Entertainment Finance Forum, Cartoomics Movies Comics Games, SXSW, FILMART, are event highlights in March

 

The Byron Bay International Film Festival is open to films of all lengths and all genres. All films entered will automatically be considered for nomination in any award categories that the film might qualify for during the selection process. BBFF awards include but are not limited to Best Film, Documentary, Short Film, Drama, Cinematography, Surf Film, Animation, Experimental Film, Environmental Film, Music Video, Best Young Australian Filmmaker (open to Australian Director’s under 25) and an award for the Best Local Film. Normally submissions are handled via the website or email inquiries can be sent to: submissions@bbff.com.au. The Red Carpet Festival Opener is Tony Benn: Will & Testament, a feature-length documentary about the late British political firebrand, socialist and tireless fighter against privilege and injustice filmed over the last two years of his life.

BBFF2015 will host innovative figures in the film industry for workshops, panels and networking events focusing on the art and business of film. Typical of this is the March 7 event, Magic Happens in The Dark: A Filmmakers view of Festivals, where a panel will share their emotional and professional journey onto and around the International Film Festival circuit. Submission tactics and reactions to dismissals or acceptances will be discussed, as will the much coveted final screening. Another free panel on March 8, At Your Own Risk: How Far Will A Director Go To Make A Film?, a panel of filmmakers will discuss the considerable hurdles they have faced in production that require a fine balance of judgment and diplomacy, like shooting hazardous events, dealing in sensitive content and finding themselves in illegal situations. For March 15, an exploration of the ABC Open: Makers and Creators Project will show how to storyboard, shoot and edit a short video then publish it on the ABC (www.abc.net.au/openprojects) with the new ABC Open Makers and Creators project. ABC Open Producer Jeff Licence offers insights to develop storytelling skills and get involved in making videos. The theme for the video is Makers and Creators.

In other special events, BBFF2015 has invited actor David Wenham, of "Pirates Of The Caribbean 5" fame, for a special presentation about his latest film, Force Of Destiny, set for March 7 with the Director Paul Cox in attendance as well. Audiences will have a sneak preview at some of the film's scenes before the film premieres at Melbourne International Film Festival. The Festival’s ongoing “Experimental” category will showcase the cutting-edge of film as art at a free session presented in a “gallery” format. Approximately 20 films from across the globe will be screened on March 12. Another Red Carpet Gala Party on March 14 precedes the festival close on March 15 with a screening of Zen and the Art of Dying, the closing night highlight made by BBFF Alumni Filmmaker Broderick Fox.

Entertainment Finance Forum was conceived and produced by conference operator specializing in film finance conferences, Winston Baker, to provide insight to equity and debt financiers on investment opportunities, challenges and strategies for increased upside as they relate to film, TV and innovations in the digital space. The forum also offers workshops and sessions for producers and innovators looking for effective approaches to fundraising, marketing, distribution, and profitability.

The notable speaking faculty features some of the industry’s most seasoned executives and financiers, award-winning producers, and the newest innovators. Keynote speakers will include leading industry executives and active investors such as James Moore, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Partner of Vine Alternative Investments, who recently announced the closing of the company’s third fund focused on investments in film, television, and entertainment assets with over $500 million of capital commitments. EuropaCorp Chief Executive Officer Christophe Lambert and Schuyler Moore, Partner, Stroock & Stroock & Lavan LLP will also serve as keynotes.

In addition to insightful keynotes, the Los Angeles forum will host workshops on film and TV finance, crowdfunding and production incentives. Featured panel discussions will address: Equity Evolved: Approaches to Smarter Money, Distribution Disrupted: Emerging Independent Platforms, Television Redefined: New Business Models and Revenue Streams, Getting in on the Action of the Big Gaming Industry, Racing for the Gold Rush: Taking Mobile Apps from Development to Market.

Over the three day forum that closes March 11, day one workshops will include: Capitalizing on Crowdfunding, Navigating and Monetizing Production Incentives, Fundamentals of Film Finance, TV Finance 101. Day two workshops are: State of the Industry: The Future of the Big Screen, Equity Evolved: Approaches to Smarter Money, Sky’s the Limit: Sourcing the Capital Stack for Single Picture Deals, Distribution Disrupted: Emerging Independent Platforms, Measurable and Engaging Approaches to Brand Funded Programming, Television Redefined: Shifting Business Models and New Revenue Streams. Day three workshops are: Getting in on the Action of the Big Gaming Industry, Ctrl Alt Delete: Music Rebooted, 360 Degree Marketing: Utilizing the Digital Angle to Increase Returns, Racing for the Gold Rush: Taking Mobile Apps from Development to Market.

Like Comic-Con in San Diego and Supanova Pop Culture in Melbourne, Cartoomics Movies Comics Games shapes up as the Milano version of these popular pop culture destinations. This three day event showcases products like comics, movies, cartoon, video games, collectibles, to that of fantasy based products and services. Operation Fear Film Festival presents, in collaboration with Cartoomics 2015, the latest film by director Ivan Zuccon. A screening will be given March 15, the result of a Italian-American co-production effort, and has in its cast two scream queens well known to fans of Troma's Lloyd Kaufman -- Tiffany Shepis and Debbie Rochon. Like other pop culture conventions, one of the more popular events will be the Cosplay contest. The Cosplay competition starts on opening day with the Light Cosplay Contest, a small parade dedicated to cosplayer that, in addition to free admission, will parade onto a stage to sufficiently display the creations from the Cosplay competitors.

Day two of Cartoomics' Cosplay competition will be the presenting of the Cinecosplay Award, awarded to a cosplayer whose dress is inspired solely to the world of film, TV series and feature film animation. On the final day, hundreds of cosplayers, made up of groups and couples, will perform to show an assembled audience their creations, presided over by an international jury. For Star Wars fans, the large area dedicated to Star Wars in the Sci-Fi Area of Cartoomics 2015 this year will turn into the desert planet of Tatooine, one of the locations most beloved by fans of the saga. In addition to scenes depicting environments on the planet will be exhibited numerous themed props, many of which have never been exhibited before and were made ​​specifically for the Milano event. There will be members of the two Legions: the 501st Italica Garrison and the Rebel Legion Italian Base (the only two groups of Italian Star Wars costuming approved by Lucasfilm). Costumed groups will be available for photographs and interactions with visitors both before and during official parades.

 

 

SXSW is arguably the highest profile event of the month, encompassing three major topic areas: music, film and interactive tech. SXSW Music is a large festival with more than 2,200 official performers and bands playing in more than 100 venues. The festival offers artist-provided music and video samples of featured artists on their official YouTube channel. SXSW Film focuses on new directing talent. SXSW Interactive is focused on emerging technology, and the festival includes a trade show, speakers, parties, and a startup accelerator. There are also official Welcome Events to get things started at SXSW. Attendees can open their SXSW experience by enjoying food, drink and networking. Film, Interactive, Platinum and Gold registrants can sign on for the BBQ Crash Course or the Film and Interactive Taco Meet Up on March 13. Platinum and Music registrants have the opportunity to attend the Music Taco Meetup on March 20 or the Music Mixer on March 18. South by Southwest is run by the company SXSW, Inc. which plans and executes conferences, trade shows, festivals, and other events.

This year the SXSW Job Market is presented by Publicis Groupe and is open to the public March 13-14 with free Guest Pass wristbands, available in advance or onsite at the event. Visit guestpass.sxsw.com for more information. The 29th annual South By Southwest Closing Barbecue and Softball Tournament, the traditional closing social event of the SXSW week, runs from 12:30-17:30 on March 22. The accompanying SXSW Barbecue serves up an authentic Texas spread with all the trimmings (vegetarian options as well), prepared by local Ruby’s BBQ, plus beer, water, and soft drinks. SXSW hosts acts in every stage of their development, including music legends such as Dave Grohl, Stevie Nicks, Prince, Bruce Springsteen, LL Cool J, Lou Reed, Iggy Pop and Depeche Mode. Sonicbids is the exclusive online musical event application platform for the way SXSW handles showcase inquiries. Programming offered by the three festivals (Music, Film, Interactive) is a vast offering. Following, is a paragraph by paragraph roundup of selected highlights captured from each individual festival. Film submission inquiries to SXSW are done through the website at this link: www.sxsw.com/film/screenings/submit. Inquiries about speaking opportunities must go through SXSW PanelPicker page (panelpicker.sxsw.com) for more information.

