HD EXPO Los Angeles Panels and Speakers

Lance Acord, ASC and Jon Witmer, Associate Editor at American Cinematographer
Wednesday, November 4, 1:15 PM-2:45 PM, Main Theater
Acclaimed American cinematographer Lance Acord will share insights and experiences with HD EXPO - CREATEASPHERE audiences in a Conversation with American Cinematographer Magazine’s Associate Editor Jon Witmer on Nov. 4, 2009. Long admired for his visual bravura and his long–standing collaborations with directors Spike Jonze and Sofia Coppola, Lance has worked on some of the most compelling visual storytelling of the past decade. His latest feature “Where the Wild Things Are” took the top spot in the opening weekend box office race and continues to attract critical acclaim. "Where The Wild Things Are," "Adaptation," "Marie Antoinette," "Lost in Translation," and his extensive commercial directing credits make for compelling conversation starters, so don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the most sought after DPs in a Conversation about creativity, collaboration and the storytelling process.

Mobilizedtv.com presents: Creating Content for the Mobile Platform: What Every Producer Should Know
Wednesday, November 4, 3:00 PM-4:30 PM, Main Theater
Debra Kaufman of MobilizedTV moderates a discussion with three pioneers in mobile content. Join Mike Wallen VP Creative for Fox Mobile Studios, Steve Amato, Founder of Omelet, Frank Chindamo, Founder of Fun Little Movies, and Hayden Black creator of “Burbank Tonight” as they discuss the ins and outs making content that goes mobile. Mobile is poised to become the next big platform for content. Learn the ins and outs of creating for the smallest screen.

Hard Core, Revolutionary and Indispensable - Must Have and Must See Gear
Wednesday, November 4, 4:45 PM-6:15 PM, Main Theater
There's gear that helps you to get the shot and then there's gear that makes you think about the shot in a whole new way: Steadicam. 3D rigs. Cranes. Camera Cars. Every one revolutionizing production -- moving from game changer to indispensable. Find out what's hot, what's cool, and what's coming when you dig in with a panel of operators, cinematographers, lighting experts, product and rental experts in this interactive discussion. Cranes, storage, lighting, camera cars, grip and dolly, tripods, and more. How can you put new products to work on set with maximum success. Don't miss this rare opportunity to see, touch, and discuss with working experts all that gear. Panelists include: Mark August, SOC, David Frederick, SOC, Dan Kneece, SOC, Larry Mole Parker, Mole Richardson, and Paul Kobelja, PRG. Moderated by: Jessica Sitomer, CEO, The Greenlight Coach.

3D: Creativity, Imagery and Cinematography
Thursday, November 5, 11:30 AM-1:00 PM, Main Theater
A cutting edge discussion with filmmakers, cinematographers and production designers who have taken 3D imagery and made it work to the extreme for their projects. G Force, Phish Concerts, Hannah Montana, and SCAR are just a few of the credits from this group of talented artists making 3D real and moving.
Panelists included: Rodney Taylor, ASC (Phish Concerts, Hannah Montana), Toshiaki Ozawa, (SCAR, The Brown Bunny, Falling For Grace), Wayne Miller (Jane’s Addiction, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam), and Jed Weintrob (OnLine, The F Word, SCAR).

How Did They Do That? The Making of a 3D Movie from Script to Screen
Thursday, November 5, 1:30 PM-3:00 PM, Main Theater
Meet the experts behind the scenes making 3D a reality. 3D gathers momentum, but before there are images on the screen, the art and science of 3D must connect. Join a panel of the technical experts and content creators who have contributed to some of the most anticipated and successful 3D projects. Visual Effects experts, colorists, exhibition leaders and creative team members join in a discussion about how they made 3D real. Join Buzz Hays, Sony Pictures Imageworks; Siggy Ferstl, Company 3; Brian Gaffney, Technicolor; Patrick Lussier ("My Bloody Valentine 3D”) and Ami Dror, XpanD. Moderated by Dan Restuccio, West Coast Editor POST Magazine.

