Los Angeles Chapter of IGDA Reboots; 1st Meeting Draws More than 100 for Panel Discussion, Networking

Los Angeles activities for IGDA members got a reboot recently, kicking off 2010 with a panel that took a look at the future of casual game market, estimated to be worth over $13.5 billion in 2010.  More than 100 local members of the community turned out to network and find out!

A local steering committee had been meeting weekly since early December to demonstrate interest in applying formally for a charter for the LA Chapter.  Meetings will now be held the second Thursday of each month, offering panels that will explore current industry topics and great opportunities for networking.  At the first meeting, attendees could even win door prizes.

Chris Hood, Chair & Coordinator, IGDA-Orange County, and CEO, BooHag Studios, has been providing guidance to the LA Committee.  Current steering committee members are:

o     Belinda M. Van Sickle - President, GameDocs

o     Dan Fish, Production Assistant, Tecmo; Project Management Professional (PMP)

o     Jamison Selby, Senior Producer, TimePlay Entertainment

o     Jeannie Novak, CEO, Indiespace; Lead Author & Series Editor, Game Development Essentials

o     Josh Green, Assistant Project Manager, Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences

o     Krissie Franco, Executive Vice President of Production, Hydrogen Whiskey Studios

o     Louise Nemschoff, Owner, Nemschoff Law Offices; Entertainment Law Consultant

o     Luis Levy, Account Executive, The Bohle Company

o     Derek Asato, Vice President, The Bohle Company

o     Mary-Margaret Walker,- Founder & CEO, Mary-Margaret Network

o     Sharan Volin, Contract Game Programmer, Zero G Games

o     Stephen Peacock, CEO, The Mad Peacock Consulting

o     Sue Bohle, CEO, The Bohle Company

o     Tom Sloper, Instructor, University of Southern California (USC); Mogul, Sloperama Productions

Local sites for meetings in the LA basin are needed!   If you can volunteer or know about a location that can accommodate 100 – 150 people or more, please let us know.

The Steering Committee is also looking for meeting topics.  If you have ideas, contact Jeannie Novak at jeannie@indiespace.com.  If you have suitable give aways for door prizes, just show up!

The Steering Committee is looking for more members.  If you are interested in being a part of the local steering committee, running for the board, or are just willing to volunteer some time, occasionally, contact sue@bohle.com

Our thanks to the speakers for the first round table discussion titled, "Beyond Facebook and the iPhone: The Future of Casual Game Development."  Panelists were:

•     Quinn Dunki - Founder, One Girl One Laptop Productions

•     Zack Ford - Co-Founder & CTO,Zero G Games

•     Christopher Ulm - CEO, Appy Entertainment

•     Cynthia Woll - Founder & CEO, Cul de Sac Studios

“With the tremendous rise in popularity of social networks and mobile applications, I felt it made sense to have some experienced members of that segment take a look at where the casual game market is going,: said Jeannie Novak, Indiespace, who organized and moderated the panel.

Rich Media Institute, Marina Del Rey, a contract development and production studio and space that can be rented for projects was host.

Social gatherings already in place for IGDA members will continue.  Justin Lloyd, Chief Evolutionary Officer, Infinite Monkey Factory hosts an informal gathering monthly the first Wednesday of every month at Finn McCool's, 2702 Main St., Santa Monica, CA 90405.  Contact Justin if you want to be included on his invite list:  justin@infinitemonkeyfactory.com

If you would like to start a social gathering in your part of the region – and heaven knows we are spread out over many miles in Southern California, let a member of the steering committee know.

Join us.  The plan is to grow the IGDA in Los Angeles, making the chapter a central force in advancing the careers of game industry professionals in our region. We look forward to seeing you and being a part of the new IGDA Los Angeles!

Next Meeting, LA Chapter 

Date: Thursday - February 11, 2010

Time: 6:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.

Topic: Why So Serious? The Truth About Game-Based Learning

Panelists:

Bjorn Billhardt, Chief Executive Officer, Enspire Learning

Kevin Perry, Director of Production, Alelo

Starr Long, Executive Producer, Disney Learning

Lucien Vattel, Executive Director, GameDesk

Location:  

Alelo

12910 Culver Boulevard, Suite J

Los Angeles, CA  90066