Red Rug Review

Winners Announced for 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival

2013-06-23T12:53:00.000-07:00

Janis Nords’ Mother, I Love You and Ryan McGarry’s Code Black

Win Jury Awards

Destin Daniel Cretton’s Short Term 12, Grace Lee’s American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs and

Haifaa Al Mansour’s Wadjda Win Audience Awards

Best Performance, Short Film and Music Video Award Winners

Also Revealed

Sloan Fast Track Grant and Millennium Entertainment Fellowship Given out in Part of Film Independent’s Fast Track Program

Film Independent, the non-profit arts organization that produces the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Spirit Awards, announced the jury and audience award winners for the 2013 Festival at the Awards Brunch, hosted by CHAYA Downtown for the fourth year. Actor Mary Elizabeth Winstead was on hand to present the awards. The LA Film Fest, presented by Film Independent, in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor Los Angeles Times, Host Partner L.A. LIVE and Premier Sponsors DIRECTV and American Airlines, ran from Thursday, June 13 to Sunday, June 23 in downtown Los Angeles.

“Every single film in the Festival rocks and I love that an international film and a local film received kudos today. They represent the breadth of our programming and our commitment to supporting unique voices around the world,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain.

The two top juried awards of the Los Angeles Film Festival are the DIRECTV Narrative Award and DIRECTV Documentary Award, each carrying an unrestricted $10,000 cash prize, funded by DIRECTV, for the winning film’s director. The awards were established by the Festival to encourage independent filmmakers to pursue their artistic ambitions.

“Our jurors had hard choices to make this year and their discussions were at an incredibly high level. I thank them for their thoughtful work and salute the winners. I think we had a banner crop of competition films at the festival. All our filmmakers are winners in my book,” said Artistic Director David Ansen.

The DIRECTV Narrative Award recognizes the finest narrative film in competition at the Festival and went to Janis Nords for Mother, I Love You, which made its United States premiere at the Festival. The DIRECTV Documentary Award recognizes the finest documentary film in competition at the Festival and went to Ryan McGarry for Code Black, which made its world premiere at the Festival.

The award for Best Performance in the Narrative Competition went to Geetanjali Thapa for her performance in Kamal K.M’s I.D, which made its North American premiere at the Festival. Given to an actor or actors from an official selection in the Narrative Competition, this is the tenth year the award has been given at the Festival.

The LA Film Fest also awarded an unrestricted $1,500 cash prize to each short film category. The recipient for the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Narrative Short Film went to Walker, directed by Tsai Ming-Liang. The recipient for the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Documentary Short Film went to Kevin Jerome Everson for Stone. Emma De Sweaf and Marc James Roels’ Oh Willy… won the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Animated or Experimental Short Film.

The Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature went to Short Term 12 directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature went to American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, directed by Grace Lee. Sony Pictures Classics’ Wadjda, directed by Haifaa Al Mansour won the Audience Award for Best International Feature.

The Audience Award for Best Short Film went to Grandpa and Me and a Helicopter to Heaven, directed by Åsa Blanck and Johan Palmgren. Katachi, directed by Kijek/Adamski with music by Shugo Tokumaru won the Audience Award for Best Music Video.

The DIRECTV Narrative Feature Competition jury was comprised of Film Independent Spirit Award-winning producer Gina Kwon (Me and You and Everyone We Know, Chuck & Buck), Spirit Award-nominated director Sean Baker (Starlet, Take Out, Prince of Broadway) and actor-producer Harry Lennix (Man of Steel, Titus, the upcoming NBC series The Blacklist.). The DIRECTV Documentary Feature Competition jury was comprised of the 2010 LA Film Fest Grand Jury award-winning director Clay Tweel (Make Believe), award-winning producer Lesley Chilcott (Waiting For Superman, An Inconvenient Truth), and New York Times contributing culture writer and former film and television critic Carina Chocano. The Honolulu Film Office Award Shorts Competition Jury was comprised of Los Angeles Film Critics Association Vice President Tim Grierson, author Sandi Tan (The Black Isle) and Independent Spirit-nominated writer and director David Fenster (Trona, Pincus).

Also announced at the festival were the Fast Track grants winners which Film Independent selects and Alfred P. Sloan Foundation and Millennium Entertainment sponsor. The Fast Track program is an intensive, three-day film-financing market that connects participants with established financiers, production companies, agents, managers and other film industry professionals who can move their current projects forward. Writer/director/producer Christopher Munch’s film Frank’s World: And Tales of the Fearless Brothers O won the Sloan Fast Track Grant, a $15,000 production grant. The $10,000 Millennium Entertainment Fellowship grant was awarded to Vincent Harris and Amy Hobby for their film Third Girl from the Left.

Now in its nineteenth year, the Los Angeles Film Festival, supported by L.A. LIVE and the Los Angeles Times, showcases the best in new American and international cinema and provides the movie-loving public with access to some of the most critically acclaimed filmmakers, film industry professionals, and emerging talent from around the world. The 2013 Festival screened nearly 200 feature films, shorts and music videos, representing more than 30 countries.

The LA Film Fest kicked off on Thursday, June 13 with the North American premiere of Pedro Almodovar’s I’m So Excited, sponsored by American Airlines, and will close tonight with the world premiere of Oscar® winners Nat Faxon and Jim Faxon’s The Way, Way Back, sponsored by DIRECTV. Gala Screenings included the world premiere of Doug Pray’s Levitated Mass: The Story of Michael Heizer’s Monolithic Sculpture, the North American premiere of Nicolas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives and the Los Angeles premiere of Ryan Coogler’s Fruitvale Station. 2013 Guest Director and recipient of this year’s Spirit of Independence Award was David O. Russell and Artists in Residences were actress Maya Rudolph and composer Gustavo Santaolalla.

DIRECTV is proud to be a first-year partner with the LA Film Festival as sponsor of the Festival's Closing Night, Narrative and Documentary Competitions and Jury Prizes, reflecting its commitment to supporting established and emerging filmmakers. DIRECTV Cinema's premium pay-per-view movie service for DIRECTV customers offers access to exclusive new releases before they premiere in theaters, a library with thousands of movies to watch instantly with DIRECTV On Demand, and the most movies available in 1080p HD. DIRECTV the world's leading providers of digital television entertainment services delivering an unparalleled video experience through state-of-the-art technology and unmatched programming to more than 35 million customers in the U.S. and Latin America.

Stunning locations, great crews and generous tax credits are why Honolulu and Oahu are known as 'Production Center of the Tropics.' Host to countless feature films, television series and new media projects including Jurassic Park, The Descendants, LOST and Hawaii Five-0, 2013 marks 100 years of film production in Hawaii. To celebrate, the Honolulu Film Office has enhanced their tax credits. (www.filmhonolulu.com/)

CHAYA restaurants have remained one of the city’s most beloved and iconic dining destinations for 30 years. Lead by Corporate Executive Chef Shigefumi Tachibe—the creator of the original tuna tartare, CHAYA restaurants are renowned for their modern Euro-Asian cuisine and influence on the Los Angeles dining scene. Chef Tachibe creates an inspired menu by infusing exotic ingredients and honored culinary traditions from his native Japanese roots. All CHAYA restaurants, including three locations in Los Angeles and one in San Francisco, highlight their menu with local and sustainable ingredients fresh from the farmers’ market with seasonal menus.” (www.thechaya.com)

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Awards were given out in the following categories:

DIRECTV Narrative Award (for Best Narrative Feature)

Winner: Mother, I Love You directed by Janis Nords

Producer: Alise Gelze

Cast: Kristofers Konovalovs, Matiss Livcans, Vita Varpina, Indra Brike, Haralds Barzdins

Film Description: Like a lot of children, 12-year-old Raimonds has his quiet side, his talented side (he plays saxophone at a music school), a mischievous streak and a resourcefulness born of desperation. Often on his own while his single mom works, and routinely at odds with her when they do spend time together, Raimonds finds thrilling companionship in Peteris, a boy who steals money from one of the apartments his mother cleans. Raimond's increasingly dangerous decisions will have thorny repercussions for him and those close to him. Latvia

The Narrative Award carries an unrestricted cash prize of $10,000 funded by DIRECTV, offering the financial means to help filmmakers transfer their vision to the screen. The award recognizes the finest narrative film in competition and is given to the director. A special jury selects the winner, and all narrative feature-length films screening in the Narrative Competition section were eligible.

In bestowing Janis Nords with the DIRECTV Narrative Award, the Jury stated:

“As filmmakers ourselves we are finely attuned to the processes of making a film and sometimes find it difficult not to analyze a film on a purely technical or esoteric level. In the case of our selected film, we found ourselves absorbed so completely in its world that we removed our critical eye. Its story is simple, deftly executed, and features a prodigious central performance. The careful escalation of dramatic tension, the truthful portrayal of a strained mother-son relationship, the stunning night time photography of an urban landscape and the confidant direction - never sacrificing substance for style - thoroughly won us over. It is with a deep appreciation for its delicacy, emotional resonance and assured control of craft that we award the Grand Prize to Mother, I Love You.”

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DIRECTV Documentary Award (for Best Documentary Feature)

Winner: Code Black directed by Ryan McGarry

Producer: Linda Goldstein Knowlton

Film Description: Continually understaffed, under-budgeted and overrun with patients, public hospital ER waiting rooms are by definition seas of misery. The ER of the old L.A. County Hospital+USC Medical Center, which was the first academic Department of Emergency Medicine in the US was, by all accounts, a war zone.

Code Black follows a team of young, idealistic and energetic ER doctors during the transition from the old to the new L.A. County as they try to avoid burnout and improve patient care. Why do they persist, despite being under siege by rules, regulations and paperwork? As one doctor simply states, “More people have died on that square footage than any other location in the United States. On a brighter note, more people have been saved than in any other square footage in the United States.”

The Documentary Award carries an unrestricted cash prize of $10,000 funded by DIRECTV, offering the financial means to help filmmakers transfer their vision to the screen. The award recognizes the finest documentary film in competition, and is given to the director. A special jury selects the winner, and all documentary feature-length films screening in the Documentary Competition section were eligible.

In bestowing Ryan McGarry with the DIRECTV Documentary Award, the Jury stated:

“It’s unusual for a first-time filmmaker to integrate complex, multifaceted ideas so seamlessly into a visceral, action-packed and character-driven story that they end up creeping up on you, as if you’d thought of them all by yourself. With a strong point-of-view rooted in personal experience, and without judgment, this year's winning film deftly disarms a hot-button political issue by reframing it as a human issue and shows us, instead of telling us, why we should care. Instead of rehashing familiar arguments, it drills down to find the universal in the specific. It's heart warming, and also heart stopping. The winner of the 2013 Los Angeles Film Festival Documentary Competition Grand Jury Prize is Code Black directed by Ryan McGarry.”

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Best Performance in the Narrative Competition

Winner: Geetanjali Thapa in Kamar K.M’s I.D.

Film Description: The feature directorial debut from Indian filmmaker Kamal K.M. may be called I.D., but this drama has less to do with individual identity than it does our shared personal connection. A carefree young woman living in Mumbai named Charu is visited by a painter who's been hired to do a touch-up to one of her apartment walls. But when the man falls unconscious, Charu discovers that she alone must attend to this stranger, first getting him to the hospital and then trying to discover who he is. India

In bestowing Geetanjali Thapa with the Best Performance Award, the Jury stated:

“The Narrative Competition Jury gives an award for Best Actor to the very talented Geetanjali Thapa for her portrayal of Chara in Kamal K.M.'s I.D. Thapa's performance is recognized in part for her ability to win over the audience's empathy for a character that initially lacks, indeed even resists, empathy. Rarely conversational, her ability to speak volumes with gesture and silence is a revelation to the audience. With an onscreen presence that commands attention, we see her rising star as something that excites us as filmmakers, and we are privileged to bear witness to the start of Thapa’s very promising career.”

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Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature

Winner: Short Term 12, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton

Producers: Maren Olson, Asher Goldstein, Joshua Astrachan, Ron Najor

Cast: Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., Kaitlyn Dever, Keith Stanfield,

Rami Malek

Film Description: Working with at-risk youth in a foster care facility, Grace never knows when things might suddenly go sideways. Likewise, Destin Daniel Cretton's film keeps viewers off-balance starting with its brilliantly staged opening scene, rarely allowing a moment's peace before another crisis erupts. Having reached a critical juncture in her relationship with her boyfriend Grace is pushed to her breaking point by the arrival of Jayden, a girl whose troubled home life parallels the one she endured.

This award is given to the narrative feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. Select narrative feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature: Narrative Competition, International Showcase, Summer Showcase, Community Screenings and The Beyond.

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Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature

Winner: American Revolutionary: The Evolution of Grace Lee Boggs, directed by Grace Lee

Producers: Grace Lee, Caroline Libresco, Austin Wilkin

Featuring: Grace Lee Boggs

Film Description: Intimate and inspiring, Grace Lee Boggs' story is one of a lifelong work for social justice and equality. Born into a middle class Chinese immigrant family and educated at Barnard in the 1930s, the young Grace soon noticed the inequities in American society and spent the next eight decades working to change the status quo, becoming an icon of the African American movement. Using her advanced education and intelligence not to accrue vast wealth but to work towards the betterment of all people, Boggs became a true American hero.

At 97 she continues to work tirelessly to educate and activate Americans, young and old, to work for the changes in which they believe. Director Lee (no relation) gives us a writer, activist and philosopher as she works her way through decades of social and political upheaval, inspiring all the way.

This award is given to the documentary feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. Select documentary feature-length films screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature: Documentary Competition, International Showcase, Summer Showcase and Community Screenings.

