August 04, 2008

Date My Ex.. What Can Reality TV Do Next with Dating Shows - Bravo TV's New Twist on Dating

Myia Ingoldsby: The Voice of Reason

Best Friend Advises Star On Bravo Reality Series: Date My Ex: Jo & Slade

Nyia2_2 (Los Angeles) August 8, 2008 Date My Ex: Jo & Slade, is a new reality dating series starring former The Real Housewives of Orange County "housewife" Jo De La Rosa as she seeks love in Los Angeles with the assistance of her ex-fiancé, Slade Smiley who has also relocated and is still serving as her manager.

Featured on the show are Jo’s roommate, Katy Metz and her best friend, Myia Ingoldsby, both of whom advise De La Rosa as she embarks on a series of dates that they have arranged.  For Myia Ingoldsby, a music publisher, the spotlight of a reality series might seem an unexpected career diversion, but it was through music business channels that Ingoldsby, from London, met De La Rosa, an aspiring recording artist. It was a logical progression for Ingoldsby to select suitors as well as songs for her friend.

A reality series, Ingoldsby says, “…takes over your life. We did six weeks of filming -- seven days a week -- and we didn’t have a day off. It was 14 hour days, every day.” And the storyline was volatile.  “The script is constantly changing. It’s tough. It’s all unexpected.” (All of the men De La Rosa dates subsequently live in a house with her ex, Slade Smiley.”

Ingoldsby is represented by well known Los Angeles entertainment attorney Helen Yu, of Yu Leseberg who observes that navigating the competition-driven reality television series universe requires a comprehensive knowledge of a new set of entertainment dynamics. “It’s MySpace taken to the next level:  today’s stars are real people living real lives as experienced by real audiences.”

Her role in the show Ingoldsby notes, is to offer “The voice of reason. I’m a mediator between Jo and Slade and I’m a very honest person. I give Jo advice as a girlfriend and I know her very well. I also say what the audience is thinking.”

Date My Ex: Jo & Slade airs on Bravo Monday nights at 10/9 Central.

July 08, 2008

Danny Pelfrey Honored with a 2008 Emmy Award For Guiding Light and Leads the New Generation of 'Multi' Platform and Media Composers

Linda Danny Pelfrey is representative of a new generation of composers creating music for multiple platforms and diverse media, including television, digital mobile, video games, on-line, broadcast, music production library, motion picture and other branches of emerging media and platform.

Dannypelfreyemmy2

Los Angeles, California (PRWEB) July 8, 2008 -- Composer Danny Pelfrey, and his wife, Linda Lawley Pelfrey were presented with a 2008 Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction And Composition For A Drama Series by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. The composer was honored at a black-tie gala at Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center in the Time-Warner's Columbus Circle complex in New York City. More than 1,000 performers, producers and craftspeople involved in daytime television, including drama, talk shows, children's programs, game shows and lifestyle programs from both the East and West Coast congregated to honor the winners. Pelfrey, also a 2007 winner for the series, had previously been nominated for Outstanding Music Composition for the show Felicity.

Danny Pelfrey is representative of a new generation of composers who create music for multiple platforms. Pelfrey is represented by Los Angeles entertainment attorney Helen Yu. Yu cites, "Danny Pelfrey is well versed in all of these mediums,and the intricacies specific to each agreement. Danny is an incredible talent, and is one of the leaders and founders of this 'new school' of composers."

It has been a bittersweet year for Danny Pelfrey. The 2008 Emmy Win is a posthuamus Emmy honor for his wife, Linda Lawley Pelfrey, who last November, lost hef life to a battle with sarcoma. A life long musician, performer and songwriter, she was instrumental as a creative partner, and in managing her husband's business affairs. LInda Lawley Pelfrey helpped Danny build his career in music for television and film, as well as creating Amusicom, their music library. In addition to co-writing and producing music with her husband, Linda's lifetime in the music business brought business savvy and entrepreneurial spirit to their endeavors.

