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ESCA – In The News!

An incredible two days – packed with relevant information and attended by the who’s who in home entertainment – ESCA was a huge success! Over 330 people came to the event and feedback has been overwhelmingly positive about the conference program, the venue, and kudos to both DEG and MESA who co-produced the event.

Here are some of the highlights that hit the trades (many thanks to our media partner’s Video Business on their comprehensive coverage). A recap with some bonus materials from the conference will be posted to the ESCA website soon!

Guy Finley, Program Manager, ESCA

ESCA: Home entertainment industry turning deeper green

Date: Jun 24, 2009 | Author: By Marcy Magiera

ESCA: Home entertainment industry turning deeper green PHYSICAL: Speakers update…goal of 5% to 10% further reduction. In a Wednesday morning session at ESCA, task force representatives recapped a series of sustainability achievements…

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6667319.html

ESCA: Blu-ray will be 50% of market by 2012

Date: Jun 24, 2009 | Author: By Susanne Ault

ESCA: Blu-ray will be 50% of market by 2012 PHYSICAL: Futuresource predicts…visited Sony’s [BD Live Web] portal,” Garvin said during a Tuesday ESCA session moderated by Video Business’ Marcy Magiera. “That’s very, very encouraging…

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6667297.html

ESCA: Packaged media superior to electronic

Date: Jun 23, 2009 | Author: By Susanne Ault

ESCA: Packaged media superior to electronic PHYSICAL: Panel says compatibility…Art Hair, chief technology officer at Walt Disney Studios, said during the ESCA session moderated by Variety’s David Cohen. “And we improved its portability…

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6667060.html

ESCA: 3D will take longer to arrive in homes

Date: Jun 24, 2009 | Author: By Susanne Ault

ESCA: 3D will take longer to arrive in homes PHYSICAL: Panelists say lack of technology, standards, will slow releases By Susanne…

ESCA: Blu-ray is the Future

Blu-ray.com: June 24, 2009 by Josh Dreuth

At the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy Conference yesterday, many industry representatives openly commented on the current state of Blu-ray, almost unilaterally agreeing that Blu-ray is still the future of home entertainment.

http://www.videobusiness.com/article/CA6667307.html

For Most at ESCA the Future is Blu

Home Media Magazine: June 23, 2009 by Chris Tribbey

ESCA: Most of the speakers at the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy Conference June 23 were upbeat about Blu-ray Disc.

http://www.homemediamagazine.com/blu-ray-disc/-most-esca-future-blu-16159

MESA News – Jun. 26

Studios/Suppliers

E1 expands into higher-profile titles
By Susanne Ault – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | PHYSICAL: TV series Sanctuary, The Bridge on upcoming slate More

Michael Jackson dies at 50
By Pat Saperstein of Variety – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM VARIETY: King of Pop suffered heart attack in Los Angeles More

Farrah Fawcett dies at 62
By Rick Kissell of Variety – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM VARIETY: Actress fought lengthy battle with cancer More

Transformers has $55 million day
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM VARIETY: Sequel breaks Wednesday opening record More

ESCA: Home entertainment industry turning deeper green
By Marcy Magiera – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | PHYSICAL: Speakers update progress on sustainability More

Maya ups Escobedo
By Justin Kroll of Variety – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | FROM VARIETY: Exec promoted to sales VP in home entertainment unit More

Proposal finds love at the box office
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Sandra Bullock comedy tops weekend More

Retail 

By Susanne Ault – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | PHYSICAL: ‘Independent Product Market’ will involve retailers and indie labels More

EMA replaces Expo with smaller meetings

Dunn succeeds Anderson at Best Buy
By Alan Wolf of TWICE – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM TWICE: Says retailer will ‘embrace challenge and change’ More

 

ESCA: Packaged media superior to electronic
By Susanne Ault – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | PHYSICAL: Panel says compatibility, storage hampers consumer adoption of downloads More

Indie titles streamlined for Best Buy
By Susanne Ault – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | PHYSICAL: First Look, Sony DADC start joint manufacturing/ distribution venture More

EMA absorbs small retailer group
By Susanne Ault – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | PHYSICAL: iDEA reorganized as advisory council to larger group More

DVD, games to benefit from anti-theft technology
By Danny King – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | PHYSICAL: Increased sales, cost savings predicted to yield almost $7 billion More

Mobile ad revenue to jump sevenfold by 2013
By Danny King – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | MOBILE: Smart phones, applications fuel growth, report says More

Wal-Mart’s Severson talks CE at CEO summit
By Steve Smith of TWICE – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | FROM TWICE: Advises suppliers to ‘have a great idea and a great product’ More

High-Def

By Susanne Ault – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | PHYSICAL: Futuresource predicts software sales to grow with set-top price drops More

ESCA: Blu-ray will be 50% of market by 2012

Watchmen BD Live screening set for Comic-Con
By Susanne Ault – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | PHYSICAL: Fans will be able to interact with director Zack Snyder More