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Audience Award for Best International Feature

Winner: Sony Pictures Classics’ Wadjda, directed by Haifaa Al Mansour

Producers: Gerhard Meixner, Roman Paul

Featuring: Reem Abdullah, Waad Mohammed, Abdullrahman Al Gohani,

Ahd, Sultan Al Assaf

Film Description: This rousing, pioneering gem--not only the first Saudi Arabian feature shot within the Kingdom, but the first ever directed by a woman--focuses on a remarkable 10-year-old girl named Wadjda, who sets her sights on buying a beautiful green bicycle so she can race her friend Abdullah through the suburban streets of Riyadh. But in this conservative society, virtuous girls don't ride bikes, and her mother forbids it. The rebellious Wadjda decides to raise the money herself - by entering a Koran recitation competition at her school. The troublemaker must pose as a pious, model student to achieve her goal. Germany/Saudi Arabia/United Arab Emirates

This award is given to the international feature audiences liked most as voted by a tabulated rating system. Select international feature-length films, both narrative and documentary, screening in the following sections were eligible for the Audience Award for Best International Feature: Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, International Showcase, Summer Showcase and The Beyond.

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HONOLULU FILM OFFICE AWARD for Best Narrative Short Film

Winner: Walker directed by Tsai Ming-Liang

Producer: Chen Kuan-Ying

Cast: Lee Kang-Sheng

Description: In this stunning meditative piece, the walking pace of a monk measures up against the bustling streets of Hong Kong. China

In bestowing Tsai Ming-Liang with the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Narrative Short Film Award, the Jury stated:

“Great storytelling comes in many different forms, and like an ancient koan, our winner is deceptively simple and surprisingly playful. It features the epic odyssey of one man, seemingly poised against the forces of modernity as he advances - silently, deliberately -from day to night, from tiny alleys to towering skyscraper avenues, across the frenetic city of Hong Kong. At journey's end, we, too, are transformed by the sweet moment when denial morphs into glee: Walker from Tsai Ming-Liang.”

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HONOLULU FILM OFFICE AWARD for Best Documentary Short Film

Winner: Stone directed by Kevin Jerome Everson

Producers: Madeleine Molyneaux, Kevin Jerome Everson

Description: A real-time documentary of a street hustler running a betting game of finding the ball under one of the three caps.

In bestowing Kevin Jerome Everson with the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Documentary Short Film Award, the Jury stated:

“Documentaries can expose us to the world's harsh realities, but they can also reveal the beauty and mystery of the everyday. The latter is very true in the case of our winner for Best Documentary Short, which is only seven minutes long but is filled with character detail and suspense. Consisting of only one shot, this short introduces us to an unnamed street hustler as he bets onlookers that they can't find the ball hidden underneath one of three caps, our winner is filmmaker Kevin Jerome Everson's Stone.”

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HONOLULU FILM OFFICE AWARD for Best Animated/Experimental Short Film

Winner: Oh Willy… directed by Emma De Sweaf, Marc James Roels

Producers: Ben Tesseur, Nidia Santiago

Description: Fleeing a nudist colony where he witnessed his mother’s passing, Willy has an unexpected encounter. Belgium/The Netherlands/ France

In bestowing Emma De Sweaf and Marc James Roels with the Honolulu Film Office Award for Best Animated or Experimental Short Film Award, the Jury stated:

“Several of the animated shorts at this year's festival were inventive and startling, but our winner was a truly exceptional piece of work. This humorous, moving and ultimately sublime short tells a story of life, death and rebirth with wobbly thighs, vomit, breastfeeding, space travel and bunny rabbits - all against the backdrop of a nudist colony. The winner of Best Animated or Experimental Short is Oh Willy...”

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Audience Award for Best Short Film

Winner: Grandpa and Me and a Helicopter to Heaven directed by Åsa Blanck and Johan Palmgren

Producers: Åsa Blanck

Description: An unsentimental young boy goes on a final excursion with his grandfather to collect chanterelle mushrooms. Sweden

Awarded to the short film audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system. Short films screening in the Shorts Programs or before Narrative Competition, Documentary Competition, or International Showcase feature-length screenings were eligible for the Audience Award for Best Short Film.

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Audience Award for Best Music Video

Winner: Katachi directed by Kijek/Adamski

Music: Shugo Tokumaru

This award is given to the music video audiences liked most as voted on by a tabulated rating system.

To download images and clips from the winning films, please visit www.lafilmfest.com and click on Press, then Press Materials.

ABOUT THE LOS ANGELES FILM FESTIVAL

The Festival features unique signature programs including the Filmmaker Retreat, Music in Film Nights at the GRAMMY Museum, Poolside Chats, Master Classes and more. Additionally, the Festival screens short films created by high school students and has a special section devoted to music videos.

Over 200 features, shorts and music videos, representing more than 30 countries, make up the main body of the Festival.

The DIRECTV Narrative and DIRECTV Documentary awards are cash awards for best narrative and documentary features selected by an esteemed panel of jurors each year. The Honolulu Film Festival awards cash prizes for best narrative, documentary and animated short films. The Festival also hosts a jury awards as well as a jury award for best performance in the narrative competition. Audience awards are also presented to best documentary, narrative and international feature, short film and music video.

The Los Angeles Film Festival is presented in conjunction with Presenting Media Sponsor the Los Angeles Times, Premier and Closing Night Sponsor DIRECTV, Premier and Opening Night Sponsor American Airlines, Principal and Family Day sponsor Hasbro Studios and Platinum sponsors Stella Artois, Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14, EFILM, HBO, Volkswagen of America, Canon U.S.A., Inc. and Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Special support is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation. The Official Screening Venue is Regal Cinemas L.A. LIVE Stadium 14. Stella Artois is the official beer. Renwood Winery is the official wine provider. Shellback Caribbean Rum is the official spirit. Los Angeles Athletic Club is the Official Host Hotel. WireImage is the Official Photography Agency and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

More information can be found at LAFilmFest.com

ABOUT FILM INDEPENDENT

Film Independent is a nonprofit arts organization that champions independent film and supports a community of artists who embody diversity, innovation, and uniqueness of vision. Film Independent helps filmmakers make their movies, builds an audience for their projects, and works to diversify the film industry. Film Independent’s Board of Directors, filmmakers, staff, and constituents, is comprised of an inclusive community of individuals across ability, age, ethnicity, gender, race, and sexual orientation. Anyone passionate about film can become a member, whether you are a filmmaker, industry professional, or a film lover.

Film Independent produces the Spirit Awards, the annual celebration honoring artist-driven films and recognizing the finest achievements of American independent filmmakers. Film Independent also produces the Los Angeles Film Festival, showcasing the best of American and international cinema and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, a year-round, weekly program that offers unique cinematic experiences for the Los Angeles creative community and the general public.

With over 250 annual screenings and events, Film Independent provides access to a network of like-minded artists who are driving creativity in the film industry. Film Independent’s Artist Development program offers free Labs for selected writers, directors, producers and documentary filmmakers and presents year-round networking opportunities. Project Involve is Film Independent’s signature program dedicated to fostering the careers of talented filmmakers from communities traditionally underrepresented in the film industry.

For more information or to become a member, visit FilmIndependent.org.

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Charlie Sheen and DigiDev Team in Internet TV Venture

2013-04-30T15:58:00.000-07:00

The Digital Development Group (OTCBB: DIDG) (DigiDev), a Hollywood, California,-based OTT (Over the Top) TV content acquisition and distribution company, announced today that it has signed actor Charlie Sheen as spokesperson for its network, DigiDev TV, http://www.digidev.tv. Sheen will be curator of DigiDev’s channels and act as special content acquisition advisor to the company.

“A long time ago on a movie set far, far away, a character I once played said, ‘life all comes down to a few moments, and this is one of them,’”

As part of Sheen’s involvement with the Digital Distribution Group (DigiDev), he will develop his own channel, “Charlie Sheen Cyber TV,” that will carry a wide range of programming, including unique and unconventional content that the actor will develop.

“A long time ago on a movie set far, far away, a character I once played said, ‘life all comes down to a few moments, and this is one of them,’” says Sheen. “DigiDev is one of these moments. For years I have longed for a home and an outlet for the tsunami that is my brain. Batten down the Forbes hatches; I hope DigiDev can hold its breath for a long time.”

“I have been working closely with Charlie for quite some time to create this partnership,” says Joe Q. Bretz, president of DigiDev. “It’s going to be an amazing relationship, we consider ourselves to be the ‘misfits’ of TV, misfits change the world, and we intend on creating something alongside Charlie that will be historical.”

DigiDev gives special thanks to Kato Kaelin, Darius McCrary (famed actor of “Family Matters”), Jeff Ballard (Sheen’s publicist) and the rest of the Sheen team to make this a reality, rather a “virtual reality.”

ABOUT CHARLIE SHEEN

Charlie Sheen currently stars on FX’s popular TV comedy series, Anger Management. Sheen, who has starred in more than 40 feature films, catapulted to fame in such critical and commercial hits as Platoon and Wall Street. Some of his other feature film credits include Red Dawn, Lucas, Ferris Bueller's Day Off, Eight Men Out, Young Guns, Major League, Hot Shots!, Hot Shots! Part Deux, The Three Musketeers, Scary Movie 3, Scary Movie 4, and the upcoming Scary Movie 5.

On television, Sheen is known for his roles on Spin City, and Two and a Half Men.

ABOUT DIGITAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP, CORP. (otcbb) DIDG

The Digital Development Group Corporation Company’s founders, CEO Martin W. Greenwald and President Joe Q. Bretz, have extensive experience in the entertainment industry. As the former CEO of Image Entertainment Inc., Mr. Greenwald oversaw its growth to over $120 million in revenues. Given Greenwald’s focus in content licensing and Bretz’s technological know-how, Digital Development Group is well positioned to be a leader in the Internet television revolution. For more information, visit: www.DigiDev.com.

Additional details of the company’s business can be found in its public disclosures as a reporting issuer under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission’s (“SEC”) EDGAR database. Please refer to our full disclaimer, which includes our safe harbor statement, by clicking on or copying this link below into your browser: http://www.digidev.com/hq/disclaimer/.

Nothing contained on this website is either an offer to purchase, or a solicitation of an offer to sell shares of DigiDev Group or any other entity. Nothing on this website is a solicitation of a proxy from a security holder of Digital Development Group Corp. or any other company.

Follow DigiDev on Twitter: @DigiDevTV or Facebook: Facebook.com/DigiDevTV .

Chelsea Handler to Present Fergie with the “Always Next, Forever Now” award at the “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013”

2013-04-02T07:37:00.000-07:00

FERGIE TO RECEIVE “ALWAYS NEXT, FOREVER NOW” AWARD AT “LOGO NEWNOWNEXT AWARDS 2013”

Chelsea Handler to Present Fergie with Iconic Award

“Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” Premieres Monday, April 15th at 10/9C on Logo

To Tweet This Release: http://logo.to/107LeXp

Logo, the entertainment network for gays, lesbians and their families and friends announced today that Eight time Grammy Award winning artist and dynamic entrepreneur Fergie will be honored with the “Always Next, Forever Now” Award at the “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013.” Given annually, this special award pays homage to a beloved pop icon and celebrates their unique, global impact. Past recipients for the “Always Next, Forever Now” Award include Britney Spears, Janet Jackson and Lady Gaga.

“I could not be more proud to be honored by Logo. This award is so incredibly special to me because of the tremendous love and support I have always experienced from the LGBT community,” said, Fergie. “Logo’s philosophy of acceptance with no barriers and no judgment is a message that we should all live by.”

Throughout her long-standing career, Fergie has established herself not only as a force in the music business but as a powerful business woman and respected philanthropist. Raising money to fight HIV/AIDS has been an issue uniquely near and dear to Fergie’s heart, which has resulted in her working diligently with organizations such as amfAR and The M•A•C Aids Fund.

“Fergie embodies what the ‘Always Next, Forever Now’ Award is all about in everything that she does” said Lisa Sherman, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Logo. ”She continuously pushes boundaries, stunning us with her creative vision and ability to make a tremendous impact on pop culture.”

In what will surely be a can’t miss moment of the evening, Fergie will be presented with her award by another pop culture influencer, TV host and media mogul, Chelsea Handler, Fergie’s friend and a fellow icon also celebrated for her abilities to break boundaries as the most popular female on late night television. Chelsea Handler is one of the most exciting and successful figures in the entertainment industry, recognized for her multiplatform success as a bestselling author, talk show host, stand-up comedian, and actress. The self-made Handler is a cultural phenomenon whose business savvy is matched only by her comedic talents.

Now in its sixth year, Logo’s “NewNowNext Awards” have earned a reputation for breaking new ground in pop culture. The highly praised and always unpredictable telecast is one big party that grants the gay stamp of approval to pop culture icons and trendsetters as well as stars-on-the-rise and celebrates what’s hot in TV, music, film and fashion for 2013 and beyond. Lady Gaga gave her first televised performance at the show, Rooney Mara was a nominee well before an Oscar Nominee, the cast of Bridesmaids made their first televised appearance together at the 2011 show and last year, NewNowNext crowned Josh Hutcherson “Next Mega-Star” long before The Hunger Games movie was a phenomenon.

Winners will be revealed Monday, April 15th at 10/9C, during the 90-minute “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” telecast. The special will be taped in front of a live audience of today’s hottest emerging and seasoned artists at The Fonda Theater in Hollywood, CA on April 13th. Performers, presenters and special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

The “NewNowNext Awards” are Executive Produced by Christopher Willey and Brent Zacky for Logo. Michael Dempsey of Dempsey Productions serves as Executive Producer and Director.

