Author Archives: Catherine Balavage

INSIDE OUT BACK ON THE LONDON FESTIVAL SCENE

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Booking now open for a packed week of arts and current affairs events

INSIDE OUT FESTIVAL 2010

In association with New Statesman

Monday 25 – Sunday 31 October 2010

www.insideoutfestival.org.uk

The Inside Out Festival is set to return this October in association with New Statesman with an even bigger and better programme of talks, debates, exhibitions and performances.

The popular annual event celebrates the exciting and often unexpected contribution made by London universities to the cultural life of the capital. This year festival-goers will be able to hear from some of the most inspiring and experimental thinkers, writers and artists of the day and get creative themselves.

Goldsmith’s, Birkbeck, Central St Martin’s, the London College of Fashion, the Courtauld Institute of Art and the Guildhall School of Music and Drama are amongst the nine university institutions throwing open their doors for the week of public events which will include film screenings, music and theatre performances, art and fashion exhibitions, and talks with well-known academics and high-profile commentators. The events will take place all over London at cultural venues such as the Barbican, the National Portrait Gallery and Somerset House, and in rarely-seen spaces in the universities.

Sally Taylor, Inside Out Festival Director, said: “There is certainly no shortage of festivals in London but this is an arts festival with a distinct twist. The sheer breadth of talent in the nine universities involved is staggering. We want as many people as possible to come and enjoy the fruits of this talent and passion in October. From the art of Cézanne to the art of war, from the abuses of contemporary history to the history of men’s underwear, this year’s Inside Out Festival will be a feast – a cultural ‘pick and mix’ – for bright thinkers and art lovers, young and old.”

Jason Cowley, Editor of New Statesman, said: “We are delighted to be associated with Inside Out. As a magazine, we like to look beyond the obvious and seek out the unusual, the witty, the irreverent and the thought-provoking. In this festival we have found all of these things and more.”

Festival highlights will include:

* A debate on New Labour Literature with author and Goldsmith’s academic Blake Morrison, novelist and columnist Will Self and Robert Hampson, Professor of Modern Literature at Royal Holloway. Chaired by Jason Cowley.
* The Art of War – a panel discussion on war as entertainment led by Iain Burnside, Guildhall academic, pianist and Sony-Award-winning radio presenter, drawing on his current theatre piece Lads in Their Hundreds. With human rights barrister Philippe Sands QC
* An exhibition of Japanese fashion at the Barbican Art Gallery including a talk with experts from the University of the Arts London
* A debate on the uses and abuses of contemporary history with historian and former journalist Peter Hennessy, Tessa Jowell MP and constitutional expert Vernon Bogdanor

· The launch of a new history of men’s underwear by Shaun Cole, principal lecturer in history and culture at the London College of Fashion

· A Q&A with Harvey Cohen of King’s College London on his new book Duke Ellington’s America followed by music from the Guildhall Jazz Band

* Exclusive late viewing of the Courtauld Gallery’s landmark Autumn exhibition of portraits by Paul Cézanne
* Publishing a first novel – an opportunity to hear from recently published authors Penny Rudge and Kristan Hawkins, literary agents Judith Murray and Caroline Wood and tutors from City University’s highly successful Certificate in Novel Writing, as well as an opportunity to compete to have your work read by a literary agent
* A London film history walk led by expert Professor Ian Christie followed by an illustrated lecture at Birkbeck’s state-of-the-art cinema in Bloomsbury
* Creative writing workshops led by academics and writers from Birkbeck
* Minute Maestro – a conducting masterclass, following which participants have the opportunity to conduct a string quartet

The Festival will open on 25 October with a high-profile panel debate – ‘Should the university continue to exist in its current form?’ – at the University of London Senate House.

Booking for the Inside Out Festival is now open at www.insideoutfestival.org.uk More events will be confirmed over the summer.

Beyonce gets animated.

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WOW! WOW! WUBBZY! “WUBB IDOL” DVD FEATURING BEYONCÉ KNOWLES AS SHINE IN STORES NATIONWIDE

19 July 2010

Lights! Camera! Wubbzy! WUBB IDOL, the animated preschool movie hit from the Emmy® Award-winning Nick Jr. TV show, Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!, takes center stage as it comes onto DVD on 19 July from Anchor Bay Entertainment

Multi-award-winning international pop sensation Beyoncé Knowles makes her voiceover debut in WUBB IDOL – her first-ever children’s project – as Shine, the lead singer of the most awesome girl group, The Wubb Girlz! The standout DVD features a new original song composed and performed by Ms. Knowles titled, “Sing-a-Song.”

