Hollywood Music Awards Advisory Board
Nile Rodgers - Producer / Artist / Composer / Label Executive
Four-time Grammy nominee Nile Rodgers is one of the most enduring and prolific artists in the music business. In 1977, he and his late partner, Bernard Edwards, created the group CHIC, whose number-one hit “Le Freak,” remains Warner Bros.' biggest-selling single of all time. Rodgers has produced, written or played for some of the greatest artists in the business, including Madonna, David Bowie, Diana Ross, Eric Clapton, Mick Jagger, Sting, Duran Duran, the B-52's and Joss Stone. As artist, producer or writer, Rodgers is responsible for the sales of more than 100 million records-including his world-famous “We Are Family,” which he co-wrote with Edwards. Rodgers is currently the only African-American to own a national music distribution company. He also serves on the board of Connecticut Public Broadcasting, Inc. (CPTV/WNPR).
Christopher Young - Film Composer
Golden Globe-nominated composer Christopher Young has scored almost 100 successful features ranging across virtually every genre, all with strikingly original music. Never repeating himself, Young’s works extend from the spine-tingling “Hellraiser” showcasing his seminal upbringing in horror; to the new-techno sound of “Swordfish” and the resonant, genuine Celtic sounds of “The Shipping News.” His impressive list of film scores include Jon Amiel’s Warner Bros’ dramatic thriller “Copycat” and Amiel’s follow-up film, New Regency’s comedy, “The Man Who Knew Too Little.” The professional kinship of Young and Amiel endured and they subsequently worked together again on the Fox feature, “Entrapment,” for which Young received a BMI Scoring Award. Young provided the score to MGM’s box office sensation “Species,” for which he received a Motion Picture Sound Editors Golden Reel nomination for his work. Next up for the multitalented composer was the resonant score for “Murder in the First,” marking the beginning of an era of major career turning points. Young turned his attention to television, scoring the first of four telefilms. In 1990, he received his first Emmy nomination for Outstanding Music Composition for a Mini-Series, Movie, or Special recognizing the dramatic urgency of his music for the fall-of-Saigon film, “Last Flight Out.” In 1996, he was honored in the same category again but for a completely different style, the smoky jazz of the critically acclaimed HBO picture, “Norma Jean & Marilyn.” When Academy Award winning director Norman Jewison hired Young to score Universal Pictures; “The Hurricane,” Young officially entered the pantheon of A-list composers. His composition was widely praised, impressing the legendary director, who exclaimed, “I love it…he captures the power and strength of what was happening onscreen.” That year, Jewison personally recommended Young to Oscar-winning director Barry Levinson for the MGM release, “Bandits.”
Immediately following “Bandits,” Young further displayed his versatility with the composition for Warner Bros.’ “Swordfish,” where he incorporated elements of DJ Paul Oakenfold’s hypnotic trance into the orchestral score. He went on in 2001 to score the Miramax romantic drama, “The Shipping News,” directed by Oscar nominee Lasse Hallstrom. Young received both a Critic’s Choice and Golden Globe nomination for this strikingly original work.
Young’s extensive body of work includes original scores for the films Virtuosity, Murder At 1600, Hard Rain, Rounders, Urban Legend, The Big Kahuna, Wonder Boys, The Gift, Sweet November, The Glass House, The Core, Runaway Jury, The Grudge, The Grudge 2, The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Beauty Shop, Untraceable and many more. In 2007, Young reunited with director Curtis Hanson for “Lucky You” and two films based on Marvel Comic characters; Sony Pictures, “GhostRider,” starring Nicholas Cage, and the summer blockbuster, “Spider-Man 3.”
