Sonic Branding Company Will Donate $1 by for Each New “Like” Up to $5000 Goal

DALLAS – When programs like Little Kids Rock(tm) (www.littlekidsrock.org) – the national nonprofit that’s transforming children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in disadvantaged public schools — work so well, people want to get involved.

That’s why Stephen Arnold Music (www.stephenarnoldmusic.com), the leader in sonic branding, is spearheading a new effort to raise $5,000 for the organization.

Simply go to their special Facebook page at http://ulink.tv/ch-17, and Stephen Arnold Music will donate $1 for each new “Like” that the campaign receives, all the way to $5,000.

Simple as that. Everyone who “Likes” the Facebook page will be helping Little Kids Rock to partner with school districts. Little Kids Rock trains public school teachers in their innovative curriculum, and donates all of the instruments and resources necessary to run full-fledged music programs.

Stephen Arnold Music first found a meaningful way to give back to Little Kids Rock in 2012: They released The Six Strings of Christmas (http://littlekidsrock.org/stephenarnold.html), an album of virtuoso guitar performances where 100% of the proceeds support the New Jersey-based nonprofit organization.

Stephen Arnold Music’s sonic branding has been central to the identity of such clients as Nexstar Broadcasting, Fox Business Channel, CNN, The Weather Channel, and a full 35% of all US local TV markets.

“Kids are the next sonic branders, and we want to keep encouraging them to be creative with music,” Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music says. “The Facebook campaign is underway, and it’s been a fun and easy way to get people involved. No need to write a check — just click and we’ll cover it.”

About Stephen Arnold Music:
As a multiple Emmy, Addy and Promax Gold award-winning music production company, Stephen Arnold Music has over 20 years of success in delivering the sounds that make a difference to networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film studios and video game companies the world over. The company’s Commanding Sonic Branding approach to music production and commitment to industry-leading service is at the core of its promise. For more information, please visit http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com.

DALLAS, TX – Updating one of the top daily entertainment shows on TV can be a daunting challenge. HLN’s long-running program “Showbiz Tonight” stayed with the sonic branding of Stephen Arnold Music for their makeover, turning once again to the original music creators that helped launch the show in 2005.

The composers at Stephen Arnold Music wrote five new arrangements to match up with a fresh graphics package and set for “Showbiz Tonight”, which is hosted by A.J. Hammer, from the network’s New York City studios. Built around the memorable four-note hook that Stephen Arnold Music first wrote for the show seven years ago, the bold new package incorporates a range of dubstep, dance, electronic and indie rock themes.

“A common thread of long-running daily entertainment shows is an unforgettable melodic theme,” Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music says. “A strong musical signature is essential to pop-culture based programs, and the lasting power of our sonic brand for ‘Showbiz Tonight’ reflects that. The new music package builds on the original hook, evolving it within modern styles to keep it catchy and current.”

Depending on the genre, Stephen Arnold Music employed everything from filtered loops and programmed beats, to live guitars and drums to drive the energetic new themes. In addition to the primary arrangements, Stephen Arnold Music also provided HLN with a large supply of long beds, short logo stingers, and other transitional elements. Culled from moments in the longer themes, the shorter elements sync up with the “Showbiz Tonight” sonic stamp, providing the show’s producers with a flexible toolkit to match their fast-moving graphics.

The “Showbiz Tonight” update was the latest in a long string of collaborations between Stephen Arnold Music and CNN/HLN. Other recent projects that the Dallas-based music company has created for the networks includes “Jane Velez-Mitchell,” “Dr. Drew,” and “Morning Express with Robin Meade.”

For Stephen Arnold Music, recharging the sound of “Showbiz Tonight” was a welcome opportunity to go deeper with the music they make.

“A project like this gives you the chance to explore all the different angles of a sonic brand,” Chad Cook, VP/Creative Director of Stephen Arnold Music says. “These new themes are a natural progression for an established show. They provide a fresh direction, while maintaining a familiar connection with its dedicated audience.”


About Stephen Arnold Music:
As a multiple Emmy, Addy and Promax Gold award-winning music production company, Stephen Arnold Music has over 20 years of success in delivering the sounds that make a difference to networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film studios and video game companies the world over. The company’s Commanding Sonic Branding approach to music production and commitment to industry-leading service is at the core of its promise. For more information, please visit HYPERLINK “http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com” http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com.


