Acting Film/ Theater

Film and theater acting are two different things.  Film performers must act out scenes coming from a screenwriter’s script. They must read these scenes in front of the camera. In theater, the performer has to act out of scenes from a play write script. The performer must read the script on stage to see how he/she acts the part. However, both of these things provide entertainment to the audience.

Film performances are always recorded and edited, then shown to the audience. But in a theater setting the acting is in front of the audience live. Film is considered a form of entertainment for young artists. On the other hand, theatre has been a form of entertainment for many years.

Acting is an important component for both. However, the acting needs to be a little different for both. On film the actor needs to be subtler and doesn’t have to project as much as those in a theater setting. In addition, different angles of the actor need to be taken in order to capture a realistic moment. Due to theatre being performed live the actor needs to project the voice and do bigger movements to show what they are trying to portray.

Rehearsing for both are very hard and require a great amount time and patience. When you are an actor you need to expect to memorize hours of script work and choreography. Sometimes for actors that do theater on stage it is hard to mellow down to be on film. They are both very different techniques. Actors many times are very well educated with schooling in acting, but theater is very technical. 

http://www.infoplease.com/cig/movies-flicks-film/film-acting-vs-theater-acting.html

Dancers

The world of dance is so unique and bountiful. The elegance of a dance is so artistic. Dance is an art of its own. People can express their artistry with their body and emotions. There are many types of dance for example modern, Ballet, Jazz and much more. Dance has changed over the years but has always kept the core of the art.

A great dancer watches their technique and their character on stage. Physically they need to be in shape and be able to handle allot of movements at a time. Keeping time in music is essential to keep the beat of a piece and for dancers to maintain the same rhythm.

Many dancers start their career very young. With this said that means they tend to retire between the ages of 30-35. Their bodies usually just can’t do the extraneous movements. These people usually have different possibilities in theatre as directors, teachers and others. Now there are some dancers that have retired in the 40’s such as Muriel Maffre, a principal with San Francisco Ballet.

Many dancers put the opportunity of acquiring a higher education on hold while they pursue a career in performance. Usually when they retire they go back to college and start a new career. However, dancers are not the only people that start college during their 30s’.

Dancers might lose strength or flexibility but they gain experience, technique and artistry; these areas are much more important in a professional career. But the fact is that many times the body will give up on them because of injuries.

Now with this all said we couldn’t miss the beauty of art. Without dance many people wouldn’t have the chance to express themselves with their body and strength. Just as singers express themselves with their voice, dancers express themselves with their bodies.

New Business Plan

I identify my business plan with Kevin O’leary because like him and many other successful entrepreneurs, we have great ideas, but a low income to execute them. With this said, my company is a low cost idea to start, and at the same time is executable. As a new businessman, I must work harder in order to set the goals and analyze the results. In order to become successful hard work is necessary. Effort and predisposition to work hard are the factors that will embark the company into a positive start.  I’ve learned that it is key to look and search for safe methods to expand the company.  

Another method that I’ve learned comes from Barbara Concoran’s business plan. First, she started her company with a low budget, and after some time she sold for $66 million. Both of these methods, O’Leary and Concoran’s, are extremely useful because they will help evaluate the company’s performance. It is important for me, the future CEO of my company, to be able to determine what direction the business takes, as well as the risks and opportunities. I agree with Barbara Concoran in that branding is one of the most important aspects to be considered in a business. When looking at my company’s plan, I see a lot of opportunities in the growing of the brand, getting strength, which will open chances for investments and sponsors.

These two leading business-entrepreneurs are very successful and many people highly look up to them. They have become an extraordinary example to follow when it comes to developing a new business. One of the phrases that Concoran said talks about the importance of not being afraid of taking risks. Fear of growing will inhibit the opportunity to succeed. While some methods work for some people and others rather use different ones, at the end, the person must be willing to take chances and risks. Keeping an open mind will make successful entrepreneurs.

