High Def Community Gathers to Discuss the Burgeoning Media

THE PRODUCTION GROUP STUDIOS, HOLLYWOOD, CA: Despite unusually wet weather, those interested in the field of high definition ventured out to the HD EXPO and walked away with a bounty of useful information, invaluable contacts, and good grub in their tummies. The quarterly event was first held in November of 2001 and set the standard for all future gatherings. A labor of love for Executive Producer Kristin Petrovich, the first HD EXPO drew over 300 industry professionals. The fourth and most recent installment, held on November 7, 2002, far surpassed all expectations. Doubling the numbers of the first HD EXPO, a record-breaking 600 industry professionals (techies, reporters and executives) gathered at the Production Group Studios to touch, see and hear about the latest technologies emerging in the field of high definition.

Inside the Production Group Studios, the HD EXPO was divided into three areas. The first showcased the services of some of the event sponsors, such as Panasonic, Sony, LA Post Music, CCI Digital, and Birns & Sawyer to name a few. This area offered participants the hands-on opportunity to actually use a Sony camera and discuss with the representatives from Moviola about their services. The second staging area featured a tour of the Production Group Studios' recently upgraded multi-million dollar "virtual set," a green screen facility utilizing the latest in high def technology.

The third area and centerpiece of the HD EXPO featured three panel discussions by industry leaders. Kicking off the evening was a lively side by side comparison between the makers of Panasonic's Vari Cam and Sony's CineAlta. Carolyn Giardina, editor of Film & Video, moderated the discussion, which was fueled by insightful questions by those in the standing-room-only audience.

The second panel featured the makers of NBC's MOW "Carrie," Victor Goss (Director of Photography) and Hudson Hickman (Senior Vice President of Production for MGM Television). The pair showed excerpts of the film, which was shot entirely in high def using Panasonic's Vari Cam, and discussed the making of "Carrie" from a production and post production point of view. Pete Nehl, CTO of the Post Group, brought a close to the highly successful evening with a discussion on the pitfalls associated with high def post production and how to avoid them.

Participants were greeted at the event by a stilt-walker dressed as Uncle Sam, complimenting the patriotic theme of the evening, "High Def USA." The dining tent served as a hub for those enjoying the good food (compliments of In N Out Burger) and drink, and it also provided those in attendance the opportunity to sit down and talk with their peers about those issues relevant to them, issues that spilled over from the discussions and demonstrations inside.

Kristin Petrovich, Executive Producer of the HD EXPO, says, "Our mission is to create content-driven and theme-based events where both film and video industry professionals are entertained and learn more about HD EXPO related products, services, and issues." Petrovich stresses that her focus is not just on informing attendees of the HD EXPO but also focusing on making the event an entertaining one that fosters and helps to creating a unique HD community.