Casual Connect, Melbourne International Film Fest, NY Latino Film Fest, FADE IN… are some Highlights in July’s Global Media and Entertainment Industry

Jazz pianist, Kyoko Oyobe, leads the late night jam session in New York City, Lower Eastside’s newest bar, cafe and jazz venue, The Moldy Fig, Tuesday nights in July. The establishment presents it’s jazz offering with an assortment of casual diversions like chess, shuffleboard, Scrabble, and backgammon, and a small plate menu from the kitchen. Poets will feel welcome in this Lower East Side element. Kyoko Oyobe who writes original compositions, is from Okayama, Japan, and has released her first album, ‘Cookin’ at Smalls’, recorded live at Smalls Jazz Club in Greenwich Village, now available on the web at cdbaby.com/cd/kyokooyobetrio.

Taking place in New York City through July 9 to celebrate its 12th Anniversary, Latin Alternative Music Conference is geared towards the marketing of Spanish-language alternative music. A connected SummerStage event in Central Park on July 6 features performances by Spanish music standouts Jarabe De Palo, Mexican songstress Ely Guerra, Afro-Peruvian electronica folk artist Novalima and Miami’s DJ Mr. Pauer. A July 8 panel (one of several) addresses, “Patrons of the Arts: Who Are Today’s Music Investors?”

An upcoming WebTVWorkshop.com series is geared towards producing web series and new media content, in a crash course format, and is coming to New York City. Taught by Emmy-winning professionals and union reps, participants will learn how to create, market, distribute, and monetize a successful web series. The classes cover everything from strategy and pitch to advertising and promotional strategies. WTVW is including the Showbiz Labor Guide, a comprehensive software program for budgets, labor laws, and union contracts, using easy to understand terms. The Showbiz Store is the retail division of Media Services that caters to the specific technology needs of the media and entertainment industry.

The Artivist Film Festival and Artivist Awards are produced by The Artivist Collective, Inc., a charitable organization creating this platform for artists to share  inspirational and informative films with the world. As an avenue for filmmakers to screen their unique, socially-conscious films to the general public, Artivist works interchangeably with the artists and their causes. Filmmakers come together through the organization to share resources, collaborate, and network with other artists and entertainment industry professionals. According to the organization this process has also led to funding agreements for future film projects. Screenings from July 8-10 will take place in cities: Austin, Atlanta, Chicago, Sedona, Seattle, Washington D.C. August will have screenings in Hollywood, and September will will move to New York City.

Anyone can join the Florida Chapter and fellow music community members in Miami for a casual networker hosted by Florida Chapter Board Governor, Serona Elton. Slated for every second Tuesday of the month, attendees can enjoy complimentary hors d’oeuvres and 2 for 1 drink specials on beverages until 8:30 pm, courtesy of Eden South Beach. There’s always free admission for Recording Academy members and anyone who would like to learn about or join The Recording Academy.

BMI is a sponsor of the Kauai Music Festival, a four-day undertaking in the art of songwriting held on the island of Kauai, beginning July 13. Through the one-on-one meetings, small group sessions, workshops, panel discussions, open mic activities, and other planned events, festival participants will be able to consult and get feedback directly from the songwriting pros staffing the festival. In addition to the annual Songwriter Conference, the KMF organizes and hosts other educational, networking, and showcase events throughout the year such as the KMF Songwriter Search, an annual songwriting contest with the winner getting free attendance to the annual KMF Songwriter Conference.

A July 18 Grammy Awards 101 Musical Achievement Workshop is a presentation of the Recording Academy Pacific Northwest and Los Angeles Chapters set to be held in Honolulu. GRAMMY Awards 101 + MusiCares Outreach will be an information session on: Recently Announced Awards Restructuring, important information about the 54th Annual GRAMMY Awards, important upcoming dates and deadlines, explanation of eligibility for submitted product, how to submit product for GRAMMY consideration, step-by-step narrative of what each submission goes through once it has been submitted into the awards process.

Casual Connect is the place to learn more about an industry that entertains 300 million people each month. So from July 19-21, learn all about iPhone, Social, Android, Flash, Browser MMO and Download Games, at Casual Connect Seattle 2011. Casual Games Association produces the Casual Connect event annually. And it’s not just learning workshops. Some slated networking events include: Pre-funk party hosted by Mochi Media, a relaxed, loungy party beer/wine/cocktails/light snacks; Minna Mingle hosted by EA Partners, a drink in the Grand Lobby after the final session in the Taper Auditorium; Official Casual Connect Party hosted by OpenFeint, with bowling, billiards, drinks and appetizers; another Minna Mingle hosted by TransGaming, presented Happy Hour style with beer, wine, cocktails; Official Casual Connect Party hosted by WildTangent, a lounge party with beer, wine, cocktails and appetizers taking place at the Seattle Aquarium.

