Posts about Entertainment

Record company looking for new comedy acts

November 14th, 2008

Beats On Records the independant comedy record label for Bizz Buzz 09 is looking to sign a bunch of new comedy acts. Comedians, standups, comics, singers and funny people are encouraged to visit www.beatsonrecords.com. The comedy label is accepting unsolicited material for a short time only. This is a chance of a life time for aspiring artists with CD, DVD and digital download deals available. For more info visit www.beatsonrecords.com

Chance of a lifetime for aspiring artists

November 14th, 2008

Beats On Records  the exclusive record label for Bizz Buzz 09 is searching for aspiring artists for their latest project. The label is looking to sign aspiring comedy acts for CD and DVD deals for a 2009 release. Beats on records is also expanding to include a music component to the Bizz Buzz 09 launch. Singers, bands and comedy acts are encouragd to visit www.beatsonrecords.com for more info.

‘Desert Padre – In Search of Gareth Hughes’ wins major film award

November 12th, 2008

The film documentary ‘Desert Padre – In Search of Gareth Hughes’ made by Burry Port resident Kelvin Guy has won a major International Film Award.

The film won Best Documentary – UK, at the recent International Film Festival South Africa.

The film traces the long journey of Kelvin Guy in tracking down still living individuals who remembered his relation, Gareth Hughes – Wales’ very first Hollywood Movie star.

Three years in the making and capturing interviews with surviving Native Americans and discovering lost relations in the United States, the film is both a personal memoir and an important historic document.

See link for all winners:

http://www.amritsa.com/eiff/08/winners.htm

The Jury, were impressed by the huge research undertaken by Mr. Guy and the fact he had never previously made a film.

‘This film is an outstanding achievement and an important piece of work’.

In November a plaque commissioned by Mr. Guy to mark the birthplace of Gareth Hughes will be unveiled in Llanelli.

To finds out more about this remarkable film go to:

www.desertpadre.co.uk

“99 Bottles Documentary” Cinematic Spectacle and Beer Tasting

October 28th, 2008

Summary:

November 2008 marks the Madison debut and Milwaukee rekindling of “99 Bottles Documentary,” a documentary film that explores the history, culture, and brew making processes of craft brewers in Southeastern Wisconsin. Contributions from the founders and brewmasters of 16 unique Wisconsin breweries and brewpubs along with interviews from local historians culminate in a timely and relevant celebration of Wisconsin’s worst kept secret - Beer! The tour starts with four shows in Milwaukee from November 6-9, 2008 at the Times Cinema in Milwaukee. Tickets are $8, with half of the box-office sales going to help sponsor the Kiwanis Club of Metropolitan Milwaukee Nights’ November 7th “Brew Fest” event.  Next stop is a series of four shows in Madison at The Orpheum Theatre from November 13-16. Attendees that arrive a half-hour before all shows can taste samples of beer from the breweries that are covered in this film.

Detail:

“99 Bottles Documentary” explores the history and culture of the craft brewing industry in Southeastern Wisconsin. A collaboration between Wisconsin-based Mutant Barmonkey Productions, LLC and Haptic Vision, “99 Bottles Documentary” began over a pint at Wolski’s Tavern. Producers Glen Popple and David Oplinger, in partnership with director Jason Williams, set out to explore what it takes to make great beer in their own backyard. Otto Dilba of Ale Asylum in Madison commented, “It was a great excuse to have a beer and reminisce about the origins of Ale Asylum, and was the most legal fun we have had with our pants on.”

Over the course of their travels, one common theme has emerged: ‘free beer’ is not free. With the single-minded purpose of a master chef, the men and women that bring you pint after refreshing pint strive to survive ever-toughening legislation, worldwide resource shortages, and an ever-growing public demand for excellence in their product.

