Tribune Media and NBC Universal Organize a Chicago Hackathon for Digital Entertainment
The entertainment industry is currently dominated by reboots, sequels, spin-offs, and superheroes. Of the top 15 grossing movies last year, 13 fit into one of those aforementioned categories.
And though the content being produced is anything but innovative, the way in which it is delivered to and consumed by viewers is changing rapidly.
That's why the industry is turning to programmers to help rethink the future of digital entertainment. From 5/5-5/7, Chicago will host the Internet & Television Expo (INTX), a forum for "innovators in digital media," and - in conjunction with the conference - the organizers will hold the first-ever INTXHACK on 5/2.
INTXHACK is a 24-hour hackathon for developers and designers to create applications that compliment the expo's themes, such as TV Everywhere, online video, gaming, connected life, advanced user interfaces, and navigation. The event is being hosted by Comcast/NBC Universal, Tribune Media, and Gracenote and it will be held at 1871. Participation is free and registration is open here.
By providing programmers with access to the top Internet and television influencers and companies at INTX, the hackathon's goal is to "showcase the latest in interactive design and development" and create new, innovative ways to produce, present and experience digital entertainment.
The event's finalists will go on to present their prototype live at INTX in front of thousands of media, entertainment and investment executives. These finalists will also be joined on stage by current 1871 members that are operating in the Internet and television industries.
INTX will be held at McCormick Place West from 5/5-5/7 and is sponsored by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. At the expo will be the INTX Marketplace, the event's home for companies in technology, software and apps, online video, multiscreen, mobility, consumer tech, and games.
(Image via INTX)