Alex Kenjeev, President, O’Leary Ventures. http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/kevin-o'leary

ABC Network: Kevin O’Leary. < http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/bio/kevin-oleary/276282>

Barbara Corcoran Inc. 2012. < http://barbaracorcoran.com/>

Dan Bischoff, 2011. Lendio; Interview with a shark: Barbara Concoran. < http://www.lendio.com/author/dan>

Kevin O’Leary and Barbara Concoran: best known from ABC’s TV show “Shark Tank”

Kevin O’Leary is a successful businessman who is currently the chairman of his company name: O’Leary’s Funds. He started his career in the same way many successful businessmen do: a great idea and zero cash. He launched his first business Soft key Software Products, managed from his basement. With time, he ended buying almost all of his competitors, making his company valuable for 3.7 billion dollars to Mattel Toy Company (ABC Network).

The key factor that makes O’Leary’s Funds so successful is its limits to risky bets. Their focus is on value and in capital preservations. One of the things Kevin O’Leary and his company’s methods to analyze of tan investment is worthy consists in determine how global the idea is (Alex Kenjeev, President, O’Leary Ventures). O’Leary’s company looks always to make deal in both sides of the frontier; this means that there are looking principally for safe methods to expand.

In the case of Barbara Concoran, she started her company The Concoran Group when she was 23 thanks to a loan of 1000$. In 2001 she sold her company for 66 million, and nowadays, she is considered one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the country (official website: barbarocorcoran.com). She currently owns 11 new businesses on the top of being an investor of the TV shoe Shark Tank (already in its third season).

Some of the factors she thinks are key for the success of a business and a business plan is the correct branding. Branding is vital to a business because it will affect in how the business is perceived and how many investors decide to support the project: “The right branding is the 75 percent of it;” she said in an interview with 2012 Lendio. Another important aspect to take in consideration is mentality. Concoran talks even in her books about the necessity of being positive and overcome negative views. She believes the key to success is not being afraid of risks; one of the ideas will always bring you money (Lendio 2012).

Alex Kenjeev, President, O’Leary Ventures. http://www.tumblr.com/tagged/kevin-o'leary

ABC Network: Kevin O’Leary. < http://abc.go.com/shows/shark-tank/bio/kevin-oleary/276282>

Barbara Corcoran Inc. 2012. < http://barbaracorcoran.com/>

Dan Bischoff, 2011. Lendio; Interview with a shark: Barbara Concoran. < http://www.lendio.com/author/dan>

Social Media

We live in a world where communication has surpassed all the frontiers and speed doesn’t seem to be a problem. Nowadays, it is very easy to communicate with other people in other parts of the globe; in fact, it is easier to express ideas and make them come true. Social media is very effective in many ways, for example: free publicity, marketing and brand awareness; communication in other platforms, and contact maintenance with those that are physically far among many more; however, it can be dangerous at the same time.

“I just wanted to inform the people in my network what was going on,” said Andrea Duenas, Latin Billboards 2012 volunteer. “I didn’t think carefully in the consequences.”

The night of April 26^th, 2012, Andrea Duenas was volunteering as a talent escort at the Latin Billboards 2012. She was very happy for such opportunity, as her choice of career was music business. She encountered with lots of Hispanic singers and famous personalities she never thought she was going to meet.; however, things didn’t end exactly how she wanted.

During the presentation of Paulina Rubio, the Mexican worldwide known singer, Andrea decided to take a picture and recorded with her mobile. One of the rules explained to her was that as an employee she was not allowed to do such thing because she was representing Telemundo Network and The Billboards.  

In a matter of minutes she has posted the video, as well as the pictures, and Andrea didn’t realized that one of her network friends was one of the producers. He saw the picture and video and dint think twice in taking actions.

Andrea was not only asked for her mobile to delete the picture and video, but also was asked to leave the place.

Those interested in working in the entertainment environment must understand that there is an image the must protect, and social media can be very dangerous.

Sources:

Seatfiller.com

Andrea Duenas, Friend

Miami art walk!

When people talk about the City of Miami, it is typically associated with partying and shopping. In recent years, Miami has been changing and more importantly it has been developing and expanding the area of the Arts.

Wynwood, located in the Miami Design District, hosts an art event and party known as The Wynwood Art Walk the second Saturday of every month.  This event has become especially important within artists because it brings artists from all over world together to expose their pieces, paintings, drawings, sculptures and musical shows. The event consists of various art galleries that are opened to the public; this allows artists the opportunity to sell their work, as well as, build a networking custom.

