Latinos and the Media
By Congressman Esteban Torres (Retired)
National Latino Media Council Chairman

These days, you can’t seem to flip through television channels without listening to an angry xenophobic bashing undocumented immigrants.  The peaceful immigration marches that we witnessed early this year where millions of Latinos and their allies walked through the streets of our cities protesting legislation that would, among other things, make it a felony to be an illegal immigrant in the United States awoke in some fear and hatred.  These sentiments have been fueled by the relentless talking heads that we see on television. 

Media Matters for America writes that the major television networks have given a platform to conservative hate merchants like Ann Coulter, Glenn Beck, and Melanie Morgan.  All three, and countless others like them, are regularly given guest spots on cable-news networks.  The fact that these right-wing pundits – some who actually called for the execution of public officials and others who don’t agree with their point of view -- are given a platform in the major media is unprecedented.  Many fear that media consolidation is only adding to the problem and that local concerns are going unreported and excluded from the airwaves in favor of sensationalized stories and anti immigrant rhetoric that brings higher ratings. 

The National Latino Media Council (NLMC) is hosting three public hearings on media ownership this year as part of the Federal Communication Commission’s review of federal rules on media ownership. The first one will be held in Los Angeles on August 31st, and the other two will take place in Austin, Texas and New York in September and October respectively.  The purpose of the hearings is to discuss what the FCC will soon be considering in the near future; whether to relax or do away with the current media ownership rules that set the guidelines on how many television stations one company can own in a single market, whether one company should be allowed to own television stations, radio stations and a major daily newspaper in the same market, and if media consolidation restricts and limits localism and diversity in programming. Three years ago when the FCC tried to change the rules in favor of media consolidation millions of people protested, Congress listened and the courts asked the FCC to start the rulemaking process all over again. 

NLMC wants to make sure that this time people of color also join in the discussion, particularly since we are so directly impacted.  This has been predominantly a white, liberal movement and that is by no means a bad thing, but when immigrants are being negatively portrayed in the media on a daily basis and depicted as the culprits of all our society’s ills, it is time for Latinos to also speak out, question, and have a say on the media policies of the future. For us Latinos, the situation has gotten critical.  According to the Anti-Defamation League, hate crimes have rising and much of it is now directed at Latinos.  We submit that a great deal of the animosity is being generated by xenophobes who have gotten on the air and spew their hatred without regard to balance, truthfulness or fairness.  We further submit that the responsibility for this dismal state of affairs lies with their employers who in search of higher ratings are allowing these supposed journalists to create an environment that is injurious to our families, our community and our nation.  We need to discuss if media consolidation is contributing to this situation.

Early this year in Los Angeles we witnessed the power of the media to bring the community together during the immigration marches  Over twenty radio DJs and Spanish language television stations promoted the marches by asking the community to participate in a respectful manner.  This is what media should be about, about our community, about the positive work community organizations are doing in our cities, about the issues that affect us in our daily lives, not about Brittney Spears and her mommy mishaps. 

Broadcasters have an obligation to serve the public interest and that includes covering local stories in a fair and equitable manner.  Just last week there was an amazing community event organized by Los Angeles Apollo Alliance on the Los Angeles Green Building Initiative.  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, Council President Garcetti and Councilman Wesson attended in addition to hundreds of community people.  Twenty progressive organizations came together to anchor the effort to not only help build a sustainable, equitable and clean energy economy in LA but to create quality jobs for low-income communities of color and create healthier and safer communities.  Only one television news channel covered this historic event.  Those of us that did not attend didn’t know it took place and have no idea what this important community initiative is all about.  Why?  Because the story wasn’t covered, it wasn’t judged important enough to warrant sending out a reporter and crew to put the story on the air.  Instead, and we all see it day after day, we got some important news, but mostly a lot of sensationalized garbage.  Sensationalism does not serve the public interest and we the community must stand up and protest and demand something better. 

 
Come and join us for this historic Public Hearing.  It will take place on Thursday, August 31 from 6:30pm to 9:30 pm at the University of Southern California - Davidson Conference Center. Federal Communications Commissioners Michael Copps and Jonathan Adelstein will be present to listen to the local citizenry’ concerns about localism and diversity in the media. This Public Hearing is a rare opportunity for Americans – especially people of color - to present their views on media consolidation.  The forum, which is free and open to the public, will also feature panel discussions on diversity in entertainment and minority ownership. Further, the meeting will also include an open microphone session for the public to offer testimony on media issues to Commissioners Adelstein and Copps. All testimony will be recorded and submitted to the FCC and California elected officials.  Come and join us, it is time for all of us to share our concerns and have our voices heard.

Call for Submissions: 2007 NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival

Is your film project ready for the big screen? NSI FilmExchange Canadian Film Festival, Canada’s Coolest Film Festival, is looking for the best Canadian dramatic shorts and features to screen February 28 to March 3, 2007 in Winnipeg.