“Wubb Idol” hit a high note when broadcasted in the US on Nickelodeon when the TV movie capped off a weeklong “Wubb Girlz” spectacular, capturing the imagination of audiences all across America and reaching a combined 6.5 million total viewers. The series can currently be seen on Nick Jr 2 in the UK and is most loved by kid’s aged 4-6 years old.

DVD PRODUCT DETAILS

Title: WOW WOW WUBBZY! WUB IDOL

Release Date: 19 July 2010

Certificate: TBC

Running Time: 1hr 26mins

Format: DVD

Price: £9.99 SRP

Distributor: Anchor Bay Entertainment

Genre Kids

The Polo industry get behind SANDS & bereaved parents {Charity}

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The polo industry get behind SANDS and bereaved parents to help raise money for Sydney

Female polo players take to the field as male players take to shaving their heads for a good cause

On the 31st July and 1st of August over 20 all women polo teams will be taking to the field to play for the prestigious Women’s Nationals Polo Tournament, held at Ascot Park Polo Club in Surrey. To make this year’s event even more special, professional polo players Oliver Hipwood, Gaston Devrient, Richard Blake-Thomas, Charlie Wooldridge and Josh Nimmo will be attending the event to support raising money for SANDS a national charity, established by bereaved parents in 1981 to support anyone affected by the death of a baby; to improve the quality of care and services and to promote research and changes in that could help to reduce the loss of babies’ lives.

The professional polo players have committed to raising £1000 pound each and to shave their heads in the name of a good cause, while the event will be used to raise awareness of SANDS and help fundraise on behalf of Sydney. Organised by Janet and Pete who are local to Ascot Park Polo Club and avid polo fans, they are encouraging the polo industry to get behind the cause by getting everyone to get their favourite player to lose his precious locks by donating at www.justgiving.com/sydney-abigail-augusta-mcivor. Janet Jokat commented:

‘After 4 years of IVF Pete and I fell pregnant in May last year. Our hopes and dreams were shattered when our little girl Sydney was born still born at week 38. Rather than feeling the elation of holding a newborn we were planning a funeral for our daughter. Sands, the stillbirth and neonatal death charity have been supporting us ever since the most tragic day of our lives, and continue to be an enormous support as we deal with the loss of our beautiful daughter Sydney.’

There will also be a silent auction taking place over the weekend; once in a lifetime experiences include £500 worth of polo lessons from Glen Gilmore (Australian Polo Captain) and a champagne helicopter tour over London donated by E.B.G Helicopters. Girls must-haves will also be included with a beautiful Links of London silver charm bracelet and charms, a fashionable handbag from Hide and an equine fashion shoot and makeover from Centaur Photographic.

A fashionable way to show your support is to purchase Sydney’s Fund Bracelet. Hand Made and blessed by Monks in Thailand this multi coloured cord bracelet will keep you safe, whilst making you look good and showing that you care. To purchase one of these please go to www.sydneysfund.co.uk

To find out more about Sydney’s story and the sands project please go to www.sydneysfund.co.uk

Gensler unveils Design for Museum of Bond vehicles and espionage {Cult}

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LONDON — International architecture, design and planning firm Gensler today, unveiled its design for the Museum of Bond Vehicles and Espionage, which is slated to open in Momence, IL, in 2012, on the 50th anniversary of the first James Bond movie, Dr. No.

The 14,000 square foot museum will house the exclusive collection of the Ian Fleming Foundation, including the world’s largest collection of vehicles used in Bond films. A partnership between the Ian Fleming Foundation, the Kankakee County Museum and the City of Momence, this Gensler-designed museum will also feature cultural artefacts of espionage with exhibits exploring contemporary culture’s impact on the Bond films as well as Bond’s influence on popular culture.

With projections of 20,000 visitors per year, the museum hopes to revitalize Momence, Illinois, a historic border town located 50 miles south of Chicago.

The project itself is a bit of a double agent, says Gensler Design

Director Brian Vitale. At face value, we¹ve designed a showcase for a world-class collection of James Bond vehicles and the culture that surrounds them. But its real mission is to become a powerful catalyst for the revitalization of a once-vibrant city.

With a limited budget, Gensler focused on a single bold design move to make a statement against a simple backdrop. The result is the 007 window (named so because the windows angled jamb resembles a 7), located at the buildings prominent corner. The window does quadruple-duty, providing exhibit display space, signage, a day lit interior, and an iconic backdrop for photographs. The remainder of the building is clad in black horizontal corrugated metal. It’s a mysterious silhouette that reveals very little of the museum’s content, much like James Bond himself, said Vitale.

