London, 17 October 2008: In keeping with the tradition established in 2008, the conference programme will be driven by a series of keynote speeches by leading figures in the home entertainment industry and beyond. Screen Digest is delighted to announce that Kelley Avery, President, Paramount Worldwide Home Entertainment will give the Opening Keynote address and that Eddie Cunningham, President, Universal Pictures International Entertainment has also confirmed his participation as a keynote speaker.

A 23-year industry veteran, Kelley Avery is responsible for the worldwide sales, marketing and distribution of all home entertainment content released by Paramount or Pictures Corporation and its subsidiaries and distribution partners. Previously Worldwide Head of DreamWorks Home Entertainment, Ms Avery was appointed to her current position following Paramount's $1.6bn acquisition of DreamWorks in late 2006. Since then, Paramount Home Entertainment has expanded steadily, increasing its US market share and in 2007 generating over $4.5bn in worldwide consumer spending for the first time.

Kelley Avery began her video career at Buena Vista Home Entertainment (BVHE) where she was part of the senior management team that launched the retail (sell-through) video business and established BVHE as the market leader in that sector. Many of the strategies she developed at BVHE were subsequently adopted as standard practice by other studios. She further consolidated this success at DreamWorks; during her nine-year tenure the studio's home video division achieved record-breaking sales and was widely recognised for its innovative and successful marketing strategies.

Eddie Cunningham is responsible for spearheading international business growth opportunities for Universal Pictures International Entertainment (UPIE). He oversees international sales, distribution and marketing for all home entertainment titles under the Universal banner. He manages UPIE's home entertainment acquisitions, legal and business affairs, as well as commercial development and strategic planning on an international basis and has direct operational responsibility for all international home entertainment including Europe, Asia, Latin America and Australia.

Prior to his appointment in November 2006, Mr Cunningham was responsible for Universal home entertainment operations as Regional Managing Director of the UK, Ireland, Nordics, Australia and New Zealand. During his 14 years with the company he has built UPIE into the market leader in UK home entertainment, including a unique emphasis on the signing and development of local British talent in the special interest sector, including many acts who have gone on to enjoy world-wide success.

The two-day programme for Screen Digest PEVE Digital Entertainment 2009 will address the key issues facing today's home entertainment sector, including:

· Blu-ray Disc, Digital Copy, Flash – the future of packaged media;
· Emerging business models in digital distribution;
· The evolution of the home entertainment supply chain;
· Bringing 3D content to the home;
· The changing face of movie consumption;
and much more.

Delegates registering before 31 January 2009 will save Euro 100 on the standard delegate fee.
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