Glenn Wilkinson of Reactive Vision attended SPAA, in Sydney 13-16 November

Thank you Screen Queensland for assisting with my participation at the 2011 SPAA Conference. I felt the overall conference was of a high standard this year, the social events and locations were an improvement on previous years.  The balance of seminar sessions across 360, Television, Feature and Kids provided useful information for development of projects moving forward into 2012. A wide range of local and international guests across a broad range of subjects provided interesting seminar and keynote addresses. 

The smartphone app was a new feature, potentially a useful tool although some fine tuning is still required.  The conference session recordings have improved turnaround time, ideal catch up method for missed sessions due to clashes or prior meeting engagements.  As always the opportunity to network and renew acquaintances helps maintain a visible presence in a market dominated by our southern counterparts. 

Market Trends

A strong focus on distribution and monetisation across digital devices and screen platforms.  Particularly interesting to note the increased presence of You Tube, Google, Optus and Telstra execs this year.  Whether its watching catch-up TV on your tablet or streaming content on your smartphone, there’s no doubt the future is digital and the future is now. Online and mobile communications providers are taking content seriously and encouraging producers to provide quality content to attract audiences across social and mobile networks.  The issue of rights management, licencing and monetisation are still problematic and certainly in the commercial sector there are none to minimal funds available to commission specifically for these platforms.  The broadcaster & funding body model continues to be the key driver in the creation and production of content.

Benefits

There are a lot of benefits to attending SPAA.  Prospect of meeting with the key decision makers of major broadcasters.  Opportunity to socialise with fellow producers and broadcasters at social events and lunches.  Developing relationships that can be followed up.  Consistency in the market where broadcasters see you each year.  Access to seminars providing up to date industry knowledge.