U. K. Filmmaker Support The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

U.K. Filmmaker Supports The Write Stuff Literacy Campaign

The Creator of The Write Stuff Reality Show came across his short film while watching videos on Youtube, but it was only a matter of time before the talent of 19-year old Tom Sands surfaced. Living in the United Kingdom, he has produced several films and is making a name for himself, allowing inspiration to be his guide. Tom Sands has now joined Shadow Play Entertainment in promoting reading and The Write Stuff literacy campaign. Name: Tom Sands

Age: 19

Hometown: Royal Tunbridge Wells, Kent, UK

How long have you been involved in filmmaking? I have been making short films since I was 15. I have made over 25 now and I'm happy with about three of them! I have also written screenplays, and have recently signed with a London agency as a writer. I have done my bit as a runner and an assistant and hated it, as I'm sure everyone does.

How did the idea for the short film The Write Stuff come about? The central idea of the film is that writing is hard. It is not as easy as many people think. I know this now! Most of the time it requires severe emotional strain, significant catharsis, and a great deal of frustration. I wanted to show this side of creativity but show that if one relaxes, if one feels those feelings, the result can often be inspiration. (See the video here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=o5mx_YsjJfg.)

 

Read the entire interview here: http://thewritestufftvofficialblog.blogspot.com/2009/04/uk-filmmaker-tom-sands-supports-write.html

Parties Scheduled Nationwide to Encourage Reading

With all the talk of change in the United States, one thing that is not improving or getting the attention it deserves is the importance of reading and the seemingly never-ending problem of illiteracy. To combat this dangerous trend,Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and those associated with The Write Stuff literacy campaign will be hosting reading parties across the country beginning Thursday, May 21, 2009 through Saturday, June 27, 2009. The theme for these events is "JOIN THE ADDICTION: Get Hooked on Books".

Hosted by Cyrus A. Webb, President of Conversations Book Club and host of The Write Stuff Reality Show, each party is designed to allow book lovers to come together for networking, to meet authors from the area as well as to discuss how they can work together to promote reading.
Parties have been scheduled in Little Rock, Memphis, Miami, Atlanta, Raleigh, Houston, Dallas, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Flint, Chicago, Indianapolis, Louisville, Washington D. C., New York City and Seattle. Each is free and open to the public, however, those who attend are asked to bring a new or gently used book as a donation that will go to either the Read Across America Project, CityKids Foundation, the Common Ground Foundation, Everybody wins, Adele's Literary Library, Reading Tree or a library in need within that particular city.

These events are sponsored in part by For The People Productions, Hype Magazine, Industry Standard Magazine, Poetic Monthly and Crunk Magazine. Special guests include Derrick Hargrove and Nikki Shallwani from MTV's 50 CENT: The Money & The Power, New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler, author Mark Eller and author Richard Emmell.

To find out more about the reading parties, when and where they will be held and the work that The Write Stuff is doing in general, visit http://www.thewritstufftv.com. For more information about the project and how you can get involved, contact Herschel Dixon at 1.502.994.7852 or Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com.

Martin Silver of Georgi Vodka discusses feud w/Trump on Conversations LIVE!

Did you miss Conversations LIVE! Radio's interview with Martin Silver, owner of Star Industries and founder of Georgi Vodka ? If so, listen to the complete podcast here: http://tobtr.com/s/501104

Just one day after his press conference to discuss what the New York Post called the 'war of the Vodka czars' between Silver and Donald Trump, he talks with host Cyrus A. Webb about the start of the company he now operates, how he has remained successful and the feud over the firing of Khloe Kardashian from Celebrity Apprentice. Does Silver feel as though their is a double standard behind the treatment of Ms. Kardashian and Miss USA? Find out the answer to that and more in this interview. (Additional information about Star Industries can be found at http://www.star-indust.com.)

Missed other interviews on Conversations LIVE! Radio? Visit http://www.conversationsliveradio.com.

Recording artists with The Write Stuff get support from www.hiphopgive sback.org

 

When Shadow Play Entertainment President Cyrus A. Webb announced the creation of America's first literary reality show (The Write Stuff) in late 2008, he knew that it would be something that attracted the attention of those outside of writing as well. After all, one of the most important aspects of a good show is the music that accompanies it, and Webb knew he had the chance to do something special with the songs that were a part of this new project.