“Every month I have the chance to show my work and put my name out there;” said Charles Leano, artist, 24. “I’m glad these types of events are becoming part of the essence of Miami.”

The Wynwood Art Walk is a family oriented event, which includes over 50 food trucks around a block full of music, drinks, and Art. It starts at 5 p.m. and lasts until 11 p.m. More than just an exhibition of art, The Wynwood Art Walk is a party to celebrate the talent of those artists in south Florida.

“I come every month with my family because it is a guaranteed good time” said Freddy Piedra, art viewer. “I get to enjoy my city in a different way.”

Although Miami is not considered an Art-City yet, in the world of arts it is being recognized and appreciated for its efforts in creating a place where artists from all over the world can gather together to expose their best work. The Wynwood Art Walk is just an example of the future in the arts of this magical city.

http://www.beachedmiami.com/tag/miami-art-walk/

This is a cool video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yue9XdzWXs

Budget the arts?

Where is the future of the new generation of children going? Many schools have cut the budget of the art and music education programs. Art and music education gives the young children a style of music to enhance their social skills and self-confidence to help their academic standing. Art opens children’s minds to new experiences in the world. Art and music are two things that are human nature.  When you are a very young child you paint and bang to make music. When you get older you learn how to color within the lines and sing melodies and from there you discover your own personal character. There is research to support this evidence that has been found.

The arts are very therapeutic for children and even adults. There has been great success that has been achieved with children with disabilities with the help of the art of music. With the rhythms and sounds of music you have the ability to teach a child to say sounds that they were unable to produce prior to their exposure to music.  Discipline is an imperative component in the arts. The child needs to be proactive, focus, use their imagination, and have a lot of patience. These are things that become extremely useful for an individual’s future. They will understand that they can’t quit and that they have to work hard for something they love. I truly believe that art programs should not be cut due to a limited budget. Every child is different and gets touched and learns differently. Do the creative children stay behind? 

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/03/28/how-important-is-music-education-in-schools/

Metropolitan opera is live in HD

A group of live opera performances are transmitted in high definition video all over the world from the Metropolitan Opera. These live performances are shown in many venues but mainly at select movie theaters. This gives opera lovers a chance to be a part of a world leading opera production with a low price. It also expanded the opera’s fan base. This project started in the late year of 2006 in the USA and it expanded internationally in 2008.

Throughout the season of 2011/12 there was 11 HD transmissions. During the 2012/13 season there are 12 operas scheduled. The operas are very well known, for example Aida, Traviata, and many more. These productions are done with world renowned singers, for example Deborah Voigt, Jay Hunter Morris, Bryn Terfel, Dmitri Hvorostovky and much more.

The HD opera opened many doors for opera companies. It opened many new eyes to opera and helped expand the opera community. In some ways, opera has always been behind as far as traditions. With technology getting more advanced everyday, the opera industry needs to follow the footsteps.

Is watching an HD opera the same as going to a live opera?

Well you do get great detail in these HD live operas from the net. However, as a singer, I feel you lose a lot of the beautiful colors in a singer’s voice. A voice has so many colors that even with the finest equipment it is impossible to capture them all. However, the theatrical part is not replaceable with the HD transmissions.  Being up close and personal is always the best route.  

Opera is a beautiful art. Some people may not have the opportunity to be a part of it in person but HD live is bringing it to you and makes it so much easier to capture many new upcoming singers.

http://www.operaamerica.org/content/research/Met%20HD%20Article.pdf

Industry Expert Blog

My business works primarily with the classical entertainment industry. I asked attorney David Bercuson, specialized entertainment law attorney, in Miami, Fl several questions in reference to how he felt with the classical music industry today. I am in agreement with the attorney that the industry is a dying but new age industry. Without classical music you wouldn’t have new age music, rock, and 20^th century music. Many musicians start with classical training and find their way from there.