Willy Wonka joins Warner’s Blu-ray Book line
By Samantha Clark – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | PHYSICAL: Classic movie to be released Oct. 20 More

Vizio to expand LED TV, Blu-ray models
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | FROM TWICE: New BD player to be Walmart exlusive priced at $188 More

Braveheart, Gladiator launch Blu-ray line for Paramount
By Susanne Ault – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | PHYSICAL: First two arrive Sept. 1, Forrest Gump Nov. 3 More

TechnologyRoad Truckers drive to iPhone
By Jon Weisman of Variety – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | FROM VARIETY: History Channel show to get Apple app More

 

Studios file new complaint against RealNetworks
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | PHYSICAL: Claims the RealDVD maker lied about circumventing copy protection More

RealNetworks’ shows new PC app
By TWICE staff – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | FROM TWICE: Will simplify video transfers to portable devices More

 

National Geo launches its first 3D disc
By Susanne Ault – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | PHYSICAL: Sea Monsters to come with anaglyph glasses More

IPhone 3GS sells 1 million in first three days
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | MOBILE: Apple also reprices older version of mobile to $99 More

Mobile ad revenue to jump sevenfold by 2013
By Danny King – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | MOBILE: Smart phones, applications fuel growth, report says More

3D consortiums team up
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | FROM TWICE: Will set standards for home systems More

VOD/Downloads

Sonic, Zip.ca join for Canadian download service
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | DIGITAL: Movies, TV shows to be available online and through electronics devices More

Interest groups blast TV Everywhere plans
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | FROM MCN: Public Knowledge calls for government scrutiny of Comcast, Time Warner trial More

Nets jump into Comcast’s online VOD trial
By Todd Spangler of Multichannel News – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | FROM MCN: Scripps, Rainbow, AETN and Comcast Networks to be part of test More

Gigantic Group bringing films online
By Dave McNary of Variety – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM VARIETY: Indie studio to launch new service Aug. 26 More

Amreeka profits from VOD release
By Elsa Keslassy of Variety – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | FROM VARIETY: French exhibitors move to tighten windows More

Netflix gives queue dates for digital titles
By Danny King – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | DIGITAL: ‘Instant’ column indicates streaming availability More

Time Warner, Comcast start TV Everywhere trial
By Claire Atkinson of Broadcasting & Cable – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | FROM B&C: Turner shows will move online More

Web series expands beyond Lexus promotion
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | DIGITAL: Web Therapy to be broadcast on Hulu, YouTube, iTunes More

Labels aim to profit on music videos online
By Steve Chagollan and Marc Graser of Variety – 06/22/2009
JUNE 22 | FROM VARIETY: Majors band with YouTube to push content More

Videogames

Games to drive home ent. growth through 2013
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/26/2009
JUNE 26 | PHYSICAL: PWC: Packaged video sales will dip before rebounding; rentals steady More

Wii to offer movie downloads in Japan
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/25/2009
JUNE 25 | DIGITAL: Paramount signs on to Sonic Solutions, Nintendo partnership More

Families to spend more on videogames
By Danny King – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | PHYSICAL: GameSpot: Poll says trips to movie theaters will be reduced More

THQ to focus on making ‘core games’
By Marc Graser of Variety – 06/24/2009
JUNE 24 | FROM VARIETY: Publisher taps Danny Bilson to develop titles More

Best Buy tests E-Play game kiosks
By Danny King – 06/23/2009
JUNE 23 | PHYSICAL: Several Texas stores allow game trade-ins, DVD rentals More

MESA News – Jun. 19

Studios/Suppliers

Warner catalog sales rise on TCM partnership
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | PHYSICAL: Classic Films Collections see double-digit sales growth More

Discovery titles going to Gaiam
By Cindy Spielvogel – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: Deal includes TLC, Discovery Channel, Animal Planet titles More

Hangover hangs on to top of box office
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: WB comedy nabs No. 1 spot for second week More

Retail

 

DVD still popular with certain female groups
By Susanne Ault – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | PHYSICAL: Study shows Hispanic, African American women buying discs More

Warner gives Torino, Into You quick discount
By Susanne Ault – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | PHYSICAL: $5 rebate offered to Target, Best Buy a week after street More

Netflix upgraded to ‘buy’ by Wedbush Morgan
By Danny King – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | PHYSICAL: Analyst cites streaming investment, price plunge More

Rentrak taps Bill Livek as CEO
By Danny King – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | DIGITAL: Former Experian executive replaces Rosenbaum More

Blockbuster launches Summer Escape Pass
By Danny King – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | PHYSICAL: $10 weekly pass good for movies, games More

Best Buy planning radical store remodel: Report
By Alan Wolf of TWICE – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | FROM TWICE: Layout to emphasize services, test new product categories More

