Hurst chairs New Media Council for PGA

The Producers Guild of America has elected Academy Governor Brian Seth Hurst as chair of its New Media Council. In his new role, Hurst will lead the council in addressing the production boom in areas beyond traditional features and television.

"The PGA New Media Council is comprised of highly qualified experts in every aspect of new-media production, from DVD production, to broadband and mobile entertainment, interactive television and console and PC gaming," Hurst said to Variety. "It is my intention to expand our role while educating traditional producers on the value of new-media planning and integration."

Previously, the council has hosted panel discussions on animation, DVD producing and videogame producing, and has established the Industry Relations and Job Banks committees.

Hurst is currently a member of the Board of Governors of the Academy, representing the Interactive Media Peer Group. He is also CEO of the Opportunity Management Co., a strategic consultancy that assists clients in capitalizing upon the consumer lifestyle changes brought by technology. He formerly served as managing director of convergence worldwide at Pittard Sullivan.