META NEWS - Spring 2010 Edition

 M E T A  N E W S 

Message from the Chairman

Welcome to META NEWS. We look forward to publishing at least 4 editions a year to keep you informed of our many exciting activities. You will also receive a "META blast" when a single request or a special event is announced between the regular newsletters.

We are entering into an important time when our energy and influence can shift the world's consciousness toward good. How we as producers, directors, creative artists and promoters choose to utilize our expertise for meaningful projects will literally change the mindset of all toward a more collaborative and caring world perspective. Uplifting and inspiring art transforms everyone in the process of its creation, and META has made an enduring commitment to catalyzing this positive change through media.

I wish, at this time, to express my gratitude to our wonderful volunteer Board of Directors and Advisory Board, to Cynthia Stringer for her many hours of work as Executive Director, helping to craft our new association; to Peter Tjeerdsma who worked tirelessly on the design of our first stage website; to Sharon Hart, web Content Creator and META NEWS Editor; and to Terry Kierzek our site Administrator. Together we have formed a wonderful, loving and harmonious team to lead META into the mainstream media world. I also want to welcome our new META members CHARLES CHUN, DENNIS NOONAN, MITCH SOMMERS,M SIBIO, RITA CONNOR,  NANCY SINGULAR, ROBERT HARTMAN, PAMELA DAVIS,SARAH LARSEN, ANDREW JAY GROSS, KATE LUTE and the 200+ affiliates who have joined us from the former Association of Transformative Media Arts. In the "Who We Are" section, you will find our Board of Directors listed. Registration at different levels is also available to you on site. In the coming months, more and more interesting content will appear, as well as information about our current activities. We invite you to join us in this exciting new adventure. . . .

Grateful to be of service,
Elizabeth Estrada
info@METAassociation.org

                                                                                                                                         Message from The Executive Director

                                                                                                                                                        

Being a part of something that is harnessing and leveraging talent and energy from around the world for a significant impact is very meaningful for me. As a professional business and career coach, and inspirational speaker, I find that the more mentors and communities of like-minded people we align with, the more likely we are to produce the success we desire in life.

In this time in media and arts development, so many people are creating amazing self- aware content and ideas that we, at META, feel privileged to bring groups together for collaboration. The opportunity to impact these and many more industries is poised to create a tipping point for change. We encourage you to get involved and participate.

As the Executive Director, I am responsible for the day-to-day operations, the infra-structure, fund raising, and systems to allow us to expand our work.  Over the next few months, we will be introducing special member-only opportunities, on-line resources, and in-person events to meet, greet and share ideas. Please send me your thoughts and suggestions as we move into this new, expanded phase of our work.

Warm regards,
Cynthia Stringer
cynthia@METAassociation.org


META in the News!

 


META's  First Film Festival at ARTS OLYMPUS EVENT!

META co-created and participated in one of the most unique and exciting presentation of arts and conscious media that has ever been created-- aboard the Queen Mary Thursday through Sunday, June 17-21, 2010.


While the META Film Festival was occurring, arts events were launched all over the ship, including dancers, puppet theater presentations, a Russion Video Art Series and "Art in Motion" fashion Shows. Friday was highlighted by the R. A. W. fabulous party and fundraiser for "RAW Across America" which went on until five a.m. and featured well-known hip hop artists for a night of music, art and fashion.

Photos by VL Photography--photographers for the events 

On Saturday The Los Angeles Poetry Festival took place in the various Salons on the ship, while dance companies entertained vistiors on the Promenade Deck, along with the Bulgarian Veselba Band. Art and jewelry were featured in many of the ship's Salons, and fashion designers like the Peruvian designer, Ada Spolopuco, presented their fashion shows. Robert Slaughter poses here with some of the artists on deck.     


Sunday was a featured Children's Day of Culture with displays, films,arts,crafts, storytelling and musical performances for children. Here Cynthia Stringer visits with a children's puppeter.

 

  

      Friday Reception and Networking Event


On Friday, META members, guests, Board of Directors an Advisors met in the Observation Bar on the ship for a fun Reception and Networking Event. 
L to R: Marcia Martin, Cynthia Stringer, Andrew Orgel, ELizabeth Estrada, and Sharon Hart

The Observation Bar as well as each room on the ship was exquisitely designed and featured beautiful carved woods and art deco furnishings, with large photographs of such notables as Queen Elizabeth and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. Old Hollywood celebs were pictured, like Fred Astaire plus newer stars like Leo DiCaprio. New members mingled with thosewith those attending Board of Directors and Advisors and enjoyed delicious drinks and pupus.
Valuable business connections were made. Film projects were shared as well as other creative ventures--such as member Michael Sibbio's Visions and Voices--an organization which raises
social awareness through music, art,apparel and film. A great time was had by all.

