The staff of LooseyLucy's Headquarters would like to wish everyone a Merry Holiday Season & a Happy New Year!  See you in 2010!!!

Indiegrrl Women in the Arts nonprofit works to create networking, educational, and showcasing opportunities for women in the arts regardless of age, race, religion, sexual orientation or political views and does not tolerate discrimination in any form.

Indiegrrl Women in the Arts nonprofit just launched the new look to our nonprofit and the new look to our www.indiegrrl.org website and our BRAND NEW website www.indiegrrlrecords.com. Our new format welcomes and includes all women involved in music, comedy, spoken word, authors, and various art mediums. Indiegrrl is no longer a member based organization. Indiegrrl Women in the Arts will continue to produce festivals, conferences, workshops and other educational forums and any female artist or female fronted band is eligible to submit to showcase. Both females and males can attend our workshops, conferences and educational forums. Visit www.indiegrrl.org to read our new mission statement and vision statement and see the new direction and new plans we have set forth for the Indiegrrl Women in the Arts nonprofit along with future goals to build the Indiegrrl Music & Arts Educational Facility and the Indiegrrl Music & Arts Camp for Children.

Indiegrrl Women in the Arts has launched our new Retail Store called Indiegrrl Records. Visit www.indiegrrlrecords.com to see how to get your music registered to sell on the online retail store website. We DO NOT take out percentages of the sales of your items at Indiegrrl. You can also get to this website from the front page of the brand new looking Indiegrrl main website at www.indiegrrl.org.

As we grow our events and opportunities grow.

Submissions now underway for these opportunities:
2010 Indiegrrl Songwriting Contest (Deadline is March 1, 2010)
2010 Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap (Spring Festival) (Deadline is January 29, 2010)
2010 International Indiegrrl Music & Arts Conference & Festival (Deadline is March 31, 2010)
2010 Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap (Fall Festival) (Deadline is April 30, 2010)

Coming soon submissions for the 2010 Indiegrrl Compliation CD. Details coming soon on the new Indiegrrl Americana/Folk/Roots Music and Wine Festival.

Register now to attend the 2010 Indiegrrl Music & Arts Conference & Festival in Knoxville, TN on August 19 to 22. The Crowne Plaza Hotel located on the downtown Knoxville Market Square is the hosting site for the event and the showcases will take place in various venues and art galleries in the Market Square area. Early Bird Registration deadline is July 16, 2010.

Register now to attend the Indiegrrl Fest Jonica Gap Spring and Fall Music & Arts Festival Events. Both are three day camping events located in the beautiful North Georgia Mountains just a stones throw away from NC and TN and located at Jonica Gap Campground in Mineral Bluff, GA. Day passes will be available the day of the event for those that do not want to camp but want to attend the festival.

Like what we stand for and work to create then please make a charitable donation to the Indiegrrl Women in the Arts nonprofit today and help us reach our goals.

Indiegrrl Women in the Arts, Inc.
P.O. Box 4021
Martinsville, VA 24115
www.indiegrrl.org
www.indiegrrl.com
www.indiegrrlrecords.com

On 15th December 2009, the leading innovators in dance music, Pioneer, Beatport, DJ Magazine and Let's Mix, come together to launch "Next Generation DJ," (NGDJ) a talent competition designed to unearth the next superstar DJ and to give them the chance to win a life changing prize. To win, DJs with the X-Factor will have to demonstrate their skills by uploading and promoting a mix on the new mixing and social networking platform, www.letsmix.com as well as prove that they have the entrepreneurial aptitude required to make it big in the world of dance music.

NGDJ has some heavyweight backing. Pioneer revolutionized DJ technology with the introduction of the CD turntables and are about to do so again with the launch of their CDJ2000 & 900 digital DJ platform. Beatport is the world's no.1 destination to purchase electronic music and home to the influential Beatportal blog. DJ Magazine is the world's leading authority on dance music and is the brand behind the globally renowned "DJ Mag Top 100" poll. And Let's Mix was developed by the team from Tonium, who introduced the revolutionary Pacemaker, hand held, portable DJ system to the world. These brands know DJ'ing and dance music like no other, making NGDJ a competition with a genuine prospect of discovering the world's next superstar DJ.

