Monday, March 31, 2014

Burbank International Film Festival Proudly Presents a Day of Free Industry Seminars and Panels!


The Burbank International Film Festival is proud to present a Day of Free Industry Seminars and Panels with award-winning industry professionals including Writers, Directors, Producers, Actors, Casting Directors, Distributors, Agents, and Managers.

Free Industry Seminars at Woodbury University Saturday, April 5th, 10:00am - 5:00pm

Woodbury University - 7500 N. Glenoaks Blvd. Burbank 91504

These entertaining and informative Panels will be an up-close and personal look at the ever-changing world of filmmaking in Hollywood, the Media and the Internet.

All Seminars and Panels will take place in the 250-seat state-of-the-art Fletcher Jones Auditorium at the center of Campus. Both this Event and Parking is free to the public.

Schedule of Events
10:00am - Agents and Managers Panel
 
Learn what Talent Agents are Managers are looking for in today's market and what you need to know to secure representation. Panelists include Phil Brock – Theatrical Agent and Manager (Studio Talent Group), Kathryn Boole - Literary Agent (STG Literary), Monique Strong (Power Talent Group) with more Talent Agents to be added. Don't forget to bring your headshot & resume for possible representation!
 
11:15am - Casting Directors Panel
 
 Get tips and advice from Casting Directors, covering all aspects of the casting process for film, television and the internet. Casting Director panelists include Michael Testa ("Cold Case", "Make It or Break It", "Uncanny"), Craig Campobasso ("First Contact", "Red Line", "Sky Captain & The World of Tomorrow"), Gerald Webb ("Sharknado I & II", "Zombie Apocalypse" & tons of movies for SYFY) with more Casting Directors to be added! Don't forget to bring your headshot & resume!
 
12:30pm - Independent Filmmakers Panel
 
 Join a panel of award-winning Directors, Producers, and Distribution experts who will give you the inside scoop on how to make your movie on a limited budget and get it distributed. Special guests include Director/Producer Chris Olen Ray (The Asylum) which has produced over 300 films including "Sharknado I & II", Director/Producer Darren Grant ("Diary of a Mad Black Woman" for Tyler Perry), Producer Sim Sarna ("Uncanny", "Answers to Nothing"), "Lower Learning"), Writer/Producer and Documentary Filmmaker Joseph Levy ("Spinning Plates") and Distributor Linda Nelson (Indie Rights Distribution) who will impart valuable information for all platforms for film disribution including the internet. More Guests to be added!
 
2:00pm - Screenwriting Panel
 
 Learn about screenwriting from two of Hollywood's most sought after comedy writers, Kristen Smith ("Legally Blonde", "10 Things I Hate About You", "House Bunny", and the new comedy "How To Get Over A Guy In 10 Days") and Tim Dowling ("This Means War", "Role Models", "Just Go With It", and the new Adam Sandler/Kevin James comedy "Pixels"). Don't miss this informative and entertaining panel to learn everything you need to know about writing scripts for the screen from two of the best in the biz!
 
3:00pm - New Media Storytelling with SoulPancake and "The Impression Guys"
 
Wrap up the day with hilarity and great internet insight from the new Web Series, "The Impression Guys" produced by SoulPancake for YouTube. The show is Written, Directed & Produced by Ben Shelton, and stars two of today's most amazing voice impressionists, Jim Meskimen ("Parks & Recreation"), and Ross Marquand ("Mad Men") and their impressionist friends, Piotr Michael ("Mad") and many others. Learn what it takes to make your own internet production and get seen by a worldwide audience. Panelsits include Ben, Jim, Ross, Piotr and Georgia Koch, YouTube Channel Manager for SoulPancake (created by Rainn Wilson from "The Office"). All 6 episodes of this original series can be seen on SoulPancake/YouTube at "The Impression Guys".
 
 
About Burban International Film Festival
The Burbank International Film Festival is a California non-profit organization operating as a 501C3 tax-exempt corporation.

The Burbank International Film Festival Board of Directors is comprised of talented industry professionals and production executives who work within the studio system. Our festival judges, screening committees, and even many of our volunteers are respected professionals in the motion picture and television industry. Our festival awards categories mirror the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, and The Annie Awards.

The Burbank International Film Festival is still accepting festival submissions though May 31st, 2014 in over 25 categories. New categories include New Media (internet productions/web series), Faith-Based Films, and the Los Angeles County Student Filmmakers Award. For information on all the categories, or to get involved,
go to the website www.BurbankFilmFest.org.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Richard Linklater's BOYHOOD To Open On July 11 In The US!