SXSW opens with Interactive, running March 13-17. Featured Sessions at Interactive showcase reveals the innovative thinkers of the field. Charlene Li, Altimeter Group, leads a session to look at how leaders can use technology to listen, share, and engage with employees and customers, at scale. Google’s Eric Schmidt joins Walter Isaacson, author of Steve Jobs and The Innovators, and Megan Smith, Chief Technology Officer of the United States, discuss the role of collaboration and the iterative nature of progress in all the major innovations of the digital age. At a fireside chat, Mashable’s Pete Cashmore will cover how technology, social media and the explosion of digital have will affect the world’s consumption habits, business models and the way we live. In an interview, Kevin from KROQ's Kevin and Bean show has, A Conversation with Jimmy Kimmel, where Kimmel will share how he got his start, show highlights from some of his favorite moments, and delve into his work as the host and executive producer of his show.

SXSW’s Film Festival segment goes from March 13-21. A conference is part of the program covering a breadth of topics, from digital release strategies, to filmmaking techniques, production, and casting. Some of the vital segments of the film area will be Keynotes consisting of 20 minute one-on-one moderated interviews with three different insiders; mentor sessions that offer attendees one-on-one interaction with industry experts and creative game changers; Future15s that are three high energy, fifteen-minute sessions packed into one hour, structured for informativeness and focus; the Featured Sessions that also include the Conversation series with iconic filmmakers, actors and industry leaders moderated by a noted journalist, academic or fellow creative; workshops covering the latest trends in the industry, providing practical knowledge and inspiration in the form of hands-on experience; mentor sessions that offer attendees one-on-one interaction with industry experts and creative game changers. An offshoot of Film, SXSW Comedy, presents showcases, live recordings, conversations, improvisations, and late night parties. Wristband holders also welcome to all SXSW Comedy events at Esther's Follies, The Hideout, and The North Door.

The South by Southwest (SXSW) Music and Media Conference runs March 17-22. At day there are the panels, talks, the Trade Show, Music Gear Expo and other conference activities at the Austin Convention Center. Panel topics cover everything from touring to releasing your own music to practically every aspect of the music business. SXSW hosts networking opportunities, career-building conference programming and over 100 stages of music for showcasing bands and conference attendees. At night attendees are treated to musical performances from over 2,200 regional, national and international acts taking place at the SXSW Music Festival. SXSW Music Festival showcases occur at over 100 venues throughout downtown Austin. How could anyone know if their favorite band or musical artist is performing this year at SXSW? This linked page () is a breakdown of music rvents sorted by Name on Any Day limited to Showcase. Something to know about the city of Austin is it’s official slogan as “The Live Music Capital of the World,” attributed to the many nightclubs on 6th Street district. The concentration of restaurants, bars, and music venues in the city's downtown core designates its zip code as encompassing the downtown entertainment district hosts the most bar or alcohol-serving establishments in the U.S.A.

The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market - also known as FILMART - is a four day film and entertainment market from March 23, organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). FILMART focuses on the needs of professionals in areas such as distribution, production and acquisition of film, TV programmes, animation, digital entertainment, games, production and post-production services, shooting locations, film commissions, film festivals, film insurance and film financing.

The convention was formed to promote Hong Kong as a regional hub for distribution and production of film, TV programs and entertainment-related products in Asia pacific and to promote cross-media, cross-businesses partnerships. The convention projects itself through a range of exhibit categories, including: finance, film insurance, entertainment-related professional services. film and entertainment festivals/fairs organizers, artist management, cinema operation and management, production and post-production services, pre-production and shooting locations mandated by film commissions, distribution, production and acquisition of film, TV programmes, animation, digital entertainment/games, to list a few areas.

The 13th Hong Kong - Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) is a marquee area at the convention, happening March 23-25. The HAF brings Asian filmmakers with upcoming film projects to Hong Kong for co-production ventures with film financiers, producers, investors, distributors and buyers. 25-30 projects are selected annually to participate in the three-day event.

TV World 2015 will be in its ninth edition as co-located trade platform with a variety of TV-related business sectors along with FILMART. TV World has set up pavilions covering related sectors, including film, TV, animation, digital entertainment, short films, equipment, post-production and location shooting. A key event here is the International Forum with a panel sharing insights on the development and opportunities in the TV sector. Two anticipated special events of TV World 2015 will be the TV World Opening Ceremony and the TV World International Forum.

Convention organizer the Hong Kong Trade Development Council is a statutory body established in 1966 as the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based manufacturers, traders and service providers. The organisation has more than 40 offices around the world, including 13 on the Chinese mainland. The HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and Asia, with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online.

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 at: http://www.actorschecklist.com/index.php/news-updates/monthly-event-calendar. 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 displays the South by Southwest convention logo which will be happening in Austin from March 13-22 and the Cartoomics Movies Comics Games pop culture convention in Milano. If the photo does not appear in this post please visit the blog page to view it. Looking ahead into the next month be aware that: Seventh Annual TV and Film Finance Forum will be in New York City, NAB Show 2015 is in Las Vegas, 2015 Florida Film Festival is in Maitland, WonderCon Anaheim 2015 comic and pop culture convention is in Anaheim, MusExpo 2015 will be in Hollywood, Supanova Pop Culture Expo will be in Melbourne, Mipdoc/Miptv will be in Cannes, AppsWorld: TV and Multi-screen will be in Berlin.

World of Women's Cinema, MIFF 2014, SXSW 2014, Hong Kong International Film and TV Market, are highlights in March's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

In Hollywood, Winston Baker will launch the Sixth Annual Film Finance Forum West in association with Variety from March 4-5. The flagship event of the ongoing Film Finance Forum series will be hosted just a few days after the 86th Academy Awards at the  hotel Ballroom which hosted the presentation of the first ever Academy Awards in 1929. The forum will offer an optional day of workshops on Financing Basics for Filmmakers, Intro to Film Business for Investors, and Innovative Immersion which will tackle next generation financing, sourcing, marketing and distribution strategies. The main conference day will host industry leaders who will address such topics as financing alternatives beyond the traditional capital stack, strategies for content creation, monetizing on IP and the new realities of distribution.

Opening day is devoted to Workshop Day and includes offerings such as: "Filmmakers: Structuring and Financing Micro to Medium-Sized Projects", "Financiers: Film Investment Models, Valuation and Risk Mitigation", "Innovative Immersion: Evolving and Succeeding in the Digital Age", "One-on-One Speed Networking". Opening Day closes with a private reception featuring live entertainment at Beacher's Madhouse. The second day is Main Conference Day and offers opening remarks by Winston Baker, "State of the Industry: Content is King - Monetizing IP in a Fragmented World", a keynote address by Dr. Jeffrey Cole: "Navigating through the New Capital Stack for Single Picture Deals", Case Study Presentations: "How Creative Financing Can Be Applied", "Alternative Methods of Distribution and Content Acquisition by Independents", "Soft Money Re-defined: Identifying and Maximizing on Film Commissions" and more topics.

The Film Finance Forum® Series was created by the Winston Baker team to educate equity and debt financiers on the latest trends and strategies for film investing while mitigating risks, provide producers with effective approaches to fundraising, and offer both audiences ways to create great content and generate revenue through various distribution platforms. Other installments of the Film Finance Forum Series include: TV and Film Finance Forum East in New York City, in April; International Film Finance Forum in Cannes, in May; Film Finance Forum China, in Shanghai, in June; Film Finance Forum Latin America, Rio de Janeiro, in August; Film Finance Forum @ Zurich Festival, Zurich, in September.

