Dominic Pagone Joins Showtime Networks as Senior Vice President, Entertainment Publicity

Today, Showtime Networks Inc. announced that Dominic Pagone has joined the company in the role of Senior Vice President, Entertainment Publicity. Based in Los Angeles, Pagone will oversee the SHOWTIME® entertainment public relations teams on the East and West Coast, including the consumer PR team and entertainment operations staff. He will also be responsible for the development and execution of all PR campaigns, as well as generating media plans for the network’s original series, limited series, documentaries, comedy specials and unscripted programming. The announcement was made today by Johanna Fuentes, Executive Vice President, Communications, to whom Pagone will report.

Dominic Pagone (Photo Tessa Viles)

“Dominic is one of the most astute and accomplished entertainment publicity executives working in our industry, and also one of the most well-liked by press and peers everywhere,” said Fuentes. “His creative and strategic voice will play an important role in promoting our expanding original programming slate and the overall excellence of the SHOWTIME brand. I couldn’t be happier to have Dominic on board.”

Pagone spent the past 18 years at FX, where in 2015 he became Senior Vice President of Communications, overseeing trade communications, talent relations, public affairs and photo publicity for FX, FXX, FXM and FXP. From 2012-2015, Pagone served as vice president of media relations. During his tenure at FX, Pagone was the lead publicist on Sons of Anarchy for its entire seven-year run, served as the head publicist for The League, was the co-lead on Justified and launched The Strain, Married and Man Seeking Woman.

Pagone is a graduate of USC and resides in Los Angeles with his wife and two children.

Showtime Networks Inc. (SNI), a wholly owned subsidiary of CBS Corporation, owns and operates the premium television networks SHOWTIME®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ and FLIX®, and also offers SHOWTIME ON DEMAND®, THE MOVIE CHANNEL™ ON DEMAND and FLIX ON DEMAND®, and the network’s authentication service SHOWTIME ANYTIME®. Showtime Digital Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of SNI, operates the stand-alone streaming service SHOWTIME®. SHOWTIME is currently available to subscribers via cable, DBS and telco providers, and as a stand-alone streaming service through Apple®, Roku®, Amazon, Google, Xbox One and Samsung. Consumers can also subscribe to SHOWTIME via Hulu, YouTube TV, Sling TV, Sony PlayStation™ Vue and Amazon Channels. SNI also manages Smithsonian Networks™, a joint venture between SNI and the Smithsonian Institution, which offers Smithsonian Channel™, and offers Smithsonian Earth™ through SN Digital LLC. SNI markets and distributes sports and entertainment events for exhibition to subscribers on a pay-per-view basis through SHOWTIME PPV. For more information, go to http://www.SHO.com.

 

Investigation Discovery Explores Suspicious Death of Hollywood Icon in “Natalie Wood: An American Murder Mystery”

One-hour Special Premiering Monday, April 16 at 10/9c, Only on ID

In the early morning hours of November 29, 1981, Hollywood star, Natalie Wood vanishes from the yacht of her actor husband, Robert Wagner, into the open waters off Catalina Island. Hours later, a search party finds Wood’s body floating outside of a cavern with the cause of death then declared to be, drowning.

Police spring into action but have little information about the moments before she disappeared. What happened to one of Hollywood’s most famous rising stars? Investigation Discovery (ID) explores fact versus fiction with the world premiere special, NATALIE WOOD: AN AMERICAN MURDER MYSTERY premiering Monday, April 16 at 10/9c.

Natalie wood dies (Photo LATimes article)

ID retraces the events that led to that fateful night, from her rise to fame to her tumultuous relationship with her famous beau, to exclusive interviews with those who were on the scene, hoping to finally uncover what really happened during her final moments. Initially deemed an accident, Wood’s case was officially re-opened in 2011 due to dramatic new eyewitness testimony, and more recently, Robert Wagner has been deemed a “person of interest” by the LA County Sheriff’s Department.

“The suspicious death of Natalie Wood is one of those controversial cases that continues to resonate as one of Hollywood’s greatest tragedies,” said Henry Schleiff, Group President, Investigation Discovery, Destination America and American Heroes Channel. “There are still so many unanswered questions surrounding her death that we hope this special will, once and for all, provide some insight into what really happened that fateful night to Natalie Wood.”

