DV Expo is the largest event focused exclusively on the needs of creative professionals involved in producing and distributing dynamic visual content for the web. Attendees from over 44 countries have registered to participate in over 110 technical and design sessions. Cutting edge independent filmmakers have kicked off this week long event with the newly added, DV Independent Film Symposium. This event was a winner in my book.

Penelope Spheeris kicked off this event with her keynote "Beyond Hollywood: Independent Storytelling" and spoke about her OZZFest film which should be released early next year. After viewing some of the film's highlights, it will be a "must see" film for you if you like "on the road, in your face", gritty, serious documentary filmmaking. It was shot in both HD (high definition, wide screen) and using DV ( this is a DV event after all) . It's like 60 minutes on steroids!!!

The Best Gear panel discussion was a great real world commentary from people with the vision and moxie to make it happen in the tough, but rapidly growing independent/web world. The most notable film I saw was 405 which included a scene with an American Airlines jet making an emergency landing on the 405 freeway ---on top of an Jeep Cherokee SUV!

Elyse Silverman's beautiful and fluid documentary was shot in DV format but had an impressive "film look" on a large screen. Her approach to pre-production and her use of cost effective production equipment and people was very noteworthy. Her approach to pre-production and her use of cost effective post-production equipment and people was very noteworthy.

Adam Wilt and John Jackman chaired an informative and entertaining session on "Film Style Production with Digital Video" which was most informative. By using a Siskel and Ebert approach, with a PBS Car Guys flair, they presented a vast amount of technical insights and information in a short period of time with high style. Good job!

Now for the gear.

Video Gear

Copyright © 2000 Jim Bennett All rights reserved.