MIAMI 2015 | MARCH 5-14
US Premiere:
Set Fire to the Stars
Romero Britto Creates One of A Kind Charity Auction Prize Patti Russo:
Crossing the Pond
Britcode
Transporting kids to the future
UKTI:
Think Big AIM Higher
It's not the destination that matters, but how you feel on the way. The new Continental GT V8 S Convertible. For more information call 305-571-1200 or visit miami.bentleymotors.com
BENTLEY MIAMI The name 'Bentley' and the 'B' in wings device are registered trademarks. Š 2015 Bentley Motors, Inc. Model shown: Continental GT Convertible
2 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
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Pag. 26
Pag. 21
C O N T E N T S
8 Miami Welcomes Her Majesty’s Consul
21 United Kingdom Trade & Investment
General Dave Prodger
12 -13 An Interview with Romero
23 Little Dreams Foundation & Young Talent on the Red Carpet
Britto - Gracious Benefactor Worldwide
17 Enterprise Florida - The UK is the Leading Source for Foreign Direct Investment to Florida
18-19 Miami International Film Festi-
26-27 Britcode - Don't Get it Twisted The Code That Is!
28 Crossing The Pond - 'The Meat Patti' of Meatloaf
val & the US Premier of 'Set Fire to the Stars' Pag. 8
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Pag. 18
Justin Jones Letter
EDITORIAL
Dear Friends of BritWeek Miami,
I can’t believe this is our third BritWeek in Miami. And it’s going to be our best ever. It’s the first time we’ve had a social media competition, centered on our fabulous Romero Britto designed Bentley. It’s the first time we’ve hosted an international film Premiere. We’re launching “britcode,” our community outreach programme teaching local kids about coding to ignite their futures. BritWeek Miami would simply not happen without the support of the British Government through UKTI and the British Consulate-General Miami, and our incredible partners and sponsors that include Bentley, Romero Britto, Microsoft, AFEX, Greenberg Traurig, eMerge Americas, The Welsh Government, Manchester Business School, MDDA, CAMACOL Carnival Corporation The Patricia and Phillip Frost Science Museum, The LAB Miami, The British Council, QAJet, Britvic, David Siddons Group, Enterprise Florida and KopiKats among others. We are proud to announce that our charity of choice again this year is The Little Dreams Foundation as we fully support their mission to help local Miami children fulfill their dreams in music, sport and art. And we’re delighted that two of the Little Dreamers will be performing at our Red Carpet launch. We would also like to give an especially warm thank you to Orianne Collins for her friendship and tremendous collaboration with BritWeek Miami. We are venturing into the unknown with our first Red Carpet on March 4th featuring two of our main sponsors, Bentley Motors and Romero Britto at a VIP and Celebrity opening reception hosted by international pop artist Romero Britto at Britto Central on Lincoln Road. Another milestone is our collaboration with the Cadillac Golf Championship with BritWeek hospitality throughout the tournament – in fact at this writing we still have some spaces left in the VIP 16th Green Cabanas, so if you fancy watching the top golfers in the world compete this weekend, let us know! Our signature event the BritWeek eMerge Americas Bridging the Gap panel discussion and reception sponsored by sponsor Greenberg Traurig, presents “Tech and Media, A Marriage Made in Miami,” with a panel of UK and US global leaders in film, media and innovation. We extended our calendar this year as Formula-E arrives in Miami during BritWeek and the BritWeek UKTI Formula-E Race for Innovation on Thursday afternoon, March 12th will give us the opportunity to enter into a dynamic conversation with senior executives from visionary, global corporations, including leaders from the Virgin Group, Brightstar and Citibank. Throughout the week, as we stage a multitude of events, from panels, forums, and think tanks to business breakfasts, history luncheons and networking cocktail receptions, we will showcase British innovation in business, technology, trade, design, art, sport, architecture, music, fashion and culture. We hope that you will join in and learn more about the dynamic relationship between the UK and Florida. Finally I would like to extend an enormous thank you to our superb BritWeek Miami Board and Committee for their support and the tremendous amount of time they have given us to be able to launch our third year of BritWeek Miami. Tally ho! Justin