However, to be a superstar DJ these days takes more than just skills behind the decks. You need to be able to create your brand, manage your profile and promote yourself relentlessly. Entrants to NGDJ will be required to create their www.letsmix.com profile and upload their DJ mix. From there they will need to show they can navigate the world of promo, pushing their DJ mix across all social networking / blogging platforms to generate a specific amount of votes to reach the next round. Amongst all those who have been able to promote themselves sufficiently 100 finalists will compete in a second round, creating a mix around a special theme with their DJ skills judged by a panel of industry heavyweights. All 100 finalists will also feel the heat of the media spotlight throughout the final round.

The eventual winner of NGDJ will soon feel what it's like to be a superstar DJ, with a set of brand new Pioneer CDJ2000's (and inclusion in the exclusive Pioneer test DJ group), a Pacemaker, huge media coverage across DJ Mag, Beatport, Let's Mix and many more, their own compilation release on Beatport, flights to the huge WMC event in Miami, flash hotel and massive gigs at the Beatport Pool Party and the DJ Mag opening and closing party at the Shelborne. This is a competition designed by the biggest, most influential brands in dance music to find genuine, unrivalled DJ talent, and so the final and ultimate reward for winning the competition is a future career as a DJ. The winner will be offered an exclusive contract with a major DJ management agency, giving them the chance to show dance floors around the world exactly what they can do. 2010 will the year when the NGDJ winner will become the next big DJ brand.

So what are you waiting for? Let's Mix!

Imaging USA, one of the world's largest events for professional photographers, has picked Music City, USA, for its 2010 convention and tradeshow. Imaging USA expects to rock the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center with more than 8,000 photographic industry specialists when its annual convention opens on January 10.

The country's longest running photographic convention will feature a unique combination of artistic and business education designed specifically for professional photographers, whether they've been in business for years, or are just starting out. "For a photographer, true success is a combination of artistic and business skills," states Ron Nichols, president of Professional Photographers of America (PPA). "And we believe the best education for both sides of the photographic success equation can be found at Imaging USA."

Presented by an alliance of PPA, the Society of Sport and Event Photographers (SEP), Commercial Photographers International (CPI), and Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC), Imaging USA is expected to draw attendees from around the world. It features presentations by some of the industry's biggest names, including Yervant, Tony Corbell, Denis Reggie, Katrin Eismann and Jeff and Julia Woods, among others.

Renowned among photographers for its intensive educational offerings, Imaging USA classes focus on different photographic specialties and "tricks of the trade" geared towards improving a photographer's business skills, photographic repertoire and use of technologies. Classes run all day with breaks in between so attendees can visit the Imaging Expo where hundreds of the industry's leading vendors showcase their products. "Regardless of what product I'm looking for, the Imaging Expo always seems to have it. Plus, vendors typically offer deals at the show that aren't always available elsewhere," says Nichols.

"You see the best of the best at Imaging USA," adds Ernie Johnson, PPA member and executive director of the Tennessee Professional Photographers Association (TPPA). "The vendors are industry leaders, the products are cutting-edge and the education is unmatched. TPPA members are very excited that Imaging USA chose Nashville as its venue this year--it's a wonderful networking opportunity for photographers in Tennessee and surrounding areas."

Nichols says Nashville's central location was a key consideration for this visual artists' conference. "Many of our members are within a day's driving distance of Nashville, making this year's venue a very attractive option when travel budgets are tight."   

Other notable features of Imaging USA 2010:

        * World's Largest Annual Print Exhibit--Open to the Public. The world's largest annual photographic exhibit will features over 2,300 images this year. The display is open to the public and there is no charge for admission.    

    * Special Events and Presentations. A full slate of exclusive events and parties will be brought to attendees by platinum plus sponsors, including White House Custom Colour, Kodak and Canon.

    * Pre-Convention Courses. Imaging USA will offer three days of in-depth pre-convention programming for an additional fee (from classes on the business of photography to hands-on workshops that allow photographers to work with several different pros, one at a time).

    * Specialty classes for sport and event photography. Imaging USA attendees can also take classes (for no additional fee) at SEPCON, the co-located Sport and Event Photographers Conference. 

    * Evidence Photographers International Council School and Certification Classes. For an additional fee, attendees can participate in EPIC School to learn about forensic and crime scene photography.


