Televisionation

Seth Shapiro and Marc Johnson of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Interactive Media Peer Group (IMPG) Discuss this Year's Interactive Media Emmys

In this recorded interview with [itvt] editor-in-chief Tracy Swedlow, Seth Shapiro, co-governor of the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Interactive Media Peer Group (IMPG), and Marc Johnson, co-chair of the IMPG's Awards Working Group, discuss the two categories of interactive media Emmys--for "Creative Achievement in Interactive Media" and for "Outstanding Interactive Program"--that will be awarded this year; identify trends the IMPG saw in this year's nominated projects; and explain what made this year's crop of entries particularly unique and interesting. (Note: The awards will be presented at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards ceremony, September 15th at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.)

In this recorded interview with [itvt] editor-in-chief, Tracy Swedlow, Brandon Martinez, CEO of INDmusic, casts light on the emerging business of YouTube-based multi-channel networks (MCN)--covering such topics as clearing rights, using YouTube Annotations and other methods to promote network talent, and the company's involvement in the "Harlem Shake" viral video phenomenon.

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of the TVOT 2013 session, "Focus on Bravo: Blurring the Lines Between Screens." The session was described in the show brochure as follows:

"This session will take a look at how Bravo seeks to engage viewers through meaningful cross-platform content consumption. Whether it's through ambitious transmedia initiatives or its interactive Play Live experience, the network attempts to build innovative, addictive 360-degree experiences around its shows and talent. Bravo believes that production is no longer just about creating a TV show, but about creating a cohesive, immersive entertainment experience across multiple platforms, blurring the lines between screens and even changing the way the network creates and operates entirely.

The session will bring together Bravo's key executives from production, marketing, promotion and digital, as well as an outside vendor, to take a sneak peek behind the network's curtain of content creation. Panelists will delve into how Bravo conceives, builds, promotes, monetizes and works with outside partners to deliver an engaging content experience that today's savvy consumer has come to inherently crave. Additionally, the session will provide attendees with a sneak peek at one Bravo's newest transmedia initiatives." Participating in the session were:
Jamie Cutburth, VP of Partnership Marketing, BravoRich Foster, Chief Creative Officer, A Different EngineLisa Hsia, EVP of Digital Media, Bravo MediaDave Serwatka, VP of Current and Cross-Platform Production, BravoTracy Swedlow, Editor-in-Chief, [itvt] (Moderator)Amy Troiano, VP of On-Air Promotion, BravoAimee Viles, SVP of Emerging Media, Bravo

"The Cable RDK" at The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of "The Cable RDK," a keynote fireside chat at TVOT 2013. The session was described in the show brochure as follows:

"In conversation with prominent cable-technology journalist, Leslie Ellis, a panel of senior executives from Comcast and Time Warner Cable will cast light on the significance of, and the roadmap for, cable's Reference Design Kit (RDK). The RDK--officially defined as "an integrated software bundle that can be accessed by operators in need of a software stack for set-top devices" and as a "fully tested and integrated system [that] runs on QAM, IP and Hybrid devices"--was originated by Comcast, but has since been embraced by Time Warner Cable and is attracting the interest of many other MSO's that are seeking to implement a cross-platform UI/UX that can be quickly brought to market. Issues to be addressed include: What exactly is the RDK and what is its significance? Why was it developed? How exactly does it work? Why is it generating so much interest? What are the advantages and risks/challenges for MSO's that adopt the RDK? And how will it be adapted/implemented in Europe and other global markets?"

Participating in the session were:
Leslie Ellis, Principal, Translation Please/Columnist, Multichannel News (Moderator)Mike Hayashi, EVP of Architecture, Development and Engineering, Time Warner CableSteve Reynolds, SVP of Premises Technology, ComcastMatthew Zelesko, SVP of Technology, Time Warner Cable

"'Watch What Happens Live' and the Next Generation of Embassy Row" at The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of "'Watch What Happens Live' and the Next Generation of Embassy Row," a special presentation at TVOT 2013. The presentation was described in the show brochure as follows:

"Join Michael Davies, President of prominent production company, Embassy Row, and Deirdre Connolly, Executive Producer/Showrunner of Bravo's 'Watch What Happens Live,' as they answer any and all questions about the only live, late-night interactive talk show on television. Additionally, Davies will talk about the future of Embassy Row, including upcoming projects, the importance of the second screen, and how ad integrations are the key to keeping audiences tuned-in and engaged. The session will be moderated by Nick DeMartino, Principal, Nick DeMartino Consulting."

"The DNA of Interactive Video Ads and Why They Are Superior to Linear Ads," at The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of "The DNA of Interactive Video Ads and Why They Are Superior to Linear Ads," a special presentation by Professor Duane Varan at TVOT 2013. The presentation was described in the show brochure as follows:

"At last year's TVOT, Dr. Duane Varan demonstrated how interactive video ads are superior to linear ads. This year, he takes us on a deeper dive, exploring the range of factors explaining such superiority. These include sifting effects (identifying best prospects), cognitive processing effects, haptic effects (the power of touch), choice effects, rehearsal effects (similar to product sampling), and others. By understanding how interactive video really works, advertisers are better able to capitalize on its potential. Dr. Varan is Chief Research Officer of the Disney Media & Advertising Lab in Austin, Texas--a role he holds concurrently with his appointment as Professor and Executive Director of Audience Labs at Murdoch University in Australia."

Discovery's "Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda" at The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of "Live Wire: Buzz-Inducing Multiplatform Live Events," a special presentation by Discovery Communications at TVOT 2013. The presentation was described in the show brochure as follows:

"'Live' is not a new phenomenon but it has become an increasingly important one for broadcast, cable and online networks. In this special presentation, Discovery Communications Digital Media SVP Guhan Selvaretnam will provide a detailed look at how Discovery is seeking to re-invent the live event with engaging multiplatform experiences that complement the linear-TV experience and bring audiences closer than ever to the action--with Discovery Channel's "Skywire Live with Nik Wallenda" (scheduled for Sunday, June 23rd) as a case study. From a 360-degree "high-wire interactive" to a live, six-camera digital experience, Selvaretnam will talk strategy, tactics and results just days after the epic live event."

[itvt] is pleased to present an audio recording of the fireside session at The TV of Tomorrow Show 2013, in which old Eric Free, VP and General Manager of Content and Services at Intel Media--in conversation with Ashley Swartz, Principal of Furious Minds--discussed his company's plans to launch a "virtual MSO" service.

Interview: Longtime Interactive-TV Industry Figure, John Gilles, on his New Role at Interactive Agency, Code and Theory

High-profile interactive-TV industry figure, JOHN GILLES (his resume includes stints at A Different Engine, Method, G4 and TechTV), recently joined interactive agency, Code and Theory, as director of new media. In this recorded interview with [itvt]'s editor-in-chief, Tracy Swedlow, Gilles discusses his new role, shares his thoughts on multiplatform interactive design, and more.

Interview: Civolution CEO, Alex Terpstra, on Bringing the Second Screen to the Big Screen

Automatic content recognition (ACR) technology provider, Civolution, has partnered with film company, 2CFILM, and app developer, Service2Media, on "App," the first-ever movie to feature a synchronized second-screen app for use in the movie theater. The second-screen experience is not simply an enhancement to the movie--which according to 2CFILM's promotional materials, centers on an "app that becomes an autonomous force"--but functions as an integral part of it.

In this recorded interview with [itvt]'s Tracy Swedlow, Civolution CEO Alex Terpstra, discusses his company's work on "App," as well as the broader significance of the project for both the big screen and the second screen.