TransVergence Summit, HollyShorts festival, Beijing International Radio, TV and Film, Social Media Brazil, are highlights in August's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

Chicago's Black Harvest International Festival of Film and Video specializes in presenting new work by independent filmmakers from Chicago and around the world. This year’s festival includes sixteen feature films and thirty shorts. Approximately 40 percent of the films were produced in the Chicago area or involve artists or subjects particular to the region. As always, the festival features, where possible, personal appearances by filmmakers to engage in audience discussion. There are special events and parties too. At the festival’s opening night on August 5, when Golden Globe-winning, In one planned special event, Emmy-nominated actress and playwright Regina Taylor will be handed this year’s Deloris Jordan Award for Excellence in Community Leadership.

In another Black Harvest International engagement, NBC 5’s LeeAnn Trotter MCs the program, "A Black Harvest Feast", which includes Chicago filmmaker Evan Allen-Gessesse introducing his short film 'Eric's Haircut'. Other festival special events are special advance screenings of 'Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey, a profile of Kevin Clash, the African American Muppeteer who brings the beloved character Elmo to life; and VIVA RIVA!, an action, neo-noir thriller from the Congo. And for those working to get a film into production, on August 14, there will be a panel discussion "How to Get a Movie Made" -- a free DIY workshop covering every aspect of production for the aspiring independent filmmaker. The festival closes September 1.

The universal adaptation of multiple platforms and devices has fragmented audiences and forced content creators and marketers to find new ways of storytelling, branding and fan engagement. The TransVergence Summit in Hollywood, August 7-8, is a conference for content creators, branders and technologists to expand their transmedia knowledge in order to engage audiences across multiple platforms. At the featured Story Hackathon event of the Summit, the session will be a real-time, 24-hour competition during which five teams of four partners work to develop a cohesive narrative across multiple platforms. Open to writers, designers, filmmakers, developers and more, teams will design a cohesive narrative spanning three or more technological platforms and execute a single one. Informative sessions will cover vital areas such as: transmedia, immersive media, publishing, branded content, second screen, storyworlds, over-the-top television. Co-located with the Summit is the very first West Coast Story Hackathon as well as the Start-Up Salon.

8 Sided Films is an active film and webisode production company, based in North Hollywood, focused primarily on the sci-fi genre. The company is presently in production of a full length feature film under writer/director Tennyson E. Stead titled, 'Quantum Theory', the story of Chelsea and Roe, two brilliant, snarky women of science, who develop a prototype with the power to alter reality... until it's snatched from under them by L.D.I., a ruthless and powerful defense contractor.

The cast of the 'Quantum Theory' film project has been screening a promotional webseries showcasing the relationships and humor between the production's cast members entitled "SASSxACCELERATION". SASSxACCELERATION is a mocumentary college podcast in which future mad scientists Chelsea Barrington and Gertude Monroe debate and debunk the science of pop culture and modern mythology. The final episode will premiere live on geek web broadcast 1337

Lounge Live, on August 15 at url: http://www.1337loungelive.com starting time 18:00. 'Quantum Theory' stars Tybee Diskin and Danielle K. Jones join writer/director Tennyson E. Stead on the live internet broadcast 1337LoungeLive, to answer questions from hosts Jennifer Zhang, Xander Denke and the web audience after the performance.

The pubic is invited to take a role in adding critical commentary to the development of 'Quantum Theory' on the 8 Sided Forum at this link. Get Quantum Theory updates and other 8 Sided Projects and find out more about the film on the Forum page at this link. Another ongoing project for 8 Sided Films is 'Man and 'Machine', concerning a professor at an overlooked Southern California university who sacrifices his future and his freedom to create a true artificial intelligence.

With a focus on short film produced 30 minutes of less, the ninth annual HollyShorts festival will feature more than 300 short films in competition. International and local next-generation filmmakers will file into Hollywood, August 15-22, for screenings, galas, world premieres, panels and networking events. This year, the HollyShorts Film Festival will open with a feature film. Festival alumni David Rodriguez’s dramedy, 'Last I Heard', will have its Los Angeles premiere on opening day. HollyShorts is awarding two all-expense paid international trips for this year’s winning filmmakers. The overall Best Short Film top prize winner of HollyShorts will win two complimentary tickets to visit Wellington, New Zealand courtesy of festival sponsor StarNow. While in New Zealand, the winner will get to present their film at a local film festival and meet local industry professionals, along with $1K NZD spending cash.

For the second year, HollyShorts is indulging in a competition with NociCinema's NociCortinFestival 2013, another short film festival of the Southern-Italian region of Puglia, at the heel of the Italian peninsula. Hollyshorts will choose a selection of works from among the films submitted to NociCortin festival to be screened in August at the Ninth Annual HollyShorts Film Festival, and among these films, one will receive the Special HollyShorts Grand Jury Choice Award. The director of the winning film from NociCortin festival will be flown out to Los Angeles to present their film to the American public. HollyShorts Film Festival will include: an opening night ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly known as Grauman’s), fest screenings, filmmaker Q&A’s, industry panels, and private receptions happening in venues throughout Hollywood during the entire week of the celebration.

Pensacola Para Con convention will interest fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, costuming, comics, renaissance, gaming, anime, indie films, paranormal. It is a multi-genre convention for toys, comics, horror movies, original arts, collectibles MMA, wrestling, but will offer something for everyone, including: anime, manga, film, art, comics, sci fi, gaming, celebrities, and more. There will be celebrity meet and greet, discussion panels, screenings, demonstrations, workshops, and contests. This year's convention, running August 17-19, will help raise funds for American Cancer Society - Making Strides against Breast Cancer. Among special attractions people are encouraged to attend are: investigations at the Pensacola Victorian Inn and Gray House, Seville Quarter Zombies, Geeks and Freaks Masquerade Ball.

Some of the film veteran guests scheduled to appear at Pensacola Para Con include: Gil Gerard (Buck Rogers), Richard Epcar (Animation Voice Actor), Cindy Morgan (CADDYSHACK and TRON), Jason Faunt (Power Rangers and Resident Evil 6), Ari Lehman Jason: (Friday the 13th), Michael Berryman (The Hills Have Eyes, The Devil's Rejects, Star Trek), Theodus Crane (AMC’s The Walking Dead), and many more.

Broadcast & Cable is a trade fair covering television, radio and telecommunications engineering of Latin America. The Sao Paulo event is directed at professionals, entrepreneurs and executives in the production and distribution of multimedia electronic content market, including open and subscription TV, radio, internet, industry, production and telecommunications.

Running August 20-22, Broadcast and Cable will have a focus on advance technologies and applications used in production, distribution, testing and operation of TV, internet, radio and other multimedia/transmedia electronics. SET 2013 Congress will run concurrent to Broadcast and Cable in the Exhibition Center. It is organized and promoted by the Brazilian Society of Television Engineering – SET. SET Congress organizes lectures, talk shows, tutorials and debates with leading professionals in the market, who will be discussing scenarios and highlighting trends, new launchings and the latest developments.

Beijing International Radio, TV and Film Equipment Exhibition is an international trade show -- summit, awards show, exhibition expo -- that will run for five days starting August 20 in Beijing, showcasing products and services related to radio, film and television industry. In October 2007, BIRTV was endorsed by International Association of Broadcasting Manufacturers (IABM). BIRTV's focus is on content while highlighting the latest developments and technical innovation inspired by the international media community. Highlighted technology trends that will be specially showcased or demoed during the conference/exhibition include: Ultra HD (4K/8K), OTT, Mobile Media and Pro Audio, trends reflecting how traditional broadcasting reinvents itself. Related activities such as BIRTV Summit, BIRTV Awards, BIRTV Science and Technology Development Forum (STDF), China Digital Film and Video Editing Awards etc. will also offer new insights.

The BIRTV Summit opens with a Summit Report by President of CCTV Hu Zhanfan. Chief Engineer of CRI, Wang Lian, will address the topic of "Smart Media Network" afterward. After an afternoon break, Sun Jian, Vice President of CTVIT, tackles the topic "The Road of Global Production and Broadcast". In other talks for the remainder of the afternoon the topic of "The New Developments of Full-media Integration Production and Operation" will be presented by Zhang Dayong, of China Digital Video (Beijing) Limited. And Bannai Tatsushi, Development Department Minister of Panasonic Corp. touts the "Panasonic Technology Development Direction and New Product Application". John Ive, Director of Business Development and Technology - IABM, closes the Summit addressing "The Broadcast and Media Industry Business Outlook". To promote a better understanding of BIRTV as well as the China broadcasting industry, BIRTV conducts Group Tour projects for visitors from outside China. This will include, but is not limited to: a visit to CCTV or BTV, the BIRTV2013 Welcome Dinner, a visit to a movie and TV production base, a City Tour excursion, attending the Beijing Opera.

The International Film Awards Berlin -- the ifab -- was founded as a non-profit organization dedicated to the creation, distribution, preservation and support of independent cinema created by mostly unknown filmmakers. The awards presentation gives out several awards, including Best Lead Actress and Actor ifab Awards, Best Director ifab Award and the Grand Prize: the Brandenburg Gate Award. Festival venue, The Sputnik, is an arthouse movie theatre located in Kreuzberg, one of Berlins artistic districts. Kreuzberg has emerged from its history as one of the poorest quarters in Berlin in the late 1970s, to one of Berlin's cultural centers in the middle of the now unified city. Presently, Kreuzberg is one of the trendy districts of Berlin, known for its lively art scene, cafés, bars and restaurants and a bustling nightlife.

Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI) will recognize siblings Bryan “Birdman” Williams and Ronald “Slim” Williams of Cash Money Records as Icons at the 2013 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards, at a New York City ceremony on August 22. The  event, formerly known as the BMI Urban Awards, celebrates the songwriters, producers and publishers of the most-performed r&b/hip-hop songs of the previous year. The BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards will include an all-star musical tribute to this year's Icons, as well as the presentation of the Social Star Award and R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Producer and Publisher of the Year crystals. BMI’s President and CEO Del Bryant and Catherine Brewton will share the evening’s hosting duties with recording artist Ray J. Together, the Williams brothers have overseen the extension of the Cash Money brand beyond music: Cash Money Content, a book publishing division distributed by Atria/Simon and Schuster that has released three New York Times best sellers and will be releasing a new book authored by the Reverend Al Sharpton this fall.

