Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts & Design
Previous Events
Previous Event Details
A Conservation with Larry Magid, Founder of Electric Factory Concerts
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Electric Factory Concerts founder Larry Magid will be interviewed by WXPN’s David Dye. The 7 PM interview, free and open to the public, will focus on Magid’s lengthy career as Philadelphia’s premiere live music promoter, producing tours for The Allman Brothers, Patti LaBelle, Richard Pryor and most recently, Stevie Wonder.
Event Facts:
- What: A Conservation with Larry Mgid, Founder of Electric Factory Concerts
- Where: Bossone Auditorium (3120 Market St.)
- Who: Larry Magid
- When: Wednesday, May 7, 7 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-1029 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Learn How to Score: the Art of Scoring Film
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A great soundtrack can make an OK movie or television show seem to be far better. A wonderful movie score or television theme can become forever memorable. The art of building suspense and drama, humor or romance through the use of musical scoring is an art form and will be the focus of the next Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies' event. These Grammy and Emmy award winning composers will explore how music makes the movie. This event, presented by the Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies, will take place on Tuesday, March 4th at 7:30 PM in Stein Auditorium and is free and open to the public.
Our speakers include Grammy winning composer Steve Horowitz who wrote the music for Morgan Spurlock's Supersize Me and currently scores numerous animation sequences for Nickelodeon, Emmy award winning Music Industry Professor Jim Klein, and the prolific composer and Westphal faculty member John Avarese, who has composed for the NFL Today and United Airlines.
Event Facts:
- What: Learn How to Score: the Art of Scoring Film Tuesday/li>
- Where: Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.)
- Who: Larry Magid
- When: Tuesday, March 4, 7:30 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-1029 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film
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Noted author and fundraising guru, Morrie Warshawski, brings his years of in-the-trenches work with noncommercial independent filmmakers to bear on this topic that never goes out of style. Searching for and securing grants and donations is a constant and competitive battle. By the end of his lecture, you will know the upsides and downsides of each funding avenue, and what it takes to be successful at fundraising. Students, Emerging and seasoned filmmakers are welcome, and the lecture will be followed by a question and answer period, as well as a book signing by the author.
"Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film" is the next Rudman Institute free event. It will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 7 PM in Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.) in the Westphal College at Drexel University. This programming event is presented in partnership with the Philadelphia Film Office, the Film and Video Program at Drexel's Westphal College and Magnificent Minds.
Event Facts:
- What: Where's the Money: How to Find Funding for Your Independent Film
- Where: Stein Auditorium, (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St)
- Who: Morrie Warshawski
- When: Wednesday, February 13, 2008 at 7 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
Media: Traveling at the Speed of Life
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The new media revolution is happening right now and whether you know it or not, you’re part of it. Traditional media mangers are racing to figure out how content can be leveraged to maximize earnings via new technology.
Media: Traveling at the Speed of Life is the next Rudman Institute FREE discussion event. It will be held on Wednesday, January 23, 2008 at 7 PM in Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.) in the Westphal College at Drexel University. Free Pizza will be served at the conclusion of this event.
The panel features an accomplished and experienced group of new media practitioners that have worked in the industry for several decades:
- Gil Edwards, Long-time CBS Radio Programmer and On-Air Host; current Content Consultant, Red Lasso
- Jim McGuinn, Philadelphia Radio Industry veteran, afternoon drive host, WXPN Program Director Y-rock on XPN
- Dan Pohlig, Multi-Media Manager and Blogger, WHYY’s Next Mayor Project
- Moderator, Mel Taylor, Former FOX Television and Clear Channel Executive; Currently blogs Local Media in a Web 2.0 World and consults
Legendary Eagle & CBS Sportscaster Tom Brookshier on Campus December 5 for Sports Media: A Multi-Billion Dollar Game
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The worldwide business of sports media represents billions of dollars annually to owners, players and fans. With the rise of satellite and cable television, new multi-media web-based platforms and high definition compatibility, the availability of sports games, coverage, interviews and information is readily accessible in multiple formats to every consumer.
The Rudman Institute at Drexel's Westphal College has assembled a talented panel of sports media experts to discuss where the industry is headed.
