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R&CPMK Clients Nominated for 2020 IFJA Film Awards
The Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) has announced nominees in all categories for its forthcoming 2020 awards — to be determined on Saturday, December 19. Winners will be announced on Monday, December 21. Established in 2009 by a dedicated group of six Indiana journalists, the Indiana Film Journalists Association (IFJA) was established to promote the art of film criticism in the Hoosier state, to support Indiana’s growing film industry and to promote quality film criticism in Indiana.
Best Actor:
Riz Ahmed, Sound of Metal
Hugh Jackman, Bad Education
Best Film
Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom (George C. Wolfe, Denzel Washington)
Small Axe: Mangrove (Letitia Wright)
Best Director
George C. Wolfe (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom)
Best Supporting Actor
Leslie Odom Jr., One Night in Miami
Best Vocal Performance
Jamie Foxx, Soul
Best Ensemble Acting
The Trial of the Chicago 7 (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II)
R&CPMK EXECUTIVES JOIN BRAND INNOVATORS CONFERENCE TO SHARE INSIGHTS ON “THE WAY WE LISTEN & WATCH”
Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics Michael Fein, Group Director of Multicultural PR & Communications Marissa Wallace, SVP of Music & Entertainment Partnerships Michael Dunn, and Vice President of Consumer Brands Meg Grogan Discuss Consumer Trends Across Entertainment and Culture
On Wednesday, December 9, a collection of R&CPMK senior executives from across the organization joined the Brand Innovators “Music, Audio, and Podcasts” conference to discuss current and future trends in entertainment, culture, and beyond.
R&CPMK Senior Vice President of Strategy & Analytics Michael Fein moderated a lively discussion with three of his esteemed colleagues in a session aptly titled “The Way We Listen & Watch.” Marissa Wallace, Group Director of Multicultural PR & Communications, Michael Dunn, Senior Vice President of Music & Entertainment Partnerships, and Meg Grogan, Vice President of Consumer Brands, participated in the panel and provided keen insights and analysis on the current state of the entertainment industry, shifting consumption habits of consumers, the importance of connecting with multicultural consumers, and what trends to look for in the year ahead.
The 60-minute session highlighted R&CPMK’s overarching expertise across the media, technology and entertainment industry, and showcased how R&CPMK has effectively adapted its business practices over the past year to help guide clients, and prepare both them and the industry for the road ahead.
Following are highlights from the session:
Fein on the growing trend of geographic empowerment, and how it is changing content consumption habits: “One major trend that we’ve seen this year is the growth of a new target audience of people who are geographically empowered. Not everyone in society has this luxury, but many have been able to shift their schedules to work from home or work remotely. That geographic empowerment has had a strong impact in many different ways – one of which is via content consumption patterns. Not only are the times of the day shifting when people are consuming content - now it’s more fluid throughout the day - but the specific type of content we are consuming is changing as well.”
Wallace on the importance of appealing to a multicultural consumer base as brands try to create viral and memorable moments: “One major trend that we’ve seen this year is the growth of a new target audience of people who are geographically empowered. Not everyone in society has this luxury, but many have been able to shift their schedules to work from home or work remotely. That geographic empowerment has had a strong impact in many different ways – one of which is via content consumption patterns. Not only are the times of the day shifting when people are consuming content - now it’s more fluid throughout the day - but the specific type of content we are consuming is changing as well.”
Meg Grogan on the new role of brands in creating innovative content:
“One of the best things to come out of 2020 is that we have a higher standard for what will drive engagement with consumers. Whether that is innovative content, interesting mediums, or being more mindful of the important social justice issues that our content - or the people we are creating content with - are touching. Brands now have a bigger role to play in partnerships, and in producing content that is more innovative and appealing to the consumer.”
Michael Dunn on the impact of social media and digital experiences on the music industry:
“People are getting their music from different places now, especially younger consumers, and social media is driving that. We’re seeing it with danceable songs. The world has changed there. Social media has allowed the artist to connect with the audience in a much different way. Obviously everyone knows about the huge success of Travis Scott’s virtual concert, and I think we’re going to see a lot more of that going forward.
It’s not just about releasing an album and touring anymore, and artists are smart enough to understand that. They’re looking for ways to stay relevant, whether that’s reaching people through a Happy Meal or a song on TikTok that people get excited about and want to dance to. “
To watch the full panel discussion, click here.