World of Women's Cinema - WOW 2014 - is a short film competition and screen culture event celebrating International Women's Day, with awards on March 6 and an Australian wide tour running from March 2014 to March 2015. There will also be international screenings. The opening night program of Australian Shorts 1 will be followed by an After Party and live music by Entangled Note, made up of Annette Golden and Cath Golden. Filmmaker ‘In Conversation’ events will be held in Sydney at Surry Hills Library and at the Art Gallery of NSW with ABC TV film critic Margaret Pomeranz, to celebrate International Women’s Day. On March 5, a photographic exhibition of images from classic Australian cinema, 'Still Women', opens at The Blackeye Gallery.

Dance lovers at WOW festival can view a program of Australian and international contemporary dance films at Metro Screen and the Powerhouse Museum. WOW (which stands for World of Women) and the Australian Writers Guild (AWG) present a Writers Forum with screenwriters - both of which are alumni at Lucasfilm on the Star Wars live action television series - Jacquelin Perske and Louise Fox at the Powerhouse Museum. The WOW Film Festival Tour begins the day after the festival closes on March 14 with Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute’s screening of From the Spirit of Our Mother Program in their Spirit Festival. The WOW Tour will travel to various locations throughout Australia and overseas throughout 2014 into March 2015.

The 20th San Luis Obispo International Film Festival features a diverse spectrum of contemporary narrative features, documentary and short films from participating independent filmmakers all over the world. Although screenings take place in numerous venues, March 5-9, many will happen in downtown San Luis Obispo. Past Festival highlights have included epic surf and extreme sports films, cutting-edge new films, local and youth films, behind-the-scenes panels, a focus on women filmmakers and issues, and classic film "Hollywood & Vines" events pairing great classics with local wine and food, including historic screenings at Hearst Castle.

On March 5 at the Fremont Theatre, the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival’s Opening Night event will feature 'Starring Adam West', a new documentary by Director, James Tooley. Adam West will be at the screening for a Q&A and will receive the Festival’s third annual Spotlight Award, presented by self-confessed Batman idol and popular Los Angeles radio host on KROQ, Ralph Garman.

Every year, the King Vidor Award for Excellence in Filmmaking is presented at San Luis Obispo to a well-respected industry professional who has made a notable artistic contribution in any facet of the industry. Past recipients include Morgan Freeman, Alan Arkin, Elmer Bernstein, Eva Marie Saint, Norman Jewison, Robert Wise, Sir Richard Taylor and John Hawkes. Each year independent film awards are presented to talented independent filmmakers, and five days of screenings, parties, wine tasting and workshops allow filmmakers networking opportunities. Local filmmaker hosts are also assigned to make navigating the festival and the screening venues spread across the county more manageable.

The Miami International Film Festival had its beginnings as the main activity of the Film Society of Miami, Inc., which was founded in 1983. Domestic theatrical distributors and broadcasters participating in the Festival have included Paramount Vantage, Sony Pictures Classics, Focus Features, Fox Searchlight, Music Box Films, IFC, Sundance Selects, HBO, HBO Documentary Films, HBO Latino, and Miramax, to name but a few.

This MIFF 2014 features a Close-up on China showcasing a number of the year's relevant artistic exports focused on this growth cinema market. MIFF will be collaborating with MDC's Confucius Institute to program this featured section of the work. The films in the 2014 program are: American Dreams in China (中國合伙人), by Peter Ho-Sun Chan (China); Bends, by Flora Lau (China); Trap Street (Shuiyin Jie), by Vivian Qu (China); Web Junkie, by Shosh Shlam & Hilla Medalia (Israel / USA).

The Festival’s inaugural ACE (Ateliers du Cinéma Européen) Co-Production Lab will happen from March 13-15. The Co-Production Lab aims to build an environment for professional development for film companies in Latin America and Europe searching for the opportunity of working together to turn a project into a film. The three-day workshop will bring together over 30 European and Latin American film industry professionals to develop opportunities for artistic and financial cooperation between these territories. The project-based workshop will consist of case studies, pitching sessions, panels, one-on-one meetings and networking events.

Miami International Film Festival’s Knight Competition consists of dramatic works from Latin America, Spain and Portugal, as well as Latino-themed works produced in the United States. The films are competing for cash prizes courtesy of James L. and John S. Knight Foundation. Competing films are eligible for a cash Knight Grand Jury Prize that will be split between the filmmaker and the U.S. distributor of the film. If no U.S. distributor is secured before April 17, 2014, then the full award will be made to the filmmaker.

The festival's VeoMiami program is the industry market of the Festival and is open to all film professionals, including (but not limited to) sales agents, buyers, producers, production executives, craftspeople, financiers, festival programmers, film commissioners, film publicists, and exhibitors. VeoMiami gives access to Industry/Filmmaker invite only events, Happy Hours and networking opportunities, access to Masterclass Seminars, access to online library of films and other privileges. The Freedom Tower plays host to MIFF's Pyrat Gold: Awards Night Rum Party on February 15 the night before the festival close.

Austin's South by Southwest (SxSW) Conferences and Festivals is a trifold event consisting of original music (March 11-16), independent films (March 7-15), and interactive emerging technologies (March 7-11). New media presentations, music showcases and film screenings form the live performance aspect and entertainment for audiences. Conference panel discussions present a forum for learning and business activity. The Digital Creative Job Market at SXSW is presented by Publicis Groupe amd is a meeting spot for the career minded and  companies looking to hire. The Digital Creative Job Market enables talented professionals to match their skills with the 21st century, cutting-edge employers. A directory of the companies in attendance is available to view.

SXSW Film has plenty of programming relating to things musical, and the edition of Filmmakers in Focus talks to the filmmakers behind three music films at SXSW 2014. Alex Steyermark's The 78 Project Movie demonstrates a novel way to record live music. Adam Kahan's The Case of the Three Sided Dream is a portrait of the influential jazz pioneer Roland Rahsaan Kirk, while Jeff Broadway looks at the Stones Throw Records archive with Peanut Butter Wolf and co. in 'Our Vinyl Weighs a Ton' (This is Stones Throw Records)

Taking in the scope of all there is to do at SXSW could be overwhelming. There is obviously much to do and take part in at the SXSW festival. The remainder of this rundown focuses on parties and receptions for registrants to take part in. For instance, the 2014 SXSW Interactive portion of the Festival will host more than 75 official parties and evening events by itself.

March 7, SXSW hosts it's third annual Taco Meet Up at Palm Park. This event – open to Film, Interactive, Gold and Platinum badges – allows guests to network with fellow SXSW attendees and try tacos and sides. Vegetarian options will be offered as well. Guests can meet on the evening of March 11 in the East Tent of Brush Square Park for the Music Mixer and Fajita Meet Up. Music Conference and Festival staff and veterans will be on hand to guide you through your SXSW experience. Savor fajita buffet (including vegetarian options) and complimentary beverages in the East Tent of Brush Square Park. On March 7 celebrate SXsports with this special kick-off reception hosted by Octagon. Connect with other SXsports enthusiasts over food, drinks and music.

March 8 marks the first full day of daytime programming at the 2014 SXSW Interactive Festival. The evening of March 8 also customarily serves as one of the most active nights of social events, ranging from low key happy hours to large concerts to informal geek-centric sporting events. This also includes The Mix at Six Party which usually turns out to be one of the top networking events of all of SXSW Interactive.

The SXSW Fusion Party will be on the evening of March 9. Presented by Associated Press, this get-together is one of the best places to connect with people outside your industry. At the SXSW Fusion Party, the creative worlds of Interactive and Film come together for an evening of cross-fest love. Filmmakers, designers, social media mavens, producers, activists and more converge -- and the results can launch a thousand ships. The SXSW Fusion Party is open to all Interactive, Film, Gold and Platinum badge holders. The 27th annual South By Southwest Closing Barbecue and Softball Tournament, is the traditional closing social event of the SXSW week on March 18.

The Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) is an annual film market organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). Now known as a cross-media, cross-industry entertainment trade platform in Asia, FILMART's objective is to promote Hong Kong as the regional hub for distribution and production of film, TV programs and entertainment-related products in Asia pacific and to facilitate cross-media, cross-businesses partnerships. More precisely, it will champion co-operation in areas of film financing, distribution, production, post-production, TV, digital entertainment, film and broadcasting equipment and location shooting.

This year’s Entertainment Expo, from March 24-27, will feature nine multimedia events: the Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART); the Hong Kong International Film Festival (HKIFF); the Hong Kong Film Awards Presentation Ceremony (HKFA); the Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF); the Hong Kong Asian Pop Music Festival (HKAMF); the IFPI Hong Kong Top Sales Music Award; ifva; the Asian VFX and Digital Cinema Summit; and the Digital Entertainment Forum.

FILMART’s TV World, which turns eight, is expected to welcome more than 260 exhibitors. The theme of TV World’s International Forum this year is “TV’s New Century: Asia’s Live Programmes.” A series of workshops will also be held, focusing on issues ranging from the Internet and business opportunities to forecasting film and TV content. FILMART will once again present the Intellectual Property Business zone, as well as zones spotlighting location shooting and micro-film, the latter offering award-winning movies.

Among the region’s major film-financing events, this year’s HAF is held March 24-26. Nearly 30 film projects from 11 countries and regions have been selected, attracting film investors, producers and distributors internationally. Independent film and visual media in Hong Kong and throughout Asia will be on show at the 19th edition of ifva, March 13-23. The fourth HKAMF, March 28 at the HKCEC, features seven up-and-coming Asian performers. The singers, from Hong Kong, the Chinese mainland, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore, compete in the Super Nova Awards. Asian music industry business forums will also be held.

At the seventh Asian VFX and Digital Cinema Summit, March 25, industry experts discuss digital post-production trends. Recent 3D movies will be shown to introduce production techniques. The fourth Digital Entertainment Forum, March 26, examines visual media from full-pixel, real-time motion capture to interactive design and other new production technologies. A city-wide promotion: "Enjoy Great Movies, Enjoy Special Offers", will be repeated from last time in support of Entertainment Expo. The campaign offers the public a 10 per cent discount at any of more than 40 cinemas in Hong Kong.

A statutory body established in 1966, the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is the international marketing arm for Hong Kong-based traders, manufacturers and service providers. With more than 40 global offices, including 12 on the Chinese mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a platform for doing business with China and throughout Asia. The HKTDC also organizes trade fairs and business missions to connect companies with opportunities in Hong Kong and on the mainland, while providing information via trade publications, research reports and online.

The JUNO Awards celebrates the best in Canadian music. This year will mark the 43rd Anniversary of The JUNO Awards and the 13th Anniversary of its broadcast on CTV. Winners are currently chosen by either members of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences or a panel of experts depending on the award. In almost all of the main general categories, such as Album of the Year or Artist of the Year, nominees are determined by record sales during the qualifying period. New members of the Canadian Music Hall of Fame are also inducted as part of the awards ceremonies.

Juno Week 2014 is from March 24-30, and events in that week include: Juno Cup, Juno Fan Fare, Juno Fest 14 Winnipeg, SOCAN presents Juno Songwriters' Circle, PRIX Juno 2014 Awards Broadcast. Official Juno lead up events will include: Dancin’ Tones and Buzzin’ Bones: Celebrating the 2014 JUNOS, Junior JUNOS – Featuring the 2014 Children’s Album of the Year Nominees, JUNO Photography Exhibition, The JUNO Tour of Canadian Art, Sirius XM JUNO Awards Kick-Off, Friday Night Live @ ROM: The JUNOS After Dark. The official JUNO Kick-Off Party is March 27 at Manitoba House. The Juno Awards events were not conducted outside Toronto until 1991 and the various locations often host a number of supporting events and festivals surrounding the awards. This year's event is in Winnipeg, showcasing a new host city and their music scene for the year.

This year, country singer Brett Kissel, seven-time CCMA Award winner Dean Brody, 16-time CCMA winner Gord Bamford are set to join earlier announced performers Matt Mays, Robin Thicke, Serena Ryder, The Sheepdogs, Tegan and Sara, and Walk Off The Earth. In addition, Canadian songstress and eight-time JUNO Award winner Sarah McLachlan will take the stage as a special presenter for MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS. The Awards Committee is partnering with SiriusXM Canada to host a JUNO Kick-Off party at Manitoba House featuring performances by The Trews, The New Meanies and Attica Riots. There will be a celebration of Winnipeg’s diversity with a Francophone music showcase and an Aboriginal Nominee Honouring Ceremony.

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 at: http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html. 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. The 86th Academy Award winners at the March 2, 2014 Oscar ceremony included: Lupita Nyong'o taking Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Jared Leto taking Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Cate Blanchett taking Best Actress in a Leading Role, Matthew McConaughey taking Best Actor in a Leading Role, '12 Years a Slave' taking Best Picture. This month's photo placement highlights the 2014 Academy Awards. If the photo does not appear in this post please visit the blog page to view it. Looking ahead into the next month be aware that: the 2014 NAB Show opens in Vegas, MIPDOC and MIPTV 2014 opens in Cannes, Florida Film Festival will be in Maitland, On te heels of Mardi Gras French Quarter Festival opens in New Orleans, Winston-Baker will conduct the 6th Annual Film Finance Forum East from New York City,

Austin City Limits, MIPCOM, Hawaii International Film Festival, PhotoPlus International, are highlights in October's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

IndieCade in Culver City supports independent game development and organizes a series of international events showcasing the future of independent games. The flagship festival is held each October in Culver City, with this year's festival running through October 6, and is open to the industry and to the public. Events include festival workshops, master classes, a professional conference track, keynotes, and family-focused activities, meet-and-greets with game creators, hands-on gameplay with a GameWalk, live games, Night Games and numerous social events. IndieXchange sessions are designed to help intermediate to advanced developers push each other up to the next level. It's a full-day opportunity to network with peers, attend clinics and master classes, and discuss common challenges and  opportunities. IndieCade’s Night Games are a series of Big, Table and Digital games best played under cover of darkness. The party starts at 20:00 Saturday in the IndieCade Village. IndieCade was formed by Creative Media Collaborative, an alliance of industry producers and leaders founded in 2005.

Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festival now happens over two weekends - October 4-6 and October 11-13 - and now encompasses eight stages and over 130 bands. Acts that have been confirmed for the 2013 lineup include: Roadkill Ghost Choir, Caspar Babypants, Whiskey Shivers, Alanna Royale, My Jerusalem, Houndmouth, Ms Mr, Depeche Mode, Thao & the Get Down Stay Down, Red Baraat, Delta Rae, Autre Ne Veut, Neko Case, Kendrick Lamar, Tame Impala, Toro Y Moi, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, Arctic Monkeys, Little Green Cars, Noah and the Whale, Lionel Richie and so many more.

In between ACL conference weeks, the Captivate Conference, October 6-8 at Palmer Center, hosts industry talent from a number of digital entertainment industries spanning film, games, mobile and music. The sessions and workshops focus on learning tools and events set up for the professional musician and products for consumers. In separate but related activities, SXSW Eco will run for its third year, opening on October 7, and connecting professionals spanning the public, private and academic sectors who are all working toward finding solutions to  challenges facing civil society, the economy and the natural world.