The Cash Money enterprise they founded continues to nurture young talent into internationally recognizable standouts: Young Money Entertainment – the joint venture with Lil Wayne – has steered the rise of recording artists Drake, Nicki Minaj and Tyga. In 2012, Cash Money celebrated the sale of 500 million songs worldwide, a feat made possible by its top-tier artists and focused leadership. This invitation-only event will also honor the world’s premier songwriters, producers and publishers of the most-performed r&b/hip-hop songs of the previous year, as well as the presentation of the Social Star Award, and R&B/Hip-Hop Songwriter, Producer and Publisher of the Year.

With a focus on social networking, Social Media Brazil aims to bring together key people to its Sao Paulo location to discuss and debate various aspects of social media and its cutting edge implementation. For 2013, the August 24 expo will be divided into two rooms -- one will be dedicated on lectures related to national and international issues and the other room will be based on interviews and discussions. The one-day conference agenda provides opportunities for learning, networking and some fun through numerous discussions and interactive sessions. The many aspects and utilization of social media will be discussed and debated by professionals and enthusiasts from different parts of the world.

Expo organizer, Media Education of Sao Paulo, has an industry focus in digital marketing. The events this company organizes are accompanied by an international roster of well regarded experts and leaders. Social Media Brazil, Social Media Week Sao Paulo and Search Labs are some of the numerous events that Media Education has organized. Dealing with Facebook Marketing Garage SP, Yahoo Hack Day, Social Media Week SP, Search Labs, Social Media Brazil and New Insights, Media Education seeks to apply as much innovation to develop new approaches to its marketing and media strategies.

The Internationale Tanzmesse is a biennial discussion forum, festival and marketplace for communicating and networking in the field of contemporary dance. At the Tanzmesse, international dance companies and artists present their work live on stage and choreographers, dancers, agencies, presenters and cultural institutions network and present their work in a marketplace. The internationale tanzmesse NRW also hosts numerous international gatherings and meetings. The Tanzmesse is a project of the Gesellschaft für Zeitgenössischen Tanz, based in Cologne. The original aim of the Tanzmesse was to create a platform for dance companies from North-Rhine Westphalia where they could introduce and present choreographic work from the region to a larger regional audience as well as to the professional dance world.

The Tanzmesse's goal has always been to form a presentation around performance and discussion. The companies could perform their works as well as talk about their projects in a marketplace environment. In 1997, the second Tanzmesse in Essen expanded the marketplace to include international companies and organizations to become a “World Market of Dance Regions”. As an opportunity for all the professionals and individuals who are totally consumed with all aspects of dance, the event which will run August 27-30 has been structured by the organizers to provide owners of dance companies and cultural organizations with a platform through which they can gain visibility for their projects.

This year Telluride Film Festival will be celebrating its 40th Anniversary as it opens its annual festival August 29 running through September 2. To commemorate this occasion an additional day has been added to the usual four-day Festival, making room for a five-day stretch of special programming and festivities. Telluride Film Festival, along with the Town of Telluride, has revealed it is preparing a new venue in time for the 40th Anniversary celebration. The Werner Herzog Theatre will be situated in Telluride's Town Park Pavilion and become the Festival's most technologically advanced theatre accommodating 650 pass holders.

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 The Internationale Tanzmesse dance festival in Dusseldorf and upcoming webcasts and other events of 8 Sided Film Productions related to its feature film production of 'Quantum Theory'. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it. In a preview of next month's events, be aware that: AniMazing Spotlight Animation Shorts Festival comes to Burbank, which will also be the setting for the separately run Burbank International Film Festival. The Toronto Film Festival opens in Toronto. International Broadcasting Convention 2013 Conference comes to Amsterdam. Digital Media Wire will host both the NY Games Conference and the Future of Television conferences in New York City. The Oaxaca FilmFest 2013 opens in Oaxaca. Digital Video Expo opens in Los Angeles. The Film Society of Lincoln Center will present the New York Film Festival in New York City.

Kaua`i Music Festival, Ticket Summit, Comic-Con, Melbourne Film Festival, are highlights in July's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

The Los Angeles AX 2013 - AnimeExpo trade show is a multi-faceted extravaganza for industry followers to  explore various aspects of both anime and manga as well as for members of the industry to conduct business. Historically, Anime Expo (AX) has been held on the July 4 weekend as a four-day event beginning in 1992, and is one of the longest running anime conventions along with A-kon in Texas. Anime Expo is a 24-hour convention that offers late-night dances, all night video programming, tabletop gaming rooms, and open-mic Karaoke. A Cosplay Photography Contest runs throughout the expo in which the winners will receive a cash prize, and his/her art printed on a page of the 2013 programming guide and a badge to Anime Expo 2014.

The expo will present AX Anime and Manga Studies Symposium -- a special track of academic talks on the history of anime and manga, the works of individual directors and creators, the ways they represent aspects of Japanese culture, how fans in different countries interact with Japanese culture, and other similar topics. It imports professors and graduate students who teach and write about Japanese visual culture, and gives AX attendees an opportunity to learn more about Japanese animation and comics and to find out about some of the newest trends in anime and manga studies.

The AX Fashion Show will showcase trends in Japanese streetwear and design from Harajuku and Shibuya through panels, a showcase fashion show, and special guests. At Anime Expo's Battle of the Bands all amateur bands (amateur only) in and around Southern California are able to enter to win the chance to go up against a select number of finalists to go head to head to decide the finalist. One of the enduring traditions of Anime Expo, is the Masquerade extravaganza on day three where Costumers from around the world take to the stage with their exotic anime inspired costumes and performances vying for the “Best of Show” trophy.

Japanese music entertainment, featuring concerts from major J-Pop, Ani-Song, Japanese rock, and Idol Performers, takes place in the Main Events hall. An anticipated PornoGraffitti Concert is scheduled for July 6 at Club Nokia. In other music related activities, “J-MUSIC LIVE VIEWING 2013” is a project started by Live Viewing Japan Inc. that features Japanese artists’ music contents at movie theaters worldwide. The project will help to project on a global scale the performances of Japan’s top artists on the big screen with high  definition visual and crisp sound. Live Viewing Japan Inc. hopes to expand the local fan base through this project.

Two unrelated Latin music events will happen concurrently in New York City and only blocks away from each other. The Latin Mixx Conference and Awards is a annual networking event to honor and empowers Latin DJs from all genres. It features educational panels, workshops, artists exhibitions, fashion shows, over 100 exhibitors, as well as pre and post parties. The primary focus of the Latin Mixx Conference, which runs July 9-11, is to educate DJs in the areas of business, promotion, music, and  advancements in technology, among other areas which broaden their DJ ability and effectiveness. The Latin Mixx Awards will present winners of the LMX DJ Choice Awards at Stage48. Following this, the Latin Mixx Awards Bash will be held afterward at ZBar.

Although based primarily in mid-town Manhattan, an opening day Latin Alternative Music Conference event on July 9 will be a Bronx Showcase in Crotona Park with performances by Joell Ortiz and RVSB. The first panel on July 11 is a Q*A with the Latin Recording Academy’s Gabriel Abaroa (Latin GRAMMYs) sits down with Ruben Blades immediately followed by DIY 2.0: Tools for the Nueva Generacion presented by Bandzoogle and including: Carolina Arenas (BMI), David Dufresne (Bandzoogle), Pili Montilla (“Te Para Tres” on WAPA-TV), Kendel Ratley (Kickstarter), Tony Van Veen (CD Baby/Disc Makers), Megan West (SoundCloud). On the fourth day of the conference, MITu Network hosts a panel titled, Digital Dinero: Streaming, Social Media and the New Music Economy. Panel participants include: Kenny Cordova, MITu Network, Juan Jose Duran, YouTube/Google, Rocio Gutierrez, Digital Girl, Sean Glover, SoundExchange, Marcos Juarez, Pandora, Camilo Lara, M.I.S./Casete Mexico, Allison Moore, Sony/RED Distribution. Later in the evening there will be a LAMC Spoken Word and Poetry Night at La Casa Azul Bookstore with performances by Bocafloja and Shella Maldonado. Conference closes on July 13.

The Kaua'i Music Festival (KMF) and Songwriter Conference in Lihue is a celebration of the art and craft of songwriting. Opening on July 10, the KMF Songwriter Conference will teach songwriting skills to its attendees. Through one-on-one meetings, small group sessions, workshops, panel discussions, open mic activities, and more, attendees will be able to consult and get feedback directly from the Grammy, Emmy, and Na Hoku-winning songwriters, producers, TV and Film Music Supervisors, A&R Executives, and other music industry people in attendance. In addition to the regular songwriting workshops and one-on-one meetings, there will be two panel discussions and a number of "Informational Workshops" to help working musicians and songwriters.

Panel 1: "Placing Your Music in TV & Film", will be presented by the State of Hawaii, DBEDT, Creative Industries Division. Panel 2: "Writing and Composing for TV & Film", will cover a broad range of topics. Regular BMI contributor, Jason Blume, leads a workshop: "Everything You Need to Know About Placing Your Music in TV & Films" which will clarify the process of pitching your songs for TV shows and movies. Orchestration mock-ups, Hybrid instrumentation, and structure will be in a session covered by David Trotter. Frank Palazzolo will lead a session, "Composing for TV – Parts 1 & 2", using a short video segment from a popular TV show (with network authorization) and ask attendees to team up to compose music for the clip. Many more sessions are planned.

The Kaua`i Music Festival is a 501(c)(3) organization that hosts or co-hosts numerous events throughout the year, leading up to the signature four-day annual Songwriter Conference. The National Songwriters Association International consists of songwriters from all genres of music, professional and amateur, who are committed to protecting the rights and future of the profession of songwriting, and to educate, elevate, and celebrate the songwriter and to act as a unifying force within the music community and the community at large. Day four ends the festival with an Open Mic and Party time in Shutter's Lounge.

The annual Las Vegas TicketSummit conference and trade show is aimed at the ticketing and live entertainment industry. This three-day event starting on July 17 features industry seminars, a concurrent trade show, and networking opportunities for industry professionals. The Ticket Summit All-Access Pass includes entry to: all Panel and Keynote sessions, Exhibit Hall, all conference catered events, and Ticket Summit After Dark events, including but not limited to the Networking Cocktail Party and Closing Gala. Ticket Summit Executive Director, Molly A. Mérez gives the event’s opening address detailing important industry updates and announcements pertaining to the show. There is a Networking Cocktail Party at the end of the first night. Ticket Summit Game Night closes the second night. The event's Closing Gala will be at The Bank.

