Monday, July 19, 2010

Erica Hubbard Live Chat Session: Tuesday, July 20th at 7:30 PM EST

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

PVIFF 2010 Celebrity Chat Series Week 2 Featuring Billie Woodruff

PVIFF Celebrity Chat Series...Week 2 Featuring Acclaimed Director Billie Woodruff Moderated by Celebrated Journalist Edward Adams....Tuesday, July 13- 7 p.m. EST

Billie Woodruff:

He was born outside of Denver, Colorado at the Army Base Hospital and named after his father, a Staff Sergeant in the Air Force. A couple of months after that his family relocated to Germany, then France, then England and the whirlwind life of a military brat kindled the flames of his desire to explore the world at an early age. The family finally settled in their native Virginia where Bille Woodruff spent his summers on the farm learning to drive tractors and the rest of the year in Richmond. His mother worked in the school system and pushed him to excel in academics. He became the first African American page for the Virginia State Legislature as he worked for then Lt. Governor Charles S. Robb while in high school and had aspirations of becoming a politician. The up close look at the world changed his mind however and he decided to enter the Air Force following the footsteps of his father but once he discovered the work of author and anthropologist Zora Neal Hurston his life was changed.

Inspired by Hurston, Bille attended University of Maryland, College Park, as a National Merit Scholar on a full academic scholarship with plans of becoming an anthropologist. Things took an unexpected twist once he began an internship at Black Entertainment Television (BET) in Washington, DC, and switched his major to a double in Film and Cultural Anthropology. Bille's career in show biz began as he worked his way up through the ranks at BET, where he initially acquired practical production knowledge and experience, topping off his rise from intern to Executive Producer of Specials and Original Programming creating shows like the popular “Caribbean Rhythms” and “Black Classic Films”. It is while at BET that Bille also began directing EPKs and Music Videos for up-and-coming artists of the time like En Vogue and TLC.

After his successful stint at BET and a rapidly growing list of credits, Bille felt that it was time for a change. That change came with an offer from Atlanta-based LaFace Records, the label started by Antonio Reid and Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, to serve as Senior National Director of Music Videos and Video Production. Spending three years at LaFace, Bille felt that it was time yet again to move on in his career. Backed by a solid reputation as one of the most desired music video directors in the business, Bille relocated to Los Angeles to venture off on his own.

Bille's distinct searing visuals have earned him a special place in the Industry. Known for his high quality style and heartfelt storytelling, he has directed some of the most memorable videos for artists such as Enrique Iglesias, John Travolta, Jessica Simpson, Timbaland, Britney Spears, Celine Dion, R. Kelly, Nas, OutKast, Aaliyah, Missy 'Misdemean Elliott, TLC, Toni Braxton, Trisha Yearwood, and Usher Raymond, among many others. He has been nominated for numerous MTV video awards, and won a VH-1 Fashion award and NAACP Image Award.

Bille's foray into feature films was Universal Pictures' “Honey”, starring Jessica Alba and Mekhi Phifer, which has grossed US$60 million worldwide. Most recently, Bille directed
the MGM feature Beauty Shop, starring Queen Latifah, with Djimon Hounsou, Kevin Bacon, Andie MacDowell, Mena Suvari, Alicia Silverstone, and Alfre Woodard. HE is currently developing other feature film projects, working in commercials and music videos and resides in Los Angeles, CA.



Chat:


Sunday, April 25, 2010

Peachtree Village International Film Festival News

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF) would like to announce some new exciting developments with their 2010 lineup. PVIFF is proud to announce a stellar lineup of programs and events featuring some of the industry's top talent.


On August 19th, 2010 PVIFF will be hosting their opening night reception tentatively being held at the Woodruff Arts Center in Midtown Atlanta hosted by acclaimed comedic actor Mr. Brandon T. Jackson ("Roll Bounce," "Tropic Thunder," "Lottery Ticket" etc.). The opening night will consist of a red carpet reception with food and drinks followed by a screening of a feature film with a Q&A session to follow.


