Los Angeles County - News from June 5, 1995

Windows on a Digital World: Whether the fledgling digital media industry will help revitalize the Southland’s ailing economy remains to be seen, but in the meantime, attending conventions on the subject is more than a full-time job:

* More than 30,000 of the “digerati” are expected to attend Digital World ’95 today through Wednesday at the Los Angeles Convention Center and the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The conference includes symposiums, a “creative cafe” and demonstrations. Among the highlights: Today, director Steven Spielberg demonstrates a prototype of a computer network that will link seriously ill children from their hospital beds around the world in a “virtual playground.” The conference runs from 8:45 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. each day.

* The Interactive Media Festival, featuring interactive exhibits from around the world, is open to the public through Wednesday at the Variety Arts Center in Downtown Los Angeles. Entries include “A-volve,” an interactive computer installation through which visitors interact with 3-D creatures that swim in a glass pool. For more information, call (800) 433-5200.

* True devotees of the high-tech revolution will surely find a way to attend Apple Computer’s new-media forum today and Tuesday at the Westin Bonaventure Hotel in Downtown Los Angeles. The forum offers an opportunity to learn about new-media business opportunities from Apple executives and entertainment industry experts. Featured speakers include musician Peter Gabriel and “Jurassic Park” screenwriter Michael Backes. Call (800) 260-9099 for more information.

* Friday through Sunday is the Showbiz Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center. Attendees can learn how to raise capital for creative projects overseas, market and distribute independently produced features and establish a presence in cyberspace. They can also browse through booths displaying the latest in production equipment, multimedia and virtual reality technology. For more information, call (800) 854-3112.