Pelfrey began his career performing on shows including David Letterman and The Tonight Show and as a musicians recorded with legendary performers like Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, David Crosby, Eric Clapton, and James Taylor. Born in West Virginia, Danny has maintained a continuing affinity for indigenous musical traditions -- folk choirs, tribal drums, chants and other cultural forms - in his compositions for film and television. "I've made great discoveries about life while composing; how to communicate the subtleties of the human experience," says Pelfrey. "Composing music really is my great love."

###

May 14, 2008

Latin Music Expands at UMG

Universal_logo Gus Lopez to head Fonovisa and Disa

Universal Music Group has a new label, Universal Music Latin Entertainment, which combines Universal Music Group’ Latin labels and the Univision Music Group. Under Jesus Lopez, the Chairman and CEO for Latin America and the Iberian Peninsula, Gus Lopez (no relation) has been promoted president of the Fonovisa and Disa labels.

“I’ve worked with Gus for many years, from when he founded Machete Music”Gustavo_lopez says Los Angeles entertainment lawyer Helen Yu. “Gus is an unbelievable talent.” Machete Music began as an urban Latin label and expanded to include regional Mexican music.

“Gus’ taste, vision, and understanding of the marketplace, along with his love of music and skill with people, as seen by the development of Machete and his promotion to president of Fonovisa and Disa, guarantees UMG’s supremacy in the Latin music genre,” says Helen.

Universal Music Latin Entertainment’s roster now includes Enrique Iglesias, Paulina Rubio, Los Tigres del Norte, Cunjunto Primavera, and Marco Antonio Solis among others. The deal now makes UMG the largest Latin music company in North America.

April 28, 2008

Silent Giant Entertainment Wins Latin Billboard Award

Billboardlmcfinal Silent Giant Entertainment was awarded the Latin Billboard Ringmaster of the Year award April 10, 2008 at the magazine’s Latin Music Awards ceremony held in

Miami

for the song “Lean Like a Cholo” by the artist Down. This was the first year the award was presented. The award is based on the artist’s performance in the Billboard Charts.

“The Latin hip hop genre is growing rapidly as seen by the creation of this new category,” says entertainment attorney Helen Yu. “And the award shows what a great job indie label Silent Giant does developing and promoting new talent.”

GIBSON SUES OVER GUITAR HERO and ROCK STAR VIDEO GAMES

Guitarheroweblogo Best selling games focus of patent suit

According to lawsuits filed by Gibson Guitar in March of this year, the instrument company feels that the best selling games, in which payers use a guitar shaped controller timed with notes on a TV screen, violate a 1999 patent held by Gibson.

In suits filed in Federal District Court in Tennessee, Gibson sued game companies Harmonix, Activision and MTV, along with various retailers, over the Guitar Hero series. Electronic Arts’ Rock Band game is the focus of a separate suit which also names game company Harmonix and MTV who own a portion of the rights to both games.

According to compiled NPD and Nielsen Sound Scan data, sales of Guitar Hero and Rock Band brought in more revenue in 2007 than digital music downloads from services like iTunes. The two video game franchises made their respective publishers $935 million USD combined, while digital music sales came in at about $835 million.

Activision licensed the rights to model its controllers in the distinctive shape of the Gibson guitar. The game company claims that Gibson’s lawsuit is in retaliation for dropping Gibson as a licensee. EA’s Rock Band uses Fender shaped instruments, but Gibson says the game uses its technology.

Activision filed a preemptive lawsuit against Gibson, asking the U.S. District Court in California to declare Gibson’s patent invalid and to bar Gibson from damages. Activision’s suit states Gibson, by waiting three years to sue, had granted an implicit license for the simulated musical performance technology.