Rentrak to measure audiences for three screens
By Danny King – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | DIGITAL: Partnership with Concurrent to provide viewer data for TV, PCs, mobile phones More

Best Buy same-store sales down in fiscal Q1
By Danny King – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | PHYSICAL: Chain gained market share from Circuit City closure More

Summit positions Knowing to pull Push
By Susanne Ault – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: July 7 releases will be merchandised, advertised together More

Warner partners with Pizza Patron for promo
By Susanne Ault – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: Mr. Troop Mom celebrated with Campout at Home Online Sweepstakes More

U.K. grocery chain Tesco to try kiosks
By Danny King – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: Startup Movie Booth rental kiosks placed in Ireland stores More

May sales fell 13% for CE/major appliance stores
By Alan Wolf of TWICE – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | FROM TWICE: Outlook dim for Father’s Day More

High-Def

Warner releases more Blu-ray, drops price
By Susanne Ault – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | PHYSICAL: Many catalog titles to carry $28.99 SRP More

Sony to bow BD Live movie database
By Susanne Ault – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | PHYSICAL: Sony Electronics bows Blu-ray laptop at $879 More

Foreign Blu-ray sales up, home video rev dips
By Leo Barraclough of Variety – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | FROM VARIETY: Piracy, prices, online availablity drag down sales More

Barnes & Noble sets Blu-ray bait in Manhattan
By Susanne Ault – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | PHYSICAL: Flagship store includes advanced sampling system More

Technology

3D consortiums team up
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | FROM TWICE: Will set standards for home systems More

Mobile-video sales to jump 17% this year
By Danny King – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | MOBILE: Revenue will grow to $350 million More

Fox, iPhone team on Family Guy app
By Michael Schneider of Variety – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | FROM VARIETY: Fox Mobile Entertainment nabs deal with Apple More

First Look uses TellX for The Code
By Susanne Ault – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: New advertising technology allows for interactive branding More

3D reaches a tipping point in Europe
By John Hopewell of Variety – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | FROM VARIETY: Once-skeptical exhibs and distribs flock to format More

BeeTV attracts $8 million funding
By Nick Vivarelli and John Hopewell of Variety – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | FROM VARIETY: Company to boost international sales drive More

VOD/Downloads

Consumers willing to pay for online content
By Susanne Ault – 06/19/2009
JUNE 19 | DIGITAL: Report: 11% would spend money for movie downloads More

France Telecom-Orange rolls out VOD site
By John Hopewell of Variety – 06/18/2009
JUNE 18 | FROM VARIETY: Video-streamed content offered free-of-charge More

IFC takes VOD high-def
By Thomas Umstead of Multichannel News – 06/17/2009
JUNE 17 | FROM MCN: IFC theaters to launch day-and-date films in HD format More

VOD orders growing, but users still a minority
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | DIGITAL: Rentrak: 13% of households make a paid transaction each month More

Valentine gets 3D treatment on VOD
By Susanne Ault – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | DIGITAL: Comcast slates Jonas Brothers as next offering More

Netflix to add captions to video streams next year
By Danny King – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | DIGITAL: Some customers say timeframe is too long More

ABC series score online audiences
By Cynthia Littleton of Variety – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | FROM VARIETY: Lost, Grey’s Anatomy bring in most views More

Videogames

Game consoles most popular Web-video player
By Danny King – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | DIGITAL: Connected units to doubled by 2013, report says More

Warner Bros. nabs videogame vet
By Marc Graser of Variety – 06/16/2009
JUNE 16 | FROM VARIETY: Russell Arons to oversee Interactive marketing More

Gamers spend most time on Sony’s PS2
By Danny King – 06/15/2009
JUNE 15 | PHYSICAL: Warcraft dominates in monthly minutes played, Nielsen says More

MESA News – Jun. 12

Studios/Suppliers

Online, who owns what?
By William Triplett of Variety – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | FROM VARIETY: Copyright issues addressed at confab More

The Compass sets rental direction
By Susanne Ault – 06/12/2009
JUNE 12 | PHYSICAL: E1 hopes to replicate success of The Secret More

WebConcepts’ P3O helps manage inventory
By Marcy Magiera – 06/12/2009
JUNE 12 | PHYSICAL: New software designed to avoid shipment returns More

Cinram names Steven Brown CEO
By Danny King – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | PHYSICAL: Auto executive will try to reverse replicator’s falling sales More

Film Movement in tune with Drummer
By Dave McNary of Variety – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | FROM VARIETY: Pic set for simultaneous theater, VOD release More

 

SAG approves feature-primetime deal
By Dave McNary of Variety – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | FROM VARIETY: Members vote ‘Yes’ on two-year contract More

Strawberry Shortcake animation turns to computer
By Susanne Ault – 06/08/2009
JUNE 8 | PHYSICAL: Franchise launches new DVD premiere movie Sept. 15 More

Hangover upsets Up
By Pamela McClintock of Variety – 06/08/2009
JUNE 8 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Revised Sunday figures favor Warner Bros. pic More