- Tom Brookshier, Former Philadelphia Eagle and CBS Sports Broadcaster
- Michelle Murray, Senior Director of News Programming, Comcast SportsNet
- Marc Rayfield, GM Sportsradio 610WIP
- Moderator, Wally Kennedy, KYW NewsRadio 1060
This Free event will be held on Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 7 PM in Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St.). For more information, please call 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal.
This programming event is presented in partnership with the Sports Management Program in Drexel's Richard C. Goodwin College of Professional Studies.
Managing Media: A Global Affair
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- November 12, 2007, 7pm
- Stein Auditorium (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market Street)
- For information call 215-895-2629
Media Organizations now operate on a 24/7 cycle around the world. With new technology being introduced to the industry at lightning speed, an audience has real-time access to information. Our panel discussed the question of how to operate and manage a successful 24/7 media agency at a global level.
The event featured a talented panel of media management professionals including:- Eric Ober, former President of CBS news and global website operator
- Jane Seagrave, Director AP digital, Associated Press
- Mark Loschiavo, Senior Executive in Residence LeBow College of Business, Executive Director of the Baiada Center
- Moderator, Mary Caraiccoli, CN8 "Money Matters Today"
Panelists included former CBS news Presdient, Eric Ober, and Jane Seagrave of the Associated Press
Howard Stern’s Program Director and WMMR’s Pierre Robert Among a Panel of Top Radio Practitioners Discussing the Future of the Platform at Drexel University
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Radio, as an entertainment platform, is rapidly changing right now. An accomplished panel of creative, dynamic and experienced radio professionals, assembled by the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies at Drexel’s Westphal College, will discuss radio’s value as an entertainment commodity and why the future is now for radio. They’ll also speculate on the challenges and the opportunities created for radio by new media technologies and what lies ahead for America’s oldest broadcast medium.
The event will feature a talented panel of radio industry professionals including:
- Pierre Robert, WMMR 93.3 on-air personality
- Tim Sabean, Director of Programming, Howard Stern, Sirius Satellite Radio
- E. Steven Collins, Director of Community Relations, Radio-One Philadelphia
- Margaret Low-Smith, VP of Programming, NPR
- Moderator, Steve Butler, Program Manager, KYW NewsRadio 1060.
Event Facts:
- What: Rudman Institute Panel Discussion: The Future of Radio
- Where: Stein Auditorium, (111 Nesbitt Hall, 3215 Market St)
- When: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 7 PM
- Cost: FREE and open to the public
- More Information: 215-895-2629 or visit www.drexel.edu/westphal
The event is presented in partnership with the LeBow College of Business. The panel discussion is FREE and open to the public. For more information, please call 215-895-2629.
Behind the Scenes of E! Television's The Brini Maxwell Show
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- May 1, 2006, 4:30-5:30pm
- University Crossings Screening Room 030
- For information call 215-895-1029
Interested in Lifestyle Television? Fashion? Interior Design? Television Production?
The come learn what goes into making a lifestyle television show with The Brini Maxwell Show's producer and director Julie Harman and editor Michael DeMirjian.
The Brini Maxwell Show is enjoying a successful second season on E! Television's The Style Network. Described as part Donna Reed, part Mary Tyler Moore, Brini Maxwell makes kitsch feel classy through her unparalleled personal flair for home design, entertaining and savvy household tips.
Julie Harman is an award-winning TV Producer and Director, with more years of experience than she will admit to. She has worked on many of the shows you've come to love over the years (Hard Copy, America's Most Wanted, Ripley's Believe it or Not! and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous among them). When she's not concocting subversive, suggestive double entendres for Miss B, Julie lives in a tony suburb outside NYC, where she declares that she is NOT a desperate housewife, and that the Botox was for migraines.
Although work takes him to New York these days, Michael DeMirjian is a lifer in the Philadelphia scene; he was born here and still annually collects at least five dozen parking violations in Old City. He's paid off these infractions for the past 17 years by working as a video editor; although there was a five month 'blank' period in '93 when he worked for Mambo Movers. Fortunately, he ditched the moving van to become a four-time nominated and one-time Emmy winner for work he created for NFL Films and Fox TV's Under the Helmet. But his most enjoyable experience to date has been cutting the simply marvelous The Brini Maxwell Show, where he never once needed to explain his jokes.
Sponsored by the Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design and The Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies.
