Banff, New Music Seminar, Cannes Lions Advertising Festival, Aruba Film Festival, are highlights in June's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

Prometheus, Ridley Scott's so-called prequel to Alien, opened in
North American theaters November 8.

Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, Country Music Association promotes Country Music mainly through its two signature events, CMA Music Festival and the CMA Awards. Through June 10, the CMA Music Festival will be held in Nashville, and it is filled with special events, parties and very interesting things to do. Here's a run down of some of them: ABC TV returns for the 2012 CMA Musical Festival and takes a big hand to get the party started when it hosts The ABC Summer Block Party. This year’s block party, hosted by Bradford Anderson (“General Hospital”) has entertainment for the entire family. Located on the historic Broadway strip in downtown Nashville, the party will include daily activities, fun games and exclusive screenings from some of ABC’s new fall pilots. And Nashville’s own Grilled Cheeserie Truck will be on site with sandwiches provided and inspired by ABC’s “The Chew”. There will be Q&A sessions and autograph signings held with the new fall series stars from “Nashville”. This year The Buckle is a destination for families to come and enjoy activities, games, live entertainment, demonstrations, free samples, autograph signings, and more. Fan Alley will have many new activities and exhibits in 2012 including: The Chevrolet Ride and Drive, entertainment provided by the Ultimate Air Dogs, appearances and autograph signings by Country artists, live music, giveaways and prizes. Soleil Bella Beach in the Walk of Fame Park is a new highlight of this year’s Music Fest where visitors can hear a variety of artists, enjoy outdoor games and activities or relax on a sand beach. A new free feature for 2012, the BMI Tailgate Party, features a strong selection of BMI’s songwriters and artists warming up the audience before they enter LP Field for the Nightly Concerts. And highlighting the international appeal for Country music artists, 22 Country artists representing four different countries and territories including Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom have been announced for the 2012 Global Events showcases. The Festival is slated to be aired over the ABC television network on September 17, at 8/7 CENTRAL.

The 2012 Tony Awards goes live in New York City June 10, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing to celebrate excellence in the theatre. Australian film actor Hugh Jackman, is receiving a Special Tony Award® and will attend the night's Awards ceremony. This year, The Tony Awards will include a live broadcast from the middle of the Caribbean Sea, where Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas’ cast of Hairspray will perform a show-stopping number. In celebration of the Tony Season, the Tony Awards® is partnering with Bloomingdale’s to present a Tony Award Costume Exhibit at Bloomingdale’s in New York City, now through June 18. The 66th Annual Tony Awards will be held at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, airing live on at 8/7 pm C over CBS television network. For international viewers, CABLEready, an independent distributor of television programming for media outlets worldwide, will distribute the Tony Awards® telecast to theatre fans in four continents and over 45 countries around the globe including: Latin America - Film & Arts; New Zealand - Sky Network; Australia - Foxtel Bio channel; Japan - NHK; The Philippines - Velvet Channel; Armed Forces Television. Regardless of broadcast arrangements, anyone can watch live coverage of Tony Awards events via webcast at TonyAwards.com.

Banff World Media Conference and Festival, opens in Alberta running till June 13, putting the focus on Canada and international territories. There will be pre-arranged face to face meetings with industry decision makers, and opportunities for networking with potential partners from across the globe. Also available, the BANFF Marketplace is structured to help visitors create new development and production opportunities. The program will feature keynotes from industry achievers, panel discussions, expert forecasts, Master Classes, critical case studies, key strategy sessions and more. This year, Larry King, the well-regarded television and radio host, will be presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Also new in 2012, BANFF launches the Co-Production Business Market, that will form a business hub for entertainment and digital media executives producing or commissioning co-productions and co-ventures. Also, the nextMEDIA Demo Hub demonstrates itself as a forum for technology companies working in coding, app development, social media, game production, content management systems, location-based apps, cloud computing and other leading edge technologies. There will be a NetFlix Late Night After-Party on June 11, and conference wraps up with BANFF's "Hell On Wheels" BBQ.