Registration for the conference is open to all professional photographers and several options are available, including full conference and one-day passes. A special promotion includes a free full conference registration for new members who join PPA prior to the show. For more information about Imaging USA or to register for the conference, visit www.imagingusa.org or call 800-786-6277.

About Imaging USA
Imaging USA began in 1880 as the annual convention and tradeshow for Professional Photographers of America and is the longest running national photographic convention, expo and image exhibition in the United States. Always growing and evolving, Imaging USA became home to two new conferences in 2006: SEPCON (the Sport and Event Photographers Conference), the annual conference of the Society of Sport and Event Photographers, and the Commercial Photography Conference, the annual conference of Commercial Photographers International. In 2006, Imaging USA also welcomed Adobe as an official sponsor of the Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom for Photographers track, now the Adobe Photography Solutions track. In 2008, Imaging USA welcomed EPIC School (Evidence Photographers International Council). For registration information and complete program details, visit www.imagingusa.org.

About Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
Professional Photographers of America (PPA), an international nonprofit association for professional photographers, exists to assist its 22,000 members in achieving their professional, artistic, and fraternal goals; promote public awareness of the profession; and to advance the making of images in all of its disciplines as an art, a science and a visual recorder of history. For more information, visit www.ppa.com or call 800.786.6277.

About Society of Sport and Event Photographers (SEP)
The Society of Sport & Event Photographers (SEP) is a private, nonprofit association dedicated exclusively to serving the needs of sport and event photographers. SEP marshals the resources of the event photography industry and delivers them to its members via their exclusive online content, Action News publication and live events. For more information, visit www.SEPsociety.com or call 877-427-3778.

About Commercial Photographers International (CPI)
Commercial Photographers International (CPI) is a nonprofit organization focused on the changing needs of commercial photographers. For more information, visit www.MyCPI.com.

About Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC)
Evidence Photographers International Council (EPIC) was founded in 1968 as a nonprofit educational and scientific organization with the primary purpose of advancing evidence photography. In 2009, the Evidence Photographer Certification was launched, dedicated to raising the standard in the industry. For more information, please visit www.EvidencePhotographers.com or call 866-868-EPIC (3742).

15th Annual USA Songwriting Competition is now accepting entries! Winning songs will receive radio airplay in United States and Canada along with great prizes such as a Top Prize of over $50,000.

Sponsors of the 15th Annual Competition are: Guitar Player Magazine, New Music Weekly, Sony, Audio-Technica, Ibanez Guitars, D'Addario Strings, Mackie, Presonus, Imageline Software, Acoustica, Sonoma Wireworks, Intellitouch Tuners, SongFrame Software, Rockstar Texting, Acoustic Café Radio Program, Livewire Contacts, AirplayAccess.com, Loggins Promotion, Superdups.com and Sirius XM Radio.

EARLY ENTRY BONUS: First 1,000 Entries Will Each Receive FREE 3 issue subscription to Guitar Player magazine, ($19.50 Value!) + free software (see below) Hurry, While Stocks Last! Please obtain the entry form at: 
http://www.songwriting.net/entryform.html

Or enter online here with your MP3:
https://online.songwriting.net

Arts Presenters announces program highlights for APAP Conference NYC 2010, taking place from January 8-12 at the New York Hilton. In unveiling this year's conference theme, "Risk. Opportunity. Now." we take a look at the kinds of risks that have been integral to making and presenting the performing arts, while exploring the risks that lie ahead in creating new opportunities for the industry. The 2010 APAP Conference NYC is the premier global arts marketplace and network for the performing arts industry and expects to convene 4,000 conference attendees from all over the country and around the world, over 400 exhibitors and showcase over 1,000 performances at this year's conference.

Adding to the dynamic roster of keynote speakers, panelists and artists expected for the conference, confirmed keynote speaker Majora Carter, a national environmental expert, will address conference attendees on "Greening the Performing Arts," a special focus of this year's conference. Ms. Carter is the Founder and President of the Majora Carter Group, LLC which was established to help clients solve public health, poverty alleviation, and climate change issues simultaneously. A 2006 MacArthur "Genius" Fellow and the current host of a national public radio program called "The Promised Land," Ms. Carter is a nationally recognized environmental expert and was recently called the "Green Power Broker" by the New York Times.