 

META Film Festival Events

META presented, along with The International Social Action FIlm Festival (ISAFF), produced by META Board member, RON SCHULTZ, an ongoing Film Festival throughout the entire ARTS OLYMPUS weekend of events.

The Film Festival Short Documentary Series began on Thursday, June 17th with the 10 minute documentary films, "Fish for Tomorrow," "Moving the Mountain of Poverty," "Root Capital," "Climate Matters," "South Central Farm," and" Detecting Danger."


Friday featured, "War Zone," the multi-award winning documentary, a powerful film about children who not only have survived living in the Northern Ugandan war zone, where parents and family members are brutally tortured and murdered by roving bandits, but use music and dance to transform and heal their lives. Some memorable moments from the film included these statements from the children, after winning many categories of Uganda's National Music and Dance Competition, "If there is music, life becomes good....Even if we live in the war zone, we can do good things in life." This was a film about children showing us how to go through the darkest places--even zones of
annhilation-- to create art, beauty and healing.

You can contact Ron Schultz at: creativesg@aol.com for more information about the film and where it may be screening or available to purchase.

 Saturday morning, saw the screening of new META Affiliate, CHRIS TOUSSAINT's film, "Full Potential Community," about people making a positive difference in their communitites. Chris's film was chosen from the Call for Submission Entries for the Film Festival. META is currently building a library of films and will continue to accept submissions for future screenings in both Northern and Southern California.                                        

                                             Saturday Night Gala

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A star-studded fundraising Gala with guests like BO DEREK and JANE RUSSELL, here on the red carpet, was held on Saturday evening, including a Reception and a posh, Formal Dinner.

Bo Derek, Jane Russell, Robert Slaughter, and Lisa Schniderman-
Photos by VL  Photography


Humanitarian Awards were given to adults, as well as children from REVOLUTION 9, a group mentored by META Board Member, LISA SCHNEIDERMAN. The Theme of the Gala was "Women, Children and the Environment." The event was broadcast live over the internet and hosted by ROBERT SLAUGHTER, Founder and President of ARTS OLYMPUS.

200Some other META members found their way to red carpet. Pictured here are Executive Director, CYNTHIA STRINGER, Board Chairman, ELIZABETH ESTRADA and Advisor, SHARON HART.

Entertainment included Italy's acclaimed pop singer, ROMINA ARINA, as well as music, dancers and other gifted performers.
                                

 

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Hollywood legend JANE RUSSELL was awarded a Golden Orb for helping orphans worldwide. ROMINA ARENA received an award for raising money for countless charities.


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SOHEIR KHASHOGGI, best selling author, and one of the founders of "Women for Women" which helps destitute women globally was also awarded a Golden Orb. Others receiving awards, but who could not attend, were: Linda Gray, Ed Begley, Jr. and Dr.Robert Muller. Presenters included Sandy Jackson Berger and Faye Feller, President and Executive Director of the National Association of Women in the Arts, and Darlene Grant, the current President of Operation Children.

The next large event for ARTS OLYMPUS is a cruise to the Bahamas in May of 2011, launching the ARTS on their world tour. If you are interested in signing on or participating in any way, let us know!

Thanks to the META Board and members who assisted in the production of the META Reception, Film Festival, publicity and Red Carpet, and also to VL Photography who shared some of these photos with us. They may be reached at: www.VLShots.com

                                                

Member Activities


John Ray produces trailers for books which are shown on the web and at many bookstores. He cast new META member, DON SCHWARTZ, for his most recent trailer for the powerful book China Doll. He intends to produce a short film and to follow that with a feature based on the book. Watch and hear Don at the trailer link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gi4tUdU0aLA






RANDY PEYSER 
is a terrifc editor and seeker of book agents. 
This just came in from her:  Great Publisher Seeking Manuscripts!
"A great publisher I've sold books to before is actively seeking manuscripts on relationships, parenting, memoirs, gift books, study aids, college guides, calendars, childrens books (all ages and formats), historical fiction, commercial women's fiction, Jane Austen sequels, and romance fiction."

Contact me if you're ready to have your book brought to the big time!  Info for members only in the Resource section of the site.
 