NewFilmmakers Los Angeles invites interested parties to their film screening series and after-party event in Hollywood on June 11 featuring a filmmaker lounge throughout the evening. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the directors of screened films, the actors and crew, and take part in an audience Q&A. There are pre-receptions and after-parties for each program. Admissions to the programs includes the screening ticket and access to the filmmaker lounge. An after-party follows the last scheduled screening. NewFilmmakers LA at Sunset Gower Studios is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization designed to showcase innovative works by emerging filmmakers from around the world providing the Los Angeles community of entertainment professionals and film lovers with a constant surge of monthly screening events. NewFilmmakers LA provides a forum where filmmakers can be recognized for their contributions, have open audience discussions about their projects and connect with industry professionals for insight on distribution, production, acquisition and representation.

Now in its 18th year, North by Northeast Festivals and Conference (NXNE) is a Toronto festival destination for emerging artists and major-label headliners, for music filmmakers, and for digital interactive innovators. The Festival encompasses NXNE Music, NXNE Film, and NXNE Interactive, bridging the gap between technology and the arts. NXNE Music offers international, national and local acts at 50 official festival stages in downtown Toronto’s club district. A partial listing of scheduled acts includes: Oberhofer, Raekwon and Ghostface Killah, Matthew Good, Bad Religion, Bass Drum of Death, A Place To Bury Strangers, Archers Of Loaf, The Flaming Lips, so many more. NXNE Film showcases music-themed features, documentaries, shorts, and experimental films from around the world. NXNE Interactive (NXNEi) is a digital interactive media conference that brings together content-creating artists, tech entrepreneurs, digital marketing gurus, web business experts, and social media aficionados for workshops, presentations, and panels that explore the newest ideas that bridge the gap between creativity and the digital world. The NXNE Record Show curated by Kops Records is a one day vinyl show featuring record dealers from across Ontario, a selection of label vendors, educational stations and on-site DJ entertainment. The Festival opening party (RSVP to LIVEatNXNE@gmail.com) is on June 12, and showcases Canadian music photographers. The free NXNE Official Day Party, "I Blame Yoko" will be on June 14. The Festival runs through June 17.

The New Media Film Festival opens for a two day run June 12 in Los Angeles, and at red carpet opening night, wine bar drinks and Hor Dourves will be served and recording artist Irina Maleeva entertains with her one-woman musical comedy show. For the extent of the festival a resident distribution partner is set to review NMFF submissions and online distribution outlets have offered to interview and showcase content that is relevant to their site's genre. These partners include but are not limited to: Mingle Media, Stay Tuned TV and Gal Time. In addition to the media showcase, attendees have access to the New Media Marketing Table to distribute business cards and other promotional materials. There will be a Networking spot to meet fellow New Media filmmakers, artists, producers, above and below the line crews, thought makers, implementers, distributors. In one scheduled June 13 New Media Panel, a group will focus on new avenues to monetize content, new platforms that are being launched to interact and monetize on a global scale. After the closing night film the New Media Film Festival Awards presentations are held to announce the winners.

According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, the Maui Film Festival is one of only six "Signature Cultural Events" in Hawaii-and the only one that takes place on Maui. The Festival, running June 13-17, opens with the Twilight Reception at Capische? restaurant. Aside from film screenings in the outdoors under the stars, the festival is notable because of traditional events including: Opening Night Twilight Reception at Capische? Restaurant; Taste of Chocolate theme night at Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea, co-hosted by Variety; The 13th annual Taste of Wailea - sampling Wailea Resorts' most celebrated chefs and restaurants - at the David Leadbetter Private Golf Academy on Wailea Gold and Emerald Golf Course; the Sunday Starry Night MoonDance dance party, complemented by libations courtesy of Maui's own Organic Ocean Vodka and a beer selection too. There will be the Cosmic Closing Night Fashion Show and Poolside Party at Hotel Wallea.

