Gérard Schmidt

DVDA Director
International Development Chair
Managing Director,
Digital Wonder

Gérard Schmidt has been producing media for the past 25 years.

After receiving his doctorate in sociology at the University of Paris in 1980, he created and managed a film company in Paris. Until its closing in 1996, the company's mission was to produce and distribute cultural/music documentaries and short films with an international focus. Gérard built an extensive distribution catalog featuring directors from Europe, Africa and Latin America. He successfully sold his catalog to television stations from around the world, where they continue to be broadcast to this day.

His deep knowledge of European co-production and financing led him to teaching film professionals in France and in the developing world.

From 1996 to 2000, Gérard shifted his focus to producing award-winning interactive CD-ROMs about music and culture. Gérard moved to the United States and joined Metropolis DVD ( New York) in 1999 where he worked as Executive Producer and Director of Special Features. Clients included American and international bands: Rolling Stones, Slipknot, Def Leppart, Johnny Hallyday, Sum 41, Nickelback etc..

In 2004, Gérard joined Masque Sound, where he developed new business opportunities and oversaw all DVD production as Managing Director of Masque Entertainment.

In January 2007 Gerard created Digital Wonder, a company dedicated to video and DVD production.

In addition to being a member of the Board of Directors of the DVD Association Gérard serves as Unicef's DVD expert.