Classical musicians are not credited, as they should. On the other hand classical musicians really are out dated with marketing themselves as musicians. Classical musicians are usually educated as musicians but not from the business point of view. With this said my business would be a stepping stool for these musicians to start their path as a musician. The attorney stated that many problems that musicians come across are when musicians try to manage themselves. He also commented that musicians should always come to an attorney before they sign any type of contract for a proper review of the document. He stated, “ Musicians need to be careful what they sign;” lets not forget it is important for a musician to know what he/she is signing.

In addition, I asked attorney Bercuson how the music industry is being affected and he stated that the classical music industry did fall behind but they are coming into plays. Nowadays the classical industry is going to be more commercial. For example, classical singers are getting more modern songs and performing them because it is more commercial. The attorney stated that one of the things that I might have issues with is copyright infringement. It is always important to make sure what the laws state about the right to use other’s work. For instance, it is imperative to get permission to use someone’s original work. Without this, one can find oneself in a difficult legal situation. Mr. Bercuson was a great pleasure to speak with. His experience and kind words really opened my eyes towards my business goals. 

Law

“Lawsuit Targets Facebook Privacy Issues”

Facebook is one of the largest social media networking sites in the world. If you have a Facebook account does that mean all your information is broadcasted? Well if you don’t have the right privacy buttons pressed you might be open for everyone to see. There was a lawsuit with different people stating that their information had been stolen from Facebook and used in different websites. The victims stated that prior to these actions, they felt that Facebook was a safe environment and that their information was kept private.

This lawsuit is rather interesting. It is true that if information is placed on the web, you will always be at risk of someone taking and using the information. For example, people have had their credit cards stolen and used. The Internet is a power full source and it’s taking over. In my opinion, the lawsuit is difficult to fight against because the plaintiff should know that there is only so much privacy that you can through the Internet.

 “Social Networking Controversy in Missouri Schools”

Missouri has confronted a major controversy with the school board and social networks. They are passing a law stating that teachers of administrators can’t be involved with any kind of social network if they are part of the school board. However, teachers and administrators do have the right to maintain a social life outside of the school board.

I understand that they are trying to prevent communication with students outside of school grounds, but if they are going to maintain contact it can also be done in person or via text messaging. In my opinion, if the teacher is going to do something inappropriate, it will be done with or without social networking. Teachers are already underpaid; there shouldn’t be restrictions on their social lives as well.

 “Universal to sue online music site Grooveshark for copyright infringement”

Universal is suing Grooveshark which is a website used to download music and upload music. Universal states that they have been pirating music and they have proof. The Grooveshark website states that they have no control over what their fans post. They are protected through the digital millennium copyright act.

I feel that Universal did the right thing in suing Grooveshark. I don’t think it’s fair for musicians to be cheated on their work. Music is an art; without it life would have a sense of emptiness. Websites like Grooveshark allows people to steal from artists around the world regardless of the way that the music gets uploaded and downloaded.

Links:

http://communications-media.lawyers.com/privacy-law/Lawsuit-Target-Facebook-Privacy-Issues.html

http://wjlta.wordpress.com/2011/11/06/social-networking-controversy-in-missouri-schools/

http://www.nme.com/news/various-artists/60499

The role of an artist manager.

Nowadays, we see many artists that have opted to represent themselves and become their own managers. While for many of them, representing themselves without help is a successful task, for others it may be difficult and limiting to their growing as artist. The main reason that explains why artists should have managers, instead of managing themselves, is because it is not only time-consuming, but because the development of business-mind is required. In most of the cases, the way in which reality is seeing by an artist is very difficult than somebody that sees a potential successful business in somebody else.

When we talk about managing, it is important to define correctly what the word manager, in the entertainment world, means: the person in charge of running the business side of an artist or a band; this means their career. There are different positions/roles an artist manager develop depending in the situation of the band or artist. If a small label signs a band, the artist manager works as accountant, promoter, and agent among others. The manager is the one that is on the top of everything involving the band/artist as a business. On the other hand, if the artist/band is signed by a major (big) label, the role of the manager changes and he/she becomes the supervisor of other people, whom are in charge of those different aspects, such us, finance, promoting, gigs, etc. In a major label company, the manager is forced to delegate the job to others, and focus developing strategic plans to improve the band fame, which is associated with money and profit.