 

Announcing the Launch of the Integral Cinema Project

The Integral Cinema Project is a research, production, and educational initiative that will explore the application of Integral Theory for cinematic media theory and practice. Integral Theory is an all-inclusive perceptual framework that draws on the key insights of the world’s greatest knowledge traditions and allows individuals, groups and organizations to bring new depth, clarity, effectiveness and compassion to every level of human endeavor — from unlocking individual potential to finding new approaches to global-scale problems.

The potential benefits of the Integral Cinema Project are:

Creation of more powerful and effective cinematic realities that could potentially induce transformative states and stimulate shifts in stages of human development and the evolution of consciousness

Creation of more fulfilling, healthy, efficient and cost-effective production workflows
Increased ability to target and reach desired audiences

Enhanced aptitude for comprehending and navigating the rapidly evolving and convergent cinematic media environment, from feature films and television to YouTube and interactive cinema

Fostering of a greater understanding of the cinematic medium itself
This passionate quest to explore the further reaches of film theory and practice is inspiring and holds great promise.

Jean Picker Firstenberg, President Emeritus, The American Film Institute

To learn more about The Integral Cinema Project, visit www.integralcinema.com
 

Work Opportunities- Los Angeles and SF Bay Area

 

Wanted: Receptionist/Office Manager for busy production company --Commercial Production Company based in Hollywood seeks a fulltime Receptionist/Office Manager. In addition to being a capable multi-tasker with impeccable organizational skills, they ask that you be self-motivated, flexible, and personable. Your duties will include answering busy phones, interfacing with production staff & clients, scheduling both conference calls & conference rooms as well as maintaining the office supply inventory. They are a warm bunch and really geared to filling this position with someone whose enthusiasm and personality shines through  fulltime position/mon - fri - 45 h/week -- $30k salary + benefits Los Angeles--Contact information in the Resource Section of the web site.   7/20


Bader TV News, a New York City based leader in same day news, sports and entertainment broadcast and web program services is seeking freelance producers to support existing clients as well as cultivate new business in Los Angeles. Bader has been a global and dominant news leader in corporate news and celebrity events for over 20 years - with offices and studios on the Sunset-Gower lot.  Contact information in the Resource section of the web site.  7/20


TV Master Control Operator- KRCB, Northern California Public Media (sm), in Rohnert Park is seeking a television, master control operator. Duties include on-air switching, program recording from satellite feeds, station operations and monitoring of broadcasts, and maintaining logs. Skills required: some familiarity with recording equipment, computer skills, organized, self-directed. Will train. Hours – station operates 18 hours / day: Shift schedule will vary, ability to work on short notice required. PT. EOE. This is an in-house position.  Contact Information in the Resrouce section of the web site. 7/20

 

Tracking The Board. . . .

 

META Advisory Board member DIANA LOOMANS is a contributing author in the new publication entitled 100 WORDS; 200 Visionaries Share Their Hope for the Future. William Murtha, a global activist from Great Britain, sent out a query to global visionaries from diversified fields to ascertain their thoughts on what it takes to make a positive impact in the world. The book is a compelling collection of visions for a new humanity from many of today's leading thinkers.

Murtha calls these creative souls passionate activists, way-showers, and doers who are paving the way for all of us. Their examples provide a valuable alternative to the doom and gloom news and stridency so evident in the conversation of our adversarial culture. Contributing authors include Barbara Marx Hubbard, Thomas Moore, Jean Houston, Dan Millman, Lynne Twist, John Robbins, Christiane Northrup, Justine & Michael Toms, Susan Jeffers, Jane Goodall, Alice Walker and others. Each vision statement is accompanied by five books, songs or films that have been a powerful influence in their lives.

A few excerpts include;
"The tide is turning in the human condition. We are collectively bringing forth an environmentally sustainable, spiritually fulfilling, and socially just human presence on this planet." - Lynn Twist

" Many of us are entering the ever-growing global union of pioneering souls. We are ready to build our 'Peace Room' to scan for, map, connect and communicate what is working to heal and evolve our world beyond war." - Barbara Marx Hubbard

 " Imagine an Awakened World that has shifted from the overpowering of some, to the empowering of all. A world where human force is met with soul force; one that knows there are no sides to a planet that is round. A world where everyone knows that world peace begins with inner peace, and that one conscious person can awaken millions." - Diana Loomans

"We are at that stage where the real work of humanity begins. This is the time and place where we partner Creation in the re-creation of ourselves, in the restoration of the biosphere, and in the assuming of a new kind of culture - what we might term a culture of kindness." - Jean Houston

This book is an excellent catalyst for global organizers, filmmakers, activists, leaders and all who wants to be part of the solution.