Beginning June 16, the Los Angeles Indie Music/Film International Summit opens for two days of music, film, keynote speaker activities geared to: music producers, film producers, artist managers, agents, radio personalities, music and film executives, promoters, publicist, attorneys, songwriters, recording artists, unsigned artists, CD manufactures, distributers and record label representatives. There will be panels, workshops, presentations, live indie stage and major artist performances, one to one mentoring, J-Lounge kiosk (demo listening, EPK and videos) and an industry trade show. The event celebrates new music with two days of showcases featuring over 100 original acts on three stages. Music industry rights association SESAC leads a workshop to educate songwriters and publishers on their right to be compensated for having their music performed in public. Another panel of Hollywood Casting Directors will discuss the secrets to landing the perfect role, and what they are looking for from actors at the audition. Summit organizer Jadar Entertainment’s mission is to showcase, promote, and market Independent artists, actors, producers, songwriters and record labels, etc. and their ideas. Both conference days end with after parties.

Presented as a seminar for the new business of music, the New Music Seminar in New York City will present sessions offering vital industry survival information, with every delegate receiving the NMS New Music Business Guidebook, that has promotion and marketing tips, contact information, forms and guidelines on how to succeed regardless of the kind of music. The NMS Networking Lounges placed throughout the seminar area facilitate business networking. Attendees are encouraged to pre-arrange meetings in the comfort of the various NMS Lounges where they are able to eat, drink and make new contacts. NMS breakout sessions that are held throughout the day are designed to provide specialized knowledge and instructions on a variety of fields. Industry talent will be discussing new marketing opportunities, legal, publishing and songwriting, touring and other important areas in which to advance a career. A SESAC Songwriters Workshop will be held the afternoon of June 19 featuring hit songwriters talking about writing hits... where they get their ideas, how they get their gigs. Cabo Wabo is the official Tequila of the NMS Opening Night Party, open to NMS Delegates and their guests. NMS will run from June 17-20.

The Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival will be held in Cannes Cedex from June 17-23 celebrating creativity in commercial communications. In terms of international advertising awards, more than 24,000 entries from all over the world are showcased and judged at the Festival and winners take home the Lion trophy presented at four award ceremonies throughout the week. The Festival is also a global meeting place for advertisers, advertising and communication professionals. Delegates from 90 countries attend seven days of workshops, exhibitions, screenings, master classes and high-profile seminars by notable industry leaders. To celebrate its 10th anniversary Grupo ABC based in Latin America brings President Clinton to Cannes Lions to talk about how advertising can help build a better world. Academy Award-nominated director Ridley Scott (Prometheus) leads a talk on new standards for how brands tell their stories to capture the imagination of audiences.

From Suntec, BroadcastAsia 2012 International Conference, opening June 19-22, investigates the future trends and critical issues of next generation broadcasting, addressing pivotal issues of an industry confronting new and fast changing consumer dynamics and content shift typical in this era of "anytime, anywhere content demand". It presents topics covering the facets of next generation broadcasting, broadband, hybrid platforms, multiple screens and multi-platforms to OTT delivery, terrestrial technology and file based workflow and asset management. Addressing the industry’s grasp regarding content production and creative development of film for big and small screen, the Conference showcases the latest developments and trends. Both the conference and masterclass workshops seek to prepare attendees with new knowledge and raise their production skills up to the next level to meet today’s demand for creative programming across various screen sizes. A new OTT Feature Zone is set up for exhibitors such as Axon, EVS, XOR Media (formerly Seachange Broadcast), Switch Media and Magna to present a special showcase on how broadcasters and media producers can deliver content to a new generation of consumers, who view content on a variety of devices like PCs, tablets, smartphones or netbooks.

Opening June 19, Palm Springs International ShortFest is a seven day competitive festival screening approximately 300 films from 40 countries in a series of 90 minute programs. All films submitted whether screened in the Festival or not are eligible to participate in the Market which consists of a video film library and 20 viewing stations open to sales agents, distributors and other industry representatives. The Festival has twenty competitive categories with prize money, film stock and production services valued at over $70,000 to be awarded for first and second places in addition to a "Best of Festival" award and a "Future Filmmaker" award. All first place winners in the Live Action and Animation categories will automatically become eligible for nomination consideration by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences in the short film categories. Parent of the festival -- The Palm Springs International Film Society -- is a 501(c)(3) charitable non-profit organization whose mission is to cultivate and promote the art and science of film through education and cross-cultural awareness.

