Professional Development Sessions
The National STEM Gaming Network: Esports Takes Over the Big Screen
Session Organizer: Riley Blatt, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
Presenters:
- Ted Black, Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts
- Sari Custer, Arizona Science Center
- Chris Demko, Science Museum of Minnesota
- Dave Gioia, Saint Louis Science Center
The explosive popularity of "esports'' and video games presents a fantastic opportunity for science and technology centers to engage the K-12 audience and offer unique educational opportunities. Embedded in every video game are rich elements of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. With our combined technology, alignment of our educational missions, and assets such as giant screen digital cinemas, science and technology centers are excellent venues to host educational and entertaining programs based around gaming. From matches and tournaments, to watch parties and livestream viewing events, giant screens are an impressive venue for live gaming and an excellent option for events.
Click here to view the session (conference password required)
Click here for answers to questions that were asked during the online Q&A portion of the session
Theater and Filmmaking Insights: Sharing for Success
Session Organizer: Diane Carlson, Giant Screen Cinema Consulting
Moderator: Ryan Holota, Saskatchewan Science Centre
Presenters:
- Thom Benson, VP Chief Communications & Marketing Officer, Tennessee Aquarium
- Neale Johantgen, Theater Manager, IMAX Theater at the Indiana State Museum
- Derek Lemons, Deputy Director of Operations, Bullock Texas State History Museum
- Richard Morrison, IMAX General Manager, Museums Victoria Melbourne
- Susan Todd, Producer, Archipelago Films
- Jonathan Williams, Commercial Director, BBC Earth & Executive Producer, BBC Earth Giant Screen Films
Previously titled “Giant Screen 101,” this session is more than just a first-timer’s introduction to the giant screen industry. Seasoned veterans and newcomers alike will take away new ideas and contacts from this highly engaging and informative session. Meet other attendees in an environment that encourages questions and the exchange of information.
The session includes post-COVID success stories, how to program feature films and documentaries, and how to make giant screen theaters stand out from the competition.
Filmmakers share insights on the challenges of making films for the giant screen as well as the wonderful creative opportunities provided by working on a giant canvas.
Click here for the session introduction by Diane Carlson and Ryan Holota (conference password required)
Click here for Thom Benson's presentation (conference password required)
Click here for Neale Johantgen's presentation (conference password required)
Click here for Derek Lemons's presentation (conference password required)
Click here for Richard Morrison's presentation (conference password required)
Click here for Susan Todd's presentation (conference password required)
Click here to Jonathan Williams's presentation (conference password required)
Innovations Session
Session Organizers: GSCA Innovations Committee Co-Chairs Christian Fry, CVF Productions, and Michael Daut, Michael Daut Productions/K2 Studios
The GSCA Innovations Committee has organized another fascinating in-theater session on filmmaking for the giant screen—and it’s not just for filmmakers and technical geeks. The Innovations team is exceptional at making the information fascinating and understandable for anyone interested in the giant screen cinema industry. Come find out what goes into filmmaking specifically for the giant screen experience.
Shooting for the Giant Screen
Presenter: Jonathan Bird, Oceanic Research Group
In his characteristically engaging style, filmmaker Jonathan Bird will present a funny and entertaining quick guide to shooting for the giant screen. Jonathan and his team at Oceanic Research Group will produce a mini giant screen film covering everything from shot composition to motion to editing. He'll show how giant screen film production differs from other formats and what filmmakers need to consider to ensure a successful film full of giant screen "wow" moments.
Click here for Jonathan Bird's presentation (conference password required)
This Might Get Loud
Presenter: Tim Archer, Masters Digital
"Sound is 50 percent of the movie going experience," says George Lucas, "and I've always believed audiences are moved and excited by what they hear in my movies at least as much as by what they see.” You will hear why in the session "This Might Get Loud." Award-winning sound designer Tim Archer will introduce new and upcoming location audio recording gear and techniques, with an emphasis on recording extremely loud sounds using high SPL (sound pressure level) microphones and 32-bit float recorders. Experience a high SPL recording of jet engines and other audio highlights on the Tennessee Aquarium’s IMAX sound system and find out how to capture them in the field.
Click here to view Tim Archer's presentation (conference password required)
Drones and Helicopters: Only the Best Tool Will Fly! Part 3
Presenters: Phil Streather, Principal Large Format; Michael Daut, Michael Daut Productions
We go in person on the giant screen and look at footage taken from a variety of drones, cameras, and helicopters. We will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each category of aerial cinematography gear and identify ideal use cases for each type of rig. With this information you will have a better understanding of which tool to fly that will give you the best results for the type of shot you are planning to capture. This is an update of the "Drones and Helicopters: Only the Best Tool Will Fly Part 2" session from the GSCA Film Expo held in Los Angeles this March.
Click here to view the session presentation (conference password required)
Filling the Gap Between Helicopters and Satellites
Presenter: Peter Degerfeldt, Blue Sky
The advancement of new stabilized gimbal systems has opened a new level of aerial filming, from heights up to 50,000 feet and speeds of 500 mph. Aerial DP Peter Degerfeldt will showcase some examples of how this is possible and what benefits a production can have using this unique tool. Buckle up, there will some G forces!
Click here to view Peter Degerfeldt's presentation (conference password required)