Entertainment attorney Mychal Wilson Join BlogTalkRadio Host Tanya Kersey on "Inside Urban Hollywood" on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST

'LEGAL ISSUES IN INDIE FILM PRODUCTION' ON "INSIDE URBAN HOLLYWOOD"

A filmmaker who learns the fine points of the law through trial and error is receiving an expensive education. Entertainment attorney Mychal Wilson of Mindfusion Law will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s show "Inside Urban Hollywood" (http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood) with host Tanya Kersey on Monday, April 28, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST, to discuss the role of the attorney in independent film production. Wilson will talk about the legal pitfalls, from screenplay through distribution, that independent filmmakers often face, and how to avoid them, and how to increase your leverage in deal negotiations.

Coupled with legal experience at the Miramax Film Corp. and the Independent Film & Television Alliance (“IFTA”), Mychal co-founded the full service representation entertainment law firm MindFusion Law Corporation and the entertainment/media company MindFusion Entertainment. The former originated from the belief that with intelligence, vision, and determination, MindFusion Law Corp.’s bold innovative strategies will resolve complex problems and achieve both legal and creative goals in the globalization and digitalization of the entertainment industry.

Prior to co-founding MindFusion Law Corp. and MindFusion Entertainment, Mychal produced and starred in the acclaimed Sundance short film “The Spartans.” Through United States Small Business Administration (“SBA”) funding, Mychal then produced and starred in “The Gristle” (which was formerly distributed by HBO, Cinemax, Starz! and is currently available on DVD through Warner Home Video). Subsequently, Mychal assisted the SBA in developing and pioneering the pilot film financing program for independent filmmakers. In 2001, Mychal co-launched Public Eye Entertainment, a private company which shepherded independent film projects through the SBA program (which was cancelled by the Bush administration in 2002).

Mychal grew up on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. where he attended the Georgetown Day School. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Lafayette College (Easton, PA). In addition to producing “The Gristle,” Mychal concurrently worked as a Cardiovascular/Diabetes Territory Business Manager for Bristol-Myers Squibb and earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the Southwestern University School of Law. Mychal is a member of the California State Bar.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 200-3290. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/InsideUrbanHollywood.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood.

'Distributing Indie & Making a Profit' on "Inside Urban Hollywood"

Film Distribution Guru Stacey Parks Join BlogTalkRadio Host Tanya Kersey on "Inside Urban Hollywood" on Monday, April 21, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST

As many filmmakers out there can tell you, the distribution process can be a very rough road. Stacey Parks, founder of Film Specific and author of The Insider's Guide to Independent Film Distribution (Focal Press 2007) spent years as a sales agent, and knows the worldwide marketplace, and the major players, inside and out. Having been responsible for finding distribution for hundreds of independently produced films, Stacey has unique insight into what some of the most successful filmmakers are doing right. Just as importantly, she sees the mistakes some filmmakers are making which are preventing them from being more successful.

Parks will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s show "Inside Urban Hollywood" (http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood) with host Tanya Kersey on Monday, April 21, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST, to discuss strategies for getting distribution for your films -- whether it's traditional distribution, alternative distribution or both -- and making a profit. Parks will also talk about resources and opportunities for filmmakers to get their foot in the door and propel their careers in a very demanding and unforgiving independent film marketplace.

Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 200-3290. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/InsideUrbanHollywood.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood. Read more about the host at http://www.tanyakersey.com.

About "Inside Urban Hollywood"

"Inside Urban Hollywood" takes you behind-the-scenes for insider insight into the people, issues and events that reflect the pulse of who's doing what, where and when in Urban Hollywood. Veteran entertainment journalist, author and film festival director Tanya Kersey is known for having her finger on the pulse of what's happening in Urban Hollywood. In addition to the inside scoop on the latest urban entertainment news, "Inside Urban Hollywood" also features interviews with some of Hollywood's movers and shakers -- from filmmakers, directors and writers to studio executives, agents and entertainment attorneys -- who share their knowledge and insights to help those aspiring, beginning and hoping to grow their careers in the entertainment industry. Callers are encouraged to call (646) 200-3290 to listen or ask questions. The stream and archives are available at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/InsideUrbanHollywood. The show is live every Monday night at 8pm. PST/11pm EST. Pacific. The show is hosted on BlogTalkRadio.

About BlogTalkRadio

BlogTalkRadio is a free, web-based platform which allows any user with a phone and a computer to host a live, interactive Internet broadcast. Hosts call into the service by phone, managing callers on the web-based host dashboard. Shows stream live directly from the host’s BlogTalkRadio web page with archives available for all past shows. BlogTalkRadio’s social radio network can be found at http://www.blogtalkradio.com.

'Casting Indie' on "Inside Urban Hollywood"

Casting Directors Twinkie Byrd and Pamela Staton Join
BlogTalkRadio Host Tanya Kersey on "Inside Urban Hollywood"
on Monday, April 14, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST

Just because your film isn’t a big budget or studio film doesn't mean you can't get name talent cast in your project. Due to the increasing pressure to have name talent in a film in order to get it into the distribution pipeline, attaching a seasoned, well-connected casting director to help cast an indie project has in recent years become a creative and strategic force in an independent filmmaker's success. Not only can talent determine whether or not you get financing for the film, for the low-budget independent film, it may mean the difference between development hell and a green light.

