Month: September 2011

JASMINE WITH JUSTIN.

The week began with press promotion for Justin Timberlake and Mila Kunis latest film ‘’Friends with Benefits’ which was absolutely hilarious. Justin was as ever very amicable and fun with his quick wit and fun personality- he has always been an articulate, hard grafter that is very particular about what he works on and that’s why musical and in film his delivery is always a class. It doesn’t hurt that he’s hot either! We reminisced about our MTV days where I made numerous TV specials about him and his group N SYNC as well as his solo tours. I once spent a whole week in Florida courtesy of Justin waiting by a hot swimming pool to film him but daily was told ‘’Justin has just split with Britney and we’re not sure when he’ll be ready to do press’’ so I returned home with no TV show but a great suntan!

ACTORS LONYO,HIS LEADING LADY AND DIRECTOR OF ”DAVID IS DYING” STEPHEN LLOYD JACKSON.

Friday night post work fun was had at the TUC –labour party building (a building that was set up to promote arts amongst working class people) in Covent garden where the BRITISH URBAN FILM FESTIVAL (BUFF) were holding their annual weekender for film fans and makers alike.

The venue was packed full of people including host of the night- broadcaster Henry Bonso, radio host Kojo, DJs Manny Norte and Jarren C, PR maven Jodie Dalmeda, wordsmith Ty , actor Cyril Nri , Charles Thompson MBE (founder of the Screen Nation awards), Kyla Frye (actress), Clint Dyer (actor),Femi Oguns (actor), Arnold Oceng (actor),Sharon Duncan Brewster (actress), Anjela Lauren Smith (actress and BUFF artistic director), Lateef Lovejoy (comedian and BUFF festival presenter) and of course main man of the night- former music star (summer of love) now actor Lonyo Engele.

JASMINE WITH ACTRESS, WRITER, DIRECRTOR KAMARA BACCHUS.

Before the main film started there were trailers for upcoming movies that I cant wait to see. Firstly, ’Before they were n dubz’’ which looked like it could be the urban version of the spice girls movie LOL. A more serious documentary called ‘’War against gang rape’’ and 16 more shorts including one (Special Delivery) by upcoming actress and writer Kamara Bacchus.

I was really blown away by a really gripping short film about black history called Manorlogz by Bernard Kordieh . It was beautifully and artfully crafted and I’m hoping to get a hold of it to show you-it really empowers and inspires!.

There was also a nostalgic look back and 1 minute standing ovation for the dear departed from the past few months that paid homage to Nate Dogg, Gil Scott Heron, Amy Winehouse, Bubba Smith and Sam Loco Efe.

JASMINE WITH THE ”DAVID IS DYING” LEAD COUPLE AND DIRECTOR.

All the hype on opening night was around the film DAVID IS DYING which is about a man obsessed by girl friend but his past relationship with his mother and dire circumstances affect him mentally lead to a heart-breaking story. Lonyo-one time music star plays the lead role and was mesmerising in his performance. Even though shot cheaply the story was amazing, heart breaking and Intense. Even though Lonyo is not a trained actor his performance held us every part of the way (some ladies present were adamant that his ‘’striking sharp features and handsome aesthetically visually breathtaking’’ looks didn’t disappoint either!

Lonyo used to be an extra in the football themed  TV show Dream Team and he told the UK film blog FLICKSANDBITS ‘’ From being on set then, I picked up all of the language that the camera men and the directors were using when they were giving directions to the main cast.’’ Lonyo recalled that Ironically he was dropping off a mate to the audition and they asked him to read for the part ‘’ So in the audition process they wanted me to cry, so I had a few moments to prepare myself, I just thought about Liverpool losing (laughs) – I’m a big Liverpool fan, it brought up all these emotions and I delivered some lines. They were like “this kid might have something.”

Lonyo told us about working with the director Stephen Jackson ‘’ He gave me so many instructions into how he wanted certain things to be delivered, he had a strange way of working though, he’d never let me look back at what we’ve filmed, he never let me see anything, the first time I actually saw the film was when I came out to Miami for the festival.’’

If you want to see DAVID IS DYING as well as a number of other titles that may include ‘huge – the movie’ feat Noel Clarke , ‘Tupac assassination’ , ‘Sus’  ‘Rappin at the royal’, Hip-hop opera and ‘Before they were N Dubz’ – stay tuned to JASMINES JUICE where I’ll be telling you where and when in December we can all invite our family and friends round and arrange a day of great movie screenings!

I speak at numerous panels, seminars and meets across the year where many young people or people new to the TV world are unknowledgeable about TV STAFF STRUCTRURES within the industry. Last might I chaired the MEDIA/MUSIC PANEL at INSPIRATIONAL YOU and promised the attendees that I would make a simple document that will make them understand the company structure a little better.The organogram below is more reflective of a big broadcasting channel as opposed to an independent production company but much crosses over. Hope this helps!

(I will be making a chart on power point soon to help better reflect the reporting structure. Onwards and upwards!

