NewTek's Third Annual Broadcast Minds Brings Industry Mavens Together to Explore the Future of Television
TWiT.tv, MTV, Turner Sports, Yamaha and actor Kevin Pollak gather to discuss the impact of live streaming, online video and social media; panelists encourage online discussion via Twitter #bcminds hashtag
SAN ANTONIO – March 28, 2012 – NewTek today announced that its third annual Broadcast Minds™ thought leadership event will take place in Las Vegas during NAB 2012. This year's event will feature an interactive conversation between industry experts, including MTV, Turner Sports, Yamaha Corporation, and actor and web chat show host Kevin Pollak. Podcaster, broadcaster and TWiT.tv founder, Leo Laporte, will moderate the panel discussion. With a reported 179 million people in the U.S. watching nearly 38 billion online videos in February 2012 alone, Broadcast Minds brings together some of the world's most influential people who are successfully producing original television for broadcast over the Internet—and building loyal viewing audiences across the globe.
"Television viewing is no longer a network programmed event that happens in the living room. People expect to be able to watch what they want, whenever and wherever they want—and maybe interact with show creators," said Kevin Pollak, award-winning actor, comedian and host of Kevin Pollak's Chat Show and Talkin Walkin. "I love that it's so easy to make and distribute my own show, completely on my terms. For anyone who wants to learn how to produce online TV, Broadcast Minds is a can't miss event. I'm looking forward to meeting up with this group to share what we've discovered—and where things go from here."
NewTek's Broadcast Minds examines the massive shift in the way people consume television content online, explores insights on how to professionally produce network-style television programming for the Web, and provides technical expertise for anyone interested in learning how to stream live video. In 2011, the standing-room only event was viewed live online by more than 50,000 people.
This year, NewTek has established an online conversation destination for Broadcast Minds on Twitter, using the #bcminds hashtag, where the greater community can share thoughts about creating online television and best practices for how to stream live video. The panelists will monitor—and periodically join in—the online discussion. Moderator Leo Laporte will also use the online thread as an open forum where people can submit questions for the panelists to answer during the April 17 event.
"The continued shift in online television viewing habits is driving transformative change in the broadcast industry—and storytellers of all types are responding by delivering compelling, HD-quality content that could previously only be found on a major network," said Carter Holland, executive vice president of marketing for NewTek. "With Broadcast Minds, we're exposing the world to movers and shakers who are producing some of the most engaging, innovative forms of online television out there. From sports and entertainment broadcasters, to major corporations and celebrity independent producers, this year's
discussion will dispel the myths behind creating online television—and inspire anyone with an idea to see how easy it is to get in the game. We're looking forward to a stimulating dialogue at the event itself—and online."
Broadcast Minds 2012 will feature:
> Kevin Pollak, Award-winning actor and comedian, host of Kevin Pollak's Chat Show, @KevinPollak
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Jeff Jacobs, MTV Music Group, Vice President, Production Planning, Strategic Initiatives & Business Op's, @MTV
> Bill Chapman, Turner Studios, Vice President of Creative Development/Emerging Technologies, @TBSInc
> Jeff Hawley, Yamaha Corporation of America, Director, Customer Experience Group, @TheYamahaHub
> Leo Laporte, (moderator), TWiT.TV, Podcaster, broadcaster, Chief TWiT and The Tech Guy, @LeoLaporte
Broadcast Minds will take place at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel on Tuesday, April 17 from 6-8pm PT, and will also be available for live viewing on the Web. While in-person seating is limited, registration is open to the public at www.newtek.com, where viewers can also watch the live video stream of the event. Now in its third year, Broadcast Minds has emerged as a premier resource for anyone interested in professionally producing live television content. Former participants include Adam Carolla, the Adam Carolla Show; Mark Fratto, St. John's University; Steve Hellmuth, NBA Entertainment; Peter Himmelman, GRAMMY award-winning musician; Sean Smith, NBA D-League; and Don Sperling, New York Giants.
About NewTek
Benefiting producers and artists with cost-effective and groundbreaking technologies, NewTek is a worldwide leader in portable live production, video editing, 3D animation and special effects tools, including the TriCaster™ product line, 3Play™ and LightWave 3D®. NewTek has won numerous industry accolades, including two Emmy® Awards. Clients include: "Kevin Pollak's Chat Show," MTV, Tuner Sports, Yamaha, TWiT.TV, John Lennon Tour Bus, "The X Factor," ESPN X Games, New York Giants, NBA Development League, Fox News, BBC, NHL, Nickelodeon, CBS Radio, ESPN Radio, Fox Sports, USA TODAY, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). NewTek products have been used in feature films and television shows, including "Avatar," "The Adventures of Tintin," "Terra Nova," "Fringe," "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation," and more.
About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand NewTek LightWave master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, NewTek LightWave 3D, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Rotolight, Cubix, Matrox Video Products and Sony Creative Software products. www.newmagic.com.au
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> LightWave, TriCaster and 3Play are trademarks of NewTek.
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