excellent platform for learning and sharing experiences in the fields of technology developments and trends as well as content creation, management and delivery.

With a strong focus on 2010 and Low Budget Production, the conference highlights include panel discussions on 2010 Preparations, New Media, Digital Terrestrial TV, Doing Business in Africa, Film Financing, New Technologies and Platforms, Funding Update and Broadband Internet Opportunities.

Who Attends?

  • Africa broadcasters
  • New Media developers
  • Telecommunications companies
  • Producers & Creators of Non-fiction Content
  • Film, Television, Commercials companies
  • Post Production facility houses
  • Production equipment rental companies
  • Production service providers
  • Commissioning editors & programmers
  • Financiers & funders
  • Government bodies & industry organisations
  • Broadcast/Film technology & professional equipment suppliers
  • Broadcast consultants
  • Training institutions
  • Press
Why Attend?
  • Explore issues & uncover trends
  • Discover new opportunities
  • Get the right information
  • Get updated on new entertainment platforms
  • Establish Contacts
  • Find out who's doing what
  • Have Fun Doing Business

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION - BOOK & PAY BY MONDAY 6 JULY FOR MASSIVE 20% DISCOUNT.

PLUS! PLUS! A COPY OF THE JUST PUBLISHED 2009/10 SCREEN AFRICA DIRECTORY & INTERNATIONAL GUIDE - VALUE R380


CONFERENCE OPTIONS
MORNING ONLY:R500 + VAT = R570
(after 6 July R684)
AFTERNOON ONLY:R350 + VAT = R399
(after 6 July R479)
FULL DAY:R850 + VAT = R969
(after 6 July R1162)


For the registration form on email, contact editor@screenafrica.com