TV PRODUCTION TEAM

PRESENTER / VOICE OVER ARTIST

EXECUTIVE EDITOR/PRODUCER

SENIOR PRODUCER

PRODUCER

DIRECTOR

ASSISTANT PRODUCER (AP)

SENIOR REASEARCHER

RESEARCHER

JUNIOR RESEARCHER

INTERN/ RUNNER

 

OTHER TV DEPARTMENTS/JOBS THAT SURROUND THE PRODUCTION TEAM

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT TEAM

DIGITAL / WEB TEAM

FUTURE MEDIA TEAM

TALENT BOOKING TEAM

DEVELOPMENT TEAM

PRESS TEAM

MARKETING TEAM

BRANDING TEAM

EVENTS TEAM

EDIT / POST PRODUCTION TEAM

LEGAL / BUSINESS AFFAIRS TEAM

COMPLIENCE TEAM

ACQUISITIONS TEAM

SCHEDULING TEAM

ON AIR TEAM

GRAPHICS TEAM

FINANCE TEAM

HUMAN RESOURCES

CEO AND SENIOR MANAGEMENT TEAM

 

Example of structure at CHANNEL 4

 

The Programme Makers

Programmes

·      News Current Affairs and Business

Commissions News, Current Affairs and Political programmes for the Channel.

·      Documentaries

To develop, commission and manage factual or documentary output. Work with Independent producers and/or production companies.

 

• Nations and Regions
  Nations and Regions leads Channel 4’s core corporate objectives outside London, Channel 4 had a licence requirement to deliver 30% of originated programmes from companies outside London. The department oversees Channel 4’s Creative Cities initiatives – development, events, business support and partnerships in regional cities outside London’.

 

·      Entertainment

Commissioning of Entertainment and Comedy programming.

 

• FilmFour

The role of the department is to commission and develop British feature films.

 

·      Commissioning Management

To manage Commissioning’s administrative affairs and internal communication, manage the Channel’s cultural diversity ambitions, develop off-screen talent, manage communication with independent production companies and off-screen talent, commission the Channel’s Sports output.

 

• Features and Factual Entertainment

The role of the Event, Features and Factual Entertainment department is to receive proposals from independent production companies and decide which ideas to pursue and commission.

 

On occasion we also produce original ideas which are tendered to an independent production company to produce.

 

• Specialist Factual

To receive proposals from Independent Production Companies and commission their ideas.

 

Programme Acquisition

To source and license acquired programming (feature films and series, predominantly from the United States studios) for exhibition across all Channel Four platforms (currently Channel Four, FilmFour Channel and E4).

Legal and Compliance
The primary role of the Legal & Compliance department is to advise Channel 4 on the legal and compliance issues arising from the production and broadcasting of programmes transmitted on all of the Channel’s platforms. This involves advising the Board, all commissioning staff, and independent production companies, on legal issues such as libel and contempt, and compliance with the ITC and BSC codes on fairness, privacy and taste and decency for example.  The department is also responsible for negotiating and maintaining the Channel’s Errors & Omissions insurance cover; and for managing litigation arising from the various Channels’ output.

Commercial Affairs and Programme Finance

The department’s main function is to negotiate and manage the financial and contractual details of Channel 4 and E4 programme, programme-related (e.g. websites, talent) and distribution deals. The department also manages Channel 4’s collective licensing with music collecting societies, copyright clearances, and ad hoc corporate, commercial and legal issues.
4Learning

4Learning is the educational division of Channel 4 responsible for schools programmes and support material, both printed and online for all ages.

 

 

The Audience Generators
Research & Insight

The current competitive multi-channel television environment necessitates detailed knowledge and understanding of our viewers.  The traditional role of television is going through a fundamental change and as a result, the Research and Insight department was set up to learn more about the prevailing lifestyle and attitudes of our viewers and their relationship with television and programmes.  At its heart this department connects the Channel with its viewers.

 

• Strategic Planning – carrying out analysis that ensures a clear understanding of our core viewers and providing input to business decisions that strengthen the Channel 4 brand.
• Commissioning – providing feedback on programme performance, and undertaking ad-hoc qualitative research to improve our understanding of a programme’s strengths and weaknesses.
• Programme Planning & Strategy – giving guidance and audience analysis to the Scheduling team through detailed knowledge of our programmes and those of competitive channels.
• 4 Ventures – undertaking research to measure the performance and ongoing development of new channels such as E4 and FilmFour, and commissioning research to test the market for new channel concepts and new business opportunities.
• Marketing – carrying out research to track the image of Channel 4 and providing measures to evaluate the effectiveness of our media strategy.

 
Programme Planning and Strategy

Programme Planning & Strategy creates the Channel 4 and E4 programme schedules and prepares the schedule for press publication. In addition, the department costs the programme schedules and ensures they meet the corporate licence requirements.

Marketing

The role of the Marketing Department is to prioritise and promote key elements of Channel 4’s output. This involves the management of the on-air promotional time and the production of off-air advertising campaigns, in addition to brand stewardship, corporate communications, live events and affiliate relationships.
Press and Publicity

The press office handles all communication with the media.