BRITWEEK MIAMI | 5
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C H A R I T Y A U C T I O N OWN A UNIQUE ROMERO BRITTO
To celebrate BritWeek Miami 2015, the famous pop artist, Romero Britto, will be creating a unique piece using the hood of a Bentley as his canvas. This one-of-a-kind work of art will be auctioned throughout BritWeek, with the winning bid announced at the closing party on Saturday March 14th. Proceeds will go to The Little Dreams Foundation. Romero Britto will unveil his creation at the BritWeek Miami 2015 Red Carpet Launch Party on Thursday March 5 at Britto Central on Lincoln Rd
To be in with a chance of owning this exclusive work of art please register your details at www.bidpal.net/brittobentley
BRITWEEK MIAMI | 7 For further information visit www.britweek.org
INTERVIEW WITH HM CONSUL GENERAL
week Orlando last November after having arrived in Florida only a couple of months prior. With Britweek Miami now in its 3rd year, how do you see the partnership between the Consulate General, UKTI and Britweek and its outreach to the community? I am very excited by this year’s BWM. It is an opportunity to embrace great diversity and showcase elements that are very representative of the UK. Part of my job is not just to represent the UK, but to affect the overall perception that the UK has of Miami. Conversely, it is important to show Miami and the world what the modern UK looks like and how we express that through art, culture, commerce.
MIAMI WELCOMES HER MAJESTY’S CONSUL GENERAL DAVE PRODGER Interview by Justine Assal
Her Majesty’s Consul General Dave Prodger took up his appointment as British Consul General in Miami last August. It has been a bit of a whirlwind few months with him getting accustomed to his new post, to life in Miami, and to covering such a large and diverse territory, each with its own personality and industry clusters Dave took a few minutes to catch up and discuss the upcoming Britweek Miami March 5-13, 2015 and explain his initiatives and the direction in which he intends to take the Consulate over the next 3.5 years. J - As you have now had a few months to get settled into your new post in Miami, what has struck you as the best opportunities that you see between Britain and Florida? CG – There is a whole range of opportunities that one wouldn’t necessarily have known existed prior to arriving. 8 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
The financial services sector and the broader tech sector is very relevant as Miami becomes more of a tech hub and this can be seen with partners such as eMerge. There are great opportunities in the creative industries such as the strong UK presence at Art Basel, the collaboration with Romero Britto is exciting; and so is Life sciences - dealing with ageing populations and degenerative diseases is an area that there is much room to for the UK and US to work together. J - Is there anything that has come as a surprise? D -I have been very struck by Art Basel and the creativity of the community, I didn’t expect such depth in the artistic and cultural side of Miami and this is not something that perhaps the average UK citizen is aware of. J - You were a fantastic supporter of Brit-
What is your impression of Miami after your first 6 months? My Impression from first 6 months is that the city is exciting and has strong business aspirations sas a global city and a real can-do attitude. The question for me then becomes how do you convert that into really successful UK-Florida businesses. One key thing for me is to interpret Miami to the UK as well as vice versa. It is a city well known yet which can often be misunderstood by many Brits who do not necessarily see its serious side, its role as a commercial hub for the Americas and or the important work being done here. It’s not all business so let’s get a bit personal, what is your favourite part of living in Miami? The diversity, range of opportunity, that it is an hour from everglades and certainly the energy and vitality. Any new hobbies since arriving? I am aspiring to get on the water more and start playing golf. One thing is certain and that is that we have an exciting 3.5 years ahead with Dave Prodger as Her Majesty’s Consul General and the captain of our ship. With a very open and collaborative nature, Dave is embracing Britweek, Miami, Orlando, Puerto Rico, Jacksonville, and every other city on his vast territory with a gusto and energy that is certain to bring the GREAT into British American collaboration.