-- R&CPMK --
Podcast: Where #BlackLivesMatter Goes From Here Named PRovoke’s Top 10 Podcast 2020
Episode 218 of 'The PRovoke Podcast' featured R&CPMK's Head of Multicultural, Stephen Macias, along with IPG's Chief Inclusion & Diversity Officer, Margenett Moore-Roberts and Senior Reporter at PRovoke, Diana Marszalek, and was the media outlet's second most-listened-to podcast of the year. The segment discussed systematic racism and explored ways the PR/communications industry can mobilize the energy surrounding the Black Lives Matter movement to push towards racial equality.
LISTEN HERE:
To view full article, click here.
R&CPMK CHAIRMAN CINDI BERGER INDUCTED AS MEMBER OF PRWEEK’S 2020 HALL OF FAME CLASS
Berger Celebrated by The Communications Industry, Colleagues, and Clients for Her Countless Contributions and Iconic Career
Earlier Today, R&CPMK Chairman Cindi Berger was inducted as a member of PRWeek’s 2020 Hall of Fame class, recognizing her countless contributions to the industry and society throughout her storied career.
The PRWeek Hall of Fame annually recognizes those who have made outstanding contributions to the development of the communications industry and paved the way for the modern world of PR. In the eight years since the Hall of Fame was founded, fewer than 50 individuals have been honored.
As part of the ceremony, Berger delivered a powerful acceptance speech highlighting her career and the importance of communication in breaking down barriers and cultivating lasting cultural change throughout society.
In addition, a collection of Berger’s R&CPMK colleagues and clients, including The Chicks, Billy Crystal, Billie Jean King, Norah O’Donnell, Rosie O’Donnell, Sharon Stone, and Jeff Zucker, all shared congratulatory messages and admiration for Berger on this momentous occasion.
FOLLOWING IS THE FULL TRANSCRIPT OF BERGER’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH:
“I’m truly honored to accept this award and to be recognized among this wonderful class and esteemed collection of previous Hall of Fame honorees. Thank you so much.
I’d like to thank Steve Barrett and the staff at PRWeek. I also want to recognize my entire team at R&CPMK, as well as Octagon and IPG. I’ve been fortunate in my career to surround myself with a strong and smart team, including Alan Nierob, Mark Owens, Marian Koltai-Levine, Shirley Hughes, Bill Rosenthal. I’m appreciative for your leadership, guidance and friendship. It’s been quite a journey for all of us.
Thank you to my precious family. Mitchell, you’ve been my greatest supporter and partner. I could not have accomplished what I have without your love and encouragement. And thank you to my children, Sydney and Spencer, my greatest accomplishments of all. You’ve both grown up witnessing me juggle life at home, work, and everything in between. Your love and support is immeasurable.
I recently had the great honor of delivering the 125th commencement address for my alma mater, Ithaca College. In preparing that speech and now this one, I have had the opportunity to reflect on the path that got me to where I am today.
I have been privileged to meet so many extraordinary people throughout my career, and I’ve never taken that for granted. I remember as the receptionist for PMK, striking up a conversation with tennis legend Billie Jean King. What began as small talk 30 years ago is now a trusted client relationship and a meaningful friendship. Billie Jean wrote a book called Pressure is a Privilege. The title and the book resonated with me.
The passing of a baton is also a privilege. The late, great Lois Smith, who had also represented Billie Jean King, met a young and up and coming actor in a 1962 off-Broadway play. She slipped him her business card backstage and told him one day he would need a publicist and that he should call her. He eventually did call her. That up and coming young actor was Robert Redford. Lois represented him for over 40 years and passed the baton to me…this didn’t happen without me first being tested. Out of the many clients the company represented, Robert Redford had never been into the office. I vividly remember our first meeting. He told me that he was in New York and wanted to meet me, and he would be in my office in one hour. My reaction was what you would have expected, ‘Oh my God, I’m going to be meeting with The Sundance Kid.’ He sauntered down the long hallway wearing a baseball cap, his signature aviator sunglasses, and was escorted into my office. He took his cap and glasses off, flashed his famous movie star smile and sat on my couch. We talked. I passed the test, and we’ve been together ever since. Cue Billie Jean King: Pressure is a Privilege.