Web Resources:
Click here to hear the HLN’s “Showbiz Tonight” brand music package:
http://youtu.be/HmlMU2U-mV4

Click here for more info about Stephen Arnold Music:
http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com

Recorded With A Full Orchestra, Evocative Score Perfectly Captures The Mood Of Acclaimed Game Designed For Sony Playstation

CHICAGO, IL – The new Sony Playstation 3 game “The Unfinished Swan” is all about exploring the unknown. The same is also true for composer Joel Corelitz of Waveplant Studios, whose personal creative journey with the project found him writing some 60 minutes of original music that blends traditional and nontraditional elements into a wholly original score.

“People in music often talk about film and TV scores as either being traditional or non-traditional, with non-traditional frequently being characterized as at odds with a classic, melody-based score,” Corelitz says. “I wanted to create something that felt like a mix of both, a blending of organic instruments and ambient sound design that would feel fresh ten years from now.”

Set in a mysterious black and white landscape that grows more colorful as the game progresses, “The Unfinished Swan” centers on a lonely 10-year-old orphan named Monroe who follows a swan that has stepped out of an unfinished painting and wandered off into a surreal, storybook-inspired kingdom. Each chapter brings surprises, new ways to explore the world, a host of bizarre (and sometimes dangerous) creatures and encounters with the eccentric king who built this empire.

Finding A Balance:
For Corelitz, who Is perhaps best known for his work in advertising and film/video installations, such as LOOM, the interactivity musical installation work for HP, as well as traditional ads for Dodge Dart, Pop Tarts and Kelley Blue Book, one of the key challenges centered on taking the game’s moody narrative and composing a score that didn’t sound too minor key. The goal, he says, was to use those emotions and build on them with music that also captures a sense of wonder at this strange world.

“There’s a sad backstory to the main character,” Corelitz explains, “and we needed to bring those emotions to the table, but it was equally important that we infuse the music with a sense of curiosity and playfulness.”

With that in mind, Corelitz’s score features an array of plucked acoustic instruments, such as harps, marimbas and violins, layered onto a bed of ambient sound design and ethereal synth tones. It’s a blend that effectively borrows from traditional film scorers and non-traditional mood purveyors.

“As you play the game, the music is constantly evolving,” Corelitz says. “It’s never quite the same no matter how many times you play. The music is not just background noise, it’s part of the world, it’s part of how you feel, how the character feels. We didn’t want those things to be separate, we wanted it to be all one experience.”

Recording In Nashville:
The music was recorded at Ocean Way Studios in Nashville, TN, and for Corelitz hearing his score performed live by both a 25-piece orchestra and a simple string quartet was a powerful moment.

“Ocean Way is an amazing studio housed in a 100-year-old gothic church,” Corelitz says. “Hearing my music performed by this orchestra in this studio was amazing. ‘The Unfinished Swan’ let me spread out creatively and flex musical muscles that haven’t used in awhile. It was an amazingly satisfying project to be a part of and I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

About Waveplant:
Led by Composer Joel Corelitz, Waveplant transcends classification in its design-oriented approach to composition – creating a seamless sensory experience. Fusing music and sound design, Waveplant produces audio for advertising, broadcast, gaming, film and live installations. Firmly believing that truly special projects deserve originality in every aspect of their creation, as well as the idea that being hired to work on something should never preclude the incorporation of heart and soul, Waveplant is a haven for original sound. For more information go to http://www.waveplantstudios.com

Web Resources:
Click here to hear Waveplant’s score for “The Unfinished Swan”:
http://www.waveplantstudios.com/The-Unfinished-Swan

Click here for more information about Waveplant:
http://www.waveplantstudios.com

Click here for a behind-the-scenes look at the making of “The Unfinished Swan” music:
http://youtu.be/H1ebugoPsP0

Virtuoso Guitar Performances of Holiday Classics Help Non-Profit Organization Provide Free Instruments, Music Lessons to Disadvantaged Public Schools

DALLAS, TX – Stephen Arnold Music, has found a meaningful way to give back in 2012: Record an unforgettable new spin on classic holiday songs, then release them as an album where 100% of the proceeds support the nonprofit organization Little Kids Rock(tm).