Russ Regan is one of the few people in music history who is credited with creating over one billion record sales. Mr. Regan's prescience was sealed in history with his now-famous 1983 quote, "Someday you'll go to a concert and by the time you leave you'll be able to buy the recording of that night's show." Mr. Regan began his career as a recording artist in the 1950's and 60's, and in 1961, when a friend asked him to suggest a new name for a band called the Pendeltons that had just recorded a song called "Surfin," Regan came up with one: The Beach Boys. In the 1960's, as Promotional Director at Motown Records, his first project was "Please Mr. Postman" by the Marvelettes. He then went on to promote songs by The Supremes, Smokey Robinson & The Miracles and Marvin Gaye, which laid the foundation for its signature "Motown Sound", and also promoted many hit songs for Septor Records. He served as General Manager of Loma records in 1966, where he helped Frank Sinatra record "That's Life", and in 1967 became General Manger of Uni Records, a division of MCA, Inc., where for $2,500 he purchased the rights to and oversaw production and promotion of the mega-hit "Incense and Peppermint" by Strawberry Alarm Clock. Mr. Regan became President of 20th Century Records in 1972 and General Manager of Polygram Records in 1980, and the hits kept coming. He signed such notables as Neil Diamond, Elton John, Olivia Newton-John, Barry White, Hugh Masakela, Maureen McGovern, The Allen Parsons Project, and many others, and in 1974, The Bill Gavin Report and The National Association of Record Merchandisers named Russ Regan, "Record Executive of the Year". Mr. Regan was also instrumental in the marriage of pop music with movies, spearheading such huge soundtrack successes as "Chariots of Fire" "Flashdance", "A Chorus Line", "The Karate Kid", "This is Spinal Tap", "The Poseidon Adventure", "The Towering Inferno", and many others. In 1986 he returned to Motown Records as President of the Creative Division, where worked on Smokey Robinson's successful comeback effort, the platinum selling album "One Heartbeat" which included two top 10 singles, and where he remained until the company was sold in 1988. Since then Mr. Regan has been continuously active as an independent sound track consultant, and is in high demand for his talent for identifying hits and his unique ability to stay in sync with the popular music of the day.
Maureen Crowe - Music Supervisor / Consultant
Richard Glasser - Music Supervisor / Consultant
A Motown recording artist who began writing music at age 14, Mr. Glasser has enjoyed a highly successful career in the music and film industries. In addition to his work on the film “Crash,” which received the Academy Award for Best Picture, Mr. Glasser has also served as Music Supervisor for major motion pictures such as “Hostage,” starring Bruce Willis; “Painted Veil,” starring Ed Norton and Naomi Watts; "The Illusionist"; “Kickin’ It Old Skool,” starring Jamie Kennedy; “First Snow,” starring Guy Pearce; “Gray Matters,” starring Heather Graham; “Find Me Guilty,” starring Vin Diesel; and “Even Money,” starring Danny DeVito. His songs have been recorded by some of the music industry's top artists, such as Stevie Wonder, Vicki Carr, Anne Murray, and Vic Damone. Mr. Glasser has worked with such artists as Ann Cusack, Tara Lipinski, Alison Lohman, Tara Reid, Burt Reynolds, Carol Burnett, Clint Eastwood, Diahann Carroll, Ed McMahon, Dick Clark, Debbie Reynolds, Doc Severinson, Joey Heatherton and many others. Mr Glasser has worked with the following entertainment companies as a music supervisor and consultant: Yari Film Group (CRASH) (Illusionist) (Painted Veil); Fintage International (Film and Music Publishing); The Mark Gordon Company (Hostage); EMI; RCA; Universal Music; Sony Pictures; Sony Music; Capital Records; Ryko Disk (Illusionist), Hollywood Records (HOAX), Splendid Pictures International (Music and Film Investment); Cutting Edge Entertainment (Co-Founder, Executive Producer & Film Investment); Warner Bros. Music (Painted Veil); Rondor Music International (Recording and Music Publishing); LBS Communications (Bay Watch) Music and TV and Film Programming; Scottie Bros. Records (Recording and Publishing companies); Screen Gems (Music Publishing); All American (TV and Film Programming); and A & M Records (Recording and Publishing). Mr Glasser has also produced the following albums: “CRASH” (both Soundtrack and Music Inspired By releases); “The Illusionist;” “Painted Veil” (Golden Globe Winner: Best Score); “Kickin’ It Old Skool;” “Hostage;” “Resurrecting the Champ;” “Chumscrubber;” “Matador;” “The Good Night”, “The Final Season” “Winter Passing;” and “Shortcut to Happiness.”