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AN INTERVIEW WITH THE ARTIST
ROMERO BRITTO
GRACIOUS BENEFACTOR WORLDWIDE “EXUDES WARMTH, OPTIMISM AND LOVE” Interview by Justine Assal
Brazilian born and internationally renowned Pop Artist Romero Britto is one of the most important and engaged supporters of Britweek Miami and Great Britain, collaborating with an enthusiasm befitting his fun and distinct style of art. Hailed as a pop art icon, Britto’s work has been exhibited in galleries and museums on five continents in over 100 galleries including The Saatchi Gallery and Caroussel du Louvre, and he has created public art installations for London’s Hyde Park and JFK Airport in New York. The New York Times has described Britto as, “[exuding] warmth, optimism and love.”
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B
ritto’s neo-pop style has lent itself to collaborations with brands including Bentley,Disney, Evian and FIFA, for whom he created an official poster for the 2010 World Cup. Romero was recently appointed Global Ambassador to the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. The worldrenowned artist has served as benefactor to more than 250 non-profit organizations worldwide, including Little Dreams Foundation, the Charity of Choice for BritWeek Miami 2015. Mr. Britto graciously took some time out of his busy schedule for an exclusive Britweek interview as he happily discussed his art, his love of British culture, and his connection with the Royal family. JA – How did your involvement with Britain and British culture begin? RB – When I was growing up in Recife, Brazil, my friend’s dad was a British diplomat and I decided that this was something that I wanted to aspire to. I first visited London 27 years ago and then spent a year travelling around Europe. It was around this time that I changed my mind from studying diplomacy and law and decided to give art my full attention. JA – Your relationship with the Royal family has spanned many years and has resulted in several paintings including The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and HM Queen Elizabeth II as part of an exhibition of art at the opening of the Central London exhibition at Imitate Modern Gallery. How and when did your relationship with the Royal family begin? RB - I spent a year working on the Hyde Park pyramid at the King Tut Exhibition that opened in 2007. It was there that I met Prince Charles and was invited to Buckingham Palace. Since then, I have visited on several occasions with the members of the Royal Family, and worked on various not for profit projects for Prince Charles The Hyde Park pyramid was ‘a sculptural monument reaching over four stories in height and breadth was installed in his-
toric Speaker’s Corner, Hyde Park, setting a precedent for the first art piece to ever be installed in the Park.’ The masterpiece was commissioned as a tribute King Tutankhamun and was the largest original work that Britto has ever created.
that will result in a series of galleries opening throughout the UK. I am extremely excited about it and hope that eventually I can spend more time there. I would like to have a house and spend half the year living in a quaint village somewhere.
JA – The Hyde Park pyramid at the King Tut exhibition was an extraordinary piece of art and such a large project that it is an amazing example of talent and dedication. During the year that you were working on this, you took time to involve the children of London in the project. 1500 children were invited to The O2, site of the Exhibition, to a paint party where area elementary school children painted 92 canvas replicas of the pyramid designs. These were then incorporated into the final masterpiece. What was it like teaching 1500 children at one time? RB – Teaching 1500 children how to paint takes a lot of coordination to pull off but
JA -You have had so much success and done so many extremely special projects – What stands out as three of your favourites? RB – That’s hard as there are so many but I would have to say the artwork that became stamps for the United Nations supporting education, the moving piece of art that I did for Superbowl XLI, and working with Cirque de Soleil, and of course, the Hyde Park Pyramid. JA - Projects that you would like to do? RB - An installation in Tiananmen Square and another at The Great Wall of China
I TRY TO TAKE TIME TO VISIT COLLEGES AND SCHOOLS AND WISH I COULD DO THIS MORE OFTEN AS WORKING WITH KIDS IS NOT ONLY IMPORTANT BUT IT’S ALSO JUST GOOD AND FUN! it was a fantastic experience. I try to take time to visit colleges and schools and wish I could do this more often as working with kids is not only important but it’s also just good and fun! JA - You recently worked on The Princes Trust, a charity event held in your Lincoln Road gallery in Miami in November 2014 where Prince Charles recognized your efforts and thanked you personally in a video. Is this an on-going project? RB – It was very special to have Prince Charles thank me and the whole team for our work, this was the first event of its kind in the USA and I will be visiting the Prince later this year to meet about future events. JA - Are you currently working on any projects in the UK? RB – Yes, I am working on a partnership
JA - Now to the BrittoBentley that is running around Miami in the weeks leading up to Britweek, first of all, it is no surprise that it is simply fantastic and an amazing job, secondly, what is it about Britweek that has inspired you to get involved and lend your time and talent? RB – That’s simple, It’s positive and it’s fun – what else is there? When chatting to Romero his witty and jovial spirit immediately make you feel as though you are in the company of an old friend and it is this disarming manner that can cause one, just for a minute, to forget just what a legend he actually is – then you enter the studio, and you quickly realize the enormity of his talent! Britto and Britweek, it’s all in the name! BRITWEEK MIAMI | 13
Looking back moving ahead Carnival Corporation is a proud sponsor of BritWeek Miami, celebrating the rich and varied creative relationship between our two countries — changing the way we live, work and play.
