"Hip-Hop 2.0: Chuck D and DMC Launch Beyond.fm"

Another site for the independent artist crops up in a partnership between Chuck D and DMC of Run-DMC. Though I’ll probably write a more thorough post about the site at a later date, and perhaps even hook up with Chuck D for a podcast, I wanted to let you in on the news as it was offered in a press release (early).

Continue reading this article via BlackWeb2.0

Walk-in seminars on film/video/digital production topics in NYC

I volunteer my public relations services to an important media organization, Third World Newsreel (TWN). TWN provides seminars, production , distribution, exhibition services for documentary makers from all over the world.

The organization is special in my eyes because it prides itself on providing filmmakers of color a platform to create and distribute an alternative story of human history the main stream media often ignores.

The organization is currently providing walk-in seminars on film, video, and digital production topics. I encourage filmmakers of every genre to participate in TWN's informative and affordable upcoming seminars.

The seminars will beneficial to those seeking to perhaps film a music video, fashion show, or even a concert.

One of the key points indie entertainment producers fail to realize is that honing one's skills constantly is essential to building a reputation with the public. There is too much competition in the entertainment field, so only the most unique and quality products will get the public interested in your work.


| TWN Wednesday Night Seminars


Walk-in seminars on film/video/digital production topics from funding to sound and more!

Professionals in the field provide down to earth "how- to's" for the independent media-maker. Most of the classes are $25/ (15 for low income/students) but the October 10th class is FREE.


10/3 Production Planning
The "how-to's" on planning your production - from A-Z, pre-production to post-production, including templates of different budgets, and much more - planning forms and handouts. Taught by Producer/Professor Ann Bennett.

10/10 Felix Rodriguez on Documenting A Performance Artist
The director of La Bruja: A Witch from the Bronx will show clips and talk about the special
challenges of performance and cinema verite documentation. FREE WORKSHOP!

10/17 Independent Media Distribution
A primer on how to create a successful marketing plan for your film release. Promotion tips for
festivals and screenings. Taught by New School Professor and Curator Michelle Materre.

10/24 Introduction to Sound
Get good sound quality! Mikes, mixers, and more-the basics you need to know how to avoid heartache, earache (or embarrassment) when screening your final film or video production. Taught by Independent Producer JT Takagi.

10/31 Techno Organizing
From basic to brilliant, a workshop exploring the benefits of using technology to organize
information and resources over traditional approaches. In the spirit of the pioneers who utilized new technology to create art (DJ, Aerosol Artist & Producer), the course of this workshop demystifies using the new age of Web 2.0 online services instead of desktop applications, and details how storing data online rather than onto one's desktop or laptop hard drive can help with the overall effectiveness and value of the information being created, stored and/or distributed among the community. Taught by Rolando Brown of the Hip Hop Association.

11/14 Getting the Funds-Proposal Writing
A nuts and bolts approach on how to write a winning proposal and package your production idea to get that funding! Facilitated by TWN Executive Director Dorothy Thigpen, with a guest filmmaker.


All workshops start at 6:30PM
Third World Newsreel
545 8th Avenue, 10th Floor
between 37th and 38th streets
1, 2, 3, 7, A, C, E, N, R, Q, W to Times Square 42nd street
212 947-9277 x 304
Register by emailing: workshop@twn.org.

Indie Entertainers Make the Perfect Media Pitch

Indie entertainers today are a lucky bunch! Thanks to the plethora of cheap technology a Press Kit can be put together for next to nothing and nicely mailed off to every ilk of media.

However too often indie entertainers think a slick Press Kit is all that is needed to get the attention of an inundated reporter. Unlike the major companies who have the power of brand to get into just about any publication, the indie entertainer MUST cater to the needs of the media. Remember they do not need you, unless your story will add to the quality of their publication. This in the publisher’s mind equals higher circulation and/or ad revenue.

Indie entertainers need to save the cost of mailing the kit and focus on the pitch letter. The pitch letter outlines why a publication SHOULD write about your product. A pitch letter introduces the product and why the publications readers would be interested. Then if the publication is interested a press kit and other subsequent materials can be submitted.

Your Space on MySpace #2: Managing Comments

Comments are an often-overlooked promotional tool on MySpace. A well-thought comment about your product or service is an endorsement that can be used for example in a Press Release or as a product testimonial.

Comments that do not directly relate to your product or service should be deleted. Say good bye to the uncreative “Thanks for the add” and all the annoyingly large graphic comments that distort your profile.

A good example of soliciting product specific comments is the teen scene magazine Seventeen. Seventeen features its best comments in its print edition, encouraging other readers with a MySpace account to be creative and thoughtful when posting, in hopes that they too will be featured.

Soliciting inspired comments does not have to be difficult. Providing incentives like Seventeen, or offering treats like a free t-shirt or MP3 download, can inspire the masses to poetic heights.

Critical Region Consulting collaborates with independent entertainment companies and artist in developing targeted action-based strategies that enhance media coverage and product visibility. To schedule an appointment in person or by phone submit an e-mail to bandwidth (at) ybfree.com.

Your Space on MySpace #1: Taking control of your Network

Do you have a strategy for your MySpace friend network, or do you just sign em’ up and hope when a blog, bulletin or event invitation is posted someone will read it?

Your network should contain individuals who will help achieve your career goals. This means that when you post a blog, bulletin, or event invitation individuals in your network will respond accordingly. Whether that is to gain media attention, sell more CDs; get a larger turnout at your next concert or film screening.

In addition to having individuals in the network respond to your posts, their post can also help you. Bulletins, blogs, and event invitations may contain invaluable promotion resources. For instance a musician in your network posts a bulletin about a cool site that offers free ringtones. You can now sign up for that same service and share it with your fans.

Having a MySpace profile is not important if you do not take the time to understand the power of social networking. Cultivating this tool will only enhance your chances of fulfilling your aspirations.

Critical Region Consulting collaborates with independent entertainment companies and artist in developing targeted action-based strategies that enhance media coverage and product visibility. To schedule an appointment in person or by phone submit an e-mail to bandwidth (at) ybfree.com.