Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Brendan Coyle on December 16, 2008 at 5:57pm

I think its getting alot better at an alarming rate, the change of staff and updating the website gives you a boost, the only thing i would change, and maybe this can only be changed by time, is to screen the panels better, or create incentive for potential volunteers. the people who choose what gets funded should be required to have a comprehensive and contemporary understanding of the art world.

Permalink Reply by Kenneth Spellman on March 10, 2009 at 2:35pm

How can COAHSI best help arts and culture on Staten Island? I would say partner with our organizations to provide seminars and actual events that will help Staten Island artist, parents, and entertainment companies build and understand their businesses. I was born on Staten Island, served in both the Army and Air Force, became successful in the entertainment business and radio and simply returned to my home town of Staten Island to give back to my community and help uplift those in the arts and entertainment fields. I must admit I am not satisfied with COASHSI, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce, The Staten Island Advance, the politicians of Staten Island, and the larger organizations (Chase, Richmond County Bank, The Yankee Ballpark) that have failed to equally serve our community. Perhaps it was the people at the organization at that particular time or maybe there's just a lack of REAL care and concern. I felt like the people I spoke with only spoke to me because that was their job to greet me and hear me out. The politicians only met with us during election times (and that was to ask us to support them). There was no effort to pick up the phone and follow-up with us on our status, or even to recommend fiduciary sponsors that could make our programs comes to fruition. I visited COAHSI on a couple of occasions a few years back after being told that COASHSI was there to help those in the arts and entertainment. I was told to apply for grants (which didn't have categories related to my services), get advice from COAHSI, and partner with COAHSI to provide entertainment opportunities for Staten Island musicians, record labels, and others in the area of arts & entertainment. After realizing that most sponsorships were only available to not-for-profit organization I started a non profit organization, Broadcast Academy, Inc. a tax-exempt a 501 (c)(3 in addition to my for profit organization Soundcheck, Incorporated. Both organizations helped produce the Staten Island Waterfront Festival a few years back. We also conducted an entertainment business seminar at the Saint George Theatre. Broadcast Academy, Inc. was asked to partner with The School Tour organization based in California to provide events at schools throughout the California school system. Broadcast Academy, Inc. is also a member of the United States Tennis Association (USTA). Through the USTA programs we can conduct programs that introduce youth to tennis and sports broadcasting. Recently Soundcheck, Inc. secured a distribution deal which includes digital and brick and mortar retailers, and ringtones. This deal covers the world. We have signed artist from Atlanta, Queens, New York, Long Island, NY and we are in discussions with artist and labels in California, Atlanta, and Texas. This year we will be releasing a compilation project which will hopefully get some artist licensing deals in film, television, and gaming. Some of these artist are from other countries. My experience in the entertainment business includes launching the Sirius radio service, radio & TV broadcasting, artist management, and many other various specialties. I just returned from speaking at an Arbitron panel regarding radio research and the new technologies directly related to the entertainment business. Last year I was the keynote speaker at the Black College Radio & TV convention. I am regularly called on to speak at universities, and industry related events. In the end we went into Manhattan and placed our program in 2 elementary schools, and one high school over a four year period. Upon our initial meetings with the school principals they understood our mission and welcomed it. They provided the funding which allowed us to hire industry professionals. They provided the classroom space. On Staten Island I went to the Board Of Education's Regional office and although they too liked the program they did not lift a hand to get it into any schools. I even met with the Principal of Curtis High school thinking since I graduated from Curtis I would love to give back and be the example that one can succeed. I was hoping to setup a broadcasting program. The principal passed me on to someone else and I never heard back from them again. I went to the College of Staten Island and visited their radio station. I met with student broadcasters who wanted me to come in and work with them. I reached out to the station management and even the school administration to no avail. This may sound harsh but besides the people at CTV (especially Kenny Graham), Con Edison, the paper company, and a handful of companies I have yet to find a Staten Island based organization that is really helping our artist in a professional manner. Yes, many organizations have festivals and live performances but Staten Island artist deserve to know and understand the business and technology of the entertainment business. Especially in todays economy!

Can COASHI help me open a pilot office in the Staten Island and Manhattan ferry terminals which will provide more information on arts & events on Staten Island along with business information? If not do you know who we can discuss this project with?

SIncerely,
Kenneth Spellman
CEO Soundcheck, Inc /Broadcast Academy, Inc.
ken@soundcheckny.com

Attachments:

• Ken Spellman Interview.jpg, 1.2 MB
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Permalink Reply by Melanie Cohn on March 10, 2009 at 2:57pm

Hi, Kenneth--

Wow! Thanks for your comments! It sounds like you have a great project there.

I'm sorry to hear that you've been disappointed in the response you've received from so many organizations and individuals on Staten Island. Of course, resources are often tight for our non-profits--and although we want to be everything to everybody, it's just not possible.

However, you and I have never met, and perhaps there is something COAHSI can do to help. So, please give me a call, let's set up an appointment, and talk. We'll see what we can do for you!!

Best,
Melanie
718-447-3329

Permalink Reply by Kenneth Spellman on March 10, 2009 at 5:05pm

Thank you for such a quick response. I will call you as soon as I finish my conference call.

Again thank you,
Ken Spellman

Permalink Reply by Sto on June 1, 2009 at 2:58pm

It's nice that there is a group that actually supports independant artist from SI. Thanks!