The APAP Conference NYC 2010 will debut its first partnership with the prestigious National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Jazz Masters Program and Jazz at Lincoln Center by launching a new jazz track with a special event , sessions with Jazz legends and the 2010 Jazz Masters Awards and Concert. Also part of this year's conference lineup is a special focus on Latin American arts and culture, as 2010 marks historic bicentennial celebrations for many Latin American countries. We will look at expanding opportunities in presenting and touring Latin American arts and culture in the U.S. and around the world.

About the Association of Performing Arts Presenters:

Founded in 1957, the Association of Performing Arts Presenters (Arts Presenters, or APAP) is the national service organization for the field of arts presenting. The organization is dedicated to developing and supporting a robust performing arts presenting field and the professionals who work in it. Arts Presenters has nearly 2,000 organizational members and brings nearly 4,000 performing arts professionals together from around the world at the annual APAP Conference NYC. Members range from the nation's leading performing arts centers, to civic and university performance facilities, to the full spectrum of artist agencies, managers, national consulting practices that service the field, and a growing roster of self-presenting artists.

Arts Presenters is a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, based in Washington, D.C. and is governed by a volunteer board of directors. Arts Presenters is led by its CEO Sandra Gibson, now in her ninth year. In addition to presenting the annual APAP Conference NYC – the world's leading forum and marketplace for the performing arts (January 8-12, 2010) – Arts Presenters continues to be the industry's leading resource, knowledge and networking destination for the advancement of performing arts presenting.

More information at http://www.apapconference.org/

This annual award is given to the manuscript collection of short fiction selected by an independent judge to be the best submitted. The winning author will receive publication under a standard book contract that includes a cash prize of $1,500 as an advance against royalties. The winner and finalists will be announced in May.

Eligibility Requirements

Submissions may include short stories, novellas, or a combination of both (but a single novella is not an eligible submission).
The competition is open to all writers in English.
Previously published stories or novellas may be included in the manuscript.
Current students and employees of The Ohio State University are ineligible.
Manuscripts must be between 150 and 300 typed pages (approx. 40,000 to 80,000 words).
Individual stories or novellas in the collection may not exceed 125 pages (approx. 35,000 words).
No translations unless done entirely by the author.

Deadline information

Manuscripts must be postmarked in the month of January and be accompanied by a nonrefundable fee of $20 (U.S. dollars). Send check or money order (no cash) made payable to The Ohio State University.

More information at http://www.ohiostatepress.org/index.htm?/books/seriespages/osushortfiction.htm

Although young people have the final say as to “what’s hot” in music, fashion, movies and other pop culture essentials, they remain underrepresented in the world of theater—both as performers and as the subject of new plays. In an attempt to serve more teens and youth with work that speaks to their needs and experiences, TADA! Youth Theater is currently accepting submissions for its 2009-10 Annual One-Act Playwriting Contest. The contest accepts work written for two age groups - Teen actors and audiences & Youth actors and family audiences (under 13).  The submission deadline for the contest is January 31, 2010. A total of four playwrights will be selected to receive an award from either TADA!’s “Young Writers” or “General Submission” Category. All winners will be announced May 31, 2010. Winning playwrights receive the Gregory Millard Memorial Playwriting Award, which includes an honorarium, and a staged reading of their play as part of TADA!’s 18th Annual Free Staged Reading Series which takes place in Winter 2011.  Each play is minimally staged in three to five rehearsals with the actors performing the play on-book.  For more information: e-mail jgreer@tadatheater.com,  call (212) 252-1619 ext. 17, or log on to www.tadatheater.com.

The Music Go Round Band of the Month Contest is the battleground where bands duel for a spot on the musicgoround.com site and to be crowned the Band of the Month.  The current monthly winner will also win a spot on the Music Go Round home page as the featured Band of the Month where they can post a picture, links to the band's web site, and band bios.

Think your band is good enough to be named Band of the Month by Music Go Round? Enter your band in the contest to find out, and your band might be featured on www.musicgoround.com where hundreds of thousands of visitors can check out your music world wide.