A 3D and Virtual Reality Expo (IVR) in Tokyo showcases a platform for research and expertise groups, including users from manufacturing industries, amusement industries, broadcasting stations, image producing companies, content production companies, telecommunication companies, public offices, universities and research centers who are looking to buy solutions for their businesses, to try out and experience the latest 3D technology and high definition image technology used in the latest 3D products and technologies (ultra-high definition displays, AR, and 3D broadcasting). The exhibited technologies will include: High-Definition Displays: 4K x 2K Displays, HDTVs, LED Displays, Plasma Displays, Other Related Products: 4K Digital Image Recorders, 4K Digital Image Projectors, Hi-Definition Projectors, High-Performance Monitors, Image Input Boards, 3D Sound Systems. Industrial Virtual Reality Expo opens June 20 for a two day run.

Founded in 2010 by film producers Jonathan Vieira and Giuseppe Cioccarelli, the third edition of the Aruba International Film Festival is rededicating itself to a two-fold purpose: advancing worldwide understanding of Aruba and its people, and encouraging emerging Caribbean filmmakers by offering them hands-on training from accomplished professionals. Within the Festival's Caribbean Spotlight Series’s, the “Aruba Flavor” competition highlights and rewards the work of talented local filmmakers and forms a platform for networking opportunities with fellow Caribbean peers and industry professionals from around the world. The AIFF Film Lab workshop, entitled 96 HOURS, will provide intensive hands on training in the filmmaking process over a four-day period of time during the festival. And there will be an acting class coordinated by arts education director Maureen Heffernan, who will lead students through a series of exercises to totally embrace a role, as well as to learn the technical requirements of working on a film set. The Festival will be casting for an international photo shoot (paid) and is looking for actors, actress, children and extras. The Casting will be on June 24 the whole day and on June 25 from 10:30 am - 1 pm, taking place at the Paseo Herencia. The photo shooting itself is from the June 28 till July 4. As a special musical feature, Marc Antony performs in concert June 23, at the AIFF Harbor Arena.

Dance Camera West's annual dance film festival opens June 27-30 in Los Angeles, and presents an international selection of dance media and special screening events at venues throughout southern California. Dance Camera West embraces dance media in any dance style or genre. Categories include: screendance, experimental movement based film, short films, features, documentary, installations, and interactive dance media. The festival presents its first "Dirty Dancing Dance-A-Long" on June 22 in partnership with Los Angeles Film Festival and Grand Performances. Free pre-show salsa lessons and professional dancers on stage will perform along with the film. The closing evening program will consist of the Hammer Evening Doc of "Wayne McGregor Going Somewhere," a creative documentary film by Catherine Maximoff, and the evenings program leads into the Awards Reception.

Established in 2003, IN THE PALACE is an International festival dedicated to short films under 45 minutes in length. This year it opens June 29 to run into July 7 in the Black Sea town of Balchik. The Festival aims to present and contribute to the development of contemporary film art in Bulgaria, Europe and the world, creating a favourable environment and platform for young filmmakers and established professionals. Traditionally, the Festival’s core are the International and National competitive programmes, accompanied by various special screenings. Filmer Forge is the business centre of the festival. Each year producers, distributors, buyers and sales agents gather to meet and network with fellow industry colleagues at the festival. Filmer Forge includes four resource areas: the Exhibition Hall with market stands, business meetings, presentations, Media Rendez Vous; Pitching sessions - that will include the awarding of 10 financial grants; Market Video Library of short films and a database of filmmakers, decision makers, festivals, broadcasters (on-line industry guide); Market Screenings. The town of the festival (Francis Ford Coppola spent 11 days at the palace shooting scenes of 'Youth Without Youth'.) has a history spanning over almost 3000 years. During that period it was known as the ancient Greek colony of Krouni, the Greek and subsequently Byzantine fortress of Dionyssopolis, mediaeval Bulgarian town Karvouna and the Ottoman and later again Bulgarian town of Balchik. One of the most interesting places in the vicinity of the town is the architectural park complex "The Palace" (venue of the festival), built by the Italian architects Amerigo and Agustino within the period 1920-1936. The town has also been the former summer residence of the British princess and Romanian Queen Marie of Edinburgh.

