BMG Production Music (BMGPM) has partnered with educational organization Expand Music. The collaboration will see BMGPM provide work and development opportunities for “Expand Access” participants aged 16 to 19 from underrepresented backgrounds as part of its access-to-industry initiative. Expand Music is a London-based organization facilitating interactive music workshops and coaching for schools and businesses in the U.K. The initial aim of the collaboration is to offer new and emerging talent in the Expand Music network the opportunity to get their music onto the BMGPM catalog.
The “Expand Access” project links young artists from diverse and often economically disadvantaged backgrounds with tangible means to earn money from their art via professional relationships in which they are treated with respect and paid fairly. It also celebrates the significant contribution that young musicians and creators make to the rich cultural tapestry of the UK.
Two albums were released last month as part of the Expand Music partnership. Named after the artists, Chiles and OT showcase talents influenced by grime and neo-soul, respectively.
From the Expand Music roster, Chiles signed to its Rawfire label with numerous releases and placements, wrote a bespoke track for the pilot show of BBC Three’s Fight Dirty, gained professional work experience at a leading production music label, mentors at Progression Sessions and has created an album of production music. Another successful Expand Music network graduate is Hindoloh. Now a talent manager and producer of music and videos, including “No Hook” by Zone 2 that has 1.5 million views on YouTube, he also mentors on Progression Sessions projects and is employed at BSix College as a music technician and workshop teacher.
“Heretic” and “Maria” Set As Red Carpet Premieres At AFI Fest
The American Film Institute (AFI) has announced that Heretic, the psychological thriller starring Hugh Grant, and Maria, based on the life of opera singer Maria Callas starring Angelina Jolie, will round out the Red Carpet Premieres section at this year’s AFI Fest. The Heretic Gala Screening will take place on Thursday, October 24, and the Maria Gala Screening will be held on Saturday, October 26. The complete Red Carpet Premieres section includes the world premieres of Music By John Williams, Robert Zemeckis’ Here, Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl and Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2. All Red Carpet Premieres will take place at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre. The full lineup for AFI Fest 2024 will be unveiled on October 1.
“At the heart of AFI Fest is an unwavering dedication to celebrating the best in global cinema--together,” said Bob Gazzale, AFI president and CEO. “We look forward to uniting artists and audiences once again to be inspired by the art form in a powerful sense of community.”
Heretic follows two young missionaries (Sophie Thatcher and Chloe East) who are forced to prove their faith when they knock on the wrong door and are greeted by a diabolical Mr. Reed (portrayed by Grant), becoming ensnared in his deadly game of cat-and-mouse. The film is directed by Scott Beck and Bryan Woods and produced by Stacey Sher, Beck, Woods, Julia Glausi and Jeanette Volturno. The film will be released nationwide by A24 on November 8.
Directed by Pablo Larraín, Maria presents a tumultuous and beautiful depiction of one of the world’s most renowned artists and reimagines the legendary soprano in her final days in Paris, as Callas (Jolie)... Read More