Wanderlust Yoga, another mid-weekend event, is hosting an October 8 yoga class at the Long Center Pavilion during the week between the two ACL Fest weekends to benefit SafePlace. It will be a flow class led by five talented teachers and accompanied by live music. Attendees will enjoy refreshments from local vendors, a raffle of exciting prizes and a view of the entire Austin cityscape. The ACL Art Market is located in the center of Zilker Park where booths are open throughout the duration of the Festival. And aside from the daytime weekend showcases, there are the Official 2013 Late Night Shows that will bridge the two weekends, and features many of the same musical acts billed for the ACL Music Fest showcase.

The Bel Air Film Festival - BAFF for short - in Beverly Hills and surrounding areas is an annual international film festival offering attending filmmakers access to a series of film panels, music performances, gala events, and screenings of all genres including documentaries, animations, short films, student films, and comedies. The World Premiere of Feature Film Romatic-Comedy "Producer Sam" Followed by Red Carpet Gala at the Hammer Museum happens on October 10. The Festival will honor films in the following categories: Documentary Film, Feature Film, Short Film, Student Short Film, Comedy Short Film. The Bel-Air Film Festival hosted its first inaugural event in 2008 at a private estate located in Bel-Air, California. Even today some screenings are held at private luxury estates in Bel-Air and throughout theaters in Beverly Hills, on the UCLA campus, throughout Westwood, and into greater Los Angeles.

Each annual Bel Air Film Festival launches with a red carpet opening night gala and provides networking with  industry professionals. The Los Angeles Premiere of feature documentary "Unclaimed," will be October 8 at 19:00, followed by Q & A with Director Emmy Award Winner Michael Jorgensen. It is free to attend. There will be free admission to the USC film panel hosted by FilmBreak, Ripple News and moderated by Entertainment Attorney Mitra Ahouraian, on October 9 and the Hammer Museum After Party on October 10. An October 13 film panel hosted by FilmBreak, Ripple News, and moderated by entertainment attorney Mitra Ahouraian will be on the topic "Video On-Demand: Market Potential and Opportunities in Marketing and Merchandising" marks the close of the Festival.

Organized and run by Reed MIDEM, MIPCOM in Cannes is a yearly global market for entertainment TV content across all platforms. In four days beginning October 7, visitors to MIPCOM can come to discover and acquire the newest content in every genre and platform, gain industry knowledge, understand ongoing trends, learn new business models, finance their projects, find co-production partners, network and do deals with the decision-makers in the international television broadcasting and entertainment Industry. The MIPCOM 2013 programme will include the Media Mastermind Keynote Series, World Premiere Screenings, conferences, matchmaking and networking events.

This year in association with Shine International, Kudos, Shine France Films, Sky Atlantic HD and CANAL+, “The Tunnel,” is featured in MIPCOM’s World Premiere TV Screening on October 7. The conference's anticipated keynotes will be made by executives including: Jeffrey Katzenberg, Chief Executive Officer and Director, DreamWorks Animation SKG, Roma Khanna, President, Television Group and Digital of Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Dan Rose, VP of Partnerships, Facebook, Michael Wright, President and Head of Programming, TNT, TBS and Turner Classic Movies. Jeffrey Katzenberg has been named MIPCOM 2013 Personality of the Year and will accept the award on October 9 during a gala dinner for industry executives at the Carlton Hotel in Cannes.

This year, planned matchmaking and networking opportunities seek to accelerate business in different media sectors and provide practical solutions for business development. Animation buyers can take advantage of this planned opportunity to discover new prorgrams from some of Japan's' independent animation studios. MIPCOM and the Argentine National Film Board (INCAA) bring special focus to Argentina’s television production industry as this year's "Country of Honor". Argentina plays host to this year’s Opening Night Party, sponsored by the Argentine National Film Board (INCAA) and a dealmakers lunch the day after. A line-up of new leading executives and discover programming and production trends out of Africa, reportedly, a region undergoing innovation and fast growth in this field.

Screamfest from October 8-17 in North Hollywood premieres and showcases new work from American and international independent horror filmmakers. The opening night feature, 'Beneath', is followed by the Opening Night Party. Film entries are accepted in the categories of Best Feature, Directing, Cinematography, Editing, Special Effects and Musical Score. In addition, there are special categories for Best Animation, Best Short, Best Documentary and Best Student Film.

On October 15, a Screamfest Q&A panel moderated by Peter DeBruge, senior film critic for Variety is paneled by: Don Handfield, producer, Ray Siegle, stunt person, Michael Colleary, writer/producer, Lucy Mukerjee, SVP Development at After Dark Films. The discussion tackles issues of: "The Art, Business and Future of Genre Filmmaking" -- also to be viewable via live-streaming video hosted by CraveOnline and ScreenCraft. The festival has hosted its share of notable filmmakers as guests, including Sam Raimi, Williiam Friedkin, Wes Craven, Eli Roth, John Landis, and ushered in well regarded horror flicks: David Arquette's The Tripper, Paranormal Activity, 30 Days Of Night, Wolf Creek, Cube: Zero and others.

The New Orleans Film Society (NOFS) was founded in 1989. This past year marked the 21st Anniversary of the New Orleans Film Festival, which has grown into a showcase of local, regional, national, and international films. In addition to the annual Film Festival each fall - this year from October 10-20 - the NOFS hosts special events throughout the year: the French Film Festival, the New Orleans International Children’s Film Festival, and other events designed to benefit local film audiences, artists, and professionals. The NOFS also presents two monthly film series, one at the Contemporary Arts Center and one with the Porch 7th Ward Cultural Organization. Since NOFF is dedicated to nurturing new voices and making and making them feel welcome in New Orleans, it has, in recent years provided two complimentary nights of lodging for every attending filmmaker along with a Festival All-Access pass to enjoy all films, parties and more.

The Hawaii International Film Festival in Honolulu is an official partner with Academy of Motion

HIFF will conduct a New Media Camp right up to closing date, October 17-20. It is to be an intensive video workshop with hands-on guidance and expertise from working professionals ranging from successful YouTube partners and content producers, working filmmakers in traditional media, social media experts, and Hollywood actors who will assist in tweaking craft skills in the production of a three minute video that will be presented on the final day of the workshop at the Regal Dole Cannery Stadium 18. There is also the Creative Lab Writers Accelerator program that gives participants an opportunity to delve further into the craft, provide them with direction on the business of writing and help create a plan to assist them in taking their next steps to career fulfillment.

On October 19, SAG-AFTRA presents a workshop on the inner processes of casting diverse projects fielding a panel of industry casting directors, producers, directors and actors, some of whom have films in the 2013 Festival. After the panel, selected members of the audience will get the opportunity to test their audition skills and receive immediate feedback from the panel. HIFF started as a project of the East-West Center, an educational and research institution created by U.S. Congress and located on the University of Hawai`i Manoa campus in Honolulu.

Every two years, for 11 days, film festival goers can immerse themselves in feature films, documentaries, shorts, animations and new media works, as the Adelaide Film Festival curates a screening program along with a forum program designed to explore program themes and approaches to film methodology. The festival based in Glenside will be relevant to both the general public and industry professionals introducing it's audience to innovative areas of screen practice that reflect current and future trends in the film and new media screen-based industries.

The Adelaide Film Festival October 10 Opening Night Gala will showcase 'Tracks', starring Mia Wasikowska (Jane Eyre, Stoker) and Adam Driver (HBO’s Girls, Frances Ha, Inside Llewyn Davis) and directed by John Curran (The Painted Veil, We Don’t Live Here Anymore). Following the screening, the festivities switch over to the Freemasons Hall for a gala after-party, to celebrate 10 years of the Adelaide Film Festival and the array of Australian and international films being presented in 2013.

On October 11, Bill Morrison will probe topics of screen works with Laurence Weshler, former director of the Humanities Research Institute, New York University. Morrison's work is known to make use of rare archival footage in which forgotten film imagery is reframed as part of collective mythology. He has been commissioned to create films for contemporary composers, including John Adams, Dave Douglas, Michael Gordon, Henryk, Górecki and Steve Reich. And on October 14, Morrison will open up the different ways that archival film and found footage can be used in a 90 minute Masterclass.