NATALIE WOOD: AN AMERICAN MURDER MYSTERY is an extensive, 360-degree look into the suspicious circumstances surrounding Natalie Wood’s drowning more than three decades ago. The latest installment in ID’s record-breaking AMERICAN MURDER MYSTERY franchise, this 60-minute special features interviews with key people in Natalie’s life – including her sister, Lana Wood, and hair dresser, Ginger Blymer, in addition to an all-new, never-before-seen interview with Doug Oudin, the acting harbor master the night Natalie died. Additional commentary on the case is provided by legal experts, historians and journalists who have followed the case from the very beginning.

NATALIE WOOD: AN AMERICAN MURDER MYSTERY is produced for ID by American Media, Inc. and Jupiter Entertainment with Allison Wallach, Tim McConville, Matt Sprouse, David Pecker, Patrick Reardon and Dylan Howard as executive producers. For ID, Pamela Deutsch is senior executive producer, Sara Kozak is senior vice president of production, Kevin Bennett is general manager, and Henry Schleiff is Group President of Investigation Discovery, American Heroes Channel and Destination America.

About Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the leading crime and justice network on television, delivering the highest-quality programming to approximately 85 million U.S. households. From harrowing crimes to in-depth investigations and heart-breaking mysteries behind these “real people, real stories”, the always revealing network challenges our understanding of culture, society and the human condition. The #1 network for women in all of cable, ID’s programming is available in both high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD), as well as anytime and anywhere through the network’s TV Everywhere offering, IDGo. For exclusive web content and bonus material, fans can follow ID on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook or check out the network’s true crime blog, CrimeFeed.

Investigation Discovery is part of Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK), the world’s #1 pay-TV programmer reaching 3 billion cumulative subscribers in 220 countries and territories to satisfy curiosity and captivate viewers with a portfolio of premium nonfiction content brands. For additional information about ID, please visit InvestigationDiscovery.com

Woman Of Achievement Awards Nov. 10-12, 2017

6th Annual Woman of Achievement Annual Women’s Awards Show & Pageant Returns to the Queen Mary on Sunday November 12, 2017 Corporate and private donors will recognize outstanding women in the fields of Community Service, excellence in Performing and Media Arts, Public Speaking, and Non-Profit efforts November 10-12th culminating in an Awards Show available to … Continue reading “Woman Of Achievement Awards Nov. 10-12, 2017”

6th Annual Woman of Achievement Annual Women’s Awards Show & Pageant Returns to the Queen Mary on Sunday November 12, 2017

Corporate and private donors will recognize outstanding women in the fields of Community Service, excellence in Performing and Media Arts, Public Speaking, and Non-Profit efforts November 10-12th culminating in an Awards Show available to attend for the public at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 12th in the Queen’s Salon Ballroom aboard the historic Queen Mary.

On Friday, November 10th at 9:00 a.m., the annual “Women’s Day” will be held.  This event is open to all women students, entrepreneurs and volunteers who want to attend the workshop day on personal branding, health issues, visioning breakouts for entrepreneurs and women in any sales field.

The event begins at 9:30 a.m. and concludes at 4:00 p.m.  This is the day the National Woman of Achievement State and Regional Finalists will be highlighted and welcomed.

Saturday, November 11th is “Veteran’s Day” in the Britannia Ballroom, tickets available to the public and free of charge to all veterans and current military personnel.  The 11 a.m. Women’s Speech and Talent Competition will be held on Saturday with an opening tribute to our U.S. Military.

The crowning of the new Mrs. And Ms. U.S. Woman of Achievement Winners, as well as the Red Carpet Pre-Event is Sunday, November 12th in the legendary “Queen’s Salon” Art Deco Ballroom and begins at 2:00 p.m.

The Pageant’s 2017 Community Service Awards are sponsored by:  Autism Hope Alliance, Earth Friendly Products, Allure Med Aesthetics, Inc., Professional Women United and the Annual “Style Award” Scholarship will be presented by Celebrity Clothier and Best-Selling Author of “The Hustle Code” – Art Lewin of Bespoke Clothiers – Beverly Hills.

This weekend has received a Proclamation by the Mayor of Long Beach naming it “National Woman of Achievement Weekend” and welcoming the various state and regional finalists to the annual pageant competition.

Past and current Judges slated for the Sunday event include: Janice McQueen Ward (actress, and former Mrs. United States), Jamie Rios (Veteran National Pageant Judge), Dr. Gayla Kalp Jackson (Psychotherapist, Cable Television Management Executive, and Eric Zully, CEO of EZWay Radio and Television.

Woman of Achievement was founded by Marlena Martin, a veteran pageant contender and pageant platform authority holding the titles of:  Miss Las Vegas, Ms. California, and Ms. Ethnic World.  Martin has been featured as a pageant coach on NBC and USA Television Network and holds a degree in

Communication Theory and Public Address from the University of Southern California.