Rooted in the company’s years of experience creating sonic branding and original music, The Six Strings of Christmas presents a welcome new way to enjoy 16 essential holiday season tunes. Each track is a virtuoso guitar performance – four, six, eight, and 12-string instruments are all represented – arranged and performed by top studio musicians and talent that work with Stephen Arnold Music throughout the year on their many demanding projects.

The result is a collection of fresh renditions of “Joy to the World”, “Ave Maria,” “Little Drummer Boy,” “O Come Emmanuel,” “The First Noel,” “Auld Lang Syne,” and ten more that are magical to listen to. Recorded at Stephen Arnold Music’s studios in Dallas, TX, each track captures the nuanced performances of some of the world’s top musical craftsmen.

Available on iTunes and CD, The Six Strings of Christmas sells for $9.99, with all proceeds going to Little Kids Rock, a national nonprofit that transforms children’s lives by restoring and revitalizing music education in disadvantaged public schools. Little Kids Rock partners with school districts, training public school teachers in their innovative curriculum, and donating all of the instruments and resources necessary to run full-fledged music programs.

Stephen Arnold Music’s work has been central to the identity of such clients as Nexstar Broadcasting, Fox Business Channel, CNN, The Weather Channel, and a full 35% of all US local TV markets. With The Six Strings of Christmas, the company realized it had an opportunity to make a difference through music.

“We’ve always had a strong belief in the power of music to positively affect the life of a child,” Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music says. “We have the great fortune to work with these amazingly skilled musicians, and after we got to know Little Kids Rock it made perfect sense to put it all together this holiday season.

“Little Kids Rock is an all-volunteer organization that’s very efficiently run – it’s amazing how far they can make a dollar go,” Arnold continues. “By collaborating with them on The Six Strings of Christmas, it’s our hope that underprivileged kids across America will get to experience music as an anchor, and an inspirational force, in their lives.”

With its highly efficient use of funds, Little Kids Rock will be able to make the most of each copy of The Six Strings of Christmas that is sold:

1 CD = One “rock band” lesson for an entire classroom of students
2 CDs = An entire year of music lessons for one student
5 CDs = One brand new acoustic guitar into a classroom
10 CDs = One brand new electric keyboard and amp into a classroom

“Music education is being stripped from our nation’s public schools at an alarming rate due to budget cuts,” Keith Hejna, Communications & Outreach Coordinator for Little Kids Rock says. “It’s up to the adults to stand up for our children’s right to rock this holiday season, and ensure that they receive music education, which is vital to their development as students and human beings.

“Stephen Arnold Music has been a wonderful partner to Little Kids Rock, supporting our mission of not only restoring, but also revitalizing music education for disadvantaged schoolchildren all across the country. Since Stephen Arnold Music is donating 100% of the proceeds of The Six Strings of Christmas, you are actually helping Little Kids Rock bring music into children’s lives just by buying some for yourself.”

“Our future does not lie in our children’s hands,” Little Kids Rock Executive Director, David Wish adds. “Our future lies in our children’s creativity. We appreciate Stephen Arnold Music and all of its supporters and fans for investing in our children, and our future!”

To purchase The Six Strings of Christmas, or to help spread the word, please visit http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com/thesixstringsofchristmas/

Web Resources:
http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com

http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com/thesixstringsofchristmas/

http://littlekidsrock.org/stephenarnold.html

Deck The Halls (featuring Stephen Arnold): http://youtu.be/kTRNJee-JAE
Auld Lang Syne: http://youtu.be/ZMHbDF4y3q4
Ave Maria: http://youtu.be/U9DjhEqeOMM
O Come, O Come Emmanuel: http://youtu.be/yY1LuD_N5P8

Joe Satriani, widely recognized as one of the world’s top guitarists, has added to his legacy with the release of the new live-concert film, “Satchurated: Live in Montreal.” The HD film was authored for both 2D and 3D Blu-Ray release by DuArt, NYC’s full-service video and audio post facility.

