By ROBERT GOLDRICH
THE NOUN "AMP" IS SHORT for "ampere," a term defined in Webster’s Dictionary as "a unit of electric current." For some, "amp" can also be slang for "amplify," a verb defined as "to make larger or more powerful." Both these definitions apply in a sense to the upper case AMP which stands for the Association of Music Producers, a group that in its relatively brief existence has generated a strong industry current by uniting commercial music and sound design houses across the country.
Via this united front, AMP has helped to amplify the voice of the spot community. For example, AMP was instrumental in getting ASCAP to abolish what spot music folk viewed as an unfair television royalties fund cap (SHOOT, 10/16/98, p. 1). And just a couple of months ago, AMP had a hand in helping to elect the first commercial composer to the ASCAP board: Doug Wood, director of the Professional Composers Association and president of Port Washington, N.Y.-based Omni Music (see Special Report story, p. 50).
But in its own way rivaling the significance of those accomplishments is the one-year anniversary party AMP staged earlier this month at Webster Hall, the landmark club and performance venue in New York. The soiree was an advertising occasion with no awards; instead, the self-congratulatory air that often surrounds such events was replaced with a sense of purpose.
What was initially planned to be a first birthday salute to AMP became an industry-wide fundraiser for aid and relief to refugees of the war in Yugoslavia. The turn of event was conceived and brought to fruition in less than four weeks with corporate and personal sponsors kicking in money. Tickets went for $50 apiece. Organizers hoped to raise net proceeds of $25,000. At last count, more than $30,000 had been collected and will be divided equally among three charities: CARE; Doctors Without Borders; and the International Rescue Committee. This trio of groups is working to provide food, shelter, medical and relocation assistance to thousands of desperate refugees.
In between food, drink and musical merriment at the AMP gala, sobering perspectives were provided by Kris Torgeson of Doctors Without Borders and Gerard Martone from the International Rescue Committee who both recently returned to the U.S. from the horrors of Kosovo and Macedonia.
Many AMP member houses agreed to become corporate sponsors of the gala. Beyond AMP’s sponsorship, other significant financial backers included SHOOT, AICE, Creative Management Partners, Dr Pepper, Howard Schwartz Recording, The Image Bank, All State Cafe, MacKenzie Cutler, Vito DeSario Editing, Jump, Crew Cuts, Charlex, Welcome Wagon, Sunday Productions, Manny’s Music, Musically Yours, Mambo Music, Machine Head, The Source, Snyder Music and Soundtrack Studios.
Highlights of the evening included a gospel-infused performance of Stevie Wonder’s "Love’s In Need of Love Today" featuring a choir of 50 singers under the musical direction of singer/conductor Dennis Collins and Saturday Night Live bandleader Leon Pendarvis. Funk-rock band Second Step gave the night plenty to dance and move to, as did DJs Rob Hart and Joel T. of JMZ.
AMP president Lyle Greenfield, a partner in Bang, hopes the AMP shindig will become an annual, charitable event. Describing the fundraiser as "a gratifying experience for a lot of people," Greenfield observed that it added a welcomed dimension to the organization. "While we’re all competitors, people are joining AMP because there’s a collective mission here in terms of industry issues. But this event was important because it showed in a positive way that not all the missions have to be in our own business-related self-interest."
Director Jack Begert Joins Biscuit For His First Commercial Representation In U.S. & U.K.
Biscuit Filmworks has added filmmaker Jack Begert to its roster in the U.S. and U.K. This marks Begert’s first representation in advertising, building upon his acclaimed work in music video and film. He is best known for his striking aesthetic and surreal use of visual effects, displayed in his feature film debut Little Death, which won the NEXT Innovator Award at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival. The film stars David Schwimmer, Gaby Hoffman, Dominic Fike, and Talia Ryder, and was produced by Darren Aronofsky.
Miami-born and L.A.-based, the USC Film School graduate began his career in VFX and as an editor. Begert has worked with iconic musical artists including Kendrick Lamar, SZA, Flying Lotus, Childish Gambino, and Olivia Rodrigo, and has independently directed international campaigns for brands such as Apple, Converse, New Era, and Reebok.
Shawn Lacy, founding partner of Biscuit Filmworks, said of Begert, “We are such fans of his work--and of him as a creator, thinker, collaborator, and great guy.”
“My creative approach is often about trying to discover something unexpected in the filmmaking process,” said Begert. “Biscuit is a place where I can bring my own perspective to the work and still feel supported. That philosophy is clear from the talent they represent, and I’m excited to join their roster.”
“Jack’s work blew me away the moment I first saw it,” said Rupert Reynolds-Maclean, managing director at Biscuit Filmworks UK. “He is a modern young director who clearly cares deeply about both craft and the necessity for it in his storytelling. Everything always pushes the narrative forward. We’re looking forward to making great work together.”
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