For more information on the “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” and to vote for the nominees visit NewNowNext.com. For up-to-date “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” news and exclusives, like the Logo Facebook page or follow NewNowNext on Twitter at @LogoTV and #NNNAwards.

ABOUT LOGO

Logo celebrates one-of-a-kind personalities, unconventional stories and discovering what’s next—all through a mix of original and acquired entertainment that’s smart, provocative and loaded with attitude. Entertaining a social, savvy audience of gay trendsetters, Logo also attracts a straight audience that wants to be ahead of the curve. Launched in 2005, Logo is in over 51 million homes across the United States, and is complemented by a federation of online properties, including LogoTV.com, NewNowNext.com, AfterEllen.com, AfterElton.com, and DowneLink.com. Logo is part of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), which features a roster of popular and highly targeted brands that include MTV, Comedy Central, VH1 and Spike TV.

Host For NEWNOWNEXT Awards 2013 Announced

2013-03-28T19:27:00.000-07:00

AISHA TYLER TO HOST AND KE$HA TO PERFORM AT

“LOGO NEWNOWNEXT AWARDS 2013”

Indie Rock Duo Tegan and Sara Also Slated to Perform

“Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” Premieres Monday, April 15th at 10/9C on Logo

To Tweet This Release: http://www.logopressroom.com/?p=2938

Logo TV, announced today that actress and comedian Aisha Tyler will serve as host for this year’s “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” premiering Monday, April 15^th at 10/9C on Logo. Additionally, international powerhouse Ke$ha, whose brand-new MTV docu-series “Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life” is set to premiere on April 23 and whose North American tour is going on sale this Friday (3/29), is locked and loaded to perform. Indie rock sensations Tegan and Sara will also be performing and in the coming weeks more performers, presenters and special guests will be announced.

This year’s newly-anointed host, Aisha Tyler, commented, "The NNN Awards have broken huge names, from Gaga to Raja. The show is always edgy, outrageous, brave and brash — you never know what's going to happen next! I am a huge supporter of LGBT rights and I am thrilled and honored to have been invited to ringmaster what I know will be the fiercest and most sickening awards show ever!"

Now in its sixth year, Logo’s “NewNowNext Awards” have earned a reputation for breaking new ground in pop culture. The highly praised and always unpredictable telecast is one big party that grants the gay stamp of approval to pop culture icons and trendsetters as well as stars-on-the-rise and celebrates what’s hot in TV, music, film and fashion for 2013 and beyond. Lady Gaga gave her first televised performance at the show, Rooney Mara was a nominee well before an Oscar Nominee, the cast of Bridesmaids made their first televised appearance together at the 2011 show and last year, NewNowNext crowned Josh Hutcherson “Next Mega-Star” long before The Hunger Games movie was a phenomenon. "I'm so excited to perform at Logo's NewNowNext Awards," said Ke$ha. "The channel is obviously a huge supporter of equal and gay rights, which is so important to me, and I'm really stoked to party with them!"

Winners will be revealed Monday, April 15th at 10/9C, during the 90-minute “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” telecast. The special will be taped in front of a live audience of today’s hottest emerging and seasoned artists at The Fonda Theater in Hollywood, CA on April 13^th.

The “NewNowNext Awards” are Executive Produced by Christopher Willey and Brent Zacky for Logo. Michael Dempsey of Dempsey Productions serves as Executive Producer and Director.

For more information on the “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” and to vote for the nominees visit NewNowNext.com. For up-to-date “Logo NewNowNext Awards 2013” news and exclusives, like the NewNowNext Facebook page or follow NewNowNext on Twitter at @NewNowNext and #NNNAwards.

Voting is currently underway.

ABOUT LOGO

Logo celebrates one-of-a-kind personalities, unconventional stories and discovering what’s next—all through a mix of original and acquired entertainment that’s smart, provocative and loaded with attitude. Entertaining a social, savvy audience of gay trendsetters, Logo also attracts a straight audience that wants to be ahead of the curve. Launched in 2005, Logo is in over 51 million homes across the United States, and is complemented by a federation of online properties, including LogoTV.com, NewNowNext.com, AfterEllen.com, AfterElton.com, andDowneLink.com. Logo is part of Viacom Inc. (NASDAQ: VIA, VIAB), which features a roster of popular and highly targeted brands that include MTV, Comedy Central, VH1 and Spike TV.

ABOUT AISHA TYLER

Aisha Tyler is a co-host of CBS’ highly rated, The Talk, is the voice of sexy superspy Lana on FX’s hit animated series, Archer, and is creator and host of the podcast Girl on Guy, chosen by iTunes as a best new comedy podcast of 2011, with nearly 6 million downloads there. Aisha is also the new host of the beloved improv show “Whose Line Is It Anyways,” which returns to television on the CW in summer 2013. Aisha’s second book, a collection of comic essays called “Self Inflicted Wounds: Heartwarming Tales of Epic Humiliation” is due out in July 2013. She co-stars with Stuart Townsend in the action thriller series, XIII, for the REELZ channel. She is a former host of E! Entertainment’s iconic Talk Soup, has had extended character arcs on Friends, CSI, and 24, and co-starred on Ghost Whisperer in addition to appearing in many films. Aisha is a favorite guest on talk shows from the Tonight Show, Letterman and the Late, Late Show, to the Today Show, CBS This Morning and more. Aisha’s Comedy Central special “Aisha Tyler is Lit: Live at the Fillmore,” was a hit, as was her collection of comic essays: “Swerve: Reckless Observations of a Post-Modern Girl.”

ABOUT KE$HA:

Global superstar Ke$ha has taken the world by storm since the release of her debut album Animal in 2010. That year she was declared Billboard's Hot 100 Artist and her smash debut single "TiK ToK" was named Billboard's #1 Hot 100 Song, was the most played song of that year, and was the biggest-selling digital track in the world. Her debut album Animal has sold over 2.5 million units worldwide and Ke$ha has had 7 consecutive Top 10 hits including four #1 singles in "TiK ToK", "Your Love Is My Drug," "We R Who We R" and the latest, “Die Young.” Ke$ha recently released the track “C’Mon,” the second single from her critically acclaimed second album, Warrior.

Ke$ha has toured the world, playing over 200 live shows in support of Animal and its companion album Cannibal. She took home the MTV EMA for Best New Act in November 2010 and was nominated for 2 American Music Awards, 3 MTV VMA Awards and 6 Billboard Awards. She has performed on dozens of television programs all over the world including MTV Europe Music Awards, Much Music Awards (Canada), Echo Awards (Germany), X Factor (Australia), American Music Awards, Billboard Awards, American Idol, Saturday Night Live and The Today Show Summer Concert Series. She has over 22 million Facebook likes, over 3 million Twitter followers and over 330 million views on VEVO. She has sold over 27 million combined tracks and ringtones in the U.S alone and over 34.5 million worldwide to date. Ke$ha is an international powerhouse, Animal has been certified Gold, Platinum or multi-Platinum in 15 markets (including Platinum in the United States) and was the biggest selling debut album from an international female in 2010 in the UK.

In November 2012 Ke$ha released her first book through Touchstone Publishing. The full-color photo journal/scrapbook entitled My Crazy Beautiful Life, sheds light on Ke$ha’s hectic, non-stop life on tour and provides an exclusive look into the creative process of her latest album, Warrior. Also in late 2012 Ke$ha announced Kesha Rose by Charles Albert®, a new jewelry line that reflects the singer’s distinctive personality throughout the collection. Ke$ha was also recently named the first global ambassador for Humane Society International.

Ke$ha most recently announced that MTV will debut the highly anticipated docu-series “Ke$ha: My Crazy Beautiful Life,” on Tuesday, April 23 at 11pm ET/PT. The series will also be airing on MTV’s international channels beginning spring 2013. The series follows music superstar Ke$ha (Ke$ha.Artists.MTV) as she navigates the madness and euphoria of her professional and personal life while recording a new album and traveling the globe. Ke$ha and Pitbull will team up beginning May 23rd in Boston at the Comcast Center with dates confirmed through June 28th in Tampa, Florida at the Live Nation Amphitheatre at the Florida State Fairgrounds. Tickets go on sale beginning Friday, March 29th on LiveNation.com.

ABOUT TEGAN & SARA:

Tegan and Sara’s 13-year career has seen them build an avid global following of fans and fellow musicians alike. Their unique ability to bridge the pop and indie worlds has allowed their music to cross all traditional boundaries of genre, from being covered by The White Stripes to collaborating with superstar DJs such as Tiesto and David Guetta. Having sold nearly 1 million career albums and toured with acts from The Killers to Neil Young, Tegan and Sara are now positioned for the release of their 7th studio album – Heartthrob – as internationally-celebrated songwriters, performers, and artists.

Tegan Quin and Sara Quin were born in Calgary, Alberta, Canada in 1980 and began playing guitar and writing songs at age 15. Following the release of their first independent full-length album in 1999, Under Feet Like Ours, they caught the attention of Neil Young’s iconic manager, Elliot Roberts, who quickly signed them to his Los Angeles-based label, Vapor Records. Tegan and Sara’s first international release on Vapor, This Business Of Art, was followed by extensive worldwide touring, including opening slots with Neil Young himself and a first appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman.

In 2002, the band released If It Was You, a foundational moment in Tegan and Sara’s creative path and musical identity. Its fresh sonic template and critical success in the US set up their fourth studio album, So Jealous, which ultimately provided their global breakthrough. On the heels of 6 separate song placements on Grey’s Anatomy, a US radio hit in “Walking With A Ghost”, and a North American tour opening for The Killers, So Jealous cemented Tegan and Sara’s status as one of Canada’s pre-eminent songwriting forces and musical exports.

In 2007, the release of The Con brought even more critical and commercial acclaim to Tegan and Sara. The album was co-produced by Chris Walla, with members of Death Cab for Cutie, Weezer and AFI all appearing in supporting musician roles. Their sixth studio album, Sainthood, was released in 2009 and was accompanied by a self-published three-volume book set titled ON, IN, AT, which chronicled a year in the life of Tegan and Sara, in both words and pictures. Sainthood was ultimately nominated for a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy equivalent) and the Polaris Prize. One of the album’s singles, “Alligator,” was remixed by a wide cross-section of artists including Four Tet, Passion Pit, Ra Ra Riot, and VHS or Beta.

In 2011, Tegan and Sara released Get Along, a CD/DVD set that included a live record and a collection of 3 films giving a rare and intimate look into their lives and music. The first film, States, features American touring footage and interviews; the second film, India, chronicles their first ever tour of India; and the third film, For The Most Part, is a special stripped-down studio concert shot with a live audience of 75 fans, friends and family over two days in Vancouver, Canada. The live record features music recorded during these concerts.

Tegan and Sara have played countless festivals around the world including Coachella, Bonnaroo, Glastonbury, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and have toured with artists such as The Killers, The Black Keys, Jack Johnson, Neil Young, The Pretenders, Ben Folds, City and Colour, Death Cab For Cutie, Cyndi Lauper, Weezer and Paramore. Since 2003, they have headlined tours in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia, consistently selling out theatres around the world. Their music has been featured in major network television programs including 90210, Parenthood, Grey’s Anatomy, Veronica Mars, The Vampire Diaries, and One Tree Hill. They have performed multiple times on Letterman, Leno and Conan. They have collaborated with artists in all genres, from superstar DJs such as Tiesto and David Guetta, to seminal literary figures such as Augusten Burroughs. Their original 2004 breakthrough song, “Walking with a Ghost,” was eventually paid the high honour of being covered by The White Stripes.

Though their music is not overtly political, Tegan and Sara are very politically and socially engaged. They are outspoken advocates for LGBT equality, and have done countless fundraisers for youth organizations, music education, literacy, cancer research and LGBT advocacy. The sisters enjoy reading, hair, ships, vampires, hot dogs, talking and relating to elderly people, self-soothing, rearranging furniture, and giving excellent advice. Tegan lives in LA and Vancouver, Sara lives in NYC and Montreal.

Photos From The Carpet - Bates Motel Premiere Party

2013-03-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Bates Motel is a new drama series from A and E. It is a prequel of the Alfred Hitchcock film Psycho. It appears that it will show us how Norman Bates developed during his teenage years and what led him to become a deeply disturbed adult through his relationship with his mother.

A party was held to celebrate the premiere episode at SoHo House West Hollywood, a club run by ageists who charge double the price to new members who are over the age of 27 than those who are under 27 pay.

Cast members posing on the red carpet included:

Freddie Highmore portrays Norman Bates

Vera Farmiga portrays Norma Bates

Vera Farmiga

Renn Hawkey and his wife Vera Farmiga

Taissa Farmiga and her sister Vera Farmiga

Max Theriot portrays Dylan Massett Olivia Cooke portrays Emma

Ian Hart portrays Will Decody

JACK THE GIANT SLAYER - In Theaters March 1

2013-02-26T22:02:00.000-08:00


Nicholas Hoult and Eleanor Tomlinson

Jack The Giant Slayer is a modern day CGI laden take on "Jack and the Beanstalk" which is an English folktale. The tale is closely associated with the tale of "Jack the Giant Killer", and is known under a number of versions. Benjamin Tabart's moralized version of 1807 is the first appearance in print, but "Felix Summerly" (Henry Cole) popularized it in The Home Treasury (1842), and Joseph Jacobs rewrote it in English Fairy Tales (1890) Jacobs' version is most commonly reprinted today and is believed to more closely adhere to the oral versions than Tabart's, because it lacks the moralising of that version.

