Six months after releasing its first album over iTunes and SoundCloud in October 2012, India based Raga band, The Khayal Groove, opens a promotional tour for the album in France.
The Khayal Groove is Aparna Panshikar on North Indian classical vocals, Jayen Varma on Slap Bass Guitar in collaboration with the Toulouse, France based drummer, Jean Davoisne and various artistes and bands across the world. Although still evolving a repertoire, the band performs a blend of Indian Classical (Hindustani) Vocals, Ragas, “slap” bass guitar applying tabla and mridangam based finger movements on bass guitar, with western style drumming, resulting in a sound partly reflecting the band’s tendency toward free improvisations.
Concert stops will include: Bascous at Salle des Fetes on April 3; Auch at Cri’Art on April 5; Mas d’Agenais at La Halle au Chanvre on April 6. The band will play some tunes from the newly released album – “Reflections of a Purple Moon” – create live improvisations and conduct interactive drum and bass jam sessions. There will also be opportunities to meet with and talk to the band members.
The contest is open to all amateur drummers and is divided into two categories: under 16 and over 16 years with each candidate pre-screened. Jean Davoisne of JD Productions, formed this second drum school in 2008 in partnership with Tama and Zildjian. Coming from a Grunge-Metal background, he plays and records for various artists, having recorded drums on the track “Ghost of War” (CD “Eternity” – 2013), for Tina Guo, a USA based cellist and soloist with Hans Zimmer orchestra, and Le cirque du soleil Michael Jackson Immortal tour.
This year’s Florida Film Festival in Orlando will have more than 160 films, some 100 visiting filmmakers and special guests, and assorted special events running through April 14. The Opening Night Film which ran in Sundance, “Twenty Feet from Stardom” directed by Morgan Neville, spotlights the untold story of a group of gifted and diverse back-up singers, whose vocal talents helped shape the narrative of popular music yet still remain in the margins of history. The screening is followed by the “Eye Opening Night Party” that will include local chefs preparing and serving “Eye Opening” bites while the host venue Eden Bar serves up handmade cocktails all night long.
Participating restaurants include Eden Bar, K Restaurant and Wine Bar, Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and others. The following day, April 6, TV personality, film buff, food historian, and cookbook author Francine Segan serves out a taste of sweet and savory movie magic with history lessons from her book Movie Menus and film clips of favorite food scenes, all part of a lively discussion for this uniquely themed film festival. On April 12 the festival will screen Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic, “The Birds,” with Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette and Tippi Hedren. Following the screening Tippi Hedren will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A to discuss creating a cinema classic with the “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock.
This year will mark the 90 year existence of the NAB Convention. As an organization National Association of Broadcasters advocates on behalf of America’s free, local radio and television stations and broadcast networks and provides its members legal expertise and timely communications and opportunities for growth and development. Visitors to NAB Show can learn about techniques, including: capture, digital artistry, filmmaking, production, post-production, sound, web design and more at the annual Las Vegas event.
Attendees will have access to a marketplace to buy or sell digital distribution goods and services, advertising, financing or content acquisition – which is all a part of a global platform that generates $20.7 billion in commerce every year. By focusing on what the convention has to offer, visitors can gain an understanding of content creation, content management, content commerce, content distribution or delivery and content consumption. There is a planned showcase for delivery advancements in broadcast, fiber, mobile, broadband video, streaming technologies, to deliver over airwaves, on screen or stage, online or on the go.
A planned NAB Open Mic Contest will be a chance to win a Conference Flex Pass to next year’s NAB Show and other prizes by submiting a song video of yourself performing one of several NAB approved songs. The winner will be selected during the NAB Television Luncheon on April 8 at the Las Vegas Hotel. A convention Super Session: “Mapping the Future of Broadcast Television,” happens on April 9 with speakers: Harry Jessell, Kevin Gage, James F. Goodmon, Jr., Lieven Vermaele, Erik Moreno, who will explore the future of broadcast television from the perspective of the broadcaster, the consumer, and organizations working to develop future global television technical standards. The NAB Education Foundation will host its annual spring Career Day at the NAB Show on April 10.
The event is produced in partnership with the Broadcast Education Association to open opportunities for media companies to network with seasoned professionals, college students and entry-level job seekers. Very new this year, the Show is partnering with Waskul.TV to run StudioXperience that will stream live proceedings and provide daily coverage while the Show Floor is open. NAB Show Live!, the official news and highlights program will also be produced each day from the Studio at 16:30 PT.
