EFM INDUSTRY DEBATES 2008 -
DRIVE YOUR BUSINESS INTO THE FUTURE
Berlin, January 17th 2008 –The European Film Market (EFM) and its official main partner and sponsor Arts Alliance Media (AAM), are presenting the EFM Industry Debates. Building on the success of last year’s collaboration, this year’s debates will deal with the opportunities and challenges of digital film distribution and sales. Under the heading “Embrace Digital Distribution: Drive Your Business Into The Future”, advances in digital distribution possibilities, prospects of the cinema market and the effects of growing digitalisation on home users will be discussed from February 8 to 10, 2008.
On three afternoons the EFM Industry Debates will explore topics related to the fields of “Digital Cinema” and “Digital Home”. With this series, the EFM and AAM are striving to stay abreast of the latest changes affecting film distribution as well as investigate technical advances for their market compatibility. The first debate will examine the perspectives opening up for European independent distributors in view of increasing digitalisation. On the second day, the key issue will be developments in the home entertainment market: discussion will revolve around the chances emerging for filmmakers and distributors as a result of online distribution and legal downloading options. The series will close with a panel on the outlook of technical innovations and the development of digital standards for online distribution.
The London-based company Arts Alliance Media is Europe’s leading provider for the digital distribution of film and is currently working on establishing a European-wide digital network that will make films available to cinemas and home entertainment as well as enable exchange between partners in the industry.
Participating in the EFM Industry Debates 2008 are experts from different areas of the entertainment industry, leading market analysts and specialised journalists. This year they include: Arash Amel (Screen Digest), Robert Andrews (PaidContent: UK), Liesl Copland (Netflix), John Dick (MEDIA Programme), Anders Geersten (European Digital Cinema Forum), Michael Gubbins (Screen International), Simon Morris (Lovefilm.com), Jon Salmon (Tiscali), and Nick Varley (Park Circus).
The EFM Industry Debates 2008 will be held in the ballroom of the Marriott Hotel from 17:00 – 18:00 (5 - 6 pm). Debates will cover the following topics:
Friday, February 8:
"Digital Cinema - The Independent Distributor's Perspective"
Saturday, February 9:
"Digital Home - Online Distribution/ Driving The Business"
Sunday, February 10:
"Digital Home - Online Distribution/The Technology"
Admission to the EFM Industry Debates is free for accredited Festival visitors and EFM participants. Guests can register to attend at: www.efm-industrydebates.com