The Las Vegas Film Festival offers a variety of film screenings including Oscar-winning films to world premieres, exclusive celebrity tributes and interviews, interactive panel discussions, a screenplay competition, red carpet parties, a filmmaker reception, as well as a closing night ceremony and awards. The festival program showcases Feature Films, Shorts, Foreign Films, Documentaries, Animation, Music Videos, Television Pilots, a Nevada Filmmakers Showcase, Experimental Films, a Screenplay Competition and more. Panels slated for presentation include: The Art of Storytelling, The Business of Filmmaking, Filmmakers on Filmmaking. This year's festival running July 18-21 will make available over $15,000 in cash and prizes to winning filmmakers and screenwriters. Juried and audience awards are presented in several categories to celebrate achievements in filmmaking, screenwriting and acting. The Emerging Filmmakers Scholarship Dinner on opening day celebrates new voices in cinema and is the Las Vegas Film Festival’s opportunity to enable future projects through scholarships. A three course, pre-fixe gourmet dinner will be served with a selection of liquor, beer, wine and champagne open bar at the Five Diamond rated Piero’s Italian Cuisine.

Comic-Con International San Diego is generally acknowledged to be the largest comics convention of its kind in the world. While passing through various stages of its development Comic-Con has been involved in showcasing, creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular arts including, film, television, gaming, anime, animation, sci-fi, fantasy, etc... for over 40 years. Originally showcasing comic books, science fiction/fantasy and film/television, and related popular arts, the convention now includes a larger range of pop culture elements, such as horror, animation, anime, manga, toys, collectible card games, video games, webcomics, and fantasy novels

Comic-Con International also produces two other conventions, WonderCon and the Alternative Press Expo (APE), both held in San Francisco, in northern California. Here's a quick tag list summarizing most of the events or activities that will happen at this year's Comic-Com: Comic Creator Connection, Fan Tables, awards, retailers, Eisner Awards, Masquerade, Artists' Alley, Comics Arts Conference, Blood Drive, preview night, special guests, Hall of Fame, Autograph Area, film festival, Cosplay, Games, Portfolio Review, anime, exhibit hall, children's film festival, art show. This year's Comic-Con event lasts from July 18-21.

With attendance topping out at 130,000 in recent years in the primary facility Comic-Con has grown and needed to include satellite locations, spilling over into local hotels and outdoor parks in the area. Programming events, games, anime, the Comic-Con International Independent Film Festival, and the Eisner Awards all take place outside of the Convention Center, creating a campus-like feel for the convention in downtown San Diego. Comic-Con International is a nonprofit educational organization dedicated to creating awareness of, and appreciation for, comics and related popular art forms with events that celebrate the historic and ongoing contribution of comics to art and culture.

Since its inception in 1996, Fantasia Film Festival based in Montreal has specialized in varied programming and an emphasis on the imaginative cinema of Asia, Europe and the Americas. Fantasia’s offerings span personal visions to international commercial crowd-pleasers rarely seen in North America. In addition to juried competitions, Fantasia has been presented Lifetime Achievement Awards to guests and additional awards offered by industry organizations that include The AQCC Award (Association Québécoises des Critiques de Cinéma), the Séquences Award and L’Écran fantastique Award.

The Fantasia Industry Rendez-Vous will make its return at 2013 Fantasia from July 25-28. There will be the Frontières pitch session, conferences on the topics of production and distribution for independent genre films, meeting sessions and cocktail receptions coupled with the regular Fantasia schedule of public screenings and parties. In 2012, Fantasia launched a major new industry-driven venture -- the Fantasia Industry Rendez-Vous, with the Frontières International Co-Production Market and the Fantasia Film Market. And a year-round online magazine, Spectacular Optical, focuses on essays and interviews to highlight and expose films in the showcase added each day of the festival.

In addition to the co-production market, Fantasia Festival will be hosting a film market within the same dates, to support the sales efforts for the features that will be part of the programming of the 2013 edition of the Fantasia International Film Festival which will open July 18 and run through August 6. Sales agents and producers will be provided with a space to meet with prospective buyers. Once again, a video screening room will be in operation.

The Melbourne International Film Festival in the St. Kilda district will present new international cinema along with special retrospectives and tributes, including public panels and an international short film competition. It will highlight Australian cinema by showcasing local talent and offering targeted industry programs: an investment fund, a financing market and a development program for emerging directors.

The July 25 opening night red carpet celebration features director Pedro Almodóvar 'I'm So Excited'. After the film, patrons can enjoy a champagne toast and mingle with the performers at Hamer Hall, where the festivities continue on into the late night hours, propped up by an open bar, canapés and music. The Festival closes out August 11 with a screening of Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll at Greater Union followed by an after party hosted at Forum Theatre

Complementing Melbourne film screenings is MIFF's industry program that includes an investment fund (the Premiere Fund) and the director's development program (Accelerator). MIFF's finance market (37° South) brings the national and international screen industry to Melbourne during the festival and celebrates Melbourne as a center for screen business. Established in 1952, the Melbourne International Film Festival (MIFF) is one of the world’s oldest film festivals and the Southern Hemisphere’s largest.

SESAC will launch its Sixth Annual Songwriters Bootcamp on July 26 from Los Angeles. Attendees can choose from a variety of sessions covering several aspects of the music industry. This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Grammy-winning songwriter Rico Love. SESAC will run an open forum and workshop where all questions pertaining to song registrations, song splits, live performances, SoundExchange, and more will be answered. Another panel made up of successful composers in a variety of fields will look into how they got started, how spotting sessions work, the difference between scoring linear and non-linear projects, dealing with temp love, and tips for better client relations. There will be a critique session for attendees to bring their best songs to the designated round-table discussion and have them evaluated for film and TV by some of the attending music supervisors who will discuss what works, what doesn’t work, and how you can craft your songs to have the highest chance of getting a synch placement.

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 comic book genre of the type that can be found at San Diego Comic-Con. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it. Looking ahead into the next month, be aware that: The 17th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival will be in West Hollywood, Lollapalooza 2013 opens in Chicago, Pensacola Para Con: A Convention for Fans of Science Fiction, Horror, Fantasy, Gaming, Anime, Costuming and more will launch in Pensacola, International Film Awards Berlin will be a five day affair in Berlin, the 40th Telluride Film Festival is set to open in Telluride.

Banff Festival, North by Northeast, Bonnaroo Music and Arts, LA Film Fest, are highlights in June's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

At the 2013 CMA Music Festival hundreds of artists perform on multiple stages. The Chevrolet™ Riverfront Stage in Nashville will be a top location for daily concerts during the CMA's, opening with a show from CMA Award-winning recording artist Sara Evans. Chevrolet, a partner and Official Ride of the CMA Music Festival, will again host a vehicle display at Riverfront Park throughout the event. Admittance to the Chevrolet Riverfront Stage is free, but four-day ticket holders have an exclusive 45-minute, early-entrance window before the gates open to the general public. The concerts are within walking distance of all the Festival event sites, including the all-new AT&T® U-verse® Fan Fair X (FFX) with autograph signings, concerts, lifestyle exhibits, marketplace, live broadcasts, demonstrations, and more in the new Music City Center.

Proceeds from CMA Music Festival supports music education in Metro Nashville Public Schools and other programs through CMA's Keep the Music Playing Program. CMA Music Festival will once again be filmed for a national television special to air on the ABC Television Network. This is the 10th consecutive year that the event has been filmed for a network television special. More than 11,000 music industry professionals and companies around the globe are members of the Country Music Association. Formed in 1958 as the first trade association for a single genre of music, the organization's objectives are to serve as an educational and professional resource for the industry while advancing the growth of Country Music around the world. Visitors can join the BMI Tailgate Party every evening of the Festival until the June 9 close, at LP Field, South Lawn.

The Producers Guild of America and host partner 20th Century Fox come together to present Produced By Conference 2013 in Century City. The two day event opening June 8 brings together producers and collaborators from film, television and new media. A short list of 2013 speakers slated for participation include: Mark Burnett, Jerry Bruckheimer, Tracey Edmonds, Reginald Hudlin, Stephanie Drachkovitch, Curtis "50 Cent" Jackson, Gale Anne Hurd, Tom Cruise, Jon Avnet, Darlene Hunt, J.J. Abrams and others. Produced By Conference also offers an opportunity to join a Mentoring Roundtable where small groups of up to ten attendees get to ask questions to, and seek advice from, the mentor of their choice. Established producers are scheduled throughout the weekend that will be conducting the Roundtables. There is also the PGA Producers Showcase ProShow in which category winners are vying for a development deal, cash and prizes. The Producers Guild of America is the non-profit trade group that represents, protects and promotes the interests of all members of the producing team in film, television and new media.

The 68th Annual Tony Awards® - named for Antoinette Perry, an actress, director, producer, and founder of the American Theatre Wing - will be held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City, airing live on CBS on June 9. The Awards, presented by The Broadway League and the American Theatre Wing, honors Broadway productions that open in designated Broadway theatres in Manhattan. Besides the live CBS network telecast there will be an outdoor Times Square simulcast. Neil Patrick Harris hosts this year's ceremony. Among the nominees for best play are: The Assembled Parties, Lucky Guy, The Testament of Mary, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike. Among the nominees for best musical are: Bring It On: The Musical, A Christmas Story, The Musical, Kinky Boots, Matilda The Musical. The Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theatre will be awarded to: Bernard Gersten, Paul Libin, Ming Cho Lee. Attire is by Black tie only.

The Banff World Media Festival in Alberta is a gathering of entertainment industry and digital media executives dedicated to media content production, broadcast and distribution within TV and digital media. From June 9-12 it conducts four streams of intensive, in-depth programming: BANFF TV, Kids and Animation, Non-Fiction and nextMEDIA. There will be an expanded return of the Co-Production, Co-Venture and Co-Financing Business Market, an international business hub for entertainment and digital media executives producing or commissioning co-productions and co-ventures. This year’s Co-Production, Co-Venture and Co-Financing Business Market will include: dedicated face-to-face meeting slots, insightful and impactful sessions, a detailed look at proven business models across all genres.

