Category: Industry

Audition Strategies: an Actor’s Workshop from a Producer’s Perspective”, workshop held February 6 in New York, focuses on the philosophy that an actors presentational technique during the audition process is just as, if not more, important as their acting skills. Actors will go through each step of the audition process and learn fast, simple and effective ways to build a portfolio, confidence, and the chance to get the part. The art of independent film and mountain culture are at the core of the Mountain Film Festival taking place in Mammoth Lakes through February 26. This festival accepts films of all genres and especially encourages films with an emphasis on mountain culture, action sports, and environmental issues. On February 8, and in fact every Monday night, long-running showbiz duo Billy Shepard and Judi Jourdan host the Gotta Sing! Search for A Star Open Mic! in Manhattan’s Hells Kitchen Theatre District, just around the corner from the David Letterman show. Participants in the show are also considered for an appearance on the couple’s cable TV program, “How to Succeed in Show Business by Really Trying”, shown on Time Warner Cable every Tuesday. From February 8-9, documentary producers and filmmakers from the East Midlands and beyond are invited to take part in a documentary pitching and marketplace held in Nottingham, offering complete preparation for getting a factual project funded internationally, including at Doc/Fests Marketplace 2010 as well as other international markets. A Film Finance Summit in Santa Monica will cover the primary sources of financing content in the credit crunch for television and film — debt, equity, presales and soft money. An evening workshop led by entertainment attorney David Steinberg is on February 8 of the conference which runs through February 10.

At the Paley Center in Beverly Hills, BMI’s VP of New Media and Strategic Development, Richard Conlon, moderates a February 10 roundtable discussion, Content and Cash, examining content verticals: music, film, TV, games, cross-platform deal making and development, and leading into a two hour post-event reception featuring live performing talent. At the “Almost Famous Film Festival,” registered teams attend a pre-challenge party with food, drinks, social mixer, on February 12, where they will receive a theme, A Line of Dialogue and a Prop, and then have exactly 48 hours to write a script, find locations, gather their actors and actresses, shoot and edit their 1-5 minute film, and then turn it in before the 48 hour deadline. The Sixth Annual Orlando Latin American Film & Heritage Festival is a curated film and cultural celebration of award-winning films and documentaries, in addition to meet the film maker events, hands-on educational sessions and exhibits with artists, inspiring poetry and performances by musicians and dancers, all happening February 12-14 in Orlando. This year’s Berlinale Talent Campus, a summit for up-and-coming filmmakers taking place February 13-18 in Berlin, has a stated theme of “Cinema Needs Talent: Looking for the Right People.” Every year a selection of Berlinale Talent Campus events are recorded and uploaded and archived to the Talent Campus website. Attendants at this year’s 2010 Hollywood Post Alliance Tech Retreat, in Rancho Mirage, from February 16-19, can explore display technologies, video consumer marketplace, rights management, audio, games, psychophysics, digital projection technology, asset management, and other resources suited to businesses and individuals that provide expertise, support, tools and infrastructure for the creation and finishing of motion pictures, television, commercials, digital media and other dynamic media content. The Folk Alliance Music Conference is an annual event that draws together music industry professionals from throughout the world to share ideas, network, and celebrate traditional music and dance. It all occurs February 17-21 in Memphis along with special events, such as the Folk Music & Business Awards, Lifetime Achievement Awards, networking receptions, official Performance Alley and private showcase performances, and much more.

The Urban Individualists, an artists collective curated by Helene Ruiz, hosts a February 19 reception in Pompano Beach to open the exhibition “Rhythm and Color”, a multimedia exhibition of works influenced, in their conception, by the rhythms found in music, the natural world, the built environment, and in human interactions. Live poetry/spoken word, special live performances, and refreshments are incorporated into the evenings celebration, which is free and open to the public. Non-profit educational organization, Country Radio Broadcasters, presents this year’s CRS 2010: Country Radio Seminar in Nashville, February 24-26. This year’s 2010 Durango Songwriter’s Expo / Santa Barbara Wine Country, combines and blends song writing and music business with wine culture, and as is the custom for Durango Songwriter’s Expo, registration will be limited to just 200 attendees. The 41st NAACP Image Awards will be February 26 in Los Angeles, and will be carried live by the Fox Network, but will be preceded by scheduled events in the days before the main evening’s ceremonies, like the 41st NAACP Image Awards’ Celebrity Golf Challenge on February 25. A newly added feature to this year’s Australian International Documentary Conference, February 26 in Adelaide, is the Trailer Park Pitch as an extension to the recently launched online market Trailer Park, permitting AIDC delegates to submit a trailer for their documentary project for a chance to have it remade with high-quality footage from Thought Equity Motions library, which matches selected documentary makers project ideas with national and international executive producers, broadcasters and distributors attending AIDC 2010. Washington Area Music Awards host the 24th Annual WAMMIES, February 28 in Falls Church, to celebrate career achievements by D.C. area musicians, concert promoters, lawyers, recording engineers, managers, graphic artists, and related businesses. After the official ceremonies and receptions, the after party follows at Bangkok Blues in Falls Church.