THE SITUATION - Screening and Q&A with Director Philip Haas
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- Event Name: THE SITUATION - Screening and Q&A with Director Philip Haas
- Event Dates: Monday, April 24, 2006 at 7:30pm
- Location: University Crossings Screening Room 028
- Presented by: The Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies
Featuring Golden Globe nominated actor Damian Lewis (BAND OF BROTHERS) and Connie Nielsen (THE ICE HARVEST and GLADIATOR), THE SITUATION dramatizes the impact of the war in Iraq told through multiple stories of Iraqis placed in impossible situations caught between the US efforts and the growing violent insurgency. Haas' brand new and powerful film juggles these stories with those of an American CIA agent (Lewis) and reporter (Nielsen) and the movie is most compelling because these are the subjects of today's and tomorrow's news headlines.
Noted filmmaker Philip Haas' previous work includes UP THE VILLA (with Sean Penn), an adaptation of a W. Somerset Maugham novella, THE MUSIC OF CHANCE with James Spader and Mandy Patinkin, and the memorable period drama ANGELS & INSECTS.
Haas will conduct a Q&A immediately following the screening.
Rate the Ratings: Nielsen Media Research Company
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- The average American watches the equivalent of two months of non-stop television each year.
- The average US household has 2.24 television sets
- The television is on for more than 6.5 hours each day in the average American home
- About two thirds of Americans regularly watch tv while eating dinner
- That 49% of Americans say they watch too much tv
Top Nielsen executives will provide an entertaining and invaluable look into how Nielsen Media Research Company collects data and how that data is used in the real world. They will also provide information about career opportunities at Nielsen. This a must attend event for those interested in marketing, consumer research, the television industry and those interested in career opportunities at Nielsen. This event is open to all Drexel students, faculty & staff.
Over $60 billion dollars is spent annually on US broadcast and cable television advertising. One company -- Nielsen Media Research -- measures the television audience that determines how this commercial time is priced and what shows stay on the air and what shows are cancelled. Nielsen's research has an enormous impact on what we see on tv and their research expertise paints a detailed portrait of American entertainment consumption and consumer habits.
Nielsen Media Research is the leading provider of television audience measurement and advertising information services worldwide. Nielsen is headquarted in NYC and operates in over 40 countries. Nielsen is a publicly-traded company owned by the Dutch firm VNU, a publishing and information giant with over 38,000 employees and annual revenues exceeding 5 billion Euros.
Nielsen research tells the television industry which shows are hot and which will soon disappear from view. Their demographic information provides details of viewing habits based on age, gender, race and geographical location. In addition to measuring national and local television viewing, Nielsen collects data on Internet activity, theatrical movie box office, sales of entertainment products such as video and audio.
PANELISTS (Subject to Change):
- Anne Elliot, VP Communications
- Crystal Hearn, Community Affairs Manager
- Rika Freeman, Sr. Program Manager
- Laura Greene, Account Executive, Nielsen Station Index
- Frank D'Aleo, Account Executive, Nielsen Homevideo Index - Local
- Tom Scott, Director of Research, Comcast
- Elliott Cohen, Director of Research, WPVI-TV
With the rapid pace of technological changes, Nielsen faces huge challenges in trying to keep up with the impact of time-shifting devices like TIVO, video iPODs, cell phones that show video, and the emergence of the internet as a means to watch tv. Additionally, Nielsen has had to counter controversy and criticism about the accuracy of their measurements especially with regards to minorities.
Event sponsored by the LeBow College of Business and the Kal & Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies.
Reiger's "King of the Corner" Debut
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Peter Riegert is a world class actor whose face is known to everyone and name is known to some. You'll remember him as the conniving undergrad in ANIMAL HOUSE or as the corrupt New Jersey politician from the first season of THE SOPRANOS or from his work in CROSSING DELANCEY.
On Monday, January 30th at 7:00PM, Riegert will screen his directorial debut KING OF THE CORNER in which he stars with Isabella Rossellini, Eric Bogosian, Beverly D'Angelo and Rita Moreno. The movie is adapted (by Riegert) from the series of short stories BAD JEWS AND OTHERS and tells the story of a man struggling with life's big questions -- who are we and what is love? After the film, Riegert will do a Q&A session with the audience.
The screening and talk are free and open to the entire Drexel community, but seating is limited and first come, first serve. This event is sponsored by the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies and AWCoMAD's Screenwriting & Playwriting Program. For further information, please call 215-895-0352.
