Industry Liabilities

LIL’ WAYNE VS. QD3 ENTERTAINMENT

 

Photo Credit bet.com

Rapper Lil’ Wayne is no stranger to controversy and his latest legal woes are nothing new. According to perezhilton.com, Lil Wayne sued Quincy Jones III, the son of Quincy Jones, in the fall of 2012. Jones III released a documentary entitled The Carter about the rapper and also used music from his album The Carter III without obtaining permission for either. Adding insult to injury, “the fire man” was angry about how Jones III portrayed him in the unauthorized documentary.

Ultimately, Lil’ Wayne was not able to appear in court for the trial due to seizure-like symptoms while en route to court and was hospitalized as a result. Consequently, the rapper’s lawyer showed the jury his deposition via video. Check it out below.

Albeit entertaining, it may not have been the best court behavior. Although I must say, Lil’ Wayne being there in person could have made things a lot worse for the rapper.

In the end, Quincy Jones III won the case and filed a COUNTERSUIT against Lil’ Wayne alleging that because his film was blocked from release it’s “potential for profit” was compromised. Jones III claims that Lil’ Wayne owes him over $2 million dollars. Initially, I did not understand why or how QD3 Entertainment won this case, but after further research, I found this disclaimer. 

Apparently, Lil’ Wayne gave the project the green light and later backed out once footage was already taken. So in turn, I guess Quincy Jones III won fair and square.

BRAND DESIGN CO. VS. NBC UNIVERSAL

 

 Photo Credit oneworldsymphony.org

In more recent news, NBC Universal made $3.5 million in a lawsuit over Chalet typeface font theft.  The Hollywood Reporter claims this past Tuesday; a federal judge in New York dismissed the case. Brand Design Co. claims that NBC Universal breached copyright font software contract and says the stolen font is “all over NBCU’s websites.”

Frank Martinez, a Brooklyn lawyer, filed separate multimillion dollar claims against CNBC, Universal Studios and TNT. As of today, all font theft lawsuits have been settled. Martinez avoided litigation after sending cease-and desist letters to other targets, including mega-selling recording acts who allegedly were “less than careful” about crafting the lettering on their album cover art.

Brand Design Co. alleges that its records indicate NBCU subsidiary, Oxygen Media, purchased a “basic, 36 workstation (users) license to use the chalet typeface font software.”

Photo Credit Fontsquirrel.com

 

However, Martinez says the licensing agreement did not permit the use of copyrighted font software on NBCU’s websites. Furthermore, NBCU is believed to have used a free font software conversion utility by the company Font Squirrel to convert and alter the typeface to enable Internet embedding. This alone violates licensing terms on the count of modification.

Proving Martinez’s third font theft in many years can be expensive for both parties, but a settlement is sometimes the cheaper and faster route. NBC Universal chose a very sneaky route to do business. Why draw up a contract if you did not plan to follow it? That’s the question. Disobedience has a hefty price tag in this case to the tune of $3.5 million. The cost of keeping your word? Priceless.

KARDASHIANS VS. BOLDFACE LICENSING + BRANDING

 Photo Credit placeitonluckydan.com

The Hollywood Reporter also reports that Kim, Kourtney and Khloe Kardashian knowingly infringed the trademark on a cosmetics product line. Boldface Licensing + Branding, who licenses the Kardashian’s names and likenesses, sued a makeup business owned by Lee Tillett. Boldface has a product line called “Khroma” while Tillett markets a product named “Kroma”. See the difference? If consumers will be confused and the filing party can show access and similarities, than copyright infringement is permissible in a court of law. However, Boldface was able to obtain a declaratory judgment that the name “Kroma” “consists solely of a descriptive term and lacks any inherent distinctive meaning to the relevant consuming public and therefore is conceptually weak.”

