Relevé Entertainment TO HOLD THE MERGE SUMMIT 2010 AT THE MILLENNIUM BILTMORE HOTEL, LOS ANGELES AUGUST 26-28, 2010
Weekend-long program will feature top industry talent and executives including Suzanne de Passe, Pauletta Washington, Niecy Nash, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tia Mowry, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, Chrisette Michele, J. Moss, Brian Courtney Wilson and more
(Los Angeles, CA – July 9, 2010) -- Following the great success of last year's inaugural conference, Relevé Entertainment announced today that THE MERGE SUMMIT 2010 will return to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles, CA, Thursday, August 26 through Saturday, August 28, 2010. THE MERGE SUMMIT’s founder, Dr. Holly Carter, serves as chairperson and Robi Reed as co-chairperson of the event. The three-day conference integrates faith and entertainment and provides a platform and educational forum for men and women of faith to interface and partner with executives and talent in the entertainment industry from New York to Hollywood (see full schedule below).
The multifaceted program will cover the spectrum of music, television, film, content, development, production, and management. General and focused breakout sessions are designed to educate and empower attendees in their respective fields. The Summit will also feature keynote addresses, presentations, and interactive panel discussions. Throughout the event, actors, directors, producers, writers, and industry executives will share insights and give feedback, as well as lend inspiration for the individual journey.
“This is a way in which to pay it forward by giving opportunities to those who are aspiring in the areas of arts and entertainment,” commented Dr. Holly Carter, President and CEO of Relevé Entertainment and founder/chairperson of THE MERGE SUMMIT. “The ultimate hope is that along with their aspirations to enter into the business, the attendees will possess a heart and desire to impact Hollywood for the Kingdom of God.”
Confirmed celebrity presenters include Suzanne de Passe, Pauletta Washington, Niecy Nash, Wendy Raquel Robinson, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tia Mowry, Harry Lennix, Kirk Franklin, Hezekiah Walker, Chrisette Michele, J. Moss and Brian Courtney Wilson. Entertainment executives include: Pearlena Igbokwe (Senior Vice President, Production, Showtime Networks); Devon Franklin (Vice President, Production, Columbia Pictures); Felicia D. Henderson (“Soul Food the Series”, “Fringe”); Leotis Clyburn (Senior Creative Director, East Coast Urban at EMI Music Publishing); Todd Black (“The Back Up Plan,” “Seven Pounds,” “The Great Debaters”); James Dubose (President, Dubose Entertainment); Ralph Winter (“X-Men,” “Fantastic Four,” “Star Trek”); John Dellaverson (“Diary of a Mad Black Woman” and “In The Mix”); Zola Mashariki (Senior Vice President, Production, Fox Searchlight Pictures); Ava Duvernay (Writer/Director, President, The Duvernay Agency), as well as executives from top industry companies including Columbia Records, EMI Publishing, Creative Artists Agency, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment, BET, ABC Networks, Lionsgate Entertainment, and more.
The event will kick-off on Thursday, August 26 with OPENING NIGHT AT THE MERGE, a VIP reception hosted by Pauletta Washington. On Friday, there will be a talent showcase, hosted by Hezekiah Walker. Saturday evening will culminate with FREEDOM, a special concert experience featuring Kirk Franklin, J. Moss and other special guest artists.
THE MERGE SUMMIT official sponsor partners are Kaiser Permanente, Johnson Products, Columbia Records, Wellness Interactive and UPSCALE magazine.