Description:

SXSW aims to bring to light the fascinating origins of this go-to database as it welcomes Needham as a guest speaker for 2009. As definitive and important as IMDb.com has become in the world of film and entertainment, surprisingly little is known about its visionary founder. An early adopter of the youthful Internet's burgeoning potential, native Brit Needham developed his essential site from a simple spreadsheet that turned into an established online stalwart, with over 57 million unique visitors each month. More recently, its implementation of digital video hosting and streaming has secured IMDb's reputation at the forefront of the savvy cinephile's online experience.