www.visitwales.com 14 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
THINK BIG, AIM HIGHER: How Floridian & Latin American Companies Can Access Growth Capital Through London’s AIM Market AIM is the London Stock Exchange’s international market for smaller growing companies seeking to access capital. It is considered the most successful growth market in the world, with over 3,500 companies from across the globe having chosen to list on AIM since its inception in 1995, raising $62 billion in AIM IPOs and $78 billion in AIM Secondary Offerings. A wide range of businesses including early stage, venture capital backed, as well as more established companies join AIM, from across all industries.
Tuesday, 10 March, 2015 Beacon Council Miami, 80 SW 8TH St, #2400, Miami, FL 33130 SPEAKERS
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For further information visit www.britweek.org MIAMI 2015 | MARCH 5-14 BRITWEEK MIAMI | 15
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ENTERPRISE FLORIDA & THE UK
UK LEADING SOURCE FOR FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT INTO FLORIDA
With nearly 19.9 million residents and more than 97 million visitors a year, Florida ranks as the 18th largest economy in the world, if it were considered a nation. Florida is a business super-state, offering unique advantages for British companies seeking to conduct business throughout the Western Hemisphere. Here, they can manufacture products for shipment globally, locate their regional or hemispheric headquarters, or use Florida’s excellent distribution and logistics facilities to access key markets. Florida is committed to becoming the best state in the U.S. for business by reducing already low business costs and tax burdens and by providing expedited permitting and regulatory assistance to businesses locating or expanding in the state.
FLORIDA’S KEY INDUSTRIES Aviation & Aerospace Cleantech Defence/Homeland security Financial/Professional services Information & Communications Technologies (ICT) Life Sciences Logistics & Distribution Manufacturing These industries play a key role in the state’s economic success and competitiveness. Florida’s skilled workforce, cutting-edge R&D, top infrastructure and pro-business environment have been critical to building successful industry clusters in the state.
UK INVESTMENT IN FLORIDA Florida ranks 6th in the nation in terms of employment through foreign direct investment (FDI) and, with 245,800 jobs supported by majority foreign-owned companies, it ranks 1st in the southeastern US. The United Kingdom is the leading source of FDI into Florida and persons employed by foreign majority-owned firms. In 2012, British majority-owned companies employed more Floridians than companies from any other foreign country – about 43,600 people. More than one in six Floridians working for a foreign-affiliated company was employed by a British firm.
TRADE $153 billion (£99 billion @ February 2015) worth of merchandise trade flowed through Florida’s airports and seaports in 2014, making the state one of the world’s leaders in international trade. Many international firms select Florida for its easy access to global markets. Florida is host to some 300 regional and hemispheric headquarters of companies from all over the world, a vibrant international banking centre and a diplomatic hub with a Consular Corps representing some 80 nations.