The ‘Face to Face with a Decision Maker’ series offers an opportunity for BANFF delegates to meet with international development executives from global networks, broadcasters, production companies, digital distribution platforms and advertisement and media buying agencies. Qualified participants get a chance to make an impression by pitching their new concepts and business models. One-on-one discussions are conducted over breakfasts, lunches and cocktails with key industry decision makers.

The Banff World Media Festival has announced that actor and comedian Will Arnett — currently starring in the NBC comedy 'Up All Night' opposite Christina Applegate and Maya Rudolph — will be presented the Canadian Award of Distinction at this year’s Festival. Will Arnett will accept the honor at the annual Rockie Awards Gala event that celebrates some of the top names in the film and television industry. The Award of Distinction is presented to a Canadian whose body of work exemplifies outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. Past recipients include Paul Haggis, Howie Mandel, Eric McCormack and Martin Short. There is also the  Rockies Program Competitions -- an awards program. Celebrating international television and digital media content, drawing over 1,000 entries from over 40 countries.

North by Northeast is celebrating its tenth year as a Toronto based festival for new music, film, interactive media and comedy, but the Film Festival side for music-related films is in its 13th year specializing in music-related films: features, documentaries, shorts, experimental films and animation. NXNE Music offers music and music-related ideas — all within a few km of each other. NXNE 2012 presented over 800 international, national and local acts at 50 official festival stages in downtown Toronto’s famous club district.

North by Northeast Festivals is focused upon emerging artists and major-label headliners, for musical filmmakers, and for digital interactive innovators bridging the gap between technology and the arts. It is made up of genre areas: NXNE Music, NXNE Film, and NXNE Interactive, features popular acts at intimate club venues, explores and develops common ground between the creative industries and the interactive world, showcases international headline performers at free outdoor concerts. NXNE runs seven days and nights closing June 16, and typically draws over 330,000 attendees.

The IVRPA (International VR Photography Association), a voluntary run, non-profit, international association of several hundred professionals world-wide who create and produce interactive, immersive images, begins its annual conference, this year, in Selfoss on June 10. On a rotating basis, the IVRPA organizes annually an International Panoramic Photography Conference. Previous conferences where held in Berkeley 2007 (USA), Albuquerque 2009 (USA), Tucson 2010 (USA), Palmela 2011 (Portugal) and NYC 2012 (New York, USA). The IVRPA is also a regular presence at Photokina since 2006. The conference program includes a full week of VR Photography Talks, workshops and scenic walks in Selfoss district.

Iceland 2013 Talks will cover a wide range of subjects from 360 degree panoramas to 360 degree video, from hardware to software, and examples of successful uses in the 360 degree panorama imaging field. Iceland 2013 Workshops will include a hands on tutorial from the gurus behind some of the established panorama creation software used in the industry. Iceland 2013 Scenic Walks include visits to the landscapes of Selfoss. The IVRPA is an international association of professionals who create and produce 360 degree interactive, immersive images, also called 360 degree panoramas. The conference runs through June 16.

“Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau” will be the June 12 Opening Night Premiere of the five day Maui Film Festival at Wailea. “Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau” examines the legacy of the fearless big wave surfer and first-ever North Shore lifeguard. The film is directed by Sam George and produced by TAUBLIEB Films and Paul Taublieb. Two-time Oscar nominee, Jessica Chastain will be the 2013 Maui Film Festival Nova Award recipient. Kirsten Dunst will receive the 2013 Maui Film Festival’s Pathfinder Award, honoring an actor or actress whose career choices are admired for its humanistic quality. Brie Larson will receive the 2013 Maui Film Festival’s Rising Star Award, which honors a young film artist for daring to dream big dreams and then delivering brilliant performances. Sapphire Circle VIP Patron Passes - which include VIP seating, meet-and-greet opportunities, receptions and other perks - are available through the Maui Economic Development Board, a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the economic diversification of Maui County.

Created and produced by Superfly Presents and AC Entertainment, the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival started out with a primary focus on jam bands and folk rock. It has since diversified but continues to pay tribute to its roots. The main attractions at the Manchester festival are the multiple stages of live music featuring a diverse array of musical styles including indie rock, world music, hip hop, jazz, americana, bluegrass, country music, folk, gospel, reggae, electronica, and other alternative music. The festival also features craftsmen and artisans selling various crafts, food and drink vendors, a comedy tent, silent disco, cinema tent, and ferris wheel. Available to the Bonnaroo public throughout the week are various activity tents. These tents become especially popular with  night crowds, hosting activities set up as The Silent Disco tent and several other club or bar-themed venues.

From the festival start on June 13, and the many musicians scheduled, a partial listing of Bonnaroo's lineup includes: Mumford and Sons, “Weird Al” Yankovic, Earl Sweatshirt, Kendrick Lamar, Fatoumata Diawara, Comedy Bang! Bang! With Scott Aukerman and Reggie Watts, Solange, Improvised Shakespeare Company, Japandroids, Billy Idol, Wu-Tang Clan, The Sheepdogs, ZZ Top, He’s My Brother, She’s My Sister, R. Kelly, ASAP Rocky, Empire of the Sun, Dwight Yokam, DJ Logic, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Paul McCartney.

In 2013 the Festival will be offering special accommodation feature -- “Roll Like A Rockstar”. Watch music from the exclusive MainStage viewing area, or relaxation area backstage in the hospitality tent. Visitors can party all weekend long till festival close on June 16 in multiple VIP lounges located on-site and with Open Bar and hospitality tents in multiple locations throughout the festival grounds in the Manchester area. And deluxe accommodations let VIPers sleep and relax in privacy while onboard a luxury, air-conditioned and fully stocked Rock ‘n’ Roll Tour Bus serving three gourmet meals a day specially prepared.

LA Film Fest Presented by Film Independent features signature programs that include the Filmmaker Retreat, outdoor screenings, intimate Coffee Talks and free community screenings. The Festival also screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos. An Opening Gala screening features the North American premiere of 'I'm So Excited!', directed by Pedro Almodovar, in Spanish with English subtitles. Closing Night will be the Nat Faxon, Jim Rash directed comedy, 'The Way, Way Back'. A special pre-Festival screening of Zack Snyder’s 'Man of Steel', takes place June 12.

Two-time Oscar winning film composer Gustavo Santaolalla leads a June 15 Master Class, "Music Scores That Move Us" where he will discuss the art of composing music for film. The Master Class is moderated by Elvis Mitchell, Curator, Film Independent at LACMA; Host, KCRW’s The Treatment and hosted by UCLA Latin American Institute and supported by BMI. For a scheduled June 16 seminar, Canon explores the technical aspects of making a film with their Cinema EOS technology. And this year's Kodak Focus shines a spotlight on an acclaimed cinematographer who will discuss craft in an intimate conversation including screen clips from their body of work.

The Los Angeles Film Festival celebrates costume designers with a program that includes a panel discussion of iconic costume design, an exhibit of the work of artist Alex Prager and an outdoor screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s Vertigo (featuring costumes by acclaimed costume designer Edith Head), preceded by Alex Prager’s Hitchcock-inspired short film Despair. the program is sponsored by BBC.com and The Magnet Agency. The Los Angeles Film Festival is produced by Film Independent, a 501(c)(3) non-profit arts organization dedicated to promoting and supporting independent films and filmmakers. In addition to the Festival that runs June 13-23, Film Independent also produces the Spirit Awards.

The New York Television Festival at BAFTA will conduct a day of free panels, screenings and networking events focused on emerging trends, digital content and keys to breaking into the US marketplace, June 14 in London. There is a planned discussion examining recent trends and successes ranging from micro-episodes to full length episodic series. Attendees can gain first-hand insights from the platforms, producers and packagers that are driving the discussion and gain insight on how to find any story's "perfect fit." U.K.-based network executives and independent producers will be on-hand to provide insight on overcoming transatlantic challenges, adapting projects to find success overseas and some of the current trends to apply when producing for USA markets. Overall, the afternoon of seminars and mixers focuses on emerging trends, digital content and keys to breaking into the US marketplace. A pioneer of the “independent television” movement, the NYTF continually strives to construct new routes of development and talent identification, while to complement the traditional television development model.

Founded in 2000, the East End Film Festival presents a program of international premieres, industry masterclasses, free pop-up screenings and immersive live events. The EEFF’s mission is to discover, support, and exhibit pioneering work by global and local independent filmmakers, and to introduce viewers to innovative and challenging cinematic experiences. EEFF opens June 25 with the World Premiere of Journalist and filmmaker Mark Donne’s second feature, 'THE UK GOLD', that follows the dramatic battle of a vicar from a small parish in the London Borough of Hackney as he goes head to head with a mighty heavyweight while revealing its primary positioning as a tax-haven enclave. The festival closes on July 10 with the UK Premiere of 'LOVELACE', the biopic of Linda Lovelace, the  famous adult actress of the 1970s.

Included in the larger festival program, Cutting East Film Festival, from June 28-30, is a youth led program exploring current issues in East London such as stereotypes and identity. Programmed by the Cutting East steering group, a small team of young people who all live and study in East London, it encourages youth messages to be heard by everyone and invites people from different backgrounds to come together and celebrate youth achievement. Cutting East will bring together a program of features, shorts, documentaries, dramas, music, dance and poetry all in one weekend and one venue. Program Highlights including the London Premiere of NYC pop video feature GIRL WALK // ALL DAY (Jacob Krupnik, Director) and a special screening of the Tottenham-set high school teen comedy, IT’S A LOT (Femi Oyeniran, Darwood Grace, Directors).

EEFF 2013 comes to a close with a Closing Night event at Netil House, featuring an EEFF shorts celebration and a World Premiere live score to Kieran Evan’s The Outer Edges by Underworld’s Karl Hyde. A biopic of 1970s adult film star Linda Lovelace is the Closing Night Gala screening, that includes a special "Let’s Keep It Short" celebration of the best short films from the EEFF 2013 program. Filmmakers, the EEFF team and special guests celebrate the EEFF’s best shorts during a cocktail sip on the roof terrace and the announcement of the Best UK Short Film Award for 2013. Continuing the festivities is Karl Hyde (Underworld) and Kieran Evan’s documentary exploring the Essex borderlands gets a very special live rendition. Accompanying this, the EEFF presents the World Premiere of the live soundtrack to the film from Hyde and collaborators Leo Abrahams and Peter Chilvers, who will be crafting a soundscape to match the film experience. The Closing Night Gala Party on the rooftop terrace with cinema, live music, immersive cinema, and cocktails and of all things East End carries on late into the night.