“I created Woman of Achievement to help women who are still pursuing their talents, community service and educational goals “after” the age 26 – which is often the maximum age allowed in many traditional pageants such as Miss America.   Woman of Achievement offers workshops, scholarships and a place to perfect speaking skills, branding and creation as each woman launches her “brand” into the world.”

Marlena Martin, Founder

http://www.womanofachievement.com

info@womanofachievement.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/WomanofAchievement

https://twitter.com/WomanofAchieve

For more information and ticket information please contact via email or by calling (520) 333-7140

E-Mail Martinent1@gmail.com

ABC UNVEILS 2017-18 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE

New Series ‘Alex, Inc.,’ ‘The Crossing,’ ‘Deception,’ ‘For The People,’ ‘The Good Doctor,’ ‘The Gospel of Kevin,’ ‘The Mayor’ and ‘Splitting Up Together’ Will Join the Lineup

New Series ‘Alex, Inc.,’  ‘The Crossing,’ ‘Deception,’ ‘For The People,’ ‘The Good Doctor,’ ‘The Gospel of Kevin,’ ‘The Mayor’ and ‘Splitting Up Together’ Will Join the Lineup Continue reading “ABC UNVEILS 2017-18 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE”

Greetings from the land of Enchantment

By Robyn Reede
Santa Fe, NM (The Hollywood Times) 5/4/17 – Busy, busy again.
Will Gardner to film in New Mexico, Production Company: Mona Vista Productions, It is being produced by: Michael Hagerty, Max Martini and Tony Mark and will Star: Max Martini, Dermot Mulroney, Gary Sinise and JoBeth Williams.“Will Gardner” is the story of an Iraq War veteran – suffering from traumatic brain injury – who takes a spirited motorcycle trip across America picking up pieces of his life lost since combat.
Inline image

Max Martini, director and star of “Will Gardner.”
 
According to Mona Vista Productions, 30 percent of the film’s profits will be distributed to three charities that assist soldiers suffering from traumatic brain injury, post traumatic stress disorder and homelessness.
Inline imageGary Sinise will begin filming in New Mexico as part of the cast of “Will Gardner.” (Rich Fury/Associated Press)
 
Also filming according to New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis the television limited series “Waco” produced by The Weinstein Company, will begin principal photography mid-April thru the end of June in Santa Fe. The six part series will premiere on Paramount Network in 2018. “The Weinstein Company is known for high quality projects with intriguing storylines and ‘Waco’ is no exception,” said New Mexico State Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “A mini-series means a longer production time, more money being spent and more people working.” “We’re very happy to have ‘Waco’ here, particularly because of the number and variety of locations they’re using throughout Santa Fe County,” said County Manager Katherine Miller.
“Waco” is directed by John Erick Dowdle (“No Escape,” “As Above, So Below”) and Dennie Gordon (“Legion,” “Power,” “Empire”) along with producers Harvey Weinstein (“Six,” “Project Runway,” “Lion”), Salvatore Stabile (“The Sopranos,” “Rescue Me,” Revenge” “Power”) and Drew Dowdle (“No Escape,” “As Above, So Below”). Starring Michael Shannon (“Man of Steel,” “Nocturnal Animals,” “Midnight Special”), Taylor Kitsch (“Lone Survivor,” “True Detective,” “The Normal Heart”), Paul Sparks (“Midnight Special,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Night Of”), Andrea Riseborough (“Birdman,” “Nocturnal Animals,” “The Witness for the Prosecution”), Rory Culkin (“Signs,” “Sneaky Pete,” “Columbus”), Shea Whigham (“Boardwalk Empire,” “Fargo,” “Vice Principals”) and John Leguizamo (“Bloodline,” “The Crash,” “John Wick: Chapter 2”). “Waco” will reveal the untold story exploring the true life details leading up to and chronicling the 1993 standoff between the FBI, ATF and David Koresh’s spiritual sect, The Branch Davidians. Told from several perspectives of those most intimately involved in both sides of the conflict, this story has never been shared on television before and is surprising in its stark contrast to the media narrative at the time and what is remembered of Waco almost 25 years later.
 

