Previously UK Chapter members of the DVD Association based in the US, industry participants on this side of the Pond have decided to cut the umbilical cord and launch a new group – DVD Europe – to reflect more closely the preoccupations and interests of the European industry professionals active in DVD, next-generation formats and associated fields.
“We have opted to be independent of the DVDA in America,” says Toby Alington, DVD Europe Chairman and MD of authoring and production house Richmond Studios. “We have sought feedback from our members and many executives from the various sectors of the packaged media. A European trade association which includes clients and suppliers of the authoring business, and one which encourages communication between us all here, is what was most needed.”

“Even under the energetic leadership of their newly-elected president, it is clear that the DVDA in America is not as well placed to manage our requirements here as an independent association,” Alington adds. "It also means that the entirety of membership fees and sponsorship revenues will be ploughed back into activities relevant to European professional."

In a nutshell, London-based DVD Europe wants to be a community for those involved in the industry, an information resource, an organiser of educational events and seminars as well as awards events. "We have great plans, a lot of support from the industry, and an enthusiastic and dedicated committee to achieve our goals which are centered around improving and maintaining communication between us all," says Alington.

This year it has already held well-attended events, bringing in high-caliber speakers like Lesley Johnson, head of production at 2 entertain (publisher of No 1 hi-def DVD Planet Earth), Richard Linecar, head of European operations for Sonic Solutions and, recently, Richard Bullwinkle, Macrovision’s Chief Evangelist.

“The series of events, seminars and presentations planned for the new year will continue to bring members face to face with the cream of the packaged media industry professionals and leaders in upcoming technologies, to hear their thoughts and predictions on the future,” says board member Chris Skarratt, operations director at authoring facilities Petrol Digital. “Not to mention excellent opportunities to network, meet acquaintances, make new friends and indulge in industry news and views.”

Story filed 28.11.07