Exhibition, Education and Experts Push HD EXPO Attendance

March 9, 2009 (Burbank, CA) Pre-registration numbers for HD EXPO on March 5th had increased a staggering 30%, an industry-record breaking figure matched by 37% in increased attendance at the event, held at the Universal Hilton in Universal City, California.

HD EXPO presented a variety of offerings that included a trade show, educational intensives, a Keynote Conversation with Oscar Nominee Wally Pfister, ASC, and an independent film panel. The day ended with a cocktail reception sponsored by AJA.

Renowned cinematographer Pfister was joined by Variety’s Peter Caranicas in a lively conversation focusing on the three-time Oscar nominee’s career and his insightful and humorous opinions on the art and technology of filmmaking. The ” CREATIVITY, CASH & TOOLS: The Making of an Indie Film” panel, moderated by journalist Carolyn Giardina, featured Patrick Lussier, director of the box office smash “My Bloody Valentine 3D;” Dirk Blackman, writer-producer of “Outlander,” and writer of “Underworld: Rise of the Lycans,” Christopher Taylor, director of the food and wine documentary “Food Fight,” and Intrepid Pictures COO Trina Wyatt. Both the Keynote Conversation and the independent film panel inspired lively interchange with packed-to-capacity audiences.

On the trade show floor, a number of leading companies presented the latest products and services for content creators. Manufacturers JVC and Panasonic tapped HD EXPO as the launching pad for national product debuts. JVC unveiled the highly anticipated, solid state, tapeless cameras, its JVC GYHM700 and JVC GYHM100. Panasonic presented the first public west Coast debut of the AG-HPX300 camera.

A number of sold out Intensives took place during the expo, including the “Extreme Red” presentation featuring “24” DP Rodney Charters, ASC and top RED experts including Cliff Hsui, Stefan von Bjorn, Chris Burket and RED’s own Ted Schilowitz. Other intensives from Panasonic, Macprofessionals and Adobe drew capacity attendance.

Kristin Petrovich, President of HD EXPO commented on the day and the transition of HD EXPO to Createasphere. “Our community turned out to listen, connect, and learn. It’s really exciting to see them engage with our experts and exhibitors so actively. I am inspired by our community! As HD EXPO transitions to Createasphere, we are dedicated to our motto of ‘putting the future in hand’ for our community and we’re looking forward to the journey!”

The next Createasphere Connect event, the membership organization that brings together innovators, leaders and members from all parts of the entertainment and technology industries, is scheduled for Los Angeles on May 14th. HD EXPO – Createasphere Chicago is set for July 11, 2009.