The filmmakers’ quest took them all over the state of Wisconsin, from Mount Horeb’s tiny award-winning brewpub, the Grumpy Troll, to the glimmering halls of the New Glarus Brewing Company’s newest stainless-steel beer mecca. “Mark and I enjoyed being interviewed for this worthwhile project. Coming from a small village in Wisconsin, we are honored to be part of a project that allows us to showcase our award winning beers…”, said Douglas M. Welshinger, The Grumpy Troll Restaurant and Brewery.

In addition to researching the rich pallet of breweries, the filmmakers ambushed average people and beer aficionados alike. From Comet Café’s “Beer School” to the Milwaukee Public Museum’s “Food and Froth” fundraiser, they polled the public inquiring: “What one question would you ask a brewmaster if given the opportunity?”

With centuries-old brewing traditions of European families that settled the Midwest, it seemed only fitting that the trials and successes of their descendants should be explored. The rigors of this emerging market, the time-honored traditions that they uphold and the daily regiment of sweat equity necessary to meet the bottom line make for a fascinating expose of one of Wisconsin’s worst kept secrets: Beer.

Spotlight Records signs Todd Berry

October 28th, 2008

COLUMBUS, OHIO……….October 27, 2008……….Spotlight Records and Todd Berry has agreed to the terms of a recording contract. Todd Berry was born and raised in Muncie Indiana. Todd born legally blind but not once has it held him back from the first and the last thing on his mind —music. Todd has been singing since the age of nine, now thirty (30) has successfully made a living doing what he loves —– singing and performing. Todd has been influenced by several artists including Elvis Presley, Garth Brooks, Metallica, Big & Rich, Huey Lewis, Lynard Skynard and more. Todd also writes and produces original music of his and other artists.

Todd Berry is a professional singer that has provided entertainment for clubs and venues throughout the United States, Todd performs a wide variety of music ranging from 50s & 60s Classic Rock, Country, and Gospel as well as his own original music. Todd also runs an entertainment group called “When Rock Met Country” which is a variety show that offers multiple acts featuring several local artists.

About Spotlight Records……….Started in 1995, Spotlight Records produces and promotes mainstream Pop, Rock and Country.  Spotlight Records will produce and release two (2) projects in the next two years.

Headquartered in Galloway, Ohio, Spotlight Records is a independent recording company founded by Jim Bruce who has recorded Debbie Collins, Brandi Lynn Howard and Category IV. Spotlight Records service is targeted to the new or independent artist wanting to progress to the next level. Spotlight Records believes that modern technology combined with a business attitude is vital and an essential part of any entertainer’s presentation today. It is also necessary for any new or indie artist to understand that a major label contract is not absolute for you to make a profit, survive and/or succeed as an entertainer today. It has been proven that many indie artists without a major contract have had a very successful career as an entertainer. Todd will be a featured performer at this years Ohio Festivals and Events Association Convention.

For more information about Todd Berry contact our entertainment department at 614-917-0934

Or email us at spotlight3records@yahoo.com or visit our website at www.myspace.com/spotlight3records

Bizz Buzz 09 worlds largest corporate entertainment event names record label

October 27th, 2008

Bizz Buzz 09 the worlds largest corporate entertainment event has chosen Beats On Records as the exclusive label for the launch of their latest event. Bizz Buzz 09 the worlds largest corporate event utilises comedy content for on hold calls and public broadcast as part of their branding system. Beats On Records are supplying the Comedy dvds, cds and digital dowloads for Bizz Buzz 09. More information can be found at www.beatsonrecords.com or email info@beatsonrecords.com.

Portland Native Jeff Beard Aims to Unify Americans with Political Documentary

October 14th, 2008

Portland, Ore – October 14, 2008 – The very nature of a two-party system encourages separation. It’s nothing new. However, the difference today is the acute and almost exclusive attention devoted to our differences in contemporary campaigning. Whereas in the past, campaigns battled to sway voters in the middle, these days it’s about exciting the base. One film is aiming to change all that.

“America has gone from the politics of persuasion to the politics of mobilization. To successfully mobilize your party’s base, you focus on the issues it holds dearest. These are often the most divisive ones. And what we get now are battles over abortion and gay marriage because it works so well to excite both sides of the political aisle,” said Jeff Beard, producer of “Split: A Divided America.”