Jack (Nicholas Hoult), a naive young farmer, ends up with some magical beans- that soon sprout into a beanstalk that leads to a land populated by giants with a taste for human flesh. When his kingdom's princess, Isabelle (Eleanor Tomlinson) ends up in the kingdom of the giants, the amorous Jack volunteers to rescue her. Leading the King's Guard- headed by Elmont (Ewan McGregor) to the giants lair- they must not only contend with the hungry giants, but also the King's power mad adviser, Lord Roderick (Stanley Tucci), who wants to use the giants to usurp the throne for himself.

The good thing about this movie, based on a very dark subject, is that it is actually a very lighthearted and even family oriented movie. In spite of the fact that most everybody already knows how story plays out - Bryan Singer was able to adeptly bring the screenplay written by Darren Lemke, Christopher McQuarrie and Dan Studney to life in a way that allows the story to unfold without using many of the corny devices so many movies employ these days.

And then there are the Giants who appear to be all CGI. Unfortunately they are almost comical and really don't come across as very scary.Bill Nighy does manage to bring the character of General Fallon to life with some excellent voice work as does John Kassir General Fallon's Small Head

Whether or not you enjoy JACK THE GIANT SLAYER really depends on what you walk into the film expecting. This is not a gritty, heavy-duty adventure film. Rather, it's light and playful- right down to the adventurous score by John Ottman.

The Jack The Giant Slayer Hollywood premiere took place this evening at TCL Chinese Theatres - formerly known as Graumans Chinese - here are some photos from the red carpet:

Bryan Singer - Director

Darren Lemke- Screenplay

Dan Studney - Screenplay

John Ottman - Music By

Nicholas Hoult - Jack

Eleanor Tomlinson - Isabelle

John Kassir - General Fallon's Small Head

Mingus Johnston - Bald

Ewen Bremner - Wicke

Stanley Tucci - Roderick (with Felicity Blunt)

Bill Nighy - General Fallon


Stanley Tucci, Nicholas Hoult, Eleanor Tomlinson and Bill Nighy

Ben Affleck Wins DGA Feature Film Award for Argo

2013-02-02T23:32:00.000-08:00

The winners of the Directors Guild of America Outstanding Directorial Achievement Awards for 2012 were announced tonight during the 65th Annual DGA Awards Dinner at the Ray Dolby Ballroom at Hollywood & Highland in Los Angeles. Ben Affleck won the DGA’s Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for Argo.

Director/producer/actor Kelsey Grammer hosted the ceremony before an audience of more than 1,600 guests.

Presenters included (in alphabetical order): Frank Capra III; Cedric the Entertainer; Bryan Cranston;Peter Fonda; Kelsey Grammer; Dave Grohl; DGA President Taylor Hackford; Anne Hathaway; Michel Hazanavicius; Helen Hunt; Hugh Jackman; Famke Janssen; Norman Jewison; Suraj Sharma; Martin Short; DGA National Vice President Steven Soderbergh; Chris Spencer; George Stevens, Jr.; Eric Stonestreet; Quvenzhané Wallis; and Sam Waterston.

The winners of the 2012 DGA Awards for Outstanding Directorial Achievement are:

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN FEATURE FILM

BEN AFFLECK
Argo
(Warner Bros. Pictures)

Mr. Affleck’s Directorial Team:
·         Unit Production Manager: Amy Herman
·         First Assistant Director: David Webb
·         Second Assistant Director: Ian Calip
·         Second Second Assistant Directors: Clark Credle, Gavin Kleintop
·         First Assistant Director (Turkey Unit): Belkis Turan

This is Mr. Affleck’s first DGA Feature Film Award win.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMMERCIALS

ALEJANDRO G. IÑÁRRITU
Anonymous Content

Best Job, Proctor and Gamble – Wieden + Kennedy
·         First Assistant Director: Peter Kohn
·         Second Assistant Director: Michelle Schrauwers
·         Second Second Assistant Directors: Heather Anderson, Blake Perkinson

This is Mr. Iñárritu’s first DGA Award win and second nomination. He was previously nominated for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Feature Film for Babel in 2006.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DRAMATIC SERIES

RIAN JOHNSON
Breaking Bad, “Fifty-One”
(AMC)

Mr. Johnson’s Directorial Team:
·         Unit Production Manager: Stewart A. Lyons
·         Assistant Unit Production Manager: James Paul Hapsas
·         First Assistant Director: Ben Scissors
·         Second Assistant Director: Louis Lanni
·         Second Second Assistant Director: Anna Ramey
·         Additional Second Assistant Director: Joann Connolly

This is Mr. Johnson’s first DGA Award win.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN REALITY PROGRAMS

BRIAN SMITH
Master Chef, “Episode #305”
(FOX)

Mr. Smith’s Directorial Team:
·         Associate Director: Anna Moulaison-Moore
·         Stage Manager: Drew Lewandowski

This is Mr. Smith’s first DGA Award win and third nomination. He was previously nominated in this category in 2010 and 2011 for episodes “103” and “201” of Master Chef.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MOVIES FOR TELEVISION AND MINI-SERIES

JAY ROACH
Game Change
(HBO)

Mr. Roach’s Directorial Team:
·         Unit Production Manager: Mary Kane
·         First Assistant Director: Josh King
·         Second Assistant Director: Emily McGovern
·         Second Second Assistant Director: Brian F. Relyea

This is Mr. Roach’s second DGA Award win and second nomination. He previously won the DGA Award for Outstanding Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series for Recount in 2008.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN MUSICAL VARIETY

GLENN WEISS
66th Annual Tony Awards
(CBS)

Mr. Weiss’ Directorial Team:
·         Associate Directors: Ken Diego, Robin Abrams, Stefani Cohen, Ricky Kirshner
·         Stage Managers: Garry Hood, Phyllis Digilio-Kent, Peter Epstein, Andrew Feigin, Lynn Finkel, Doug Fogel, Jeffry Gitter, Dean Gordon, Arthur Lewis, Jeffrey M. Markowitz, Joey Meade, Tony Mirante, Cyndi Owgang, Jeff Pearl, Elise Reaves, Lauren Class Schneider

This is Mr. Weiss’ fourth DGA Award win and ninth nomination. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Musical Variety in 2007, 2010 and 2011 for the 61st, 64th and 65th Annual Tony Awards. He was previously nominated in this category in 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2008 for the 55th, 56th, 59th, 60th, and 62nd Annual Tony Awards.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DAYTIME SERIALS

JILL MITWELL
One Life To Live, “Between Heaven and Hell”
(ABC)

Ms. Mitwell’s Directorial Team:
·         Associate Directors: Tracy Casper Lang, Teresa Cicala, Michael Sweeney, Paul S. Glass
·         Stage Managers: Alan Needleman, Keith Greer, Tracy Casper Lang, Leah M. Weber
·         Production Associates: Nathalie Rodriguez, Kevin Brush

This is Ms. Mitwell’s fourth DGA Award and ninth nomination and all for her direction of One Life to Live. She won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Daytime Serials three times for One Life to Live, “Episode #9779” in 2006, “Episode #8295” in 2000 and “Episode #6356” in 1993. She was nominated five additional times for One Life to Live episodes “Starr X’d Lovers, The Musical, Part Three” in 2010, “Episode #8691” in 2002, “Episode #8012” in 1999, “Episode #7761” in 1998, and “Episode #7285” in 1996.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

PAUL HOEN
Let it Shine
(Disney Channel)

Mr. Hoen’s Directorial Team:
·         Unit Production Manager: Katie Willard Troebs
·         First Assistant Director: Daniel Coffie
·         Second Assistant Director: Todd Turner
·         Second Second Assistant Director: D. Scott Kirkley

This is Mr. Hoen’s second DGA Award win and sixth nomination. He won the DGA Award for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Children’s Program in 2007 for Jump In and was previously nominated in this category in 2000 for the Even Stevens episode “Take My Sister... Please,” in 2004 for Searching for David's Heart, in 2008 for Cheetah Girls: One World and in 2010 for Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN DOCUMENTARY

MALIK BENDJELLOUL

Searching For Sugar Man
Sony Pictures Classics
Passion Pictures Production
Canfield Pictures & The Documentary Company
Red Box Films

This is Mr. Bendjelloul’s first DGA Award win.

OUTSTANDING DIRECTORIAL ACHIEVEMENT IN COMEDY SERIES

LENA DUNHAM
Girls, “Pilot”
(HBO)

Ms. Dunham’s Directorial Team:
·         Unit Production Managers: Regina Heyman, Ilene S. Landress
·         First Assistant Director: Mark McGann
·         Second Assistant Director: Jason Ivey
·         Second Second Assistant Director: Marcos Gonzalez Palma

This is Ms. Dunham’s first DGA Award win.

SERVICE AND ACHIEVEMENT AWARD RECIPIENTS

Milos Forman – Lifetime Achievement Award
In recognition of distinguished achievement in Motion Picture Direction

Michael Apted – Robert B. Aldrich Award
In recognition of extraordinary service to the Directors Guild of America and to its membership.

Eric Shapiro – Lifetime Achievement Award in News Direction
In recognition of distinguished achievement in News Direction

Susan Zwerman – Frank Capra Achievement Award
Given to an Assistant Director or Unit Production Manager in recognition of career achievement in the industry and service to the Directors Guild of America.

Dency Nelson – Franklin J. Schaffner Achievement Award
Given to an Associate Director or Stage Manager in recognition of career achievement in the industry and service to the Directors Guild of America.

Globes Weekend Gets Sporty with Olympic and Hollywood Royalty at a Special Inaugural Celebration of Hollywood and the Sporting Industries.

2013-01-12T16:57:00.000-08:00

With this years award season well underway the parties are happening all over town.

The Gold Meets Golden pre Golden Globes event was held at The Lounge at the New Equinox Flagship today in West Los Angeles, Calif.

The concept for the event is unique and very interesting; to create an opportunity for some of Hollywood's finest to join some of our best Olympic athletes to celebrate and honor their achievements.

The Event was hosted by: Nicole Kidman, Keith Urban, Jon Bon Jovi, Stacy Keibler, Kerry Washington and Ryan Kavanaugh.

All photos are © Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban

Dorothea Hurley and Jon Bon Jovi

Stacy Keibler

Ryan Kavanaugh

Olympic Honorees included:

Gabby Douglas, Missy Franklin, Ryan Lochte, Usain Bolt, Shawn Johnson, Allyson Felix, Evan Lysacek, Alex Morgan, Apolo Anton Ohno, Rebecca Soni and Kobe Bryant.

Gabby Douglas

Missy Franklin and Kerri Walsh

Allyson Felix

Other guests included:

Judi Shekoni

Ally Raisman

Julie Benz

Charisma Carpenter

Nadine Velazquez

This event could not have taken place at a better location - In addition to a beautiful environment for a party, Equinox has created an unparalleled experience that engages members in fitness and wellbeing, delivering transformative results. Their clubs are uniquely designed to provide unprecedented service, innovative fitness programming and restorative wellness treatments all setting the stage for the ultimate in performance and rejuvenation. This was an overall great event and we look forward to next year.

All photos are © Michael Germana / Superstar Images

10th Annual Living Legends of Aviation Awards Takes Flight

2013-01-08T02:10:00.000-08:00

The 10th Annual “Living Legends of Aviation”® Awards, presented by Bell Helicopter and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, announce some of this year’s honorees. The awards will be held January 18, 2013, at the Beverly Hilton.

The 10th annual awards will be hosted by John Travolta, “The Official Ambassador of Aviation”®, and will celebrate a decade of recognition during aviation’s second hundred years.

The program starts with Morgan Freeman narrating the “Flown West” tribute to four Legends that took their last flight West in 2012 - Neil Armstrong, Carroll Shelby, George McGovern, and AL Ueltschi, followed by the inductions of new “Living Legends of Aviation.”

Harrison Ford will present the Harrison Ford Aviation Legacy Award to Greg Anderson, founder of the “Young Eagles” and CEO of Wings Over the Rockies.

James Albaugh will be inducted into the “Living Legends of Aviation” and will receive the Lifetime Aviation Industry Leader Award for his remarkable contributions and career at Boeing Aircraft Company. Inductees include Eren and Fatih Ozmen, the dynamic leaders of Sierra Nevada Corporation, who have taken their company from 20 to 2100 employees. Additionally, the Ozmen’s will present this year’s Aviation Industry Entrepreneur of the Year Award to John Uzcekaj, CEO of Aspen Avionics.

David Neeleman will be honored with the Lifetime Aviation Entrepreneur Award. A true entrepreneur, Mr. Neeleman, founded Jet Blue Airlines in 1998, and Azul Airlines in 2008, revolutionizing travel for millions of people in both North and South America.

Actor, producer and aerobatic pilot David Ellison will be presented with the 2013 “Aviation Inspiration and Patriotism Award.”

Meet Legend Sully Sullenberger and the new inductees, including the legendary test pilot Randy Gaston. Bob Hoover will present his Freedom of Flight Award to the first and the last man to walk on the moon. Accepting are Carol Armstrong and Gene Cernan. Join over 50 “Living Legends of Aviation” including many celebrity Legends, and be part of the most important and prestigious recognition event in aviation.

Patagonia Sur is planting 3,400 trees for the 2013 SAG Awards

2013-01-07T10:38:00.000-08:00

Screen Actors Guild Awards® and Patagonia Sur

to Plant Forest in Chilean Patagonia as Part of Expanded Partnership to Fight Climate Change

The Screen Actors Guild Awards is expanding efforts to further reduce its carbon footprint thanks to a unique reforestation partnership with Chile’s Patagonia Sur (patagoniasur.com), a for-profit conservation company founded by American entrepreneur Warren Adams that is a leader in private land conservation, reforestation and carbon offsetting in South America.