Retail

No Circuit City stores yet, says Systemax exec
By Alan Wolf of TWICE – 06/12/2009
JUNE 12 | FROM TWICE: Retailer will remain online-only business for now More

Blockbuster fixes shipping delays
By Danny King – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | PHYSICAL: Glitch affected DVD deliveries to online customers More

Redbox to add kiosks in Albertson’s stores
By Danny King – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | PHYSICAL: TNR/MovieCube machines replaced at 116 locations More

NARM: VPD helps music stores diversify
By Susanne Ault – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: ‘Film Day’ retail promotion in the works More

Rentrak fiscal Q4 earnings rise 33%
By Danny King – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | DIGITAL: Growth in audience-measurement business boosts margins More

NARM: Executives discuss pros and cons of digital
By Susanne Ault – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: Music kiosks need to be more user-friendly, says Best Buy More

EMA plans conference, announces award noms
By Cindy Spielvogel – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | DIGITAL: Digital Media Pipeline to be held Sept. 15 More

Global home video spending higher than box-office
By Danny King – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: Opposite is true in U.S. market More

High-Def

Paramount loads Transformers with sequel specials
By Susanne Ault – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | PHYSICAL: DVD, Blu-ray to offer sneak peek at Revenge of the Fallen, other new extras More

NARM: Panel pushes potential of Blu-ray for music
By Susanne Ault – 06/10/2009
JUNE 10 | PHYSICAL: High-def $300-priced Neil Young box set sells out More

Warner to release Wizard of Oz on Blu-ray
By Marcy Magiera – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: 70th anniversary edition streets Sept. 29 More

Disney sees opportunity in Blu-ray growth
By Danny King – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: Studio predicts high-def format sales will rise More

Harman Kardon ships first Blu-ray Disc player
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | FROM TWICE: Model will be priced at $499 More

Technology

Managed copy due next year
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | DIGITAL: Blu-ray buyers get right to make a backup More

French filmmakers embrace 3D
By John Hopewell and Elsa Keslassy – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | FROM VARIETY: European market for stereoscopic pics heats up More

Home 3D wanted by 17% of consumers
By Susanne Ault – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: 24% want movies on VOD simultaneously with DVD/Blu-ray More

iPhone getting movie, TV show downloads
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/08/2009
JUNE 8 | MOBILE: New app launching June 17 More

VOD/Downloads

LG ships first Netflix-ready HDTV sets
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/12/2009
JUNE 12 | FROM TWICE: More coming in the summer More

Osiris sets up movie download service
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | DIGITAL: WebMovieNow to offer independent films More

OnDemand Summit: Plea for ‘collaboration’ on entitlement
By Kent Gibbons of Multichannel News – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | FROM MCN: Web authentication debate circles back to monetizing VOD debate More

OnDemand Summit: Benya says VOD will get Web-like
By Kent Gibbons of Multichannel News – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | FROM MCN: Time Warner Cable exec looks to ‘advanced server side search’ More

Movie streaming site launches in beta
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/08/2009
JUNE 8 | DIGITAL: EpixHD a joint venture of Paramount, Lionsgate, MGM More

Hulu gains audience, loses share
By Danny King – 06/08/2009
JUNE 8 | DIGITAL: Overall video viewing hits record in April, report says More

Videogames

Videogame revenue below $1 billion in May
By Susanne Ault – 06/11/2009
JUNE 11 | PHYSICAL: NPD Group blames tough comparison to last year More

NARM: Video, videogames to grow through 2012
By Susanne Ault – 06/09/2009
JUNE 9 | PHYSICAL: Music will become marginalized, says Futuresource More

Greening Of The Gaming Industry: Where Is The Beef? – Part 3

To see the Part 1 of my blog click here

To see Part 2 of my blog click here

At G3 after the Wal-Mart executive articulated the retailer’s goals for sustainability and the NGO BSR spokesman painted the overall landscape for corporate social responsibility, the publisher Warner Brothers Interactive Entertainment, the Packaging and Media supplier AGI and the Distribution Company Ditan came together to begin a dialog to understand the challenges and explore solutions in a unique environment organized by MESA and EMA.

The video game industry panel consisted of Lisa Lake-Fernandez, National Sales Manager, AGI Polymatrix; John Quinn, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations, Warner Interactive; and, Jeff Leitman, Vice President, Business Development, Ditan Distribution. Moderating the panel was Cody Sisco, Manager, Advisory Services, Business For Social Responsibility (BSR).

 The supply chain was represented by the following enterprises:

AGI Media, a unit of MeadWestVaco’s Consumer Solutions Group, is a global provider of media packaging and services.

Warner bros. Interactive Entertainment over a decade has produced franchises like Harry Potter, The Matrix, Scooby-Doo, The Powerful Girls and Looney Toons to name a few.