“Split: A Divided America,” a recent political documentary by Portland native Jeff Beard, son of Beard’s Framing founder, Terry Beard, is a concerned citizen’s unbiased look at the partisanship that dominates American politics today. The film explores why civil discourse has disappeared from our day-to-day lives and how polarization has risen to control our political experience.

Not your typical documentary, “Split: A Divided America” is a non-partisan film. It balances candid discussions with people all across the country and commentary from some of the sharpest minds analyzing government and society today, including conversations with former MSNBC anchor Tucker Carlson, civil rights activist Rev. Jesse Jackson and political dissident Noam Chomsky. In fact everyone interviewed was asked the same six questions.

“By asking the same questions we could dispel the notion that we had a preconceived political agenda. This isn’t a Michael Moore-type documentary where a filmmaker goes out to find evidence to support his beliefs,” said Jeff Beard. “In many ways this film is a polite rebuke to that type of partisan documentary filmmaking.”

“Split: A Divided America” made its world premiere in April at the AFI Dallas International Film Festival. Since then, it has won three awards including Best Political Documentary Feature at the Connecticut International Film Festival, Audience Favorite Award for Best Documentary at the Riverside International Film Festival and Jury Award for Best Documentary Feature at the First Take Film Festival.

You can purchase a DVD at www.splitdoc.com for $14.99, or at iTunes for $3.99.

Contact:

amPR
Anthony Murillo, Managing publicist
323-988-5729
anthony@am-publicrelations.com

“Victim” Premieres at Milwaukee Short Film Festival

May 27th, 2008

MILWAUKEE (May 22, 2008) — The premiere of “Victim,” a suspense film directed by Jason Williams and starring R. Michael Gull and Katie Shay, will headline opening night of the “10th Annual Milwaukee Short Film Festival” on May 30, 2008 at the Alchemist Theatre.

“Victim” represents the sixth short film selected for festivals nationally and abroad for director Jason Williams. This dark, suspenseful film was written and co-produced by R. Michael Gull, who also plays the role of Vincent. When not working on films, Gull is a nationally touring stand-up comic who has appeared in “Indefinite” (also co-directed by Williams), “Haunted,” and Tate Bunker’s short film “Perceval.” He also stars in the upcoming sci-fi feature film “Dust,” from Lightning Rod Studios, currently in production. Co-starring is Katie Shay, making her film debut in the role of Detective Cross.

“Victim” is the tale of a man — Vincent — whose concept of love is skewed. He could be your neighbor, that guy with the flat tire on the side of the road, or the one behind you at the ATM. He finds himself across the table from Detective Cross, given the opportunity to bare his soul about his obsession with what he considers the most intimate bond two people can share – the moment of death.

“Victim” also features Olivia Barash, who co-starred on the TV shows “Little House on the Prairie” and “Fame,” as well as the films “Tuff Turf” and “Repo Man.” She also wrote original music for and appeared in Oliver Stone’s “The Doors.” In “Victim,” Barash contributes the song “Are You Tired?” Local Milwaukee band Binky Tunny and The Farmland Chokehold wrote the film’s title track and Chicago artist and musician Brian Jones composed the score. Binky Tunny will perform at the opening night after-party immediately following the screenings.

The Milwaukee Short Film Festival will open with a 10th Anniversary screening of “The Dirty Job” by festival director Ross Bigley, followed by a select few of the jury-selected films and the party. The public is invited to attend.

The event starts at 7:30 p.m., Friday, May 30, 2008, at the Alchemist Theatre located at 2569 S. Kinnickinnic. Tickets are $10, which includes the after-party. For more information about the festival or to purchase tickets, visit: www.alchemisttheatre.com. And for more information about “Victim,” including trailers, go to www.myspace.com/”Victim”2007.