For more information, visit http://www.musicgoround.com

The World’s Best Songs of the Year Contest is an international songwriting contest, open to amateur and professional songwriters who submit entries in any one of their multiple categories. You don’t need a professional recording. Entries will be judged on originality, melody, composition, and lyrics (when applicable). Your songs may be entered in any of the following categories: Rock, Country, Jazz, Pop, World, Rhythm & Blues, Hip Hop, Gospel/Inspirational, Latin, Electronic, Folk, and Children’s. Instrumental compositions are encouraged.  Judges  are active members of the Record, Film/TV and Songwriting Industries.  Deadline is December 31, 2009.  More information at http://worldsbestsongs.com

The Festival4Stars Song Writing Competition was launched in 2005 and was open only to U.K. residents. In 2008, it became international with money prizes as well as a trip to London for the winners. Additional prizes have been added this year.  There are 4 genres: Singer/Songwriter, Pop/Rock, Country/Folk/World and R&B/Soul/Rap with 3 Heats throughout the year. It is open to anyone in the world with the stipulation being that the lyrics are in English. All Finalists can be heard and voted for online.

For more information, visit: http://festival4starslive.com

The International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) is honored to continue its Los Angeles Master Workshop series with its first Red Camera Intensive, "Red Workshop: Production & Post Production," conducted by preeminent Digital Media Supervisor Michael Cioni and held on January 16-17, 2010. An exceptional opportunity to learn proficiency in Red Camera techniques from one of the top stars in the post production community, IAFT's new workshop will teach the latest developments in the camera including updated versions of Scarlet and Epic. A wholly-owned subsidiary of film production company Bigfoot Entertainment, IAFT is based in Cebu, Philippines and attracts talented students from all over the world who strive to develop skills necessary to gain a competitive edge in today's international film community.

The Red Cam Intensive will begin with an introductory session taking place on Saturday, January 9th from 1:00-4:00PM, followed by the two-day workshop the following weekend from 10:00AM-3:00PM on Saturday and Sunday. Entitled "Seeing Red: How One Camera Is Changing Filmmaking," the introductory class will cover how the Red Camera is changing the media ecosystem, what makes it notable, as well as what is next in the camera's technology development. The two-day workshop will focus on the specific techniques and business aspects involved with using the Red Cam, including:

• The Red Image
• Histogram vs. Capture
• CCD Capturing Comparisons
• Red Cam Overviews
• Hands-on Demos
• Post Production
• Scenarios
• Importing
• Tape vs. File, and much more...

"IAFT is committed to training students with the latest tools, techniques and mentors that will help them gain success in their careers," said Keith Sensing, Executive Director, International Academy of Film and Television. "Students who take this Red Camera Intensive workshop have a fantastic opportunity to learn the future of filmmaking from Michael Cioni, one of the brilliant people creating the next generation of filmmaking."

Michael Cioni's direction and dedication to pioneering creativity and technology have made him a rising post production industry leader. With more than a decade of progressive post production filmmaking experience, he has spent the last six years at PlasterCITY Digital Post ("PCDP"), which he co-founded in 2003 and built into one of Hollywood's preeminent desktop-based post production facilities. While at PCDP, he assembled what quickly became an industry-respected team of artists and technologists, as well as led the organization's business development efforts. During his tenure at PCDP, Michael served as a Digital Intermediate Supervisor on over 100 feature films and provided post production advisory support for hundreds of producers, directors and production companies. He currently sits on the Board of Directors of both the Hollywood Post Alliance and Filmmakers Alliance, and has served as an adjunct faculty member for USC's Annenberg School of Journalism.

Space in the workshop is limited and IAFT advises interested participants to enroll early. For additional details on enrollment fees, requirements and location, please visit www.filmschool.ph/LAworkshops or call 310-593-4800 or 866-900-4179.

In addition to Los Angeles workshops, IAFT offers short-term programs covering a wide range of film and media competencies throughout the year at the school's main campus in Cebu. Its diverse curriculum ranges from screenwriting, acting and directing courses to specialized classes in Final Cut Pro, photography and CGI. For complete information and schedules, please visit www.filmschool.ph

About The International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT)
Founded in 2003, the International Academy of Film and Television (IAFT) is a film school providing a new generation of aspiring filmmakers with a globally competitive education under the mentorship of leading industry professionals. The school offers each student hands-on experience using comprehensive equipment and facilities at a fraction of the cost of comparable institutions. IAFT offers short-term and long-term programs in Filmmaking, Sound Design and Acting that combine theory and application, and are designed for both new filmmakers as well as industry professionals looking to advance their skill set. The school also offers internships and opportunities to work on commercially-viable projects. Located in the heart of Asia on Mactan Island, Cebu, Philippines, IAFT's tropical campus has facilities for filming and post production as well as housing. IAFT's mission is to nurture the creativity and individual talents of every student while cultivating today's global filmmakers, and to build upon the entertainment traditions of Hollywood and other film capitals of the world.