On October 13, guests from across Australia, and outside the region via Skype, explore the world of online content in a forum at Mercury Cinema. Topics that will be covered include: comedy, documentary, drama, soap opera and educational storytelling. It will take on issues about who is making money and how they are doing it, who is watching and whether webisodes are the new step stone into the moving image industries. The forum will culminate with a launch of the 2014 Guidelines for the MRC's annual Web TV! Webisode Production Initiative. Following the screening of Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf’s on October 16 at Palace Nova Cinemas, a special event follows at the Festival Club over lunch and drinks when attendees can enjoy a fashion parade of genuine period outfits from the private collection of Catwalk Connections (the people behind Frock Around the Clock). The show will also feature rare fashion items and objects of curiosity from across the decades.

The PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo is an annual New York City photography event for professionals, students, educators and enthusiasts concerned with the latest developments and techniques in photography, video and digital imaging. From October 23-26 visitors to the PDN PhotoPlus International Conference + Expo can explore over 300 exhibits, see new products, attend conference seminars, keynote presentations, special events. Donald Pettit, Mark Seliger, and Rick Smolan will each deliver keynote presentations at PhotoPlus. On opening conference day, panel presentation "20/20 Vision: What Will Photography Look Like in the Next Decade?" features a panel of photo industry experts and thought leaders discussing technology, issues and desires, and envisioning the future of photography. Admission is free for all registered attendees. Portfolio Review sessions will happen October 24-26. The review program features over 175 veteran professionals with the visitor able to select and prioritize the reviewers they want to meet with. Every registrant for the Official Portfolio Review program receives free admission to PhotoPlus Expo. The Expo celebrates its 30 year history this year with a party that will include three hours of food, beverages, photo ops, and fun.

Known as “The Writer’s Festival,” for the past 19 years, Austin Film Festival has sought to distinguish its festival program by selecting films that display strong storytelling, both written and visual. This year is Austin Film Festival's 20th Anniversary. In addition to the Narrative Feature and Documentary Feature categories, this year there has been added a new "Dark Matters" category to showcase horror films. The festival will present a program of narrative, animation and documentary features and shorts, including premieres, advanced screenings, and independent films. Film screenings are complemented by informative Q&A sessions with cast members and filmmakers.

The AFF conference, dedicated to the screenwriting practice, will cover areas like: researching and editing your story, creating and funding a film, working with a writing partner, facing a blank page on a bad day,  risking a new direction after established success. Parties and social network events include Opening Night Reception, hosted by Austin Film Commission, followed later on by the WGA West Late Night Welcome Party hosted by Craig Mazin. The night before the official festival open, there will be the 11th annual "Film and Food Party", an evening dedicated to honoring Austin as both a nationally recognized thriving film industry and renowned culinary hotspot. Proceeds from the event benefit AFF’s Young Filmmakers Program. Then there will be a Starz Media Conference Wrap Party on October 26.

Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Film and TV Music Conference in Hollywood includes panels, Q&As and case studies with composers, music supervisors, artists and executives from across the film, television, advertising and music industries, leading discussions on the pressing issues in the Film and TV community, for two days, October 29-30. Brought back by popular demand, attendees have the opportunity to engage in 10-minute sit-downs with active song reps in the business, and submit their pitches and music. Industry notables scheduled to take part include: Michele Wernick, EVP, Music Placement; Michael Fey, Creative Licensing, Shoot the Noise Music Peter Shurkin, Select Tracks; Cindy Badell-Slaughter, President, Heavy Hitters Music Group, Peter Shurkin, Senior Director-Creative, Select Tracks; Sven Spieker, Mighty Generation Music; Anny Colvin, Position Music and others.

Grammy®-winning producer, musician and songwriter T Bone Burnett will receive the Maestro Award at the Billboard/Hollywood Reporter Conference. Burnett will be honored for his work in film and television music, most recently as executive music producer of “Inside Llewyn Davis,” the CBS Films release that opens in theaters December 20. Burnett will host a Q&A after the award presentation. A late panel on closing day, the eve of Halloween, "Halloween, Horror and Hollywood", focuses on the artistry of horror films with the topic dissected by a panel of experts from the world of chilling movies. The Film and TV Music Conference Closing Night Party will be hosted by John Anderson and PJ Bloom at Avalon. Costumes are optional.

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 at: http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html. 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 picture placement highlights festivals of horor and gore reflecting the upcoming Halloween period and the Hawaii International Film Fest. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it (http://actorschecklist.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/HorrorPics.jpeg and http://actorschecklist.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/10/HIFF2013Poster.jpg). In a preview of next month's events, be aware that: The annual American Film Market (AFM) arrives in Santa Monica. Running across town in Los Angeles and having a market partnership with AFM is American Film Institute (AFI) Film Fest in Los Angeles. Monaco International Clubbing Show will be in Monaco. Supanova Pop Culture Expo Brisbane will happen in Brisbane. Annual Content and Communications World is in New York City. Dubai International Character and Licensing Fair opens in Dubai.

International Film Festival Summit, 2nd Street Jazz, Jingle Mingle Holiday Party, Monaco International Film Festival, are highlights in December's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

The annual Bahamas International Film Festival, held on Nassau & Paradise Island, runs through December 4 this year. BIFF is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing the local island community and international visitors with a diverse presentation of films from around the world that might not otherwise be seen there. At the festival, BIFF features educational programs and forums for exploring the future of cinema. Panels and master classes will include: acting; directing; discussion on producing, fundraising and distribution, covering emerging trends and financing options. During the Festival, there will be a Rising Star Tribute to Zoe Kravitz (daughter of Lenny Kravitz). The opening night reception features live music by emerging Bahamian artists, including 4ever1 Band, and the closing night reception will promote a Bollywood theme requesting attendees to wear Indian style attire, and will feature live music and entertainment by Bollywood dancers.

Matsumoto's 2nd Street Jazz in the Little Tokyo district of  L.A.

Galileo Studio and the Azusa Pacific University Department of Theater, Film, and Television are hosting a conference on the art, craft and business of the short film, taking place in Azusa, from December 2-3. Titled "Much More than a Little Feature: The Splendor of the Short Film", day one will be presented as a short film movie night, while day two will be presented as a short film conference. Collaborating organizations for the event include the Angelus Student Film Festival, the Los Angeles Film Studies Center, and Act One: Training for Hollywood. A partial list of speakers include: Luke Matheny, Writer/Director, 2011 Academy Award® Winner for Best Short Film, Live Action “God of Love”; Randy Haberkamp, Director of Special Projects at the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts & Sciences; Bobette Buster, Story Consultant for Pixar, 20th Century Fox, Disney Animation, and Sony Animation and others.

Set in the noted entertainment capital of Las Vegas, with only a three and a half hour drive from Hollywood, the Nevada Film Festival hosts several world premieres, galas and parties during its run through December 3. This year's festival line-up includes both award-winning and world premiere feature films, documentaries, short films, foreign films, animations, music videos, experimental films, a screenplay competition, and an actor's showcase. Films of many genres will be screened including drama, comedy, action, horror, family and more. The festival also features panel discussions with the filmmakers where audiences have the opportunity to interact. Panel discussions include a range of topics and disciplines such as writing, directing, and producing. Priority access is available for all films, panels, Opening Night Party, Filmmaker Reception, Festival Awards Ceremony, and VIP reserved seating.

Sandra Lord who conducts the long-running Hollywood Networking Breakfast (usually held on the last Thursday of every month) conducts another seminar for this month in West Los Angeles on December 3 — "Taking Charge of Your Career or Business Direction in 2012". Areas for investigation focus on strategies for guidance and a fresh perspective for the next step of your career planning, resolving common issues of having representation but with career advancement and aspirations still lagging, strategies for those who lack connections or don’t know how to effectively use the ones they have, and more. Although admission is free, reservations are required through an RSVP to the organization's email address and by providing the requested details in the email note.