Tommy Tallarico - Composer / Producer / Video Game Icon
Tommy Tallarico is a veritable video game industry icon. As one of the most successful video game composers in history, he has helped revolutionize the gaming world, creating unique audio landscapes that enhance the video gaming experience. He is considered the person most instrumental in changing the game industry from bleeps & bloops to real music now appreciated worldwide by millions of fans. Tommy has worked in the gaming industry as a designer, product manager, producer, writer, games tester and heads of both music and video departments. Tommy is the founder, Chairman of the Board and CEO of the Game Audio Network Guild (G.A.N.G.), which is a non-profit organization educating and heightening the awareness of audio for the interactive world (www.audiogang.org). With over 2,000 members representing over 30 countries since its inception in 2002, G.A.N.G. has quickly become known as one of the strongest and best examples of helping the game industry community. Tommy is an Advisory Board member for the Game Developers Conference, a Governor for the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences (NARAS/GRAMMY's), a spokesperson for the Entertainment Consumers Association, a proud member of the International Game Developers Association and a nominating peer panel leader for the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. His popular website www.tallarico.com has received over 75 million hits by more than 3 million unique users.
Christopher Violette - Music Supervisor
Chris Violette is a respected music supervisor with more than thirty motion pictures credited and the owner of Second Spring Music Publishing. Violette, a graduate of Berklee College of Music, started his career in music with PolyGram then Island Records where he was an A&R Manager and crafted marketing plans for a variety of groundbreaking artists including The Cranberries, The Stereo MC's, U2, and many others. "Chris is a passionate person and not one to be taken lightly", says Chris Blackwell, founder of Island Records and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee. As a music supervisor, Violette has earned a reputation as a tastemaker for being the first to license music by artists who, subsequently, break into the mainstream, artists including David Gray, Michelle Branch, Sia, N.E.R.D., and more. Among his recent work is the independent drama "The Year of Getting To Know Us" starring Sharon Stone and the Sony Pictures sequel to the dance film "Center Stage" for producer Laurence Mark ("Dreamgirls", "Jerry Maguire", etc.). Violette's publishing company, Second Spring, was a NARIP nominee for 2007 Publisher of The Year after just two years in operation. Second Spring's catalogue is administered outside of North America by Universal Music Publishing.
Del Breckenfeld - Fender Musical Instruments Corp.
Del Breckenfeld is Director of Entertainment Marketing at Fender Musical Instruments Corp., the biggest name in electric guitars, amplifiers and musical products. Before coming to Fender, he worked for Dean Guitars, where he developed a groundbreaking promotional program for Anheuser-Busch, working with some of the most astute marketers in the world. Through his career he has worked with some of the biggest names in music, movies, and TV and has been involved in promotional campaigns with some of the world’s most successful and best known brands, all while learning the ins and outs of partnership marketing.