The International Academy of Film and Television is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bigfoot Entertainment. For more information, please visit www.filmschool.ph and www.bigfoot.com

About Bigfoot Entertainment
Founded in 2004, Bigfoot Entertainment is an international entertainment company producing independent films for the global marketplace. The company finances and develops feature films, documentaries and reality TV shows, many of which have received industry accolades, festival awards and have been distributed throughout the world. Featuring both well-established and up-and-coming American and international talent, Bigfoot releases have shot on location worldwide including the United States, Hong Kong, China, Africa, Europe and Vietnam. Bigfoot Entertainment produces many of its projects at Bigfoot Studios, a wholly-owned subsidiary that encompasses six sound stages and on-site state-of-the-art post production facilities.

Headquartered in Los Angeles with studios in Cebu, Philippines, Bigfoot Entertainment creates content reflecting a Hollywood foundation with a global perspective. For more information, visit www.bigfoot.com.

The Christian Writers Guild's WRITING for the SOUL Conference (February 18-21, 2010) will equip and inspire you. You'll get top-notch writing instruction, meetings with editors and agents, and unparalleled spiritual enrichment.

In 2010, WRITING for the SOUL moves to a new location: the Grand Hyatt Denver. In the heart of downtown just off the Sixteenth Street pedestrian mall, the Grand Hyatt features luxurious accommodations and convenient meeting rooms, plus easy access to Denver International Airport.

“The Grand Hyatt is easy to get to,” says conference host Jerry B. Jenkins, “and it's smack dab in the middle of hundreds of restaurants and other attractions. Plus the staff is eager to have us and promises to roll out the red carpet.”

For four days, you'll be challenged and encouraged through a variety of speakers, classes, and clinics designed to develop your writing craft as never before. They're expanding to offer seven morning continuing classes. Afternoons you can attend one of seven elective sessions, including four hands-on clinics: Magazine Query Letter, Fiction First Page, Fiction Dialogue, and our exclusive Thick-skinned Manuscript Clinic with Jerry B. Jenkins and Andy Scheer.

You'll be inspired by evening keynoters including best-selling author and storyteller Max Lucado, VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer, and thought-provoking commentator and author Philip Yancey. Jerry B. Jenkins will be your host and emcee. You'll enjoy times of inspiring worship with Juilliard-trained pianist and Carnegie Hall performer Randall Atcheson.

And you'll be able to schedule 15-minute appointments with literary agents and editors from major Christian magazines and publishing houses. They'll anchor the entire WRITING for the SOUL conference with times of praise, worship, and prayer. Their desire is that inspiration and motivation will embrace you throughout your time at the conference.

Best of all, you'll meet and develop lasting friendships with other Christian writers who share your calling. You'll trade ideas, share experiences, and support one another in prayer.

Each conferee receives a binder with information detailing each literary agent and editor available for appointments, including their editorial needs. You'll also receive outlines for all seven morning continuing classes and afternoon clinics and workshops. You're certain to refer to this resource repeatedly during and after the conference.

Don't miss this opportunity to gain fresh inspiration and information for your writing.  For more information, visit: http://christianwritersguild.com/conferences/conferenceoverview10.asp

Imagination, knowledge, creativity and the ability to inspire; Directors Live recognizes the effort it takes to construct your vision, and broadcast it to the world. And we want to reward you!

DirectorsLive.com presents the 2010 Short Film Contest. Filmmakers will have the ability to enter their original work and one winner will receive $2,500 in cash! This competition is a unique opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to receive nationwide exposure and be recognized by peers and industry professionals for their brilliance.

Submit your short film entry at DirectorsLive.com to any of the following categories: Drama/Romance, Comedy, Horror/Thriller, Children, Animation, Sci-Fi, Documentary, Experimental and Action/Adventure. A judging panel consisting of the Directors Live executive staff, as well as working industry professionals will be evaluating the films and selecting the winner of the $2,500 cash prize. Winner selection will be based on creativity, use of technique, distinction of style, originality of storyline, and filming quality. Directors Live has a host of connections that can offer filmmakers the opportunity to have their work exposed to industry professionals and the potential
to introduce them to a professional film making career.