"We wanted the music and the artists to be just as unique as the concept of the show itself," says Webb, 33, "but we wanted to make sure that the songs were by those who shared our passion for literacy as well." To begin the process, he first went to recording artists he had worked with in the past that were a part of his literacy campaign called Hip Hop and Books. This included Jack Squad, Jon Boy (VH1's The White Rapper Show), Eddie Wright, Dj Down South and Omega Red. Next he went to The Patrick Smith Band who have been supporters of Shadow Play Entertainment since 2004.

Why so many, though, from the Hip Hop community? "Hip Hop is more than just what is glamorized on tv and in some music," says Larry Washington, Asst. Music Producer for The Write Stuff project. "Hip Hop is changing and just as diverse as other genres of music. The artists with The Write Stuff reflect that."


Another organization that has been created to showcase the positive side of Hip Hop is www.hiphopgivesback.org. Created by Mike D and Konata J, HipHopGivesBack.org has set itself as the premiere catalyst committed to cultivating the awareness of the positive efforts, endeavors,and accomplishments of Hip Hop Culture and its communities. Through its website it hopes to remove negative reinforcements that have been placed upon Hip Hop Culture and its communities by bringing you stories of programs, events and priceless moments that are the result of positivity within. It is now supporting The Write Stuff Reality Show and the artists that are a part of it.

"The world is not going to fix itself," says Mike D. "I think it is necessary for those of us who have been blessed in certain positions, to get the ball rolling. This collaboration is the start of a movement that will assist the future(children) in forming the future." Konata J adds this: "The collaboration between www.HipHopgivesBack.org & The Write Stuff is an example of the forward thinking that will bring about progress and change in essential areas, including literacy with urban youth and the promotion of programs. This will contribute to the overall improvement of literacy excellence in our communities." Hip Hop Gives Back will be cross-promoting the artists from The Write Stuff through its site as well.

Dj Down South, a recording artist from Mississippi is also pleased to see the marriage of music and reading. "I'm glad to be a part of projects that can show more than one side of the music that Hip hop produces. The Write Stuff is going to break alot of records, and I think that will include those that have to do with Hip Hop as well."

Other organizations that have partnered with Shadow Play Entertainment and The Write Stuff in their effort to show the positive side of music include For The People Productions, Crunk Magazine, Hype Magazine, Industry Standard Magazine, The Common Ground Foundation and The Hip Hop Chronicle.

To find out more about those who are working to make a difference along with The Write Stuff or to see how you can get involved, visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com or contact Herschel Dixon at 1.502.994.7852.

Crunk Book Club features Spoken Word artist/author Lady K

It's that time again: The weekly Crunk Newsletter is out---and Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to share it with you! http://magazinecrunk.powweb.com//april/crunk_weekly_april.html

Keep in mind that Crunk Magazine is not only a proud supporter of The Write Stuff Reality Show but its weekly newsletter features selections from the Crunk Book Club with articles by Cyrus A. Webb. This week you will find a discussion with spoken word artist/publisher Lady K.

Here's a sneek peek:

Her book SEX INSPIRES MY BEST POETRY has raised more than eyebrows with its mixture of sophisticated prose and melodic verses. Now Lady K talks with Crunk Book Club about the writing of the book, the decision to promote it and how she sees the various degrees of sex.

Lady K, thank you for talking with Crunk Book Club. Before we get into your gift with words, let's talk a little about you. How would you describe who Lady K is?
Lady K is the alter ego of the day-to-day person that I am. Lady K is bold, seductive, and sassy. She has a lot more confidence than I do because she doesn't care what she says, what people think, and makes no apologies for any of it. She says what's on her mind. She's wild at times!

Do you remember when your love affair with the written and spoken word began?
The written word in general, I would say during elementary school. Around 4th or 5th grade, I think. I wasn't very expressive and was somewhat shy, so for me, writing was the easiest way for me to express my feelings. I used to write letters. It didn't matter if anyone saw them or not, it was just therapeutic. Spoken word came much later in life. It's an extension of that therapy. Being able to express yourself through your words, your face, your body, and use those to connect with other people is something I'm still getting comfortable with. So as of now, we're not in a love affair yet, but we have a strong crush on each other!

