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Message from: Black Talent News (african-cinema-conference@xc.org)
About: Information on Infotainment '97: Toronto

Mon, 28 Jul 1997 05:41:18 -0700 (PDT)


Originally from: Black Talent News <btn@earthlink.net>
Originally dated: Mon, 28 Jul 1997 05:41:18 -0700 (PDT)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ANNOUNCING ... INFOTAINMENT '97: TORONTO
TO BE HELD SEPTEMBER 8, 1997 IN TORONTO CANADA
PRESENTED BY BLACK TALENT NEWS & THE BLACK FILM AND VIDEO NETWORK

Tanya Kersey-Henley, publisher and editor-in-chief of the Los
Angeles-based, Black Talent News, has announced its partnership with the
Toronto-based, Black Film & Video Network to host INFOTAINMENT '97:
TORONTO. Timed to coincide with the Toronto International Film Festival,
this one-day conference will be held on Monday, September 8, 1997, at Metro
Hall, 55 John Street, in Toronto.

"Infotainment '97: Toronto was developed as an integrated informational,
networking and marketing event to afford African Americans, African
Canadians and persons from the African diaspora, the opportunity to
participate in information-packed lectures, seminars, panel and roundtable
discussions with many of the entertainment industry's leading
professionals", says Ms. Kersey-Henley. The conference offers film and
video makers the opportunity to meet their professional colleagues in an
atmosphere dedicated to exploring issues relevant to their career needs.

"Infotainment '97: Toronto is committed to assisting film and video makers
in finding resources to develop their projects and enhance the
possibilities for production and distribution. Participants will be
offered vital information on all aspects of producing, including
development, budgeting, and working with a broad range of independent
companies in the African diaspora and in the mainstream entertainment
international arena," says Hazel Da Breo, Executive Director of the Black
Film & Video Network (BFVN).

The registration fee for Infotainment '97: Toronto is $60 and $50 for BFVN
members.

Along with the day-long Infotainment activities, the Black Film & Video
Network will hold its 8th Annual Reel Black Awards and Reception on
Saturday, September 6, at the Glenn Gould Studio, CBC, 250 Front Street in
Toronto. Admission is $40 or $25 for Network members. On Sunday,
September 7, the Network also hosts a "Salute to Planet Africa" Gala,
location TBA. Admission is by invitation only, or with a ticket to the
Reel Black Awards.

Black Talent News is the leading trade publication for African Americans in
the entertainment industry, covering the film, television, theatre and
music industries. The Black Film & Video Network is a non-profit
organization of professional film and video makers supporting and promoting
the development of African Canadian film and video production. It is the
only association for Black filmmakers in Canada.

Toronto is home to North America's third-largest film production centre.
The Toronto International Film Festival is the #1 film festival in North
America. The Festival runs from September 4th through 13th, 1997.

For more information contact Black Talent News' events hotline at (310)
226-8497, or the Black Film & Video Network at (416) 504-1442.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS
Monday, September 8, 1997

Registration & Continental Breakfast (9:00 AM)

Session I (10:00 - 11:45AM)
"DOING BUSINESS IN THE AFRICA DIASPORA: U.S., CANADA AND THE AFRICAN
CONNECTION" - Film has become a global commodity. In order to be
profitable, you got to market and sell yourself and your project beyond
the borders of your home country. This roundtable discussion will provide
information about distribution efforts and festivals in the African
diaspora, opportunities for co-productions.
"PRODUCER'S CAUCUS" - A roundtable discussion of how producers can get
their film and video productions in the can and get it seen. Focus on
production and post-production budgets and scheduling - bringing in the
project on time and on budget, working with unions and guilds, where to
play and how to play the festival and market circuits, packaging and making
distribution deals. Panelists include representatives from the unions,
studio executives, and producer's reps

Lunch (12:00 noon - 1:00 PM)

Session II (1:00 - 2:45PM)
"FILMMAKING AND VIDEO PRODUCTION FOR CABLE AND FOREIGN MARKETS" - Cable
television offer a myriad of opportunities for the African American and
African Canadian Filmmaker and video producer. What type of product are
these markets looking for - why drama sells in foreign markets and comedy
is a risk - and how to get a foothold in the door? Panelists include
foreign sales agents, distributors, and cable programming executives.

"FINDING WORK BELOW THE LINE" - This seminar will focus on career
opportunities behind-the-scenes ... i.e. DPs, line producers, PAs and other
production personnel. What are the different types of jobs available, what
qualifications and training are needed and how to get into the trade
unions. What are the barriers to employment for qualified personnel?
Panelists will include line producers, production technicians and union
representatives.

Session III (3:00-4:45PM)
"THE LEGAL AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF FILMMAKING" - Focus on the legal and
financial considerations involved in producing a film/video project and
getting it sold in the marketplace. Discussion will include financing
methods (pre-sales, negative pick-up, investors and securities),
clearances, completion bonds, errors & omissions insurance, legal paper
trail, deliverables. Learn how to protect yourself when dealing with a
sales agent, distributor, or broadcaster (most of whom are American or
operate under American laws) and how to structure an international
co-production agreement.

"NEW MEDIA AND ENTERTAINMENT ... A MARRIAGE MADE IN CYBERSPACE" -
Discussion of the coverging entertainment media marketplace includes the
creation of new and innovative product, the world wide web,
project-dedicated web sites, digital media formats, and how entertainment
industry professionals can integrate new media into their business.

INFOTAINMENT '97: TORONTO IS THE "MUST ATTEND" EVENT OF THE YEAR!
Network with industry leaders and hundreds of colleagues

REQUIRED DONATION IS $60 for general admission, $50 for BFVN members.
Canadian residents pay in Canadian dollars, U.S. residents in U.S. dollars.

SEND CHECK OR MONEY ORDER AS FOLLOWS:
*** Canadian Residents: Mail to: BLACK FILM & VIDEO NETWORK (BFVN), 24
Ryerson Avenue, Suite 307, Toronto, Ontario M5T 2P3 Canada. Make payable
to "Black Film & Video Network".
*** U.S. Residents: Mail to: BLACK TALENT NEWS, P.O. BOX 83627, LOS
ANGELES, CA 90083-0627.

HOW TO REGISTER:
1. Before August 29th: By mail. Send this registration form and check
or money order.
2. After August 29th: Do not mail. You must register on-site. Bring
this completed form for fast on-site registration!

VISIT OUR WEBSITE AT www.blacktalentnews.com and check out the
"Infotainment '97" section! You can also call (310) 226-8497 or (416)
504-1442 for a registration form.

BLACK TALENT NEWS
The Entertainment Industry Trade Publication for African Americans
P.O. Box 83627
Los Angeles, CA 90083-0627
Phone: (310) 642-7658
Fax: (310) 642-7587
General Info/Subscriptions: (310) 226-2878
Events Hotline: (310) 226-8497
<www.blacktalentnews.com>



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