Filmed by GRAMMY and EMMY award-winning concert filmmakers Pierre and François Lamoureux of Cinemusica, Satchurated was captured live during Satriani’s “The Wormhole Tour,” supporting his studio album “Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards” at the Metropolis in Montreal, Canada. “Satchurated: Live in Montreal” was released to select theaters throughout the country for a limited engagement in March.

Cinemusica captured the sold-out concert with a total of ten camera positions, recording Satriani’s musical best in both 2D and 3D HD formats, in 7.1 Surround Sound.

Randy Hudson, Director of Digital Media Post Production for DuArt, oversaw a meticulous 3D Blu-Ray authoring process at DuArt’s advanced facilities in midtown Manhattan. “This was an amazing project, and well deserving of the level of production necessary for making it available on 3D and Blu-Ray,” says Hudson. “You have a front row seat to every chord change, played by one of the world’s undisputed guitar masters.”

Working with his team in DuArt’s dedicated 2D/3D BluRay authoring suite, Hudson used the NetBlender encoding module, Panasonic multiscan displays, and his deep media production experience to help Cinemusica prepare Satchurated for 3D Blu-Ray release.

“Over 5,000 retail DVD and Blu-Ray titles have been collectively authored by the Disc Production team here at DuArt,” Hudson explains. “That helps us to fully understand the workflow and the final product that we’re working toward: knowing the intricacies of 3D subtitling and menuing, advising the client on how to simultaneously set up to playback in 2D for checking text or credits, and myriad other details are all factors in delivering the best possible product to the consumer.”

The complete post offerings available in DuArt’s 12 floor building on 55th Street and 8th Avenue provided Cinemusica with additional important benefits. “Along with the video assets, we can also handle full QC of the audio in a surround environment,” notes Hudson. “All the services at DuArt are available to the client for a fast, complete turnaround, no matter what the format is.”

About DuArt:
DuArt is a full service post facility in NYC, servicing the broadcast and film industries. Operating out of their 12-story building in midtown Manhattan, DuArt provides video editing, color correct, voice recording, casting, 3D editing, direction for animation, music scoring, sound design, film and audio restoration, production space, complete DVD, Blu-Ray, and 3D Blu-Ray disc media production services, and more. Since being established in 1922, DuArt has finished thousands of the world’s most loved feature films, documentaries, festival releases and television shows. For more information, please visit www.duart.com.

About CINEMUSICA:
Cinemusica was formed by brothers, Pierre & Francois Lamoureux. Their films have won a Grammy, two Emmy, two Juno, two Gemini, a multitude of industry and technical awards, sold millions of copies on BluRay and DVD and aired all around the world. Pierre & Francois Lamoureux have directed and/or produced concert films and music documentaries for Rush, The Who, Harry Connick, Jr., Slipknot, Rihanna, The Pretenders, Zappa Plays Zappa, Branford Marsalis, Pat Metheny, deadmau5, Cowboy Junkies, Collective Soul, Ben Harper, Willie Nelson, Deep Purple, The Stray Cats and others. For more information, please visit www.cinemusica.tv.

Web Resources:
Click here for more info about DuArt:
http://www.duart.com

Click here for more info about CINEMUSICA:
http://www.cinemusica.tv/

Click here for clips from “Satchurated”:
Trailer: http://youtu.be/bFwSf8zXWYU
“Satch Boogie”: http://youtu.be/3pexXLb66bI
“War”: http://youtu.be/-nlSGsQY_3o

DALLAS, TX – With the launch of China Central Television America (CCTVA), the network has expanded the presence of mainland China’s predominant television outlet — with 42 channels reaching some 1.2 billion people — into the U.S. market for the first time. With so much riding on the launch, the CCTVA turned to the sonic branding experts Stephen Arnold Music to create the music behind much of their original programming.

The Stephen Arnold Music team wrote the music themes for its three flagship shows — “The Heat,” “Americas Now,” and “Biz America.” With deep experience creating strong sonic brands for all of the major news networks, including CNN, HLN, CBS, MSNBC, Fox News and others, Stephen Arnold Music was more than ready to deliver something extraordinary for CCTVA’s debut.

