Following the great success of last year’s inaugural conference, Relevé Entertainment announced last month that THE MERGE SUMMIT 2010 will return to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, August 26 through Saturday, August 28, 2010. THE MERGE SUMMIT’s founder, Dr. Holly Carter, serves as chairperson and Robi Reed as co-chairperson of the event. The three-day conference integrates faith and entertainment and provides a platform and educational forum for men and women of faith to interface and partner with executives and talent in the entertainment industry from New York to Hollywood (see full schedule below).
The multifaceted program will cover the spectrum of music, television, film, content, development, production, and management. General and focused breakout sessions are designed to educate and empower attendees in their respective fields. The Summit will also feature keynote addresses, presentations, and interactive panel discussions. Throughout the event, actors, directors, producers, writers, and industry executives will share insights and give feedback, as well as lend inspiration for the individual journey.
“This is a way in which to pay it forward by giving opportunities to those who are aspiring in the areas of arts and entertainment,” commented Dr. Holly Carter, President and CEO of Relevé Entertainment and founder/chairperson of THE MERGE SUMMIT. “The ultimate hope is that along with their aspirations to enter into the business, the attendees will possess a heart and desire to impact Hollywood for the Kingdom of God.”
Confirmed celebrity presenters include Suzanne de Passe, Pauletta Washington, Niecy Nash, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tia Mowry, Harry Lennix, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Bishop Noel Jones, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, Chrisette Michele, J. Moss, Brian Courtney Wilson, Myron Williams, and Warryn Campbell. Entertainment executives include: Pearlena Igbokwe (Senior Vice President, Production, Showtime Networks); Devon Franklin (Vice President, Production, Columbia Pictures); Charlie Jordan-Brookins (Vice President, Programming Operations, BET); Felicia D. Henderson (“Soul Food the Series”, “Fringe”); Entertainment attorneys Darrell Thompson and Cedric Watkins; Reggie Rock-Bythewood (writer/director); James Dubose (President, Dubose Entertainment); Michael Elliott, (screenwriter); Ralph Winter (“X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” “Star Trek”); John Dellaverson (“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “In The Mix”); Zola Mashariki (Senior Vice President, Production, Fox Searchlight Pictures);
Ayo Davis, (Vice President, Casting, ABC Networks); Jenna Block, Creative Executive, Escape Artists); Sharla Sumpter, (Partner, Varsity Pictures); Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, (President, In the Twink of an Eye Casting); Dee Brathwaite, (Talent Agent, International Creative Management);and Everly Lee, (Talent Agent, APA) as well as executives from top industry companies including Columbia Records, EMI Publishing, Creative Artists Agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, BET, ABC Networks, Lionsgate Entertainment, and more.
MERGE SUMMIT participants will have the opportunity to interact with and learn directly from these professionals. Felicia D. Henderson, writer/director, Waterwalk Productions, and writer/director Reggie Rock-Bythewood will lead Writer’s Workshop for television and film and will guide writers in developing compelling scripts. The “Acting Up” session, led by Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tia Mowry, and Harry Lennix, will provide actors with performance approaches for working in theater, television and film. “Creating Music That Sells,” will provide an opportunity for music producers, songwriters and music supervisors to learn how to create music success in an ever changing media environment from music business stars and executives Warryn Campbell, Chrisette Michele, and Leotis Clyburn. In the “Talent Connection” session, attendees will have the opportunity to interact with agents, managers, and casting directors, including Ayo Davis, Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, Dee Brathwaite, and Everly Lee, about what it takes to get the auditions and to be a success in Hollywood.
Columbia Picture’s Devon Franklin will be the featured speaker in “The Faith Lane” session, which is designed to inform and empower attendees who are interested in merging the lanes of faith and entertainment. In the “Making of a Reality Show” session, participants will not only learn the ins and outs of producing reality programming, but five participants will be selected to pitch their reality show concepts to James Dubose, one of the top reality TV producers in the business. There also are sessions on marketing and public relations; creating financially viable projects; imaging, style and brand creation; and insights and perspectives on the music business, among others.
Special sessions will feature superstars in the entertainment field sharing their personal stories. In one special session, entertainment industry legend Suzanne de Passe will share her amazing journey in building careers of such artists as The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and others.
The Summit also will feature a “Leadership Forum.” This special forum, hosted by Monique Nelson Butts, Vice President, Brand Integration and Entertainment, Uniworld Group, Inc., will unite leaders from the entertainment industry, corporate America and the church for an important and provocative session on engaging and finding synergy with each other.