For more information, visit http://www.directorslive.com/contest.php

Driven Productions, Inc. is proud to present the third annual X&Y Fest on Saturday, February 20th, 2010 from 2:00 - 11PM at Ringling College of Art & Design in Sarasota, Florida. This is the premier music festival for Generations X&Y, featuring 10 bands - 5 Gen X and 5 Gen Y.

X&Y Fest 2010 will bring together 2 generations over 1 great day of music.

Bands: Visit www.xyfest.com now to submit to perform. Solo artists, duos and groups of all genres are encouraged to apply.

Why perform at X&Y Fest? Bands receive a chance at their share of $500 in prize money, are eligible to receive compensation, are presented well by a professional stage and sound situation, perform live on an art college campus for art-minded and open-minded students and receive space to sell merch.

The $500 in prize money will be split between the best Gen X band and the best Gen Y band at the festival. Winners will be partially determined by the crowd through votes taken at the festival. Votes placed by crowd members will influence the X&Y Fest staff's final decision.

One criteria for being picked to perform is bands must be able to pre-sell 20 discount tickets to the festival. If they fall short of 20 pre-sold, however, they will not be required to pay for unsold tickets. A band should either be confident they can pre-sell 20 tickets or that they can purchase some or all of them themselves to give away (or sell) to fans, family and friends.

Compensation: Accepted artists will receive $5 for each ticket sold (over 20 tickets in total), whether by pre-sale or walk-up day-of. When a ticket is pre-sold or purchased day-of, the person purchasing the ticket will designate which band they are going to the festival to see perform, allowing that band to receive credit for the ticket purchase.

Set to kick off 2010 in high gear, Musicians Institute has announced the next in its series of free public seminars on topics of interest to musicians, songwriters, independent artists and music industry professionals.

Held in MI's main concert hall in downtown Hollywood, these events offer participants a chance to hear and interact with MI's renowned Music Business faculty and other industry pros.

On Thursday, January 21, MI hosts "Getting Your Music Into Films, TV and Video Games."

Song placement in visual media is a lucrative source of income for songwriters and artists. A panel of song licensing and music publishing experts will explain the process of music placement and licensing, including how deals are structured, who selects the music and what they look for, and how to get your music heard. The seminar/panel discussion begins at 7 p.m. and will be followed by Q&A.

On Thursday, February 18, MI invites top A&R reps for a panel-discussion-listening session-Q&A event called "A&R: We Hear You!"

A&R reps are the gatekeepers of the music industry. At every major record label, the A&R staff identifies trends, searches out new artists, and evaluates up-and-coming talent. At this unique event, those in attendance are encouraged to submit a one-song CD for expert feedback. The CDs will be selected at random and reviewed by the panel. The event kicks off at 7 p.m.

To attend either event, please RSVP by calling 1-800-255-7529.

Ismael records in association with world music and independent film festival/MJD Productions and Blendzville Global presents chance of a lifetime talent search featuring Mr. TC Thompkins, marketing & promotions executive of Michael Jackson's Thriller, Bad & Off The Wall albums and former acting vice president of marketing and promotions for Epic Records/President of Thompkins Marketing.

Pop, Gospel, R & B, Rap/Hip Hop artists win marketing & promotions, national distribution, soundscan & radio airplay personally from Mr. TC Thompkins. Only a limited amount of artist
will be chosen for this event with only a limited amount of tickets for paying fans and public. This event will be held in the Hampton Roads, Virginia area of the 757 so sign up now!  Winners will also perform live at the red carpet world music and independent film festival in Washington DC! TC Thompkins marketing & promotions executive of such great powerhouse recording artist as Alicia Keys, Tyrese, Sade, Jaheim, Richard Pryor, Ghetto Boyz, Steely Dan, Luther Vandross, The Great Quincy Jones, Patti La Belle, Ed Montgomery, Pastor Rudy Rasmus, Scarface, Big Mike, Angie Stone, Teddy Riley & Guy, Earth Wind And Fire, Nappy Roots, Wuan, Novox and many more!

Contact blendz21@hotmail.com and ismaelceo777@aol.com for more details. Chance of a lifetime talent search!  More information at http://ismaelrecords.ning.com