 

 

The Revenue Converters

Agency Sales

To sell available Commercial Advertising minutage on Channel Four, E4 and Filmfour to advertising agencies and their clients.
Commercial Marketing & Research

The Commercial Marketing and Research Department’s primary role is to support the Agency Sales, Client and Strategic Sales and Sponsorship departments by ensuring that they are presented effectively to potential and existing advertisers and advertising agents on Channel 4.  The Research department uses a variety of research analysis tools as well as commissioning new research to gain a greater understanding of who our viewers are.  The department provides analysis on programmes, advertising campaigns and market sectors to help sell the channel to advertisers.  The Trade Marketing Department’s role is to devise and carry out an appropriate strategy for Channel 4’s (including E4) trade marketing activity taking into account the overall channel strategy, the marketplace, the development of new propositions and the information needs of the target market’
Commercial

Client & Strategic Sales

The Client & Strategic Sales Department (CSS) addresses the increasingly diverse needs of advertisers and their agency planners. The team’s role is two fold; firstly to develop new areas of business across all of Channel 4’s commercial activities, and secondly, to improve our dialogue with clients and agencies. The CSS team is the key point of contact for these two groups to discuss ideas, strategies and issues that will assist the objectives of our advertising partners

CSS works closely with the other commercial departments – Agency Sales, Sponsorship and Interactive – either to develop new business or assist with existing sales leads. The CSS Department regularly organises conferences and seminars – special forums within which Channel 4’s strengths as a medium and marketing partner can be presented to potential advertisers. In the last year we have held A New Advertisers Day, a Universities and Colleges forum and a Financial Services Marketing forum.

 

Airtime Management

Create Advertising Break Pattern to maximise Commercial Inventory. Predict Audience Ratings for Breaks. Book advertising campaigns in order to fulfil deals and maximise revenue. Create regular and ad hoc Reports. Assign correct Copy to Spots. Sequence Spot within Break to most optimal order. Generate advertising playlist for Commercial Transmission. Design and make Interactive Overlays, sell and administer Interactive Campaigns. Design Computer Systems to improve and develop current working practices. Comply and uphold ITC rules and regulations. Police and monitor all aspects of the deal parameters in order to sell airtime efficiently and maximise revenue for both Channel 4 and E4.

Sponsorship

The Sponsorship Department match commercial sponsors to TV programmes in such as a way as to help achieve the sponsors’ commercial objectives while optimising commercial revenues for Channel 4 Corporation. As with Advertising revenues, monies from sponsorship arrangements flow into a central pot which is then redistributed by the Board to the areas of programming deemed to be most appropriate. In partnership with the advertising agencies that represent sponsors the Department identifies sponsors, sells ideas, negotiates deals, helps produce sponsorship credits and administers the agreed contracts. Great care is taken in the selection of these sponsors and the production of sponsorship credits. The Department is also responsible for Advertiser Funded Programming where a sponsor will actually fund the production of a new programme at source, usually through the Production Company that have developed the programme idea.

 

The Delivery Mechanism
Channel Operations

Presentation and Broadcast Services provides presentation planning and transmission, programme tape management, project engineering and maintenance, and a viewer enquiries service. The department is responsible for channel play out (including commercials, programmes, promotions, interactive and ancillary services) of Channel 4, E4, E4+1, FilmFour, FilmFour+1 and FilmFour Weekly.

 

Engineering is responsible for the technical and operational aspects of Channel 4, E4, FilmFour and derived services over a variety of transmission platforms.  The department ensures technical standards are upheld; designs, installs and maintains all the broadcast technical facilities; and encompasses all VT Library services.

124 Facilities

To provide a studio and post production service to Channel 4 and associated companies and to provide a revenue return to the 4 Ventures group.

 

 

The Support Departments

Information Systems

Provision of Information Technology Projects, Services and Resources to Channel 4 Television Corporation.
Human Resources
Human Resources is responsible for providing a comprehensive Human Resources service to Channel 4 on a range of recruitment, employment and training & development matters.

 

Facilities Management

To provide office and building services for all Channel 4 and its subsidiaries

Finance

Provide financial services, control and reporting to Channel 4 Television and the Group

 

 

The Bigger Picture

Corporate Relations
Corporate Relations maintains and promotes Channel 4’s relations and image with key stakeholders.

 

Corporate

Offices of the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive.

Corporate Development

To provide commercial support to internal business units and develop commercial opportunities with external parties.

 

Strategy

The Strategy department has three main roles:   a) leading the development of Channel 4’s overall corporate strategy and communicating this strategy to the rest of the Channel;  b) helping individual departments develop and implement their own strategy within this framework; and,  c) gathering, analysing and communicating key market information of relevance to Channel 4.

 

 

4 Ventures

FilmFour Channel

The FilmFour Department is comprised of 3 key teams:  Programming, Marketing and Creative Services.  Their collective responsibility is to manage the programming and marketing of FilmFour Channel’s three premium pay-TV services which are distributed on Digital Satellite and Digital Cable platforms.

 

E4

The E4 Channel is a basic tier entertainment channel for the UK pay TV market aimed at 16-34 year olds and the role of E4 programmes is to provide original and acquired programming to satisfy this market.