Though Hollywood and Chilean Patagonia are thousands of miles apart, these two unique regions are being linked in an exclusive effort to battle climate change. In 2012, on behalf of the SAG Awards, Patagonia Sur planted a grove of 45 native-species trees on degraded lands in Patagonia, Chile, to help remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, thereby helping to fight the threat posed by climate change.

For the 2013 SAG Awards, Patagonia Sur is planting 3,400 trees — two for each of the 1,700 guests at the Post SAG Awards Gala hosted by People magazine and the Entertainment Industry Foundation. In their gala gift bags, guests will find a code enabling them to log on patagoniasuroffsets.com/SagAwardsForest/ where they will be able to affix their names to the trees being planted in their honor within a part of Chilean Patagonia, now called the SAG Awards Forest. Viewers inspired by these efforts can also evaluate their personal carbon footprint by going to the same website.

This year's expanded partnership with Patagonia Sur continues the SAG Awards’ commitment to green practices. In October 2012, for the fourth consecutive year, the SAG Awards was honored with the Environmental Media Association’s Green Seal, recognizing the production’s outstanding efforts to implement sustainable initiatives and promote environmental awareness, while creating a nearly zero waste event.

What's in a tree? Actually quite a lot when it comes to reducing greenhouse gases. Trees capture, or sequester, carbon from the atmosphere in the process known as photosynthesis.

In 2010, Patagonia Sur launched a reforestation project at its 8,000-acre Valle California property in the Palena region of southern Chile, with the aim of enhancing biodiversity and selling carbon offsets. The company is planting a mix of native beech trees on degraded lands that were previously cleared for pastureland by early settlers. A single tree planted in Valle California will sequester nearly half a ton of carbon over an 80-year period.

Patagonia Sur's Valle California project, which planted one million trees in 2012, is the first in Chile to use native species to generate carbon offsets, and has been officially accredited by the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) by meeting three key criteria: measurability, permanence and independent verification. That means SAG Awards attendees will offset 1,700 tons of carbon, negating their carbon footprint.

Patagonia Sur is a for-profit conservation venture that invests in, protects, and enhances scenically remarkable and ecologically valuable properties in Chilean Patagonia. A leader in eco-tourism experiences, Patagonia Sur has developed sustainable lodging on two of its properties, Valle California and Melimoyu, (patagoniasurreserves.com), where guests may enjoy all the amazing outdoor activities scenic Chilean Patagonia has to offer.

The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards will be simulcast live on TNT and TBS Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Nominations were announced Wednesday, Dec. 12, 2012.

The 19th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards® presented by SAG-AFTRA will be produced by Jeff Margolis Productions in association with Screen Actors Guild Awards®, LLC. For more information about the SAG Awards, SAG-AFTRA, TNT and TBS, visit sagawards.org/about, “like” them at facebook.com/sagawardsofficialpage, follow them at twitter.com/sagawards, follow the SAG Awards on Google+ at google.com/+SAGawards, on Instagram by following @sagawards, and on Tumblr at sagawards.tumblr.com.

2013 Writers Guild Awards Nominations Announced

2013-01-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

The Writers Guild of America, West (WGAW) and the Writers Guild of America, East (WGAE) have announced nominations for outstanding achievement in writing for the screen during 2012. Winners will be honored at the 2013 Writers Guild Awards on Sunday, February 17, 2013, during simultaneous ceremonies in Los Angeles and New York.

ORIGINAL SCREENPLAY

Flight, Written by John Gatins; Paramount Pictures

Looper, Written by Rian Johnson; TriStar Pictures

The Master, Written by Paul Thomas Anderson; The Weinstein Company

Moonrise Kingdom, Written by Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola; Focus Features

Zero Dark Thirty, Written by Mark Boal; Columbia Pictures

ADAPTED SCREENPLAY

Argo, Screenplay by Chris Terrio; Based on a selection from The Master of Disguise by Antonio J. Mendez and the Wired Magazine article “The Great Escape” by Joshuah Bearman; Warner Bros. Pictures

Life of Pi, Screenplay by David Magee; Based on the novel by Yann Martel; 20th Century Fox

Lincoln, Screenplay by Tony Kushner; Based in part on the book Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln by Doris Kearns Goodwin; DreamWorks Pictures

The Perks of Being a Wallflower, Screenplay by Stephen Chbosky; Based on his book; Summit Entertainment

Silver Linings Playbook, Screenplay by David O. Russell; Based on the novel by Matthew Quick; The Weinstein Company

DOCUMENTARY SCREENPLAY

The Central Park Five, Written by Sarah Burns and David McMahon and Ken Burns; Sundance Selects

The Invisible War, Written by Kirby Dick; Cinedigm Entertainment Group

Mea Maxima Culpa: Silence in the House of God, Written by Alex Gibney; HBO Documentary Films

Searching for Sugar Man, Written by Malik Bendejelloul; Sony Pictures Classics

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hacktivists, Written by Brian Knappenberger; Cinetic Media

West of Memphis, Written by Amy Berg & Billy McMillin; Sony Pictures Classics

Feature films eligible for a Writers Guild Award were exhibited theatrically for at least one week in Los Angeles during 2012 and were written under the WGA’s Minimum Basic Agreement (MBA) or under a bona fide collective bargaining agreement of the Writers Guild of Canada, Writers Guild of Great Britain, Irish Playwrights & Screenwriters Guild, or the New Zealand Writers Guild. Theatrical screenplays produced under the jurisdiction of the WGA or an affiliate Guild must have been submitted for WGA awards consideration.

Documentaries eligible for a Writers Guild Award featured an onscreen writing credit and were exhibited theatrically in Los Angeles or New York for one week during 2012. While credited documentary writers were required to join the WGAW’s Nonfiction Writers Caucus or the WGAE’s Nonfiction Writers Caucus to be considered, scripts need not have been written under WGA jurisdiction to be eligible for awards consideration.

The Writers Guild Awards honor outstanding writing in film, television, new media, videogames, news, radio and promotional writing, and graphic animation. The awards will be presented jointly in all competitive categories during simultaneous ceremonies on Sunday, February 17, 2013, in New York at the B.B. King Blues Club and in Los Angeles at the JW Marriott L.A. LIVE. For more information, please visit www.wga.org or www.wgaeast.org.

Bruce Springsteen Named 2013 MusiCares Person Of The Year

2013-01-03T16:34:00.000-08:00

2013 MUSICARES® PERSON OF THE YEAR Tribute in Honor of Bruce Springsteen To Feature Alabama Shakes, Jackson Browne, Kenny Chesney, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Faith Hill, Jim James, Elton John, Juanes, John Legend, Natalie Maines and many more.

Performances by Alabama Shakes, Jackson Browne, Kenny Chesney, Ben Harper, Emmylou Harris, Faith Hill, Jim James, Elton John, Juanes, John Legend, Natalie Maines, Tim McGraw, Tom Morello, Mumford & Sons, Patti Smith, Mavis Staples, Sting, Eddie Vedder, and Neil Young.
Jon Stewart will be the evening's host. Attendees will include Neil Portnow, President/CEO of MusiCares® and The Recording Academy®; Scott Pascucci, MusiCares Foundation Board
Chair; and Paul Caine, MusiCares Board Chair Emeritus. In addition, a host of celebrities, along with prominent music industry and entertainment executives, are scheduled to attend. Rob Mathes will be the evening's musical director. Past MusiCares Person of the Year honorees include, Tony Bennett, Bono, Natalie Cole, Phil Collins, David Crosby, Neil Diamond, Gloria Estefan, Aretha Franklin, Don Henley, Billy Joel, Elton John, Quincy Jones, Paul McCartney, Luciano Pavarotti, Bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon, Sting, Barbra Streisand, James Taylor, Brian Wilson, Stevie Wonder, and Neil Young.
Bruce Springsteen will be honored as the 2013 MusiCares Person of the Year at a special event celebrating his exceptional artistic achievements as well as his philanthropic work. Proceeds from the annual Person of the Year tribute - now in its 23rd year - provide essential support for MusiCares, which ensures that music people have a place to turn in times of financial, medical, and personal need.

Melissa Rycroft, NOKIA Lumia LA Event

2012-12-20T18:15:00.000-08:00

Melissa Rycroft (DWTS Winner) greeted fans and showed off the the NOKIA Lumia 920 at her event on Thursday (12/20) at the Northridge Fashion Center in Los Angeles.

The "Dancing with the Stars: All-Stars" winner and former "Bachelor" contestant said she will be at home in Dallas with her husband, Tye Strickland, and their 22-month-old daughter, Ava.

"We have our entire family -- my family, Tye's family -- all together. It's going to be fun to be able to see everybody," she told CBSNews.com.

Rycroft said she'll be "putting all emails on hold," "hanging up the phone" and will be deciding what holiday traditions she and Strickland want to begin, now that their daughter is getting older.

"This will be the first year that Ava is really going to be able to enjoy Christmas. She's old enough to get it. So Tye and I are discussing now what traditions we want to start with her," she added.

As she prepares for the holiday, Rycroft has shared some new personal photos with fans. She snapped the images for the photo diary with the Nokia Lumia 920 phone, which she is promoting and calls a "great last-minute gift" for the holidays (she also said it will be her gift for Strickland this year).

She used the phone's camera to take photos of
Ava opening an early Christmas present

a family dinner

and other snapshots from "the chaos and the calmness" in her life.

Holiday Ice Skating Party at the Toyota Sports Center

2012-12-20T10:50:00.000-08:00

PADRES CONTRA EL CÁNCER® PROVIDES HOPE TO CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND THEIR FAMILIES THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

PADRES CELEBRITY AMBASSADORS & SUPPORTERS JOIN FAMILIES AT PADRES’ HOLIDAY ICE SKATING PARTY

On December 22nd PADRES CONTRA EL CÁNCER (PADRES) will host over 300 children with cancer and their families at their Holiday Ice Skating Party at the Toyota Sports Center.

Celebrity Ambassadors and Supporters scheduled to appear include: BETO CUEVAS (musician); ENRIQUE GUTIERREZ (sports anchor); ANDY VARGAS (musician); KEVEN RAMIREZ (radio host) and ENRIQUE CASTILLO (actor).

The Holiday Ice Skating Party will provide the children with an opportunity to enjoy the holidays with their family in a fun-filled and safe environment. Families will enjoy a day filled with ice skating, arts & crafts, music, family holiday photos and a visit and toys from Santa. PADRES’ Ice Skating Party offers families a moment to get away from the stress, celebrate the holidays and commemorate PADRES’ message of HOPE.

PADRES Contra El Cáncer’s Holiday Ice Skating Party Sponsors include:
Verizon, Toyota Sports Center, LA Kings, Kaiser Permanente and AEG

ABOUT PADRES:
PADRES Contra El Cáncer (PADRES) is an organization committed to improving the quality of life for Latino children with cancer and their families. PADRES programs, activities and services, while primarily oriented to the Latino community, serve childhood cancer patients from ALL races and ethnic origins. No family is turned away. Celebrating 27 of years of service, PADRES brings together children, families, healthcare professionals and community leaders to promote a comprehensive understanding of childhood cancer and other blood disorders as well as effective methods for treatment. Please join our National Spokesperson Eva Longoria in the fight against childhood cancer.

To learn more about PADRES, visit www.IAmHOPE.org.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/IAmHOPE.org
Twitter: @IAmHOPE

Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013

2012-12-18T16:38:00.000-08:00

PREEMINENT EVENT TO FEATURE 2013 GRAMMY SALUTE TO INDUSTRY ICONS® HONORING EPIC RECORDS' CHAIRMAN AND CEO ANTONIO "L.A." REID

Clive Davis and The Recording Academy® will present the annual Pre-GRAMMY® Gala on Saturday, Feb. 9, 2013, at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, Calif., the evening before the 55th Annual GRAMMY Awards® (www.grammy.com). Sponsored by Harman, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Hyundai, and MasterCard Worldwide, this exclusive, star-studded celebration will feature special musical performances and will be attended by the world's most renowned artists and top industry VIPs in music, film, television and new media. For updates and breaking news, please visit The Recording Academy's social networks on Twitter and Facebook: www.twitter.com/thegrammys, www.facebook.com/thegrammys.

As part of the evening's celebration, the 2013 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons® will honor Epic Records' Chairman and CEO Antonio "L.A." Reid. The Recording Academy will present Reid with the President's Merit Award in recognition of his significant contributions to the music industry and the impact his efforts have had on music and the business of music. Past recipients include Herb Alpert and Jerry Moss, Sir Richard Branson, Clive Davis, Ahmet Ertegun, David Geffen, Berry Gordy, Doug Morris, and Mo Ostin.

"We are thrilled to once again collaborate with Clive Davis on this legendary gala filled with unique performances and stories," said Neil Portnow, President/CEO of The Recording Academy. "With his keen ability to foster and guide young artists, Antonio 'L.A.' Reid has brought to the world some of the most accomplished and beloved musicians. We are delighted and excited to pay tribute to this luminary who has shaped the contemporary music landscape with his passion, diversity, dedication, and musical judgement."

Before becoming the consummate executive, Reid was a recording artist, drummer, songwriter, and producer. In 1989 he co-founded LaFace Records with Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, in partnership with Clive Davis and Arista Records and introduced a string of multi-platinum artists, including Toni Braxton, OutKast, TLC, and Usher. The label, which reshaped R&B and hip-hop, became one of the premier record companies of its time
In 2000 Reid was named president and CEO of Arista Records and brought successes to the label by signing such multi-platinum artists as P!nk, Ciara and Avril Lavigne. Additionally, during his tenure at Arista he oversaw OutKast's GRAMMY-winning album Speakerboxxx/The Love Below and executive produced Usher's Confessions, which went on to win a GRAMMY and sell more than 10 million copies in the United States.