Inline image

New Mexico Film Office Director Nick Maniatis also announced that the television pilot the “Scalped” produced by Horizon Scripted Television, Inc., will begin principal photography for the month of April in Santa Fe, Pojoaque and Laguna Pueblo. “This is a particularly unique project dealing with modern day challenges and issues of cultural identity in Native American communities. The production has involved Native American advisors for input in presenting this sensitive subject matter.” said New Mexico State Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “Scalped” is the story based on a critically acclaimed sixty issue crime/western comic book series written by Jason Aaron and illustrated by R.M. Guéra.
“Scalped” is directed by Adil El Arbi (“Black,” “Image,” “Broeders”) and Bilall Fallah (“Black,” “Image,” “Bergica”). Starring Gil Birmingham (“Twilight Saga,” “Hell or High Water”), Irene Bedard (“Pocahontas,” “The Tree of Life”), Alex Meraz (“The Twilight Saga: New Moon”), Chaske Spencer (“Banshee,” “Sneaky Pete”), Lily Gladstone (“Certain Women,” “Winter in the Blood”) and Zahn McClarnon (“Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron,” “Bone Tomahawk”),
“Mission Control”, a new pilot for CBS, will begin principal photography in New Mexico. Production will take place in Albuquerque. “Whenever we have another TV pilot, we have a good chance for another TV series to follow,” said New Mexico State Film Office Director Nick Maniatis. “I know New Mexico will do its part to make this pilot the best it can be and we look forward to the great TV series jobs it could bring.” “Mission Control” is produced by CBS Television Studios. The pilot is executive produced by Brian Buckner (“True Blood,” “Friends”), Andy Weir (“The Martian”), Chic Eglee (“Hemlock Grove,” “The Walking Dead”), Genre Films’ Simon Kinberg and Aditya Sood (“Designated Survivor”), and Slingshot Global Media’s Courtney Conte (“That 70’s Show,” “Grounded for Life”) and Quan Phung (“Whitney”). The pilot is directed by Jeremy Podeswa (“Boardwalk Empire,” “Game of Thrones”). “We welcome CBS Television’s ‘Mission Control’ pilot to Albuquerque for filming,” said Mayor Richard J. Berry. “The film industry continues to be strong in our city, providing high paying and creative jobs to our citizens.” The pilot stars Poppy Montgomery (“Unforgettable,” “Without a Trace”), David Giuntoli (“Grimm”), Peyton List (“Frequency,” “Blood and Oil”), Wunmi Mosaku (“Fearless”), Levi Fiehler (“Ray Donovan,” “The Fosters”) and Nestor Serrano (“Revenge,” “24”). “Mission Control” focuses on the next generation of NASA astronauts and scientists.

Continue reading “Greetings from the land of Enchantment”

2015 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) Media Preview Day

In This Photo: Keith Shocklee, Hartley Peavey Peavey Electronics Corporation CEO Hartley Peavey and musician Keith Shocklee attend the 2015 National Association of Music Merchants show media preview day at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 21, 2015 in Anaheim, California. (Jan. 20, 2015 - Source: Jesse Grant/Getty Images North America)
In This Photo: Keith Shocklee, Hartley Peavey
Peavey Electronics Corporation CEO Hartley Peavey and musician Keith Shocklee attend the 2015 National Association of Music Merchants show media preview day at the Anaheim Convention Center on January 21, 2015 in Anaheim, California.
(Jan. 20, 2015 – Source: Jesse Grant/Getty Images North America)

By Fredwill Hernandez

Anaheim, CA (The Hollywood Times) 1/22/15 – On Wednesday, January 21, 2015, The National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM), held an invitation-only media preview day at the Anaheim Convention Center, to kick-off the 113th NAMM show. Among some of the companies who greeted the media and took the opportunity to unveil new and cool stuff were IK Multimedia, Peavey, Make Noise, Line 6, Inc., imitone, McCarthy Music, TC-Helion, V-MODA, GTC Sound Innovations, Orange Amplification, Marion Systems Corporation, Blackbird Guitars, Taylor Guitars, Yamaha, iZ Technology, Monster, Rock and Roll High Guitars, Epsilon, Roland Corp., and Cordoba Guitars.

Among the companies eager to unveil their new products was world-renowned music and audio manufacturer Peavey (Electronics), which is also celebrating its golden 50th anniversary and unveiled among others things a new series of mixers – the PV 10AT and PV 14 AT – with auto-tune pitch correction.

