Christopher Shawn Shaw 🎥 🎬

Another misguided political stunt. If you think this will make a difference, you don’t understand TV and film tax incentives. California’s 25% rate is one of the lowest—some states go as high as 45%, and internationally, incentives can be even more competitive. Newsom’s proposal also keeps restrictive rules, excluding actor salaries and above-the-line costs, which are big parts of film budgets. States like Georgia offer better incentives with no such limits and now have the infrastructure to support it. This won’t change the reality: other states offer better incentives, now have the infrastructure, and, ultimately, are simply more competitive.

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Sometimes in life, you’re right on time. 😃This is why, when we started down the road to create our IBC - International Broadcasting Convention Accelerator Project: ‘Digital Replicas and Talent ID: Provenance, Verification and New Automated Workflows’ - that we knew we had the chance to articulate a solution for a very real problem: fraudulent deepfakes and unauthorized usages of Name, Image, Likeness, and Voice (NILV) of public figures. Through legislation moves like these two bills, the stage is set for the industry to come together and work out the systems and methods of protecting talent with the “4 C’s” of Consent, Control, Credit, and Compensation.

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**THREAD (REGARDING AI VOICES)** 🚩🚩🚩 I saw an audition today stating that it would pay its voice actors SEVERAL digits, and while the amount might look tempting, it is 100% NOT worth it. Here's why: 1. **Loss of Control Over Your Voice**: Once your voice is digitized, you lose control over how it’s used, potentially leading to it being used in ways you didn’t consent to. 2. **Job Insecurity**: AI can generate synthetic voices, which may reduce the demand for human voice actors, leading to fewer job opportunities in the future. 3. **Quality and Authenticity**: AI-generated voices may lack the emotional depth and authenticity that human voice actors bring, potentially diminishing the quality of voice acting as an art form. 4. **Intellectual Property Issues**: There can be complex legal issues regarding the ownership and rights to your voice once it’s digitized and used by AI systems. 5. **Residuals and Royalties**: Unlike traditional voice acting work, you might not receive residuals or royalties for future uses of your voice by AI, resulting in less long-term financial benefit (which is why they offer so much upfront!). 6. **Ethical Concerns**: Your voice could be used in unethical ways, such as creating misleading content or endorsing products and services you don’t support. 7. **Market Saturation**: An influx of AI-generated voices could flood the market, driving down the value of voice acting and making it harder for professional voice actors to compete. 8. **Technological Limitations**: Current AI technology may not perfectly replicate the nuances and emotional range of a human voice, potentially harming your professional reputation if associated with subpar performance. Overall, AI can cause a lot of problems down the line. Please be careful which projects you submit to!

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Do you want your own category section on a streaming service? Do you have a video podcast, a tv series, an influencer channel, comedy or music videos, class you are teaching, etc...? ElevationMovies.com just may be the place for you! PM to find out how to make it happen! #stream #streamer #streaming #streamingnow #comedy #comedian #podcast #musician #music #band #ElevationMovies

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Is there such a thing as 'work-life balance?' I bet if you ask most sound professionals in the business, they would say, 'A work-life what?' But why? Why do we have to defend such a balance? Is it because the industry used to award and prioritize those who made work their everything? Or perhaps it's because of fear. The fear that if we said 'no' we run the risk of getting overlooked. These days, we find more and more reasons to introduce a work-life balance. If you're tired of feeling run-ragged and depleted after a 12-16 hour work day, here are 3 ways you can start small yet simple to carve out some work-life balance. 1. Set Boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life. Designate specific times for work-related tasks and stick to them. Avoid checking work emails or even taking work calls during personal time, and vice versa. By creating these boundaries, you can protect your personal time and reduce the risk of burnout. 2. Prioritize Self-Care: Make self-care a priority in your routine. Schedule time for activities that help you relax and recharge, such as exercise, hobbies, meditation/prayer, journaling, or spending time with loved ones. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is essential for maintaining balance and preventing stress and fatigue. 3. Delegate and Collaborate: Don't be afraid to delegate tasks or collaborate with others to lighten your workload. In the post-production sound industry, teamwork is crucial, and sharing responsibilities can help reduce stress and improve efficiency. Whether it's collaborating with colleagues on a project or outsourcing certain tasks, learning to delegate effectively can free up time for other aspects of your life. By implementing these strategies, we can navigate the demands of our industry while prioritizing our well-being. Remember, finding balance is not only possible but essential for long-term success. #worklifebalance #postproductionsound #selfcare #teamwork #masteringpostproductionsound #postsound #soundcommunity