BRITISH EXPORTS TO FLORIDA The United Kingdom exported nearly $1.6 billion (£1.03 billion) worth of merchandise to Florida in 2014. Leading exports range from alcoholic beverages and paintings to high-tech prod-
ucts like liquid crystal displays to yachts and pleasure boats. UK IMPORTS FROM FLORIDA Florida’s airports and seaports act as gateways for nearly $1.2 billion (£776 million) in goods destined for the United Kingdom each year. High tech products such as medical/surgical instruments, aircraft/spacecraft and their parts, and electrical machinery account for one-third of total imports. Other leading British imports include industrial machinery, wood chips used for fuel, and works of art
UK-FLORIDA CULTURAL CONNECTIONS British heritage, culture and traditions are preserved in Florida through more than 20 active chambers of commerce and other community-based organizations with a UK focus, including two British-American Business Council chapters. In addition, British tourists comprise the third largest group of international visitors to Florida with over 1.5 million in 2013.
CONSIDER FLORIDA, THE PERFECT CLIMATE FOR BUSINESS Over the past three years, a number of British-owned companies have established operations in Florida. Fourteen companies have or will create over 700 jobs and $16.3 million (£10.5 million) in capital investment over three years. Sectors represented include information and communications technology, financial services, life sciences, and defence. Few sites in the Western Hemisphere can match Florida’s strategic business advantages and remarkable quality of life. Contact Enterprise Florida, the official economic development organisation for the state, to discuss the benefits your company can gain by growing in Florida. Learn more about Florida’s business advantages, visit www.enterpriseflorida. com/unitedkingdom or contact our UK representative at +44 (0) 207 822 0718. BRITWEEK MIAMI | 17
SET FIRE TO THE STARS
“SET FIRE TO THE STARS” By Justine Assal
Sometimes in life, things just seem to come together as if meant to be! This seems to be the case for a film about Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, conceived by co-writers Celyn Jones and Andy Goddard who have been on a lighting fast voyage from the first moment they met until the present USA Film Premiere of “Set Fire to the Stars” March 7 at the Miami International Film Festival as part of BritWeek Miami and sponsored by the Welsh Government. Co Writer and Dylan Thomas actor, Celyn Jones and Producer Andy Evans took some time to discuss the making of the film and the amazing ride that they have been on. While Celyn Jones certainly bears a physical resemblance to his character Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, this is clearly just where the connection begins. Celyn has always felt drawn to the story of the complex yet famously boozy character, 18 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
and began collaborating with Andy Goddard on what was to become the script recounting the first week of Thomas’s first trip to America, as seen through the eyes of American poet, John Brinnin, as played by the great Elijah Wood. Both men realized that the timing for the film could coincide with the poet’s centenary, so in June 2013 with no script at hand, Celyn convinced Andy Evans to join the team as producer along with AJ Riach
and Ade Shannon – so was born – the new independent film company of Mad as Birds – and they might just have been. By November 2013, they had Elijah Woods on board and without further ado, had scheduled an 18 day shoot in Swansea, Wales that depicted life not only in Dylan Thomas’ home town but also doubled as New York City for the filming. The shoot was a whirlwind that according to Christopher Gardiner with the Welsh Government resulted in over £325,000 in revenue to the city. “The Welsh Government is proud to be sponsoring the Miami International Film Festival screening of ‘Set Fire to the Stars, as part of BritWeek Miami.” ‘Set Fire to the Stars’ was partly financed by the Welsh Government and filmed exclusively on location in Wales. With its great location, skilled workforce, culture of creativity, and with excellent financial incentives, Wales offers real opportunity as a place to establish and grow a creative business - from film, TV and music to digital media, animation and software.” When asked why black and white,
Celyn responded that as a period story, it was written in black and white and that the colour comes from Dylan himself. The plot is a depiction of a brilliant yet troubled man who “arrived in America spinning like a top” and although it’s easy to focus on his out of control behavior, the story is really about the “myriad of emotion” and interaction between the two men. Brinnin who managed to bring his idol to the US, but then struggled to keep a lid on his wildly inappropriate antics, and Thomas who was simply being himself and responding to the situations in which he found himself, but fueled by the drink that ultimately became part of his legacy. So from script writing in June 2012 to shooting in February 2013 to a release in June 2014 – leaves you wondering if the film’s title isn’t life imitating art – They really did Set Fire To The Stars – and probably have only just begun! Other recent productions filmed in Wales include Dr. Who, Da Vinci’s Demons, Atlantis, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, Robin Hood, Sherlock and How I Live Now. For more information contact Christopher Gardiner at the Welsh Government Christopher.gardiner@wales-uk.com
BRITWEEK MIAMI | 19
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to making our mark on the world. In 1965, MBS became the joint first business school in the UK. Now, fifty years later, we have centres spanning four continents. It’s not just about our global presence, but the global impact we have. Thanks to a multitude of international partnerships and research projects, our people always bring something new to the world. From innovation to sustainability. From fairness at work to global equality. From MBS to anywhere.