Get more info at the Museum Of Bond Vehicles Facebook Page

Henley Royal Regatta 2010

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Henley is one of England’s beauty spots and the Henley Royal Regatta is one of the highlights of the social season. As well as a wonderful sporting event it is also a wonderful day out all on it’s own. The Pimms, the rowing, the hats. It smacks of old England in a quieter, more refined time. Henley is like teleporting to the past.

As well as the rowing you can have a wonderful lunch at the seafood restaurant, go to the exclusive Leander club, see some fireworks, go to Temple Island and go to one of the parties held later on. Be warned though – any dress not completely below the knee, or any men not wearing ties, will not be admitted to the Stewards enclosure. Also, bring cash and sun lotion.

Myself and my companion watched the rowing from the Stewards enclosure. Cheering on racers from as far and wide as Princeton and Japan. If you are into rowing you will be in heaven. The best of the best come to Henley. I had a great time. The Henley Regatta is class personified. I am also now a proud owner of a pink hippo. The Leander club mascot.

Other things to see:
The Fireworks -on Saturday night, starting at 10pm.

The Henley Festival. You could stay on and catch this if you are having fun.

The Regatta Ball – This is one of the social highlights and is in support of a charity each year. <http://www.cavendish-hospitality.co.uk/events/ data/ Henley_Regatta_Ball.html

Temple Island. Beautiful spot. http://hrr.co.uk/pdisp.php?pid=8

History
Henley Regatta was first held in 1839 and has been held annually ever since, except during the two World Wars. Originally staged by the Mayor and people of Henley as a public attraction with a fair and other amusements, the emphasis rapidly changed so that competitive amateur rowing became its main purpose.
 
The 1839 Regatta took place on a single afternoon but proved so popular with oarsmen that the racing lasted for two days from 1840. In 1886 the Regatta was extended to three days and to four in 1906. Since 1928 its increased popularity meant entries exceeded the permitted numbers in several events, and so Qualifying Races are now held in the week before the Regatta to reduce the number of entries to the permitted maximum. In 1986 the Regatta was extended to five days, with an increase in the maximum entry for certain events.
 
 Royal Patronage
In 1851 H.R.H. Prince Albert became the Regatta’s first Royal Patron. Since the death of The Prince Consort, the reigning Monarch has always consented to become Patron. This patronage means the Regatta can be called Henley Royal Regatta.
 
During the course of its history, the Regatta has often been honoured by visits of members of the Royal Family, of which the most recent was that of H.R.H. The Princess Royal in 1999.

For tickets and more information. http://www.hrr.co.uk/pdisp.php?pid=5

Tools for actors: Performer Track review {Careers}

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An actor’s life is often stressful. With so many auditions, agents, jobs and people in your life. Trying to keep track seems impossible.

This is why I am glad to have come across an amazing organisational tool for actors: Performer Track. With different sections, you can keep track of all of your auditions, contacts, agents and bookings. Although US based, Performer Track works just as well for actors all over the world.

One of my favourite features is income and expenses. It can seem impossible as an actor to keep track of your income as it comes from so many different expenses. Keeping track of tax deductible expenses is just as hard. With Performer track you can put in all of your expenses occurred for every job. You can also find out what agents are good and which ones are not working by keeping track of all the jobs they get you. It is important as an actor to realise that your agents, managers and publicity people work for you. Performers track let’s you know who is propelling your career and who is not working for their percentage.

It let’s you keep track of what you were wearing to each audition, who was in the room and what they said. It let’s you map things to find out where you are going. It takes a chaotic, paper heavy career and makes it simple and easy.

It allows you to be the best CEO you can be of your acting brand. The mistake actors make is that they see themselves just as artists. Researching casting directors, directors and the projects you are working on will give you the edge you need in an overcrowded market with ever-dwindling jobs. Try it. You won’t be disappointed.

Interview with Raindance founder Elliot Grove {The Film Set}

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I took a course with Elliot years ago. His knowledge of film, and film-making is vast and impressive. Every actor, writer and director should take a course or go to the awards. Here is the excellent article.

Frost Mag: When did you start Raindance and what was the premise behind it?

Elliot Grove: I started Raindance in 1992 as way to make contacts in the film industry. I started bringing over well known tutors from America. the response was astounding, and within a few months, British filmmakers started making films again. So I thought I’d start a film festival in the heart of London in the week before the now-defunct MIFED market, because I noticed a lot of acquisition execs hanging out at the Meridian Hotel on their way to MIFED in Milan.

