The Industry Relations Committee (IRC) is a service of the Digital Coast
Roundtable that brings together on a quarterly basis the presidents of Southern
California's technology and media professional associations to discuss timely
issues and events facing the companies and individuals in our local digital
media industries.
The photos at right were taken at the IRC's October 2002 meeting in West
Los Angeles.
Descriptions of and links to the participating associations and
organizations are listed below.
The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences was founded in 1996 after more
than a year of planning by key members of the interactive industry. This not for
profit organization is dedicated to the advancement and recognition of the
interactive arts and sciences. The formal mission of the Academy, as stated in
its bylaws is to:
Conduct an annual awards show and enhance the image and awareness of the
interactive arts and sciences.
Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (ATAS)
www.emmys.org
The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences -- founded one month after network
television was born in 1946 -- is a non-profit corporation devoted to the
advancement of telecommunications arts and sciences and to fostering creative
leadership in the telecommunications industry. In addition to recognizing
outstanding programming and individual and engineering achievements for Primetime
and Los Angeles Area programming, ATAS sponsors meetings, conferences and
activities for collaboration on a variety of topics involving traditional
broadcast interests, new media and emerging digital technology. The Academy
publishes Emmy magazine, produces the ATAS Hall of Fame and through the ATAS
Foundation, is responsible for the ATAS Archive of American Television (AAT),
ATAS/UCLA Television Archives, ATAS Foundation Library at USC, College Television
Awards, the Internship Program, S.T.A.R.T. Communications, the Visiting Artists
Program and the Faculty Seminar.
Association for Women in Technology
www.awtsocal.org
Formerly known as the Association for Women in Computing, we are part of a
24-year-old national organization of women devoted to the advancement of women
working in technology. We are the only association in Southern California
representing women in technology where all chapter monies stay within a
non-profit and work at the local level.
The AWT SoCal chapter holds meetings approximately every other month,
attracting women in every area of technology, from those just entering the field
to senior level management and technology innovators. Our meetings attract
upwards of 150 people and range from large events with panel speakers to
networking happy hours.
Forum for Women Entrepreneurs (FWE) Los Angeles
www.fwe.org/losangeles
Founded in 1993, the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs is the premier
entrepreneurial organization for women founding and building high-growth
technology and life science companies. Our mission is to accelerate women's
opportunities to start, build, manage and invest in market-leading companies. FWE
offers innovative programs, access to top-tier funding sources and a
collaborative online community that accelerates women entrepreneurs' ability to
launch and build world-class companies. FWE has offices in the Bay Area, Seattle,
Boulder/Denver and Los Angeles, and membership numbers over 1000.
Inland Empire & Imperial County Regional Technology Alliance (I2rta)
http://www.ieep.com/techsite/nonflash/tech_home.htm
The new Inland Empire & Imperial County Regional Technology Alliance (I2rta) is
currently working on a website and is expecting to launch soon.
Interactive Television Alliance (ITA)
www.itvalliance.org
Interactive TV, digital broadcast, and personal video recorders are positioned
to transform our relationship to personal entertainment, information, and
advertising.
There are currently over 20 million homes that have digital set top boxes
(DSTB's) that are capable of some level of interactivity. That number will
double in the near future. In the UK, over 60% of the homes have iTV
capabilities, where they can play along with game shows, extract additional
facts during news broadcasts, and buy pizza with their remote controls. The US
is not far behind and is poised to take the lead in iTV technology.
Internet Society (ISOC) - Los Angeles Chapter
www.isoc-la.org
The general purpose of the Internet Society - Los Angeles Chapter is to
advance and promote the Mission, Guiding Principles, and Programs of the Internet
Society. Simply stated it is to assure the beneficial, open evolution of the
global Internet and its related internet technologies through leadership in
standards, issues, and education. More specific to our local purpose, we are
dedicated to increasing the accessibility to and usefulness of the Internet to
all persons in the Greater Los Angeles area.
Larta - The Think Tank For Technology Businesses
www.larta.org
We apply knowledge in practical ways on behalf of cutting edge companies,
investors, governments, and professionals. Larta drives the technology
markets through four core services: business training, market research,
consulting, and capital programs.
RESEARCH - We have published over 30 research reports and are frequently
cited as an authority in major periodicals and journals.
CONSULTING - We have assisted the growth of hundreds of technology companies
over the years.
TRAINING - We educate over 1,000 innovators, investors, and entrepreneurs
each year through Larta University and other programs.
CAPITAL - Larta companies have raised over $1.5 billion in capital. We have
distributed $12 million through 88 California seed investments to
commercialize cutting-edge technologies.