April 18, 2008

Latin Hip-Hop Originator, Musical Artist "Ese Daz" is the 2008 Latin Hip Hop Artist to Watch and Possibly This Genres First Superstar

Daz1032408 One of the originators of the Latin Hip Hop Genre, Ese Daz, is making the cross over to mainstream popularity with the Summer Release of his album, "Foolish Loco Youngster". Ese Daz is also tapped by many music insiders to be the first bonafide Latin Hip Hop Superstar, the 50 Cent of Latin Hip Hop.
Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) April 17, 2008 - Despite the title of his forthcoming CD this summer, "Foolish Loco Youngster," Los Angeles-based Latin hip-hop originator Ese Daz reveals some valuable lessons that make him anything but foolish. An originator of the Latin Hip-Hop movement, Ese Daz exploded onto the scene as a founding member of Spanish F.L.Y. who made history with their singles, "Soy 18 with a Bullet" and "OG Lowrider." "When I put out my first record with Spanish F.L.Y., I remember walking home from high school and hearing people playing my song in their trucks," Daz recalls, "It was neighborhood music. We would never get played on the radio---it was strictly word of mouth." Spanish F.L.Y. eventually moved over 350,000 units through the underground, making them one of Latin Hip-Hop's most visible success stories.

Daz is anything but an ordinary rapper; he holds a Masters Degree in education and gives back to his community. "Everyday, I see schools with no grass and no books. Coming from that environment you learn it can't happen unless you make it happen. You've got to have an education and work hard," he says.

In many ways, Ese Daz's history parallels the phenomenal growth of Latin Hip-Hop, a dynamic genre whose audience is immense and immeasurable. Silent Giant Entertainment (one of the labels on the forefront of this burgeoning genre) is escalating Latin Hip Hop to it's crest, just as urban hip-hop did 15 years ago with Snoop Dog, Notorious BIG and Tupac. Silent Giant founder, Edward "E-Dub" Rios, is often referred to as "the Russell Simmons of Latin Hip-Hop" and his label crossed boundaries in 2007, with their mega radio hit "Lean like a Cholo" by the artist, Down, which sold almost 1 million digital and mobile units. Not too shabby for a little indie label.

Prominent Los Angeles entertainment attorney, Helen Yu of Yu Leseberg, whose known as "the lawyer" helping the growth of Latin Hip Hop says, "Now, Ese Daz is positioned for the escalating marketplace and could be the first legitimate Latin Hip Hop Superstar. The kids in the street know Daz. With the Silent Giant signing, he's moving it forward. It's not just a street underground thing. It's like getting to play in the big leagues with Top 40 radio cross-over, but still being with your best friends."

Rapping in English, Ese Daz punctuates his songs with Spanish phrases, reflecting a multi-cultural montage that mirrors the Los Angeles neighborhood where he grew up Carson, which in his vernacular becomes the city of "Arson." The video to Daz's song, "Something About You," written and produced by the one of the hitmaking music producers in the genre, Javie Lopez, is already the #2 video on MTV tr3s.
Ese Daz notes with Silent Giant behind him, he now has a label that shares his vision in taking Latin Hip Hop to the next level...

###

March 28, 2008

More Music From the Newest British Invasion to Hit America

Estelle North Hudson Music celebrates their #1 Single in the UK with British musical artist, Estelle's "American Boy" featuring the one, the only, and undeniable "Kanye West" guesting.

Los Angeles, CA (PRWEB) March 28, 2008 -- "Take me on a trip, I'd like to go someday.. Take me to New York, I'd love to see L.A.," intones British soul chanteuse, Estelle on her first #1 UK chart-topping single, "American Boy," from her new full length, Shine. Estelle is the first artist signed to John Legend's Homeschool Records and distributed through Atlantic Records. American Boy features a cameo rap by superstar Kanye West.

Keith Harris is a preeminent Los Angeles-based songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist who added his distinctive style, in accompanying will i am (producer of the cut) and Kanye West in creating an undeniable high energy beat for Estelle.  In addition to being a producer and writer, Keith Harris is also an accomplished keyboardist and drummer who recently worked with a range of artists from producing #1 Canadian artist, Jully Black  & Fergie (producer)  to Michael Jackson (two remixes on Thriller 25), to Chris Brown (a co-write and keyboard duties on the track "Picture Perfect").