Panelist	Bio
	Steven Amato, Founder, Omelet - Mobilzedtv.com presents panel Steven Amato is an entrepreneur, creative director, writer, producer and dad who shares the responsibility for Omelet’s creative, strategy and production departments. Prior to founding Omelet Steve spent five years working at TBWA\Chiat\Day in Los Angeles, where he helped the company further its leadership position, by driving award-winning campaigns for Apple, Sony PlayStation, Nissan, and Adidas. Throughout his career, Steven has also worked with Paramount, WBTV, the Los Angeles Times and DeutschLA, BMW, Microsoft, Xbox Live, Nissan, Infiniti, SEGA and DirecTV. In addition to creating breakthrough-marketing ideas for brands, Steven has also had several original stage plays produced in New York City and Los Angeles.
	Mark August, SOC - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel Mark August is a SOC Board member and United States Naval Reservist.  As a Combat Photographer for over 18 years, Mark also works in the training department of the Combat Camera Unit working as an editor and videographer. Mark is a freelance camera operator and is currently working as a High Definition Camera Technician with Panavision, Hollywood.
	Hayden Black, Evil Global Corp. - Mobilzedtv.com presents panel Hayden Black, alongside his company Evil Global Corp, created, writes, produces & stars in the critically acclaimed online series "Goodnight Burbank" (Best Comedy Webby Nominee '08) and its spin off "GNB: Hollywood Review" - along with "Abi's Teen Diary" ("cutting edge comedy" - Fortune, "runs circles around a lot of other online efforts" - Wall St. Journal, iTunes Best Podcast '07), the recently released comedy/horror series "The Occulterers" and the upcoming sci-fi musical comedy "The Cabonauts". The different series have each met with huge success, picking up multiple awards (including Best Web News Series), accolades (iTunes Best Podcast '06 & '07) and stellar reviews ("better than 99% of stuff on TV" - USA Today). Black is also both consulting and a speaker at various new media events. Prior to his work in new media, Hayden worked in TV marketing and picked up many awards while writing/producing for the networks.
	Frank Chindamo, Founder of Fun Little Movies - Mobilzedtv.com presents panel Chindamo is also the founder and president of Fun Little Movies [FLM], the first American mobile channel to specialize in original, live-action comedy movies. His Fun Little Movies have previously been made for networks including HBO, Showtime, CBS, PBS, Playboy, Comedy Central, and MTV. They have won 20 awards and honors including a finalist's place for Best Short at the Cannes Film Festival. A leader in mobile content, FLM won Best Comedy at the CTIA World's Smallest Film Festival and was a Finalist for Best Video Producer at the Mobile Entertainment Magazine Awards in London in both 2006 and 2007.
	Siggy Ferstl, Company 3 -The Making of a 3D Movie panel Australian colorist Siggy Ferstl has been with Company 3 LA Features since 2004. He has nearly 30 years of coloring experience with an award winning talent that’s internationally recognized. Since landing in LA, he has shown his creative and technical skills by making his mark in the feature film DI market. Ferstl was a pioneer of the feature film digital intermediate workflow and colored the first 2 Digital Intermediates ever done in Australia. His feature credits include House of Flying Daggers, Live Free or Die Hard, Ugly Truth, Fame and Underworld Evolution, which won Ferstl the master Colorist of the Year for his second year running. Recently he helped develop Company 3’s 3D Stereoscopic pipeline and provided technical assistance on various 3D projects.
	David Frederick, SOC - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel Corporate SOC Liaison Dave Frederick, whose feature credits include: “The Soloist,” “Blood Simple,” Driving Miss Daisy, and the FX hit “Sons of Anarchy, has been a working camera operator since 1987.  Ever active in the off set world of Cinematography, in addition to his 15 years as a Board member of the SOC, Frederick is an active member of the International Cinematographers Guild, the Steadicam Operators Guild and has been serving as an Executive Peer Group member of the Cinematographers branch of the Academy of the Television Arts and Sciences.
	Brian Gaffney, VP/GM Technicolor On Location Services - The Making of a 3D Movie panel Brian Gaffney joined Technicolor in 2006.  His main focus is assisting production and enabling the post back end with unique workflows associated with digital acquisition. Brian’s roots are in VFX but he has combined experience in research, high-end technology and applied sciences including product design, marketing and sales in his professional career. With Technicolor Creative Bridge, which he founded in 2005, Brian has worked on over 28 feature films using DP Lights on set color correction system.
	Buzz Hays, Sony Pictures Imageworks - The Making of a 3D Movie panel Buzz Hays, senior producer of 3D stereoscopic feature films, is responsible for overseeing the adaptation of standard release feature films into three-dimensional stereoscopic versions for the IMAX 3D and Real D platforms.  Hays’ current work includes adapting Robert Zemeckis’ BEOWULF.  Previous Imageworks projects include the Imagemotion performance-capture animated film MONSTER HOUSE as well as the first CG feature from Sony Pictures Animation, OPEN SEASON.
	Debra Kaufman of MobilizedTV - Mobilzedtv.com presents panel Debra Kaufman has covered the entertainment industry for over 20 years. Based in Los Angeles, she writes about new media, entertainment technology and other topics for The Hollywood Reporter, Variety, TV Week, Film & Video, and many others. Her work has also been published in Wired, The Los Angeles Times, The New York Times and American Cinematographer. She has spoken on and moderated panels for numerous trade shows including NXTStage, NATPE, NAB and venues such as the Sundance Institute. She is also a member of Mobile Monday/Los Angeles and the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences interactive peer group.
