Around Town

Hello,

One of the things I love about working in entertainment and media is that it is very much about working within a community of people who know each other. One side of it is very much in the trenches doing the work -- and the other side of it is very social. It can be hard work sometimes keeping up but it can also be very satisfying and a lot of fun.

I just wanted to highlight a number of events that I've attended recently -- all of which were rich in great information as well as providing a great opportunity to connect at all levels of the industry.

-- Mark Burnett of Mark Burnett Productions speaking at an iHollywood event sponsored by NXTcomm at the Luxe Hotel in Bel Air.

-- Diversity Press Editors and Producers speaking at the Entertainment Professional Publicists Society (EPPS) monthly breakfast panel at the ICG in Hollywood.

Five editors and producers on an EPPS panel April 17 suggested ways to score placement at print, broadcast and internet outlets serving African-American, Latino and other ethnic audiences. Marlene Merzas, director of media relations, BMI, moderated the compelling breakfast session, sponsored by Business Wire and held at the International Cinematographers Guild in Los Angeles,

“We’re interested in music, television and film – in that order, and it’s very celebrity driven,” explained Antonio Mejias Rentas, entertainment editor at La Opinion, the largest Spanish newspaper in the U.S. His department also covers lifestyle, food, fashion, and health. Whether pitching in English or Spanish, Rentas cautioned publicists to be both grammatically correct and culturally aware.

“We’re looking for events that matter to our audience,” said Lee Bailey, publisher of the web portal EURweb.com and the Electronic Urban Report. He also produces Radio Scope, now in 40 US markets and 70 countries, serving an audience that is urban/black 25-45, and split 40/60 between men and women.

“We always want multicultural,” said Cleveland O'Neal III, founder of Connection III. “Made in Hollywood,” the company’s flagship television show thatlooks at how and why movies are made. Connection III also produces “Made in Hollywood: Teen Edition.”

A. Scott Galloway, music editor at Urban Network, seeks stories that are socially relevant or about exceptional musical quality.” His industry magazine recently expanded to a consumer audience.

Marsella Isaza, entertainment producer at Associated Press TV News noted, “When we put out a story, you can assume half the planet will see it.” Her department covers all aspects of entertainment.

“We want to cover artists whom people are searching for online,” said Billy Johnson, Jr. senior program director-Urban and video programming lead at Yahoo! Music. Its feature, “Who’s Next,” focuses on new artists. Johnson suggested a two-week lead time, and noted that added that AP and Yahoo! blogs are Yahoo! Music’s primary sources of news.

“Come to us with everything,” advised Jorge Usatorres, morning show producer at Latino 96.3 KXOL. The station broadcasts primarily in English with a healthy mix of Spanglish and Spanish and builds out from an 18 to 34-year-old female demographic. He urged publicists to pitch him anything anytime affirming, “It’s the job of our talent and executive producers to take a regular story or a national celebrity and turn it into gold.”

-- Senior-level Studio PR Professionals at the Meet the Mentor at EPPS sponsored by Scoop Seminars.

EPPS Members had the opportunity to have individual questions answered one-on-one with PR experts at a Meet-the-Mentor session, sponsored by SCOOP Seminars, prior to the panel. Joe Schlosser, senior vice president, Publicity at NBC-Universal Television Studios, and Thomas Tyrer, senior vice president, Communications & Cross-Platform Operations, at Fox Studios generously offered their time and advice.

-- An evening at Darren Star's house (Creator of "Sex and the City") in the Hollywood Hills sponsored by The Hollywood Hill.

Darren Star opened his home to members and friends of The Hollywood Hill as well as his own friends and family for a fantastic party sponsored by Tequila Reserva de Don Julio, Yahoo! and Wired Magazine. It definitely was confirmation that a hit TV show can buy a spectacular property and tons of great artwork -- and he certainly has amazing taste. One of the many bars at the party was set up in the library which was treasure trove of great books with a stunning view of the city lights of Century City and the greater LA basin. Darren was extremely gracious as he met with guests. When a tyro scribe asked about the value of relationships for breaking into Hollywood, he confirmed, "Contacts will only take you so far."

This was the kick-off for an all day Conference on "The New Hi-Tech Robin Hoods." Saturday's event featured speakers from DonorsChoose.org, Kiva.org, Microplace.org and Grameen Foundation.

Julie Lacourture, the Deputy Director of DonorsChoose.org talked about how their non-profit was created by a former teacher in the Bronx to help public school teachers to fund projects and get materials. Many of these projects provide outreach to the poorest schools in America with most students living under the poverty line. Teachers are able to put together a proposal asking for what they need. Once it is approved it is mounted on their site for funding. Once a project is funded the organization procures the materials for the teachers who are then able to fulfill on implementing their target. The needs can be for more books, tables, computers, art supplies, or sporting equipment or retrofitting. Donorschoose.org also provides those who send money with a funding audit report so they know how the money was spent. To date they've brought over $22 million in private funding to the American public school system. They've also brought smiles and both basic and innovative educational opportunities to children and teachers. Those who contribute get to share in the pride of accomplishment with pictures and thank you notes from each classroom project they help to fund.

Matt and Jessica Flannery co-Founded Kiva.org which is one of the newest players in the micro-finance space to really make a splash. They have the simple goal of connecting entrepreneurs in some of the world's poorest countries with lenders who can help them fund their initiatives. Their website is a portal to connect individuals around the world. Combining his interest in business and technology and her passion for third world issues and economic development they founded Kiva.org. The word "kiva" in Swahili means "agreement" or "unity" and in Native American it means "a gathering place." There is no interest paid to the lender on the loan, but it changes the model from being one of charity to one of investment. On average about 97% of all of the loans made are repaid by the borrower based on the profits from the establishment and growth of their business. Their tag line is "loans that change lives".The investment sought is used for endeavors in agriculture, crafts, and transportation, among others. Since they began in 2006, they've raised over $11 million to empower individuals around the world to raise themselves out of poverty.

More about Microplace.org and Grameen Foundation soon...

-- Wrap party for "The Office" at the Santa Monica Pier.

-- Speaking at Sherwood Oaks Experimental College on a panel with Literary Agent, David Warden of The Warden Group in Beverly Hills.

-- "Freakin' Sweet" was an evening of comedy and musical revue performed by Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein that featured Family Guy orchestra. It was also an apt name to describe the $100 million +++ deal that Family Guy and American Dad creator Seth MacFarlane just struck with Fox that was announced last week. The event held at the Ahmanson Theatre was a fundraiser for The Center Theatre Group to support new playwrights. Special guest Janeane Garafalo opened the evening and set the tone for the raucous, laugh-out-loud, sexually-imbued show that brought the house down. Mad props for Seth MacFarlane and Alex Borstein's comedic brilliance and musical talents. It made for a great Saturday night!