The role of the E4 marketing department is to prioritise and promote key elements of E4’s output. This involves the management of E4 on air promotional airtime, cross-promotional airtime on Channel 4 as well as production of off air advertising campaigns. In addition, the role of the E4 marketing department is to develop and enhance the E4 brand and work with our distribution partners at Sky, ntl and Telewest to ensure that E4 remains an important element of all communication to subscriber bases.’

 

Consumer Products
The department’s role is to act as a creative manager of the retail rights of Channel 4 products that are sold via our joint venture partners direct to customers. This department also helps co-ordinate on-air promotion of Channel 4 linked products and operates the Channel 4 shop.

 

Rights (Channel Four International) Consumer Products

‘The Department’s role is to generate revenues for Channel 4 and its producer partners by licensing programme rights to product distributors and managing all aspects of product releases to the best advantage of Channel 4 and production companies.’

 

Interactive

4Channels Internet and Interactive TV is responsible for the development and production of consumer content for the WWW and Interactive TV platforms. Internet and iTV are now under Interactive departments. This department now includes telephony’.

4 Creative

4Creative covers the roles of both an advertising agency and production company.  We create and deliver both above and below the line advertising as well as indent sponsorship.

 

We do work for Channel 4 and its subsidiaries as well as external Clients, providing a full service, working alongside external media partners.

4 Ventutres Corporate

Provide managerial, financial, strategic and operational support to the 4 Ventures Businesses.

 

4 Ventures Interactive Commercial

4Interactive is responsible for the development of interactive services across all digital platforms – principally the web, interactive digital TV and telephony.

 

4 Ventures Interactive Technical

To provide interactive technical services to 4Ventures businesses, especially Interactive and 4Learning

-END

 

JASMINE WITH THIS YEARS UPCOMING ULTIMATE SEMINAR PANELISTS- RIZZLE KICKS

2 weeks away from the MOBO AWARDS 2011 where we once again celebrate and take pride in all our urban music acts have achieved this past 12 months.

Its important to note that an overly large percentage of young people want to be instant superstars these days with many lured to the dream job of becoming a music star.

The only way you should contemplate this road is if you really have some musical talent because believe me, many can become a one hit wonder and over night success on a catchy hit song or a cute ass. I have seen a distinct change in music acts from the days in the early nineties when I started at MTV to the caliber of talent now and trust me, its incomparable. Back then acts were truly passionate about the musical content they made and struggled for years to perfect their art both in the studio and live. Nowadays public opinion assumes that due to shows like X FACTOR that overnight success is something that’s owed to them if they simply reach out to people informing them that they are a singer.

2 decades ago I observed acts like Dr Dre, Take That and Mariah Carey in their studio’s song write, produce and perform their hearts out. These acts have still been relevant 2 decades later but establishments are handing out lifetime achievement accolades to younger acts like Britney. Seriously? Every act that tried to be a copycat Dre, Take That or Mariah arrived on the charts, caused a media stir for a minute and approximately 5 years down the line wasn’t heard from musically again. Many music platforms forget that legends have had a multitude of copycat acts follow in their paths. Can anyone deny that Usher, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo and Sisqo all wanted to be Michael Jackson? Can we really not see Mariah-isms in Christina Aguilera, Leona Lewis and Jessica Simpson? How about Boyz II Men influencing the JLS, Damage’s and Dru Hill’s of the world? Exactly! Homage should be paid. The MOBO family is doing just that by honoring Boyz II Men this year and I for one cant wait to break out into some old skool swing beat dances when they hit that stage in Glasgow!.

JASMINE WITH MOBO BEST NEW COMER NOMINEE ED SHEERAN

As you know I have special authorization to check out the voting process and I’m particularly intrigued by the BEST NEWCOMER category where its full sprint ahead for Ed Sheeran and Jessie J fans in their thousands nearly neck and neck, whilst Wretch32 and Yasmin are lagging a way behind with Loickk Essiens team needing to step it up cos his score was practically nil points!. I’m going online to vote again now!

I attended the BBC PANEL NEW BRAVE WORLD SERVICE evening where key figure heads from BBC NEWS, the foreign office and media debated the future of the BBC WORLD SERVIVE once its funding moves from the foreign office to in-house at the beeb. There were many passionate speakers including BBC world news editor Jon Williams, Asian editor of BBC world Rita Payne and director of BBC news peter Horrocks as well as a legion of former high profile foreign news correspondents like Martin Bell in the audience sat amongst us. The evening was held at the very impressive stately Marlborough house in Pall Mall where we were greeted on arrival by the sounds of a string orchestra. The debate was held in a large reception room so stunning that the wall showcased historical tapestries whilst the ceiling resembled a Michael Angelo fresco painted Sistine chapel style ceiling.

It was a lively debate where Rita was most impressive crusading for the things we all regularly complain about including ‘’The world service should counter stereotypes that many media portray about foreigners…. there used to be an old skool pride in the BBC world service but now there is disharmony amongst the diaspora for black & white stories’’. As we’ll as telling us amazing anecdotes of her time reporting from across the globe Rita also mentioned a story that stood out where she explained that ethnic groups were wrongly and unfairly treated, for example ‘’All the Muslim groups that helped police eradicate extremists from the Finsbury Park mosque were then demonized and had their funds cut by the government and media meaning that a whole community had been tarred unfairly when many are peace loving Brits’’.

