Marjorie DeHey, JD MBA

California Steps Up for Indie Film Fantastic news for creators—especially independent ones! So encouraging to see real investment in reviving California’s film, TV, and animation industry. It would be even better to see a built-in incentive specifically designed to support lower-budget films. Those stories often carry the most grit and heart—and with the right boost, they can go far. #IndieFilm #FilmIncentives #CaliforniaFilm #CreativeEconomy #SupportIndieVoices #Filmmaking #StorytellingMatters #WomenInFilm #NarrativeNonfiction #ContentThatMatters #GetInTheBoat

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Summons Productions Announces Dual Bay Area Music Residencies for 2026 In a strategic expansion that reflects its rising influence in the independent music sector, Summons Productions, under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Drananda Summons, has secured two year-defining music residencies in the Bay Area—Berkeley and San Francisco—positioning the company for a landmark 2026. The Berkeley Residency, scheduled to launch January 2026, will serve as the flagship location for the Summons Productions performance series Summons Lounge. Designed as an incubator for independent musicians, vocalists, and cross-genre creators, Summons Lounge has rapidly become a proving ground for emerging artistry and an essential space for music discovery in Northern California. In May 2026, Summons Productions will extend its reach with a second Summons Lounge Residency in San Francisco, widening its platform for musicians seeking industry-level performance opportunities without the barriers often found in traditional venues. This dual-residency structure marks a significant evolution in the company’s music-driven programming, allowing Summons Productions to operate simultaneously in two of the Bay Area’s most competitive cultural markets. Both residencies are being established in partnership with North Beach Pizza Berkeley & San Francisco, whose venues have become hubs for live music, creative gatherings, and community-centered entertainment. Their collaboration with Summons Productions underscores a shared mission: to cultivate accessible performance spaces that elevate independent music while supporting the creative economy of the region. As Summons Productions enters 2026 with two anchored residencies, the company strengthens its position as a leading force in the Bay Area’s independent music landscape—bridging artists, audiences, and industry pathways through the ongoing evolution of Summons Lounge.

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Live Nation is boosting its stake in Mexican concert promoter OCESA from 51% to 75% in a $646 million deal, strengthening its position in the booming Latin American live music market. The company has also extended CEO Alejandro Soberón’s contract through 2032. OCESA now draws more fans than ever, with concert attendance in Mexico tripling since 2019, making it the third-largest music market globally. The acquisition adds to Live Nation’s growing footprint in Latin America as demand for live events continues to surge across the region. https://lnkd.in/gq3g7ukP #LiveNation #OCESA #livemusic

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California Film Credit Expansion in Flux as Lawmakers Delete References to $750 Million - article: https://lnkd.in/gvVitFYD - plus California’s Tax Credits May Soon Offer a Lifeline to Halt Animation’s Exodus - article: https://lnkd.in/g9dhnGea. - As currently written, the legislation would increase the amount of the tax credit from 20% of qualified expenses to 35% - That would increase to 40% for productions outside of the Los Angeles area, or in economically depressed areas of Los Angeles - The number of film & TV animation projects commissioned worldwide rose from 558 in 2019 to 860 in 2024, an increase of 54% - The bottom line: The desire for animation is rising, but California is not partaking in that increased business

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This is a big step forward for the animation industry in California and also a huge step in recognizing animation as medium for storytelling...

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