AFI, BBC and BAFTA launch Interaction '03

In an effort to stimulate trans-Atlantic dialogue among interactive television producers, the American Film Institute (AFI), BBC Training and Development and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) are teaming up to launch 'Interaction '03: A Transatlantic Producers' Forum' on April 1 at BAFTA's London headquarters in Piccadilly.
The goal of Interaction '03 is to encourage interactive television producers from both sides of the Atlantic to exchange insights into the achievements and challenges of creating in this relatively new medium. The event is timed to follow the annual MIP-TV and MILIA trade shows a week earlier in Cannes.
Producers from public service and commercial television in the UK and North America have been invited to lead discussions focused on particular program types and methods.
Nick DeMartino, AFI Associate Director, and founder of the AFI's Enhanced Television Workshop, said: "The AFI have featured pioneering producers from around the world in our annual overview of the interactive television field in Los Angeles for many years. "We wanted to heighten the learning curve, and encourage the leaders in America to recognize that interactive TV is not a distant future medium, but a lively contemporary production experience in millions of UK homes and hundreds of editing suites in Great Britain."
Frank Boyd of BBC Training and Development, who was a founding member of BAFTA's interactive entertainment committee, added: "Interactive TV is transforming the way BBC and other UK production organisations are dealing with all types of programming.
"As our country makes this historic transition, we can only benefit by seeing examples from our American cousins. We are very pleased that the AFI is so eager to help bridge the gap that still exists in the worldwide television marketplace when it comes to interactivity."
Tickets are £15 to BAFTA Members and £30 to all others, including coffee breaks, lunch, and a drinks reception.
Registration enquires should be directed to Amy Minyard on +44 207 292 5802.
(GB)