Rita also mentioned another point my peers and I have been complaining about for years in that anytime a story of ethic interest or focus breaks that the same ‘’talking head pundits’’ from the BBC’s black contact book are circulated from programme to programme’’ that have no connection and are out of touch with the communities they claim to be speaking on behalf of. She highlighted the need to ‘’bring in on screen new perspectives from people that were more in touch’’. At that point I thought ‘ This is why the Cultural Diversity Network’ is so vital to us all!. If you are an aspiring or regular media player-join it!

Director Peter Horrocks reiterated the difference between an old skool journo and new explaining that ‘’Old school journo’s just delivered one platform. Now they deliver brilliant stories across all platforms including on air, on line, radio and beyond’’.

Also discussed was the issue of whether UK license fee payers would be happy paying for BBC world service from 2014- a service they can’t even get here themselves!

A quote mentioned on the night by Rita which I loved and will keep is ‘’Understanding the past, challenging the present and shaping the future’’.

Jon Williams revealed that the British public clearly still had a huge appetite for foreign news citing that the 3 highest rating stories in the UK for domestic audiences this year were; the Japan earthquake, the attacks in Norway and the Arab Spring news.

The panel also advised why the BBC are socially and morally conscious as ‘’we-the BBC has an obligation both to local and domestic services to stay in foreign places long after other reporters have left the scene’’. I myself am extremely proud of the BBC WORLD SERVICE when I’m abroad with my family in Asia and Africa when never does a day start without tem tuning in- that’s quality reputation when domestic residents turn to the BBC to hear trustworthy unbiased news about their own country before their own local news networks- I say value the BBC WORLD SERVICE cos without it our ‘’great British media rep’’ is slowly being cut away.

JASMINE WITH HER OLD MATE AND UMS SUPPORTER DAMON DASH

The buzz and excitement about this years ULTIMATE SEMINAR which will be held at the 02 on 23^RD OCTOBER has begun! Bought to you by the original Urban Music Seminar Group, a new and exciting series of summits re-emerge with a showcase debut featuring music in front and behind the scenes talent like Rizzle Kicks, Mz Bratt, Fem Fel, RD, Richard Antwi (Levels Entertainment/ Wretch32) and from sporting worlds people like Bradley Wright Philips (CAFC), Marc Bircham (QPR), dean Morgan (chesterfield FC), and more. Last year they had international video director Jake Nava and producer/artist labyrinth. A few years ago they had Damon dash, who knows who could spring up this year! The event aims to empower young adults through a series of mentoring panels within the creative and sport industries.  The Ultimate Seminar will enable attendees to learn valuable business tools and insights, have networking opportunities, and hear inspirational stories from those already established. The aim is to inspire, motivate and encourage today’s young adults to be successful, confident and business minded individuals. Guiding them to reach their full potential within their chosen career path. The Ultimate Seminar hopes to become the UK’s alternative answer to the careers advice services for the creative and sport industry. It promises to deliver credible speakers, inspiring life stories and debates to help empower future generations.People can register on line for tickets at

http://www.britishmusicexperience.com/theultimateseminar/ they say it’s about linking those who’ve made it with those that want to make it. I wanna make it-so I will be there!

Finally at LONDON360 NEWS we are currently exploring the themes related to gun crime in the UK and are interested in finding out how online content impacts the whole debate. Almost every gang has its own webpage and members co-ordinate campaigns of cyber bullying in which they force opponents who have strayed on to their turf to perform degrading acts and then upload them for the world to see. And the threats do not just exist in cyperspace but get played out in real terms on the streets in stabbings and shootings, leading to young men having to be “ghosted away” from their communities to safety. The internet has opened a chilling new chapter in the story of London gangs and is becoming a way of life, according to a special project manager at the Makeda Weaver Project, (a pan-London programme which helps free young people from the clutches of gangs). I would like to get your opinions on this as well speak to some of the young people out there regarding their opinions on the matter.

Here’s what my contacts at youtube told me this week regards their position on the violent content; ‘’YouTube guidelines ban content featuring violence, hate speech and incitement to commit crime. Users who see a video they believe is inappropriate can flag it to our staff, who review it immediately. Any content found to violate our policies is removed from YouTube immediately.”

By highlighting this content we are making a stand to ensure this content comes off our UK platforms and so if you find your YOUTUBE channel has been shutdown, you know we are moving to cleaning up our young peoples worlds. Peace. Literally.

JASMINE WITH THE OHTV-REAL TALK SHOW HOST AND PANELLISTS.

AS EVER A busy week!. To the BBC for the merger of the Cultural Diversity Network and Creative Disabilities Network , ten to the GQ Awards where a very stunning looking Leona Lewis wowed the ballroom, before I headed to the 50^th birthday party for clothes designer Roland Mouret.

