Brian Seth Hurst is CEO of The Opportunity Management Company, Inc., a strategic consultancy and cross media production company that is driving the next generation of entertainment. Referred to as "the father of cross platform", Hurst coined the term in 1998 as MD of Convergent Media at Pittard Sullivan, where he launched TV Guide as the first ever cross platform brand.

In 2006, seeing the need for a solid production process for cross media programming, Hurst developed and launched the Rapid Cross Media Initiative to assist broadcast clients in extending their programming to audiences and communities on new platforms. Clients have included: Showtime, Lifetime and AOL amongst others.

Hurst was instrumental in the establishment of the Prime Time Emmy ® for Interactive Television and spearheaded the initiative that extended Primetime Emmy ® eligibility to original programming distributed via broadband. Hurst served two terms as Chairman of the Producers Guild of America New Media Council ('03-'05) while simultaneously serving on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Board of Governors. Currently, he is Second Vice Chair of the Television Academy and sits on the National Board of the PGA.Brian Seth Hurst is CEO of The Opportunity Management Company, Inc., a strategic consultancy and cross media production company that is driving the next generation of entertainment. Referred to as "the father of cross platform", Hurst coined the term in 1998 as MD of Convergent Media at Pittard Sullivan, where he launched TV Guide as the first ever cross platform brand.

In 2006, seeing the need for a solid production process for cross media programming, Hurst developed and launched the Rapid Cross Media Initiative to assist broadcast clients in extending their programming to audiences and communities on new platforms. Clients have included: Showtime, Lifetime and AOL amongst others.

Hurst was instrumental in the establishment of the Prime Time Emmy ® for Interactive Television and spearheaded the initiative that extended Primetime Emmy ® eligibility to original programming distributed via broadband. Hurst served two terms as Chairman of the Producers Guild of America New Media Council ('03-'05) while simultaneously serving on the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Board of Governors. Currently, he is Second Vice Chair of the Television Academy and sits on the National Board of the PGA.What are you planning on bringing to the X Media Lab?
As a mentor I am hoping to bring my skills relative to launching new businesses and brands into the marketplace. On the professional day I have been asked to speak about "Building Businesses From Ideas". I'll specifically be looking at how one capitalizes on consumer or audience behavioral trends and I will be using the rise of Alternate Reality games as an example.

What are you planning on taking away from the X Media Lab?
I am always inspired by the ideas and the creativity of the participants and I was raised to give back and contribute so I always find the Xmedia Lab terrifically rewarding.

How do you think Kiwi creativity is seen overseas?
Actually, I have a bit of an unfair advantage here because I have clients in New Zealand. The NZ reputation in the area of film production and special visual effects is right up there with the best. Capabilities in 3D, animation, and games are great but you don't hear much about them in the US. The overall reputation of New Zealanders is that they are industrious, versatile, fast learners, dependable, reliable and more than anything get the job done. New Zealand also makes it very easy to do business there.

What is exciting you most right now in the digital arena?
Well I have to say the things that has my interest and attention is Alternate Reality Games. The genre to me is the native to the Internet Generation. What started out as a way to market and promote films has now turned into a legitimate form of participatory entertainment. And some brilliant work is being done. It is the fusion of television (linear story telling), social media and video games.

What is your Big Idea?
AH, as a mentor my job is to support and help flesh out those big ideas so that they can find their way to realization!

Related links
www.oppmanagement.com
www.emmys.org

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15/05/08