Submission deadline: November 1, 2006, 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Visit www.nsi-canada.ca for details.

NSI FilmExchange offers a daily showcase of Canadian short films, nightly feature films, and the NSI National Exposure Amateur Movie Contest. Back for its sixth year to open the festival is SnowScreen, the popular, free, family-friendly presentation of short films on an outdoor movie screen carved from snow.

The Telefilm Canada Industry Centre is a four-day professional development series that benefits emerging and established content creators and students. Master classes and panels cover trendsetting and market-driven topics in short film, feature film, television, interactive media and global marketing.

Tickets, schedule, film line-up and special guest information will be posted at www.nsi-canada.ca in the coming months.

Award-Winning Short Film “Beauty,” Screening at the 2006 Nosotros American Latino Film Festival (NALFF) in Los Angeles

Maritza Perez is an attractive woman who lives in an urban tower with her up-and-coming, "corporate American slave" husband, Hector, a man extremely influenced by the unrealistic media-derived images of women. Hector is determined to convince his submissive wife into a threesome. When his extra-marital dalliances find their way into the Perez houshold, Maritza is unable to measure up to sex icons like Jennifer Lopez or Pamela Anderson and trouble ensues as her poor self image overtakes the situation.

“Beauty” was written by Franc. Reyes (EMPIRE, ILLEGAL TENDER), directed by NALIP member Pepper Negron, line-produced by NALIP board member Edwin Pagan, and photographed by Salvador Bolivar.

“Beauty” screens Friday, August 25th during Feature Program 2 at 8:30PM.

“Yo También Te Quiero” Se Estrenará Este Fin de Semana en Los Ángeles

Hasta ahora pensaba que lo peor que te puede decir una mujer es "tenemos que hablar."  Pero nada que ver, lo peor que te puede decir una mujer es  "yo también te quiero, pero sólo como amigos."

“Yo También Te Quiero”, el cortometraje mexicano ganador del premio coral al mejor corto en el Festival de la Habana en Cuba será proyectado para el público y prensa en la ciudad de Los Angeles este fin de semana en Sunset 5, Laemle Theatres, 8000 Sunset Blvd. del 25 al 27 de agosto a las 10:30 am.

“Yo Tambíen Te Quiero”  ha sido seleccionado en distintos festivales internacionales de gran prestigio, tal es el Festival Internacional de Cine de Rotterdam, el de Austin, Flickerfest en Sydney, Cartagena y Miami.

Ganó en Pantalla de Cristal al mejor corto, mejor dirección, mejor guión, mejor actor. También fue ganador en Circuló Creativo, asociación de agencias de publicidad y casas productoras.

Nostros American Latino Film Festival Casting Workshop

Please join us for our first free event as the casting director workshop kicks off the Nosotros American Latino Film Festival. This invitation is open to all actors and filmmakers! Please visit us online to see a list of our free events

Casting Workshop with Fern Orenstein (Free Event)
Thursday, August 24th
4:00 PM

Ricardo Montalban Theatre
1615 N. Vine St.
Hollywood, Ca 90028

More information: http://www.Nosotros.org

CBS reveals 'Survivor: Cook Islands' cast, confirms ethnic tribe divisions
Reality TV World Wed, 23 Aug 2006 9:46 AM PDT
Confirming weeks of rumors, CBS has revealed the identities of the twenty castaways who will be competing in this fall's Survivor: Cook Islands and announced that the castaways will -- in what the show's producers acknowledge to be a controversial move -- initially be organized into four tribes divided along ethnic lines (African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic and White.)

Pedro's women
Independent Thu, 24 Aug 2006 3:02 AM PDT
'Volver", meaning "to return", is the title of a song by Argentinian tango artist Carlos Gardel. Volver is also the new film from Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar, in which the song is lip-synched con pasión by Penelope Cruz. Almodóvar's latest is itself a return, in many ways.

Bob Hope tournament links up with Lopez
The Columbus Dispatch Thu, 24 Aug 2006 4:50 AM PDT
It got a face-lift last year when the Classic Club became the host course, and now the Bob Hope tournament is getting a name change. It will be known as the Bob Hope Chrysler Classic Hosted by George Lopez. 

DP & Soundperson Needed For One Day Shoot: Los Angeles, CA

Start Date: Saturday, August 26, 2006 (one day shoot)
9:30 AM crew call
Pay is Negotiable
Non-Union

DP & Soundperson needed for 5 minute comedy short involving two actors. Script is fun. Chris M. Gordon directing.