Before all of that I was invited by OHTV to be part of their live debate show REAL TALK which is like Question Time but without a live audience in the studio-their viewers call in throughout the show. I had also featured I their line up of BLACK WOMEN IN MEDIA recently and whilst I am not visually what you expect to see when you talk about a black woman I am a woman of colour. I had mentioned this concern to the shows producers when first asked to be part of the line up and they assured me they considered me a black woman. My father’s side of the family and ancestry are all from Kenya and so I consider myself half African with African roots. A few online haters- funnily enough the same ones as usual- had a problem with this. I can see their point. But I also know that if in front of the KKK I would be seen as black as any other woman in the line up. I’ve shown more support to the ethnic community as a whole throughout my career and don’t ask for credit-but I wont justify my ethnicity to anyone that doesn’t know better It’s okay though; I do my job and let the haters do theirs. Haters have always loved me and I embrace them as they help me persevere against ignorance.

For OHTV’s REAL TALK show I was asked to be a part of the guest speakers as their theme that week was role models and I have very strong views on this subject. Show presenter Trish Adudu kept us all in line as we passionately debated back and fort.

My fellow panellists were American singing legend Kim Mazelle, 100 black men’s Michael Peters and 21-year-old Olympic 100m hopeful Tremayne Gilling.

I know that for many young people music stars and celebs are role models but I think that role models often start closer to home. If a young person see’s the local bad boy on the street running around with the flash car. Flash clothing, cute lady and wads of cash and the young person doesn’t have a parental figures attention and other options, clearly the bad boys lifestyle will be attractive and whilst the parents eye is off the ball, the bad boy swoops in and engages with the youth. Its not rocket science. If MTV Base and play station are babysitting your children because you’re too busy to encourage them to join a library or take advantage of the multitude of free activities that do exist in your local borough-then don’t be surprised when at the age of 6 your daughter writhing around dancing sexily and your son is desensitised to shooting, driving wildly and criminal activity which video games like grand theft auto encourage. Furthermore don’t imagine all youth that are bad are young black males. This is a media stereotype that mainstream press love to fixate upon. It’s a story as old as slavery where they are comfortable to keep black men in the box labelled ‘’sexual, exotic, violent, savage like stud’’. It’s the reason many press and media focus upon 50 Cent’s ‘’gangsta rap’’ side or describe an act like lethal b as a violent rapper as he has a hit song titled POW. Actually even an act like 50 does much philanthropic work but do the press ever want to talk about that? Hell no. I have a theory that media are afraid of articulate black people. I have proof to back this up. In all my years as an MTV reporter and producer, every time an act like Lauryn Hill or Mary J Bilge would appear for an interview, my colleagues would run to me concerned about their aggression or awkward behaviour.

There was never any aggression or awkward behaviour-these ladies were simply serious, articulate and wouldn’t put up with a journalist asking wishy-washy crap about their booty etc. Similarly acts like Akala that are smarter than most of us scare media to the bone. Many of them don’t know what to make of him and how to handle an intellectual, well-studied, positive black male so they’d rather avoid him. People talk about the fact that there aren’t any good young black male role models. What? Have you heard of actor, director and writer BAFTA AWARD WINNER Noel Clarke? How about Hollywood embraced UK actor, director, writer Aml Ameen? What about artist to Royal command for Prince Charles Phillip Butah?

JASMINE WITH ‘ROYAL ARTIST’ PHILLIP BUTAH.

Phillip hails from the areas of Forest Gate and Canning Town. At the age of 3 he started drawing. His teacher told his mum that he was a “gifted child” and Philip would help his class mates draw in class. A few years later when Philip was 15, for Prince Charles 50th birthday the PRINCES TRUST had a competition for young artists. Philips School teacher told him about the competition so Philip drew a self-portrait. After that he was invited to the palace for a reception and got to speak to the prince himself although he was (and still is) very shy so his mum did most of the talking LOL.

He continued to do art and Studied Fine Art it at Uni and Central St Martins. Years later and now in his late teens Philip took the bull by the horns and wrote a letter to prince Charles office asking if he could draw prince Charles. He explained to me that he likes drawing the people that have impacted his life. Can you believe there was no reply? For a very long time. At all. And then he heard back a year later!!!. The office called and gave him dates that he should make himself available for his 6 dates with royalty. So by royal request prince Charles sat for Philip between 2008-2009

Each session was 45 minutes to an hour long. Philip told me reminiscing about the usual protocol before coming into personal contact with the prince. Once cleared by security and inside his actual house the royal butler checks Philips bags and coats in before he enters the room. Philip calmly sets up his materials. The butler asks if he’d like a drink. Then you apparently wait. Prince Charles secretary briefs Philip. You must ‘’Call him “your Royal Highness” the first time you meet and then after that you call him “sir”’’ . Fascinating! At every first meeting you are required to bow/nod. Philip told me after that it was always casual and fun with ‘’the usual small talk. How are you? Etc. Then he sits. Then you sit. And we would talk throughout the session. About family. The country. When the session is done there’s a bit more small talk and then good bye’’. Philip told me he once asked Prince Charles if with all the thousands of people that he meets it all becomes a blur?. Charles replied “yes but some people do stand out” and Philip thought ‘’I hope I’m one of them!’’ . with all the portraits of prince Charles that Philips drawn, prince Charles has one in his collection and Philip has the rest. Philip added ‘’prince Charles has always taken an interest in my career and my studio situation’’.

