DATES: October 28 thru October 30, 2005
LOCATION: TBD

Overview

The ION Animation, Games and Film Summit is the first conference dedicated to the merging business of animation, gaming and filmmaking.

This 3-day event of forums allows creative and executive entrepreneurs in the animation, electronic gaming and filmmaking industries to explore and exchange ideas on the themes, issues and trends driving converging media production.

Offering focused topics and moderated discussions, the ION Summit provides a targeted network for independent and professional creatives, executives and managers involved with the fields of animation, gaming and filmmaking.

Attending the ION Summit is invaluable if your income is derived primarily from the animation, gaming or filmmaking industries, if you want to direct or produce feature films or if you desire working with companies like Disney, PIXAR, Rhythm and Hues, Electronic Arts, Lucas Arts or Activision.

The forum presents sessions that delve into the issues faced by dynamic animation, gaming or film production companies and enables potential and established entrepreneurs to educate themselves on new and growing markets. Attendees have access to some of the top players in animation, electronic gaming and filmmaking, as well as the opportunity to attend an exclusive reception for further networking at the end of the summit.

Whether you're an independent or a professional in the converging fields of animation, gaming and film, the ION Summit provides the space to discover potential partners, customers and growth opportunities.

Day 1 - Friday, October 28

9:00 am - 10:00 am - REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

10:00 am - 10:45 am - KEYNOTE
CONVERGENCE IN ENTERTAINMENT:
ANIMATION, GAMING & FILMMAKING

FILMMAKING PANELS*

11:00 am - 12:30 pm
MOVING FROM SHORTS & MUSIC VIDEOS TO FEATURES
Explores the transition from short to long form narrative and the limitations and possibilities within feature filmmaking.

12:30 pm - 1:30 pm - LUNCH

1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
SURVIVING AS AN INDEPENDENT FILMMAKER
Although digital filmmaking has reinvented independent filmmaking, the discipline and stamina necessary to thrive as exception to the industry's rules have remained constant. This panel examines, identifies and inspires the indispensable traits needed to create, distribute and market independently financed projects.

3:15 pm - 4:45 pm
SELF-DISTRIBUTION AND PROMOTION
Explores how new models of distribution and promotion such as microcinema (distribution through community based alternative spaces like museums), on-demand DVD publishing, video-on-demand, global distribution via the internet and wireless technologies can allow revenues to flow directly to filmmakers so they can keep honing their craft.

5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
THE CHANGING FACE OF DOCUMENTARY FILMMAKING
From noble-yet-underappreciated art form to reality television, documentary filmmaking reminds us real life is out there. This panel discusses various challenges the form faces from the industry despite student and audience interest in documentaries being at an all time high.

9:00 am - 10:00 am - REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

10:00 am - 12:00 pm - CAREER FOCUS
CAREERS IN ANIMATION, GAMING & FILM
Examines trends within new and growing markets where these three fields are converging to create unprecedented opportunities and exciting technologies.

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm - LUNCH

ANIMATION PANELS*

1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
THE BUSINESS OF ANIMATION
Examines the fiscal and creative forces driving this confluence of art, technology, business and production.

2:45 pm - 4:15 pm
PRODUCING (STEP-BY-STEP) A SHORT ANIMATED FILM
Discusses the complex and often frustrating process of producing animation from preparing a pitch through final release print.

4:30 pm to 6 pm
HOW TO GET INTO ANIMATION AS AN INDEPENDENT
Whether you work on your own, want to create a small studio with others or work for a large animation company, this panel examines and explores the pitfalls one must learn to circumvent as well as the advantages of working as an independent in animation.

9:00 am - 10:00 am - REGISTRATION & NETWORKING

GAME PANELS*

10:00 am - 11:30 am
THE BUSINESS OF GAMES
Gaming is emerging as big business thanks to the exploding mobile, wireless markets and broadband delivery, This panel examines emerging broadband gaming trends, the need for compelling broadband content with regard to online gaming as well as the components of successful partnerships between network service and content providers.

11:45 am - 1:15 pm
NEXT GENERATION GAME DESIGN
This panel discusses how to efficiently plan, generate, manage and execute next generation game development by effectively harnessing new technologies and hardware to triumph over the hurdles set to grow exponentially for next-generation game content.

1:15 pm - 2:15 pm - LUNCH

2:15 pm - 3:45 pm
ENTERING GAMING AS AN INDEPENDENT
Facing challenges similar to indie filmmakers, independent game developers benefit from increased distribution possibilities available to them through computers, consoles, PDA and mobile technologies. This panel explores the community and resources available to independent developers, programmers, and designers so they can keep creating innovative alternatives in gaming.

*Note: Panels subject to change.

Who will attend?

• Animators
• Animation Companies
• Gamers
• Gaming Companies
• Filmmakers and Producers
• Studio Executives
• Production Companies
• Distributors
• Students
• Educators…and many more!

Leaders from the animation and gaming industries, motion picture production and distribution - acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors and producers - as well as animators, gamers and filmmakers unite for 3 days during the ION Festival.

• Network with industry executives from film, animation, electronic gaming, studios, production and post production

• Discover new opportunities from animation and gaming companies. Learn about the countless possibilities that exist in the animation and gaming industries.