Read the entire interview here: http://authorstaketen.blogspot.com/2009/03/take-ten-lady-k.html

Rapper/Author Jacki-O Prepares to Show the world she's RELENTLESS

Shadow Play Entertainment is pleased to announce that its lead publicist Cyrus A. Webb (aka C. A. Webb) will once again be working with Rapper/Author Jacki-O.
In 2008 Webb coordinated the southern tour for Jacki-O's debut novel GROWN & GANGSTA, published by Platinum-selling recording artist/bestselling author Corey "C-Murder" Miller.
Now the two are back together, this time preparing the world for Jacki-O's second book RELENTLESS.

"Those who have followed the career of Jacki-O know that she has alot to say," says Webb, 33.
"RELENTLESS is part one of Jacki telling her own story. No fiction here. This is her truth as she has lived it. Readers will learn about what drew her to pursue music in the first place, her ups and downs in the business as well as the controntations she has had to deal with in order to earn her respect and get where she is."

RELENTLESS will also take you into the true story of her departure from the record company that began her career, what really led to her highly publicized beefs and where she is headed now as an artist and businesswoman.

Look for details to be released soon through Jacki-O's official Myspace http://www.myspace.com/jackiomusic or through Shadow Play Entertainment. To schedule interviews or appearances, contact Cyrus A. Webb at cawebb4@juno.com or 601.896.5616.

Sumit of The Hip Hop Chronicle Shares His Keys For Success

When you really want something there are no limits to how far you can go if you work hard for it. Few peoople that Conversations LIVE! exemplify that more than Sumit of London. In less than 2 years he has built one of the most talk-about Hip Hop sites in the world, having obtained exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the business and partnered with MTV and BET along the way.

Sumit and The Hip Hop Chronicle began working with Shadow Play Entertainment, the parent company of Conversations LIVE!, in 2008 with the Hip Hop and Books Literacy campaign. The two organizations are working together again now to promote America's first literary reality show The Write Stuff. In this interview you will find nowhere else, Sumit talks about how the history he is creating all began.
Sumit, thank you for taking out time out of your busy life in the U.K. to talk with Conversations LIVE! Before we get into your support of The Write Stuff reality show, why don't you tell our readers a little about yourself.
Firstly let me thank you for giving me the opportunity.Well I am a 24-year-old music journalist from London. I run a Hip Hop site called The Hip Hop Chronicle UK - http://www.thehiphopchronicle.com/

I started the site simply because it was it was tough getting a job in the industry so I decided to carve out my own, especially after completing a post-graduate diploma in Broadcast Journalism at the UK's top University (for that course). I have a huge passion for Hip Hop and just wanted to provide a platform to showcase positive nature of the genre.

You and I have been working together since 2008 when I began the Hiphop and Books literacy project. The Hip Hop Chronicle has gotten national attention since it began. Are you surprised at how people all around the world have been drawn to it?
Absolutely. It bugs me out that people across the world look at my site. The internet is such a great tool and the possibilities are endless but it still humbles when I meet someone and they say 'oh The Hip Hop Chronicle, yea, I check out your site'. Recently I was at a Birthday party for a friend. Speaking to a few people there, the conversation got onto Hip Hop and blogs. They didn't realise that I run the site and they told me, that they check The Hip Hop Chronicle daily.

Also last month I was in New York City and even people there have heard of my site. For me, that means a lot. I still have a long way to go but have support from people like yourself and all my readers across the world, its amazing because they help make the site.

In such a short time you have gotten exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the music industry. To what do you attribute your success?
Well, people say I'm lucky (laughs). You know ...sometimes I get interviews that magazines in the UK may not get and people say, 'oh Sumit, he got lucky' but the truth is, Im doing anything different than other bloggers or online journalists out there. I just work hard. Whether it be putting in long hours or establishing relationships people and companies, its all about the grind.

I started with no contacts, much like many others out there and less than a year later, I've been fortunate enough to interview some of the biggest names in the industry. Its great, its fantastic to have had the opportunity but I need to do much more. I'm just a regular guy from London with a passion for Hip Hop and truth is, anyone with the talent can do this.

Out of all of the interviews and celebrities that you have been privileged to talk with, who has stood out the most to you and why?
Oh...now, that's a tough one. All the interviews I've done, I've always learnt something more about Hip Hop music. Erm....but if you pressed me for one, I would say Russell Simmons, simply because its Russell Simmons! (laughs)

In all seriously though, that for me was a complete honour. I expected to be interviewing Russell years down the line, not in the first year in operation. To be honest I couldn't believe it when I was offered Russell and I have thank Live Nation for that. They have been awesome with me and they gave me a huge opportunity. The interview itself, Russell was brilliant and what was the icing on the cake was he offered to meet me at the Def Comedy Jam event. We did, spoke briefly and got a picture taken.