Art Ford - Music Supervisor / Executive Producer
Ford Music Services was founded by the former BMG Vice President of Film & Television Music, Art Ford. Ford pioneered the music industry’s first song search systems and has made hundreds of song placements in film and television that include Grammy™ and Oscar™ nominated cues. Art has licensed songs in films such as Austin Powers, Men In Black, Batman Forever, XXX: State Of The Union, What Happens In Vegas and many others. He has also placed songs in television shows such as Desperate Housewives, CSI Miami, Las Vegas, Nip/Tuck and many high level advertising campaigns that include Coca-Cola, Citibank and Mercedes Benz. Ford created and executive produces the Sundance Film Festival’s official music showcase each year called “Where Music Meets Film™” which has been filmed for VH-1, WE Television and FUSE Television specials in the past (in association with Robert Redford’s Sundance Institute.) The Sundance music events and television specials have featured artists such as Josh Stone, Babyface, Josh Groban, Michelle Branch, Blondie, The Bee Gees and many others. Art just completed rights clearances for the Pangea Day worldwide simulcast that featured artists and songs by Bono, Dave Stewart (from the Eurythmics), Hypernova, Gilberto Gil and many others. As a result of Ford’s reputation in the synchronization area, he was brought in as the Music Supervisor for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Michael L. Todd - Sr. Director of Film & Television Music, ASCAP
Todd has been responsible for a number of ASCAP’s most significant signings in recent years. He contributes creative in-depth educational articles & high profile member interviews for the ASCAP Playback magazine and ASCAP website (www.ASCAP.com). Since 2000, he has produced the prestigious annual ASCAP Television & Film Scoring Workshop with Richard Bellis: a month-long intensive educational program selecting 12 young composers to experience the full process of film scoring. Many alumni have succeeded on to win various awards, score independent & major feature films, trailers, video games as well as numerous primetime tv & cable shows. He promotes ASCAP’s profile by producing educational panels & serving as a moderator or guest speaker in national conferences throughout the U.S., including ASCAP’s very own “I Create Music” EXPO, participating in major industry charity events, speaking at prestigious music departments of universities, attending feature film scoring sessions, and international film festivals, etc. He also supervises & resolves VIP member inquiries by trouble shooting errors often producing royalty adjustments/settlements internally to recover lost or unclaimed income. Todd continues to maintain high-profile member relationships, protect current repertory, and providing career development guidance for songwriters & Film/TV composer members.
Mason Cooper - Music Supervisor
Mason Cooper, president of Songrunner Entertainment, brings a multifaceted background to his services as a Music Supervisor and Music Rights Manager. With over two decades experience as a major music publisher, music supervisor and songwriter/producer, he has represented the catalogues and talent of Bernie Taupin, John Lennon, Jim Croce, Rick Wakeman, and Stevie Wonder, and has written and produced music for television and film, including the themes to CBS’s Major Dad, FOX’s Glory Days and NBC’s Sister Kate. As a music supervisor and clearance specialist, Cooper brings his creative experience and legal/business affairs training to his projects, which include: Warner Home Video’s upcoming DVD release of the series “Witchblade,” Showtime’s Lou Gossett Jr./Michael Madsen starrer “All In,” thirteen specials for the MTVNetwork, the upcoming MGM feature film “Deal” (starring Burt Reynolds and Jennifer Tilley), the new Sony release “The Prince and The Pauper” (starring Disney’s Dylan and Cole Sprouse), the just completed “Stiletto” (starring Tom Berenger and Michael Biehn), and his current projects - “The Kings Of Appletown” (dir. by Bobby Moresco) and Sunset Pictures’ “Sweetwater.” Cooper can be reached at www.Songrunner.com.
Shele Sondheim - President/CEO CSM Words & Music
Current: Shele functions in dual capacity as a successful songwriter/music producer and music entrepreneur. His company is engaged in the development of competitive materials and artists in pop, r&b, rock and dance. Their work includes the discovery, development and representation of young emerging artists both domestic and international, including growing sponsorship alliances with music industry leaders and brand manufacturers. The company participates annually at all the major music trade events whereby Shele facilitates unique opportunities for presenting original materials and artist to global industry contacts at record labels, tv & film, fashion music branding sponsors and multi-media cross platforms. Web site is: www.csmwordsandmusic.com
Nathan Duvall - Composer / Music Supervisor
Nathan Duvall understands the power of music and its elusive strengths in capturing our imagination, prompting us to act. As a music publisher, producer, and composer he has taken this gift to unforeseen heights. In the last seven years, his work in the film industry has contributed to the marketing efforts of some of the biggest Hollywood blockbusters – movies that have generated over a billion dollars in ticket sales combined. Less than 10 years ago, Duvall established the music department for motion picture advertising company The Ant Farm. One of his earliest projects was M. Night Shyamalan’s The Sixth Sense campaign. For the film’s television spots, it was crucial to create an aura of suspense, mystery, and compassion for a boy who sees the dead, all within the time span of 28 seconds. Marilyn Manson’s version of “I Put A Spell On You” provided the dark build and feeling of dread that research exit polls revealed, propelled the young (13-25) demographic to see The Sixth Sense. Building on this experience Duvall became the first to license Massive Attack’s “Angel” for the Arnold Schwarzenegger vehicle End of Days campaign. He quickly discovered how a song could increase its value through well-placed advertising, thereby cultivating widespread awareness. Subsequently, “Angel” generated over a million dollars in licensing.