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 action stills from Universal Pictures block buster action franchise, Fast & Furious 6, starring Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson, directed by Justin Lin. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it. Looking ahead into the next month, be aware that: The Hidden Film Festivals Worldwide opens in London, Downtown Film Festival L.A. will be in Los Angeles, Ticket Summit will happen in Las Vegas, Fantasia Film Festival will happen in Montreal, Animation Block Party comes to Brooklyn, Melbourne International Film Festival opens in Melbourne.

NARM Music Biz Expo, Cannes Film Festival, Drama Desk Awards. Cine Gear Expo, are highlights in May's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

This year MUSEXPO 2013 in Los Angeles will be preceded by the A&R EXPO on May 5 as well as the Global Sync and Brands Summit on May 8 drawing music professionals from film, TV, games, advertising and brands participating in face-to-face interaction with content owners from across the U.S. and global markets. Expo session days typically open with a networking breakfast and close with a wine tasting cocktail reception served with Hors D'Oeuvres. As the conference agenda unfolds, Viacom India will present opportunities for global music companies in Asia. MTV, EA Games, Cosmos Music Group, New Cap Radio, Capitol Studios will co-host social mixers. Evening artist showcases will begin at 20:00 at S.I.R. Studios in Hollywood.

The origins of MUSEXPO stems from the roots of the intimate A&R Network (the predecessor to A&R Worldwide) networking dinners in Los Angeles, which first occurred back in 2001 and have since traveled to New York, Berlin and London. These exclusive dinners were organized by A&R Network and A&R Worldwide architect Sat Bisla with the purpose of bringing together friends and like-minded relationships from the global radio, A&R, film/TV music supervision, publishing, new media and artist management communities to engage in creative dialogue and establish fresh business relationships. It was the positive achievement of the networking dinners, creating a climate that attracted executives and artists to travel from over 30 countries across the world to participate, that led to the establishment of the four-day MUSEXPO.

Just across town, the NARM Music Biz Expo in Century City will host music professionals from brick and mortar as well as online music retailers, streaming services, wholesalers, distributors, record labels, mobile service and hardware providers, game and app developers, information technology companies, artists and artist managers, music educators and students and others, to participate in NARM and digitalmusic.org events. At the Expo which runs May 6-9, BMI Executives, John Coletta and Michael Drexler will be present to join discussion and share their knowledge on various panels. For more information on the panels. The National Association of Recording Merchandisers (NARM) is a not-for-profit trade association that since 1958 has served the music and entertainment content delivery community in a variety of areas including networking, advocacy, information, education and promotion.

The British Independent Film Festival of London will showcase independent films from around the world with a focus on British talent. It also helps create exposure for its independent films selection by having multiple screenings of a film along with national press coverage. This two day event which opens May 11 is organized by the Film Festival Guild allowing it the advantage of links to festivals around the world. There are a number of awards up for grabs at the Festival, including the prestigious British Lion Award for Achievement in Film on a low budget. The Film Festival Guild provides showcases for short films, movies, animations, music videos and screenwriters. The Guild was started in 2006 and has now grown to manage five international film festivals, complete with awards ceremonies and industry appeal and importance.

The CLIO Awards ceremony that happens in New York City, May 15, is an international awards competition for advertising, design, interactive and communications. Award Presentations include: Grand CLIOs, Production Company of the Year, Advertiser of Year, Brand Icon Award, Honorary CLIOs, Lifetime Achievement Award, Hall of Fame, Agency of Year, Network of the Year and Adweek's Project Isaac "Gravity" Award. The CLIO Awards honors work in a broad range of media types including, but not limited to: Content and Contact, Branded Entertainment and Content, Digital and Mobile, Direct, Engagement, Film, Print, Design, Audio, Public Relations, Out of Home, Innovative Media, Integrated Campaign. Musical artist will.i.am of the Black Eyed Peas will be an Honorary Award Recipient. Fashion icon Tommy Hilfiger will make a special presentation of the Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary ad man, George Lois.

George Lois has been inducted into The Art Directors Hall of Fame, The One Club Creative Hall of Fame, with Lifetime Achievement Awards from the American Institute of Graphic Arts, The Herb Lubalin Award (Society of Publication Designers), as well as a subject of the Master Series at the School of Visual Arts. He was a contributing pioneer of the Creative Revolution in American Advertising, and among the dozens of advertising/markting innovations was creating the concept and prototype design for the New York supplement for the Herald Tribune (the forerunner of New York magazine); made a failing MTV a huge success with his "I Want My MTV" campaign.

George Lois is the author of George, Be Careful (Saturday Review Press, 1972), an autobiography; The Art of Advertising (Abrams, 1976), praised as "the bible of mass communications"; What's the Big Idea? (Doubleday, 1991), used as a text book in college communications courses all over the world, and $ellebrity (Phaidon, 2003), a work dealing with his campaigns using celebrities in fresh and outrageous ways. Cocktails and Food will be served at the Pre-Reception and After-Party Dress Code: Cocktail Attire. The Winners Gallery will be open for public viewing from 10:00. Entry to the awards ceremony is through ticketing.

In existence since 1946, The Cannes International Film Festival -- Le Festival International du Film de Cannes -- is an annual invitation-only film festival which previews new films of all genres, including documentaries, from around the world. The President of the Jury for the 2013 festival will be American film director Steven Spielberg. French actress Audrey Tautou, best known for the 2001 film Amelie, will host the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2013 Cannes Film Festival. Special featured sections held during the festival include the Marché du Film, the Festival's film market, structured to help meet the needs of film attending industry professionals.

Also at Cannes, the Producers Network assembles producers from around the world in a series of meetings and events created to stimulate international coproduction and project financing. Actor/director Vincent Bosco making his second visit and co-director Pierre Abadie will be screening 'Comment te Dire' at the Festival, accepted into the 2013 Short Film Corner. The work, recorded entirely in French and centering on a risky game of seduction will also be available throughout the Festival for viewing in the video library. Jerome Salle’s Zulu, starring Orlando Bloom and Forrest Whitaker, will close out the 66th annual Cannes Film Festival on May 26.

The Sundance Institute’s Film Music Program and BMI present the ComposersLab in Los Angeles, as a one-day version of the institute’s Summer Lab. The purpose of the Film Music Program is to connect composers and directors, giving them firsthand experience of the collaborative process of creating music for film. From 1998 the Film Music Program has held a summer Lab at the Sundance Resort in Utah for a selected group of film composers. The ComposersLab: L.A. is just a condensed version of the summer Composers Lab, with the goal of offering a new opportunity for aspiring and seasoned film composers to gain insight into the development of film music. The full-day program set for May 18 — led by Peter Golub, Director of the Sundance Institute Film Music program — will include presentations by Creative Advisors, Rolfe Kent, Clint Mansell, Thomas Newman, and Aaron Zigman, who will give examples of their work and discuss choices and strategies. In addition, Music Editors Adam Smalley and Scott Johnson will illustrate their collaborative process. BMI’s Doreen Ringer Ross, VP Film & TV Music, will moderate a mid-day industry panel, with panelists: Carter Armstrong, Senior VP for Music, Warner Brothers Pictures; Robert Messinger, Agent, First Artists; and music supervisor Alexandra Patsavas. Closes with a Cocktail Reception.

West African musician, Boubacar Kafando and his Kora-Griot band Zaama Nooma, take part in a Le Centre Culturel Zounogo, of the village of Banembanto Sapone (27 km south of the capital of Burkina Faso: Ouagadougou). The objective of the center is to expose children of Burkina Faso to varieties of musical instruments, music lessons, dance, a children's puppet show performed by children and an introduction to various life enhancing crafts. In 2007, Boubacar Kafando created Zaama Nooma: a collective of artists and artisans from France and Burkina Faso. The band then moves on to Paris for a May 24 engagement of Africa Night 2013, featuring a three Course West African Meal, performances by Zaama-Nooma and three other bands, a fashion show by Congolese designer Aurelie Lamini, dance performances by Compagnie DK-BEL and Rebman Wambaa. Proceeds go to support the youth Mission Trip to Gabon to participate in the Envision Culture in July.  Following this, Zaama Nooma will be in Montreuil to take part in the Conscience Festival, featuring Reggae concerts, May 25-26.

special May 18 performance to benefit

At the annual Drama Desk Awards, selected New York theater productions on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off Broadway compete against each other in the same category. Among the over two dozen award categories, 2013 nominees for Outstanding Play include: Annie Baker, 'The Flick', Christopher Durang, 'Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike', Joe Gilford, 'Finks', Richard Greenberg, 'The Assembled Parties', Amy Herzog, 'Belleville', Deanna Jent, 'Falling', Richard Nelson, 'Sorry'. This year's nominees for Outstanding Musical include: 'A Christmas Story: The Musical', 'Giant', 'Hands on a Hardbody', 'Here Lies Love', 'Matilda', 'Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812', 'The Other Josh Cohen'. In addition to the usual category awards, each year, the Drama Desk votes special awards to recognize excellence and significant contributions to the theater. The official ceremony will be held May 19.

Formed in 1949 by a group of New York theater critics, editors, reporters, and publishers, the organization was created to educate the community on vital issues concerning the theater. In 1955, Drama Desk became the first major organization to honor Outstanding Achievement Off-Broadway, with their Vernon Rice Awards, named for the late New York Post critic who had pioneered Off-Broadway coverage in the New York press. In holding to its original mission, the organization sponsors guest panel luncheons with theater professionals. Panels address topics of current interest covering the season on Broadway, Off-Broadway and Off-Off-Broadway, with the aim of prompting informative and stimulating discussion. All of the Drama Desk officers and Nominating Committee members perform their various services for the organization on a voluntary basis. The Nominating Committee typically meets twice a month to discuss eligible shows members are responsible for seeing. They then nominate the productions on which the entire membership will vote.

Streaming Media East -- and its counterpart Streaming Media West -- explores what is taking place with all forms of online video business models and technology. At this year's two-day New York City convention that opens May 21, keynote addresses will be given by Damon Phillips, VP, ESPN and Rob Gelick, SVP, GM, Digital Platforms, CBS Interactive. There will be eight scheduled “how-to” sessions, coverage of areas like: encoding, video-players, webcasting productions, and other topics, offering attendees step-by-step instructions on various technical aspects of the industry. These will be separate from other round-table events that will cover in part: Mobile Video Strategies, Using Social Media with Webcasting, Connected TV Platforms, Live Streaming Production, Encoding for Multiscreen Delivery. A Streaming Devices Pavilion will be set up in the exhibit hall where attendees can test drive today’s leading hardware devices and content platforms. Co-located with Streaming Media East, the fifth annual Content Delivery Summit, happening on May 20, bring together telecom carriers, service providers, content owners, and industry vendors for a detailed look at CDN platforms for the delivery of video and content acceleration. A networking reception closes out the first day of Streaming Media East.