International Ambitions:
Broadcasting from a new production center in Washington, DC, the launch of CCTVA represents as a unique chance for the network to reach out to American viewers and provide its global audience with diversified news coverage. Stephen Arnold Music created three distinct themes for each show, recording driving scores that met CCTVA’s call for a high-end, international feel.

“The CCTVA keywords were ‘visceral,’ ‘emotive,’ and ‘forward-looking,’” says Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music. “Each theme we developed reflects those qualities, while standing on its own as a unique composition.”

Triple Play:
For the South America-focused broadcast news magazine “Americas Now,” Stephen Arnold Music’s composers combined flamenco guitar and Latin percussion to set an inspiring tone with a hint of tension. A current affairs talk show “The Heat” theme sears with distorted electric guitars over charging rhythms and electronic elements. The daily global news program “Biz Asia America” is elevated by Stephen Arnold Music’s memorable piano hooks and mid-tempo groove, punctuated with bold rock guitar strikes.

“We appreciated the opportunity to score to picture for CCTVA’s shows,” notes Arnold. “The visuals helped us tap into the attitude and power that each piece required.”

For Arnold, every arrangement the company creates is a custom sonic signature, mindful of the elements needed for credibility with today’s viewers. “News organizations are experimenting more,” he observes. “Their music has to tap into what audiences hear on their mobile devices and YouTube. Our latest sonic brands for CCTVA reflect that connectivity.”

About Stephen Arnold Music:
As a multiple Emmy, Addy and Promax Gold award-winning music production company, Stephen Arnold Music has over 15 years of success in delivering the sounds that make a difference to networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film studios and video game companies the world over. The company’s Commanding Sonic Branding approach to music production and commitment to industry-leading service is at the core of its promise. For more information, please visit http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com. ?

Web Resources:
Click here to watch a montage of Stephen Arnold Music’s work for CCTVA:
http://youtu.be/lDkSXsHELeM

Click here for more info about Stephen Arnold Music:
http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com/

DALLAS, TX — The anticipated debut of “Jane Velez-Mitchell,” HLN’s new nightly news show starring one of the network’s most recognizable on-air talents, features an energetic and distinctive new theme from sonic branding experts Stephen Arnold Music. “Jane Velez-Mitchell” airs at 7 PM EST, Monday-Friday on HLN.

HLN once again turned to Stephen Arnold Music for “JVM” — the latest in a series of successful collaborations that also includes original sonic brands for the shows “Dr. Drew,” “Prime News,” “Showbiz Tonight” and “Morning Express with Robin Meade.” The objective for JVM: create a strong and compelling theme that mirrored the dynamic personality of the show’s colorful host.

A Musical Jolt for “Jane”
Using an inspired mix of keyboards, loops, live guitars and bass, Stephen Arnold Music produced a driving, upbeat audio theme. The distinctive melody morphed into a musically diverse package representing rock, electronic and hip hop styles, reinforcing the show’s various moods. Stephen Arnold Music’s new theme reinforces the rebranding of the show, which had previously aired as “Issues with Jane Velez-Mitchell.”

“’JVM’ is a very musically intensive show – HLN treats the themes as theatrical elements,” Stephen Arnold, President of Stephen Arnold Music says. “The new music reflects the drive and passion that Mitchell brings to her reporting.”

Arnold adds, “When we do sonic branding for a show that’s centered around a personality, we spend a lot of time watching them on the air and seeing what they’re about before we even start writing. Jane brings drama, mystery and a lot of positive force to the screen — our goal was to capture her musically.”

Ratings Up at HLN
HLN’s 2011 ratings broke records for the network, a positive trend involving a growing number of shows scored and sonic branded by Stephen Arnold Music.

“Every show is different, but we understand that HLN needs their music to feel fresh, innovative and artist-driven,” Stephen Arnold concludes. “It’s a sound that’s connected to what their audiences are listening to, and that supports the brand objectives of each show. ‘JVM’ stands out musically, while still being a perfect fit with HLN’s lineup.”