Ditan Corporation has been an agile and responsive logistics management solutions provider specializing in Retail Product Lifecycle Management since 1994.

The potential to pluck a low hanging fruit is always a powerful energizer in any formidable pursuit and Darin Dickson provided one very compelling one. Based on video game industry software sales of about 268 million units in 2008, Dickson pointed out that a case weight of 60 grams (under 50 grams for NDS/PSP) or representing an average weight reduction of 5 grams per case, savings in plastics (Polypropylene) would amount to 1,700 Metric Tons per year or the equivalent weight of 316 African elephants. This will generate $3.5 million in material cost reduction and yield additional benefits in transportation cost and carbon footprint reduction.

Lisa Lake-Fernandez mentioned that the focus of AGI Polymatrix is to “achieve 20% reduction in the weight of DVD packaging in a cost-effective and timely manner so that the automated machines at the replicators run seamlessly.” She continued, “We have been named to the Wall Street Sustainability Index for 5 years in arrow and adjudged the best of breed last year. In search of new products we are guided by the realization that heavier is not always better. Polypropylene purchase last year was reduced by 9.2 million pounds, reducing carbon emissions significantly. New controls incorporated in molding machines have reduced energy consumption by nearly 20%. Furthermore, the addition of a natural enzyme has made the plastic packages biodegradable in a landfill where the micro-organisms unlock its activity.” AGI is engaged in studies to utilize PLAs for lower weight packaging but the brittleness of the living hinge poses a serious detriment after 100 uses.

Jeff Leitman stated that Ditan Distribution has three specific goals for the enhancement of sustainability. “Having been a Starbucks supplier has enabled us to adopt corrugation which is 90% recycled for many years. Optimization and standardization of the master carton configuration promises to be a major effort for the company, going from a 12-count to a 30-count”, explained Leitman. Furthermore, “retrofitting automated packaging machines for thinner Amaray cases, proceduralizing lights turn-offs and retrofitting light bulbs with energy-saving ones have yielded significant benefits”, added Leitman.

 John Quinn, a former veteran of the DVD industry, explained how the DVD industry had launched six task forces to address the issues of Metrics, Replication and Distribution, Packaging, Retail POS packaging, Transportation and Education/Communication. Darin Dickson had earlier pointed out that defining the relevant supply chain for the measurement of the carbon footprint was necessary as the DVD industry had done, as defined in Exhibit 1 (Source: Wal-Mart and 20th Century Fox). While the DVD industry excluded film production in their carbon footprint analysis, the video game industry could also exclude game development and production.

 

ESCA – Studio Technology Executives To Huddle on the Future of Hollywood at Industry Conference

Warner, Paramount, Sony, Disney, Fox Panel is an Industry First

In an industry first, senior technology officers and executives from five of the major Hollywood Studios will joining together on a single panel at the Entertainment Supply Chain Academy (ESCA) in Los Angeles, June 23-24.

The session, a roundtable discussion on where Hollywood is going and the economic realities of the industry’s digital transformation, features insights from Darcy Antonellis, President, Warner Bros. Technical Operations; Chris Carey, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Technical Operations, Paramount Pictures; Chris Cookson, President, Sony Pictures Technologies, Sony Pictures Entertainment; Art Hair, Chief Technology Officer, Walt Disney Studios; and Andy Setos, President of Engineering, The Fox Group.

Topics for this esteemed group of technology experts and visionaries will include emerging technologies, outsourcing, windows/release schedules, and future business models for Hollywood service providers. In keeping with this year’s ESCA theme of building new formats, improving product category sustainability, and making the most effective technology decisions on future directions, each of the panelists will address the impact that today’s economic climate will have on their individual studio’s strategies.

Now in its fourth year, ESCA is the only industry conference that’s all about driving profits and building sales.

To register and for full program details visit:
www. entertainmentsupplychain.com

ATTENTION VENDORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS: Take advantage of the 50% early bird discount price on registration before June 12!

ESCA – DEG Operations Committee To Open 2009 Academy

Execs in Charge of Studio Supply Chain To Address Today’s Challenges and Opportunities

A panel discussion sets the stage for this year’s Entertainment Supply Chain Academy by gathering members of the ESCA Advisory Board and DEG Operations Committee to discuss the biggest challenges they’ve already conquered, are addressing now, and will potentially face.

How has the economy changed delivery and returns strategies? What will their supply chain look like in five years? This important session provides a forum for an informative Q&A about collaboration along the entire supply chain for home entertainment.

The session, which will open the conference on the morning of June 23rd at the Luxe Hotel in Los Angels will include the following panelists: Doug Reinart, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations, Paramount Home Entertainment; Aodan Coburn, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Operations, Sony Pictures Home Entertainment; Tom Emrey, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, Universal Studios Home Entertainment; Steve Dahl, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Operations and IT, Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment; and Dan Miron, Executive Vice President, Worldwide Supply Chain Management, Warner Home Video

The session will be moderated by Theodore Garcia, Media & Entertainment Lead, North Highland.