WAL-MART: The High Cost of Low Price Screening and Talk
On November 16, 2005 we screened Robert Greenwald's new documentary Wal-Mart: The High Cost of Low Price. Producer-director Robert Greenwald's other documentaries include Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism, Uncovered: The War on Iraq, and Unconstitutional which Greenwald screened at Drexel this past April.
National distribution of this film is innovative. During the week of November 13th over 3,000 screenings were held by church, educational and political organizations in the largest 'viral' grassroots marketing campaign ever. Further information on the film can be found at www.walmartmovie.com.
After the screening two of our college's professors, Yvonne Leach, Department Head of Media Arts, and Roberta H. Gruber, Program Director of Design & Merchandising spoke on the many retailing and filmmaking issues raised by the film to an audience of over 100.
The Beast of War Screening and Talk
On November 2, 2005, we screened The Beast of War. The film which takes place during the 1981 war in Afghanistan depicts a Soviet tank crew commanded by a tyrannical officer. The crew find themselves lost in the mountains and in struggle against a band of Mujahadeen guerrillas. The Christian Science Monitor claims, "No film this side of Platoon has been more bold and unflinching in showing the explosive nightmare of combat."
The screening was followed by a Q&A with the film's writer William Mastrosimone. Mastrosimone's writing credits include the screenplay adaptation of Extremities and the Golden Globe nominated With Honors. His television credits include the teleplay The Burning Season and the 2005 Steven Spielberg produced miniseries Into the West.
Rosita Screening and Talk
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On October 6, 2005, Philadelphia documentarians Barbara Attie and Janet Goldwater screened and spoke about the making of their film Rosita.
Rosita is the heartbreaking true story of a 9-year old Nicaraguan girl who was raped and impregnated but whose unwanted pregnancy became a political football between abortion rights and antiabortion forces. The medical establishment were deeply concerned that 9-year old Rosita's life would be in danger if she carried to term, but the Church and the governments of Nicaragua and Costa Rica intervene in direct contradiction to Rosita's parents' wishes for a therapeutic abortion. After women's health groups help Rosita win a landmark court victory for victims of sexual abuse, the Catholic Church excommunicates Rosita and her parents, setting off a wave of public outrage. With its even-handed and compassionate look at issues of women's rights, medical ethics, and the roles of church and state, the film resonates with the recent headline-grabbing battle fought over the fate of Terry Schiavo.
Attie and Goldwater's previous work includes Maggie Growls about gray panther activist Maggie Kuhn which aired on PBS and I Witness: Shot Down in Pensacola about violence against abortion clinics. They are 2005 winners of a Pew Fellowship in the Arts.
Symposium: What Price Media Consolidation?
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On September 28, 2005, we in partnership with the LeBow College of Business presented an afternoon symposium. The symposium examined the consequences of industry consolidations on the diversity of entertainment content options available for American consumers, on media coverage of national and local news, and on employment opportunities for the artists, craftsmen and women and business people seeking to work in the film, television, radio, internet and music businesses.
The past decade has seen enormous consolidations in almost every segment of the entertainment industry. Regulatory changes and the business environment of the 1990's led to numerous acquisitions and mergers that created but a handful of entertainment industry giants. Five companies - GE, Disney, Viacom, News Corp and Time Warner - control over 75% of television viewing and an equally high share of motion picture box office. A smaller number of companies have a virtual monopoly on the music and radio businesses, and the cable and satellite distribution industries are dominated by a handful of giant players. While many see the Internet as a potential solution to the problem of old media concentration, others fear these same companies are now extending their reach and domination to new media as well. The consequences of these industry consolidations have an enormous impact on what the American public sees on television, in movie theatres and performing arts venues, what music we listen to, and the future of the Internet.
Event co-sponsors also included the Center for Creative Voices in Media, a non-profit organization whose mission is to address the impact of consolidation and the National Alliance for Media Arts & Culture (NAMAC).
Featured speakers included:
- FCC Commissioner Jonathan S. Adelstein
- President & CEO of the Media Access Project Andrew Jay Schwartzman
- Independent Media Consultant Alyce Myatt
- Deputy and Education Director, The Future of Music Coalition Kristin Thomson
- Screenwriter (Ali and Remember the Titans) Gregory Allen Howard
- Director, Writer (The Blair Witch Project and The Strand) Daniel Myrick; and
- Senior Director for Public Policy for Consumers Union Gene Kimmelman
Witness the Artic Wildlife Refuge Live
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During the week of June 11, 2005, we streamed live video coverage from Alaska's wildlife refuge. Upwards of 40,000 caribou were born that month and the backdrop for this amazing nature footage is land currently under consideration as a site for oil exploration.