With some semblance to Austin's SxSW, Music Matters Festival features emerging and established bands from Asia/Pacific region and the world, and sets up Festival's location, Singapore as Asia Pacific’s regional hub for entertainment, digital media and technology. The platform, which contains a showcase of events termed "ALL THAT MATTERS" in music, entertainment, technology and media, produced by Branded Limited, features flagship events: Digital and Music Matters, Music Matters Live, Nokia Music Connects and Social Media Matters. Music Matters is co-located with Digital Matters, Music Matters Live/HP and YouTube FanFest powered by HP. From May 21 there are conferences, workshops, mentoring and networking including a citywide international music festival. In conjunction with YouTube, the live broadcast of the festival delivers a global audience of musical performances at Clarke Quay. Music Matters Live 2013 takes place from the 22-24th May, at several venues in and around Clarke Quay with the live stage at Central Fountain Square. Open to the public, the majority of performances have free entry and in conjunction with YouTube, will be streamed live. Located along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay sits on a historical commercial site dating back to the 19th Century, and within a climate controlled canopy lit by colored lighting.

Opening in London, the Connected TV Summit is focused on strategic challenges and opportunities presented by post-convergence TV, covering connected and hybrid broadcast broadband TV, second-screen and multi-screen TV. It is about the Connected TV marketplace covering the spectrum of online video delivered to a television screen. The conference agenda closely examines the emergence of the ‘Pay TV Lite’ market, where operators provide  flexible bundles and contracts without the need for satellite dishes, cable connections or set-top boxes. Amidst a fast evolving Connected TV market, the two day conference starting May 22 explores market opportunity for CE vendors, whether their televisions are now competing with tablets in kitchens and bedrooms, if there is a new opportunity for CE Connected TV devices at the hub of the SmartHome. There are also breakout sessions covering the next-generation user experience and looking at how Pay TV operators can harness apps within their own STB-based platforms. The Connected TV Summit is produced by the same team who deliver Videonet and the Future TV Advertising Forum.

Cine Gear Expo offers its audience an opportunity to meet with companies producing the latest tools and services for the industry, get on-site hands-on technical training, gain new skills, hear breaking industry news, network with peers and learn from industry leaders. The Cine Gear Expo 2013 Cinematography Lifetime Achievement Award will be presented to Haskell Wexler, ASC in recognition of the contributions he has made to advancing the art and craft of Cinematography. The Awards ceremony is part of the VIP Party at the Paramount Theater in Hollywood, May 30 -- the Expo's opening day. A Cine Gear Expo VIP Reception, where Indy, Student Shorts, and Feature Film Competition winners will be announced, takes place at the Paramount Theater and Paseo Grounds, May 31. The expo runs through June 2.

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 photo and graphic images of film director/actor Vincent Bosco's latest entry into the Cannes Festival with 'Comment te Dire', in the Short Film Corner, and West African musician Boubacar Kafando and band Zaama Nooma have some benefit engagements lined up in the month. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it (http://actorschecklist.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/KhayalGrooveMaster.jpg). Looking ahead into the next month, be aware that: Mexico International Film Festival will be happening in Rosarito, Albuquerque Film & Media Experience will be happening in Albuquerque, Banff World Media Festival will be happening in Banff. North by Northeast Film Festival will be in Toronto, Maui Film Festival is in Paia, the Music+Sound Awards will be in Cannes.

Khayal Groove France CD Tour, NAB 2013, MIPDoc/MIPTV, Film Finance Forums, are highlights in April's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

Six months after releasing its first album over iTunes and SoundCloud in October 2012, India based Raga band, The Khayal Groove, opens a promotional tour for the album in France. The Khayal Groove is Aparna Panshikar on North Indian classical vocals, Jayen Varma on Bass Guitar in collaboration with the Toulouse, France based drummer, Jean Davoisne and various artistes and bands across the world. Although still evolving a repertoire, the band performs a blend of Indian Classical (Hindustani) Vocals, Ragas, "slap" bass guitar applying tabla and mridangam based finger movements on bass guitar, with western style drumming, resulting in a sound partly reflecting the band's tendency toward free improvisations. Concert stops will include: Bascous at Salle des Fêtes on April 3; Auch at Cri'Art on April 5; Mas d'Agenais at La Halle au Chanvre on April 6. The band will play some tunes from the newly released album -- "Reflections of a Purple Moon" -- create live improvisations and conduct interactive drum and bass jam sessions. There will also be opportunities to meet with and talk to the band members.

While in France, Aparna Panshikar will be the headliner on the final day of the 3e Indo-Persan Festival de Marseille for April 8 in Marseille. The Festival which actually runs from March 27, and is dedicated to artists of Afghanistan, Iran, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, highlighting their classical and traditional music, their poetry, their food, their clothing, languages ​​and everything that constitutes their identity. Next after these events, on April 13, JD Production Events and TAMA drum school in partnership with Zildjian Toulouse, are organizing a competition for amateur drummers hosted by Noemie Alazard, followed by an evening of instrumental demos, awards, and a concert given by the jury of the contest -- Patrick Rondat, Franck Hermanny, Gael Feret, Michel Atmayer. The contest is open to all amateur drummers and is divided into two categories: under 16 and over 16 years with each candidate pre-screened. Jean Davoisne of JD Productions, formed this second drum school in 2008 in partnership with Tama and Zildjian. Coming from a Grunge-Metal background, he plays and records for various artists, having recorded drums on the track “Ghost of War” (CD “Eternity” – 2013), for Tina Guo, a USA based cellist and soloist with Hans Zimmer orchestra, and Le cirque du soleil Michael Jackson Immortal tour.

This year’s Florida Film Festival in Orlando will have more than 160 films, some 100 visiting filmmakers and special guests, and assorted special events running through April 14. The Opening Night Film which ran in Sundance, "Twenty Feet from Stardom" directed by Morgan Neville, spotlights the untold story of a group of gifted and diverse back-up singers, whose vocal talents helped shape the narrative of popular music yet still remain in the margins of history. The screening is followed by the "Eye Opening Night Party" that will include local chefs preparing and serving “Eye Opening” bites while the host venue Eden Bar serves up handmade cocktails all night long. Participating restaurants include Eden Bar, K Restaurant and Wine Bar, Ethos Vegan Kitchen, Hyatt Regency Grand Cypress and others. The following day, April 6, TV personality, film buff, food historian, and cookbook author Francine Segan serves out a taste of sweet and savory movie magic with history lessons from her book Movie Menus and film clips of favorite food scenes, all part of a lively discussion for this uniquely themed film festival. On April 12 the festival will screen Alfred Hitchcock’s horror classic, "The Birds", with Rod Taylor, Jessica Tandy, Suzanne Pleshette and Tippi Hedren. Following the screening Tippi Hedren will be in attendance for a post-film Q&A to discuss creating a cinema classic with the “Master of Suspense” Alfred Hitchcock.

This year will mark the 90 year existence of the NAB Convention. As an organization National Association of Broadcasters advocates on behalf of America's free, local radio and television stations and broadcast networks and provides its members legal expertise and timely communications and opportunities for growth and development. Visitors to NAB Show can learn about techniques, including: capture, digital artistry, filmmaking, production, post-production, sound, web design and more at the annual Las Vegas event. Attendees will have access to a marketplace to buy or sell digital distribution goods and services, advertising, financing or content acquisition -- which is all a part of a global platform that generates $20.7 billion in commerce every year. By focusing on what the convention has to offer, visitors can gain an understanding of content creation, content management, content commerce, content distribution or delivery and content consumption. There is a planned showcase for delivery advancements in broadcast, fiber, mobile, broadband video, streaming technologies, to deliver over airwaves, on screen or stage, online or on the go.

A planned NAB Open Mic Contest will be a chance to win a Conference Flex Pass to next year's NAB Show® and other prizes by submiting a song video of yourself performing one of several NAB approved songs. The winner will be selected during the NAB Television Luncheon on April 8 at the Las Vegas Hotel. A convention Super Session: "Mapping the Future of Broadcast Television," happens on April 9 with speakers: Harry Jessell, Kevin Gage, James F. Goodmon, Jr., Lieven Vermaele, Erik Moreno, who will explore the future of broadcast television from the perspective of the broadcaster, the consumer, and organizations working to develop future global television technical standards. The NAB Education Foundation will host its annual spring Career Day at the NAB Show on April 10. The event is produced in partnership with the Broadcast Education Association to open opportunities for media companies to network with seasoned professionals, college students and entry-level job seekers. Very new this year, the Show is partnering with Waskul.TV to run StudioXperience™ that will stream live proceedings and provide daily coverage while the Show Floor is open. NAB Show Live!, the official news and highlights program will also be produced each day from the Studio at 16:30 PT.

Aside from the education workshops, panels and convention floor displays, visitors can take part in a full week of networking and fun long after the show floor has closed for the day by attending the Official NAB Show After-parties, generally complimentary wth Show Badge worn by show attendees. Network with media and entertainment professionals from over 150 countries that are expected for the convention. Here is a summary listing of official NAB after-parties and hosts that are lined up: NAB Show Exhibitor Party at TAO, April 6, 21:00; Content Creators Party at Body English, April 7, 20:00 and also at LAVO starting at 23:00; NAB Show Opening Party, April 8, 22:00 at Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub; Cirque de L'absurde Outdoor Party at Gold Lot 2, across from the LVCC, April 9 at 18:00 and at LAVO Nightclub, at 23:00; general after-party April 10 at 23:00 at LAVO; NAB Show Closing Party, April 11 starting 22:30 at TAO.