Aside from the education workshops, panels and convention floor displays, visitors can take part in a full week of networking and fun long after the show floor has closed for the day by attending the Official NAB Show After-parties, generally complimentary wth Show Badge worn by show attendees. Network with media and entertainment professionals from over 150 countries that are expected for the convention. Here is a summary listing of official NAB after-parties and hosts that are lined up: NAB Show Exhibitor Party at TAO, April 6, 21:00; Content Creators Party at Body English, April 7, 20:00 and also at LAVO starting at 23:00; NAB Show Opening Party, April 8, 22:00 at Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub; Cirque de L’absurde Outdoor Party at Gold Lot 2, across from the LVCC, April 9 at 18:00 and at LAVO Nightclub, at 23:00; general after-party April 10 at 23:00 at LAVO; NAB Show Closing Party, April 11 starting 22:30 at TAO.
Two seperate international content marketplace and conference programs organized and run under Reed MIDEM’s MIPWORLD group of content industry shows opens in Cannes. MIPDoc is an international screening conference for documentary and factual programming. This two-day event starting April 6 takes place the weekend before MIPTV, and provides a showcase for producers and distributors of documentary and factual programming. Combined with MIPFormats – a digital library dedicated to non-scripted programmes – it creates a showcase for non-scripted content in all its forms. The MIPFormats program has its own dedicated conference series with keynotes, screenings, matchmaking events and the MIPFormats International Pitch – an exclusive non-scripted entertainment formats’ competition sponsored by Warner Bros. International Television Production.
MIPTV, running four days from its April 8 start is a television and media technology sector trade show attended by decision makers from TV’s ecosystem and entertainment industry along with buyers seeking content. The latest industry trends and market information are discussed during the show and attendees can also participate in the topical conferences and business keynote sessions that are scheduled here. A sizeable display of cable and satellite systems, film equipments, production services, studio tools and digital entertainment instruments are put on exhibit at the show. There is the presence of participants from different countries, highlighting the global nature of the occasion. There are animation sessions organized for kids during the show too and television premieres are hosted here as well.
April has two significant New York City film financing events to bring film professionals up to date with the latest trends and information for getting a film project funded. On April 10 the 2013 NYCFF Film and Finance Forum will be held presenting a roster of highly topical panelists from film and finance industries as well as guest speakers and panelists who represent film festivals and Crowdfunding. The evening’s panel discussions, moderated by Deena Merlen, Partner, Reavis Parent Lehrer LLP and Roger Wu, Co-Founder, New York Crowdfunds, address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of both feature and independent film. Each panel is followed by a Q&A with the participants.
Attendees of NYCFF will also have the opportunity to interact and network with all featured experts and other fellow attendees. Established and aspiring filmmakers looking to raise capital for their projects, production companies, movie slates, film funds or other ventures are likely candidates to attend this gathering. Organized by SCENEPR!, NYCFF network is a presence among individuals in both the film and finance industries interested in working together to produce independent and feature films for theatrical distribution. SCENEPR! is a network of entrepreneurs and professionals from film/TV, fashion, music, art/photo, digital/online and green/eco, looking to build connections with other like-minded individuals for the purposes of doing business.
The 5th Annual Film Finance Forum East in downtown Manhattan is a follow up to the Fifth Annual Film Finance Forum West that took place in Los Angeles this past March. WINSTON | BAKER will host the 5th Annual Film Finance Forum East in association with Variety. The one-day program on April 16 is focused on financial strategies and opportunities within the film business. The speaking faculty will address: Entity-Level Investments: A Closer Look at Hybrid Models; Capitalizing on the Independent Film Business; Considering the Film Business as an Asset Class; The Evolution of Deal Structure from a Single Picture Perspective; Finding Success in Cross-Border Financing; Evaluating the Next Wave of Distressed Opportunities, and more.
The New York forum is designed for chief investment officers, private equity and hedge fund managers, angel investors, high net worth individuals, private family office managers, and financial advisers who are interested in learning more about the film business as non-correlated asset class. There will be opportunities for networking with seasoned deal-makers in the industry. The closing panel is “Capitalizing on the Independent Film Business” followed by a networking reception. In May there is a planned 4th Annual International Film Finance Forum happening in Cannes, France.
French Quarter Festival’s 30th Anniversary will showcase more than 400 hours of music from more than 1,300 local musicians on more than 20 stages in New Orleans’ French Quarter district. The artist line-up reveals a variety of popular New Orleans genres including traditional and contemporary jazz, Cajun-Zydeco, world, brass band, blues, rock, and pop from local New Orleans musicians. Festival goers can savor upscale dining in a festival atmosphere at the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” – a variety of authentic local cuisine from more than 60 New Orleans restaurants. Some of the restaurants at festival include Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Muriel’s, R’evolution, Jacques-i-mo’s, Boucherie, Crescent Pie and Sausage, GW Fins, Trey Yuen, K-Paul’s, Tujague’s, Praline Connection.