About Stephen Arnold Music:
As a multiple Emmy, Addy and Promax Gold award-winning music production company, Stephen Arnold Music has over 15 years of success in delivering the sounds that make a difference to networks, television stations, advertising agencies, film studios and video game companies the world over. The company’s Commanding Sonic Branding approach to music production and commitment to industry-leading service is at the core of its promise. For more information, please visit http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com.

Web Resources:
Click here to view the “Jane Valez-Mitchell” show open + montage of musical variations:
http://youtu.be/TcFh2wWm3Yg

Click here for more info about Stephen Arnold Music:
http://www.stephenarnoldmusic.com/
http://blog.stephenarnoldmusic.com/

NEW YORK, NY — Broadway Video recently provided editorial and audio services for PBS’ 90-minute special presentation ”The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor” honoring Will Ferrell. The comprehensive post services at Broadway Video contributed to a quick turnaround from performance to air. The show’s director Linda Mendoza collaborated with Yossi Kimberg, senior editor for Broadway Video, and Ralph Kelsey, VP for Broadway Sound, to highlight an evening of toasts and accolades from Ferrell’s friends including Ed Asner, Jack Black, Matthew Broderick, Green Day’s Billie Joe Armstrong, Gwen Ifill, Tim Meadows, Adam McKay, Conan O’Brien, John C. Reilly, Paul Rudd, Andy Samberg, Molly Shannon and Ben Stiller.

Kimberg traveled to Washington, DC to view the show in person and then began editing on Avid Symphony in his suite back in New York the next morning. He said, ”The challenge was to edit, mix and deliver the show within three days. Thanks to a tapeless workflow and the Broadway Video team, that goal was achieved.”

At Broadway Sound, Kelsey worked in tandem with Kimberg, providing audio sweetening to deliver a polished final mix. Under Executive Producer Bob Kaminsky’s direction, Kelsey used the numerous recorded tracks to illuminate the live feel of The Kennedy Center.

”Everything that’s needed to finish a show is right here,” said Kelsey. ”You don’t have to leave the building to get it all done, and our team keeps the editorial and sound moving smoothly.”

In addition to Bob Kaminsky, executive producers Peter Kaminsky, Mark Krantz, and Cappy McGarr were all instrumental in bringing the special together.

”I’ve made shows at Broadway Video for many years. I believe the number of TV specials now exceeds fifty,” said Bob Kaminsky. ”The Brill Building feels like show business and I’m always happy to walk into that historic lobby. It is a great luxury to go from Yossi and the video edit and to be able to run down to Ralph in the audio studio and back and forth. It saves all kinds of problems during the post process and makes the final mix a creative collaboration rather than the tedious process of patching things that should have been avoided in the first place. I’m a lifer.”

”Will Ferrell: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize” can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.pbs.org/mark-twain-prize/.

About Broadway Video:
Founded in 1979 by Lorne Michaels, creator and executive producer of “Saturday Night Live,” Broadway Video Entertainment is New York’s leading full-service entertainment company. BVE offers an unparalleled scope of services that include the production of some of the country’s most popular TV programming and feature films, the marketing and distribution of a rich entertainment library and access to state-of-the-art design and post production facilities staffed by the industry’s most creative visual and sound designers and technicians.

Broadway Video is located at 1619 Broadway, New York, NY 10019. For more information, call (212) 265-7600 or visit us at broadwayvideo.com.

Web Resources:
http://www.broadwayvideo.com
http://www.broadwayvideo.com/#/PostProduction
http://www.pbs.org/mark-twain-prize/

NEW YORK, NY – IKA Collective, the creative production/post studio led by director/brand strategist Ian Karr, has forged an alliance with Mixology Post, the original music/sound design/audio post studio founded by composer/engineer Rob Kahn. Additionally, IKA Collective named Stu Sternbach its Director of New Business Development.

“This year has been an exciting one in the evolution of IKA Collective,” Karr says. “We’ve been a one-stop creative shop since the beginning, but now brands and agencies are embracing that concept like never before. We’re the classic story of an overnight sensation — 25 years in the making. Adding Rob and Mixology to the Collective increases our creative critical mass and takes audio finishing to a whole new level – he is super-talented and a great fit for us. Stuart has a wealth of experience and connections in the advertising production/post production business to bring our collective skills to an even wider array of clients.”