To register and for full program details visit:
www. entertainmentsupplychain.com

ATTENTION VENDORS AND SERVICE PROVIDERS: Take advantage of the 50% early bird discount price on registration before June 12!

Greening Of The Gaming Industry: The NGO Perspective, Part 2

To see the first part of my blog about the Greening of the Gaming Industry click here

Defining the broad issue of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), Cody Sisco, manager of Advisory Services of Business for Social Responsibility (BSR), focused on sustainability in terms of how the video game industry can learn from collaborative endeavors in other industries, such as software, consumer electronics, computers, sporting goods, retail and transportation.

At the G3 Summit, publishers, distribution companies, packaging companies, in store merchandisers, media, management consultants, academia and a retailer received an insight from an NGO as they search for the steps that need to be undertaken to develop sustainability as a core competency.

In the last decade I have noticed the transformation of Non-Government Organizations from waging a war on the profit of motive to one where profit is the driver of broad social objectives. And in case of the emerging business strategy of sustainability, NGOs are playing a very constructive role, such as BSR, Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP), Environmental Defense, National Audubon Society, Sierra Club, The Conservation Fund, to name a few from the hundreds of such pioneering organizations. In addition to be a resource for knowledge and case studies, an NGO has become a catalytic agent for certain global initiatives.

BSR, a leader in corporate responsibility since 1992,works with its global network of more than 250 members to develop sustainable business strategies and solutions through consulting research and cross-sector collaboration. With six offices in Asia, Europe, and North America, BSR leverages its expertise in environment, human rights, economic development, and transparency and accountability to guide global companies toward creating a just and sustainable world.

Sisco minced no words in pointing out that Sustainability is a critical element of the overall Corporate Strategy Responsibility (CSR) of an enterprise. “Environmental management is becoming a business priority”, he stressed, in a world where there is a compelling “need to balance social expectations”. He stressed that anticipating shifting attitudes related to media / content issues (privacy and free expression, protection of minors, diversity, negative / positive impacts of use) are essential. Building a case for sustainability, Sisco impressed on the gathering that “an enterprise has to respond to new regulation, customer requirements and cost pressures”. He further emphasized, “Benefits of employee engagement will promote attracting, retaining and motivating a talented workforce”. The ultimate benefit becomes “brand protection: ensuring responsible marketing practices”, he said.

Presenting a business case for pursuing sustainability in the gaming industry, Sisco analyzed the CR Trends in the Technology Industry, which have enormous implications and are receiving favorable response. Sisco believes, “Convergence in consumer products has increased the need for greater industry and supply chain collaboration and opportunities exist to advance economic development and expansion to new markets.

Intersection between ICT and energy is enabling industry collaboration to understand and reduce climate change impacts and shift from environmental risk to performance and innovation. The growing phenomenon of excess packaging and e-waste is challenging product stewardship, design for environment and raising questions around producer responsibility. Product use & media impacts have been realized to be broad when you consider 1. Risks and opportunities of media issue advocacy, 2. Censorship and/or voluntary content standards, and 3. Safety standards around issues such as driving while texting.”

Sisco suggested that human rights in the supply chain require that we address internal worker issues such as safety & hours/wages, collective bargaining, and child labor, apply lessons learned from other sectors (e.g. retail) and engage with local communities.

He described supply chain collaboration initiatives in several industries in terms of tools, sample participants, impact, electronic tools for Accountable Supply Chains, standardized codes. Highlights of such initiatives are the following:

EICC, Electronic Tool for Accountable Supply Chains has achieved a standardized code and implementation for labor and environment in the electronics supply chain.   EICC companies also participate in Project De-Carbonizing, approaching the supply chain using the Carbon Footprint Tool that has established standardized carbon footprint data for electronics suppliers. Members of this EICC consortium are CISCO, Dell, Flextronics, IBM and Intel.

Clean Cargo, Marketing Group of Nike, Maersk, UPS and Hapag Lloyd has conducted an Environmental Performance Survey and established Standardized environmental performance data for ocean carriers.

Beyond Monitoring, a collaborative group of Nordstrom, Dell, HP, Gap and Wal-Mart, is using the tool of Continuous Improvement Diagnostic to standardize approach to assessing supplier management systems for working conditions and environment.

Project Her, consisting of Nordstrom, Timberland, Columbus and HP is focused on a Training Curriculum and is pursuing establishing a Flexible Project to improve women factory workers’ general and reproductive health with demonstrated ROI.

Here are the questions Sisco challenged us all to answer:

1. What are the most important sustainability issues for your company? Why?

2. What are your plans to become more energy efficient / “low carbon”?

3. What are your plans to reduce packaging or use renewable materials?

4. Have you thought about the sustainability risks and opportunities that arise from changing business models? and

5. Have you thought about your company’s responsibilities to respect human rights?

So are you Reactive, Engaged or a Leader in the journey for Sustainability?  Let the Q&A begin!