Between 1998 and 2005, Nathan supervised and produced scores for a multitude of feature trailers including the The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, Shrek, Spy Kids, Sin City, Kill Bill Vol.2, and Pirates Of The Caribbean. In 2000, Duvall co-founded music publishing company Howling Entertainment, alongside The Ant Farm principals Barbara Glazer and Mike Greenfeld.
Suzanne Hilleary - Music Licenser
Suzanne Hilleary, is the president and founder of WACBIZ, LLC, a New York based music licensing company. Her vast multi-media experience started at RPM Music Productions, management offices to the legendary Tony Bennett. SHMGMT, Inc was formed as Suzanne went solo in 1998, managing writers and producers while signing acts to major labels. As a highlight in her career, she placed "Smooth" with Carlos Santana, garnering a Grammy for Song of the Year in 2000 for her client, writer/producer Itaal Shur. "Smooth"- "Supernatural" has sold 32 million records world wide to date. Suzanne connected hits to a string of recording artist and onward to film and TV placement; Jewel, Rob Thomas, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias, Mark Anthony, Carol King, Elan, Lucy Woodward, Royston Langdon, Cyndi Lauper, are some of the fine artists she has placed songs to. In 2003 Suzanne launched WACBIZ, a Writers' & Artists' Cooperative. WACBIZ is a digital music company embracing a multi-genre international "Artist-Direct" music catalogue. The company works closely with BMI, ASCAP and other Independent like-minded companies. The focus is on pre-cleared, artist controlled music, publishing and major label ties are never an issue with their placement. Spring 2008 WACBIZ joined forces Wilde West Music to fully service the Ad Industry directly from the music catalogue through post production services. To date the company features notable faces from Duncan Sheik, Sinead O'Connor, Joe Jackson, The Dropkick Murphys to Danny Aiello and over 400 independent artists, producers, musicians & studios contracted. Hosting in-house hard drives at companies like Sony Pictures Film&TV, Paramount-Dreamworks, Twentieth Century Fox, daily pitches are made to major music supervisors in the business. WACBIZ's one stop formula of artist direct music, music production, original scoring and licensing administrative services, benefits the growth and careers of today's most talented artists. More information available at http://www.wacbiz.com
Scott Austin - Record Label Executive / Entrepreneur
Scott Austin is the CEO and Creative Director of Authentik Artists, a “full picture” artist development company based in Los Angeles, CA. He previously held creative executive positions at Warner Bros Records, Madonna’s Maverick Recording Company and Capitol Records. Scott is one of the youngest executives in the music industry and is credited with the early discoveries of artists such as Michelle Branch, All-American Rejects, Eric Hutchinson and music/tv/film triple threat Tyler Hilton, who was Austin's first signing to Maverick Records in 2002. In addition to being a creative executive, Scott also writes for various publications including a regular commentary piece for Music Connection magazine where he offers aspiring musicians insider insight into the modern music business. Scott's personal relationships and vast contact base which includes many high profile artists, songwriters, producers, celebrities and young Hollywood movers and shakers provides access to invaluable information for the next generation of music stars.
Scott was featured in a pod for CurrentTV which profiled his career, with crews following him around for several days and creating a "day in the life" piece that aired over 100 times on the Current cable network. He has also appeared as an industry expert for the Oxygen series "Making It Big" where he and another guest host challenged aspiring singer-songwriters to see if they have what it takes to make it in the music business and on the G4 Network, amongst others.