During the press conference, Peavey had none other than Keith Shocklee, considered Hip-hop royalty, a pioneering (Hip-hop) DJ and producer who is also co- founding member of the groundbreaking hip hop group Public Enemy (Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees) along side his friend and emcee Chuck D. Shocklee has also been named “one of the greatest producers in hip-hop” by Rolling Stone for his work on PE’s pioneering and innovative albums (1987’s) Yo! Bum Rush The Show, (1988’s) It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back, and (1989’s) Fear Of A Black Planet. The pair were demonstrating the capabilities of the PV series mixers. Continue reading “2015 NAMM (National Association of Music Merchandisers) Media Preview Day”

TUNE-IN TONIGHT:

QUENTIN TARANTINO ON ‘EL REY NETWORK PRESENTS: THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

By: Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times), August 13, 2014 “I started off as an actor and actually the only training I’ve ever done has been as an actor. I always knew that that would be one of my biggest strengths…dealing with actors, and writing the characters and getting the best of them and being able to talk actor talk.”- Quentin Tarantino

dirQUENTIN TARANTINO ON ‘EL REY NETWORK PRESENTS: THE DIRECTOR’S CHAIR

By: Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times), August 13, 2014 “I started off as an actor and actually the only training I’ve ever done has been as an actor. I always knew that that would be one of my biggest strengths…dealing with actors, and writing the characters and getting the best of them and being able to talk actor talk.”- Quentin Tarantino

On tonight’s installment of “El Rey Network Presents: The Director’s Chair” (9 PM ET/PT), network founder Robert Rodriguez will sit-down with his frequent collaborator and one of cinema’s most influential filmmakers, Quentin Tarantino.  In Volume 1 of this compelling interview (Vol. 2 airs Wednesday, August 27, 9 PM ET/PT),  Rodriguez explores Tarantino’s film career through the lens of their 20-year friendship, using never-before-seen personal footage to discuss topics from screenwriting and camera placement to Spaghetti Westerns and Kung Fu. Continue reading “TUNE-IN TONIGHT:”

JEAN PIGOZZI ASKS THE QUESTIONS

OTHERS WON’T IN NEW ESQUIRE NETWORK ORIGINAL SERIES MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY

– Executive Produced by Legendary Producer Joel Silver, Eight-Part Series Debuts September 3 at 10/9c –

Beverly Hills, CA – July 14, 2014 – Heir to a European auto fortune, photographer, art collector, successful tech investor, jetsetter and creator of the men’s clothing brand LimoLand. It’s Jean “Johnny” Pigozzi’s world … you just don’t know it yet. Esquire Network’s new original series MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY provides a twist on the typical talk show, with Pigozzi traveling the globe to ask the most provocative questions of his famous friends – as only he can. Executive produced by Joel Silver and Silver Pictures Television, Inc., the eight-part MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY premieres Wednesdays at 10/9c, beginning September 3.

MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY provides an exclusive, unfiltered view from inside Pigozzi’s world. Called “one of the world’s greatest characters” by Sir Elton John, and “the inventor of the selfie,” Pigozzi has traveled in the same stylish circles as the rich and famous his entire life – always with his trusty Leica camera in hand.

Relentlessly curious and fearlessly bold, Johnny’s not afraid to ask the most direct and provocative questions of film icons, music moguls, renowned artists and business leaders. Each episode of MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY features candid and open conversations with luminaries including actor Michael Douglas; producersBrett RatnerStephen Chao and Lorne Michaels; chefs and lifestyle brand gurus Martha StewartMario Batali and Roy Choi; entrepreneurs including recently ousted American Apparel founder Dov Charney and hotelier Andre Balazs; fashion moguls Calvin Klein and Giambattista Valli; former director of the Museum of Contemporary Art (Los Angeles) Jeffrey Deitch; PR maven Peggy Siegal, publisher Jann Wenner; and more.

MY FRIENDS CALL ME JOHNNY is executive produced for Esquire Network by Joel Silver, of Silver Pictures Television, Inc. Josh Oreck, Stacey Fields and Jean Pigozzi also serve as executive producers.

Web                          esquiretv.com

                                   facebook.com/esquirenetwork

                                  @ESQUIRETV

Channel Finder       esquiretv.com/channelfinder

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Continue reading “JEAN PIGOZZI ASKS THE QUESTIONS”

BABETTE HUGHES –

AUTHOR OF “THE HAT” 1ST IN A SERIES OF THREE BOOKS

By: Judy Shields

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/11/14 – “Imagination, the act of writing stirs imagination,” Babette Hughes told The Hollywood Times during a phone interview earlier this week to talk about her book “The Hat” which is the first book in the acclaimed crime novel in the Kate Brady series released in 2011. Her second book, “The Red Scarf” was released on August 5, 2013 and her final and third book in this series is due to be released later this year.