National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP)
www.narip.com
The National Association of Record Industry Professionals (NARIP) promotes
continued education, career advancement and collegiality among record industry
executives. With an emphasis on becoming better informed and more effective
executives, NARIP offers professional development opportunities, educational
programs and seminars, the opportunity to meet and interact with peers, a job
bank, a member resume database for employers, a mentor network and a newsletter.
NARIP was created specifically for - and is restricted to - record industry
professionals. To qualify for membership, one must work at a major or independent
label, record distributor, record marketing or personal management firm. Lawyers,
publicists and consultants whose main client base is the record business are also
welcome.
Producers Guild of America
www.producersguild.org
The New Producers Guild of America is a non-profit organization that has been
in existence since the March 2001 merger of the Producers Guild of America
(founded 1950) and the American Association of Producers (founded 1983). The New
PGA represents more than 1300 members of the Producing Team (all those on a career
path to becoming Producers, from Production Coordinators on up), including the
interests of a substantial number of major producers in the motion picture and
television industries. Combined, these are the career professionals who, on an
individual basis, initiate, create, coordinate, supervise and control, either on
their own behalf, or on behalf of an employer, all aspects of the motion picture
and/or television production process, including creative, financial, technological
or administrative, throughout all phases from inception to completion, including
coordination, supervision and control of all other talents and crafts, subject to
the provisions of their collective bargaining agreements and personal service
contracts.
PROMAX
www.promax.org
PROMAX is a worldwide organization working on behalf of those involved in the
promotion, marketing and design of all electronic media. Our purpose is to raise
the profile and quality of work produced by our industry, and to educate and
inspire the next generation of creative talent.
From television and radio to the internet, from video post-production to
advertising and media consultancy, PROMAX is committed to serving the interests
of our colleagues across the world. Our members include senior executives,
producers, editors, writers, and the creators of advertising, graphics and
publicity materials, representing over 3800 member companies and individuals
throughout 70 countries.
San Diego Regional Technology Alliance (SDRTA)
www.sdrta.org
The San Diego Regional Technology Alliance is a non-profit
corporation that assists San Diego's high-tech industries. Our primary goal
is to empower businesses and entrepreneurs to develop emerging
technologies with San Diego resources.
Our team includes a broad base of officers from emerging and established
high-tech companies, leading financial institutions, the academic community
and local government.
The SDRTA was established in the wake of cutbacks in the defense industry
to foster and support technology based economic development in the San
Diego region. The SDRTA's original mission was to help San Diego's defense
industry transition to commercial technology. Today, San Diego boasts a
thriving community of fledgling and fully developed high-tech companies.
Software Council of Southern California (SCSC)
www.scsc.org
The Software Council of Southern California facilitates the success of
our region's information technology companies by providing a
wide-ranging, center-of-excellence forum for forming invaluable
professional connections and exchanging no-nonsense, practical
information. Our community consists of executives and managers from the
region's diverse information technology industry: information technology
vendors, distributors and resellers; Internet-based businesses; software
services; custom software developers; consultants; universities;
investors; and vendors and service providers that support the
information technology industry.
Women In Film (WIF)
www.wif.org
Women In Film is a leading non-profit professional organization in the
global entertainment, communication and media industries. By focusing on
contemporary issues facing women, WIF is committed to improving their
education, employment, opportunity and power in these businesses. Founded
in 1973 in Los Angeles, WIF provides an extensive network of valuable
contacts, educational programs, scholarships, film finishing funds and
grants, community outreach, advocacy and practical services that promote,
nurture and mentor woman to achieve their highest potential.
Women's Advancement Network (WAN)
www.womensadvannet.org
Our mission is the advancement of women in business and technology through
education, mentoring and networking. Our members create a community that shares
experiences and knowledge to attain excellence in their personal and professional
growth.
WAN was founded out of passion, inspiration, dedication and vision. WAN is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to offering women in all areas and levels of
their careers or business a means for greater success and advancement through a
wide range of professional development and networking opportunities.
We are passionate about improving the business and technology environment for
women through programs that encourage professional and personal achievements
while offering support to women in maintaining a healthy balance between work,
self, and family obligations.
Writers Guild of America (WGA)
www.wga.org
The Writers Guild of America, west, Inc. is a labor union representing over
8,500 professional creative writers in film, television and interactive new
media. Membership in the WGA is acquired through the sale of literary material or
employment for writing services with a signatory company. Writers are protected
under the Guild's Minimum Basic Agreement in essential areas such as
compensation, residuals, pension plan and health fund contributions, rights in
material, credits, creative rights protection and arbitration of disputes.