Caleb Speir is a songwriter and bass player who has toured and recorded with Macy Gray, Nikka Costa and Justin Timberlake. Caleb also co-wrote the song "Pose" on Justin's most recent album "Future Sex/Love Sounds."
Joshua Lopez  is a songwriter, producer and guitarist, who has also played with Gray and Costa, and has recently co-written and recorded with JC Chasez, will.i.am, and Macy Gray.

North Hudson Music LLC provides complete publishing administration services for copyright owners. The company currently represent clients with songs recorded by artists including Roy Ayers, Backstreet Boys, Eric Benet, Black Eyed Peas, Bravehearts, Busta Rhymes, Corbin Bleu (High School Musical), Chingy, Down, Fergie, Estelle, Earth, Wind & Fire, Fleetwood Mac, Tasha Holiday, Kellis, Junior Mafia, Justin Timberlake, Lil Rob, Master P, MC Lyte, Mary J. Blige, Macy Gray, Mount Sims, NSYNC, Nivea, Ozomatli, Amanda Perez, Pussycat Dolls with P. Diddy, Nicole Scherzinger, Britney Spears, Armand Van Helden, Warren G., Chuck E. Weiss, Tupac, Youngstown, Christina Milian, P. Diddy, Tupac, Mario, Spanish Fly, Little Rod, Santana, Ricky Martin, Teairra Mari, Teedra Moses, Ginuwine, Mount Sims, and JC Chasez, Will I Am plus soundtracks for 8 Mile, Scary Movie, Bullworth, Bootycall, Love and Basketball, Be Cool, Poseidon.

# # #


February 25, 2008

Popular Morning DJ Cat Noel Wife Swaps into a Pet Cemetary

Catnoel_2Radio personality Cat Noel, half of the popular morning radio program, The Darwin & Cat Radio Show, displays her unexpected domestic side on ABC’s hit reality program Wife Swap airing Wednesday March 5.  Pink haired, tattooed disc jockey Cat switches places with a workaholic 56-year-old traditional wife who runs a pet crematorium. 

Darwin and Cat’s listeners, who are used to the DJ’s frank, comedic personality, will be startled to learn that Cat has been married to graphic artist for almost fifteen years and is the mother of a 12-year-old son. But they won’t be surprised that Cat’s sense of humor shocks her “new family” and clashes with the very serious business of their pet funeral and crematorium business. But as her listeners know, Cat has the wit and charm to save the day: Recognizing her host family’s lack of communication, she strives to bring the father and daughter closer together using the improv comedy skills she honed in Los Angeles theatre and brought with her to the Darwin and Cat Radio Show, which airs mornings on Albany Broadcasting’s WMZR 104.9 The Edge.

Helen Yu, the Los Angeles entertainment attorney who has represented Cat Noel for the past decade says, “Cat is one of the most innovative and funny comedic actresses and on-air personalities in the marketplace today.  She has been honing her skills practically since birth. I know her episode Wife Swap will be one of the funniest and most memorable in the show’s history.”

Reality shows can be challenging for the participants. In Cat’s case she was away from her family (“the punk rock Cleavers,” as she describes her home life) and job for two weeks and had to live a very different life than her own. Plus she had to reveal parts of her life that previously she had kept private from her audience. As Cat writes in her blog, “Wife Swap chased me down. When do I talk about my home life? What do I do? I decided to keep the family thing under wraps until the show was about to premiere.”

Cat’s entertainment attorney Helen Yu, who represents talent on reality shows as well in other capacities, recommends the following points remember when contemplating appearing on a reality show:

1) Make sure you understand what all the legal terms mean.  There may be words like “force majeure,” “indemnity,” “representations” and “warranties” that you should be aware of. If you don’t understand ask–preferably a lawyer;

2) Understand that any show will have carte blanch to check into your background, including typically financial, criminal, and even medical records;

3) If you are on a “game show” type reality program, you must make sure to keep up the confidentiality provisions of the network, or they may be able to pull the fees paid, prizes won or other remuneration received for your participation in the show;

4) Producers have the discretion to edit you and your situation and may portray you in a way you were not necessarily expecting.