This year marks the 20th anniversary of the hit hip hop film "House Party." PVIFF will host a 20th anniversary award celebration & breakfast featuring Kid "N" Play, " Producer/Director Reginald Hudlin & R&B Artists/Producers Full Force. This historic event will take place on Saturday, August 21st (8-10 a.m.) at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (Downtown Atlanta) in the International Tower ball room. For ticket information visit: http://pviff2010.eventbrite.com
Other confirmed guests for PVIFF 2010 include:


-Mark Brown, Writer/Producer ("Barbershop I," "Two Can Play That Game," "Barbershop II" etc.)
-Brian White, Actor ("Mr. 3000," "I Can Do Bad By Myself," "Men of A Certain Age" etc.)
-Twinkie Byrd, Casting Director ("Kings Ransom,""Stomp The Yard," "Nitorious" etc.)
-Quinton Aaron, Actor ("The Blindside)
*Moderated by acclaimed actor Clifton Powell ("Roc," "Dead Presidents," "Ray" etc.)

The Closing Night Award Ceremony will be hosted by acclaimed actor Malik Yoba ("Cool Runnings," "NY Undercover," "Why Did I Get Married" etc.)
& Many More.......


Specials:


PVIFF currently has 2 special promotions: -For consumers who book 2 nights at the Hyatt Regency Hotel (downtown Atlanta) during PVIFF - Aug. 19-22 they will get a FREE "ALL ACCESS VIP PASS" to the festival. This offer expires on June 1st, 2010. To book your room visit:
https://resweb.passkey.com/Resweb.do?mode=welcome_ei_new&eventID=1522079

-PVIFF is currently offering a special on All Access VIP tickets for $125.00 ONLY. This offer expires on June 1st, 2010.


To purchase tickets visit: http://www.pviff2010.eventbrite.com/



About PVIFF:

PVIFF is hosted by The African American Cinema Gallery (AACG) & Gipp. Museums, Inc. PVIFF attracts 5,000+ people each year from around the world. PVIFF was created in 2006 under the previous name (Sweet Auburn International Film Festival) and have served as the launching pad for many successful filmmakers and other artists alike in the film & entertainment industry. This dynamic international film festival showcases feature length films, shorts, music videos, documentaries, and screenplays from around the globe. PVIFF also feature celebrity attractions, innovative workshops, panels, parties, and much more. PVIFF is poised to become one of the most celebrated film events through dynamic programming and a dedication to helping filmmakers excel in their careers. PVIFF's brand is entrenched in the old saying "It Takes A Village."


Our vision allows us to create a village atmosphere that provide opportunities not only for filmmakers but for business owners and film enthusiasts. Artists such as Director/Writer Rob Hardy of Rain Forest Films, Producer, Roger Bobb of Tyler Perry Studios, Director, Leslie Small, Casting Director, Alpha Tyler of Tyler Perry Studios, Best Selling Author Omar Tyree, Actor, Bill Nunn, Director, Kenny Leon, Humanitarian, Afeni Shakur and more have all participated in various aspects of PVIFF over the years. In 2006 during PVIFF's first year the winning short film "Binta & The Great Idea" was nominated for an Academy Award and numerous other projects have received phenomenal acclaim throughout the years as well. With increased exposure, the assistance from the film and business community PVIFF will continue tohelp ignite opportunities and make dreams to come true for decades to come.


Monday, September 14, 2009

LIVE MUSIC PERFORMANCES AT PVIFF

LIVE MUSIC PERFORMACES AT PVIFF
(MUSIC PROVIDED BY THE INTERNATIONAL SOUL MUSIC SUMMIT)


(PVIFF PROMO)









Friday 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.


Carmen Rodgers (2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m)


Abby Dobson (2:30 p.m. - 3 p/m.)


Jarrard Anthony (3 p..m - 3:30 p/m)


Morris Mills (3:30 p.m. - 4 p.m.)


V Rich (4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m )


Avey Sunshine (5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)


Salakida ( 5:30 p.m - 6 p.m.)