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 international languages. This month's photo composite is of Prometheus which opened in North American theaters June 8 as Director Ridley Scott's so-called prequel to the 1979 Alien. The cast for Prometheus includes: Charlize Theron, Michael Fassbender, Noomi Rapace, Guy Pearce, Patrick Wilson, Benedict Wong, Sean Harris, Idris Elba. Gazing ahead into the next month, be aware that... International Television Festival will be in Reseda, Downtown Film Festival L.A. will be in Los Angeles. The Sun Camera Action Conference and Workshop Film Cruise sets sail from Miami. Trade show for the ticketing and live entertainment industry, Ticket Summit, will be in Las Vegas. Cinema India Expo will be in Mumbai. Paris Manga & Sci-Fi Show will be in Paris. Broadcast & Film Africa will be in Nairobi.

Streaming Media East, Billboard Music Awards, Casual Connect Asia, Chicago Underground Film, are highlights in May's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

The Avengers opened and
set attendance records

NARM opens its 2012 Convention in Los Angeles. As a trade association that serves the music and entertainment content delivery community, the Convention will field roundtables and panels that include: International Music Registry, Music Distribution, Music and TV, Internet and Independent Labels, Commerce vs. Royalties, and so many more areas. NARM advances the promotion, marketing, distribution, and sale of music and entertainment by providing its members with a forum for diverse meeting and networking opportunities, information, and education to support their businesses, as well as advocating for their common interests. On the evening of May 8 a Digital Music LA Meetup, designed to help digital music industry professionals uncover new business opportunities, follows a cocktail sip. On closing evening, there is the Red Carpet Arrivals and Awards Dinner Party.

The annual CTIA Wireless Convention launches this year in New Orleans through May 10. As an industry trade group that represents all sectors of the international wireless communications industry, CTIA hosts two shows a year: one in the spring, for a full representation of all things wireless, plus another show in the fall that focuses more on the usage and implementation of wireless in the enterprise. With the new convention dates starting in May and a new location in New Orleans, other updates to the convention itinerary include: afternoon keynote sessions, the Solutions Showcase, a VIP hospitality tent, CTIA World - interactive displays on the show floor, the Executive Conference Center, CTIA Unplugged and more events that round out a new agenda for 2012. CTIA (Cellular Telephone Industries Association) members include international cellular, personal communication services and enhanced specialized mobile radio providers and suppliers, and providers and manufacturers of wireless data services and products. President Bill Clinton will give the show's final keynote on the afternoon of May 10.

Now in its 15th year, and with more than 100 speakers across 30 sessions, Streaming Media East running May 14-16 in New York City, is a place to see, learn, and discuss what is taking place with all forms of online video business models and technology. Content owners, viral video creators, online marketers, enterprise corporations, broadcast professionals, ad agencies, educators, and others all come to Streaming Media East to see and hear the latest online video technology and to discuss the business models that are coming of age. Industry instructors will conduct 20 “how-to” sessions on the various technical aspects of the industry – encoding, videoplayers, webcasting productions, and more. During the opening keynote with Matt Frost, Senior Business Product Manager, Google Chrome, keynote attendees will have a chance to win one of twelve Google Chromebooks.

In Cannes, the Third Annual International Film Finance Forum hosts financiers, investment advisers, filmmakers, studio executives, finance and sales agents, distributors, attorneys, accountants, insurance and completion bond providers, film commissioners, and new entrants to film financing from all over the world. This year's speaking faculty will address how to get movies financed, made, and sold in an ever-changing marketplace. The forum will open up with the state of the industry overview by Randall Emmett, Co-Chair/Producer of Emmett/Furla Films. Emmett. During the closing conversation, actor, producer and humanitarian Danny Glover will address the importance of documentaries, creative financing strategies for this genre, and ways to market and sell these types of films. The Forum is one day only on May 18.