As an annual event, the International Film Festival Summit Conference in downtown Austin generally attracts over 300 music and film festival executive directors that are the decision-makers in the music and film festival industry. Examples of attendees include SXSW, Toronto International Film Festival, Sundance Film Festival, Summerfest, Telluride Film Festival, Moviemaker Magazine, IFC, Bonnaroo, AFI Fest, Atlanta Film Festival, Starz Denver Film Festival, Savannah Music Festival, Palm Springs International Film Festival, River Run International Film Festival, San Francisco International Film Festival, Tribeca Film Festival, Seattle International Film Festival, New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, and other institutions that are in attendance for the festival, this year running from December 4-6. For 2011, award-winning actor, Matthew Modine, will provide an actor's point of view on film festivals and what attracts above-the-line players to film festivals.

Within the Little Tokyo district of downtown Los Angeles, eclectic Matsumoto's 2nd Street Jazz weekly event showcase presents Jazz, Blues, Hip Hop, Rock n' Roll, Soul and R & B artists, as well as open mic opportunities and DJ turntable battles. The doors usually open at 7:30 pm nightly and live entertainment starts at 9 or 10 pm. In addition to its original purpose as a jazz club for which it was begun six or seven years ago by one time trumpet player and entrepreneur Kohei Matsumoto, 2nd Street Jazz explores music which ranges from rock to electronic to hip-hop and of course, jazz. Monday nights is a NYC styled jazz jam with any musicians with instruments invited up to the stage to play and singers to sing. Hip Hop and MC beat battles happen on Thursdays. The club features a full bar and late night food from their kitchen.

Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival, running December 6-11 in Hollywood is committed to assisting the promotion and distribution of films made outside the major studio system. The Hollywood Reel Independent Film Festival celebrates independent and international filmmaking and is a sister project to the long running Independent Filmmakers Showcase series of monthly events designed to bring awareness to new and independent filmmakers of merit. The Hollywood Reel Independent Film festival will screen its 35mm film winners with special screenings at the New Beverly Cinema, owned by landlord Quentin Tarantino and home to his Grindhouse Film Festival. Films screenings include Q & A with directors and are hosted by comedian Don Takano.

Join Central Florida's media and entertainment associations for Holiday "Mingling", networking and fun at the Annual Jingle Mingle Holiday Party in Winter Park this December 8. There will be entertainment, food, cash bar, silent auction and much more. The event is hosted by Women in Film & Television-Florida, and co-hosted by Digital Media Alliance Florida (DMAF), the Florida Motion Picture and Television Association (FMPTA) and Film Florida. Following on just several days later, Film Florida Legislative, Marketing and Board Meetings holds the quarterly business meeting of state's trade associations for film, TV, digital media and commercial production, December 12 and 13 in Cocoa Beach. Its purpose is to offer to businesses and individuals the benefits of a statewide trade association to promote the creation of jobs in the film and entertainment production industries and to promote economic development and tourism in the state.

The Angel Film Awards, also known as the Monaco International Film Festival, is a celebration of peace, love, harmony, positive energy and non-violence in film and this year will add to the festival program non-violent shorts and features, when it runs December 8-11 from the seaside resort area at Monte Carlo — part of the tiny, prosperous principality of Monaco, famous in part for its posh, high-dollar casino and the annual Formula One Grand Prix. Special screenings of 2D and CGI Animation from across the globe are added to the program this year. Since its creation in 2003, the Festival has received wide coverage from global media and is known for its glamour, prestige, and networking industry party events. Venues include Hotel Hermitage, Salle Belle Époque, Monte-Carlo Bay Resort, Salle Empire at Hotel de Paris and the Pacific Lounge. Red carpet screenings will take place at the new Art Novo Theatre and Press Lounge in the Novotel, Monte Carlo. Built on the site of the old Radio Monte Carlo building, the Novotel provides state of the art projection facilities to view the festival program.

Four journalism professionals based in Colorado — Steve Outing, Vanessa Martinez, Sandra Fish, Mike Lewis — will form a panel that will discuss hyperlocal journalism and its various forms: free vs. paid content, innovative tools and online applications, and the roles of social media in journalism, on December 13 in Boulder. Whether your interest lies in journalism, blogging, social media, or other digital content creation, this discussion will attempt to makes its case through examples, case studies, ideas, and anecdotes on the state of journalism and its ever-evolving role in people's daily lives. Admission to the event is free but registration is required to attend.

The Second Annual San Diego Christian Film Festival, happening December 27-30, showcases creative, high-caliber films, supports emerging filmmakers, and inspires audiences through the power of visual storytelling. The city-wide event in San Diego will also include  performing artists, workshops and networking opportunities that will make up its program.

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 which now has a language translation button to convert page contents into most widely used languages. In a look ahead into January event dates, there is the Palm Springs International Film Festival, Palm Springs, the Victoria Independent Film Festival, in Sebastopol, Games Summit at CES, in Las Vegas, the very seminal Graphation film festival, combining the worlds of comic books, graphic novels and film with a unique perspective on adaptation, in Los Angeles, the Sundance Film Festival, in Park City, the SlamDance Film Festival in Los Angeles, the NATPE 2012 Market and Conference, in Miami. These and more are slated for the month ahead. Seasons greetings to all and all the best for the holiday period from The Actor's Checklist!

Malibu Film Festival, Independent Film Week (IFP), NYTVF, POP Montreal, are highlights in September's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

New York's Harlem community hosts a film festival through September 11 that showcases features, documentaries, shorts, youth films and animated works from around the world. Other events include night life, panel discussions, the Brownstone Awards and the Renaissance Awards gala. In addition to showcasing films from around the world, the Festival also features the Harlem Spotlight, which highlights films produced or directed by Harlem residents, films shot in Harlem, or films about Harlem and its history.

A Miami Hitmakers Panel set for September 8, has been structured to help educate the up and coming music community in Miami. Panelists will discuss topics such as their background, the state of the music industry today, advice for aspiring producers, songwriters, artists and executives, and other related areas. They will also participate in a Q&A with the audience near the end. ASCAP's Vice President of Rhythm & Soul Membership, Nicole George, will moderate the panel. Attendance requires an RSVP that will be honored on a first-come, first-served basis. To RSVP, please contact Michael Wells at mwells@ascap.com. This panel is free and open to the public.

The Sydney Underground Film Festival seeks filmmakers that veer from the norm. The festival, held in Marrickville, Sydney and running September 8-10, seeks to support filmmakers who operate outside established film industry infrastructures, by providing a platform for exhibition, exposure and critical discussion. The festival program's selection screens independent, experimental, art-house, provocative and daring films from around the world. There will be a fifth birthday celebration at the Opening NIght film and party with fun films, a special live performance, DJs, complimentary food and beverages including organic wine, organic beer, and freshly baked pizza onsite.

In 1997, Malibu Film Foundation was founded by writer/producer/director, David Katz, to produce the Malibu Film Festival. The Malibu Film Festival is set to make a run this year from September 9-15 in the renowned beachfront community that is its home. With a focus on new filmmakers, Malibu Film Festival screens films in all genres, on any topic, from every country around the world. The mission is to showcase the most talented emerging filmmakers, bringing attention to their work to the film industry. A Tory Burch Fashion Show will be presented during the festival run, and there will be a Closing Night Awards Party.

The Temecula Valley International Film & Music Festival is open to US and International films in five categories: full length features, shorts, documentaries, animation and student films. The music competition component of TVIFF is designed to showcase the music vision and artistry of musicians representing all genres of music - from rock to pop, jazz to R&B, Folk to Hip Hop, Country to Latin, Reggae, etc. The festival starts September 14 with an Opening Night red carpet welcome of 300 filmmakers and music artists participants, followed by nightly filmmaker/musician receptions, capped by a Black Tie Awards Gala to close on September 18. Independent record producer Jason Brawner leads the workshop, "Pitch It, Pitch It Good!" where he conducts one-on-one mentoring sessions, and JDS Actors Studio conducts a workshop that focuses on the Audition process for Actors at every level. The two-day MusicFest, Friday and Saturday, is free to the public.