Summer NAMM 2011 is the music products industry’s mid-year event showcasing the latest gear, sound and lighting technology, influential companies and the newest brands. Join music educators, students, parents, music advocates, recording professionals and houses of worship music leaders at the international music products industries’ mid-year gathering. Happening in Nashville, July 21-23, attend and get connected with other industry members at the NAMM Young Professionals event during Summer NAMM. Join the group at the Wildhorse Saloon on July 21 starting from 6:30 pm. NAMM, the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), is the not-for-profit association that unifies, leads and strengthens the $17 billion global music products industry.

Since its commencement in 1951, Melbourne International Film Festival has developed into Australia’s largest film event. MIFF hosts an assemblage of cinematic productions from over 50 countries for seventeen days (July 21 to August 7) each Winter (Australian winter), embellished with a slate of parties and special events that has been known to create a celebratory mood throughout the city. Separately and to its own merit, the Regent Theatre has been and continues to be home to many world renowned theatre productions including Disney’s The Lion King, We Will Rock You, and Singin’ in the Rain.

A compressed summary of the activity laden Action On Film International Film Festival in Pasadena, July 22-30, helps to highlight the many interesting events that will happen in its given span of time. There will be four days of workshops and seminars, two special non-profit benefit events and a few additional “surprises”. Opening Night Mixer and AOF VII Celebration. Nick Mancuso Acting Seminar Part 1 and 2 happens July 24 and 25. A free Sunday Brunch and Filmmaker Symposium is on July 24, and a Private Celebrity ‘Dinner With’ Special AOF Filmmakers and Writers happens in the evening. Closing night includes a Black Tie Dinner Pre-event Party, Black Tie Dinner and Award Show, There are screenings at Regency Academy Theater Pasadena with-filmmaker interviews on the Red Carpet and special gifts for everyone in attendance. Private ‘after’ and ‘pre-parties’ to be announced.

The 2011 New York International Latino Film Festival mission is to showcase the works of emerging Latino filmmaking talent in the U.S. and Latin America, and provide expansive images of the Latino experience, and celebrate the diversity and spirit of the Latino community. Programming from July 25-31 includes the flagship film festival in New York City, new music and art showcases, family and community events, scholarships for aspiring filmmakers, and a nationally recognized short film competition in partnership with HBO. The festival notably has had the endorsement of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s NYC Latin Media and Entertainment Commission since its formation in 2003.

FADE IN… the 15th Annual Hollywood Pitch Festival offers a chance to present your film or TV script, book, short or idea directly to 200 Hollywood agents, managers, producers, studio and productions executives, over three days starting June 29. HPF only has one class — a pitch class taught by a professional working filmmaker, and it is optional to take. But this year they are also providing one-on-one virtual pitch coaching via Skype starting two weeks prior to the festival. After session activities features a cocktail party Friday evening and VIP Contact Book that will be handed out.

The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page at http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html which now has a language translation button to convert page contents into most widely used languages. A look ahead into August event dates will help you prepare for:  Flying Popcorn! Online Children’s Film FestivalNewport, in New Port, UNF Writers Conference, in Jacksonville, Siggraph 2011, in Vancouver, KRATKOFIL International Short Film FestivalBanja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, in Banja Luka, to provide just a small sample of upcoming events in advance. Also to alert viewers, a site revamp and redesign of The Actor’s Checklist is close at hand, with new interactive features, tools and resources to aid members, so please stay tuned.

Television Breakfast Workshop, Latin Grammy Awards, Media and Money, Valley of Flowers, Texas Filmmaker’s Showcase, G2E: Global Gaming Expo, American Music Awards, Billboard R&B, Hip-Hop Conference, are Selected Highlights For November Media and Entertainment Industry Career Networking Events

The American Film Market, a marketplace where production and distribution deals are closed, collaborates with AFI Fest to present screenings on the Santa Monica Promenade and the surrounding community of a vast selection of indie works, happening in Santa Monica through November 11. For the Insights On Internet Television Breakfast Workshop, on November 6 in Los Angeles, Veoh Networks, an Internet television company, discusses how the industry and major players are revolutionizing the business of entertainment. American music legend Willie Nelson will be honored as an Icon at BMI’s 55th Annual Country Awards, November 6 in Nashville, the oldest awards saluting country’s top music makers. Streaming Media West 2007 happening in San Jose from November 6-8, covers the business of online video and the technology of streaming, downloading, Webcasting, Internet TV, IPTV, and mobile video. The Latin Recording Academy presents the 2007 Person of the Year Tribute at a Latin Grammy Awards related ceremony honoring Juan Luis Guerra on November 7 in Las Vegas. The Eighth Annual Latin Grammy Awards follows the next day — broadcast live on the Univision Network. Attend a Dow Jones and Nielsen Company two-day event uniting media and entertainment dealmakers with private and public investors to discuss how they can work together to profit, and how buyout firms, hedge funds and venture firms are prospecting new deals, valuing opportunities and structuring deals to maximize returns, at “Media and Money,” November 7-8 in New York. The Aurora Animation Festival fuses thematic film programmes, seminars, and debates with live performance, installation work and new films from across the world, during sessions that run from November 7-10 in Norwich, UK. A two-day IGDA Leadership Forum, on November 8 and 9 in Burlingame is focused on advancing the state of the art in game production and management, and is suited to producers, team leaders, project managers, studio directors, and all others seeking to learn and share techniques for leading teams in creating successful games.