For the second straight year in a row, the Billboard Music Awards goes live from Las Vegas, May 20, following a hiatus that lasted from 2007 to 2011. The awards will reflect Billboard's chart rankings based on key fan interactions with music, including album sales and downloads, track downloads, radio airplay and touring as well as streaming and social interactions on Facebook, Twitter, Vevo, Youtube, Spotify and other popular online destinations for music. This year, U.K. performer Adele takes the lead as a finalist in 18 award categories, including Top Artist, Top Female Artist and Top Billboard 200 Artist. Expected performers already announced for this year's show include: Justin Bieber, Carrie Underwood, LMFAO and The Wanted are the first performers announced with others to come. The "2012 Billboard Music Awards" is co-executive produced by Richard D. Beckman, CEO Prometheus Global Media and Don Mischer Productions. The 2012 Billboard Music Awards will air on ABC live from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas and hosted by Julie Bowen and Ty Burrell. The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound.

RadioTV Forum opens for a two day run on May 22 in Rome. The Aeranti-Corallo RadioTV Forum is organized by RadioTv srl and is a focal point for the radio and television industry in Italy. It consists of a program of meetings, technical seminars and workshops as well as an exhibition. The "Workshop Day" event, is a day of technical workshops and seminars focusing upon the Italian transition to digital terrestrial TV, that began at the “Casa dell’Energia” conference center. RADIOTV FORUM is an event promoted by AERANTI-CORALLO, the association of local, satellite and Internet radio and television companies, and organized by RADIOTV srl. It represents around 1,000 companies, including local radio and television broadcasters, satellite and Internet stations, local broadcaster groups, broadcast news agencies, cable radio businesses, and radio and television advertising sales houses.

Casual Connect Asia 2012 is set to run May 22-24 in Suntec City. Developed for the general public and families, casual games are video games that are fun and easy to learn and play and are found on many devices including personal computers, video game consoles, mobile phones and handheld devises. Casual Connect is the place to learn more about this industry which entertains an approximate 300 million people each month. Learn all about iPhone, Social, Android, Flash, Browser MMO and Download Games. The Innovation Showcase, is set up as an “art-gallery” style exhibition that displays twelve games considered to be innovative. Visitors to the gallery are encouraged to come and interact (play) with the games for Web and iOS platform, and maybe offer feedback leading to great games ideas. The Official Casual Connect Parties are: May 22 at IDA Singapore, and May 23 at CoCoon Bar in The Forbidden City. Founded in 2005, the Casual Games Association is a professional international trade organization providing educational resources and community support for those involved in creating games for the mass market consumer.

Belgian Broadcast Days is a networking event for manufacturers and dealers, rental and facility companies, new media, ICT and mobile television, happening in Brussels, May 23-24. On day one after an opening keynote address by Dominique Vosters, director of the Cabinet of Minister Mrs Fadila Laanan, Philippe Bekaert-IBBT explores surround video based novel television production concepts and viewing experiences in the home and on the road. Other presentations follow and day one ends with a Walking Dinner and networking party. Starting day two, Jo Caudron discusses How digital innovation will impact the television business, Jelle-Jan Bruinsma presents on Opportunities for TV Broadcasters on YouTube - a short overview of YouTube's partnership programme for TV Broadcasters, and other talks continue through the day. Workshops on Legal aid, employment and financial incentives will be held, and a networking session ends the last day.

The inaugural New York International Short Film Festival, NY Shorts Fest kicks off May 29 down in the Lower East Side of New York City. Created by the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival - LA Shorts Fest - which is now in it’s 16th year, NY Shorts Fest events provides a showcase for international short-form cinema and includes receptions as well as workshops and master classes with industry experts and top filmmaking professionals sharing their practical advice to attending filmmakers. The festival closes May 31.