In Tillett's defense, he claims that the promotion of “Khroma” was likely to mislead customers into thinking that his “Kroma” was associated with the Kardashian sisters. In consensus with the counterclaims, Boldface paid the Kardashians upfront for licensing rights for $1 million with guaranteed minimum royalty payments up to $5.2 million, depending on launch dates of various products. Allegedly, the ladies three had some power over the product line and it was the most infamous Kardashian, Kim, who proposed the line be called “Khroma”.

Tillett states that Kim should have known better, especially since representatives for himself and TLK Fusion acted as Kardashian’s product-placement agent for a show being produced by Kim, allegedly.

 Photo Credit b105.com.au

No deal was ever reached in this matter but I wish it were. I love the Kardashian Klan as much as the next trendy, fashion-friendly young woman, yet there’s no question how the name “Khroma” with an 'h' just popped into Kim’s head. I agree with Tillett; she should have known better. I wonder if that’s why Kim and Kourtney Take Miami was delayed in premiering. Or was it the news about Kim and Kanye’s baby news. I don’t know, but I look forward to both.

Katt Williams: "Target Practice"

 http://www.bet.com/news/celebrities/2012/12/03/katt-williams-slaps-target-employee.html

 

Comedian Katt Williams can’t seem to stay away from trouble. Are his actions a channel for great comedic material or is he losing it? Katt was arrested in California on a felony warrant related to a police chase. The Sacramento Bee reports that the arrest took place Friday night in Dunnigan, about 25 miles north of Sacramento.

According to the Huffington Post, Katt fled officers on a three-wheeled motorcycle on Nov. 25 after being spotted driving on a downtown Sacramento sidewalk. When he was asked to stop he refused and continued driving. The California Highway Patrol says that Katt nearly hit five people before police safely ended the chase.

Reportedly, Katt was not arrested at the scene. Moment’s later; he stepped into a Target where an argument between him and an employee took place. 

“Earlier in the week, Katt was a no show at an arraignment hearing in Seattle to face assault charges stemming from several run-ins with people and police last weekend,” says CBS News. 

Before his arrest Friday night, Williams reportedly struck a man over the head with a microphone, threw chairs at fans and threatened a bar manager with a pool cue.

Katt jokes a lot about the police and his frequent run-ins with the law. Is his behavior a cry for attention or help? I would hope neither. I would like to think that this is a phase that he will grow out of with great jokes to accompany him as a result.

Katt is set to star in “Scary Movie 5” and has a television special that was recorded on New Years Eve of last year at the Nokia Theatre. The special showcases Katt’s standup with better jokes and punch lines than his last special, Katt Williams: 9 Lives.

For his sake and the sake of his career, I can’t wait to see Katt Williams free from legal issues, tabloids and chaos. Katt Williams is too charismatic and funny to stay down for long.  

"The Game has Officially Changed" Vocalists are Taking Over

  The time has come for great music to return back to it's origin. With the one hit wonders, quick crooners and auto-tune ballads on overload vocal talents were taking a back seat. The year of the vocalist is back and it's looking to stay that way. 

 http://thegrio.com/2011/11/10/tamar-braxton-is-currently-starring/

 Tamar Braxton is entering the game ready to prove just that. Her voice is unparalleled. Her career has been inspirational and informative to witness. Her personality is genuine and eccentric. Her beauty is evident. Her talent is refreshing. 

 Formerly of the group “ The Braxtons”, that she formed with her sisters Towanda and Trina, Tamar had a brief stint as a solo artist in 1999. In 2000 she released Tamar, making me a longtime fan. Then I didn’t see or hear of her until last year. “Braxton Family Values” on WE TV was the reintroduction of Tamar, the person. Now the star of her own reality show, “Tamar & Vince”, she is taking the reigns of her career with great excellence. 

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YWktiDl6Fgw&feature=autoplay&list=ULpvNXnMPiNfQ&playnext=11

Another artist is R&B singer, Brandy. She has been underrated in terms of her vocals. In fact, when she was younger she was told no many times. Her talents couldn’t be denied. She eventually got a yes. She’s gone on to star in her own television show, Moesha. 