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What does SAG-AFTRA low budget mean? https://lnkd.in/gXVc3TDE The Low Budget Agreement applies to those films shooting entirely within the United States with a total budget of less than $2,000,000. Include Step No Step No 1 Sort Order 2 Low Budget Theatrical (LBA)

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Captivating Script for Sparkx TV Instagram Reel Dialogue Imagine having an entire world of entertainment at your fingertips for just $24.99 a year. Introducing Sparkx TV on Roku – your ultimate low-cost entertainment solution! Whether you love binge-watching series, exploring new recipes, or enjoying free music videos, Sparkx TV has got you covered. We're passionate about helping small businesses and saving you money. With Sparkx TV, you'll find incredible meal prep ideas that won't break the bank. Picture this: delicious, budget-friendly meals your whole family will love. Plus, let your kids enjoy our fun and educational Kids Corner – all for free! And it doesn't stop there. Rock out with our free music video channel and radio – perfect for any mood or occasion. Why pay more when you can get all this entertainment value for just $24.99 a year? Sparkx TV is more than just a streaming service. It's a community supporting small businesses and savvy savers like you. Ready to transform your entertainment experience? Subscribe to Sparkx TV on Roku today and see the difference. Say goodbye to high subscription fees and hello to premium content at a fraction of the cost. Join us, and discover new favorites without the financial strain. Don't just take our word for it. Experience it yourself! Remember, at Sparkx TV, we're all about high-quality entertainment at an unbeatable price. So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the world of Sparkx TV now. Head over to Roku and subscribe today for just $24.99 a year. Entertainment, savings, and so much more – all in one place. Sparkx TV – your gateway to endless entertainment. Make the smart choice and join our growing community of satisfied viewers. We can't wait for you to see what we have in store. Subscribe now and let Sparkx TV brighten your days. Whether it’s cooking, music, or family fun, we’ve got something for everyone. Sparkx TV – where entertainment meets affordability. Stream smarter. Save bigger. Enjoy better. Can't wait to have you on board! Ideas for Visuals Start with a vibrant, eye-catching animation of the Sparkx TV logo. Clips of various TV shows, movies, and cooking programs available on Sparkx TV. Visuals of mouth-watering meals being prepared efficiently. Kids engaging with educational and fun content. Snippets of captivating music videos and radio snippets. Close-up shots of Roku interface with Sparkx TV being highlighted. Animated text highlighting "Only $24.99 a year!" and "Subscribe Now!" End with testimonials or satisfied customer reviews. Ideas for Captions Discover endless entertainment for just $24.99/year with Sparkx TV on Roku. Ready to save money while enjoying premium content? #SubscribeNow Transform your TV experience with small business support and budget-friendly options. Dive into delicious recipes, kids' fun, and free music – all in one subscription. Why pay more? Get Sparkx TV for unbeatable entertainment value! Image options

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First, the IRS came for our ability to earn income UNLESS we were a corporation. That meant incorporation costs, 3 or 4 times your annual tax prep costs, plus annual filing fees, plus greatly increased costs of bookkeeping and likely a membership fee for Quickbooks or similar. Then, AB5 came for every form of self-employed or gig worker, and corporations declined to pay unless you were on payroll. Now, this comes for us yet again? What's the end goal here? Is the very idea of self-employment just anathema to the powers that be? Why? UPDATE: The EDD may have backed down on this, though the wording in their statement is very odd - "EDD is not taking action to ban these companies". The concerns raised were not that loan-outs were to be "banned"?! The issue was simply the way loan-outs can receive payment. Clarification is needed, because the statement seems to have further complicated the issue. https://lnkd.in/gqkScssx