The Summit also offers sessions that can relax the body and uplift the soul. Participants can get “Morning Inspiration” each day with Psalmist and Recording Artist Myron Williams. They can also retreat to “The Wellness Lounge” for treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, ear candling, and antioxidant screening. Up to two treatments per day will be available to participants by appointment only.
The event will kick-off on Thursday, August 26, 7:00 p.m. with OPENING NIGHT AT THE MERGE, a VIP reception hosted by Pauletta Washington and Bishop Noel Jones. On Friday, there will be a talent showcase, hosted by Hezekiah Walker. THE MERGE SUMMIT will culminate on Saturday evening with FREEDOM, a special concert experience featuring Kirk Franklin, Bishop Paul S. Morton, J. Moss and other special guest artists.
THE MERGE SUMMIT’s official partners are Kaiser Permanente, Johnson Products, Columbia Records, Wellness Interactive, EMI Music Publishing, Verity Records and UPSCALE magazine.
For additional information and registration for the event, please visit www.themergesummit.com
THE MERGE SUMMIT
Schedule 2010
Thursday, August 26, 2010
7:00 p.m.
Opening Night at THE MERGE SUMMIT, a VIP Reception
Hosted by Pauletta Washington and Bishop Noel Jones
Friday, August 27, 2010
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
1:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Wellness Lounge (by appointment only)
Private, complimentary retreat sessions that introduce ancient therapies and innovative treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, ear candling, and antioxidant screening. Enjoy up to two treatments per day, all performed by licensed therapists in a warm and relaxing environment.
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Morning Inspiration With Psalmist and Recording Artist Myron Williams
8:30 a.m. – 8:40 a.m.
Opening Session With Dr. Holly Carter and Robi Reed
8:45 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
The Faith Lane
An interactive session that will inform, inspire and empower attendees on merging the lanes of faith and entertainment. With Devon Franklin, Vice President, Production, Columbia Pictures
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
The Writer’s Workshop – Television
A special writer’s development class in crafting compelling television programs and scripts. With Felicia D. Henderson, Writer/Director, Waterwalk Productions
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
“Acting Up”: The Actors Panel
This class will provide actors with performance approaches and the skills to work in all styles of theater, television and film. With Wendy Raquel Robinson, Tia Mowry, and Harry Lennix
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Sharing My Journey – Following The Dream
An up-close and personal conversation with Niecy Nash about her road to success. She discusses steps, techniques, trials, and triumph-all a part of her journey.
11:30 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Music Producers, Songwriters, and Music Supervisors: Creating Music That Sells
Learn how to create music success in the ever changing media environment from people who’ve done it. With Warryn Campbell, Producer/President, My Block Records; Recording Artist Chrisette Michele; Leotis Clyburn, Senior Creative Director, East Coast Urban, EMI Music Publishing; Darhyl “DJ” Camper, producer and songwriter with EMI Music Publishing
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p. m.
Lunch
2:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
A Message for the Masses
A conversation on faith in Hollywood and leveraging your platform to get your message to the masses. With top film producer Ralph Winter (X-Men, Fantastic Four, Star Trek)
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
The Writer’s Workship – Film
A special writer’s development class in crafting quality stories for films. With writer/director Reggie Rock-Bythewood
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Making the Transition, presented by Hezekiah Walker
In this special session, you will gain insights toward success in transitioning from the church to the world stage. With Hezekiah Walker. Floor moderator, Sheilah Belle, Multimedia journalist, The Belle Report
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Music Business 2010
This session will offer attendees insights, perspectives, advice and strategies for succeeding in today’s ever-changing music business. With Jazzy Jordan, President, Verity Records; Larry Blackwell, Vice President/General Manager, EMI Gospel; Steve McKeever, Founder and CEO of Hidden Beach Recordings; Rhoda Lawrence, Vice President of Universal Music Christian Group
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
So You Wanna Work In Television?
This session exposes attendees to the process of developing a TV show. It explores the roles of writer-producers, executive producers, development executives and talent. With Charlie Jordan-Brookins, Vice President, Programming Operations, BET; Pearlena Igbokwe, Senior Vice President, Original Programming, Showtime Networks; and Sharla Sumpter, Partner, Varsity Pictures
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Film Producer’s Workshop: The Development Process of Filmmaking
This session explores the role of a film producer, your interaction with studio executives, and getting a green light on your project. With Zola Mashariki, Senior Vice President, Production, Fox Searchlight; and Jenna Block, Creative Executive, Escape Artists
6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
7:00 p.m.