As if that wasn’t enough great synergy, Philip also kept in touch with the organizers of the Princes trust art competition, which he entered at the age of 15 and their son who was a similar age to himself. Over the years Philip and their son stayed friends and promised to support each other in their big ambitious plans of making it big. That friend was to become chart topper Ed Sheeran. Which is why when Ed’s album which is out this week comes out-the image of Ed’s face that has been drawn is by…. you guessed it…Philip Butah! Apparently once when they were both hanging out together at Philips house he drew Ed and both agreed if Ed ever got famous then Philip would do his album cover.

JASMINE WITH CHART TOPPER ED SHEERAN(ALBUM ”+” -COVER DESIGNED BY PHLLIP BUTAH- IS OUT NOW!)

Talk about making your own luck! Philip told me ‘’Ed’s always been focused and ambitious’. Ed used to say to Philip “Philip Butah plus Ed Sheeran equals music plus art. ”

Philips enjoyed his time making Ed’s album cover so much he wants to stay connected to the music scene although he also has a lot of private clients and footballers. It takes 3 days averagely for a Philip Butah portrait. Priced from 1500 upwards which pays for his labour, cost of materials, travelling and framing. This Philip tells me has been dream job. He would also love to draw a lot of the grime acts as they’re so interesting. Especially Wiley and Tinie Tempah. Because he reveals to me ‘’Mostly due to what they’ve accomplished and what they mean to me…I’d love to have a Grime artists exhibition’’. I have no doubt that he will. Follow your dreams son. Onwards and upwards!

AFROBEATS FESTIVAL;ABI WILSON-OBRUCHE (PHOENIX MEDIA) and  MOBO CEO KANYA KING, WITH  (PETER AND PAUL) PSQUARE BACKSTAGE.

So much went on over carnival weekend. Post riots there were many that didn’t want to attend worried about more violence. Others decided it would be the safest carnival ever for opposing reasons. Whatever the case the general consensus was that carnival was quieter than its ever been. The spirit that carnival used to have years ago can never be recaptured with the time restrictions and barriers across most roads. Carnival is about freedom and joy. Notting hill is controlled and awkward. Furthermore this year I didn’t go to carnival as rampage sound system weren’t there but there was so much else happening across the capital and beyond.

WIZKID AT THE AFROBEATS FESTIVAL

The Afrobeats Festival held on Sunday 28th August Brought London to a standstill!

No one could have prepared the 5000+ fans for the type of show the organisers had in store for them. Choice Fm DJ Abranteee did an awesome job in hyping the crowd. But it wasn’t until 2011 Mobo award nominee Wizkid came on stage that the crowd went nuts.

Wizkid thrilled the audience with hits such as ‘Don’t dull’ & ‘Tease me’, the response from the crowd was epic. The adrenaline in the venue was at its all time high when Wizkid jumped into the crowd! He left he’s female fans in tears. When Wizkid left the stage, it felt as if the show couldn’t get any better. Little did the crowd know that Psquare was about to give them a world-class performance! Witnessed by Mobo CEO Kanya King, Head of MTV Africa Alex Okosi and Ex Governor Lagos state, Bola Tinubu, Nigerian Duo Psquare, who are also previous Mobo award nominees shocked the crowd with a spectacular set. Their choreography was out of this world as they performed all their classics and gave the crowd exclusive new songs from their new album ‘Invasion’. Psquare brought the Afrobeats Festival to a climax when they performed Africa’s biggest ballad ‘No one like you’ acapella. The Afrobeats Festival exceeded everyone’s expectations and the organisers Cokobar, Phoenix Media and SMADE in association with Choice FM outdid themselves. It was an award winning night, which now raises expectations for the Afrobeats Festival 2012!

The next day African star D’Banj did a solo show where his label boss Kanye West jumped onstage with him and twitter went nuts with cries of ‘’OMG Kanye West is onstage with D’Banj and just gave him his G.O.O.D MUSIC chain!’’.

JASMINE WITH TINCHY STRYDER AT THE MOBO AWARDS LAUNCH PARTY.

The weekend didn’t stop there as the whole of London’s urban music industry and beyond made their way to the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel where it was the annual MOBO nomination launch party. The previous parties were held at London’s Mayfair hotel but I told MOBO CEO and my mate Kanya King that it would be refreshing to see it at a new venue and the St Pancras renaissance is new, on the doorstep of linking us to the rest of Europe and a lovely ornate grand staircase connects the rooms.

On arrival there was already a huge wide red carpet covered with paparazzi and fans and on entering the glass function room we were greeted with champagne and soft tropical juices. Nibbles on silver trays were handed out as the nominations were announced to all attending.