Bbette AUTHOR OF “THE HAT” 1ST IN A SERIES OF THREE BOOKS

By: Judy Shields

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/11/14 – “Imagination, the act of writing stirs imagination,” Babette Hughes told The Hollywood Times during a phone interview earlier this week to talk about her book “The Hat” which is the first book in the acclaimed crime novel in the Kate Brady series released in 2011.  Her second book, “The Red Scarf” was released on August 5, 2013 and her final and third book in this series is due to be released later this year. Continue reading “BABETTE HUGHES –”

LA URBAN LEAGUE OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & FASHION SPEAKS PRESENTS –

LA-IN-A-DAY FASHION SHOW

By: Judy Shields

Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/11/14 – “With the production of this 3rd installment, we remain firm in our commitment to provide a prominent stage for young designers to showcase their talents.” A quote from LAULYP President Abby Harris.

Nancy LaScala (photo: The Hollywood Times)
Nancy LaScala (photo: The Hollywood Times)

LA-IN-A-DAY FASHION SHOW

By: Judy Shields

Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 7/11/14 – “With the production of this 3rd installment, we remain firm in our commitment to provide a prominent stage for young designers to showcase their talents.”  A quote from LAULYP President Abby Harris.

The 3rd Annual LA In a Day Fashion Show was held at the Hollywood Supper Club on Hollywood Blvd., Tuesday July 8 from 7-10 p.m.  The show featured collections from the city’s hottest couture designers and urban trendsetters, with music by DJ Dense.  Partial proceeds from the event will be donated to support the youth empowerment programs of LA-based nonprofit, C.L.I.M.B., Inc.  Make-up and cosmetics are being donated by Ashley Reed of Mary Kay and fabulous hair creations are being donated by the luxury salon Hair Republic located in Hesperia, CA. Continue reading “LA URBAN LEAGUE OF YOUNG PROFESSIONALS & FASHION SPEAKS PRESENTS –”

THE CABLE SHOW 2014!

– FASTER. BETTER. MORE ENTERTAINING.

By Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/2/14 – “We are pleased to shine a spotlight on the companies whose diversity programs and initiatives are positively impacting gender diversity in the industry,” Maria E. Brennan, CAE, WICT’s President & CEO told The Hollywood Times and others that gathered for the elegant WICT Signature Luncheon on Tuesday, April 29, 2014, hosted by Giuliana Ranic, anchor of E! News. The Signature Luncheon is designed to recognize those companies that are leading the way in demonstrating superlative gender diversity and inclusion tactics as measured by the WICT PAR Initiative employment survey.

Marsh & Milano @ WICT Awards (Photo: The Hollywood Times)
Marsh & Milano @ WICT Awards (Photo: The Hollywood Times)

– FASTER. BETTER. MORE ENTERTAINING.

By Valerie Milano

Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 5/2/14 – “We are pleased to shine a spotlight on the companies whose diversity programs and initiatives are positively impacting gender diversity in the industry,” Maria E. Brennan, CAE, WICT’s President & CEO told The Hollywood Times and others that gathered for the elegant WICT Signature Luncheon on Tuesday, April 29, 2014,  hosted by Giuliana Ranic, anchor of E! News.  The Signature Luncheon is designed to recognize those companies that are leading the way in demonstrating superlative gender diversity and inclusion tactics as measured by the WICT PAR Initiative employment survey.

Industry executives who accepted these PAR Excellence Awards on behalf of their organizations included:

Nomi Bergman, President, Bright House Networks

Jill Campbell, EVP & COO, Cox Communications

David L. Cohen, EVP & Chief Diversity Officer, Comcast Corporation

Jerry Kent, Chairman & CEO, Suddenlink Communications

Ken Lowe, President, Chairman & CEO, Scripps Networks Interactive

Gail MacKinnon, EVP & Chief Government Relations Officer, Time Warner Cable

Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer at Disney Channels World Wide, Disney ABC Television Group

John Martin, CEO, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc.

Debbie Stang, VP, Human Resources, Midcontinent Communications

David Zaslav, President & CEO, Discovery Communications

WICT’s Vice President of Development, Lesa Faris added, “It is a pleasure to welcome E! and Suzanne Kolb as the premier sponsor and honorary chair of this important event that supports women in cable. We are also pleased to recognize Accenture and Neustar, Inc., Champion Sponsors of the 2014 WICT Signature Luncheon.”

The ballroom had round tables set up with wonderful table settings and we enjoyed a very delicious salad, followed by a finely prepared parmesan crusted chicken with vegetables.  The dessert was tart vanilla custard with sliced apples.