The above events are only a sample of what is fully listed. Complete details are on the “Media, Entertainment and Performing Arts Industry News and Events” page. Video and podcast versions of this news summary are also available at popular video sites around the Web like MySpace, YouTube, Daily Motion, as well as on The Actor’s Checklist podcast blog. Follow the posting of the news summary on Twitter. This month on the video news summary you will again see a dynamic array of artists in performance of film, music and documentary. These videos are now available on the Free Home Video Showcase which now serves as an archive for all past video presentations but without the audio news narration. Google Friends is available on The Actor’s Checklist allowing you to sign in with your Google ID and enjoy an interactive and social networking experience with other visitors to the site.The Actor’s Checklist is proud announce the return of the Digital Media & Podcast Blog to view and/or download to your iPhone the ten or five minute video or audio podcast presentation.

The auto transport industry gives a lot of job opportunities with a good career projection. These jobs are also available on both basis as a full time and part time. People in search of auto transport jobs should have qualities like devoted, loyal, motivated and hard-working. Career prospects in auto shipping industry are positive even for those who step in for the first time in this industry.

There are various types of Vehicle transport jobs available like Auto-Mover truck driver, Vehicle Shipping dispatcher, Customer service representative, Driver Car Hauler, CDL Driver, Military Vehicle Shipping job, owning your Own Truck Fleet, Intermediate Auto Mechanic etc.

You can find different jobs through classified advertising, from car dealers, and bidding sites. Consumers may demand for shippers who specialize in race cars, traditional and collectible cars, or loads with many vehicles. Persons moving often are in need of an auto transporter.

The first auto transport job that comes to mind is truck driver. The work of truck driver is difficult when compared to than any other driver because in this case the driver has to deliver the vehicle and also has to load and unload it. Another difficulty is they have to pick up vehicles from 10 to 12 places and deliver to different states which take few weeks to deliver. This is a hard job for drivers who are married but they are paid a good amount.

Another auto shipping job is that of dispatcher. A Vehicle transport dispatcher is the “travel agent” of the auto transport industry. The dispatcher takes orders for shipment of customer vehicles and plans it with the trucking company. This work is harder than taught because each customer is shipping from somewhere like Melbourne, for example to Bangkok, So this has to be planned with a truck that has 8 to 11 autos which goes on that route. The dispatcher has to communicate information about pick-up, delivery, and transportation times to and from the truck driver and the customer.

Another type of work is that of client service representative. The client service representative is the person that the take delivery of and sends out quotation marks to consumers via phone or email. The client service representative also takes the order from the buyer and sends it to the dispatch dept. The client service representative also answers questions from customers about the shipping procedure itself because most customers have never shipped a car and knows nothing about it.

Diesel Mechanic work is the most critical profession in the car transport industry. This work is given much of significance because a Diesel Mechanic is very necessary for the any auto transport company. His job involves performing usual protection of the company vehicles to ensure that the company trucks move safe and sound on the road. The requirement of Diesel Mechanics is always high in the auto transport industry.

Auto Processor job includes processing of cars from one end to another end. General Warehouse job includes usage of forklift to transport overstock freight to main locations. Driver Car Hauler job includes transfer of cars and other items to different places. Certified courses are available.

In the perspective of lingerie’s, men are only left to wonder, ‘boxers or briefs’ whereas; a woman’s physique being sculpted and adorned in a unique way of its own, offer a wide assortment of choices. The market for women’s wear lingerie is being manipulated by the advent of modern technologies and fabrics that make new designs, and innovative intimate wears. These products have a higher profit margin than any other regular apparel. New trends in lingerie and fabric emerge exclusively from Europe and predominantly from France and Italy. France is at the forefront of fashion lingerie’s. Designers in France give more focus on rich looking fabrics, vibrant hues, laces, and embroideries. Just as their fashion, French lingerie’s also exhibit richness and elaborate embellishments that are preferred worldwide.

French Lingerie Industry Overview

France contributes to the origin of the word ‘lingerie’ which in French means ‘washables’. French lingerie’s come in sophisticated different lines; basic, sexy, and flirty, fitting every season. The designs are akin to both classical and modern look, and make a woman fit in line with the trend, while rendering her to ‘stand out’. They are available in a wide range of materials, tailored efficiently in different cuts and types, styles and colors. Their lingerie making techniques are based on centuries of expertise.