In a combined effort, ASCAP and GRAMMY U present a September 15 networking mixer in San Antonio geared to college students and featuring food, drinks, and a panel presented by ASCAP titled: "The Importance of Music In Film and Television 101". Students can network with fellow college students, Recording Academy Texas Chapter Board members, and start the school year with GRAMMY U. Panelists include: Jeff Jernigan, ASCAP Associate Director of Film and TV Music, Yocel Alonso, Entertainment Attorney, Janet Vasquez, San Antonio Film Commission, Rick Garcia, ASCAP Film Songwriter, Brian Black, Music Supervisor, Veronica R. Hernandez, NALIP, Carl Thiel, Music Producer/Composer/Film Scorer.

Taking place during the 33rd annual Independent Film Week (formerly IFP Market), IFP’s five-day Filmmaker Conference: The Future of Film is now in its new home in New York City at the Film Society of Lincoln Center’s new facility. New this year, are in-depth master classes on topics ranging from financing the narrative feature to audience building and outreach. Created in 1979, IFP is one the nation's oldest organizations of independent filmmakers, and during this time has supported the production of 7,000 films and provided resources to more than 20,000 filmmakers through programs and guidance that include: Independent Film Week, Independent Filmmaker Labs, Industry Connects, Fiscal Sponsorship, the Independent Film Conference and many others. IFP also publishes Filmmaker magazine.

The New York Television Festival (NYTVF), founded in 2005 as the face of the "independent television" movement, has been striving ever since to provide artists with needed access to decision makers, innovative paths of program development, and opportunities to showcase their work. The NYTVF's Independent Pilot Competition has established a pipeline allowing producers, writers, and directors to showcase their original TV pilots directly to decision-makers of the industry. For the first time, an international group of writers, directors, and producers, selected from a grassroots search, will be given the opportunity to showcase pilot programs directly to network and cable executives in a forum. There will be a cocktail party welcoming the 2011 Official Artists and celebrating the opening of the Independent Pilot Competition on September 20, and on September 21 join the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment for a party celebrating the City's thriving television production community, both events in the Varick Room at Tribeca Cinema.

Unicomm in association with Variety will host the LA Mobile Entertainment Summit in Hollywood, September 20-21, which is all about connecting the ecosystem among digital assets, original content and mobile platforms to reach consumers in today's multi-screen environment. It will bring forth some of the top minds in mobile technology, interactive media and entertainment to examine how content and rapidly evolving technology is dramatically changing the entertainment marketplace. The two-day conference includes keynotes, one-on-one interviews, panels, technology demonstrations, a networking luncheon and evening cocktail reception as well as table top displays and interactive showcases. It will run concurrent with the 3D Entertainment and 3D Gaming Summits operating from the same space.

POP Montreal International Music Festival, running September 21-25, is an annual not-for-profit curated cultural event championing the international music scene vital to indie oriented communities of musicians and artists, fans, curators, critics, and record labels. The festival includes symposium discussions, artisan and visual art exhibitions, fashion shows, film screenings, and nightly parties. The Festival is designated by these sections: Pop Montreal, ArtPop, FilmPop, KidsPop, PucesPop, Symposium. In a slated "Music Supervision Workshop" Jon Bartlett (Megaphono/Kelp Records), Andrea von Foerster (Firestarter Music), Michael Hill and Russell Ziecker (Lionsgate Entertainment) analyze the process to create new soundtracks to a 30-second film clip.

Across the Canadian divide in Ottawa, the The Canadian Film Institute (CFI) rolls out the Ottawa International Animation Festival from September 21-25. The CFI is focused on promoting and presenting regular public programmes of contemporary, historical, and international cinema in the National Capital region. During the week of the Festival, there are 92 screenings and 46 professional development events at six venues across downtown Ottawa. In addition to the main Festival - the OIAF runs a number of outreach events and activities such as: free NFB workshops for families and teens, the Adobe Toon Apprentice Pass, Animation Celebration (a free screening for elementary classes), Toon Apprentice high school lecture series, and more. Aside from nightly parties, the festival also has the annual picnic located in Strathcona Park, Ottawa's picturesque green spot on the Rideau River.

The Fantastic Film and Arcade Game Fest, happening in Austin, September 22-29, was created to offer exposure to genre films in horror, fantasy, sci-fi, action, which can be overlooked by the traditional festival circuit. The Festival strives to offer acquisition and media and exhibition opportunities for undistributed films as well as to spotlight upcoming genre theatrical releases and repertory genre classics. The Fantastic Arcade will showcase a curated selection of brand new independent games as well as a larger sampling of important independent games from the last couple of years.The festival will also make available special badges for access to: the arcade  open for game play and tournaments, Fantastic Arcade happy hour and tournament finals, Fantastic Arcade VIP Party. Festival venue The Alamo Drafthouse was named the best cinema in America by Entertainment Weekly and features food and drink served to your seat without any disruption of the movie experience.

The mission of the upcoming Coney Island Film Festival is to raise funds for the non-profit arts organization Coney Island USA while presenting an engaging program of films including "made in Coney Island" productions. The September 23 opening night celebrations pay tribute to Coney Island's renown carnival history with live performances by sideshow freaks, sword swallowers, fire eaters and stars of the New York City burlesque scene. Coney Island's amusement parks and aquarium are scheduled to be open weather permitting. The festival runs through September 25.

Miami's DocMiami International Film Festival will kick off with Opening Night Cocktails and a Screening on Thursday at Romano's Macaroni Grill. The festival officially opens September 23-25. In some of the speaker sessions, Funding and Development of Your Document, will be addressed by former 20th Century Fox Scriptwriter, Alyn Darnay; and Brenda Nieborsky, VP Operations for Openfilm.com is a featured speaker on the topic of On-Line Distribution. Speaker Ece Karayalcin, Filmmaker/ Professor at the Department of Film and Television, School of Entertainment and Design Technologies, takes on issues of Legalities, Footage & Music Rights. Performing artists including Javier Batiz "The Godfather of Mexican Blues" and Tito Puente, Jr. contribute their talents in scheduled concerts for the benefit of the children of Tanzania at DocMiami 2011.

The annual conference for the film, video, and digital media industry known as Cine Gear NY, includes: exhibits, premiere and master class seminars, film series competition and finalist screenings, 3D symposium and technology salon, content conference, new product announcements, demonstrations, VIP awards ceremony, special events and more. The conference which runs in New York City, September 24-25, offers artists and technicians the opportunity to discover the latest technology and techniques, get hands-on training, gain knowledge and skills from industry leaders, obtain the newest equipment, hear breaking industry news and network with peers and industry leaders.

The Annual CULTURE&CULTURES Intercultural International Film Festival (C&CIIFF), staged in Lempaut Tarn and opening September 29 until October 2, is created by the non-profit association "Culture&Cultures" and presents a selection of international films, both documentary and fiction, with a platform committed to intercultural exchange and dialogue. After each screening, the audience will vote for their favorite film and the Director of either the fiction or the documentary film which obtains the highest votes will be the winner of the 1000 Euros prize.

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 at http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html which now has a language translation button to convert page contents into most widely used languages. A look ahead into October event dates will help you prepare for:  Billboard & The Hollywood Reporter Film & TV and Music Conference, in Los Angeles, Durango Songwriters Expo, in Boulder, the New Orleans Horror Film Festival, in Theodore, New York City ShowBiz Expo, in New York City, 2011 Content & Communications World, in New York City, to provide just a small sample of upcoming events in advance. Also to alert viewers, a site revamp and redesign of The Actor's Checklist is close at hand, with new interactive features, tools and resources to aid members, so please stay tuned.