I went to a couple of conferences today. I am interested in learning how the gaming world sees itself as a distributor of all digital content--films, music, games, internet. Others disagree, but I do see a blur between Big Blockbuster films and Big Blockbuster video games. They both are trying to make the entertainment experience they're offering as life-like as possible by going 3D to attract the consumer. I see filmmakers having to tell full length stories in digital puzzle pieces that can only be viewed in a multi-platform, multi-tasking environment. I see video game creators finding more and more ways to give their avatars more depth and emotional range so the player really feels something from the experience. Yes, there is going to be a total blur--it will be hard to distinguish between the two. This is going to happen even though many filmmakers and many video game creators hate to hear that. I see this as an opportunity for the independent filmmaker and the independent video game creator to work together to get their work out there and to help guide this brave new world from the grassroots people level. Anyhow, this is why I go to all these conventions, in order to network with fellow independents.

Conference W5/The Rise of Mobile Entertainment: Upcoming trends and new opportunities in mobile games, music and TV. This conference wasn't about any of that. It basically was big wigs in the gaming business enjoying listening to themselves talk while saying stuff I already know. I saw no difference between their arrogance and Big Hollywood arrogance. I wasn't feeling good; I have a massive sunburn on my bald head and am mentally somewhat wobbily...so I don't like to speak because it usually comes out goofy. But, I got up to ask a question about this blur anyway and might it lead to alternative distribution for the independent artist working in both forms of this digital media. I was basically told to talk to Bill Gates or Sony. Figures. The one good thing that came out of this conference was a young independent video game programmer named Jeep Barnett came up to me to tell me about a company called Valve that has a web portal called STEAM that streams independent video games and are currently starting to offer independent films as well. Obviously, the independents truly do stick together and want to talk.

Conference W4/ From Sputnik to Spore:Will Wright's new way of game creation. Listening to Mr. Wright talk about his game creations and what he puts into it was truly inspirational. He clearly is a genius and an artist in the gaming world. He realizes that he has effected generations of our youth and he takes that very seriously. Can his games make people feel, think, dream and at what resolution? Very interesting terms. He already sees a blur between daily life and video games, so he wants his games to help keep our imagination active and alive, not controlled and subdued.

Tomorrow, I wil be going to Conference 3.3/Entertainment Business Summit: where the increased integration of music, film, TV is headed. I guess I am not the only one who see's this blur.