Goddaughter to the late Whitney Houston, she’s acted in several films. Brandy dominated the ‘90’s. Her music career never took a backseat to any of her other talents. 

 Her first album, “Brandy”, went platinum in 1993. With hits like “I Wanna Be Down” and “Baby”, Brandy hit the ground running. Her career peaked and then no more solo ventures came. Her personal life began to emerge while her talent took a backseat. Having gone back to her roots of television, Brandy has rebranded herself without the loss of her natural singing ability.

 Two Eleven, released this past October, is a hit banger! Her hard work and perseverance has paid off. Personally I feel she’s been underrated for some time. 

The singers I admire most are back.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5svXAZ9-Qk&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9CFFMM5m-QWesyH0Tdudq5Y

Blaque Member Natina Reed Killed

This week I was going to post about my inspiration and possible mentor in regards to artist management and then this happened. 

http://hiphollywood.com/2012/10/tragic-member-of-girl-group-blaque-dies-in-hit-run/

The late 90’s was full of girl groups that had great singles, charisma and talent. R&B girl group Blaque was no exception. Having being mentored by TLC star Lisa “Left Eye” Lopes, the group dominated the charts. With singles like “808” and “Bring It All to Me”, one of my personal favorites, I remember mimicking dance moves and hairstyles. The teenagers even expanded their careers by showcasing their talent on the big screen as Compton cheerleaders in the 2000 classic “Bring It On". Just last month the trio performed at the Left Eye Music Fest in Atlanta.  Although the group broke up in 2004, according to teensavvy.com, they came back together in 2009 with plans for a new album. Sadly, that will never come to fruition.

http://www.teen-savvy.com/2012/08/snapshot-blaque-reunites-to-honor-left.html

Reed’s death in an odd coincidence falls a decade apart from her mentor Left Eye, both in car accidents and both around the same age. As of right now, no charges are being filed against the driver and one other witness. Both the driver and witness are having their names with held until further information is found. Police are seeking any information they can as to why she was in the street that fatal night and what may have stopped this from happening. Her long time boyfriend rapper Kurupt and their 10-year-old son, Tren Brown, survive Reed. 

http://www.blackcelebkids.com/

 Personally, I was looking forward to any member from Blaque coming out and having a solo career. I would see them, Brandi Williams and Shamari Fears, here and there years ago but the music industry has a new generation of listeners. In the hip-hop industry Natina could have had great potential as well. I would listen to Diamond of Crime Mob notoriety and instantly think of Reed. Blaque may not have been the Destiny’s Child of the 90’s but they weren’t a farewell act either. 

 
http://www.teen-savvy.com/2012/08/snapshot-blaque-reunites-to-honor-left.html

Ultimately she left a mark on music and I wish her family the best in their time of mourning. Furthermore, I hope the truth comes out and justice is served.

Movie Review-The Possession

So I just came from Movie Tavern and I must say that if I could get those 92 wasted minutes of my life back, I’d be a happy woman. Based on a true story, “allegedly”, The Possession tries to scare audiences with loud screams, moths and camera trickery. Hollywood pulled out all the stops apparently, but the movie failed miserably in my opinion.

I am not a fan of horror movies or thrillers, especially those rated PG-13 like The Possession is, but I’ve seen my fair share of them. With that being said, I know when I am genuinely scared versus being tricked to horror.

The Possession is a mix between “The Exorcism of Emily Rose” (epic fail) and any other movie about a possessed child. It is a copycat of horror films. How the child is exorcised is heavily anticipated but unfortunately fell flat. I don’t want to spoil the film for those that haven’t seen it, but I will say that Jeffrey Dean Morgan carried the movie.