The Hollywood Times has the opportunity to congratulate Gary Marsh, President and Chief Creative Officer at Disney Channels World Wide, Disney ABC Television Group.  He said it was an honor to have won the award and it gives him great please to have so many women at Disney that hold VP or higher titles.

April 29 – May 1, 2014.  The cable companies all came together finally back in the city of Los Angeles at the LA Convention Center for their annual meeting.  Organized by the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, The Cable Show 2014 is the cable industry’s largest annual trade show and conference.   Word has it that it will take place in Chicago next year.

Notable speakers and participants include Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti, FCC Chairman Thomas Wheeler and top executives and creative’s from major networks and providers – including AMC Networks, Comcast, Cisco, Cox, ESPN, Time Warner Cable, Turner Broadcasting and many others.

Each year The Cable Show hosts the top influencers in entertainment, broadband, advanced technology, content creation, public policy, business and programming to participate in informative and engaging discussions.

They once again had a great press room with many desktop computers for us to use and a well-stocked lunch room with delicious food and drinks.

The Hollywood Times also was invited to attend the 17th Annual Cable Hall of Fame Awards, hosted by The Cable Center, held at the JW Marriott, LA Live.  Introduction into the Cable Hall of Fame is an award unlike any; it preserves tradition, recognizes innovation and reflects the earned respect of cable industry peers.

Here is a list of the Honorees:

Christiane Amanpour, Chief International Correspondent and Anchor, CNN.

Alex Best, Executive Vice President, Engineering, Cox Communications, Inc.

Fred Dressler, (deceased) Executive Vice President, Programming, Time Warner Cable

Jerald L. Kent, Chairman and CEO, Suddenlink Communications

Daniel L. Ritchie, Chairman and CEO, The Denver Center for the Performing Arts

David R. Van Valkenburg, Former CEO and COO, TeleWest PLC (UK)

Round tables filled the room and the first person that The Hollywood Times ran into was Robert L Schmidt, CEO for Great American Broadband, Inc. from Washington DC.  He was also the former head of NCTA before Cable was Cool.

I was carrying the TV One roller bag given to the press at check in.  He asked where was I going dragging that bag behind me.  I told him I was with the media and that stuck a conversation.  We formally introduced ourselves and he told me about why he was at the convention and especially to be here to honor his fellow colleges that were accepting awards.  He started off in the cable business and how he got to where he is now.  He also said he has 11 children and his wife is the only daughter of Arthur Godfrey.

On the menu was the first course of frisee salad, tomato, mozzarella, basil and aged balsamic. The entrée was parmesan crusted beef filet with pesto risotto, seasonal vegetables and port wine demi-glaze.  Dessert was a delicious vanilla crème Brule, hazelnut financier and fruit.

After the awards dinner The Hollywood Times was invited to a private party hosted by Revolt, a new and upcoming African American cable network station in the lobby bar of the JW Marriott.  A nice time had by all.

Wednesday night The Hollywood Times was invited to Cablefax & AXS TV Present “Cablemania” A Beatles Themed Late Night Party at Nokia Live.  The party included a 90-minute Live Broadcast of AXS TVs The World’s Greatest Tribute Bands, hosted by Katie Daryl and Featuring Acclaimed Beatles Tribute Band Britain’s Finest. BBC America and BBC World News, Havoc Television, MAVTV and Tennis Channel lend support as Additional Event Sponsors.

Thursday, May 1st was the last day of the show, so up to the press room to get some delicious lunch and snacks and off to the vendor area downstairs to walk the floor.  The Hollywood Times spoke to Rentrak and they said that there has been a somewhat steady stream of people but, in their opinion, they thought since the conference was here in Los Angeles, there were less people registered. They said several LA clients told them to come to their place of business instead of them coming to the conference.  That does make some sense and maybe they were on to something.

There were many free pens, cookies, candy, sodas and some neat gadgets some vendors were giving out.  The Hollywood Times met Stuart Smitherman, President of Vivicast Media.  They are a global content licensor specializing in making the best in 24/7 entertainment programming available to MPVD operators around the world. With a mix of mainstream networks, unique and niche content, and highly-desired movies and series for VOD Vivicast offers operators the content their subscribers want to see. Stuart said they were here to find any cable channel that would carry their live video feed from London of nightclubs and music video.  Stuart Smitherman said “that Vivicast constantly seeks the most unique and appealing television networks designed for a worldwide audience and ikonoTV is an invaluable addition to their offerings.  With 4K assets, images will seemingly transcend the TV screen as if the viewer is in the same room with exclusive works of art that often can’t be seen anywhere else.”