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Discover fifty years of original thinking at mbs.ac.uk/50years #mbs50
HELPING DRIVE TRADE AND INVESTMENT BETWEEN THE UK AND FLORIDA UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is once again proud to sponsor BritWeek Miami for the third year consecutive year. BritWeek celebrates the special and growing relationship between Florida and the UK. Trade and foreign direct investment drives this partnership: with almost 40,000 Floridians employed by over 300 companies, contributing to two-way trade worth $2.6 billion every year. Operating in more than 100 markets worldwide, UKTI is the commercial arm of the British government serving two main purposes: ensuring the success of innovative British exports abroad as well as fostering high-value investment back into the UK. With the right people and the right talent, a simple and competitive tax rate system, and a transparent
business friendly regulatory system it’s no wonder the UK is the number 1 destination for foreign direct investment in Europe. UKTI is your global partner assisting you every step of the way when establishing or expanding a presence in the UK. Our suite of complimentary services range from: identifying market opportunities, facilitating introductions vital to your business, navigating the logistics and regulations of setting up in the UK, and providing government support after establishment including expansion and export from the UK. The UKTI team at the British Consulate-General Miami is committed to organising events that highlight British expertise in Florida and showcase why
the UK market should be your launch pad into the European market and beyond. Recent activity has included: A networking dinner at the Shore Club during the Miami International Boat Show UK Pavillion, Reception & Breakfast Seminar Series @ Kidscreen Cruise Britain Street Party at Cruise Shipping Miami Finance event at Britweek showcasing the London Stock Exchange’s growth market, AIM Luncheon highlighting UK Innovation in Formula-E, in conjunction with Virgin Racing For more information about our work, please contact John Christakis, Business Development Associate at john.christakis@ fco.gov.uk / @UKTIUSA / @MiamiUKTI BRITWEEK MIAMI | 21
god save the dream Proud to be part of the BritWeek 2015 The Little Dreams Foundation is dedicated to fulfill the dreams of young aspiring talent without means to achieve their goals. Participants are selected within the fields of Music, Art, and Sports. For the last 13 years, we were able to help hundreds of children from different nationalities. With your support, we look forward to many rewarding years to come. To help, please visit LDF.cc, contact info@ldf.cc, or call 305.951.2757/305.853.6411.
Orianne COllins-Mejjati Co-Founder & Chairman 22 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
Phil COllins Co-Founder
MUSIC SPOTLIGHT MIAMI 2015 MARCH 5-14
Young Talent on the Red Carpet
Biana Pinchuk
Luisa Maggioni
D
BritWeek 2015 proudly presents Biana pinchuk and luisa Maggioni, eMerging talents froM the little dreaMs foundation
www.LDF.com
Created in 2000 by Orianne and Phil Collins, The Little Dreams Foundation sponsors hundreds of talented children from around the world. Biana and Luisa are two of their brightest stars. Biana Pinchuk is a twelve year old worldrenowned musical prodigy. A composer, a performer and violinist, Biana sings in six languages and composed her first professional piece at the tenderfoot age of six. She has performed with the Florida Grand Opera, toured the world and discovered a passion for philanthropy — Last year, she raised over $150,000 for the Make A Wish Foundation and The Children’s Trust charitable organizations.
