Truemors
SXSW 2008 Interactive
Austin, Texas -- NowPublic is on the ground here in Austin, Texas for the annual digerati, film, and music festival blowout that is SXSW. We'll be posting stories, photos, and video of all the Interactive action as it happens from March 7-11.
LIVEBLOG
12:39pm - Wi-fi connection permitting, I will be liveblogging today's keynote with PostSecret founder Frank Warren at 2:00pm CST. Can it possibly top yesterday's Zuckerberg/Lacy debacle? Tune in to find out!
Below is my liveblog of this morning's "BLAME CANADA" panel:
11:05am - Panel wraps up. Moderator Kris Krug (RainCity) thanks the panelists: Fady Atallah (BlueSponge), Steve Bocska (Cambrian House), Jennifer Ouano (Elastic Entertainment), Ron Thiele (Xpan Interactive).
11:00am - Audience member: The SR&ED (Scientific Research and Experimental Development) program is a great alternative to granting agencies (such as Telefilm) it can subsidize the establishment of research and development centres in Canada, as was done with Microsoft, and it offers a great way to promote the establishment of research related jobs in Canada.
10:56am - Audience member: Problem with pitching projects to federal funding agencies where the requirement is to produce Canadian-specific content.
Panel: Yes, there are inefficiencies with federal funding institutions; question becomes whether or not you are trying to build a global business or sustain a lifestyle -- and Canada allows for both.
10:55am - Audience Q: Is Canada a place that Americans can go to start working? Is it a viable place to start a new business?
A: Panel's perspective -- yes, it is totally viable. (Audience agrees.)
10:53am - CFC Media Lab representative suggests a move toward a 'seed financing' model that promotes businesses intend to bring projects and products to market.
10:45am - Audience Q: Should we rely on grant programs, especially when the programs that are funded aren't obligated to bring a project to market?
A: There is often inequitable distribution of federal funds to projects that fulfill grant program requirements but in the private market, simply wouldn't be able to compete.
10:41am - Audience Q&A: We (Canada) have inferiority complex, but where are the real successes, the "home runs"? We look outside for validation because as a market there isn't much opportunity for growth. How do we inspire our own? And do we need to look outside of Canada for validation?
10:30am - Graduates from college, university and digital media training programs across Canada such as Canadian Film Centre Digital Media Lab, Banff New Media Centre, Emily Carr Institute, Vancouver Film School, are bringing many new and talented people into the industry.
Market and industry in Canada is growing rapidly, but there is a lack of infrastructure; the demand is very high but the supply is not at the level that it could and should be. There is enough business out there, but it's difficult to find the right people for your business. A large industry challenge. Skill shortage. Many digital media workers have gone into the gaming industry, some have crossed the border down south to work in the U.S.
10:15am - Government funding through programs like Telefilm and Bell New Media Fund has allowed financial support to be provided for new media and interactive projects to promote innovation. There are many bureaucratic hurdles to overcome, but there is a lot of money available. Unfortunately, the timeframe for funding projects is often at odds with the pace of the digital media industry.
10:00am - Blame Canada!
My countrymen and countrywomen, I'm here in solidarity with my Canadian compatriots at the "Blame Canada" panel, where discussion is underway about the ways in which America's 'little brother north of the border' is finding its feet in the digital media industry and creating opportunities for innovation.
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