Ray Costa - Publicist / Journalist
RAY COSTA is the founder and president of Costa Communications, one of the most influential public relations firms in Hollywood. With years of experience in journalism, broadcasting and public relations, Costa is clearly a results-oriented publicist. Ray specializes in all areas of publicity and promotion ranging from feature film music (THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST, MOULIN ROUGE, and SIN CITY ) and record labels (Universal, Thump, Sony) to magazine publications (Lowrider Magazine, Hispanice Business) and video games (“Enter the Matrix,” "Medal of Honor"). Ray's list of credits include "Bugs Bunny's Birthday Celebration" where Costa had Bugs Bunny conducting interviews and radio IDs, sponsored by Holiday Inn Hotels. To promote a new pizza by Domino’s and Chrysler’s new PT Cruiser automobile, Costa organized for a Lowrider PT Cruiser to deliver pizzas to radio and TV stations to garner publicity. He has also conducted press and award campaigns for movies such as ETERNAL SUNSHINE OF THE SPOTLESS MIND and PULP FICTION, and also such events as John Debney's THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST Symphony. The Hollywood Reporter says Costa is a “film music mogul.”
Costa has also conceptualized sketches that have aired on NBC-TV's "Saturday Night Live" and has written material for many of the top comedians performing today. Live concert events, sponsorship deals and press campaigns—Costa has done it all. Ray Costa is listed in the Who’s Who in Business and is a member of Hollywood’s Chamber of Commerce.
As a journalist, Ray once reported for over 30 hours straight on a hostage siege where a police officer was taken captive. Costa’s commitment to his journalistic and creative abilities has been highly praised. A former award-winning reporter and talk show host at WHBQ News/ Talk Radio, he has been honored with two Associated Press News Awards, a United Press International Award for excellence in Broadcast Journalism/Public Affairs and a Pyramid nomination Award for his "Don't Drive Drunk" radio campaign. Costa has also received platinum and gold awards from record labels for his promotional efforts on the soundtracks for THE PASSION OF THE CHRISTand THE MATRIX and the albums The Best of War (MCA) and Old School (Thump). Ray Costa was chosen Business Man of the Year for 2003, 2004, and 2005 by the Business Advisory Council.
Tom Trbovic - Director
Tom Trbovic has a unique and distinguished career as a director and has been rewarded with multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards. A pioneer in film, television and music, Mr. Trbovic has directed "The Midnight Specials", "Laverne and Shirley", "Tonight" Shows for Carson and Leno, "We Are The World" (Grammy) and television specials for The Rolling Stones. His credits are too vast to list and his contributions to the entertainment industry have been immeasurable.
Doug McHenry - Producer / Director
Doug McHenry is an industry renowned Producer, Executive Producer, Director and Music Director. His production company has produced many prominent films, including "New Jack City", "Jason's Lyric", "A Thin Line Between Love and Hate" and the series of "House Party" films, and he has personally produced and/or directed more than a dozen films as well as several hit TV programs. Mr. McHenry also helped develop the screenplay to Sony's current hit "This Christmas". Many of the industry's most successful studios have invested in his production companies, including Warner Brothers, Sony and New Corp's Twentieth Century Fox. Mr. McHenry is a graduate of Stanford University with a B.A. in Economics, and a graduate of the Harvard Law School and Business School, where he successfully completed the JD/MBA program. He has held executive positions with several studios including Polygram and Embassy Pictures, where he was a senior business and financial affairs executive. Mr. McHenry is currently the CEO and co-founder of Elephant Walk Entertainment, which has produced over a dozen feature films that have generated almost One Billion Dollars in worldwide revenue. Mr. McHenry is a past member of the California Bar and is currently on the advisory boards of NAFTC Studios and Gold Coast Productions, as well as eWorld Companies, Inc. He is also a member of the Directors Guild of America, Producer's Guild of America and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oscar). Mr. McHenry has received numerous awards including an ACE for Cable programming excellence and a NAACP Image Award. He also lectures on film finance and is a founding partner of the Mid-Cap Film Fund.