There are also free special events at French Quarter Festival, family activity with two planned kids areas and fireworks on the Mississippi River (Saturday, April 13 at 21:00). In an effort to promote the cultural heritage of the City of New Orleans and the Vieux Carre, French Quarter Festival presents the return of Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Music. This reprised program has a new film series titled TimeCode:NOLA, with screening set at the Louisiana State Museum’s OLD U.S. Mint. Both series focus on the creativity New Orleans has fostered in music and film through the use of storytelling and interactive discussions with musicians and filmmakers. The films give insight to the local culture of the French Quarter. The 2013 French Quarter Festival will feature a special 30th Anniversary Gala, on April 11 at Antoine’s Restaurant. A portion of the proceeds from the Gala will benefit The Roots of Music. French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc. (www.fqfi.org), the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December.
The 12th annual Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan opens April 17 with the world premiere of “Mistaken For Strangers,” a film that follows the personal journey of Tom Berninger (who doubles as the director and subject) as he goes on tour with his older brother, Matt Berninger, the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band, The National. The screening is followed by a special concert performed by the actual band. In other festival events, the “Tribeca Talks Industry” series will host panels that will include: “New Filmmakers in the Digital Age,” “The Business of Entertainment: Truth, Persuasion and Bias in Documentaries,” “Big Data and the Movies.” The “Directors Series” will include conversations with Clint Eastwood, Darren Aronofsky, Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Mira Nair, Bryce Dallas Howard and others. Most “Tribeca Talks” series (including the ones listed above) are free to the public. Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to stimulate economic and cultural revitalization in lower Manhattan’s Tribeca district following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The festival goes through April 28.
The Nashville Film Festival is an Academy qualifier in the categories for short films and animation. Although special events and parties related to NaFF have been underway since the start of April, the official festival opens April 18-25. The opening night film is the premiere of “MUD,” starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. Closing Night screening is “Unfinished Song,” starring Terrence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave. NaFF emphasizes the music in films and makes a special award presentation for its Music Films/ Music City line-up. In addition to the many films about music and the Music Films in Music City awards, NaFF presents showcases, workshops, and other events where songwriters and artists come together with film professionals throughout the globe to collaborate with and help promote each others works.
NaFF maintains a VIP Tent open to Silver Level Members that will serve Stella Artois, fine wines, spirits and Nashville specialties. This year, NaFF and 5th Avenue of the Arts / Downtown Nashville are jointly presenting a new opportunity for filmmakers, entitled: “Nashville Unveiled – Take One Video Festival Contest (NUVC).” Sponsored by Nashville Arts Magazine, the contest is a chance for professionals and/or amateurs to create a short film/video with the content connected to the theme: “The Arts Scene in Nashville.” Apart from the festival, the Nashville Film Festival provides three year-round programs: “Livin’ Reel,” gives urban teens hand’s on experience in filmmaking. The Hope Tour brings films and volunteers to the bedside of patients and veterans. The Tennessee Film Tour helps Tennessee cities start film festivals.
Digital Media Wire Games, formerly known as LA Games Conference, is an expanded two-day session starting April 18, called DMW Conference. It will still tackle the issues and ideas about the future of games and connected entertainment. It will run two tracks with fireside chats, panels, demos and presentations on digital game creation, distribution, monetization and marketing. Speakers include executives from Electronic Arts, Wargaming America, Vungle, Kiip, and PLAYSTUDIOS. On the first day Track B Panel, you learn: “What Does it Take to Make a Hit Game on iOS and Android Platforms” with Rob Carroll, 5th Planet Games, Matt Hulett, RealNetworks, Lina Chen, Nix Hydra Games, Marco DeMiroz, PlayFirst and Moderator Margaret Wallace, Playmatics. Zynga’s Chief Revenue Officer, Barry Cottle, will be conductng a fireside chat at DMW Games. This year’s conference features a Games Leadership Awards ceremony, a Hackathon/Game Jam hosted by Scopely. Day one ends with a Poolside Reception with a DJ performance and networking. The final conference on the last day will address “Game Development in Los Angeles: Future Prospects – Promise or Peril in the City of Angels” with a panel that will discuss the state of the game industry in Los Angeles – where the conference is held – and examine future prospects. Day two closes the conference with an official Closing Reception. Digital Media Wire is a news, publishing and events company serving the digital entertainment and media industries since 2000.
The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page. The events blog also shows links to pages that are translated into ten of the most widely used international languages read over the Internet other than English. This month’s photo placement highlights The Khayal Groove’s first CD tour in France since releasing their first album October 2012. If the photo does not appear in this post please The Actor’s Checklist blog to view it. Looking ahead into the next month, be aware that: Vegas Indie Film Fest, comes to Las Vegas; UK Film Forum will be in London; KOBA 2013, audio and Lighting equipment show opens in South Korea; the 2013 CLIO Awards will be held in New York City, The WorldMediaFestival will be in Hamburg, the annual Cannes Film Festival returns to Cannes, Streaming Media East will arrive in New York City.