Now, Cyrus if you were to ask me my favourite interviews, there's a few (laughs). The interview I did with Chuck D, I learnt a tremendous amount. Firstly, he had to personally approve the interview. So he looked my site and decided whether it was worth doing. Thankfully he saw the potential and we knocked a dope interview. He put me on the spot, tested me and we spoke for a while after the interview.

Other interviews ... My interview with Bumpy Knuckles was eventful. Again he tested me too and broke the ice and we knocked a good interview. Estelle, wow she's so down to earth, it was almost like I was talking to a friend, I definitely enjoyed that interview. We did that interview a day before the MOBO awards and I told Estelle I'll be on the red carpet and told her to remember me. The next evening, she did and its great to see Estelle have the year that she has had, because honestly, she deserves. And....of course my interview with the legend that is Elliott Wilson was a banger. I saw that interview though as more of a personal achievement. For many years I have been picking Elliott's magazines and to have him agree to do an interview and give me great advise and feedback on the site, its stuff like that motivates. I mean the haters will always motivate me but having people like Elliott and my readers giving me constructive feedback, I cant ask for more.

With that being said, who haven't you been able to talk with that you would like to?
(Laughs), I've got a long list Cyrus (laughs), I call it the 'hitlist'. In terms of artists, names that roll off the tongue are KRS-One, Rakim, a sit down with Nas and with Kanye, Eminem, 50 Cent, Dr Dre, DJ Premier, Beyonce, Diddy and Snoop. I think a career high right now would be an interview with Jay-Z. I do hear that he isnt a huge fan of internet outlets (and I don't blame him) but that would be a massive coup for me (as a independent blogger/journalist) to sit down and speak to Jay, I think I could retire after that (laughs).

Hip Hop Chronicle is not just gaining you attention in the U. K. but you have partnered with music television stations in the United States as well. How did those relationships begin, and what do you hope comes from them?
I've said many times before but its a roller-coaster ride. My sister site Hip Hossip.com in Canada had a contact at BET. Kemi over at HipHossip.com made them aware of my site and they reached and we decided to be each other's blogs and I would send them stories and vice versa. Its fantastic to have a television station like BET who place me on their blogs and quote my site as the UK's Leading Hip Hop Site. They have been so kind to me and to invited to the BET Hip Hop Awards to watch the show surprised me, no many outlets get the opportunity to do that and thankful to BET for all their support.

With MTV, they have a blog called 'MTV Buzzworthy' and the Senior Editor over at MTV.com reached out and told me they like my site. And the relationship was established then. Now they pick up my stories and I do likewise.

To have BET and MTV acknowledge the work I have done is humbling, its shows that I'm on the right track and I'm not there yet but their support gives me confidence that I'm on the right track. MTV have invited to a few events of theirs, most notably the Concert For Veterans.

What I hope is that we continue to build on the existing relationship and continue to learn from the fine journalists they both have. Its brilliant to have the support from the States. I hope that magazines and stations in my own country can see what MTV and BET have.

Congrats on all of your success, Sumit. Your hard work has really paid off. If our readers want to find out more information about you and the work you are doing, how can they find you online?
Be sure to check the site which and the url for that is - http://www.thehiphopchronicle.com/
You can follow me on twitter - http://twitter.com/hiphopchronicle

I want like to take this time to thank you Cyrus for giving me this opportunity. I also would like to thank your readers for viewing this interview and big respect to my fellow bloggers and all the readers of The Hip Hop Chronicle UK. Without the readers, The Hip Hop Chronicle UK wouldn't lasted a day. So I owe it to them.

Shadow Play Ent. & Common Ground Foundation work together to promote l iteracy

Shadow Play Entertainment, Conversations Book Club and The Write Stuff Reality Show are pleased to announce their support of The Common Ground Foundation as part of their literacy campaign.

The Common Ground Foundation was created by Hip Hop artist, actor and children's book author Lonnie Rashid Lynn, known as "Common". Common's social-conscience message is the cornerstone of the Foundation's vision and serves as an inspiration for equality, opportunity and hope among youth in underserved communities. The Foundation is committed to empowering youth in urban neighborhoods and providing life skills needed to achieve their dreams.