New York, NY (March 27, 2014) - IFC Films announced today that Richard Linklater's BOYHOOD will open in US theaters on July 11. With a screenplay by Linklater, the film stars Ellar Coltrane, Ethan Hawke, Patricia Arquette and Lorelei Linklater. BOYHOOD had its world premiere at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival and won the Silver Bear for Best Director at the 2014 Berlin International Film Festival.

Filmed over short periods from 2002 to 2013, BOYHOOD is a groundbreaking cinematic experience covering 12 years in the life of a family. At the center is Mason, who with his sister Samantha, is taken on an emotional and transcendent journey through the years, from childhood to adulthood.

BOYHOOD was produced by Linklater, Cathleen Sutherland, Jonathan Sehring and John Sloss, and was fully financed by IFC Films.

IFC Films is a sister label to IFC Midnight and Sundance Selects, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.

About IFC Films
Established in 2000 and based in New York City, IFC Films is a leading U.S. distributor of quality talent-driven independent film. Some of the company's successes over the years have included MY BIG FAT GREEK WEDDING, Y TU MAMA TAMBIEN, TOUCHING THE VOID, GOMORRAH, CHE, SUMMER HOURS, IN THE LOOP, ANTICHRIST, WORDPLAY, CAIRO TIME, JOAN RIVERS: A PIECE OF WORK, TINY FURNITURE, YOUR SISTER'S SISTER, CARLOS, THE TRIP, SLEEPWALK WITH ME, FRANCES HA, THE CANYONS, AIN'T THEM BODIES SAINTS and CRYSTAL FAIRY. IFC Films is a sister label to Sundance Selects and IFC Midnight, and is owned and operated by AMC Networks Inc.

SOURCE Strategy PR

Wednesday, March 26, 2014

Celebrities Choose Musicians Institute Alumni!

Musicians Institute Alumni Chosen to Work with Pharrell, CeeLo & Other Top Music Stars


March 26, 2014 – Hollywood, CA – Musicians Institute (MI), Hollywood's college of contemporary music, has become a major source of new talent for some of the hottest hitmakers of today, including Grammy Award-winning stars Pharrell Williams, CeeLo Green and many others. From graduates of the music school's performing arts programs for guitar and drums, to former students in Audio Engineering courses - and even faculty instructors who teach singing lessons - MI has continued to be a hotbed of activity behind the biggest movers and shakers in the music industry.

Most recently, MI Audio Engineering alumni Reuben Cohen mastered the recording of Pharrell Williams' Oscar-nominated hit "Happy," which is ruling the Internet and the airwaves, while hitting #1 on numerous Billboard charts. Meanwhile, MI Guitar Program graduate Sojung Lee landed a gig performing with CeeLo Green after attending an MI Audition at the school. Lee debuted on stage with Green this February, and continues to tour with the superstar singer-rapper.

MI's many successful alumni also include talented musicians such as Fabian Egger, who is currently touring as the music director and drummer for G.O.O.D. Music/Def Jam artist Big Sean; and guitarist JinJoo Lee, who has been playing with platinum-selling American Idol winner Jordin Sparks, as well as Joe Jonas of The Jonas Brothers. Some other MI success stories have included Chris Wrate, guitarist/musical director for Ariana Grande; David Myers, drummer for Frank Ocean; Gaby Moreno, Latin Grammy winner for Best New Artist; and Nikki Grant, drummer for Street Drum Corps and who also has performed with 30 Seconds To Mars and Katy Perry.

These successful alumni are guided into their careers by MI’s world-renowned faculty, who share their real-world professional experience to help students get connected to the music industry. For example, singer-songwriter and MI Independent Artist Program instructor Gisa Vatcky is featured on Sheila E.'s new single, "Mona Lisa." Vatcky has previously worked with Aretha Franklin, Placido Domingo, Josh Groban, Enrique Iglesias and many others.

"Our school's mission is to provide a comprehensive, innovative and artistic educational experience across a variety of programs," said Jessica R. Sullivan, Director of Marketing at Musicians Institute. "And our Hollywood location makes MI the perfect source for talent in the heart of the music industry. We’re so proud of these alumni who have made the best of their music education here—from performers on guitar, bass, drums, keyboards and vocals, to alumni of our Music Business, Guitar Craft Academy and Bachelors and Associate Degree programs."