We also coordinated an internship opportunity for a talented Drexel student who worked in Alaska as a production assistant.
Pizza Screening and Talk
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On May 24, 2005, independent film director Mark Christopher screened his film Pizza and talked about making low budget films.
Pizza is a quirky character study of an overweight girl on her 18th birthday. The film was a success at the 2005 Philadelphia Film Festival and this screening was held prior to the film's upcoming theatrical release.
Christopher last directed Miramax's Studio 54 with Ryan Phillippe, Salma Hayak and Mike Myers.
Case Study: TV ONE
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On May 23, 2005, we in partnership with the LeBow College of Business hosted a case study of TV ONE, the cable network geared to an African-American audience, positioned as a BET competitor. Then only a year old, TV ONE enjoyed a remarkable launch and is currently seen in over 20 million TV households.
Dennis Miller, an investment banker moderated this panel which walked through the case history of TV ONE from the company's conceptual stages; to how it secured capitalization and distribution; to its current operational status; and on to its future plans.
Joining Dennis was Amy Banse, Executive Vice President of Comcast and Johnathan Rodgers, CEO of TV ONE.
Guest Speaker: Jack Viertel
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On May 19, 2005, we hosted guest speaker Jack Viertel. Jack is the Creative Director of Jujamcyn, one of the most successful producer/theatre owners dominating today's Broadway scene. Jack and Jujamcyn's recent productions include The Producers, The Full Monty, Hairspray, Caroline, or Change, The Who's Tommy, Into the Woods, Angels in America, Proof and Burn This.
Jack is also the Creative Producer for Encores, the critically acclaimed series of concert productions of classic American musicals presented at New York's City Center.
This guest speaker event was co-sponsored by the Great Works Symposium.
Robots Screening and Master Class
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On May 16, 2005, editor John Carnochan whose credits include the animated blockbusters Beauty and The Beast, Ice Age, and Robots conducted a master class with Digital Media students. John also attended the screening of Robots and talked about the making of the film.
The Drexel Entertainment Survey
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During May 2005, we conducted a survey of the University communities' entertainment consumption habits and preferences.
The survey was distributed both on-line and in hard copy and asked 30 questions geared to finding out what we watch, what we listen to, what we like, and how much time we spend consuming entertainment.
Results from the 600 respondents we received were reported in both The Triangle and the Drexel Daily Digest.
Help Wanted
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On May 2, 2005, The Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers hosted a career night.
Our strong roster of panelists included:
- Sirius Satellite Radio's Director of Music Programming Kid Kelly
- WDAS-FM's popular DJ Patty Jackson
- Millennium's Executive Sales Director Joe Mitchell; and
- Radio trade Friday Morning Quarterback CEO Fred Dean
The event was moderated by Pat Delsi who announces Drexel's women's basketball. Kal Rudman, who is active with the Broadcast Pioneers, made welcoming remarks.
Guest Speaker: Matt Blank
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On April 25, 2005, Matt Blank, Chairman of the Showtime Networks gave a talk.
Among the subjects Matt covered were the changing television business; the current debate on indecent television and government regulation; the success of Showtime's new series Fat Actress; and the possible breakup of Showtime's parent company Viacom.
Seminar: The Great Hollywood Story Search
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On April 23, 2005, veteran Hollywood producer-writers Ron Bechtel, Ken Rotcorp and Doug Schwartz conducted an all-day seminar on how to present and sell scripts and material to the film and television industry.
Unconstitutional Screening and Talk
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On April 4, 2005, Producer-Director Robert Greenwald screened his latest film Unconstitutional, which focuses on the consequences of the Patriot Act. His excellent talk covered how to use innovative distribution methods for independent-minded films and he answered questions from the Drexel community.
Greenwald's documentaries include Wal-Mart: The High Price of Low Cost and Outfoxed: Rupert Murdoch's War on Journalism. He directed the theatrical film Steal this Book about Abbie Hoffman, and the landmark TV movie Burning Bed. His production credits include over 45 television movies, many of which have addressed important social issues.