I have had the honor of working with Barbara Walters. As you know, Barbara was the first female co-anchor for The Today Show and later became the first woman to be named a co-anchor for a network evening news program. She paved the way for every female broadcast journalist that has followed her. The years that I have spent with Barbara gave me tremendous insight into the political arena and gender equality. My world’s collided when Barbara Walters asked my other client, Rosie O’Donnell, to return to daytime TV as a co-host and moderator of The View. It was quite a roller coaster as this piece of history also involved the 45th President of the United States, and all I will say is, Pressure is a Privilege!
I’m often asked by younger staff and those I mentor what got me to where I am today. My answer is always: passion, purpose, hard work, strong organizational skills, and understanding the importance of relationships. Real, meaningful, and honest relationships.
The public relations and marketing landscape have changed a lot since my career began. One thing that has not changed is what I have always told both my clients and staff, “Do not lie, because the truth will always come out. So, if you mess up, fess up.”
Communication takes place in real time. Social media is the catalyst that propels stories to grow bigger and faster than ever before. The days of putting a newspaper article at the bottom of a birdcage are long gone. You must think carefully and strategically, and know that once something is out, it’s out forever. The quality of communication and truthful storytelling is more important now than ever before. We are living in a transformative time and must look at our work with our eyes toward the future. We need diversity, parity and must open the doors for opportunity. I encourage all of you to break down walls, shatter glass ceilings, shine a light on worthy causes, social activism, and injustice. We are the gatekeepers of culture and we need to open those gates. The biggest impact we can make is to provide opportunity and be the change agents making room for the next generation.
And remember, Pressure is a Privilege. Thank you all so much!”
— R&CPMK —
‘Super’ R&CPMK Clients Score Nominations for the Inaugural ‘Critics Choice Super Awards’
The Critics Choice Association (CCA) announced today the nominees for the inaugural Critics Choice Super Awards, a special event honoring the most popular, fan-obsessed genres across both television and movies, including Superhero, Science Fiction/Fantasy, Horror, Action and Animation. A full list of nominated R&CPMK clients can be found below. The winners will be revealed in a special television presentation, which will be produced remotely following COVID safety protocols. The ceremony will air on The CW Network on Sunday, January 10, 2021 (8:00-10:00pm ET/PT) and will stream the next day for free on The CW App and cwtv.com.
BEST ACTION MOVIE
Bad Boys For Life (Sony) – Jerry Bruckheimer
Extraction (Netflix) – AGBO
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION MOVIE
John David Washington – Tenet (Warner Bros)
BEST ACTRESS IN AN ACTION MOVIE
Yifei Liu – Mulan (Disney+)
BEST VOICE ACTOR IN AN ANIMATED MOVIE
Jamie Foxx – Soul (Disney+)
Chris Pratt – Onward (Disney+)
BEST ACTOR IN A HORROR MOVIE
Vince Vaughn – Freaky (Universal)
BEST HORROR MOVIE
Relic – AGBO (IFC Films)
BEST ACTOR IN AN ACTION SERIES
Shemar Moore – S.W.A.T. (CBS)
BEST SUPERHERO SERIES
Lucifer (Netflix) – Jerry Bruckheimer
BEST ACTOR IN A SUPERHERO SERIES
Grant Gustin – The Flash (The CW)
BEST ACTRESS IN A HORROR SERIES
Victoria Pedretti – The Haunting of Bly Manor (Netflix)
BEST SCIENCE FICTION/FANTASY SERIES
What We Do in the Shadows (FX) – Stefani Robinson
BEST HORROR SERIES
The Walking Dead (AMC) – Scott Gimple
EMERIL LAGASSE AND LA LA ANTHONY HEADLINE NATIONAL MARCH OF DIMES “SIGNATURE CHEFS FEEDING MOTHERHOOD CELEBRATION” TO RAISE CRITICAL FUNDS TO FIGHT FOR THE HEALTH OF MOTHERS AND BABIES
Virtual Event and Campaign Designed to Unite Local Dining Communities and Support March of Dimes Motherhood Programs From Prenatal to Postpartum
“Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood” Virtual Events to Take Place Throughout the Fall and Feature Hundreds of Chefs Across the United States
ARLINGTON, VA - March of Dimes, the nonprofit organization leading the fight for the health of all mothers and babies, has announced that philanthropist, restauranteur, and celebrity chef, Emeril Lagasse, and actress, producer, and New York Times best-selling author, La La Anthony, will headline the March of Dimes Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration on Friday, November 13 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The event, which will raise critical funds for research, programs, and services that support moms, moms-to-be, and babies, will be livestreamed on March of Dimes’ Facebook and Instagram pages.
