Speaker: Zig Gauthier, President, Red Varden Studio; Founder, Hollywood Mentorship Program.org

Join the AFI Digital Content Lab for a walk through lessons learned while creating some of the most daring digital concepts of the past decade. The innovations and ideas developed in the lab are for the benefit of the entire television community, so come, learn and steal an idea or two!

There was a time when every piece of creative content consumed over television was carefully incubated and designed at the budget of a small war. While much remains the same, the times, they are a-changing. Taking a page from gaming and software development worlds, video content creators are discovering the power of community. Web 2.0 technologies now enable creators to take a job traditionally performed by a designated agent and outsource it to an undefined, generally large group of people in the form of an open call. Done right, it is much less costly and can be more effective. Join this panel of industry experts as they discuss implementing this cutting edge development tool.

Coined by Will Richmond, the editor and publisher of VideoNuze, the syndicated video economy refers to the idea that in the broadband era video providers are proliferating their content to many distributors, shifting their focus from “ aggregating eyeballs” to “accessing eyeballs.” This new strategy is a marked contrast with traditional media business models. The syndicated video economy creates a totally new set of business relationships, shifting market positions and negotiating leverage. Moderated by Richmond himself, this panel will explore the changing broadband content value chain, the emerging opportunities and how you can exploit them.

There is an evolution occurring in the online video landscape. Yesterday, ingrained consumer habits, weak advertiser interest, subpar production quality and lack of promotional muscle were hurdles for online only content. Today however, online video watching has surged, driven by a flood of new content. Advertising is exploding, held back only by the lack of shows around which to advertise something more Web only series can help solve. From YouTube to Yahoo!, there can be fewer restrictions, less red tape and a substantial bottom line for you, the creator. So, why go multiplatform when creating for the web is where it’s at.

Ethan D. Schur will showcase the future of digital stereoscopic 3D in the home.  With compatible HD 3D the user can now decide how to watch broadcasts:  in 2D, or in 3D on multiple 3D display devices.  3D movies make money 3 to 1 in the box office and now it's time to take this immersive experience to the living room.

Hear about the latest developments in this exciting field and learn about the opportunities for program executives to capitalize on the growing consumer market for HD 3D.

3D animation created from videogames and virtual worlds has quickly evolved to include all forms of filmed entertainment: episodic series, comedies, dramas, talk shows, etc., creating a revolutionary platform for compelling new content brands. Machinima is this platform. Professionals are leveraging Machinima to engage the coveted 18 34 demographic, a group which continues to move further away from traditional television sets. It’s inexpensive and efficient, an exciting production methodology for developing content without breaking the piggy bank! Check out this panel to learn how to quickly and efficiently bring your concepts to life.

With online content's ability to reach broader audiences at minimal costs, entirely new business models have emerged, entirely dependent on the technology. This session will address the various aspects of the online business purpose, offerings, strategies, infrastructure, trading practices and operational processes and policies; how are they different from traditional content business models; and, why the models work.

Facebook. Myspace. YouTube. Second Life. These are just a few of the many social media applications popular today. While the value of social media for show creators is becoming clearer, finding the right plan of attack for your brand is not always as clear. This session will give you effective examples and ideas you can leverage for your current or next project. Hear directly from the world’s most innovative social media experts on how they are using social media to connect with consumers in new ways.