Two seperate international content marketplace and conference programs organized and run under Reed MIDEM's MIPWORLD group of content industry shows opens in Cannes. MIPDoc is an international screening conference for documentary and factual programming. This two-day event starting April 6 takes place the weekend before MIPTV, and provides a showcase for producers and distributors of documentary and factual programming. Combined with MIPFormats -- a digital library dedicated to non-scripted programmes -- it creates a showcase for non-scripted content in all its forms. The MIPFormats program has its own dedicated conference series with keynotes, screenings, matchmaking events and the MIPFormats International Pitch -- an exclusive non-scripted entertainment formats' competition sponsored by Warner Bros. International Television Production. MIPTV, running four days from its April 8 start is a television and media technology sector trade show attended by decision makers from TV's ecosystem and entertainment industry along with buyers seeking content. The latest industry trends and market information are discussed during the show and attendees can also participate in the topical conferences and business keynote sessions that are scheduled here. A sizeable display of cable and satellite systems, film equipments, production services, studio tools and digital entertainment instruments are put on exhibit at the show. There is the presence of participants from different countries, highlighting the global nature of the occasion. There are animation sessions organized for kids during the show too and television premieres are hosted here as well.

April has two significant New York City film financing events to bring film professionals up to date with the latest trends and information for getting a film project funded. On April 10 the 2013 NYCFF Film and Finance Forum will be held presenting a roster of highly topical panelists from film and finance industries as well as guest speakers and panelists who represent film festivals and Crowdfunding. The evening's panel discussions, moderated by Deena Merlen, Partner, Reavis Parent Lehrer LLP and Roger Wu, Co-Founder, New York Crowdfunds, address key issues relevant to filmmakers, financiers and anyone interested in the economics, business mechanics, and financial dynamics of both feature and independent film. Each panel is followed by a Q&A with the participants.

Attendees of NYCFF will also have the opportunity to interact and network with all featured experts and other fellow attendees. Established and aspiring filmmakers looking to raise capital for their projects, production companies, movie slates, film funds or other ventures are likely candidates to attend this gathering. Organized by SCENEPR!, NYCFF network is a presence among individuals in both the film and finance industries interested in working together to produce independent and feature films for theatrical distribution. SCENEPR! is a network of entrepreneurs and professionals from film/TV, fashion, music, art/photo, digital/online and green/eco, looking to build connections with other like-minded individuals for the purposes of doing business.

The 5th Annual Film Finance Forum East in downtown Manhattan is a follow up to the Fifth Annual Film Finance Forum West that took place in Los Angeles this past March. WINSTON | BAKER will host the 5th Annual Film Finance Forum East in association with Variety. The one-day program on April 16 is focused on financial strategies and opportunities within the film business. The speaking faculty will address: Entity-Level Investments: A Closer Look at Hybrid Models; Capitalizing on the Independent Film Business; Considering the Film Business as an Asset Class; The Evolution of Deal Structure from a Single Picture Perspective; Finding Success in Cross-Border Financing; Evaluating the Next Wave of Distressed Opportunities, and more. The New York forum is designed for chief investment officers, private equity and hedge fund managers, angel investors, high net worth individuals, private family office managers, and financial advisers who are interested in learning more about the film business as non-correlated asset class. There will be opportunities for networking with seasoned deal-makers in the industry. The closing panel is "Capitalizing on the Independent Film Business" followed by a networking reception. In May there is a planned 4th Annual International Film Finance Forum happening in Cannes, France.

French Quarter Festival’s 30th Anniversary will showcase more than 400 hours of music from more than 1,300 local musicians on more than 20 stages in New Orleans' French Quarter district. The artist line-up reveals a variety of popular New Orleans genres including traditional and contemporary jazz, Cajun-Zydeco, world, brass band, blues, rock, and pop from local New Orleans musicians. Festival goers can savor upscale dining in a festival atmosphere at the “World’s Largest Jazz Brunch” – a variety of authentic local cuisine from more than 60 New Orleans restaurants. Some of the restaurants at festival include Antoine’s, Galatoire’s, Muriel’s, R’evolution, Jacques-i-mo’s, Boucherie, Crescent Pie and Sausage, GW Fins, Trey Yuen, K-Paul’s, Tujague’s, Praline Connection.

There are also free special events at French Quarter Festival, family activity with two planned kids areas and fireworks on the Mississippi River (Saturday, April 13 at 21:00). In an effort to promote the cultural heritage of the City of New Orleans and the Vieux Carré, French Quarter Festival presents the return of Let Them Talk: Conversations on Louisiana Music. This reprised program has a new film series titled TimeCode:NOLA, with screening set at the Louisiana State Museum’s OLD U.S. Mint. Both series focus on the creativity New Orleans has fostered in music and film through the use of storytelling and interactive discussions with musicians and filmmakers. The films give insight to the local culture of the French Quarter. The 2013 French Quarter Festival will feature a special 30th Anniversary Gala, on April 11 at Antoine’s Restaurant. A portion of the proceeds from the Gala will benefit The Roots of Music. French Quarter Festival is produced by French Quarter Festivals, Inc., the 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which also produces Satchmo SummerFest in August and Christmas New Orleans Style in December.

The 12th annual Tribeca Film Festival in lower Manhattan opens April 17 with the world premiere of "Mistaken For Strangers", a film that follows the personal journey of Tom Berninger (who doubles as the director and subject) as he goes on tour with his older brother, Matt Berninger, the lead singer of the Brooklyn-based band, The National. The screening is followed by a special concert performed by the actual band. In other festival events, the "Tribeca Talks Industry" series will host panels that will include: "New Filmmakers in the Digital Age", "The Business of Entertainment: Truth, Persuasion and Bias in Documentaries", "Big Data and the Movies". The "Directors Series" will include conversations with Clint Eastwood, Darren Aronofsky, Richard Linklater, Ethan Hawke, Julie Delpy, Mira Nair, Bryce Dallas Howard and others. Most "Tribeca Talks" series (including the ones listed above) are free to the public. Robert De Niro, Jane Rosenthal and Craig Hatkoff founded the Tribeca Film Festival in 2001 following the attacks on the World Trade Center to stimulate economic and cultural revitalization in lower Manhattan's Tribeca district following the 9/11 attacks on the World Trade Center. The festival goes through April 28.

The Nashville Film Festival is an Academy qualifier in the categories for short films and animation. Although special events and parties related to NaFF have been underway since the start of April, the official festival opens April 18-25. The opening night film is the premiere of "MUD", starring Matthew McConaughey and Reese Witherspoon. Closing Night screening is "Unfinished Song", starring Terrence Stamp and Vanessa Redgrave. NaFF emphasizes the music in films and makes a special award presentation for its Music Films/ Music City line-up. In addition to the many films about music and the Music Films in Music City awards, NaFF presents showcases, workshops, and other events where songwriters and artists come together with film professionals throughout the globe to collaborate with and help promote each others works.

NaFF maintains a VIP Tent open to Silver Level Members that will serve Stella Artois, fine wines, spirits and Nashville specialties. This year, NaFF and 5th Avenue of the Arts / Downtown Nashville  are jointly presenting a new opportunity for filmmakers, entitled: "Nashville Unveiled  – Take One Video Festival Contest (NUVC)". Sponsored by Nashville Arts Magazine, the contest is a chance for professionals and/or amateurs to create a short film/video with the content connected to the theme: “The Arts Scene in Nashville.” Apart from the festival, the Nashville Film Festival provides three year-round programs: "Livin' Reel", gives urban teens hand's on experience in filmmaking. The Hope Tour brings films and volunteers to the bedside of patients and veterans. The Tennessee Film Tour helps Tennessee cities start film festivals.

Digital Media Wire Games, formerly known as LA Games Conference, is an expanded two-day session starting April 18, called DMW Conference. It will still tackle the issues and ideas about the future of games and connected entertainment. It will run two tracks with fireside chats, panels, demos and presentations on digital game creation, distribution, monetization and marketing. Speakers include executives from Electronic Arts, Wargaming America, Vungle, Kiip, and PLAYSTUDIOS. On the first day Track B Panel, you learn: "What Does it Take to Make a Hit Game on iOS and Android Platforms" with Rob Carroll, 5th Planet Games, Matt Hulett, RealNetworks, Lina Chen, Nix Hydra Games, Marco DeMiroz, PlayFirst and Moderator Margaret Wallace, Playmatics. Zynga’s Chief Revenue Officer, Barry Cottle, will be conductng a fireside chat at DMW Games. This year’s conference features a Games Leadership Awards ceremony, a Hackathon/Game Jam hosted by Scopely. Day one ends with a Poolside Reception with a DJ performance and networking. The final conference on the last day will address "Game Development in Los Angeles: Future Prospects – Promise or Peril in the City of Angels" with a panel that will discuss the state of the game industry in Los Angeles -- where the conference is held -- and examine future prospects. Day two closes the conference with an official Closing Reception. Digital Media Wire is a news, publishing and events company serving the digital entertainment and media industries since 2000.

The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the "Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events" page 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 photo placement highlights The Khayal Groove's first CD tour in France since releasing their first album October 2012. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it. Looking ahead into the next month, be aware that: Vegas Indie Film Fest, comes to Las Vegas; UK Film Forum will be in London; KOBA 2013, audio and Lighting equipment show opens in South Korea; the 2013 CLIO Awards will be held in New York City, The WorldMediaFestival will be in Hamburg, the annual Cannes Film Festival returns to Cannes, Streaming Media East will arrive in New York City.

Media Days Gothenburg, SXSW 2013, FILMART, Film and TV Finance Summit, are highlights in March's Global Media and Entertainment Industry

The Miami International Film Festival presents world cinema from Cuba, Spain, Israel, Argentina, Brazil, United Kingdom, China and other regions of the world. MIFF typically presents 100 films from over 40 countries, including several international prizewinners, 11 World Premieres, five International Premieres, nine North American Premieres and 11 US Premieres. This year's festival puts a spotlight on China with screenings of films from mainland China and Hong Kong -- part of a three day International Symposium hosted by Miami Dade College’s Confucius Institute happening March 7-9. Headquartered in the heart of Miami Beach, the Festival has hosted accomplished filmmakers and talent, including Pedro Almodóvar, Abel Ferrara, Spike Lee, Andy Garcia, Alfonso Cuaron, Kate Hudson, Jonathan Demme, Liv Ullman, Luc Besson, and others.

