Speakers for Game Initiative Conference announced
by Kit

Wednesday, April 28 2004

10 companies to participate in "Breaking into the Industry" conference.

The Game Initiative today announced the speakers for its Pre-E3 “Los Angeles How To Break Into Video Game Industry: Conference and Resume Workshop” on Los Angeles May 8, 2004 at Mount St. Mary’s College just days before the annual Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) show. The web site for the event is http://www.gameconferences.com/la

The event is designed for artists, programmers, writers, musicians, designers and others looking to get into the computer and video game business. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with industry insiders, including top recruiter Mary-Margaret.com, hiring managers from local game companies as well as network and meet with industry veterans. Speakers include

Kevin Bradshaw, Kayak Interactive
Paul Chen, NubyTech Inc.
Derrick Clark, University of Advancing Technology
Larry Dunlap, Intelligent Life Games
Chris Larsen, Activision
Robin McShaffry, Mary-Margaret.com
Tim Morten, Savage Entertainment
James Payne, NovaLogic, Inc.
Chris Richardson, Vivendi Universal
Tom Sloper, Sloperama Productions

“The game industry generates more revenue annually than Hollywood’s movie industry and many are asking how to get into the business,” said Christopher Sherman, Game Initiative Executive Director. “This comprehensive program will identify trends and requirements as well as the qualifications and skill-sets that are in demand in the game industry. The casual nature of this event allows attendees an unprecedented opportunity to interact with industry veterans, ask questions, gain valuable contacts and understand the business.”

Professional and creative talent looking to move into the business from other industries will learn how their experience and transferable skills can gain rapid entry into this industry. Students will learn how to build an early professional road map to a career in the game industry. The event will also provide a great opportunity for local game companies to meet potential new talent. New to this event is the Demo Reel Showcase, where attendees will be able to bring their laptops to showcase their demo reels to industry insiders for direct feedback and job opportunities.

How To Break Into Video Game Industry – Los Angeles - Agenda

8:30am - 9:00am Registration and Networking
9:00am - 9:45am Industry Overview
10:00am - 10:45am Getting in at the Ground Floor
11:00am - 12:00pm Applying Transferable Skill Sets
12:00pm - 1:30pm Networking
1:30pm - 3:00pm Resume Workshop

The cost is $60 in advance or $75 at the door. The event takes place at Mount St. Mary’s College in Los Angeles in the Little Theater on the Chalon Campus. Registration is available online at http://www.TheGameInitiative.com The event is sponsored in part by the University of Advancing Technology.

How To Break Into Video Game Industry attendees will:

• Find out what employers are looking for now and in the future
• Learn how the game development pipeline works
• Receive an overview of the industry and where it’s headed
• Understand the core competencies required in art, programming and design
• Meet and network with professionals in the industry
• Participate in a resume workshop designed to gain them critical interviews with hiring managers.

--- Kit