Screen Digest, the organiser of the annual PEVE Digital Entertainment conference in Paris (12-13 March 2009), has announced that Paramount's Kelley Avery will give the opening keynote address, and that Universal Pictures' Eddie Cunningham and Disney's Edward Catchpole have also confirmed their participation as keynote speakers.

A 23-year industry veteran, Kelley Avery, President, Paramount Worldwide Home Entertainmentis responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of all home entertainment content released by Paramount or Pictures Corporation and its subsidiaries and distribution partners.

Previously Worldwide Head of DreamWorks Home Entertainment, Avery was appointed to her current position following Paramount's $1.6bn acquisition of DreamWorks in late 2006. Since then, Paramount Home Entertainment has expanded steadily, increasing its US market share and in 2007 generating over $4.5bn in worldwide consumer spending for the first time.

Eddie Cunningham, President, Universal Pictures International Entertainment, is responsible for spearheading international business growth opportunities for Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE). He oversees international sales, distribution and marketing for all home entertainment titles under the Universal banner.

He manages UPIE's home entertainment acquisitions, legal and business affairs, as well as commercial development and strategic planning on an international basis and has direct operational responsibility for all international home entertainment including Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia.

Edward Catchpole is senior vice president, Toys & Electronics for Disney Consumer Products (DCP) Europe. In this role, Catchpole is responsible for the European toy business, from developing the strategies to executing them in market. This covers everything from product innovation and development, to key licensee and retailer relationships.

Since joining The Walt Disney Company in April 2000, Catchpole has implemented new business models such as the Disney Direct programme, which radically re-launched Disney's plush business in Europe. This programme moved from a classical licensing model to a hybrid vertical model which involved having product designed, developed and sourced in-house with distributors delivering it to market. He has also developed new franchise opportunities, such as Disney Heroes and Disney Racing while returning the core toy business to double digit growth year on year.

The two-day programme for Screen Digest PEVE Digital Entertainment 2009 will address the key issues facing today's home entertainment sector, including: Blu-ray Disc, Digital Copy, Flash – the future of packaged media; Emerging business models in digital distribution; The evolution of the home entertainment supply chain; Bringing 3D content to the home; The changing face of movie consumption; and much more.

Story filed 26.10.08