Korea International Broadcast Audio and Lighting Equipment Show (KOBA 2012) is an exhibition of broadcasting, audio, video and lighting industries opening in Seoul May 29 running until June 1. Drawing on resources from the Korean Broadcasting Engineer & Technicians Association, it offers the opportunity for engineers, producers, studio and other large scale performance professionals to get the latest information about this field. The show draws professionals related to the field of Radio and TV Equipment, Audio and Video studios equipment, Terrestrial, cable and Satelite TV, Multimedia for Broadcasting, Computer Graphics, Audio and Video Telecommunications, Audio and Video on the Internet, Video projection, profesional sound, Show Lighting, Equipment Rental, Audiovisual Interactiveness, Audiovisual Operators, Media Asset Management.

As an official program of IFP/Chicago, The Chicago Underground Film Festival has forged a certain niche for itself by presenting an accessible, user-friendly showcase for avant-garde and cult cinema. Opening May 31 to run up to June 7, CUFF showcases a wide range of work exploring the many definitions and interpretations of the concept of "underground". This year’s festival will offer a complementary mix of independent features, shorts, documentaries and experimental films augmented by nightly parties and concerts. Panels and workshops further add to the programming that encompases alternative music films, political agitprop, high camp and formal experimentation.

A singers search and open mic produced by the long-running showbiz team of Billy Shepard and Judi Jourdan is held every Monday night at "The Iguana" just around the corner from the David Letterman Show TV taping in the Broadway show district of New York City. Talented newcomers and experienced singers are all welcome. Just come in, sign up and sing. A pianist is resident or bring your background tracks or CDs. The pianist transposes instantly in any key for you. Open to the public, all ages and all styles are welcome. Participants will be singing with the opportunity to be booked as a featured singer in a future Shepard & Jourdan television Showcase: "How to Succeed in Show Business By Really Trying", shown on Time Warner Cable television every Wednesday at 11:30 pm on channel 57.

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 read languages. And a new initiative has begun to offer the news summary in various translated versions, viewable as a .pdf document and delivered via file sharing and content deliver network protocols, as well as other means. Gazing ahead into the next month, be aware that... Cine Gear Expo 2012 will be in Hollywood. Los Angeles Indie Music/Film International Summit 2012, will be in Los Angeles. IN THE PALACE International Short Film Festival, will be in Balchik. Cannes Lions International Advertising Festival will be in Cannes. Social Media Film Festival - showcasing films mostly about social media, social change and technology - will be in Las Vegas. The British Animation Film Festival 2012 will be in London. In this month's photo caption: The Avengers movie set new records for the overseas and U.S. North American box office recording $200.3 million for a 3-day U.S. opening weekend and $641.8 million overall in its first 12 days globally.

MTV Video Music Awards, Duke Ellington Jazz Fest, One Mic Nite @ Voyage Restuarant, Wired Mag NextFest

President Clinton will be on hand to sign copies of his latest release, Giving, during a November 4 book signing in New York. The NYTVF, opening September 5-10 in New York, features an Independent Pilot Competition that has established a pipeline allowing producers, writers, and directors to showcase their original TV pilots directly to the decision-makers of the industry. The West Coast Songwriters Conference, happening September 7-9 in Los Altos Hills, contains two days of seminars, songscreenings, performances, lyric reviews, one-on-one consultations, performance-showcases, networking and more, including a sunset concert. MTV Video Music Awards will air live from the Palms Casino Resort September 9 in Las Vegas 9 pm WST on MTV, and feature performances by Kanye West, Rihanna and others. The Third Annual Duke Ellington Jazz Festival launches September 9-17 in Washington, DC, and as part of the festivities, this event will also celebrate Dizzy Gillespie's 90th birthday. For September 10, and actually every Monday night, the One Mic Nite talent showcase (http://www.myspace.com/onemicnite) and industry networking event turns over the microphone to a variety of performinng artists at the Voyage Restaurant/Bar, in the far west quarter of Greenwich Village. BMI is a co-sponsor for the first industry conference focusing primarily on Latin hip-hop, urban, and reggaeton which opens with a party and showcase produced through LA TV September 12 in West Hollywood.