Even before the onset of COVID-19, the United States faced an urgent maternal and infant health crisis and remained among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth, with more than 50,000 women annually experiencing life-threatening complications as a result of pregnancy and childbirth, and nearly 400,000 babies born prematurely each year. Additionally, the crisis has been significantly driven by the healthy equity disparity in the country, with Black women being three times more likely to die from pregnancy compared to White women. March of Dimes’ virtual Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration, and ongoing Signature Chefs campaign, seeks to unite local dining communities to build awareness for the maternal and infant health crisis in the United States, as well as raise funds to nourish all aspects of March of Dimes’ motherhood programs, from prenatal to postpartum.
“At a very young age, by spending time with my mother in the kitchen, I learned that a delicious meal was defined by so much more than just exceptional taste – food feeds our soul, brings us joy and gives families a reason to come together around the table,” said Lagasse. “In honor of my mother, my family and families around the world, I am grateful to be able to share my culinary passion by joining March of Dimes in an effort to help every mom and baby get the best possible start in life.”
“Food has the magical ability to connect different generations as favorite family recipes are passed down through the years. During the pandemic, food can also help us build a sense of family and community as we gather virtually from afar,” said Anthony. “And for generations, March of Dimes has been there to nourish healthier pregnancies for mothers everywhere. That’s why it’s crucial we support their vital work and ensure every mom and baby can be healthy.”
To help combat this issue, March of Dimes has partnered with Lagasse and Anthony for the Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration. As part of the event, Lagasse and Anthony will welcome viewers from around the world to a virtual celebration and cooking class, as the two stars prepare one of Lagasse’s very special recipes – Meril’s Pasta Nero – named in honor of his daughter and featuring his mother’s favorite food.
Additional guests will also join the celebration, including film and TV producer, advocate for moms and babies, and Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood National Event Chair, Tonya Lewis Lee, as well as broadcast journalist, author, advocate for women, and March of Dimes National Board of Trustees member, Gretchen Carlson.
In addition to the upcoming event on Nov. 13, March of Dimes chapters across the country will host a series of Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood virtual events throughout the Fall, with hundreds of chefs from across the U.S. scheduled to participate.
“Feeding Motherhood is a movement to fuel change and ensure all moms have access to care from prenatal to postpartum. We thank Emeril, La La, and all the chefs taking part in virtual events for stepping up to fight for the health of all moms, moms-to-be, and babies, by drawing attention to the critical need for more research and programs, as well as promoting healthy living,” said Stacey D. Stewart, President and CEO of March of Dimes.
March of Dimes worked with Rogers & Cowan PMK CEO and March of Dimes Los Angeles Chapter Board Member, Mark Owens, to develop the Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood Celebration event and campaign.
“Now more than ever, it’s incredibly important for organizations, industry leaders, and all people to come together to help vital causes and those in need. As a purpose-driven agency and influencers of culture, R&CPMK has a long history of helping shine a light on worthy causes to raise awareness and create change. We are proud to work with March of Dimes to amplify Signature Chefs Feeding Motherhood, the critical need for health equality, and the fight for the health of mothers and babies,” said Owens. “From our ongoing work helping to promote social justice and equality for all, to our efforts creating necessary platforms for multicultural and inclusive diversity awareness, to our long-standing partnerships and advocacy efforts with the LGBTQ+ community, to representing and supporting both talent and brand clients who are champions for progress, social action and activism is in our DNA. It’s not just the right thing to do, but the only way to do business.”
Nearly 7 million American women of childbearing age live in countries with limited or no maternal care. Earlier this year, March of Dimes released a groundbreaking report, Nowhere to Go: Maternity Care Deserts Across the U.S., highlighting the crisis.
For more information and to find local events, visit feedingmotherhood.org.
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About March of Dimes
March of Dimes leads the fight for the health of all moms and babies. We support research, lead programs and provide education and advocacy so that every baby can have the best possible start. Building on a successful 80-year legacy of impact and innovation, we empower every mom and every family. Visit marchofdimes.org or nacersano.org for more information. Visit shareyourstory.org for comfort and support. Find us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and Twitter.