Current lingerie industry in France is valued to be $3.1 billion USD, and is further expected to increase by 0.8% consecutively for the next five years. French consumers spend about 13 billion euros a year on the purchase of lingerie’s. A lingerie industry survey states that French women spend 20 percent of their fashion budget on lingerie’s. Sale of lingerie’s account to 18% of total sales of women’s wear apparels in France. On an average, a French woman buys five lingerie’s in a year and one night gown every 19 months. Women in the age group of 15-34 purchase more lingerie items than women of other ages spending $92.4 annually on the purchase of intimate wears. Women in the age group 50-64 have a bigger budget and spend more than $100 a year for the purchase of lingerie. Much contribution to the lingerie industry comes from the women of this age group. Comfort is the prime consideration behind their purchase. French women are sensitive towards tones, textures, and prefer practical fabrics that are easy to care and non allergic. They like soft fabrics with micro fibers. Corsets, especially brassieres comprise the largest segment in the lingerie market.

Exquisite Brands from the Fashion Capital

Over the past decade market trends have changed offering creative products. Brands like Dolce, Gucci, Dior, and Gabana have expanded their market through these types of products. Several stores and boutiques in France specialize in unique items of French intimate apparels. Agent Provocateur is a classic and couture lingerie brand. US companies have good opportunities in this sector, and have superior brands that appeal to the preferences of the French consumers. Warnaco’s Lejaby, Calvin Klein, & Warner’s, Sara Lees’s Playtex, Dim, & Wonderbra, and VF Diffusion’s Bestform, Lou, Variance, Bolero, & Vassarette, enjoy a good market in France. US are predicted to have a promising market in France as French consumers are becoming more receptive to American fashions.

However, domestic brands do have a strong hold in the French market. The top five intimate apparel brands in France are Lejaby, Simone Perele, Chantelle, Aubade, and Barbara. Domestic brands like Lise Charmel, Ravage, Rien, have a reputed market. Brands of Swear and Audrey have a sales figure three times more than imported lingerie’s. Brands like Pour Moi and Chantelle have achieved good revenues. Sold in more than 50 countries, Chantelle is the top French brand in the world.

What is Hot in the French Lingerie Market

France offers a fashion fiesta of lingerie’s for the fashion savvy women of today. Brassieres with cut seams, molded shape and nave embroideries, transparent body suits, classic demi-cups with underwire, intimate wears in ultra simple shapes with decorated graphics, camisoles with transparency and layering are a few items that sell in the market like hot cakes. Lingerie’s made from fabrics of fine opaque knits, voile knits, organza, blended woven stretch products, and fine tulle fill the stores in France. Cotton, linen, microfibres, laces, and tiny mesh fabrics also have their share in the making of these garments. Appealing intimate apparels in shades of indigo, cobalt lavender, tone-on-tone colors with hues of pink, red, and orange, opaque & translucent white and pastel tones of parma and blue are the shades most sought after by ‘French mademoiselles’. There is a resurgence of fashion of the early 40’s and 50’s among the French designers. Sensual fabrics with subtle lines in complementing hues have made their appearance. Aubade lingerie’s exhibit the grace of the geisha in soft, feminine intimate apparels. Flower motifs supplemented by leavers lace demonstrate an intimate feel.