Wireless. She is originally from Rome, Italy and has lived in Miami almost all of her life. She fluently speaks, sings, writes, and acts in English, Spanish, and Italian, and taught herself how to play the piano. Luisa has sung the National Anthem for the Miami Heat, Sony Ericsson, Veteran’s Day Ceremony in Miami Beach, and the Polo World Cup held in South Beach. She has opened ceremonies such as the United Nation’s International Year of Youth in 2011 and performed with Ethan Bortnick on his “Power of Music” tour. She recently recorded a demo with Jerry Marotta (drummer for Peter Gabriel, Paul McCartney) in Woodstock, New York with songs she wrote and co-wrote in English, Spanish, and Italian.
At only 19 years old, Luisa Maggioni has sung for crowds of over 20,000 people and sold over 7,000 copies of her first single, “When You’re Not Around”, within the first week of its release on Verizon
You can also contribute and help fulfill the dreams of children around the world. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, visit LDF.com, contact info@ldf.com, or call 305.951.2757 BRITWEEK MIAMI | 23
Britweek visited Orlando November 5-8, 2014 with 6 events that celebrated the very British influence within Central Florida. Thank you to our sponsors and to all that attended. Now we invite you to join us this coming year for Britweek Orlando November 8-14, 2015
24 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
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THE FUTURE AT KIDS FINGERTIPS
BRITCODE TRANSPORTING KIDS TO THE FUTURE
Interview by Justine Assal 26 | BRITWEEK MIAMI
SO HERE ARE THE BASE POINTS THAT ARE SIMPLY FASCINATING Over 8 billion computers worldwide, we live in a digital age Coding is the language of the future By 2020, there will be 1.4 million computer science jobs with only 400,000 graduates to fill them Florida is the 2nd fastest growing State for tech jobs that have above average salaries There is currently no mandated coding in the curriculum of Florida schools Some background The UK is the birth place of computer science Britain is at the cutting edge as the 1st country to include coding in the National curriculum in 2014
As Emma Mufraggi sat in Starbucks on Lincoln Avenue describing her new social outreach initiative, it was impossible not be captured by her enthusiasm and energy for a project that has clearly become her baby, an unlikely one I thought from the onset but when Emma began explaining the facts that had started her down this road, it became clear that this was just a cool idea!
2014 YearOfCode.org has been launched as a National government initiative to raise awareness of the importance of computer science Numerous UK companies have created resources to support this initiative including BBC, Barclays, Ocado, Code Club, Coderdojo and many others
Why Britweek Miami
This is where it all falls into place as Emma explained that the poverty level in Miami-Dade is 19.9% compared to the National average 14.5%. Miami is a melting pot with many immigrant families looking for a better life and yet struggling with language barriers. Coding is not the language of our era and will therefore not be something taught or promoted readily at home, and in the case of homes that are at poverty level, many do not have WIFI. “But if we can teach these children the language of coding, and just one of them escaped poverty as a result, then it’s all worth it” exclaimed Emma with a grin. So that’s where it all fell into place because she’s right, “it is scalable and just needs to gain momentum as the kids love it and coding can be taught at age appropriate levels all the way through childhood” The difference between kids today and of yesteryear is obvious in their innate comfort and familiarity with computers, so much that many year old babies can operate an ipad better that many adults. This is the language of their future and with a burgeoning job market coming in relatively few years, it is an opportunity like never before to help this new generation raise themselves to a new socio economic status. So Britweek Miami maybe where it starts but it certainly isn’t the whole story, this is an initiative that begins with #Britcode – because that’s where the momentum has started. Miami has its eyes on becoming a global tech hub and is taking very assertive moves to step into these shoes. Who then will fill the jobs that this tech movement is creating? It’s obvious when you put it like that Emma Mufraggi and I’m glad that we sat down over a cup of coffee so that I could get it too – So with that said – it all starts March 7, 2015 Britcode – The Future at Kids Fingertips
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THE MEAT PATTI
CROSSING THE POND “ THE MEAT PAT TI” OF MEATLOAF
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hat would the music world have been like if Jimi Hendix had not found himself making the crossing from the US to England to become one of the greatest guitarists of all time? Had it not been for that fateful evening in a Greenwich Village club called, “Cafe Wha?,” that this yet unknown but incredibly talented guitar virtuoso was seen by fellow musician, Chas Chandler, (who just happened to be in town touring with the British group, The Animals,) the music world could have missed out on The Jimi Hendrix Experience.