Kahn, who will continue to operate Mixology as an independent company, is available to IKA Collective clients looking for original music/sound design/audio post. The company already offers an array of creative services including, creative development, live action production, editorial, visual effects design and animation.

Since joining IKA Collective, Kahn and his team of audio experts have lent their talents to a launch spot for PurAbsorb, a women’s vitamin supplement, via agency Nail Media Group; a campaign for Penguin Publishing celebrating Nora Robert’s new book, “The Next Always,” and IKA’s own web series “The Midnight Archive.”

“I’m really proud to be associated with Ian and IKA Collective,” Kahn says. “They are a forward-thinking company that is well-positioned to take advantage of the way the industry is heading with its emphasis on creatively nimble companies that can do a lot of things well, fast and on-budget.”

Sternbach joins IKA Collective following years as the president of the independent representation company Pangea, where he represented some of the production/post community’s leading companies. He got his start as an Account Executive at BBDO and from there he transitioned into sales/marketing positions at numerous top post houses before launching Pangea.

“IKA Collective is a rarity in the world of creative production and post,” Sternbach says. “There literally is nothing we can’t do – whether its creative strategy, production or post. IKA Collective possesses the perfect business model for the current economy in which clients are looking to work with shops that can do a lot of things well. I’m proud to be a part of what Ian is building and look forward to playing a role in the company’s the next level of success.”

About IKA Collective:
Founded by noted brand strategist/director Ian Karr, IKA Collective is more than a production company. Rather, they’re creative collective of writers, producers, editors, directors, composers, digital artists, fashionistas, foodies and horror film fanatics who love to tell stories. Whether it’s an ad, a network promo, a digital media project, or their own original content, IKA Collective is all about communicating in a way that entertains and gets results. Our facility includes a live insert stage, five edit rooms, digital color grading, graphics, compositing and audio mixing suites, allowing us to deliver great work at budgets that make sense in every medium. Recent clients include Fox TV, Discovery Channel, Continental Airlines, Hallmark Channel and Penguin Publishing. For more information go to http://www.ikacollective.com

NEW YORK, NY — The Audio Branding Academy has released the final program for this year’s Audio Branding Congress, taking place at Columbia University on November 17, 2011. “Stay Connected, Sound Global,” is this year’s motto, focusing on innovation in mobile media and content.

Gathering a network of experts, professionals, artists, scholars and practitioners within the audio world, the Congress will be an educational day for all attendees. The program will commence with a short prelude followed by keynote speaker Martyn Ware, discussing “The Future of Sonic Branding”. Founding member of seminal bands The Human League and Heaven 17, Ware is currently head of Sonic Experience and co-founder of sound branding agency Sonic ID. The Congress day will also consist of several inspiring and fascinating presentations by industry leaders, six impressive jury-selected award case studies, a thought-provoking panel discussion and the first Audio Branding Award ceremony.

One of Germany’s leading experts on brand strategy Dr. Karsten Kilian, will be moderating the panel discussion themed, “Mobile Audio Branding – Spatial Pollution or Good Vibrations?” at this year’s Congress.

Panel members Tapio Hakanen, Russell Jones, Noel Franus, Josh Rabinowitz, Paul Kalbfleisch and Stephen Dewey will discuss their views on new developments and future prospects of building brands on mobile devices and apps by using sound. Smartphones and other mobile devices have become an essential part of our lives and communication. To what extent are consumers willing to allow brands be part of their mobile life? What are some of the options companies may have to exercise the power of sound and music in building brands on these personal platforms? These are some of the significant issues to be deliberated during an exciting discussion by the expert panelists.

Podcast interviews with speakers and jury members are all available on the ABA website.

The Audio Branding Academy recognizes its congress sponsors, Man Made Music, Pro Sound Effects and iV Audio Branding for their generosity and support.

The 2011 Audio Branding Congress takes place Thursday, November 17, 2011, at Columbia Faculty House at Columbia University in Manhattan, hosted by audio branding company Expansion Team.

Web Resources:
Click here for press accreditation: 
NYC2011@audio-branding-academy.org

Click below for more info about the Audio Branding Congress:
www.audio-branding-congress.com
http://audio-branding-academy.org