JACKSON HOLE ‘DIGITAL SYNTHESIS’ ANNOUNCES ITS RETURN TO SANTA BARBARA FOR 2004 TECH SYMPOSIUM

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival returns to Santa Barbara, California for its biennial Tech Symposium, DIGITAL SYNTHESIS, 2004. Slated for September 30-October 2, the three-day event is targeted specifically for media professionals interested in exploring the economic, logistical and creative dimensions of technological advances in the industry. Described by Festival Executive Director, Lisa Samford, as “a rich opportunity for independent filmmakers to have access to the latest--often prototype--technology available to create and distribute programs,” the Symposium features renowned industry experts and tech pioneers in a series of in-depth panels and roundtable discussions. The event was specifically created to be a retreat noted for extensive opportunities for casual networking and informal discussions.

The event marks the first collaboration between the JHWFF and the International Documentary Association. According to IDA Executive Director, Sandra Ruch, “It is a wonderful partnership of effort that will extend the reach and scope of our efforts to embrace the genre and raise public awareness and appreciation of nonfiction filmmaking.”

The focus of this year's tech event will be the rapidly expanding boundaries of digital technology in production, post production and distribution. Examining topics ranging from the complex issues of format origination and conversion to synthetic imaging, digital intermediate, digital cinema, distribution alternatives and High Definition-3D, the Symposium will offer hands-on opportunities with the latest prototypes of digital and high definition equipment.

This year the Festival will also join the Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History to premiere its Best of Festival Tour—a series of screenings and conversations with filmmakers and scientists. This exciting collaboration will be presented to the Santa Barbara community September 30-October 3 at the Museum with several programs specifically for children. “Film is a powerful educational medium,” stated Museum Executive Director, Dr. Karl Hutterer. “The Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History is delighted to partner with the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival in advancing our shared mission of education and environmental stewardship.”

Festival Board member, Kathy Wolfe, owner of Santa Barbara-based Lobo Media Productions agrees. “As a long-time resident and business owner, I am delighted that the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival has chosen Santa Barbara. Our communities share a commitment to understand and preserve wildlife and the natural habitats of the world. Bringing these dynamic films to Santa Barbara will create an exciting opportunity for everyone.”

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is a non-profit organization whose primary mission is, “To encourage the production of natural history programming around the world by providing nonfiction filmmakers and broadcasters with an international film forum to conduct business, test new equipment, refine program production techniques and continue to seek new and more effective ways to promote awareness and sensitivity to wildlife and wildlife habitats.”


Hosting an annual event each fall, the organization brings broadcasters, filmmakers, and other industry professionals together with scientists, journalists and conservationists in a beautiful and informal setting to explore new technologies and emerging market opportunities, and exchange ideas. The Symposium focuses on practical and tangible demonstrations of the most exciting technologies and market opportunities through immersive involvement in seminars, panel discussions, and meaningful hands-on experience.

The Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival is sponsored by 20 global organizations. They range from major broadcasting corporations and production companies to post-production houses and conservation organizations. Its board of directors includes: American Geological Institute, Animal Planet, BBC Natural History Unit, Discovery Channel, Dolby Laboratories, Eastman Kodak Company, Fujinon, Granada Wild, LaserPacific Media Corporation, Lobo Media Productions, National Geographic Television, National Wildlife Federation, Natural History New Zealand, Nature/WNET, NHK/Japanese Broadcasting, ORF/Austrian Television, Panasonic Broadcast and Television Systems, Sony Electronics, Turner Foundation, and Writer’s Guild of America, west.