Director Pan Nalin’s feature, “Valley of Flowers” (www.valleyofflowers.com), filmed in the remote and high altitude region of the Himalayas, and in Japan, has its New York premiere on November 9, coming off a Grand Jury Prize win at the IFFLA in April. A reception with Director and Cast follows the screening at a local art gallery. The Recording Academy’s Memphis Chapter presents “Indie Impact,” November 9-10 in New Orleans, focusing on digital music and the important business, creative and legal issues it presents to the music industry and consumers. The GiRL FeST Hawaii festival, whose mission is to prevent violence against women and girls through education and art, incorporates film, music, art, spoken word, and dance complemented by a mini-conference involving panels, lectures, outreach workshops, at sessions running November 9-18 in Honolulu. On November 10 Houston Film Commission hosts the Texas Filmmaker’s Showcase, a special screening event each June of Texas short films and videos under 45 minutes, presented to a select group of studio executives, agents and producers in the Hollywood film community, resulting in selected filmmakers being flown to Los Angeles for follow-up screenings and meetings with industry professionals at the Directors Guild of America Theater. The Michigan Production Alliance (MPA) in partnership with Detroit Women In Film and TV (DWIFTV) and The Detroit Film Society (DFS) holds a Filmmaker’s Marketing and Distribution Seminar on November 10 in Southfield to aimed at media professionals. The New York Production Technology Expo, focused on people who work with equipment; who rent and buy equipment; students and people who make creative decisions based on new and emerging technology, will be held in Brooklyn Navy Yard, on November 12 & 13.

Professionals in the interrelated areas of lighting, audio, special effects, projection and staging technologies can attend Live Design Wire 2007 Entertainment Industry Convention, to see the latest products, interface with vendors and attend educational conference sessions, November 12-18 in Orlando. At G2E: Global Gaming Expo, on November 13-15 in Las Vegas, investors, analysts, stockbrokers and investment professionals will learn about the financial future of leading gaming companies in forums, and attendants can enjoy the sounds of classic symphonic rock, jazz, new country, reggae and more at the G2E Entertainment Showcase located in the lobby. The Billboard Touring Conference and Awards unites today’s top touring professionals to discuss the current state of the industry when it meets November 14-15 in New York. The International Student Film Festival Hollywood offers a forum for student filmmakers around the world to showcase their films in Hollywood, and includes a discussion with Tim Lampros, Founder & CEO of ACT (Actors Certified Training) conducted at an opening day reception. The 35th annual American Music Awards – created by Dick Clark in 1973 as an alternative to the Grammy Awards – is hosted by Jimmy Kimmel, and will be broadcast live from the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles at 8 pm ET. Now in its eighth year, the Billboard R&B, Hip-Hop Conference and Awards combines conference sessions, artist showcases, networking opportunities which culminate in the awards program, from November 28-30 in Atlanta. The ongoing New Filmmakers series for independent filmmakers in New York, will screen Andrew William Flores LIAR’S PENDULUM, a psychological thriller set in the fictitious city of Johanna during the next Great Depression, on November 28.

The above events are just a sampling of what is listed. Most of the reported events above have a submission process for indie and/or performing artists to take part in. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page at http://www.actorschecklist.com/news.html. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are now available at most popular video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, the Apple iTunes store podcast category, as well as on The Actor’s Checklist at http://actorschecklist.com/loudblog a great place to get your iPhone, ipod or Apple TV download from. This month on video you will see trailers and video clips of Pan Nalin’s Himalayan epic “Valley of Flowers,” an Asian love story about passion, death and reincarnation spanning two centuries from remote and high altitude region of the Himalayas to modern day Tokyo (www.myspace.com/pannalin – www.valleyofflowers.com) Australian ambient music composer NakedSkin adapting its music to Fritz Lang’s 1927 Metropolis (www.youtube.com/Nakedskin – www.myspace.com/nakedskinlostsouls)  Laurence N. Kaldor’s comedy “Redirecting Eddie,” about a fledgling director who conquers sibling rivalry, finds parental acceptance, and discovers love while fighting to finish his first film (www.myspace.com/redirectingeddie – www.RedirectingEddie.com) Andrew William Flores LIAR’S PENDULUM, a psychological thriller set in the fictitious city of Johanna during the next Great Depression (www.liarspendulum.com – www.myspace.com/liarspendulum) Belgium based DocFilm’ Movie Productions making of music video Senkrecht Waagerecht (Confuse The Cat) (www.docfilm.be – www.myspace.com/docfilm_be). Florida ART Film Fest is now accepting submissions for approaching film festival. Contact them for more info on submissions (floridaartfilmfest@yahoo.com – www.acrosstown.org/filmfestival.htm). The Actor’s Checklist now lets you keep track of latest musical artists song releases on Apple’s iTunes, updated on an hourly basis at: http://www.actorschecklist.com/resources/itunes.php.