	Paul Kobelja, Account Executive TV & Film, Production Resource Group - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel Paul Kobelja began his career in cinematography in Chicago in 1988 where he photographed dozens of commercials and music videos, as well as independent shorts and feature films.  After teaching Advanced Lighting, Image Design and Cinematography at Columbia College Chicago’s Department of Film and Video, Paul’s career compelled him to move to Los Angeles, where he freelanced as a Cinematographer and Gaffer.  Paul joined Production Resource Group in 2007 where he promotes the vast untapped benefits PRG has to offer the motion picture and television community.  Prior to PRG, he was the Rental Manager and Worldwide Field Representative for Lightning Strikes.
	Dan Kneece, SOC - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel SOC member and Camera Operator since 1979, Dan has taught and continues to teach top operators working today how to use the Steadicam.  Since 1985 he has worked on a number of David Lynch films including iconic films such as Blue Velvet, Wild at Heart, Twin Peaks, Fire Walk with Me, Lost Highway, and Mullholland Drive.  Quentin Tarantino, used Dan as “A” Camera/Steadicam Operator on Jackie Brown and Steadicam Operator on Grindhouse. Dan works as “A” Camera/Steadicam/Technocrane Operator for many feature films, television, commercials, and music video productions. Hi most recent project is the upcoming feature “The Road” starring Viggo Mortensen and Charlize Theron.
	Wayne Miller, President, Chief Creative Office for Action 3D Productions Action 3D Productions Wayne Miller has comprehensive experience as a producer, director and director of photography for commercials, music videos, music specials, episodic television, documentaries and feature films. With over 40 awards for his work across the mediums of film and television, Wayne’s 3D projects include; JayZ, Kings of Leon, Jane’s Addiction, Dave Matthews, Pearl Jam, Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Phish, to name a few. His 2D credits include; Lyle Lovett, Bob Dylan, Usher, Los Lobos, Slash, and other iconic artists.
	Toshiaki Ozawa, (SCAR, The Brown Bunny, Falling For Grace)
	Larry Mole Parker, Executive VP, Mole Richardson - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel 50 year veteran of Mole Richardson, where he is now Executive VP, Larry Mole Parker has a passion for sharing the knowledge of film set lighting equipment. During his extensive career designed a line of smaller and lighter lights to be used in the new design production vans.  These lights came to be the new Baby 10k, 5k, 2k, 1k and the Softlite line as well as the new banded pin cable systems. Larry is also recipient of the SOC President’s award and currently works with about 40 schools and other institutions and trains about 1,500 students a year.
	Jessica Sitomer, CEO, The Greenlight Coach - Must Have and Must See Gear Panel Jessica Sitomer has worked in various parts of the entertainment industry for over eighteen years.  For seven of those years she worked as the in-house career coach for the International Cinematographers Guild.  This prompted Jessica to launch her own business, The Greenlight Coach.  She speaks professionally to the entertainment industry and has designed over thirty-five seminars. Jessica is also a writer, independent producer, development associate, director, and an actress.  She is currently in pre-production on a feature film that she wrote and is co-directing.
	Rodney Taylor, ASC - 3D: Creativity, Imagery and Cinematography Cinematographer Rodney Taylor began his career shooting live sports for ESPN, ABC and TBS. After moving to Los Angeles from a small fishing town on the coast of North Carolina 20 years ago, he began work on feature films, IMAX and documentaries. His IMAX credits include; “Wired to Win,” “Alaska: Spirit of the Wild,” “Ride Around the World” and “Michael Jordan to the Max.” His feature film credits include; “Save Me,” “Swimmers” and his most recent film “That Evening Sun,” starring Hal Holbrook, being released this month.
	Mike Wallen, VP Creative for Fox Mobile Studios - Mobilzedtv.com presents panel Beginning his career as a Graphic Designer for world-renowned Disney illustrator, Dave Willardson, Mike Wallen went on to product development, licensing, marketing and promotion. As VP Creative for Fox Mobile Studios, a division of Fox Mobile Group(FMG); the mobile industry’s largest vertically integrated mobile entertainment company, Wallen oversees the development and production of original mobile and online content across all content verticals (video, personalization and mobile applications). Wallen has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Environmental Entertainment Design.
	Jed Weintrob, Director, Writer, Producer Jed Weintrob is an accomplished director, writer and producer. Weintrob’s most recent film, SCAR 3D, was the first independent feature shot in the new generation of digital 3D. His films, On_Line and The F Word, garnered international awards and critical acclaim at numerous festivals including Sundance, Berlin and Tribeca before going on to successful release. Jed is currently developing a slate of films and next-generation concert experiences in digital high-definition 3D.
	Jon Witmer, Associate Editor, American Cinematographer Magazine A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Jon D. Witmer majored in film studies at The Ohio State University before traveling west to try his fortunes in Los Angeles’ film industry. After working as a camera assistant on feature films, television series, music videos and commercials and shooting numerous short films, Jon joined the staff of American Cinematographer Magazine, where he currently serves as associate editor.

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