I’m sure everyone is familiar with Facebook and its origins. Mark Zuckerburg, owner of Facebook, was able to build a successful business online because he was able to pinpoint what the people wanted from a social networking website. Tom West, on the other hand, was able to determine what employers and service providers of the entertainment industry need to make it easier for both parties to find each other, negotiate pricing and get payed securely. That being said, Tom West will certainly become Zuckerburgh of social and career interaction in the entertainment industry. Tom West is the creator and founder of Modelfuse.com, Musicianfuse.com, and Moviesfuse.com. These are highly addictive social networking/Job Hiring sites which cater to the needs of entertainment freelancers and employers. You canfind models, musicians, actors and everyone between by posting a job in these websites. On the other hand, these websites become the stage for entertainment freelancers to showcase and network their talents. You might be wondering who Tom West is after learning how he bridged the gap between employers and service providers of the entertainment industry. To know him better, I spent my Saturday morning on the phone with him and I would like to share my conversation with Tom here. Lynette:I’ve noticed that your websites are focused on helping the entertainment industry. Why is that? Tom: When I was a child, I formed a band together with my childhood friends. We were able to secure a contract with Island/Universal Records and Maverick Records. Because of my band, I’ve met cool people across the world and got to release an album. Although our popularity didn’t last long, I learned so much and the experience was unbelievable. Lynette: You’re pretty amazing for a kid. What was the best moment that you can remember during your time with the band? Tom: Well, we were able to tour with major acts such as Duran Duran. An experience of a lifetime! Lynette: When your band broke up, you started dabbling in Entertainment Business right? Tom: Ha ha yea I had to figure out how to put bread on the table! That’s kinda how I learned to make a website for my recording studio business. Tom and his best friend partner had many business ideas that were almost successful but nothing really stood out until Tom’s recent realization of the entertainment industry’s need for service providers. When I asked Tom how he figured it all out, his answer was funny and so true in the entertainment industry. Lynette: How did you come up with the idea of making a website for both employers and freelancers? Tom: Well,for a few years, I’ve been trying to hustle new clients and find people who need music related work done. And man it was a struggle, plus chasing money down to! So when I was sitting replying to an advertisement on craigslist, I thought why isn’t there a site for this? I mean most people these days are freelancers anyway. So, I scheduled a meetingwith GarrettO’Neill, my business partner, for a coffee. He loved the idea and we started planning the business. That’s pretty much the story on how the three websites are born. Musicianfuse.com is the first website that was planned by Tom but Modelfuse.com was created and released first. Wondering why, I asked Tom the reason behind his actions. Lynette I know you started with Musicianfuse.com but Modelfuse.com was out first, I wonder why. Tom Well, when we were developing Musicians Fuse, my girlfriend was a pretty successful model at a large international modelling agency at that time. I mean everyone has heard horror stories about agencies but I saw it firsthand. Mine and my partner’s plan was always Musician Fuse first but because of the situation, I thought of creating a website that caters to the needs ofthe models, hairstylists,photographers, and the clients. Ironically, my girlfriend left me for a photographer shortly after I started developing Model Fuse. Anyway, I decided to hurry and release Modelfuse.com as soon as possible . I decided not to delve deeper into that topic because it’s personal and might make Tom feel uncomfortable. Tom suggested that I try one of Modelfuse.com apps called paparazzi which I did and I thoroughly enjoyed playing with it. I created an account on Modelfuse.com to use this app which will come out this month. Out of curiosity, I asked Tom if he is dating anyone and his response is understandable. Tom : Not as of yet, I just got out of a 5 year relationship so I’m a bit jaded at the moment. Also, I work 24 hours a day so I’m not sure if anyone would be in to sitting next to me and our teams on the computer (laughs). Having met Tom personally, I think he is such a nice guy with lots of brilliant ideas. With his company’s vision, he’ll surely help a lot of people in the entertainment industry. I wish Mfuse LLC. success which they so much deserve for helping both employers and service providers. You can visit http://www.mfusellc.com/ to learn more about Tom and his websites. By, Lenette Rice

I was looking through gaming stocks and noticed that shares of Electronic Arts (ERTS) are trading at a much higher valuation than Activision Blizzard (ATVI). That made me wonder, Does Electronic Arts deserve to trade at a premium to Activision?

Electronic Arts is trading just under $20 per share. EPS estimates for 2010 are 43 cents per share and 62 cents for 2011. That equates to a 46 multiple on current years earnings and a 32 multiple for 2011. The 5 year growth rate is 12.8%, which is pretty optimistic considering the negative earnings growth of the past five years. Its tough to have faith in Electronics Arts management considering the poor operating efficiency. Management has graced us with a negative ROE and ROA over the past few quarters.

One of the bright spots for Electronic Arts is the companys storied brand name and solid balance sheet. Electronic Arts has cash cow franchises Madden NFL, The Sims, Battlefield, Rock Band, etc. The software developer has $1.78 billion in cash and no debt. The stock looks expensive using any valuation method including price to book and price to sales. Shares of Electronic Arts appear to be benefitting from improving trends in the video game industry. Video game sales rose 10% last month.

Activision Blizzard is trading just under $12.00 and has a expected EPS of 73 cents for 2010 and 82 cents for 2011. 2010s PE ratio is 16 and 2011s is 14.5. Earnings growth is estimated at 14.6%. Activision raised 1st quarter guidance last week due to strong sales from Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2. While ROA and ROE are not very impressive, at least both numbers are positive for Activision. The management team has done a qualitative job at Activision with its acquisitions and ability to consistently grow the bottom line.

Compare this with Electronic Arts who has been trying to fix its internal problems for years. Activision has no debt and $3.25 billion in cash on its balance sheet. Shares are currently trading less than 1.5 times book value. Activision has a popular lineup of games including World of Warcraft, Call of Duty, Guitar Hero, and Starcraft.