Music Showcase Hosted by Hezekiah Walker
Saturday, August 28, 2010
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
3:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
The Wellness Lounge (by appointment only)
Private, complimentary retreat sessions that introduce ancient therapies and innovative treatments such as acupuncture, reflexology, massage therapy, ear candling, and antioxidant screening. Enjoy up to two treatments per day, all performed by licensed therapists in a warm and relaxing environment.
7:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Morning Inspiration With Psalmist and Recording Artist Myron Williams
8:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m.
The Journey of A Legend
Behind-the-scene is a powerful place. Learn secrets and techniques on developing, fostering and leveraging your personal “brand” toward creating a legendary career. Join entertainment industry legend Suzanne de Passeas she retraces the steps of her amazing journey in building careers of such artist as: The Jackson Five, The Supremes, The Temptations, Smokey Robinson and others. With Suzanne de Passe, CEO, de Passe Entertainment Group
10:00 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Leadership Forum
An impactful and provocative session that unites, synergizes, and engages corporate America, the entertainment industry and the church. Featuring leaders from the entertainment industry, popular brands, and renowned ministries. Hosted by Monique Nelson Butts, Vice President, Brand Integration and Entertainment, Uniworld Group, Inc.
10:00 a.m. – 11: 15 a.m.
Finance Your Vision
In this special session, learn to create and shape projects that are financially viable and how to present your material in a way that engages investors. With John Dellaverson, Producer, Lionsgate, and attorneys Darrell Thompson and Cedric Watkins
10:00 a.m. – 11:15 a.m.
The Image of Success, Marketing and Public Relations
A session in marketing and promoting your gift, your product, and your brand, with insights and advice from some of the industry’s best. Moderated by Tirrell D.Whitley, Founder and CEO of Liquid Soul Media. With Gwendolyn Quinn, President, GQ Media and Public Relations; Natalya Davis, Marketing Director, Columbia Records; Ava Duvernay, President, The Duvernay Agency
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Aspiring Actors, It Starts Here!
A special session in mentoring, training, cold reading and audition techniques. With veteran actress Sheryl Lee Ralph
11:30 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
“Anatomy of An Artist”
Take advantage of these power players to get your questions answered and to get advice that will help you achieve your goals in the music industry. With Monica Bacon, President, Sovereign Agency; Warryn Campbell, President, My Block Records; and Carla Williams, President, FoYoSoul Entertainment
12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Lunch
With performance by special guest Brian Courtney Wilson
2:15 p.m. — 3:30 p.m.
Kirk Franklin presents “The Blueprint”
This session, “The Blueprint: A Plan for Living Above Life’s Storms” is designed to help you move beyond hardships, create your own personal Blueprint for life and to pursue your dreams without losing yourself in the chase. With Kirk Franklin, author, songwriter and producer. Floor moderator, Sheilah Belle, Multimedia journalist, The Belle Report
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Faith & Sugar: The Michael Elliot Story
Inspired by Michael’s romantic comedy “Brown Sugar,” this is a conversation about how he went from homeless to Hollywood, and how faith played a role in his success. Few know the story behind how Michael went from reading a book on screenwriting one weekend, to selling his first script to a major studio-without representation-for $250,000. With Michael Elliot, screenwriter
3:45 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Making of A Reality Show
An interactive, Q&A driven session discussing the ins and outs of producing reality programming. As a bonus, five participants will be selected to pitch their very own concepts for possible development. With Reality TV super producer James Dubose (Tiny & Toya; Trez Songz My Moment; Monica: Still Standing)
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
The Glam Squad
A panel on imaging, style, originality and brand creation.
With celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, celebrity stylist Stacy Gibson and celebrity photographer Derek Blanks
5:15 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
Talent Connection: Agents, Managers and Casting Directors
The right representation is key to your success in Hollywood. Learn what agents and managers are looking for and get tips on cracking the audition process by leading casting and talent executives.
With Ayo Davis, Vice President, Casting, ABC Networks; Tracy “Twinkie” Byrd, President, In the Twink of an Eye Casting; Dee Brathwaite, Talent Agent, International Creative Management; and Everly Lee, Talent Agent, APA
6:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Dinner
7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
FREEDOM, THE MERGE Concert Experience
With Kirk Franklin, Bishop Paul S. Morton, J. Moss, Mali Music, and Tammi Haddon
*Panel sessions and times are subject to change