As chairman of Island Def Jam Music Group, reins he took in 2004, Reid supervised the revitalization of Mariah Carey's career with The Emancipation Of Mimi; helped Kanye West achieve multi-platinum status and worldwide recognition with Late Registration and its follow-up Graduation; nurtured Bon Jovi's platinum selling album Have A Nice Day and their platinum follow-up Lost Highway; managed the Killers' 2004 triple-platinum debut Hot Fuss and Fall Out Boy's 2005 major label debut album, From Under The Cork Tree; and he signed and oversaw Justin Bieber's multi-platinum, GRAMMY-nominated My World and Never Say Neverand Rihanna's succession of worldwide multi-platinum best-sellers Music Of the Sun, A Girl Like Me, Good Girl Gone Bad, and Loud.

Throughout his illustrious career, Reid has produced and co-written more than 30 No. 1 singles and garnered three GRAMMY Awards. In 1999 he was accepted into Harvard Business School's prestigious Advanced Management Program and received intensive MBA training. And in 2006, Reid was honored with the Music Visionary of the Year Award from the UJA-Federation of New York and the Music for Youth Foundation for making quality music education available to underprivileged young people. As chairman and CEO of Epic Records and a judge on "The X Factor," Reid continues to develop and guide young artists and inspire music fans around the world.

Clive Davis began his career at Columbia Records where he was appointed president in 1967 and signed such legendary rock artists as Janis Joplin, Santana, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Earth Wind & Fire. In 1974, Davis went on to co-found Arista Records where he signed Barry Manilow, Patti Smith and Whitney Houston and developed the careers of The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Dionne Warwick and Aretha Franklin. His business ventures include forming LaFace Records in 1989 with Babyface and L.A. Reid, and creating Bad Boy Records in 1994 with Sean "Diddy" Combs. In 2000, J Records was born (in partnership with BMG) and emerged as a dominant force, producing the works of Alicia Keys and Maroon 5. Davis was then appointed Chairman/CEO of BMG U.S. Label Group in which he oversaw an expanded RCA Music Group including J Records, RCA Records, and Arista Records. After BMG and Sony Music merged, in 2008 Davis was appointed Chief Creative Officer, Sony Music Worldwide, where he continues to nurture and develop talent. In 2000, Davis received the Trustees Award from The Recording Academy and was recognized as the 2009 GRAMMY Salute To Industry Icons®. As a humanitarian, Davis has made tireless efforts in the battle against AIDS, spearheading donations of millions of dollars for AIDS research. In 2002, the Clive Davis Department of Recorded Music was created at his undergraduate alma-matter, New York University. He is a graduate of Harvard Law School.

Established in 1957, The Recording Academy is an organization of musicians, producers, engineers and recording professionals that is dedicated to improving the cultural condition and quality of life for music and its makers. Internationally known for the GRAMMY Awards — the preeminent peer-recognized award for musical excellence and the most credible brand in music — The Recording Academy is responsible for groundbreaking professional development, cultural enrichment, advocacy, education and human services programs. The Academy continues to focus on its mission of recognizing musical excellence, advocating for the well-being of music makers and ensuring music remains an indelible part of our culture. For more information about The Academy, please visit www.grammy.com. For breaking news and exclusive content, follow @TheGRAMMYs on Twitter, like "The GRAMMYs" on Facebook, and join The GRAMMYs' social communities on Foursquare, GetGlue, Instagram, Pinterest, Tumblr, and YouTube

The 24th annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off competition Tickets on Sale

2012-12-18T13:38:00.000-08:00

GUITAR CENTER’S DRUM-OFF FINALS TO FEATURE LIVE PERFORMANCES BY STEVE GADD, JOHN BLACKWELL, KEITH CARLOCK, GERALD HEYWARD, DARREN KING, & MORE IN LOS ANGELES JAN.19th

Top Undiscovered Drummers In The Country Compete In The World’s Premier Drum Competition, Plus An Evening Packed With Performances By The Drumming Elite

The Legendary Steve Gadd will be honored at the Drum-Off Grand Finals with an induction to Guitar Center’s RockWalk

WHAT:              Now in it’s 24th year, Guitar Center’s nationwide search for the next great undiscovered drummer has chosen the 2012 grand finalists. Starting in August, drummers from across the nation signed up to compete in the world’s largest drum competition, vying for thousands of dollars in cash and prizing as well as the coveted title of Guitar Center’s Drum-Off Champion. After multiple qualifying rounds, five drummers will now go on to fight for the title and the grand prize package valued at nearly $50,000.

The annual competition was created to support talented drummers, providing them an outlet to be heard, giving them the gear and exposure they need to be a successful professional drummer. Past Guitar Center Drum-Off winners have gone on to have successful professional careers in music including Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyonce), Tony Royster Jr, (Jay Z), Eric Moore II (Suicidal Tendencies), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). For more information please visit: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/drum-off-2011/

WHO:               The 24th annual Guitar Center’s Drum-Off competition will host five of the nation’s greatest undiscovered drummers at the competition’s Grand Finals event. In addition to the competitors, the night will feature live performances by drumming greats including the legendary Steve Gadd with Pedro Martinez, John Blackwell, Gerald Heyward, and many more. Additional guest performers as well as the panel of celebrity judges soon to be announced.

Finalists:
Aric Improta (Hometown – Fullterton, CA)

Robert “Diamond” Johnson (Hometown – Gardner, KS)

Alphonso Lovelace (Hometown – Houston, TX)

Devon Taylor (Hometown – Fayetteville, GA)

Juan Mendoza (Hometown –Perth Amboy, NJ)

Guest Performers:

·         Steve Gadd – A seasoned session and studio player, the legendary Steve Gadd is regarded as one of the most influential drummers of all time. Most well known for playing with Paul Simon, Gadd has also played with such greats as Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, George Benson, James Taylor, Kate Bush, Paul McCartney and more. Gadd will be honored at the Drum-Off Grand Finals with a special induction to Guitar Center’s RockWalk.

·         Pedrito Martinez – The New York-based world class Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez is a mainstay in the Cuban Rumba style and a former member of Afro-Beat band Yerba Buena. Martinez has been featured on more than 100 records, six of which have received Grammy nominations.

·         John Blackwell - A world-class groove master/drummer most well-known for playing with Prince, John Blackwell has also drummed for Justin Timberlake, Patti LaBelle, P Diddy, Cameo and more.

·         Zigaboo Modeliste - Zigaboo is a legendary New-Orleans drummer for the influential and iconic funk group The Meters.

·         Keith Carlock – Carlock has recorded and toured with such musical luminaries as Sting, Steely Dan, James Taylor, Diana Ross, Faith Hill, among others.

·         Darren King – As the official drummer for the electro-alt rock band Mute Math, Darren King was nominated for a Grammy in 2007.

WHEN:              January 19, 2013
                        Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
                        Showtime at 7:30 p.m.
WHERE:            Club Nokia at L.A. Live

800 W Olympic Blvd # 335

Los Angeles, CA 90015

TICKET

INFO:               Tickets are available now for $15 including taxes and fees and can be purchased at http://www.ticketmaster.com/Guitar-Centers-Drumoff-Grand-Finals-tickets/artist/1810218

ADDITIONAL

INFO:               The annual Drum-Off competition was created to support talented drummers, providing them an outlet to be heard, giving them the gear and exposure they need to be a successful professional drummer. Past Guitar Center Drum-Off winners have gone on to have successful professional careers in music including Cora Coleman-Dunham (Prince, Beyonce), Tony Royster Jr, (Jay Z), Eric Moore II (Suicidal Tendencies), Thomas Pridgen (The Mars Volta). The Drum-Off is one example of Guitar Center’s commitment to fostering growth and success within the music community. Guitar Center’s commitment to unsigned artists runs deep with a full calendar year of programs that aim to provide musicians with the opportunity and exposure they need to be successful. For more information please visit: http://gc.guitarcenter.com/drum-off-2011/

Guitar Center's RockWalk is dedicated to honoring those artists who have made a significant impact and lasting contribution to the growth and evolution of Rock 'n' Roll, Blues and R&B. Guitar Center's RockWalk became a reality on November 13, 1985 with inaugural inductions including Stevie Wonder, Eddie Van Halen, Creator of the Gibson Les Paul guitar Ted McCarty, Martin Guitar founder C.F. Martin III, Marshall Amplifier creator Jim Marshall. At last, the Rock 'n Roll world could claim for itself an institution every bit as compelling as Mann's Chinese Theatre, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Located at Guitar Center’s Hollywood location on Sunset Boulevard, all Guitar Center RockWalk inductees are chosen solely by past honorees. In this way, inductees are chosen by real "music authorities," those who would best be able to gauge his or her contribution to music history.

As the latest inductee, Steve Gadd’s handprints will reside in the RockWalk alongside other accomplished musicians and innovators such as, Eric Clapton, George Martin, Jimmy Page, Iron Maiden, Carlos Santana, Johnny Cash, Van Halen, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Marvin Gaye, James Brown, B.B. King, Stevie Wonder, Run-D.M.C. and Queen, among numerous others.

SPONSORS:      Guitar Center Drum-Off is presented by: DW, Pro-Mark, Orange County Drum & Percussion, LP, Meinl, Roland, Gretsch, Pearl, Modern Drummer, Shure, Vic Firth, Zildjian, DW, Sabian, Remo, Tama, Evans

Brooke White to perform live on Good Day L.A. 12/18/2012

2012-12-17T11:24:00.000-08:00

BROOKE WHITE TO PERFORM LIVE ON “GOOD DAY LA”MORNING SHOW

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 AT 9 AM PT

FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY ALBUM ‘WHITE CHRISTMAS’ GARNERS

OVERWHELMINGLY POSITIVE REVIEWS

Tune in to watch singer-songwriter-musician-actress BROOKE WHITE perform live on “GOOD DAY LA” morning show on Tuesday, December 18 during the 9:00 AM PT hour. BROOKE will perform “California Christmas” from her first-ever holiday album WHITE CHRISTMAS (out now via June Baby), available on iTunes, Amazon, Google, and all online retailers. For more information and to preview the album, click: http://smarturl.it/whitechristmas.

WHITE CHRISTMAS is BROOKE’s first full-length album since the release of her acclaimed debut album High Hopes & Heartbreak (June Baby, 2009). BROOKE teamed with Chris Seefried who produced WHITE CHRISTMAS, (Fitz and The Tantrums, Haley Reinhardt). The holiday collection is garnering overwhelmingly positive reviews for its modern take on both Christmas favorites and three original songs written by BROOKE which include “California Christmas,” “Christmas Card” and “I Love Christmas.” Check out a sample of what critics are saying so far about WHITE CHRISTMAS:

“White’s crystalline voice has a crisp quaver, and her delivery a reverent intent, ideal for songs of the season.”

--Jim Farber, NEW YORK DAILY NEWS (12/9/12)

“…she exhibits a real flair for injecting new ideas into ultra-familiar music, and adds three tunes of her own to further stir the pot. A nice surprise for ‘Idol’ and non-‘Idol’ obsessives.”

--Randy Lewis, LOS ANGELES TIMES (11/23/12)

“It's a [Brooke] White Christmas with this hip holiday album from one of the hippest contestants to ever grace the ‘Idol’ stage. The Season 7 songstress puts her own spin on some traditional fare, including a couple of the aforementioned staple songs covered by Kris Allen, along with wonderful covers of Wham!'s ‘Last Christmas’ and Paul McCartney's ‘Wonderful Christmastime’ and originals like ‘I Love Christmas (The Girls With Glasses)’ and ‘California Christmas.’ An instant indie classic!”

-- Lyndsey Parker, YAHOO! MUSIC (12/11/12)

“…a folky, homey, near-country approach to the bunch…”

--Rod Lott, OKLAHOMA GAZETTE (12/5/12)

“By adorning most of these songs (three originals and a mix of Christmas favorites) with piano or acoustic guitar, her pretty voice and light backing vocals, White provides a nice change from the heavy production of many holiday albums.”

--Alan Sculley, SPARTANBURG HERALD-JOURNAL (12/5/12)

“Producer Chris Seefried adds tasteful, mostly understated arrangements to support White's appealing singing voice. His use of supporting vocal harmonies, mostly sung by White herself, works particularly well, giving the album a light, airy feel. You can hear it in the way they buoy White's gorgeous version of ‘Christmas Time Is Here,’ the Vince Guaraldi/Lee Mendelson song from ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas,’ and add shimmer to the traditional carol ‘O Come All Ye Faithful.’ White also displays astuteness in song selection, balancing hymns with sprightly versions of more recent secular tunes such as George Michael's ‘Last Christmas’ and, miraculously, a nearly treacle-free rendition of Paul McCartney's ‘Wonderful Christmastime.’ She also includes three new songs from her own pen, and all three are excellent. ‘Christmas Card’ wraps hopes of reconciliation and renewal into the simple act of writing a Christmas card; the bright ‘I Love Christmas’ sounds like a long-lost seasonal standard; and ‘California Christmas,’ the best tune of the three, aptly captures the uniqueness of our snowless yuletides through a sparkling musical track and perceptive lyrics. White's voice has a clarity and purity unsullied by showy affectations of any sort. She concentrates on just flat-out singing these songs, be they secular or religious, and the resulting album belongs in everyone's collection of Christmas music.”