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Haptic Vision is a production company founded by director/producer Jason Williams in Wisconsin. Williams’ previous credits include directing “Meniere’s Disease,” “Train to Forever,” and co-directing the award-winning “Ghost Hunting: Serious Business.”

Access Talent announces the assignment of George Kidder as Agent in charge of Talent Placement

April 28th, 2008

Columbus, Ohio, April 28, 2008 – Mr. Kidder, a newly named co-owner of Access Talent, a full service talent agency for 19 years; contracted George Kidder as their new booking and promotions director. He will develop and manage all aspects of their publicity and marketing programs for the rock group Category IV, Autumn Daze and country entertainer Brandi Lynn Howard and all future acts signed by Access Talent Including bookings, public relations, marketing and trade shows.

“We are excited to have Mr. Kidder join our team of professionals,” said James Bruce, founder of Access Talent. Mr. Kidder at his most recent position as a foundation board of directors member for 11 years (1996-2007). Mr. Kidder was in charge of the entertainment and advertisement for 3 years with the Earth Angel Foundation a charity foundation that gives Dream Vacations to Ohio Children with life threatening and terminal illnesses. George will bring a rich experience of dealing with people in the entertainment industry that will help our clients get the exposure they need through the establishment of professionally designed promotions. Mr. Kidder has worked for 37 years in a variety of positions at Diamond Power International Inc. of Lancaster, Ohio.

About Access Talent……….

Headquartered in Galloway, Ohio, Access Talent is a full service talent agency founded in 1989 specializing as a professional services firm for independent musicians, singers, songwriters, bands and entertainers. The firm has demonstrated expertise in booking, recordings, career development, consultation, marketing, publicity and talent management. For more information on Access Talent, visit http://www.accesstalent.biz or call 614-878-7292.

B Boy Entertainment and Fastlane Pictures to produce a film based on the life story of O’Jays member Eric Nolan Grant

April 27th, 2008

ABOUT THE FILM

The film, tentatively titled I Am My Brother’s Keeper, takes us on a musical journey, as the hopes and dreams of Eric Nolan Grant are first crushed, then ultimately realized as he struggles to stay true to his music. Torn between his craft and the streets that raised him, Eric follows his dreams to places he never imagined. While on the rise in the local Cleveland music scene, Eric meets another struggling young singer by the name of Gerald Levert. They make a pact: “whoever reaches the top first will pull the other up.” Several years later when Eric loses everything, he learns the true bonds of brotherhood when Gerald, now an internationally known R&B singer, reaches back to pull him up. Eric is given an opportunity of a lifetime, when Gerald puts him in a position to become a member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame trio, The O’Jays. At the same time, Eric pays it forward as he struggles to save his own brother Mitchel from a life of total self destruction. Thus learning that being your brother’s keeper is never just a choice, but a chance to make good on life’s promises.

Principle photography is slated to begin summer 2008. Della Reese and Clifton Powell have been cast to portray Eric Nolan Grant’s grandmother and father and Eddie Levert will make a cameo appearance. Fastlane Pictures is currently in discussions with established actors to portray Eric. In addition, an open casting call will be held for the actor who will portray Gerald Levert in the motion picture.

Fastlane Pictures, an Atlanta based company, was established in 2006 by Writer/Producer Sanedria Potter to develop TV/Film projects, and has now partnered with Michelle Kuykendall and Tanya Sanchez, of B Boy Entertainment to develop quality film and television projects. B Boy Entertainment has been managing talent since 2003 and is the management company of Eric Nolan Grant. The life story of Eric Nolan Grant was written for the screen by Sanedria Potter.

UK Pubs and Bars Box Clever

April 8th, 2008

Successful venue finding website Citypublife is confident that their promotion of the upcoming Calzaghe v Hopkins super middleweight title fight will again prove a hit for at least 16 subscribing venues that are showing the fight live on Setanta in the early hours of Sunday 20th April.

