Conferences: TBI X|Media|Lab Q&A: Brendan Harkin

1. Who is behind XMedia Lab?

Brendan Harkin, whose background is in the digital media industries, and Megan Elliott, who was formerly the Executive Director of the Australian Writers Guild.

2. When & Why was the Xmedia Lab Launched?

XML was first staged in June 2003 as part of the Sydney Film Festival. The Lab began as an initiative to increase the likelihood of digital media producers getting their ideas successfully to market by letting them work on their own ideas directly with some of the world's leading digital media practitioners.3. Where has it taken place before?

The Lab has taken place in Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, Mumbai, Beijing, and Suzhou. In 2008 it will also take place in Wellington, Seoul, and Dubai.

4. What are you hoping to achieve with the Labs?

Three things: 1) to help further develop the creative, business, and/or technical propositions of each company's own ideas; 2) to increase the participants professional development through direct exposure to some of the world's leading digital media stars; and 3) to create new, high-value, international networks of digital media practitioners.

5. What is your Big Idea?

"New Media, New Geographies". We believe that digital media technologies are changing the economics and politics of media production, consumption, and power. We think that's a good thing, and a great opportunity for smaller, independent media producers and creators. We also believe the biggest changes, and the biggest opportunities are to be found by creating these valuable new networks in the so-called "emerging markets", and developing mutually beneficial relationships.

There is also a lot of further information on the site FAQ at www.xmedialab.com