Devendra Mishra
Chief Strategist, MESA

MESA News – Jun. 5

Studios/Suppliers

Warner Archive adds silent films, more classics
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | PHYSICAL: Titles include Dick Powell-starrer Flirtation Walk More

Echo Bridge takes on Baby’s First Word series
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | PHYSICAL: New, catalog titles included in distribution deal More

Disney movies on Vudu as high-def downloads
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | DIGITAL: Vudu has become the first digital video download service to offer permanent high definition film downloads from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Among the first titles available is High School Musical 3: Senior Year. More

U.K. gets ready for piracy fight
By Steve Clarke of Variety – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | FROM VARIETY: Government looks to partner with U.S. More

Acorn Media to distribute ITV Global DVD, BD titles
By Cindy Spielvogel – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | PHYSICAL: Deal includes best-selling Agatha Christie titles, documentary programs More

Up flies high at weekend box office
By Dave McNary of Variety – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | VARIETY BOX-OFFICE REPORT: Pixar toon nabs an estimated $68.2 million More

Retail

Best Buy partners with Sonic on digital movies
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/05/2009
JUNE 4 | DIGITAL: Retailer to sell Roxio CinemaNow content on Web site, players More

Downloads elusive for indie stores
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/05/2009
JUNE 5 | DIGITAL: Distributors provide service to libraries first More

Best Buy partners with Sonic on digital movies

Warner Archive adds silent films, more classics
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | PHYSICAL: Titles include Dick Powell-starrer Flirtation Walk More

Coinstar to sell prepaid online game cards
By Danny King – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | DIGITAL: Cumberland Farms will offer cards in 500 locations More

Navarre sales fall, income up in fiscal Q4
By Marcy Magiera – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Distributor expects improvement later in the year More

Natural tops Blockbuster’s baseball movies
By Danny King – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Costner’s Field of Dreams, Bull Durham also in Top 5 More

NCR hires Coinstar’s Camara for Blockbuster kiosk effort
By Danny King – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Executive worked for Redbox parent for a decade More

High-Def

Sony looks to Blu-ray for PS3 boost
By Marc Graser of Variety – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | FROM VARIETY: Home video format to provide promo push More

Warner adds Facebook feature to BD Live
By Susanne Ault – 06/05/2009
JUNE 5 | DIGITAL: Blu-ray titles to interact with social networking site More

Pioneer ships Blu-ray Disc player trio
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/05/2009
JUNE 5 | FROM TWICE: All have USB port for thumb drive storage More

Panasonic ships portable Blu-ray player
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | FROM TWICE: Supports BD Live and includes SD Memory Card slot for $800 More

Bang & Olufsen adds Blu-ray option to BeoVision TV
By TWICE staff – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | FROM TWICE: Player supports BD Live More

Technology 

Web site Hello Movies helps users find films
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | DIGITAL: Site indexes all available movies online More

LaCie introduces HD media player pair
By TWICE staff – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | FROM TWICE: LaCinema Black Play and LaCinema Black Record play files on HDTVs More

PlayNow mobile service becoming entertainment hub
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | MOBILE: Users able to watch up to 60 movies a year on phone More

Dish loses another ruling in TiVo suit
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | FROM TWICE: DVR manufacturer awarded additional $103 million in damages More

LG adds CinemaNow to Blu-ray player pair
By Greg Tarr of TWICE – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | FROM TWICE: Also has Netflix, YouTube access More

VOD/Downloads

Downloads elusive for indie stores
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/05/2009
JUNE 5 | DIGITAL: Distributors provide service to libraries first More

Best Buy partners with Sonic on digital movies
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/05/2009
JUNE 4 | DIGITAL: Retailer to sell Roxio CinemaNow content on Web site, players More

Disney movies on Vudu as high-def downloads
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | DIGITAL: Vudu has become the first digital video download service to offer permanent high-definition film downloads from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Among the first titles available is High School Musical 3: Senior Year. More

PlayNow mobile service becoming entertainment hub
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/03/2009
JUNE 3 | MOBILE: Users able to watch up to 60 movies a year on phone More

Comcast stretches VOD rentals to two days
By Jennifer Netherby – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | DIGITAL: What studios will offer for an extended period will vary More

E3: Starz titles to download on PS3, PSP
By Danny King – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | DIGITAL: Overture, Manga titles part of PlayStation download deal More

NBC keeps ear to the Internet
By Stuart Levine of Variety – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | FROM VARIETY: Network seeks more Web-based research More

NBCU’s Perrette to head digital strategy
By Danny King – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | DIGITAL: Digital-distribution exec developed Hulu with News Corp. More

Videogames

Activision sues to halt Jack Black game
By Marc Graser of Variety – 06/05/2009
JUNE 5 | FROM VARIETY: Company says developer failed to deliver Legend More