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Streamline your audio workflow with custom templates! Whether you’re a podcaster, voice actor, or content creator, having the right template can save you time and keep you focused on what matters. Check out this quick behind-the-scenes video of how I use templates in Pro Tools to keep things running smoothly. Want your own custom template? Just Ask Robbo! #AudioProduction #Podcasting #VoiceOver #Workflow

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Heather Cox Richardson on the demise of Reality TV's grip on American psyche. Guess what? Ratings are tanking. Thanks Kamala! -- "Christi Carras of the Los Angeles Times reported today that the reality TV industry has collapsed. From April to June, reality TV production in the Los Angeles region fell by 57% compared to the same period in 2023; that’s a 50% drop over the five-year average, excluding the Covid-induced production shutdown. The immediate reasons for the dropping production are systemic to the business, Carras reports, but the change seems to represent Americans’ souring on the blurring of reality and entertainment that gave us the Trump era. Trump rose to political power thanks to his appearances on reality TV, which claimed to be unscripted but was actually edited to emphasize ruthless competition among people striving for ultimate victory in a closed system. The Apprentice launched in 2004, and its highly edited episodes portrayed its star, Trump, as a brilliant and very wealthy businessman despite his past failures. Since 2015, Trump has offered a simple narrative of American life that did not reflect reality. Using the sort of language rising authoritarians use to attract a disaffected population, he promised those left behind economically by forty years of supply-side economics that he would bring back manufacturing, close tax loopholes, promote infrastructure, and make healthcare cheaper and better. He also promised sexists and racists who wanted to roll back the gains women and racial and gender minorities had made since the 1950s that he would, once again, center white, heteronormative men. He never delivered on his economic promises: manufacturing continued to decline, he cut taxes for the wealthy and for corporations, “infrastructure week” became a national joke, and rather than expand the Affordable Care Act, Republicans repeatedly tried to kill it. But Trump and his followers did center those who had gravitated toward the MAGA movement for its cultural promises. Now, in 2024, that gravitation means that the Republican Party has become an antidemocratic vehicle for Christian nationalism. In the 2024 contest, Trump has continued to push a fake narrative, but his ability to dominate the political conversation is slipping. Last Wednesday, his interview before the National Association of Black Journalists began more than an hour late; Trump publicly blamed the delay on the association’s technology, and there was, in fact, a brief issue with the audio. But it turns out that the delay was due primarily to Trump’s not wanting to be fact-checked during the interview. He was not willing to go on stage without a promise that the journalists would permit him to say whatever he wanted. They declined."

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The video says it all. We have the talent. We have the resources. We are capable of greatness. So what are we waiting for? DM me links to everything! LET’S GO! #Sacramento #filmmakers #featurefilm #teamwork #community #directors #writers #producers #actors #collaboration #talent #creativity #artists 

