This year’s HD EXPO, themed “Delivering the Future,” was held March 6 at the Beverly Hilton Hotel in Beverly Hills, Calif. Industry leaders flocked to the Expo to showcase and discuss the many innovative products that are significantly increasing the pace of production these days. This was the place to learn, ask questions, and even try a little speed dating.
If you attended the event, it probably didn’t take long to realize that high-definition technology is quickly evolving. Nowhere was this more evident, than by the cutting-edge technology showcased by industry giants, such as Digital Vision, Sony and Panasonic.

Kristin Petrovich, CEO and founder of HD EXPO, says that “The attendance of the March HD EXPO grew by 10 percent. Attendees at HD EXPO are a creative, diverse, and professional group. Almost all of our attendees fall evenly into categories of cinematographers, producers, studio executives, editors, visual effects pros, and filmmakers.” Petrovich adds, “Our attendees get the benefit of interacting with true visionaries and experts, who address critically important topics. Our experts also engage attendees in thought-provoking and informative conversations.”

Wafian Corporations VP of operations Xavier de Anda notes, “The HD EXPO was full of positive energy…both exhibitors and attendees seemed to be eager to move forward after the strike.” Anda was there promoting “HD recorders that empower production and postproduction professionals.” Both of his company’s field recorders ─ the Wafian HR-F1 and the HR-2 (4:4:4 recorder) ─ were both being showcased. He adds, “People understand the benefits of tapeless acquisition; we have since engaged with a variety of consumers who are eager to adopt the new workflow.”

Leader of the rebellions, Ted Schilowitz, sent shock waves through the event with his RED ONE Camera. In a panel titled, “The Dynamic Case Study: From Production to Post with RED in the Real World,” Schilowitz, along with Michael Cioni (PlasterCITY), Joseph Toman (Disarm Films), and Cinematographer Bengt Jonsson, led an in-depth discussion that highlighted the tools filmmakers are taking in a whole new direction with shooting and editing. When it comes to shooting shorts, commercials, and episodics with the RED ONE camera and Final Cut Studio, anything is possible.

During a panel titled, “Does Technology Define the Audience or Does the Audience Define the Technology?” Intel director of Domestic Designs and Technologies Research Françoise Bourdonnec engaged in an in-depth conversation with Variety’s associate editor, David S. Cohen, about who the entertainment community must reach. Petrovich notes, “Intel’s efforts to understand the end users of technology are pioneering a new understanding of how and why people around the world are consuming every kind of media. Participation in the creative process and the enabling technology demands an understanding of the audiences.”

The event’s main attraction, “Speed Dating with Industry Experts,” gave over 500 attendees the opportunity to speak face-to-face with technology/entertainment industry professionals. Participants were chosen through a lottery and were given five minutes with each expert until signaled to rotate. Dating experts included Bill Missett, senior editor for Laser Pacific Media; Cory-McCrum Abdo, postproduction supervisor (Finding Neverland, Bad Santa, Stranger Than Fiction); Jim Matlosz, director of photography; and Alan Silvers, director of business development for Lowry Digital Images.

This year, HD EXPO brought the future of technology to life, as exhibitors and attendees mingled and exchanged knowledge of the rapidly changing industry. Not only was this a preview of up-and-coming innovations, it was also a quick look at what may be in store for NAB.