Steve Wallace ( 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.)




FREE FILM SCREENING OF: "URBAN SOUL" BY STEVE WALLACE FOLLOWING HIS PERFORMANCE....












Saturday 2 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Kelly Love Jones (2 p.m. - 2:30 p.m.)

Rasheeda Wallace (2:30 p.m. - 3 p.m.)

Dark Shine (3 p.m - 3:30 p.m.)

Darnell Levine (4 p.m. - 4:30 p.m)

Collette ( 4:30 p.m. - 5 p.m )

Ozara Ode (5 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.)

Veronique & DJ Funknatra (5:30 p.m. - 6 p.m)

Soul Mello - ( 6 p.m - 7 p.m )

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

NEWS ANCHOR JOVITA MOORE OF WSBTV JOINS PVIFF AS THE OPENING NIGHT HOST

ATLANTA NEWS ANCHOR JOVITA MOORE FROM WSBTV JOINS PVIFF AS THE OPENING NIGHT RECEPTION HOST!








Jovita Moore
News Anchor And Reporter




Jovita Moore anchors the 5 p.m. newscast on Channel 2 Action News.
Jovita joined WSB-TV in 1998. Before moving to Atlanta, Jovita worked as weekend anchor/reporter at WMC-TV in Memphis, Tenn.


Jovita began her career as a reporter at KFSM-TV in Fayetteville, Arkansas in 1990.
Jovita is a native New Yorker. She earned a Master's Degree in Journalism from Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in literature, from Bennington College in Bennington, Vermont.
Jovita made the 2007 list of 40 Under 40 by Georgia Trend magazine and is member of Leadership Atlanta’s Class of 2007.


She currently sits on the Boards of the Center for the Visually Impaired, Dress for Success and the DeKalb Symphony Orchestra. She’s a past Vice President/Broadcast for the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. She's a sustaining member of the Junior League of Atlanta and a former member of the Board of Directors of the YWCA of Greater Atlanta.



Dedicated to helping communities around the metro Atlanta area, Jovita donates countless hours working with civic associations, hosting events for community agencies and mentoring students.
Jovita is a member of Outstanding Atlanta's Class of 2004 and has also been featured in Jezebel’s 50 Most Beautiful.



Jovita is an Emmy award winner and has been awarded by the Atlanta Association of Black Journalists. Jovita and her husband have three children.

Monday, July 27, 2009







SUN. SEP. 27, 11 A.M. –
UNDERGROUND ATLANTA EVENT LOFT


Tyler Perry Studio’s Executive Producer and First Assistant Director Roger Bobb (EP of the hit TV Show “Meet The Browns,” Co. Producer of Madea Goes To Jail & many more..) will take part in the Peachtree Village International Film Festival’s first “Conversation Series.” PVIFF’s Executive Producer/Director Len Gibson will interview Bobb about his life at TP Studios, his production experience as well as ask candid detailed questions about the state of Black Hollywood and where it’s headed. This is a must see interview. Tickets Sold In Advance ONLY. The event will take place at the Underground Atlanta Event Loft on Sunday, Sep. 27 at 11 a.m.








And though Tyler Perry Studios has filmed in other cities, Atlanta will remain a mainstay. “Tyler loves Atlanta and we do our films here,” Bobb offered reassuringly. "House of Payne" and, now, "Meet the Browns," the hit comedies on TBS, are filmed here in Atlanta, out by Greenbriar Mall, at Tyler Perry Studios. Ultimately, for Bobb, the goal is to put Atlanta on Hollywood’s radar in a major way. “With ourselves and Rainforest [Films], Rob [Hardy] and Will Packer, who are doing great things too, hopefully, we can make that same explosion that the music scene had happen in film and television. Hopefully, a byproduct of us being successful is making a Hollywood South here in Atlanta.”—By Ronda Racha Penrice (Special to Metromix)-May, 2009






Cost: $20.00 (Proceeds to support the African American Cinema Gallery)






For More Info. on Roger Bobb Visit:


Wednesday, July 22, 2009

Southeast’s Premiere Showcase For Urban, Ethnic and Multicultural Cinema




4TH ANNUAL PEACHTREE VILLAGE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Southeast’s Premiere Showcase For Urban, Ethnic and Multicultural Cinema
To Be Held in Atlanta on September 24 – 27, 2009


ATLANTA (July 23, 2009) - The 2009 Peachtree Village International Film Festival (PVIFF) will present an exciting weekend of screenings, education forums and networking for veteran and new filmmakers during its annual conference from September 24 through 27 at the Woodruff Arts Center in the Rich Theatre and The Underground Welcome Center Theatre and Event Loft in Atlanta, Georgia.



Opening night will begin with a red-carpet preview of the forthcoming film “Pastor Brown,” at the Woodruff Arts Center followed by an intimate Q&A discussion with the film’s screenwriter Rhonda Baraka and its stars Nicole Ari Parker and Angie Stone. The evening will also include an opening night reception and live music from surprise guests. “As we embark on our 4th year, we are pleased to provide a high-caliber environment for filmmakers to showcase their work and foster relationships that will allow their careers to rise,” says Executive Director Len Gibson. “Our primary goal for the Peachtree Village International Film Festival is to give everyone who attends a great time with quality entertainment and first-rate learning opportunities through the scheduled panels and workshops.”


Festival Highlights


The PVIFF 2009 lineup features Independent Films from four continents that includes a special delegation representing the Nigerian Association of Theatrical Practitioners who will present valuable information for filmmakers looking to do business in Nigeria and West Africa.
Additional PVIFF screening highlights include “The Stick Up Kids” starring Mel Jackson (“Soul Food,”) Bryce Wilson (“Beauty Shop”), Tariq Alexander “The System Within”), Hawthorne James (“The Five Heartbeats”) and “10 For Grandpa,” a short film finalist at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival.


On Saturday, September 26, PVIFF will partner with the International Soul Music Summit to produce an unprecedented gathering of film and music executives for the panel “Hip Hop and Soul to Hollywood”


The Closing Night Gala will feature actor Omar Benson Miller (“Miracle At St. Anna”) receiving the Rising Star Award and selected films will compete for special awards in the Best Feature Film_, Best Foreign Film, Best Documentary, Best Screenplay, Best Short Film, Audience Choice Award and Best Music Video categories. Echelon Studios, HAH TV Network, Gorilla Filmmaking Software and Comcast Video on Demand, The Writer’s Bootcamp are all award sponsors. Surprise celebrity guests will present awards and more.


For special offers on festival passes and VIP tickets please visit the Peachtree Village International Film Festival at http://www.pviff.com/. The Renaissance Hotel located in Midtown Atlanta is the festival’s official host hotel.

ABOUT THE PEACHTREE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival was created in 2006 by founder Len Gibson, the owner of the African American Cinema Gallery and the Hispanic Cinema Museum. Originally called the Sweet Auburn Film Festival, the event was rebranded in 2008. Since its inception PVIFF has served as the launching pad for many successful filmmakers and other artists alike in the film & entertainment industry. This dynamic international film festival showcases feature length films, shorts, music videos, documentaries, and screenplays from around the globe. PVIFF also feature celebrity attractions, innovative workshops, panels, parties, and much more. PVIFF is poised to become one of the most celebrated film events through dynamic programming and a dedication to helping filmmakers excel in their careers. PVIFF's brand is entrenched in the old saying "It Takes A Village." Our vision allows us to create a “village” atmosphere of opportunity for filmmakers, business owners and film enthusiasts.

ABOUT THE 2009 FESTIVAL SPONSOR

The Peachtree Village International Film Festival is proud to have Comcast as an anchor sponsor for 2009. The Festival would also like to welcome The Writer’s Boot Camp, Air Tran Airways, HBCUCONNECT.COM, Underground Atlanta and HAH TV Network for their support this year.


PRESS CONTACTS


Gil Robertson IV
310-927-3378
gilrobertson@robertsontreatment.com