From an actress’ standpoint, it was nice to see new faces in the film. The two little girls that played the daughters of Morgan were refreshing to see. I secretly celebrate their excitement working on a new film. They didn’t take the Disney route or some small role in a sitcom, so kudos to them. It’s still unknown where The Possession will take their careers, but I’m routing for them undoubtedly.

Overall, there was no A-list filled cast for The Possession and for horror films that seems to be the formula. Who wants to see their favorite actor die or be possessed? Although it is for entertainment, it would be an unprecedented move to include too many stars in a horror film and expect it to be a blockbuster.

Basically, if I could I would ask for a full refund from Movie Tavern. Luckily I received a free ticket for my new membership with Movie Tavern. You can too. Head over to movietavern.com and you’ll receive a free ticket for signing up and for your birthday!

Eternal Life Entertainment, LLC

I just came back from a meeting with the CEO of Eternal LifeEntertainment, LLC. I have the opportunity to put my PR skills to work and create buzz and excitement for an upcoming film he wrote, directed and produced. Upon meeting him, I was a little nervous but ultimately excited. Just to see someone’s dreams come to fruition gives me tremendous hope on my future talent agency and let’s me know that dreams do come true; as corny as that may sound. 

 Fredrick Manzo gave me his business card and of course I got on the World Wide Web to check the validity of his company. I had little doubt that he was legitimate but I wanted to first re-introduce myself to him through the eyes of a normal website visitor and the Internet gave me the chance to do so. 

The website, http://www.ele1.com, educates visitors about upcoming attractions like plays or films. The most important thing they offer is that of salvation. I am a Christian and I find great inspiration in those that are in the entertainment sector that don't compromise their salvation and relationship with Christ. As an undergrad in college I always wondered how I would merge my love of entertainment and music with the fact that I do not live, condone or want to live the lifestyle that the stereotypical celeb may live. I have a relationship with Christ and I want to keep up my end because I know He will keep up His ends when it comes to the promises God.

Moving forward, I won’t have to explain much to Fredrick because with us both being Christians we move by faith and not by sight if things were ever to get shaky. I HAVE to get one the O1NE shirts, V-neck of course because they are so cute, sleek and carry a message to those who may not know God.

 Their mission statement is both informational and stable with a goal to help others. With my company, I want to do the same. Helping others find their real selves by participating in the things they enjoy most brings me great reward and it seems the same for Eternal Life Entertainment, LLC.

Whether I work for them or not, I support the ministry whole-heartedly. You should too, go check them out at http://www.ele1.com.

SXSWfm: The Sound of SXSW

SXSW is right in my backyard of Austin, Texas and yet I miss it every year for whatever reason. I have heard about this innovative and grassroots method of discovering new talent this organization has embodied, but I did not know the depths of its success. SXSW has an enormous impact on the music industry. A-list musicians and entertainers come from far and wide to celebrate good music and witness break out talent.

Aside from having film categories, SXSW has music, expos, parties and more. They also have a music and media conference. The conference aims to educate and inspire musicians and those who work with them. So not only is the conference for artists but managers can come and be educated as well.  SXSW’s Music and Media Conference and Festival are one of the largest, most influential sectors of the entire SXSW experience.

SXSW is also an awesome avenue to network through. Thousands of people from all over the world with various industry backgrounds come for the SXSW experience. I particularly appreciate the SXSWfm: The Sound of SXSW. It is their multi-channel online music service that was debuted during SXSW last year by the same company that powers Pandora; DMX. The online music channel airs showcasing artists for upcoming SXSW festivals. Although SXSWfm is only one year young so it remains current with new content and features. 

 This creates a whole new way of listening to music that the average music lover would not have the experience of. Most radio stations today syndicate the same rotation day in and day out leaving little room for independent or unsigned hypes. SXSWfm also allows listeners to email the station to let them know what songs audiences would like to hear. It seems to be the love child of Pandora (with it’s random grouping of music) and YouTube (with it’s interactive nature).  SXSWfm is a radio station for the people, by the people.