Casting Directors Twinkie Byrd ("Notorious," "Stomp the Yard") and Pamela Staton ("All About You," "Traci Townsend") will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s show "Inside Urban Hollywood" (http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood) with host Tanya Kersey on Monday, April 14, 2008, at 8pm PST/11pm EST. Byrd and Staton will talk about how indie filmmakers can get well-known talent cast in their independent film projects. They will also discuss how actors can jumpstart their careers by acting in indie films. Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 200-3290. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/InsideUrbanHollywood.

Twinkie Byrd has been casting for 20 years. She has cast many high-profile music videos and has worked with artists such as Mariah Carey, Jennifer Lopez, Wyclef Jean, Avril Lavine, N'Sync, Christina Aguilera, Brittany Spears, Black Eyed Peas, P. Diddy, J. Lo, 50 Cent, OUTKAST , DMX, P.O.D. and Eve. Many of the directors she's worked with in the music video world have moved onto film. They include David LaChappelle, Brett Ratner , Spike Jonze, Tim Story, Marcus Raboy, Forest Whitaker & Dave Meyers just to name a few. Her Commercial clients include Reebok, Barbie, PEPSI, TGI Fridays MTV, VH1, Home Depot and Dodge Chrysler. Byrd's feature casting credits include the number one hit "Stomp The Yard," "King's Ransom" and "Three Can Play That Game". She is currently casting Fox Searchlight's "Notorious," about the life of Christopher "Notorious B.I.G." Wallace.

As the president of Pamela Staton Casting, Staton sees her vision for diversity in casting fulfilled as she strives to create many acting opportunities and expand the scope of working actors. As a result of her dedication to excellence and keen eye for talent, she has completed 18 Independent Films, 14 of which received distribution, 11 garnered "Best Film" honors from prestigious film festivals, 7 film shorts, 2 documentaries and a few Stage Plays. Some of the more popular titles are “"All About You," "Restraining Order," "Traci Townsend," "Playaz Court," named an urban classic by Variety, "The Disciple," "Sister’s Keeper," and most recently "Street Boss."

Some of the talented actors Staton has cast in film projects include: Morgan Freeman, Robin Givens, Eric Roberts, Jeff Fahey, Michael Madsen, William Forsythe, Chris Tucker, D.L. Hughley, Chris Spencer, Gary Anthony Williams, Keith David, Vanessa Bell Calloway, Jay Acovone, Richard T. Jones, Taraji Henson, Raven Goodwin, Debbie Allen, Boris Kodjoe and Ruby Dee. She approaches client's wish lists with determination and often delivers greater than the budget dictates. She has a track record for recognizing new and emerging talent. She considers Craig Ross, Jr., Christine Swanson, Marc Cayse, Reggie Gaskins, J.D. Cochran, Greg Morgan, Tracie Dean Ponder, Karen Hayes, Robert Hyatt, Bo Svenson, Rodney Charles, Kent Faulcon, Brian Crewe, Michael Hoffman, Jr, Connie Robinson, Lance Kawas, Christopher Marlon and Greg Carter "ones to watch."

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood.

Upcoming Guests on "Inside Urban Hollywood" on BlogTalkRadio

Interview with Casting Directors Twinkie Byrd and Pamela Staton - Monday, April 14, 2008, 8pm PST/11pm EST

• Twinkie of In The Twink of an Eye Casting has been casting for sixteen years. Some of her past credits include, "Kings Ransom," "Three Can Play That Game" and the number one hit "Stomp the Yard." She is currently casting "Notorious," Fox Searchlight's Biggie Small biopic.
• Pamela Staton casts independent films. Credits include festival favorites "All About You," "Restraining Order," "Paved with Good Intentions" and "Traci Townsend."

Interview with Distribution Guru and Author, Stacey Parks - Monday, May 5, 2008, 6pm PST/9pm EST (NOTE SPECIAL TIME!!!)

Hollywood Black Film Festival Programmer Jacqueline Blaylock Joins BlogTalkRadio Host Tanya Kersey on "Inside Urban Hollywood" April 7, 2008, at 9:00

'MAKING THE FEST OF IT' ON "INSIDE URBAN HOLLYWOOD"
Monday, April 7, 2008 at 9 p.m. PST/12 midnight EST

Beverly Hills, CA -- April 3, 2008 - Hollywood Black Film Festival programming director Jacqueline Blaylock will appear on BlogTalkRadio’s show "Inside Urban Hollywood" (http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood) with host Tanya Kersey on April 7, 2008, at 9:00 pm PST. The exclusive interview will demystify the process of submitting to film festivals and maximizing your festival experience. Callers are welcome to join the conversation during the show by calling (646) 200-3290. The live, Internet talk-radio show will stream from thehost page at http://blogtalkradio.com/InsideUrbanHollywood.

"In the last year I've been on a number of panels about film festival strategies. It's clear that there isn't one simple plan that will work for every film," says Kersey, host of the program who is also the founder and executive director of the Hollywood Black Film Festival and a veteran entertainment journalist. "But in order to have a positive experience on the festival circuit, filmmakers should do some serious thinking about what it is they want to get out of the experience beyond getting into a festival and selling their film."

HBFF programming director Jacqueline Blaylock has spent the better part of the last few months watching hundreds of independent films, only a fraction of which will earn a coveted spot at the 2008 Hollywood Black Film Festival which runs June 3-8 in Beverly Hills, California. In this exclusive interview Blaylock will talk about "Making the Fest Of It" -- the process of and strategy to submitting your film to screen at a film festival; and what strategies the filmmaker, once selected, can use to reap the most benefits from their festival experience.

An archive will be available at the same link immediately following the show or listeners can subscribe to the archives via the RSS feed located on the host page at http://blogtalkradio.com/insideurbanhollywood.