The Festival offers accreditation for VeoMiami -- an area of the festival to discover, discuss, and develop the art and business of Ibero-American cinema. VeoMiami consists of a dedicated group of industry players, with access to Master Class Seminars, Industry/Filmmaker invite only events, catalogue and material distribution to attending delegates and concierge meeting set-up with other delegates, access to the online library of films available from March 1 - including VeoMiami Digital Market - and ending two weeks after the close of the Festival which is March 10. And especially suited to the Miami Beach area, there are nightly Happy Hours and networking opportunities. Celebrate the year's accomplishments at the Pyrat Awards Night Party, March 9. The gala evening will feature a wide variety of culinary delights, wine and spirits, and plenty of entertainment.

Future Shorts Festival in London is a quarterly global film festival uniting audiences across the world. Since November 2011, festival screenings have taken place in over 285 cities and 90 countries with a showcase of short films, often alongside live music, performance, DJs and art. From London to Tokyo, Cairo to Kabul, screenings have taken place across a network of music halls, cinemas, theatres, galleries, clubs, bars and warehouses. Every three months, Future Shorts HQ in London puts together a feature-length programme of selected classic, cult and award-winning short films from around the world. The festival programme lasting through March 29 is then made available to a global network of film enthusiasts, promoters, entrepreneurs and adventurers who book, organize and host local screening events.

The following are screenings in various (mostly) European cities: London, March 2; Barcelona and Vilanova, March 3; Brno and Latvia, March 7; Tampere, March 8; Baku, March 9; Bialystok, March 11; Zamora, March 14; Arcata, Bricko and Przemysl, March 15; Blackburn, March 20; Elblag, March 21; London, March 22; Lodz and Paris, March 24; Lublin, March 25; Tbilisi. Additionally, Future Shorts maintains a distribution arm offering a range of distribution services representing an extensive and varied catalogue of original and independent international films. Original content creation is undertaken drawing from a pool of available creative talent on the Future Shorts roster and strategic development and production with various broadcast partners, including: Arte/ZDF, Canal+, HBO, SBS Australia and SVT, YouTube, Babelgum, Sony Computer Entertainment, Samsung and others.

The two-day Meg expo, more formally known as Media Days Gothenburg, is focused on professionals dealing with the different technology related to media production and development. The Gothenburg based expo theme this year is "parallel realities" and the program opening March 7 reviews topics from popular music to satire, investigative journalism to interactive design. Meg13 starts out from five different seminar topics: Fiction, Fact, Trust, Market and Innovation. Together, they accentuate this year's theme: "Parallel realities". Keynote speakers in the parallel realities program include: Internet researcher Evgeny Morozov, born in Belarus, now living in the US, who gave a previous TED talk titled "Is the Internet what Orwell Feared?" Also, Sofia Svantesson, designer, innovator and founder of design bureau Ocean Observations is featured.

Another of the highlights of this year's program is the establishment and presentation of the newly instituted MegAward which will be given to a person or an organization that has achieved innovation in the media sector. The winning innovation may be of an administrative, technological, or organizational nature, in the fields of journalism or design. The MegAward will reward work demonstrating broad thoughtfulness and curiosity, regardless of whether the winner operates within the confines of traditional journalism or in the world of blogging, podcasts, advertising or technology development. It can be awarded to a Swedish or an international person or organization. The MegAward is an open nomination process. The Swedish Exhibition and Congress Centre is one of the biggest hotels in Scandinavia joining the Gothia Towers and popular restaurants. It is also home to the largest office hotel in Scandinavia, the World Trade Center. A new tower and the extension is slated to be ready in the end of 2014.

Since 1987, SXSW (South By South West) in Austin has produced its well regarded Music and Media Conference and Festival. Although it is perceived as one seamless event week, emphasis will be given to Interactive, March 8-12; Film, March 8-16; Music, March 12-17. The event celebrates the organizations that define the ever-evolving relationship between media, technology, creators and consumers. A special highlight for SXSW this year will be its "Maker" movement in education with a Makerspace that will showcase a number of exhibits from makers, creators and DIYers, March 4-7.

New for 2013, SXSW Film introduces the "Come and Capture" Film Factory, that allows participants to explore and interact with the newest tools for capturing and creating moving images. Each day begins with panel discussions, workshops and demos, and leads up to the opportunity for registrants to tinker with featured products. Registrants can not only sample a range of filmmaking products but go out each day and capture their experiences of SXSW to then share the finished work with the SXSW community through SXSW’s online channels and on the official festival website. "Come and Capture" takes place from March 9-12 (advance badge registration needed) at the InterContinental Stephen F. Austin Hotel, Capital Ballroom.

Themed parties seem to dot the daily/hourly event schedule of the Expo, including: The Morning After party, Trade Show Block Party, SXSW Film Intermission Party presented by IMAX, Warner Bros. Television Group, BBC America Roadhouse, SXSW Film Late Night Saloon, @PBS Party featuring Peter Sagal, Berlin Calling, #VegasTech SXSW Party, New Zealand @ SXSW, SXSW Film + Interactive Fusion Party presented by Fandango, Music From Ireland / Full Irish Breakfast, The Aussie BBQ, and so many more not listed.

Online resource SXsocial (http://social.sxsw.com/auth/sxsw) is available to SXSW registrants to search for and message other conference attendees. Upload a photo and bio to establish a presence and connect with new colleagues and friends before during and after SXSW 2013. The 27th annual South By Southwest Closing Barbecue and Softball Tournament, the traditional closing social event of the SXSW week, happens on March 17 and is free for all SXSW Music and Platinum registrants.

CABSAT Broadcast Conference in Dubai is a trade platform for digital media and satellite sectors across the Middle East, Africa, and the Southern Asian region. There are two conference sessions that are free to attend: CABSAT Broadcast Conference and GVF MENASAT Summit. The CABSAT Academy brings together the two sides of the show into one expanded and multi-stream knowledge exchange platform held in centrally-located networking areas. The dedicated Broadcast and GVF organised Satellite Conference streams are complemented by Workshops and Vendor Presentations. New to the three-day conference for 2013 which opens March 12 is a dedicated ‘Africa in Focus’ trade visitors session, gathering key ICT decision makers from emerging African markets, and use of satellite communications earth station equipment that has been tested and approved in co-ordination with the industry-endorsed GVF Product Quality Framework.

The Atlanta Film Festival, now in its fourth decade, is one of the small number of Academy Award® qualifying festivals in the U.S. ATLFF365 presents a diverse slate of year-round offerings for film-lovers, filmmakers, and established and emerging industry professionals. Atlanta Film Festival 365 (ATLFF365) is a membership-based 501(c)(3) arts non-profit with a mission to lead the community in creative and cultural discovery through film/video display. Throughout the year, ATLFF365 offers a range of workshops on screenwriting, directing, production, getting into the film business and more.

This year's fest opens with MUD from writer/director Jeff Nichol's (Take Shelter). Debuting at the 2012 Cannes Film Festival in competition for the Palme d'Or, and starring Matthew McConaughey, MUD has been likened as a film, echoing Mark Twain's Huckleberry Finn. Closing the fest will be THE SPECTACULAR NOW directed by Athen's native and 2008 ATLFF Screenplay Competition winner James Ponsoldt. Written by (500) DAYS OF SUMMER (ATLFF09) writers Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, and featuring performances from leads Shailene Woodley and Miles Teller, SPECTACULAR won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury at the 2013 Sundance Film Festival.

The Hong Kong International Film & TV Market (FILMART) is an annual film market organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC). A central objective of the FILMART convention is to promote Hong Kong as a regional hub for distribution and production of film, TV programs and entertainment-related products in Asia-Pacific while assisting cross-media, cross-businesses partnerships. The event is restricted to trade only. The four day event opens March 18 with the Entertainment Expo Hong Kong 2013 Kick-Off Ceremony on conference opening day. Later that day is the Taiwan Party hosted by the Taipei Film Commission. On day two, conference organizer, Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), presents "Opportunities in Asia: Book-to-Screen Projects in Today's Box-Office hits". Also on that day are Exhibitors' Organized Events, including the 6th Asia VFX and Digital Cinema Summit. Among the planned Digital Movie and Cinema Symposium events, the "Digital Movie and Cinema Symposium" is hosted  by 23 Magic Limited, he "6th Asia VFX and Digital Cinema Summit" is hosted by Digital Magic, "Shooting in Italy: High Quality, Low Budget" is hosted by Italian Trade Commission, "Promoting And Protecting The Screen Community In The Cloud Era" is hosted by Movie Producers & Distributors Associations of Hong Kong Limited, "Universe Entertainment 2013-2014 Production Line-up Presentation" is hosted by Universe Films Distribution Company Ltd.

Within the Greater Los Angeles area, two separately organized television industry summits will open the same day on March 21 for nearly concurrent runs. Variety and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation present the one-day The Universal Summit. The Summit will explore how to recognize new business opportunity and leverage it from changes and transformations to the industry caused by splintered audiences with choices between new web and mobile platforms. Leaders from the broadcast/cable channels, emerging original content hubs, TV service providers and technology partners will explore what it means to develop, market and distribute successful programming. Topic areas that will be examined include: State of the TV Business, The Worldwide TV Boom, Transformative TV: Next Generation Networks Turn Now, The Growing Power of Hispanic TV, TV that Makes a Difference – The Social Revolution, The New TV Everywhere: The Game-Changing Business of SVOD and Second Screen, Showrunners (perennially popular shows) SuperSession. The day ends with a Networking Reception.

Over two days, the International Film and TV Finance Summit organized by Bloomberg BNA addresses obtaining finance and tax incentives to get independent and studio films made, distributed and marketed in today’s market place. This will also include discussion on: Understand how to utilize new digital platforms for distributing media content into the home and onto hand held devices; Ways to generate financial support for films utilizing brand integration and product placement; Access to and information from the most senior players in the industry at the top of their professions; Presented case studies how medium to low budget films are made, financed and distributed; There will be an expanded session on the U.S. state, federal and international tax credits and incentives for film and TV production. Also a case study in financing an independent feature film, presented before conference close. There will be planned networking opportunities, as well as, Continental breakfasts, lunches, refreshment breaks.

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 photo placement highlights the 55th Grammy Awards. If the photo does not appear in this post please click this link to view it. Looking ahead into the next month be aware that: NAB Show 2013, and all its offshoot programs, is in Las Vegas, Florida Film Festival is in Maitland, Bermuda International Film Festival opens in Hamilton, 5th Annual Film Finance Forum East in association with Variety comes to New York City, The Madrid International Film Festival comes to London, the Tribeca Film Festival will customarily be in downtown Manhattan's Tribeca neighborhood, The Mexico International Film Festival opens in Rosarito.