--Sam Gnerre, LONG BEACH PRESS TELEGRAM (12/4/12)

After finishing in the Top 5 on “American Idol’s seventh season BROOKE teamed with Randy Jackson, who executive-produced her acclaimed album High Hopes & Heartbreak (June Baby, 2009). Miami Herald praised for its “…infectious melody and reliance on timeless instrumentation--as opposed to trendy hardware…” (Howard Cohen, 6/18/09). Elsewhere, the Boston Herald hailed the album as “…a delightful throwback to ‘70s singer/songwriter fare” (7/17/09). After nationwide tours and TV/radio appearances for “American Idol” and High Hopes & Heartbreak, BROOKE briefly took some time off from music, to film her first movie Change of Plans, which aired last year on FOX. In addition to acting in the film, BROOKE managed to write, record and perform three original songs in the movie and on the CD soundtrack. Shortly after the film’s debut, BROOKE gave birth to her first child, daughter London Ray in May.

Following is the complete tracklisting for BROOKE WHITE’s WHITE CHRISTMAS:

1.         Christmas Time Is Here
2.         Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas
3.         Come All Ye Faithful
4.         Last Christmas
5.         Christmas Card*
6.         Silent Night
7.         Wonderful Christmastime
8.         I Love Christmas*
9.         Blue Christmas
10.       California Christmas*
11.       What Child Is This?
12.       Away In The Manger (iTunes Bonus Track)

www.brookewhite.com
www.facebook.com/brookewhite
twitter.com/brookewhite

Glenn Close was honored with the AGA Leadership Award

2012-12-07T23:30:00.000-08:00

The 2nd Annual American Giving Awards were held earlier tonight at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in Pasadena, CA. The carpet was full celebrities and other amazing people not always thought of as celebrities,but some amazing people none the less.

Six-time Oscar nominated, Emmy, Golden Globe and Tony Award winning actress Glenn Close was honored with the AGA Leadership Award for her philanthropic endeavors.

Joining Glenn was her sister Jessie Close who is a writer, and has lived with bipolar illness for most of her life, but wasn’t properly diagnosed until a stay at McLean Hospital in 2004. She had been diagnosed with bipolar 1 but still struggled to live. At McLean, the doctors addressed the psychotic element of her illness and began an anti-psychotic medication. Today, even though she and her doctors still occasionally adjust her medications, Jessie is successfully managing her illness. She posts articles at http://www.bringchange2mind.org/blog/author/jessie-close


©Michael Germana / Superstar Images

Also attending with Glenn was her
daughter Annie Starke ( Her father is John Starke).

The event was hosted by Joel McHale.

The presenters included:

Anthony Anderson (Guys with Kids)

Olivia Culpo (Miss USA 2012

Jenna Elfman (1600 Penn)

Jamie-Lynn Sigler
(Guys with Kids)

The night included performances by:

Colbie Caillat

Lifehouse with

Natasha Bedingfield

and Darius Rucker

The JHRTS 10th Annual Holiday Party

2012-12-07T17:12:00.000-08:00

The Junior Hollywood Radio & Television Society (JHRTS), comprised of junior executives and coordinators from all areas of the entertainment industry, will host its 10th Annual Holiday Party to celebrate the hard work and commitment from its members throughout the year. JHRTS strives to unify young executives of television, film and radio by creating educational opportunities – from lectures with leaders of the industry to networking events and philanthropy. This annual holiday event is one of the many year-round activities that help foster the development of the next generation of industry leaders.

In keeping with JHRTS’ philanthropic initiatives and tradition, guests are invited to bring canned and non-perishable food donations at the door to support the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank. For every two items of food donated, attendees will get one raffle ticket and be entered to win a prize of a 2-night stay at the Encore Hotel in Las Vegas. Additionally, a portion of the monetary proceeds will benefit Adopt A Classroom, which increases opportunity for student success by empowering teachers with community partners and funds to purchase resources for the classroom.
Guests can enjoy complimentary drinks (2 hours), DJ, and food thanks to PopChips and Georgetown Cupcakes, plus additional entertainment to be announced.

Tickets prices are $25.00 for current JHRTS members, $45.00 for non-members, and a package deal of $65.00 for non-members, which includes a 1-year membership for JHRTS. For additional details, please see the official JHRTS holiday party website www.jhrtsholidayparty.com; and for tickets: jhrtsholidayparty2012.eventbrite.com.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, for additional details and levels of participation, please visit www.jhrtsholidayparty.com.

JHRTS is the junior membership of the Hollywood Radio & Television Society (HRTS). Launched in 2000, JHRTS is the premier networking and information forum for assistants and coordinators from all areas in the entertainment industry, especially assistants from television studios, networks, agencies, production companies and other related fields. JHRTS’ year round activities include panels and roundtable discussions with entertainment industry leaders, networking events and various other social and charitable activities to help foster the development of the next generation of industry leaders.
For more info go to www.jhrts.com

The great contribution the Hollywood Radio and Television Society (HRTS) has made to its members, the entertainment industry and the community at large is well recognized. The creation of a junior membership division continues this tradition of community-building, and allows HRTS to do what no other organization ever has; to nurture those young professionals working in the industry who are not yet executives, the future of HRTS and the television, radio, new media and advertising industries.

The Impossible Limited U.S. Release, December 12th

2012-12-07T07:18:00.000-08:00

This movie about a tragic situation with a happy ending had a special screening at the The American Film Institute’s AFI FEST 2012 on Sunday November 4th, along with the film Room 237.

Monday December 10th The Impossible will be getting a Hollywood red carpet premiere all by itself.
Check with us Tuesday for photos from the red carpet.

A powerful story based on one family’s survival of the 2004 tsunami, THE IMPOSSIBLE stars Naomi Watts, Ewan McGregor, and Tom Holland and is directed by J.A. Bayona (THE ORPHANAGE).

Maria (Naomi Watts), Henry (Ewan McGregor) and their three sons begin their winter vacation in Thailand, looking forward to a few days in tropical paradise. But on the morning of December 26th, as the family relaxes around the pool after their Christmas festivities the night before, a terrifying roar rises up from the center of the earth. As Maria freezes in fear, a huge wall of black water races across the hotel grounds toward her.

Based on a true story, THE IMPOSSIBLE is the unforgettable account of a family caught, with tens of thousands of strangers, in the mayhem of one of the worst natural catastrophes of our time. But the true-life terror is tempered by the unexpected displays of compassion, courage and simple kindness that Maria and her family encounter during the darkest hours of their lives. Both epic and intimate, devastating and uplifting, THE IMPOSSIBLE is a journey to the core of the human heart.

TheImpossible-Movie.com

Rated PG-13 for intense realistic disaster sequences, including disturbing injury images and brief nudity. Limited U.S. release December 21, 2012.

Stone Sour and Papa Roach to Hit LA on February 13

2012-12-06T18:05:00.000-08:00

It has been anounced that Los Angeles’ CLUB NOKIA will have a night of hard rock with STONE SOUR and PAPA ROACH Wednesday, February 13. Tickets for the show go on sale Friday, December 7 at 10:00 AM.

courtesy of http://www.stonesour.com

Stone Sour has the #1 Active Rock track in the country for the second week in a row with “Absolute Zero” which Billboard magazine calls “A ruthless hard rocker, the track pummels the listener in the gut…" They released House of Gold & Bones Part 1, the first installment of their two album series, House of Gold & Bones, on Roadrunner Records, October 22, 2012; it debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 album charts. House of Gold & Bones Part 2 will be released spring 2013. Recorded at Sound Farm Studios just outside of the band's native Des Moines, Iowa with producer David Bottrill (Tool, Muse) at the helm, the album has met with early rave reviews worldwide: "...by far the most accomplished album of Stone Sour's career. Depth, emotion and spirit seem to infuse everything. 2013 has 'Stone Sour' written all over it." - 4Ks - KERRANG! (UK)

The gold-selling Iowa hard rock outfit has sold over four million albums worldwide over the course of three full-length releases. Their self-titled debut and sophomore effort Come What(ever) May both were certified Gold, while 2010's Audio Secrecy debuted at #6 on the Billboard Top 200. Their arsenal includes "Absolute Zero", as well as previous number one singles "Through Glass," "Say You'll Haunt Me" and "Bother.

Papa Roach’s current single, “Where Did the Angels Go” is the #1 most added Active Rock track for 2 weeks in a row, following the 11 top 10 hits in their career. The band’s most recent album, The Connection (Eleven Seven Music, October 2012), which Revolver proclaims “Is a fist-pumping return to form,” and adds the tracks are “grittier and crunchier, akin to those on their breakout albums,” debuted top 20 on the Billboard Top 200. The album’s lead single “Still Swingin” peaked at #3 on the Active rock chart the current single, “Angels” is the #1 most added single at Active rock for the second week in a row. “Still Swingin’” was also chosen as #6 on Kerrang’s 250 Greatest Rock Songs of 2012. Known for their electrifying and explosive live shows, Papa Roach have become the common denominator for some of the most successful rock tours in recent years and have critics worldwide hailing them as “the best live band.” In August ’10, Papa Roach released Time For Annihilation…On the Record and On the Road (Eleven Seven Music), which debuted as the #1 Independent Rock, #23 Top 200, #4 Hard Rock and #5 Alternative Album on Billboard’s charts. The album’s singles “Kick in the Teeth” and “Burn” both remained in the Top 5 at the active rock radio format for over 8 weeks straight, joining eight additional Top 10 hits throughout the band’s career with songs such as “Last Resort” and “Scars.” With more than 10 years of success including highlights such as 10 million in album sales worldwide, two Grammy nominations, an MTV VMA nomination, 11 Top 10 rock hits, seven Top 10 alternative hits, the Most Played Alternative Song of the Decade (BDS), over 260 million online plays, 6.3 million combined fans, a hosting gig on MTV’s “Scarred” and countless sold out shows.

Stone Sour singer, songwriter and lyricist Corey Taylor, himself a bestselling author courtesy of last year's “Seven Deadly Sins,” wrote the lyrics for the 23 tracks that make up House of Gold & Bones which follows the compelling story of a character created by Taylor. Music is just one of the mediums used to tell the story; Corey Taylor recently revealed details of the new project with Dark Horse Comics, House of Gold & Bones which follows, and expands on, the story contained within the albums. With stunning covers from Jason Shawn Alexander (Empty Zone, Batman, Spider-Man), this limited four-issue series marks Corey Taylor’s debut in the comics genre.

Ticket prices are PIT & VIP Balcony $43.50, GA $33.50 advance/$36 day of show. Tickets for Club Nokia events are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. No fees are charged at the STAPLES Center box office or at the Club Nokia box office on show days (open after 5 PM).

About Club Nokia: Club Nokia, a multi-use concert and entertainment venue--located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district--accommodates over 2,300 guests. Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia opened in November 2009 and is the perfect venue for emerging music acts, iconic artists, cultural shows and special events while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties. The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space. This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans. Since its opening, Club Nokia has hosted a massive array of eclectic events: packed concerts of every musical genre (Band of Horses, Motorhead, Adam Lambert, Drake, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Gill, The Specials, La Roux, to name but a few); comedians (Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies and more); special month-long residencies (The Pee-wee Herman Show, Cirque Berzerk); awards shows (Grammy nominations concert, Revolver Golden Gods Awards) and private events.

Club Nokia was awarded “Best New Major Concert Venue” in 2009 at the Pollstar Concert Industry Awards and won “Nightclub of the Year” at the 2010 Pollstar Awards.

www.clubnokia.com www.stonesour.com paparoach.com/

CLUB NOKIA Presents: 'Ludacris & Kelly Rowland' on Sunday, December 30

2012-12-06T17:50:00.000-08:00

It was recently announced that Los Angeles’ CLUB NOKIA will be hosting host two GRAMMY® award-winning artists:

LUDACRIS & KELLY ROWLAND

on Sunday, December 30

as part of the 1st Annual

Kevin Hart NYE Block

Party--a 3-day

extravaganza including

celebrity-packed events

hosted by Hart--at

L.A. LIVE from

December 29-31

Tickets for this show go on sale Friday, December 7 at 10:00am.

Recording artist, actor, philanthropist and restaurateur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges first gained worldwide acclaim more than 10 years ago with his debut album, Back for the First Time (2000). Ever since, his unrivaled lyrical prowess, dynamic performances and timeless hits in
cluding “Stand Up,” “Get Back,” “Number One Spot,” “Money Maker” and “My Chick Bad,” have solidified him as one of music’s best entertainers and led to the sale of more than 20 million albums domestically. With the 2013 release of LUDAVERSAL, fans can look forward to more great music from Ludacris. In addition to immense commercial success, Ludacris’ consistent output of stellar music has garnered the admiration of his peers, as well as numerous awards and honors including three Grammys.

For a Grammy-award winner who has been part of one of the most successful groups of all time, a solo star in her own right, with roles in motion pictures and television, Kelly Rowland isn’t kidding when she says, “This is a fresh start for me. I’m in a fantastic place right now.” Kelly launched her post-Destiny’s Child solo career by teaming up with rapper Nelly in 2002, recording the vocals for the track “Dilemma” for his album Nellyville. The song ended up with a Grammy nomination for “Record of the Year” and earned Rowland an award in the Best Rap/Sung Collaboration category. After three successful solo albums--2002’s RIAA-gold certified Simply Deep, which reached #12 on the Billboard chart, 2007’s Ms. Kelly, which went on to sell 1.2 million worldwide and 2011’s Here I Am, featuring the slow, steamy single "Motivation," (featuring Lil Wayne), which rode to the top of Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart for several weeks and crossed into the Top 20 of the Hot 100--Kelly premiered "Ice," featuring Lil Wayne in July, as the lead single from her upcoming fourth album, Year of the Woman, scheduled to be released in 2013. Also in 2012, Rowland has been featured on Ludacris' single "Representin,” Sean Paul's "How Deep Is Your Love,” Big Boi's "Mama Told Me" and Future's "Neva End (Remix).”