ESA reports successful E3
By Susanne Ault – 06/04/2009
JUNE 4 | PHYSICAL: Expo attracts 216 exhibitors, more than 41,000 attendees More

E3: Nintendo reveals Wii Fit Plus, DSi games
By George T. Chronis – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | PHYSICAL: New Vitality Sensor peripheral will monitor pulse rate More

Videogames attract more players
By Susanne Ault – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | PHYSICAL: Two-thirds of Americans play; 42% own a game console More

Sony’s new PSP goes for downloads only
By Susanne Ault – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | DIGITAL: Company unveils new motion sensor controller at E3 More

E3: Warner to release games based on Rings trilogy
By Danny King – 06/02/2009
JUNE 2 | PHYSICAL: First title from publishers Headstrong, TT Fusion to be launched this fall More

E3: Xbox Live enhances TV, film viewing
By Susanne Ault – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Company adds high-def, social networking features More

Microsoft readies virtual controller
By Susanne Ault – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Whole-body scanner lets players control game with their limbs More

Atari plays the name game
By Marc Graser of Variety – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | FROM VARIETY: Old moniker, new plans for publisher More

Rentrak: Xbox 360 has most top titles this year
By Susanne Ault – 06/01/2009
JUNE 1 | PHYSICAL: Format has eight of top 10 renters; six of top 10 sellers More

Greening Of The Gaming Industry: A Supply Chain Imperative, Part 1

G3 – The Green Gaming Gathering, proved to be an unprecedented summit of the video game industry publishers, retailers, service providers, NGO, packaging companies, research organizations, management consultants and thought leaders. The stakeholders of the industry who had come together on June 1 in Burbank under the auspices of MESA and EMA, exchanged ways to collaborate to address the unprecedented challenge of ensuring the sustainability of the environment for our natural assets are depreciating and global warming threatens our long term quality of life. The prevailing consideration was that the business world and the natural world are inextricably linked.

Darin Dickson, buyer of video games and PC software for the Wal-Mart, reminded the executives of the commitment the former President and CEO of Wal-Mart Lee Scott had made in 2005 “to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy; to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain our resources and the environment”. I remember the pioneer of sustainability; Lee Scott had argued that “being a good steward of the environment and being profitable are not mutually exclusive. They are one and the same.” A 15-year veteran of the retailer, having handled DVDs and video games, Dickson explained how the employee response to the Katrina hurricane at a grassroots level inspired the CEO of the behemoth mass merchant to make “Sustainability” the cornerstone of the 21st Century Leadership of the enterprise.

Dickson enumerated the specific goals of Wal-Mart as:

* Double our fleet efficiency by 2015 from 2005 levels
* Reduce GHG from existing stores, clubs and DC’s by 20% by 2012
* Send zero waste to landfill in the US by 2025
* Reduce global plastic shopping bag waste by an average of 33% by 2013
* 5% packaging reduction by 2013
* Make the most energy intensive products 25% more efficient, and
* Create scalable end-of-life programs for used electronics”

In his illuminating and solution-driven speech, Dickson suggested considerations for the video game industry in the broad areas of hardware, software and accessories. He demonstrated how Energy Star Standards, RoHS compliance, product size optimization and packaging reconfiguration could lead to significant impact on sustainability. Citing specific successes achieved in the DVD industry, in the area of software he recommended examination of case and printed material weight reduction, recycled materials and sustainable materials usage, slip sleeves and adoption of guides/instructions. From his holistic approach, he identified that accessories offer major improvement opportunities when you address package size, “Vampire” energy chargers, elimination of protective master packaging and utilization of recycled materials.

A major take away for attendees was the acknowledgement made the Wal-Mart executive that achieving sustainability cannot be the sole responsibility or opportunity of an enterprise and low hanging fruits exist today where solutions exist and costs of change do not have to increase. As a matter of fact the creation and support of Sustainable Value Networks by the retailer is an overwhelming testimony to the pursuit in 12 areas to address, namely

1. Greenhouse Gas, 2. Sustainable Buildings, 3. Global Logistics, 4. Alternative Fuels, 5. Waste, 6. Packaging, 7. Textiles, 8. Electronics, 9. Agriculture and Seafood, 10. Wood and Paper, 11. Chemicals, and 12. Jewelry.

G3 will be specially remembered for the commitment, direction, solutions and support provided by the Wal-Mart executive who believes in the profitable growth of video games in a sustainable World we leave behind for generations.

The spirit of the Gathering imbibed what Dan Esty’s had written in his book, Gold To Green, that by building environmental thinking into the business strategies, companies can generate lasting value cut costs, reduce risk, increase revenues, and create strong brands. Let nothing stop us from collaborating for the benefit of our individual companies, the betterment of our industry, as well as for the greater good of mankind.

Devendra Mishra
Chief Strategy Officer
Media and Entertainment Supply Alliance (MESA)

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