The Hollywood Times spoke with Doris Nadel, Director of Affiliate

Milano & Nadel (Photo: The Hollywood Times)
Milano & Nadel (Photo: The Hollywood Times)

Marketing with AXS TV, about the broadcast rights for each band that choose to be broadcast live, like Coachella festival and Stagecoach and now New Orleans Jazz Festival.  They have to go to every band and sign up the artist that give them the rights to show them live.  Doris said it is such a nightmare and that is why others companies don’t offer these bands live, but AXS feels it is what their viewers want.  They have worked very hard on concerts and now they are focusing more on entertainment and doing these festivals. They are partners with AEG, who are the promoters for the music festivals.  When they do multi artist it is much more difficult and with help from AEG, it makes it possible to do the 3-day festivals.

About WICT

For thirty-five years, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) has partnered with cable and telecommunications leaders to provide professional development programs, research and services that help advance women in cable media. With nearly 10,000 members, WICT is the oldest and largest professional association serving women in the cable and telecommunications industry. Comcast|NBCUniversal, Time Warner Cable, Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. and Suddenlink Communications are WICT’s Strategic Touchstone Partners. Please visit http://www.wict.org or follow @WICT on Twitter for more information.

About The Cable Center

Established in 1985, The Cable Center plays an integral role in the cable industry. The Center’s resources and information document cable’s rich heritage, while The Cable Center programs and support help fuel the industry’s progress.

With physical headquarters in Denver, Colorado, The Center’s presence extends wherever cable professionals work and wherever cable customers live. Our industry-wide mission and scope of service serve everyone involved in cable: operators, programmers, vendors, suppliers, professionals, and nonprofit industry organizations, as well as higher education and the general public.

The Cable Center’s unique historical resources are a living, growing testament to the entrepreneurial spirit of cable’s founders and to the innovative culture that drives the industry forward. Our programs help current professionals excel in their roles, while our higher education programs introduce future generations to this dynamic industry. And our seminal customer care programs make a powerful contribution to the industry’s collective efforts to improve customer relationships.

About AXS TV

AXS TV is the premier destination for live events and as-they-happen trends in music and pop culture. The network’s AXS TV Concerts brand is the #1 source on television for 100% live music. From multi-day festivals to stadium tours to club acts, AXS TV delivers an unparalleled experience for fans of all genres, from rock and hip hop to country, jazz, and metal. Now in over 40 million homes, network partners include Mark Cuban, AEG, Ryan Seacrest Media, Creative Artists Agency (CAA) and CBS

TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL 2014 Wrap Up

– MOVIE STAR INTERVIEWS AND GREAT MOVIE SCREENINGS

By Valerie Milano & Judy Shields

Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/18/14 – “It is such an honor to be part of TCM’s 20th Anniversary and to be here at the Classic Film Festival with all of you fans” Robert Osborne told fans that gathered at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel lobby to kick off the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival last week in Hollywood, Thursday, April 10 – Sunday, April 13.

Maureen O'Hara (Photo: The Hollywood Times)
Maureen O’Hara (Photo: The Hollywood Times)

– MOVIE STAR INTERVIEWS AND GREAT MOVIE SCREENINGS

By Valerie Milano & Judy Shields

 

Hollywood, CA (The Hollywood Times) 4/18/14 – “It is such an honor to be part of TCM’s  20th Anniversary and to be here at the Classic Film Festival with all of you fans”  Robert Osborne told fans that gathered at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel  lobby to kick off the 2014 TCM Classic Film Festival last week in Hollywood, Thursday, April 10 –  Sunday, April 13. Continue reading “TCM CLASSIC FILM FESTIVAL 2014 Wrap Up”

1st Annual Location Managers Guild of America Awards Show

Billy Crystal on stage at the LMGA awards (The Hollywood Times)
Billy Crystal on stage at the LMGA awards (The Hollywood Times)

They do not represent Location Managers/Scouts in wage or working condition negotiations, leaving this responsibility to their unions.

By Valerie Milano

Beverly Hills, CA 4/2/14 (The Hollywood Times) — The Location Managers Guild of America (LMGA) announced the winners of its 1st Annual Location Managers Guild of America Awards, presented by the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward Office of Film & Entertainment. The event honored the outstanding and creative contributions of Location Professionals in six categories of film, television and commercials during the black-tie ceremony at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills. Continue reading “1st Annual Location Managers Guild of America Awards Show”