To Submit: Email your resume, with contact phone number ASAP to: Flash9000@Clearvisionsla.com

Inside Out Community Arts Needs Artists!
Actors, Directors, Singers, Dancers, Writers, Filmmakers & Visual Artists of diverse ethnic & cultural backgrounds

• MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE COMMUNITY AND GET PAID!
• USE YOUR CREATIVE SKILLS to work on a team with other artists in public schools.
• Help at-risk youth create art and performances about issues in their lives and communities.
• Do meaningful work that is lots of fun!

Our FREE Artist Training program begins again on September, 25th 2006.  Training sessions are held Mondays 7:00-10:00pm at the Venice Center for Peace with Justice & the Arts, 2210 Lincoln Blvd., Venice, CA  90291.  Learn our award-winning specialized curriculum and become a part of the Inside Out team.

• Fill out an artist application.  Applications can be found at http://www.insideoutca.org/get_involved/join_our_artistic_team.htm
• Fax or mail your form back to us
• Inside Out will notify qualified artists and invite you to our orientation session

For more information, contact Paco Jose Madden at (310) 397-8820 or paco@insideoutca.org

Seeking New Original Music for Indie Film Project

"The Journey," an independent film project, is now in post-production and in need of new original music for the soundtrack. Following are the desired styles of music: Salsa, Merengue, Norteña and Banda.

Interested parties should contact Humberto: mezaproductionz@yahoo.com

Junior Web Developer Wanted
You will be working on a team developing and maintaining websites.

Required Skills For This Position: HTML, CSS, Javascript

Additional Skills That Are Preferred But Not Required:
-If you are a great designer, too -- big plus!
-PHP, ASP, AJAX, SQL
-Flash 8 - Action Script

Required Personal Attributes:
-Self-motivated
-Meticulous attention to detail
-Positive Attitude
-Strong communication skills
-Comprehensive problem-solving
-Team-player
-Ability to meet deadlines under pressure

To Apply: Please email resume along with links to samples of websites you have worked on to: info@ie-formula.com

No calls please.

Seeking Sound Editor Looking to Build His/Her Resume

1211 seeking sound editor familiar with Avid Express Pro HD and Pro Tools who is looking to build his or her resume.

Our offices are located in Burbank at Westwind Media.

To Start Immediately: Pay is 500.00 a week plus credit.

Job Duties: Cuttting dialogue and building background, effects, and foley for temp mix.
  
We are approaching deadlines and need someone to work with our schedule.

Please Contact:
Frank Aragon
310 966-0814
or email us at
info@1211entertainment.com
www.1211entertainment.com

CASTING CALL: Los Angeles, CA

Start Date: Aug 26, 2006
Paid $100 for a one day shoot
Non-Union

17 year old Male needed for comedy short: MALE / Goofy type / 17

To Submit: Email your headshot and resume, with contact phone number to:
Flash9000@Clearvisionsla.com

CASTING CALL: Northridge, CA

The project name: “Barrio Thief”
Casting Directors:   Hegel Torres, Michelle Mizner, Chris Chestnut
Audition Date: 08/27/06
Audition Address: California State University , Northridge
18111 Nordhoff Street
Northridge, CA 91330
Manzanita Hall, Room 122.
A map of the campus can be found at:
http://www.csun.edu/maps/cm1.html
Director: Michelle Mizner
Producers: Hegel Torres
                Chris Chestnut
Production Dates: October 5 through October 10.
Rate: Meals on set and DVD copy of movie provided.
All Submissions ASAP to: hitchfilms@gmail.com
Special Notes:
-This is a Senior Thesis film being shot for Cal State University, Northridge.  BEING SHOT ON 35MM.
-Non-paid, Non Union
-Further directions and timeslots will be given out upon resume/picture submissions
-Rehearsal Date 9-17-06
Characters:
JUSTINA Supporting / Female / Hispanic, Multi-Ethnic / 40-55
Nurse Rosa Pantoja, nurse and friend of lead. Helps treat (MDR) Tuberculosis disease and warns Raquel to be prepared in case her medication runs out.
Ethnicity: Peruvian
Wardrobe: Nurse outfit
RAQUEL Co-Star / Female / Hispanic, Multi-Ethnic, Native American / 26-45
Raquel (29) struggles to take care of both her her lovable 6 yearold boy, and her incurable disease, Multi-Drug Resistent (MDR) Tuberculosis. Must be SLENDER in figure, and have an unique look.
Ethnicity: Peruvian

EXTRAS / Background / Male or Female  / Hispanic, Multi-Ethnic, Native American / 12-80
We needs extras for inserts and background of a market scene. All ages, and sexes needed. Bring your whole family if you can.
Ethnicity: Peruvian Rate: Meals on set and DVD Copy of movie provided

Synopsis: Child inventor Bruno (6), known for stealing his materials, attempts to make a phone-in order to get closer to his mother, Raquel (29).  Raquel is a Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Tuberculosis patient, and because of her deadly and contagious condition, struggles to raise her son.

CASTING CALL: Nationwide