Ticket prices for this show range from $29.50 to $60. Tickets for Club Nokia events are available at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at www.ticketmaster.com and from 10:00 AM-5:00 PM, Mon-Fri at the STAPLES Center Box Office located at 1111 S. Figueroa St. No fees are charged at the STAPLES Center box office or at the Club Nokia box office on show days (open after 5 PM).

About Club Nokia:Club Nokia, a multi-use music, entertainment and concert venue--located in the heart of the acclaimed L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district--accommodates over 2,300 guests. Featuring state-of-the-art acoustics designed for live entertainment, Club Nokia is the perfect venue for emerging music acts and cultural shows while also providing excellent space for corporate events and private parties. The theatre brings the latest technology to music enthusiasts including an innovative interactive experience embedded in foot-controlled floor interfaces, touchscreens, and a large LED installation within the lobby of the Club Nokia space. This interactive experience allows users to scroll through the history and the future of Club Nokia events and interact with pictures, video and text messages submitted by fellow concert fans. Club Nokia has been honored two consecutive years at the annual Pollstar Concert Industry Awards-in 2009 as “Best New Major Concert Venue” and in 2010 as “Nightclub Of The Year”; along with a Zagat Award for Best Live Music Club in Los Angeles (2009).

Since its opening, Club Nokia has hosted a massive array of eclectic events: packed concerts of every musical genre (Band of Horses, Motorhead, Adam Lambert, Drake, Matisyahu, Queens of the Stone Age, Vince Gill, The Specials, La Roux, to name but a few); comedians (Lisa Lampanelli, Sarah Silverman, Jim Jefferies and more); special month-long residencies (The Pee-wee Herman Show, Cirque Berzerk); awards shows (Grammy nominations concert, Revolver Golden Gods Awards) and private events.

www.ludaversal.com  www.kellyrowland.com  www.clubnokia.com

MIB 3: Review

2012-12-01T13:05:00.000-08:00

In Men in Black 3, Agents J (Will Smith) and K (Tommy Lee Jones) are back... in time. J has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner. But when K's life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him -- secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind. The film is directed by Barry Sonnenfeld. The screenplay is written by Etan Cohen, based on the Malibu Comic by Lowell Cunningham. The producers are Walter F. Parkes and Laurie MacDonald, and the executive producers are Steven Spielberg and G. Mac Brown.

The third MIB installment, released directly to DVD & Blu-Ray does not have quite the same feel as the first two.
Most noticeable is the lack of a female victim or female "bad guy" which the first two had. Nicole Scherzinger has a brief role as decoy for a prison escape, however she doesn't last long. Jemaine Clement plays Boris the Animal and while his character is mostly make-up and visual effects, his performance was excellent. Tommy Lee Jones is replaced early on by Josh Brolin who plays the role of a younger Agent K for most of the film. Josh's performance was very good. Even though he does not look like Tommy Lee, his voice patterns, facial expressions and body language were very much Agent K. The addition of time travel to the story and the revelations of events tying Agent J & Agent K even close together made for an interesting story.
This movie seems to be a showcase for Rick Baker and his amazing makeup skills. It seems to me we were given much longer glimpses of much more complex extraterrestrials in this version.

Lots of excitement, lots of very beleivable special effects and great acting make this one worth renting.

Photos : Nominations Announcement for 28th Annual Film Independent Spirit Awards

2012-11-27T13:25:00.001-08:00

THE 28th ANNUAL FILM INDEPENDENT SPIRIT AWARD NOMINATIONS ANNOUNCED
- $125,000 in grants to be awarded to filmmakers -

Film Independent, the nonprofit arts organization that produces the Film Independent Spirit Awards, the Los Angeles Film Festival and the Film Independent at LACMA Film Series, announced nominations for the 2013 Film Independent Spirit Awards this morning. Film Independent co-presidents Sean Mc Manus and Josh Welsh presided over the press conference held at the W Hollywood, with actors -

Anna Kendrick
Zoe Saldana

and Common presenting the nominations.

Nominees for Best Feature include

Beasts of the Southern Wild,

Bernie,

Keep the Lights On,

Moonrise Kingdom,

and Silver Linings Playbook.

Starlet was selected to receive the annual Robert Altman Award, which is bestowed upon one film’s director, casting director and ensemble cast.

"The nominations this year represent an astonishingly strong group of artists both in front of and behind the camera," said Film Independent Co-president Josh Welsh. "At Film Independent, we nurture artist-driven filmmaking all year long and I can't imagine a more fitting or worthy group of films to celebrate here today."

Winners will be announced at the Spirit Awards on Saturday, February 23, 2013. The awards ceremony will be held as a daytime luncheon in a tent on the beach in Santa Monica, and the premiere broadcast will air later that evening at 10:00 pm ET/PT on IFC. Winners of the Spirit Awards Filmmaker Grants will be highlighted during the awards ceremony and announced at the Film Independent Spirit Awards Nominee Brunch on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at BOA Steakhouse in West Hollywood.

The Spirit Awards Nominating Committees selected nominees from 299 submissions this year and applied the following guidelines in determining the nominations: uniqueness of vision, original and provocative subject matter, economy of means (with particular attention paid to total production cost & individual compensation), and percentage of financing from independent sources. The Spirit Awards Nominating Committee is comprised of writers, directors, producers, cinematographers, actors, critics, casting directors, festival programmers, and other working film professionals.

As the first event to exclusively honor independent film, the Film Independent Spirit Awards has made a name for itself as the premier awards show for the independent film community. Artists who have received industry recognition first at the Spirit Awards include Joel & Ethan Coen, Spike Lee, Oliver Stone, Ashley Judd, Robert Rodriguez, David O. Russell, Edward Burns, Aaron Eckhart, Neil LaBute, Darren Aronofsky, Spike Jonze, Charlie Kaufman, Hilary Swank, Marc Forster, Todd Field, Christopher Nolan, Zach Braff, Amy Adams, Lena Dunham and many more.

The Spirit Awards is also the primary fundraiser for Film Independent’s year-round programs. To inquire about tables at the Spirit Awards please contact 310.432.1253.

The Film Independent Spirit Awards are sponsored by Premier Sponsors Piaget and Jameson® Irish Whiskey and Lincoln and Principal Sponsor Stella Artois. WireImage is the Official Photographer and PR Newswire is the Official Breaking News Service of Film Independent.

For more information on submission guidelines, voting, media and publicist credentials, and the history of the Spirit Awards, please visit SpiritAwards.com.

Full List of 2013 Independent Spirit Award Nominations

2012-11-27T10:37:00.001-08:00

The nominations are in!
Check back later for photos from the press conference.

BEST FEATURE: Beasts of the Southern Wild 
PRODUCERS: Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey & Josh Penn Bernie 
PRODUCERS: Liz Glotzer, Richard Linklater, David McFadzean, Dete Meserve, Judd Payne, Celine Rattray, Martin Shafer, Ginger Sledge, Matt Williams Keep the Lights On
 PRODUCERS: Marie Therese Guirgis, Lucas Joaquin, Ira Sachs Moonrise Kingdom 
PRODUCERS: Wes Anderson, Jeremy Dawson, Steven Rales, Scott Rudin Silver Linings Playbook 
PRODUCERS: Bruce Cohen, Donna Gigliotti, Jonathan Gordon 

"Moonrise Kingdom"

BEST DIRECTOR

Wes Anderson
Moonrise Kingdom

Julia Loktev
The Loneliest Planet

David O. Russell
Silver Linings Playbook

Ira Sachs
Keep the Lights On

Benh Zeitlin
Beasts of the Southern Wild

BEST SCREENPLAY

Wes Anderson & Roman Coppola
Moonrise Kingdom

Zoe Kazan
Ruby Sparks

Martin McDonagh
Seven Psychopaths

David O. Russell
Silver Linings Playbook

Ira Sachs
Keep the Lights On

BEST FIRST FEATURE (Award given to the director and producer)

Fill the Void
DIRECTOR: Rama Burshtein
PRODUCER: Assaf Amir

Gimme the Loot
DIRECTOR: Adam Leon
PRODUCERS: Dominic Buchanan, Natalie Difford, Jamund Washington

Safety Not Guaranteed
DIRECTOR: Colin Trevorrow
PRODUCERS: Derek Connolly, Stephanie Langhoff, Peter Saraf, Colin Trevorrow, Marc Turtletaub

Sound of My Voice
DIRECTOR: Zal Batmanglij
PRODUCERS: Brit Marling, Hans Ritter, Shelley Surpin

The Perks of Being a Wallflower
DIRECTOR: Stephen Chbosky
PRODUCERS: Lianne Halfon, John Malkovich, Russell Smith

BEST FIRST SCREENPLAY

Rama Burshtein
Fill the Void

Derek Connolly
Safety Not Guaranteed

Christopher Ford
Robot & Frank

Rashida Jones & Will McCormack
Celeste and Jesse Forever

Jonathan Lisecki
Gayby

JOHN CASSAVETES AWARD - Given to the best feature made for under $500,000. Award given to the writer, director, and producer. Executive Producers are not awarded.

Breakfast with Curtis
WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Laura Colella

Middle of Nowhere
WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Ava DuVernay
PRODUCERS: Howard Barish, Paul Garnes

Mosquita y Mari
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Aurora Guerrero
PRODUCER: Chad Burris

Starlet
WRITER/DIRECTOR: Sean Baker
PRODUCERS: Blake Ashman-Kipervaser, Kevin Chinoy, Patrick Cunningham, Chris Maybach, Francesca Silvestri

The Color Wheel
WRITER/DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Alex Ross Perry
WRITER: Carlen Altman

BEST FEMALE LEAD

Linda Cardellini
Return

Emayatzy Corinealdi
Middle of Nowhere

Jennifer Lawrence
Silver Linings Playbook

Quvenzhané Wallis
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Mary Elizabeth Winstead
Smashed

BEST MALE LEAD

Jack Black
Bernie

Bradley Cooper
Silver Linings Playbook

John Hawkes
The Sessions

Thure Lindhardt
Keep the Lights On

Matthew McConaughey
Killer Joe

Wendell Pierce
Four

BEST SUPPORTING FEMALE

Rosemarie DeWitt
Your Sister’s Sister

Ann Dowd
Compliance

Helen Hunt
The Sessions

Brit Marling
Sound of My Voice

Lorraine Toussaint
Middle of Nowhere

BEST SUPPORTING MALE

Matthew McConaughey
Magic Mike

David Oyelowo
Middle of Nowhere

Michael Péna
End of Watch

Sam Rockwell
Seven Psychopaths

Bruce Willis
Moonrise Kingdom

BEST CINEMATOGRAPHY

Yoni Brook
Valley of Saints

Lol Crawley
Here

Ben Richardson
Beasts of the Southern Wild

Roman Vasyanov
End of Watch

Robert Yeoman
Moonrise Kingdom

BEST DOCUMENTARY (Award given to the director and producer)

How to Survive a Plague
DIRECTOR: David France
PRODUCERS: David France, Howard Gertler

Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present
DIRECTOR: Matthew Akers
PRODUCERS: Maro Chermayeff, Jeff Dupre

The Central Park Five
DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS: Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon

The Invisible War
DIRECTOR: Kirby Dick
PRODUCERS: Tanner King Barklow, Amy Ziering

The Waiting Room
DIRECTOR/PRODUCER: Peter Nicks
PRODUCERS: Linda Davis, William B. Hirsch

BEST INTERNATIONAL FILM (Award given to the director)

Amour
(France)
DIRECTOR: Michael Haneke

Once Upon A Time in Anatolia
(Turkey)
DIRECTOR: Nuri Bilge Ceylan

Rust And Bone
(France/Belgium)
DIRECTOR: Jacques Audiard

Sister
(Switzerland)
DIRECTOR: Ursula Meier

War Witch
(Democratic Republic of Congo/Canada)
DIRECTOR: Kim Nguyen

16th ANNUAL PIAGET PRODUCERS AWARD – The 16th annual Piaget Producers Award honors emerging producers who, despite highly limited resources demonstrate the creativity, tenacity, and vision required to produce quality, independent films. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant funded by Piaget.

Nobody Walks
PRODUCER: Alicia Van Couvering

Prince Avalanche
PRODUCER: Derrick Tseng

Stones in the Sun
PRODUCER: Mynette Louie

19th ANNUAL SOMEONE TO WATCH AWARD – The 19th annual Someone to Watch Award recognizes a talented filmmaker of singular vision who has not yet received appropriate recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.

Pincus
DIRECTOR: David Fenster
Gimme the Loot

DIRECTOR: Adam Leon

Electrick Children
DIRECTOR: Rebecca Thomas

STELLA ARTOIS TRUER THAN FICTION AWARD – The 18th annual Truer Than Fiction Award is presented to an emerging director of non-fiction features who has not yet received significant recognition. The award includes a $25,000 unrestricted grant.

Leviathan
DIRECTOR: Lucien Castaing-Taylor and Véréna Paravel

The Waiting Room
DIRECTOR: Peter Nicks

Only the Young
DIRECTOR: Jason Tippet & Elizabeth Mims

ROBERT ALTMAN AWARD - (Given to one film’s director, casting director, and its ensemble cast)
Starlet
Director: Sean Baker
Casting Director: Julia Kim
Ensemble Cast: Dree Hemingway, Besedka Johnson, Karren Karagulian, Stella Maeve, James Ransone