I then learned a very painful lesson about British culture. Britains, unlike my native Canadians are very snobbish – and as they couldn’t see a government logo or brand on my poster assumed I was just another tourist. I was pretty much wished bad luck by everyone in the industry.

Fortunately the filmmakers in other countries saw Raindance as a way to launch into Europe and into London. The Festival has grown to the point were we outgrew various venues and are now housed in the largest independent cinema in the West End – the Apollo to be precise.

In 1998 I started the British Independent film Awards for a similar reason: to promote British films and filmmakers. This event has grown to become a keynote in the UK’s film industry calendar.

Of course, none of this wouldn’t have been possible without a few generous benefactors and team of colleagues and collaborators unequaled in passion or ability in London.

Raindance still proudly independent, and without any government support.

Frost Mag: Is this the worst time for Filmmaker’s?

Elliot Grove: This is far from the worst time for filmmakers. In fact, I think it is the very best time for filmmakers. IPTV and online distribution have kicked the old boys distribution model to pieces enabling anyone with good visual storytelling ability and simple and inexpensive camera gear to make a movie and get many many people to see it.

Frost Mag: It seems that every filmmaker comes into Raindance at some point. How does it feel to be the founder of such a creative hub?

Elliot Grove: I can’t take any credit for the hundreds of successful filmmakers I have been fortunate enough to meet at Raindance. Except to say that I, and my hard working colleagues are rewarded daily by meeting or speaking to the most talented people one could ever hope to meet. And that is reward enough for us!

Frost Mag: How important is the internet and how can filmmaker’s make the most of it?

Elliot Grove: There are two types of filmmakers: Those who lo the and fear the internet and social media, and those who embrace it. Any filmmaker or film festival without an online strategy is doomed in my opinion.

Frost Mag: Advice for filmmakers?

Elliot Grove: To make it as a filmmaker, you need to be:
– a great story teller
– be able to get your hands on a bit of money
– develop excellent interpersonal and communication skills
– be firm and be strong enough to draw the line when someone makes unrealistic demands of you
– understand and develop a strong social media presence
– have boundless energy and be able to work 100 hour weeks
– talent helps too, but is the least essential of anything on this list

Frost Mag: Who should we watch out for?

Elliot Grove: I am always asked who to watch out for. I really don’t single out individual filmmakers. we do, however, premiere about 75 features and 150 shorts each year by the most talented filmmakers we have found during the past 12 months.

I returned from Brussels at the end of June and I met some extremely interesting “Roger Corman” type producers there and this was most unusual and most welcome.

Several Belgian films will be playing at the Festival this year.

Join Raindance

Do you want to Interview David Beckham? Here is your chance

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The World Interviews David Beckham Live Only on Yahoo!

Yahoo! calls upon its 600 million users around the world to ask the global sporting icon their ultimate question in an exclusive interview

If you could ask David Beckham one question, what would you ask him and why?

Yahoo! is today asking Beckham fans this very question as it prepares to host a unique global interview. The interview will take place in London at 2.30pm BST on July 14th and connect fans simultaneously by video from 20 other countries around the world. Over 90 minutes, David will then take quickfire questions from around the globe.

Yahoo! is calling upon its nearly 600 million global users to submit a question on Yahoo! Answers . David will then answer, live, the winning questions from each of the 20 participating countries.

The interview will be streamed live worldwide on Yahoo!, and viewers will have the opportunity to submit their own questions live during the event through Yahoo! Mail, Beckham’s Facebook page, the Yahoo! World Football Facebook page and Twitter.

David Beckham said: “It’s always great interacting with fans, but I’ve never been part of an interview quite like this – being able to take questions direct from people in 20 different countries across five continents. It’s definitely a first for me.”

The global interview will involve fans from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Canada, USA, Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, India and Dubai. Fans from each country will interact with David Beckham through video utilising Cisco’s TelePresence high definition video suites.

Earlier this month, David Beckham signed a global sponsorship deal to serve as Yahoo!’s Global Sports Ambassador. The partnership brings together the world’s largest online media company and the world’s most iconic sports star to offer exclusive content only found on Yahoo! for Yahoo!’s coverage of the World Cup and the 2010/11 football season.

“At Yahoo!, our vision is to be the centre of people’s online lives, and we do this through delivering unique, personally relevant content found nowhere else,” said Andrew Cocker head of Yahoo marketing in Britain. “David Beckham is one of those iconic personalities that captivates people – whether you are a football fan or not. He is the perfect partner for us because he is relevant to our users globally, and this is their chance to get up close to him like never before.”

Submit a question for David Beckham on Yahoo! Answers