Cat’s audience and fans of Wife Swap  will have to tune March 5 to see how she handles the rigors of working in the pet funeral business and  if she can make her host family as happy as she makes her own family and her listeners.

February 21, 2008

With the song "Yes We Can" Barack Obama Gets A Little Help From His Friends...

Image001Will.I.Am, George Pajon Jr. of the Black Eyed Peas Sing "Yes We Can" About Obama

The song and video “Yes We Can” inspired and created by Will I Am and George Pajon, Jr. of the Black Eyed Peas tops 6 million views in the first few days.  . John Legend, Scarlett Johansson, Common, and others join Will.I.Am and George Pajon, Jr. in celebrating Barack Obama.

****

(Los Angeles - February 19, 2008)  The Black Eyed Peas members Will.I.Am and George Pajon Jr collaboration “Yes We Can” spawned a viral Obama video directed by Jesse Dylan which has received over six million views since its release last week. The video is available for viewing on www.dipdive.com, www.yeswecansong.com and www.youtube.com

The song’s lyrics come a from the speech by Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama, delivered the eve of the New Hampshire primary, with music created by Will.I.Am and guitarist George Pajon, Jr. The video and song features John Legend, Kate Walsh, Aisha Tyler, Amber Valletta, Taryn Manning, Nicole Scherzinger, Common, Scarlett Johansson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Herbie Hancock, Nick Cannon Amber Valletta, Taryn Manning, Adam Rodriguez, Alfonso Ribeiro, Austin Nichols, Ed Kowalczyk, Eric Balfour, Esthero, Harold Perrineau, Johnathon Schaech, Kelly Hu, Maya Rubin, Tatyana Ali and Tracee Ellis Ross.

On his blog, Will.I.Am explains, “The outcome of the last 2 elections has saddened me...on how unfair, backwards, upside down, unbalanced, untruthful, corrupt, and just simply, how wrong the world and “politics” are... And then came New Hampshire...And i was captivated...Inspired...I reflected on my life...and the blessings I have...and the people who fought for me to have these rights and blessings...”

Helen Yu, a Los Angeles entertainment attorney who has worked with the Black Eyed Peas and George Pajon, Jr for the past decade, says “I agree with Will.  The choices are not as clear for this election, but we blessed to have excellent choices in both Hillary Rodham Clinton, who has unprecedented experience, and Obama, both of whom can do great for things for this great country of ours”

February 15, 2008

Black Eyed Peas and Grass Roots Productions Celebrate a Successful Decade with Star Studded Benefit Concert

PeapodThursday, February 7, 2008 marked a successful night for the Peapod Foundations annual benefit concert at the Avalon in Hollywood held a special significance for the founders of the Peapod Foundation, Polo Molina of Grassroots Productions and the band. The music and star  evening making for a truly a remarkable night in modern pop and rock music, featuring members of the Black Eyed Peas jamming with their friends creating a “one-time only experience” for attendees.

Los Angeles entertainment attorney, Helen Yu of Yu Leseberg, A Professional Law Corporation, who has worked with the Black Eyed Peas band the entire decade since the release of their first record, Joint & Jams said, “Working with the Black Eyed Peas has been a tremendous growth experience both professionally and personally. I am so proud of all of their achievements.”

...Read the full article

New Line Cinema Summer 2007 Bash - The Standard

  • New Line Cinema Party - David Quan, Zack Gershen, & Helen Yu
    New Line Cinema threw a spectacular and extraordinary party at the Standard Hotel on Sunset for "Office".

2006 Pre-Grammy Party

  • Helens_pre_grammy_party_2006yulesebergma
    Photos from the Yu Leseberg Manor, before the 2006 Grammy Awards.