The Common Ground Foundation's "Read for Change" program addresses the national problem of illiteracy among urban youth. In an effort to encourage and inspire youth to read and to use the power of their voice, the Common Ground Foundation has launched The Corner, a national online book club. This platform provides youth across the country with an opportunity to discuss current reading selections, while fostering the development of critical thinking skills. It was this program that got the attention of Conversations Book Club Founder Cyrus A. Webb.

"I am excited about the work that The Common Ground Foundation is doing for young people, especially when it come to encouraging reading and the arts," says Webb, 33. He contacted the foundation's Executive Director, Jodie Blum, and informed her of his desire to partner with Common Ground in promoting literacy. Webb, who is also the Creator and Host of The Write Stuff Reality Show, will be hosting literary meet and greets throughout the country beginning in May 2009 and wanted to make a donation towards the foundation during its stop in San Francisco, CA.

"As part of our effort to support the Common Ground Foundation's work, we are pleased to donate $1500 in books to be used as the organization sees fit," says Webb. "It is our hope that this will aide in the work they are doing as well as encourage other groups to support them in whatever way they can."


The public is invited to this event that will be held in San Francisco on Friday, May 29, 2009 at the San Francisco Marriott (55 Fourth St. * San Francisco, CA 94103) from 6-9p.m. Also present will be New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler, Derrick Hargrove and Nikki Shallwani from MTV's show 50 CENT: The Money & The Power as well as other supporters of The Write Stuff Reality Show and literacy in general. Jodie Blum of the Common Ground Foundation will be present to receive the donation of $1500 in books as well as to be recognized for the work she is doing through the organization.

Blum had this to say: "We are honored to partner with The Write Stuff Reality Show in an effort to encourage and inspire youth and young adults to read and to use the power of their voice."
To see how you can assist the Common Ground Foundation, call 1.415.571.8975 or visit http://www.commongroundfoundation.org. To find out more about The Write Stuff Reality Show and their associated events, visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com or contact Herschel Dixon at 1.502.994.7852.

NYT Bestselling author Scott Sigler Joins The Write Stuff Reality Show

Shadow Play Entertainment and The Write Stuff Reality Show are pleased to announce the support of New York Times Bestselling author Scott Sigler.

"Since The Write Stuff Reality Show was first announced in 2008 we have been overwelmed and humbled by the support," says Creator and Executive Producer Cyrus A. Webb,33. "Having people like Scott onboard with the project only adds to the excitement and the visibility of the literary campaign we are launching."

The Write Stuff is America's first literary reality show allowing aspiring writers to compete for a one-book deal with AG Press, features in magazines from all over the country as well as everything they will need to make it in the industry. Airing on select CW Network stations in 44 states, the project will not only encourage the writing process but give viewers an idea of what it takes to make it in the industry. Since the judges for the project are all established authors like Scott Sigler, Webb also hopes it will encourage reading as well.

Sigler was introduced to the project by author Mark Eller who also serves as a producer for the show. He will join fellow New York Times Bestselling author Steve Berry along with other guest authors in critiquing and encouraging the candidates for The Write Stuff. The resume of Sigler is quite impressive as he is the author of INFECTED and CONTAGIOUS, hardcover thrillers from Crown Publishing. INFECTED is in production as a major motion picture by Rogue Pictures.

Before he was published, Scott built a large online following by giving away his self-recorded audiobooks as free, serialized podcasts. His loyal fans, who named themselves "Junkies," have downloaded over seven million individual episodes of his stories and interact daily with Scott and each other in the social media space.

Scott reinvented book publishing when he released EARTHCORE as the world's first "podcast-only" novel. Released in twenty weekly episodes, EARTHCORE harkened back to the days of serialized radio fiction. His innovative use of technology puts him at the forefront of modern-day publishing and has garnered brand-name exposure among hundreds of thousands of fiction fans and technology buffs.

He's been covered in Time Magazine, the Washington Post, the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Entertainment Weekly, Publisher's Weekly, The Huffington Post, Business Week and Fangoria. He still records his own audiobooks and gives away every story – for free – to his Junkies at http://www.ScottSigler.com .

When talking about his involvement with The Write Stuff, Sigler had this to say: "The Write Stuff will show the blood, sweat and tears required to make it in the publishing industry. Pure talent isn't enough -- viewers will get a glimpse at the discipline, mental toughness, thick skin and the old-school worth ethic required just to break into the business."

For more information about The Write Stuff Reality Show visit http://www.thewritestufftv.com or contact Herschel Dixon at 1.502.994.7852.