 
RON SCHULTZ, author of 20 published books, and an internationally recognized authority on Social Entrepreneurship and Social Enterprise, as well as the producer of the Social Action Film Festival, is a META Newsmaker with his new book:

Adjacent Opportunities
Sparking Emergent Social Action
Forward by Steve Farber, author of Greater Than Yourself
http://emergentpublications.comhttp://adjacentopportunities.com

Adjacent Opportunities are those possibilities that are just one step  away from where we are right now. They’re our ability to recognize change when it’s right in front of us. And when we can act on those opportunities we can have a profound and lasting impact on our communities". This book represents some recent thinking on how we go about sparking social action, but not necessarily the thinking on these ideas and opportunities. The book is offered not as the path itself, but as a ground on which to start the path.

 

Industry News and Events


 

Check out ActorsReporter.com, a video ezine focusing on issues, items and events that affect the Entertainment Industry and those who enjoy the Industry.

No gossip, no prejudice, bias, or slants … just neutral observation, reporting and information gathering.

Produced by Pepper Jay and John Michael Ferrari who are also tag-team performance coaches in Los Angeles, California. There are great interviews with:

Agents like Judy Savage / The Savage Agency & Nikkolas Rey / The Alvarado Rey AMC Talent (Young Performers)
Casting Director Cathy Kalmenson (voice casting)

Funding and DistributionOpportunities

 

PACIFIC PIONEER FUND is accepting applications from emerging documentary filmmakers who live and work in California, Oregon and Washington. Total annual grants up to approximately $100,000, ranging from $1,000- $10,000. DEADLINE: August 15, 2010. Rejected applicants must wait one year to reapply.Contact info for members only

TRANSVIDEO STUDIOS IN-KIND MATCHING GRANTS PROGRAM provides grants to filmmakers and video artists who are either seeking funding or have already secured some production or post-production funding. AWARDS: Matching funds are provided up to $40,000 in equipment and $20,000 in funding. DEADLINE: None. Contact info for members only:

GRANTMAKERS IN FILM + ELECTRONIC MEDIA (GFEM) MEDIA DATABASE is a new online portal that allows media funders to learn about quality media projects. Grant seekers load projects into the site through a series of web-based forms. GFEM staff review projects, and, if approved for inclusion, projects become entries in the online database. Grantmakers will be able to search the database to look for projects to support. ELIGIBILITY: Projects must already have at least one foundation or government funder attached. Contact info for members only

 
PREMIERE LAUNCHES MEDIA PRO FUND
Producers to get access to $45 million fund

By ALI JAAFAR

 

MEDIA FORUM - Reviews, Articles, Commentary

Facing Death

A Film Review of the work of META Affiliate, MICHELE PETICOLAS
by META member, DON SCHWARTZ

Many Suns ago – around 2001 – I had the pleasure of meeting a beautiful young woman by the name of Michelle Peticolas. She informed me that she was  working on a project about death.  Immediately I thought of the seventies, and of a few authors: Stephen Levine, Ram Dass, and an inspiration for Bob Fosse’s “All That Jazz”, Elizabeth Kübler-Ross. I thought, as I still do, ‘death’… about as taboo a topic you cannot hear, addressed in mainstream media or pop culture – except for the above-mentioned “All That Jazz."  Wonder what she’s going to do?

Dr. Peticolas did it. She produced and directed "Facing Death," a 26 minute docu-mentary featuring people speaking frankly as they, to put it simply, are facing their imminent death. I’m in total admiration and respect for Peticolas’ intentions and accomplishments. With camera work by filmmaker, Bob Mohr, Peticolas firmly but gently knocks on the door of our defensiveness to the topics of death and dying. I especially appreciate Michelle’s decision to put herself in the mix as she describes, with utter vulnerability, her responses to her parents’ passing.

"Facing Death" is the first in a series called" Secrets of Life and Death."  The second work, "Caring for Dying,"  has been released, and there are at least two more in the works. Visit her web site at:  www.secretsoflifeanddeath.com

Don Schwartz, Ph.D., an actor/writer from Larkspur, California, received his doctorate in Integral Counseling and Psychotherapy from the California Institute of Integral Studies.   Wendy Weir, his business partner, and he have written two spiritually-based adventure fantasy scripts

Member Projects, Call for Entries, and Bulletin Board

 

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS -   We want your completed shorts and films that "Catalyze Positive Change."  Here is a chance to screen your media at our festivals and monthly events.  Email us at: info@METAassociation.org for more information and submission guidelines and requirements.  No Deadline. 

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