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WHAT DOES A PRODUCER DO? I was intrigued to hear this very relevant pod on Producers. Specifically, Hollywood producers are making the case that there is one clear producer - albeit they acknowledge there could be room for more - but they want the system to acknowledge the role of what they call a CAREER PRODUCER. My first thought is that now we have another name for what a Producer does. But so be it, at least it's clear'ish. The case is being made that there is a singular Producer who is responsible for making a movie. Let me describe the role of a producer before we get into the meat of what I consider to be the ultimate job of the producer. A Producer, with a CAPITAL "P", is the CEO of a very large corporation. They do nothing and they do everything. They are the glue. They hold the project together. You can't always see what a producer does. Sometimes you can barely describe what a producer does on a day-to-day basis. Perhaps its best to invert the equation - without a producer, the movie would not exist, likely would not hold together, and frankly I have no idea how the movie would get made. If there is nothing to unite the vision and bond the group together, there is no group. There is no bond. There is no movie. So yeah, I believe deeply in the role of a Producer. But if someone asked me what I do, it's a hard answer. And one that can create both controversy and disperate answers, at best, among the community of producers. Which, to be precise, is exactly why in my last post I talk specifically about WHO the Producer is; making the case - and not even my case as I was merely standing on the shoulder of a giant - that the Producer is the person who owns the copyright. Why? Because they control the rights to the project and are therefore the central decision maker in it. But what, then, if you take those rights away? And many times, that is the case. What then is the job of the Producer when there are often outside forces - in the studio system or generally speaking other requirements - that force copyright out of the hands of the producer? I started a list...: - Find the underlying IP - Negotiate for the right to obtain that IP - Hire the writer - Develop the project (noting this part alone can take years) - Take the project to market / Finance the film (can take years) - Package the material (Director, Stars, ABL Talent) - Make the movie (this section here would require a novel to be written to describe the inner workings of this process alone). - Manage all of the relationships while making the movie (this is a full-time job and incremental to the physical requirements of making a movie). - Find distribution for your movie (this may have been done before the physical production, but it's a massive part of the process). The list goes on. The point is that I don't think Producers are an endangered species. The Producer is the impresario. And there has, time immemorial, been a job for this role. Good luck; Go Get it!

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Learn how to manage firearms safety from our experienced guests like filmmaker Frank Ziede, and hear about how using VFX can prevent on-set firearms deaths, in this very important episode of VFX for Indies. Please tune in at vfxforindies.com, our YouTube channel, or your favorite podcast app.

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BLUEPRINTS FOR NEW FILMMAKERS: BLOCKING The attached video is the switchboard scene of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel," during Season 2. You can see how tight a set can get sometimes. The cast and crew have to ensure their precise choreographed movements work in unison with one another. In this particular scene, you can see how close the camera can get to an actor's face. I know it looks intimidating but the best part is how all the talented actors stay in character even when the camera is not on them. The blocking here is fantastic. LET'S BREAK DOWN A SCENE LIKE THAT WITH ME. So, your script is ready for production. Your producer has everyone ready to go. You film scene after scene for weeks and then come upon a scene that truly is hard to get done and needs actual choreography by everyone on set. How would YOU go about it? Well... The first thing is the STORYBOARD, which is created to show your SHOT LIST. It would visualize how the scene would be shot. This is normally where your camera crew would come together to create the plan with the director, cinematographer (DP), and others. Then... It's the REHEARSALS. The Director and Actors read-through to understand the dialogue and emotional beats step by step. Some pros compare blocking to a stage play where actors have specific spots to be in. Here, the Director decides where everyone will stand, sit, move, and gesture. The Assistant Director (AD) tends to help coordinating this process. Next... Comes LIGHTING, to set the mood and tone. The DP and camera crew prep the Angles and Framing. While the SOUND TEAM position the microphones to capture clear and crisp Audio. Test walkthroughs and adjustments are made. This process could potentially be lengthy unless you have experienced professionals working with you. Following that... We have the TECHNICAL REHEARSAL where everyone rehearses with the cameras, but do NOT record. Now... The Filming starts with ACTION and the SCRIPT SUPERVISOR ensures CONTINUITY while the Director observes the performances. Most times... Multiple takes are captured and YOU, the Director, choses the one with the best performance(s). Lastly... Of course is the POST PRODUCTION but that's a class for another day. Hopefully, you have a better understanding if you are new to the industry. SIDENOTE: Many more people are involved to bring your story to life. The ones I mentioned are merely a few.

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Totem poles are towering wooden sculptures, deeply rooted in the culture and history of Indigenous peoples, especially those in the Pacific Northwest of North America. These detailed carvings, often made from large cedar trees, are much more than decorative art. They tell stories, symbolize clans, and honor important people and events. But what exactly are totem poles, and why do they hold such cultural significance? In this article, we’ll dive into the fascinating history of totem poles, explore their meanings, and highlight some famous examples from around the world.

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