Having a manager, for an artist is very beneficial because of many reasons. Even though an artist should know the dynamics of the entertainment/music business, most of the time they don’t; and the manager is the one that takes care of the marketing and accounting, while the artist can focus in creating music, or improve stage performances. Another benefit consists in how the artist is perceived. Having a manager helps the artists give the impression that they're are not alone, and there is someone by their side fighting for their good. Major label companies; try to take advantages of the new artist, by signing them into contact that is not beneficial for them. The role of the manager is to protect the artist because if the artist is successful, he/she will be too.

Palm beach competition gone!

For over 42 years, the Palm Beach competition has been developing programs for aspiring classical singers. The competition was established for the first time in 1969, with the intention of creating a pad for those who dream in becoming part of the performing arts. These competitions (Palm Beach Grand Opera) are one of the most prestigious in the country. Every year, hundreds of singers apply for this chance, and of all the applications, only a few have the chance to show their talent.

There are two divisions: Advance division, between ages 24 to 29, and junior division, between the ages of 18 to 23. In the junior category, out of all the applicants, only 23 have the opportunity to compete, and in the Advance category only 45. From both categories, the winners win a big amount of money, plus the opportunity to perform with complete orchestra. In the past competitions, the winners have been very successful with their careers; and have become world-leading singers.

An issue that recently emerged is that for 2012 they decided to cancel the competitions, which is seeing under eyes of many as 42 years of success all gone. The company decided to do something like that in order to expand their already existing young artists programs; which all of them already provide profit. Now, is this a good idea? I really don’t know the truth is that for many singers that one opportunity is gone.

As a singer, I am always looking forward to find experiences and opportunities to increase my knowledge and my potential. Now that Palm Beach Opera made such final decision, there is one opportunity less.

On the other hand, even though, the expansion of young artists programs may represent a limitation for some aspiring singers, for the ones already in, it represents the big chance to participate nationally in concerts and auditions. This year, the auditions were held in New York City, on January 26, 27 and 28, and the fee was $40 non-refundable. The submission of headshots, resume and citizen ship copy was also required.

http://www.events.org/viewevent_3409.htm

http://pbopera.org/about-us-2/vocal-competition/

ARTIST, CHARLES LEANO

Charles Leano; a local, up and coming artist is who I had the pleasure of interviewing. Charles stated that since childhood he has always been into the arts and has dreamed of becoming a professional artist. Him as a young artist is struggling to find his voice and recognition in a industry that is make or break tough. He credits certain quality's in giving him the push and support to stand tall and find his way to fame. He says his status is one of a young business man, creating a product and being his own sales man in a market of diverse work and creativity. His goal is to make a living off his craft and be able to negotiate with buyers and art lovers the same.

Charles describes his role as a creator, envisioning something and then being able to bring  it into existence. He says he uses a vast array of mediums to accomplish his paintings and uses a open mind in finding how to push the boundary's of the ordinary into a new unexplored territory of uncertainty. His pieces of work range from paintings to sculptures; even doing larger work such as murals. I asked him what events in his life so far he has been most fulfilling in his career thus far. He recalls being hired to design and paint murals at a tanning salon and being excited to get his first big gig.

Though Charles has had many positive experiences that show a trend of him heading to the big leagues, he recounts that one must be able to full with the bad too and be patient. When asked about negative emotions he has dealt with since the start of his journey to fame, Charles talked about learning to accept peoples likes and dislikes. In an industry such as that of art, criticism presents itself here and there; "you have to understand that there will always be people who fall in love with what you do and others who don't. Whats important is that you stay true to yourself and just do what you love!". Charles currently is working on a new project series that he says will be one of his best to date. He intends to be able to create art that is interactive and brings a smile to peoples faces, "I'm working on a new piece that will hopefully be met with big open arms and that people will love."; Charles says he couldn't explain more than that but to be on the look out in the next 2 months. Pieces of Charles work can currently be seen at The Hangar, which is located the heart of the Design District, Wynwood.

As my interview with the very talented artist Charles came to an end, he wanted to send out an invitation to all art lovers and people looking just to have a good time; "On the second Saturday of February and March, galleries in Wynwood open up their doors to the public and its a great chance to check out local artist and have a good time".