Sat, Feb 9, 2008
The impact of new technology on traditional radio is still in the early stages, but be assured, a transformation is underway. Recent innovations such as HD, satellite radio, Internet streaming, mobile audio, and podcasting are revolutionizing the industry. Early adopters and aggressive station managers are driving the changes that will characterize radio of the future. Insiders explore the new landscape, and talk about what it will mean for future career-seekers.
Sat, Feb 16, 2008
Mystery novels take their place as some of the most entertaining and engaging translations to the screen. But what does it take to get it right? Our panel of critically acclaimed, bestselling authors and screenwriters discuss the perils and pitfalls of the process, and the basics of transforming storyline, characters, themes and style to create a satisfying movie.
Sat, Feb 23, 2008
In 2002, Lee Daniels produced the critically acclaimed box office success Monster's Ball, starring Halle Berry, who made history by becoming the first black woman to win an Academy Award for Best Actress. Now a power player in the industry, Daniels went on to produce the controversial film, The Woodsman, starring Kevin Bacon and Mos Def. Last year, he made his directorial debut with Shadowboxer, starring Oscar winners Helen Mirren and Cuba Gooding, Jr. Daniels sits down with Spike Lee's longtime producer Monty Ross for a look at his career.
Sat, Mar 1, 2008
Walt Disney transformed animation from novelty to art form, first with Mickey Mouse and then with his feature films-most notably Snow White, Pinocchio, Fantasia, Dumbo, and Bambi. Hear author Neal Gabler on how this creative visionary reshaped the entertainment industry by building an empire combining film, television, theme parks, music, book publishing, and merchandise in a way that was unprecedented, and later widely imitated. Seven years in the making and meticulously researched, Neal Gabler's book on Disney is a biographical tour de force. Gabler is the first writer to be given complete access to the Disney archives and the result is the story of a man whose work left an indelible brand on American pop culture.
Sat, Mar 8, 2008
When Bill Clinton was desperate to divert an unfriendly Washington Press Corps, humor was a tactic and speechwriter/humorist Mark Katz was his secret weapon. Katz, founder of The Sound Bite Institute (a "one-man comedy think tank"), has helped hundreds of politicians and corporate types sound like comedy pros. Katz offers pointers to aspiring writers, publicists, performers, public speakers and anyone else who wants to charm an audience, beguile their friends and just get everybody to lighten up already.
Sat, Mar 15, 2008
Although the theater world has been slow to adopt hi-tech marketing methods, changes are taking place as a younger, tech savvy group of producers, marketers and publicists are introducing new strategies to get people into the seats. New players are dramatically changing the way shows are publicized and marketed, both on and off Broadway. Learn how these innovators are bringing in audiences.
Sat, Mar 22, 2008
Best known as "Hitler's filmmaker," Leni Riefenstahl was one of the most fascinating and controversial figures of the 20th century. Her best-known works, Triumph of the Will and Olympia were hailed as masterpieces when they came out in the late thirties. However, at the end of the war these films destroyed Riefenstahl's career, no longer recognized as great art but condemned as a Nazi propaganda. Steven Bach (author of one of the best books on the film industry, Final Cut) reveals the truths and lies behind Riefenstahl's self-created mythology. In interviewing hundreds of new sources-including her colleagues and intimate friends, Bach has come up with an exceptional work of historical investigation that untangles the past. The book is an objective but unsparing appraisal of a woman of spectacular gifts corrupted by ruthless personal ambition.
Sat, Mar 29, 2008
Learn from leading creative execs what it takes to develop, produce and promote a horror hit today. Our panel of experts will explore what goes into turning out original, marketable and creatively successful screamers, and will also reveal the latest publicity and marketing techniques to create the buzz you need. Find out where the genre is now - and where the trends are taking it.
Sat, Jun 21, 2008
Some films are destined to be hits, others greatly exceed box office expectations (as we have witnessed in the extreme this year), and thousands more barely make a blip on the radar screen. With no sign of the movie-making machine stopping, how do publicists break through the wall of noise to get their movies front and center?
Sat, Jun 28, 2008
It is the holy grail of the book industry, but what exactly is a bestseller? And what can one do to improve a book's chances of New York Times glory? Hear from the editors, publishers and publicists behind some of this year's top-selling page-turners, and discover the secrets to breaking into the publishing world.