Managing Director Perry Mayer believes that most Licensees are underestimating the true financial value of boxing and the sports channels saying that “The Calzaghe v Hopkins showdown is another great opportunity to subsidise part of the annual subscriptions licensees pay.

There were twelve subscribing venues who were selling tickets to watch the Hatton v Mayweather fight and they were all sold out with one venue manager reporting that if he had the space he would have easily sold 2,500 tickets - he didn’t even serve alcohol - with another manager stating that she was being offered up to £40 per ticket after she was sold out”.

Claiming that visits to the sports section of the website hit an all time high in the week leading up to the Hatton fight, he said “If the Hatton, Mayweather - Maccerinelli, Haye fights are an indication of the support pubs and bars will receive then this bout could see the till bells ringing throughout the night for licensees who are able and willing to show it”.

Mayer, who also supplies free posters to help subscribing licensees promote their events, claimed that whilst the Maccerinelli, Haye fight did not have the “Hatton Factor”, all venues reporting in claimed that they were at or close to capacity.

He insists that although he understands the difficulties licensees face he finds it hard to accept the apathy of some. “To capture the massive American audiences these big fights are early morning starts - normally somewhere between 1am and 4am – this makes it difficult for licensees to judge costs, staff/customer numbers and closing times when applying for a temporary license. With a limited amount of these licences available it is important they’re not wasted”.

“However,” he enthused “fortune favours the brave; it’s no good sitting back bemoaning subscription costs and supermarket prices. Take it on the chin, dust yourself off and box clever or suffer the consequences. If licensees subscribe to these sports channels they need to be bold and enthusiastic enough to use them, including outside of prime time, if not, they’re probably missing out on quite a few opportunities”.

Citypublife Co-Director Linda Langfrey is also optimistic for the Calzaghe bout, saying “we know from past experience, the risk is worth taking. Most, if not all subscribing venues that have Setanta and who showed the last two fights are showing this one – that in itself tells the story.”

A list of venues showing the fight can be found at www.citypublife.co.uk/sports.php

Perry Mayer can be contacted on 0121 288 5486 or 0121 288 5486

New Agency for Top Band Soul Vaccination

March 31st, 2008

Top conference and company function band Soul Vaccination have signed an agency deal with New Hive, the Yorkshire based Entertainments Agency which specialises in organising entertainments for company presentations, awards ceremonies, conferences and larger private functions. Soul Vaccination are a full on Tower of Power tribute ten piece band which delivers a hard driving, powerful funky music sound with class and precision.

Soul Vaccination has nine dedicated musicians including full rhythm and horn sections, plus a top lead singer. They are the nearest UK fans of Tower of Power get to seeing their heroes live. The band’s name is also the name of an early Tower of Power hit.

This is ideal music for their intended audience, which includes clubs catering for the discerning music and dance scene as well as the corporate function and larger private parties. Which is why they have struck a deal with New Hive.

New Hive have the experience to assist event organisers by providing exactly the right entertainment for the audience to be catered for, including ensuring the appropriate audio and visual team and ensuring all safety standards are met.

Bandleader and arranger of Soul Vaccination Stanislaw Dziama said “It has been hard work building the band and establishing our reputation. We have fulfilled some engagements within this market place and it is obviously ideally suited to our style of performance, and we suited to them, as the receptions received have shown. This link up gives us a representative with the right contacts and experience to keep us busy and that can only improve our performing standard still further”.

New Hive proprietor Mike Goodman told us “I have been to some of Soul Vaccination’s live concerts and loved the sound. Sometimes this kind of music can get too much of a muchness by the end of the performance. Well, so can any kind of music, for that matter. But these musicians are very highly skilled and the range and variety within the set keeps the atmosphere hot and happy throughout. Since I met Stan, I have been very impressed by the high standards he demands and the consistency with which he implements it and keeps all the members of the band motivated to deliver. New Hive is proud to have the opportunity to work with such a great outfit”.

Contact Mike at new hive for more information or to book: 01924 443335, or visit the New Hive web site, http://www.newhive.co.uk