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Sundance Bound

sundance

I just got to Park City, Utah, for my annual visit (well, this will be my third year here) to the famous film festival that takes place in this lovely mountain resort.

While I like a good movie as much as the next person, I am no film aficionado, nor do I have a screenplay stuffed in a drawer, nor do I hope someday to direct. I do like celebrity sightings, of course.

I am here because the Sundance Film Festival has understood early and often that technology is becoming increasingly important to the future of the film industry.

Because of that, they’ve been expanding additional offerings in the digital arena with panels throughout the festival.

The panel I will moderate is a great one about online video, called “Webolution!–Hollywood Adapts to the Web.” It will take place tomorrow at 12:30 p.m. at the New Frontier on Main here.

Here’s the description:

“The writing is on the wall–the industry must adapt to new media or face extinction. Today’s studios and independents are finally embracing the challenge of porting content and revenue to new distribution strategies. Join Hollywood power brokers and new media superstars to discuss their strategies for the Web.”

The panelists include Ted Sarandos (Netflix), Dmitry Shapiro (founder and CEO of Veoh.com), Dan Glickman (MPAA), Jason Kilar (CEO of Hulu.com), Mike Volpi (CEO of Joost.com), Erik Flanagan (EVP Digital Media MTV Networks/Comedy Central/South Park Studios) and tech strategy adviser Phil Lelyveld.

Videos, of course, to come, along with visits with various tech players here, who are increasing in number annually. And, maybe, a Hollywood celeb or two.

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  • Moderating a Sundance panel, eh. Not a bad gig you got there. Too bad it's not being streamed live (and no Scoble running around with his Nokia streaming it on his Qik channel). However, I can't imagine that you don't have your Flip with you, so I'll look forward to seeing some interesting video that you'll capture while at Sundance.

    Also, if you get the chance, go see the short Modern Measure, it's playing several times during the festival. I want to see it (among many others), but I'm sadly not at Sundance. According to Indiewire's Michael Tully who has seen it, he says it's a "masterfully executed gem." Enjoy Sundance, and stay warm!
  • M:

    Of course, I have the Flip! Videos TK!

    I am trying to get Sundance to get me a video of the panel I can stream from our site.

    Thanks for the movie tip!
  • Kara!

    I am here at Sundance until Tuesday - not sure when you are leaving. Don't want to post my phone number here but I will leave a note for you late tomorrow morning in your mailbox at the press office/ Marriott. Hope we can see each other!

    Claire Panke
  • Claire!

    Will email you separately!
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About Kara

Kara Swisher started covering digital issues for The Wall Street Journal's San Francisco bureau in 1997 and also wrote the BoomTown column about the sector. With Walt Mossberg, she co-produces and co-hosts D: All Things Digital, a major high-tech and media conference. Read more »

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