Entertainment Industry Conference

The Hollywood Chamber’s ninth Annual State of the Entertainment Industry Conference presented by Variety took place on December 16th and for the first time was done as a virtual event. The half-day conference included panels, awards, interviews, and virtual exhibit booths.

The “Succeeding in Entertainment Production During COVID 19” panel was presented by FilmLA and featured Kevin Fortson (Warner Bros. Television), Dee HarrisLawrence (All Rise), Bruce Helford (The Connors), Angela Kang (The Walking Dead ), Trish Kinane (Fremantle and American Idol), Courtney Lilly (black-ish and mixed-ish). The discussion centered on how shows returning to production have learned to adapt including budgeting, audience participation, on set PPE, and ‘new norm’ for production.

The “Excellence in Diversity” awards were presented to Meruelo Enterprises and Southern California Gas Company for creating diverse, equal, and inclusive cultures within each of their organizations. The awards were presented by actor/producer Eugenio Derbez, who also shared personal insights. The “Blazing the Trail in DEI” panel featured Angelica Vale (CALI 93.9/Univision), Bryhana Monegain (Power 106), Brooke Thomas (The Black Report/FOX Soul), and Marci Wiser (KLOS Midday). The panel gave a unique perspective on why prioritizing DEI is beneficial on many levels including employee morale and organizational innovation. Actress Eva Longoria was honored with the 2020 Commitment to California Award for her efforts in keeping jobs in California and joined an impressive list of past honorees including Vin Di Bona, Ted Sarandos, Steven Levitan, and LL COOL J, to name a few. As an awardwinning actress, producer, entrepreneur and activist, Longoria shared her thoughts on leading the charge of diverse and female representation. She shared how her production company, UnbeliEVAble Entertainment, chooses projects that accurately represent the stories of the Latinx and other underrepresented communities. Longoria also discussed upcoming projects in film as well as the Eva Longoria Foundation (ELF).

The conference also included the presentation of the 2020 Music Icon Award and an intimate conversation with legendary songwriter Diane Warren. Warren is one of the most prolific contemporary songwriters of our time with her work featured in more than 100 motion pictures and she has been inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2001. Warren is the sole owner of her publishing company, Realsongs, and is about to release her own album, ‘Diane Warren: The Cave Sessions Vol. 1’ featuring an all-star line-up who will bring her songwriting and storytelling to life. Warren shared accounts on how some of her famous songs came to be and how she has stayed inspired during challenging times.

Cal Gas, the Chamber greatly appreciates: Platinum Sponsors: Fred Segal, Hudson Pacific Properties, Kilroy, The Musso & Frank Grill and Vin Di Bona Productions. Gold Sponsors: The MBS Group, Netflix and Paramount Pictures. Silver Sponsors: AT&T, City National Bank, CHA Hollywood Presbyterian Hospital, Comcast NBC Universal, DLA Piper, Emerson College of Los Angeles, Kaiser Permanente, Live Nation, Occidental Entertainment Group, Original Farmers Market, Paramount Contractors & Developers, Providence St. Joseph Medical Center, and Warner Bros.

ABOVE IMAGE: Actress, producer, and activist Eva Longoria discusses her foundation's mission to empower Latinas through education and entrepreneurship. ABOVE IMAGE: Award-winning songwriter Diana Warren talks with Variety about her creative process and her years in the music industry.

ABOVE IMAGE: Panelists Brooke Thomas, Bryhana Monegain, Marci Wiser, Angelica Vale discuss their various inisghts to diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in Hollywood. Panel was moderated by actor and filmmaker Eugenio Derbez and Denita Willoughby, VP of Supply Chain & Support Services for SoCal Gas.

EXPLORE HOLLYWOOD

Are you a tourism related business looking for marketing opportunities? Have you noticed a decline in sales brought about by COVID-19? At the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, we’re committed to the economic development of small businesses, and the betterment of our community as a whole. That is why we’re thrilled to announce our new website ExploreHollywood.com. Explore Hollywood is an online resource designed to be utilized by out-of-towners looking for locations to eat, drink, and shop; or even locals in search of entertainment. Explore Hollywood showcases the best leisure experiences Los Angeles has to offer, and we want to include your business in the ensemble! We seek to offer a comprehensive guide of historical sights, theme parks, tours, restaurants, and more for anyone looking to branch out in the Hollywood area. Explore Hollywood members will also have the choice of joining our exclusive VIP Card, which will be distributed physically and digitally. The VIP Card will include a QR code linking to an Explore Hollywood webpage with your discount offer. Your participation gives you the opportunity to promote your business to hundreds of people that are visiting, working and living in and around Hollywood. If your business attracts tourists in any capacity we’d love to list you on Explore Hollywood! For more information or to discover other local businesses, visit us at www.ExploreHollywood.com!

Advocate Chamber Ad 2020 From Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings.ai 1 9/23/2020 8:11:22 AM Advocate Chamber Ad 2020 From Occidental Entertainment Group Holdings.ai 1 9/23/2020 8:11:22 AM

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