The Wired Magazine NextFest in Los Angeles features more than 160 interactive exhibits from leading scientists and researchers around the world, allowing your to experience the future of communication, design, entertainment, exploration, health, play, robots and more when it opens September 13 for 4 days in Los Angeles. The Primetime Emmy Awards stages its ceremony September 16 in Los Angeles, and willl be captured via teleccast over the FOX network. The NAMIC Conference and Inaugural Television Writers' Workshop is a customized daylong workshop designed to give experienced writers of color the opportunity to hone their craft and learn the essentials of creating, packaging and selling a television script, all happening September 16-18 in New York. The IFP New York Filmmaker Conference wiill be held September 16-21 and offers daily social networking opportunities and over 35 panel discussions on new technologies, current issues and global marketplace trends, in addition to conference themes like “Making Your First Feaure”, “Filmmaking 2.0”, and “Music Makes Movie” panels. Over two days starting September 17, The Seventh Annual Future of Music Policy Summit taking place in Washington, DC, brings together musicians, music industry executives and policymakers to discuss critical issues relating to music, law, technology and policy, as well as conversations about copyright, music licensing, and this year presents a special breakout sessions for musicians on how to better use emerging Internet technologies such as podcsating and online social networking.

Digital Entertainment World 2007 will take place in Hong Kong, September 19-21, and is all about new distribution channels for entertainment content including strategies on monetising digital entertainment by bringing content to consumers using new technologies and new distributions capabilities. Festival do Rio/The Rio de Janeiro International Film Festival is the most celebrated cinema event on Brazil's cultural calendar, and for fifteen days, starting September 20, Rio steps into the spotlight, with gala parties, film market events, Brazilian and international celebrities, major media attention, and of course, great films. Advertising Week hosts their annual gathering of advertising and media decision-makers of North America in New York from September 24-28, with an agenda that includes a hybrid of 200 distinct events. Mamak Khadem (http://www.mamak-khadem.com/), the lead singer of the cross-cultural Persian fusion ensemble Axiom of Choice, and who has been a featured performer on numerous American film and television scores, performs songs inspired by travels throughout the Middle East at a September 25 New York engagement. The NAB Education Foundation (NABEF), in partnership with the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), and Radio-Television News Directors Association (RTNDA), will host its annual Radio Career Fair, taking place in Charlotte, September 26-28, and welcoming seasoned professionals, college students and entry-level job seekers who are interested in a career in radio broadcasting. The Global Peace Film Festival, opening September 26 in Orlando, is being held in conjunction with the UN's International Day of Peace to promote the art of motion picture to further the goal of peace on earth, beyond anti-war, ideology and activism. The Ypulse Tween Mashup is a business-to-business conference, designed to help media and marketing professionals reach tweens using technology in a multi-platform world, that precedes the formal opening of DigitalLife, the consumer technology, gaming and entertainment exposition taking place in New York on Sepember 28.

The above events are just a sampling of what is listed. Most of the reported events above have a submission process for indie and/or performing artists to take part in. Complete details are on the "Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events" page at http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are now available at most popular video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, the Apple iTunes store podcast category, as well as on The Actor's Checklist at http://actorschecklist.com/loudblog/ a great place to get your iPhone, ipod or Apple TV download from. This month on video you will see trailers and video clips of suspense, thriller The Prodigy, from F5 Films, LLC (http://www.myspace.com/prodigymovie - http://www.theprodigymovie.com); Ballet improvisations shown in sample clips from "Creating Ballet Dreams with Rochelle" from Arizona based Ballet Ovations (http://www.balletovations.com - http://www.myspace.com/balletovations); Video adventures and "Rocket Roll" music with Futureman (http://www.futureman.com - http://www.myspace.com/futuremandotcom ); Worldwide Cinema, and hip hop, R&B label OTISSSPROD, joint production of French language film "A Coeurs Perdus" starring filmmaker/musician Vince Bosco (http://www.myspace.com/acoeursperdus - http://www.myspace.com/otisssprods); The Psychedelic alt electro indie pop rock from the future fusion of video and music from Montreal based band TOYKULT. Another hearty welcome goes out to newly initiated iPhone owners to make http://actorschecklist.com/loudblog their premiere video download destination for media industry news and entertainment.