The keynote speaker for CEDIA Expo 2024 is someone who has experience both making films and watching them in his home theater: award-winning director Barry Sonnenfeld.
Sonnenfeld, who holds both Ebby and Peabody awards, is a celebrated director and cinematographer, but also a passionate home cinema and technology enthusiast. His keynote will explore the role of home theaters in delivering cinematic experiences, highlighting the contracts between movie production and playback environments.
Sonnenfeld, who has in the past criticized some technologies like HDR, which is now standard in most TVs, will speak about his personal experiences and belief that movie playback quality is essential to watching films as their creators intended.
In addition, Sonnenfeld will share his insights on the significance of sound and visual excellence in home cinemas, as well as his own home theater setup. Sonnenfeld has previously praised companies like home theater server system maker Kaleidescape, which he said was the centerpiece of his own home theater system.
Sonnenfeld has also said that his home theater includes a 14-foot screen and an array of six subwoofers that are so loud he jokes that “people in other towns ask me to turn down my subs.”
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However, Sonnenfeld has criticized HDR and 8K technologies which he says are largely only good for watching sports.
The keynote will take place on Thursday, Sept. 5, from 8-9 AM, in the Four Seasons Ballroom at the Colorado Convention Center.
More About Barry Sonnenfeld
Sonnenfeld began his career as a Director of Photography on iconic films such as Blood Simple, When Harry Met Sally, and Miller’s Crossing. His mid-90s success with The Addams Family and Men in Black established him as a director who skillfully blends comedy and style in studio blockbusters. His work on the TV series Pushing Daisies earned him an Emmy for Outstanding Directing in a Comedy Series and the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Dramatic Series, with the show garnering 17 Emmy nominations during its two-year run.
In addition to his filmmaking achievements, Sonnenfeld was a contributing editor for Esquire Magazine, where he wrote the monthly column “The Digital Man.” His memoir, Barry Sonnenfeld, Call Your Mother: Memoirs of a Neurotic Filmmaker, was published by Hachette in 2020. His next book, The Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, is set to be released in October 2024.
“Director Barry Sonnenfeld brings a unique perspective to CEDIA Expo that combines his deep passion for filmmaking with his love for home theater,” explained CEDIA Global President and CEO, Daryl Friedman.
“Sonnenfeld’s insights will provide a fascinating look at how technology enhances the film experience and will inspire attendees to think about new ways to integrate entertainment and technology.”
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