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We would have never heard or seen this legendary supernova, sadly taken from us far too soon , but leaving us all with a sound and persona that would live on for light years to come. To this day, he is hailed as THE Guitar God to some of our most famous axe wielding shredders to date , as well as some of us (raising her hand) “air guitarists”and “rockers in training”. “Excuse Me, While I Kiss The Sky”? If Jimi hadn’t jumped over the pond, we might have “kissed THAT song goodbye”. And what if Fleetwood Mac had not made THEIR journey to US shores to “Go and find their own way”with Lindsey Buckingham & Stevie Nicks? (I know,I know. NOT the actual lyrical line verbatim but so close that I couldn’t resist). Their “pre crossing”story tells of tumultuous times in while still in England, with numerous lineup and sound changes, and an absolutely mind boggling fact their manager at one time claimed legal ownership of the name Fleetwood Mac and went so far as to recruit another band he managed, (known at the time as “Legs”,) to tour AS Fleetwood Mac! (If only Reality television had been born in the 70’s…) Happily for us, that was short-lived and so was he and management. Onwards. What would’ve become of Fleetwood Mac had it not been for Mick being played a Lindsey Buckingham track by an in-house engineer at a studio he was hoping to record at? And for Lindsey to actually BE there at Sound City Studio at the same time? As Mick was also in very much in need of a guitarist, an offer was made that very day. Lindsey accepted, but only if his music partner and then girlfriend, Stevie Nicks, could also join. “Rumours” have it, Mick agreed….. What inspired me to write about these stories of crossing over the pond? Well, firstly, I’m bringing attention to one of the many ties that bring our two countries together. Musical inspirations
from both sides of the pond have helped to create some of history’s greatest artists and bands to date.…..Aaaaand…well, truth be told, (as well as shameless self promotion. wink wink ) I just HAPPEN to be an artist as well. My crossings have been many; having spent months at a time in England; now and forever my home away from home. I’ve had the great honor of touring on British soil for over 2 decades as Meat Loaf ’s duet partner (a/k/a The Meat Patti). My first theater performance ever was on a West End Stage, playing the lead role of “Esmeralda”in the London production of “Notre Dame de Paris”. I had the dream of a lifetime come true while being there; the opportunity to perform lead vocals with my all time favorite band, Queen. (Well, the show was actually in Amsterdam but we REHEARSED in the UK). I still shared a stage with them in front of 90,000 people , singing “The Show Must Go On”and I FELT like a Queen! Hell, I even wore a tiara on my hat! I did my first ever solo tour last year in the UK and am getting ready to cross the pond yet again for another round in April. (Shameless plug #2 http://pattirocks.com ) I’ll close by saying that both shores hold something very special for me and always will. (Though at this very moment, for this New Yorker who hasn’t been able to make her way back to her (what now must surely look like an igloo), home, Miami is warming not only my toes in the sand, but my heart as well. I’m so happy to have found out about BritWeek Miami. I love both sides of the pond and to know that BritWeek is also involved with the Little Dreams Foundation; a non profit charity founded by the Legendary Phil Collins, helping creative children to discover their own inspirations, well, let’s just say this fellow “muso”is even more chuffed to bits to be in Miami !
MIAMI 2015 | MARCH 5-14
BritWeek Miami and the Welsh Government have pleasure in presenting and sponsoring the screening of the beautiful movie
‘Set Fire to the Stars’ and we wish the film every success on its upcoming release in the USA. ‘Set Fire to the Stars’ was partly financed by the Welsh Government and filmed exclusively on location in Wales. For further information on the Welsh film industry contact Christopher Gardiner at the Welsh Government: Christopher.gardiner@wales-uk.com http://britweek.org
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THANKS TO ALL OUR SPONSORS AND PARTNERS FOR MAKING 2015 A SUCCESS
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Š Jason Hawkes
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