UK chart topper Jessie J leads with 5 nominations,  whilst obvious nominee Adele is up for 4. Other females with 4 nominations include Katy B, Emeli Sande and Yasmin whilst males with 4 nom’s include Wretch32 and Tinie Tempah- all extremely well deserved nods.

Also amazing to note that new kids on the block Rizzle Kicks got 3 nominations! I only had lunch with their team 2 months ago saying they were working with a new duo and here they are-arrived!

JASMINE WITH MZ BRATT AT THE MOBO LAUNCH PARTY.

At the launch party N Dubz (minus their female lead star Tulisa), were causing their usual attention grabbing commotion on the press run, Tinchy was professionally doing all his press in his stunner shades, Princess Nyah was poured into a racy red dress highlighting her curves and rocking a particularly vertiginous pair of leopard print sky scraper platforms, Mz Bratt rocked a casual trendy look highlighting that pretty face that people keep talking about, wretch was rocking a long, big sheepskin looking coat and looked extremely pleased with himself, newcomer to island records Josh Osho performed, legend in the game Omar looked chuffed with his nomination, Scorcher was running around with Eastenders actress Preeya Kalidas, pop trio Ruff Diamondz were working their young and up for it look.

This night always makes the longer in the tooth players like myself smirk. It’s a night when every manager drags out their new emerging act onto the red carpet in hope of a sprinkle of the main action but most media just turn away and whisper ‘’who’s that?’’ to each other before moving on leaving the acts looking awkward with frozen smiles. There were more than ever of them this year and like last year I bet this time next year 1 of those has broken through. It’s a tough game and if youre in it for the long haul its good to know that all the acts you see that are successful now have been slogging away for years. its never an overnight sensation.

In the main room were industry tastemakers from every brand including ChoiceFM, Radio1Xtra, Hub entertainment, hiphop.com, pinboardblog, dj abrantee, DJ Shortee Blitz, SBTV, Ras Kwame. I still wish the MOBOs had kept the BEST DJ award. I know it caused a lot of controversy but in the urban music scene the DJ is the number1 tastemaker and so integral to the music’s success-it seems wrong to eliminate it. Also just for purely selfish personal reasons I used to love the DJ bitching sessions that this brought on!

I know the show will be great in Glasgow on October 5^th as I’ve worked on MTV Awards there. The city is buzzing, friendly, and the first city outside London that held the MOBOs and with Boys II Men performing at this years show I know it’s going to be another winner! .

JASMINE WITH THE BIGGEST BLACK WOMEN IN MEDIA!

A hectic summers week in London town which last night saw the annual MOBO PRE LAUNCH NOMINATION party at a slick new hotel in town which I suggested MOBO CEO Kanya King try out as an alternative option to the usual venue- (all the goss from that next time!),

My weekends have been as hectic as my week with me hosting Sunday dinner for family and friends which saw me cooking and juggling pots of every size on my stove and ensuring all food was simultaneously ready (a feat in itself!) and delicious (juggling everyone’s hot pepper levels) as everyone’s stomachs were starving. Just as I was exhaling with a vision for a foot massage my 11 year old godson Elliott then demanded I get up again and make him his favourite-‘’Jasmines pancakes’’-so up I was again, my belly growing daily as I cook up feats left right and centre.

I managed to fit in lunches with a number of artists both established and new; Alesha Dixon talked to LONDON 360 NEWS about the traumatic horror of female mutilation (more on that in a later juice too!),

Singer Princess Nyah popped up to the BBC to have a non-healthy muffin and cinnamon latte lunch with me-by the end of it we were both ready to take over the globe!.

JASMINE WITH RUFF DIAMONDZ AT THEIR HIP HOP KARAOKE.

Female music trio Rough Diamondz (RD) threw a private hip-hop karaoke night at THE SOCIAL which brought out the gangsta in everyone present. The trio and their label Polydor threw the party to celebrate the groups latest single ‘’Got Me Burnin’’ and so we could all have some serious fun. Every media tastemaker from both tabloid print press and radio and TV were all in attendance. Former Daily Mirror 3AM legend now at The Times-Eva Simpson, current Daily mirror 3AM girl Sarah Tettah, MTV talent representatives, record label big wigs, heat magazine, bliss magazine, top of the pops magazine, Sunday Mirror, The Sun, Daily Star, Star Magazine, and The Guardian! The list of willing performers was constantly full as we all wanted a piece of the action and many Polydor staff were surprisingly good-particularly a pair of straight nerdy looking white guys that dropped a Dre classic-their rhythm and lyrical flow was tight! RD jumped onstage to perform a few classics including Lauryn Hills ‘’That Thing’’ as well as Rick Ross’ BMH. Their energy was crazy infectious as a good artists always is. They also of course performed their single and were pleasantly shocked half way through as a load of dancers just jumped onstage and shocked out alongside them. I so badly wanted to get my hands on the mic. My peeps will tell you that I’m a karaoke nightmare and never give the mic up-its so much fun. But this was a music industry crowd and I didn’t have the balls to take the stage solo. My buddies who are fellow record label players and artists that shall remain nameless bottled it and so my possible moment of glory was lost!

The next night it was my work summer party on a moored boat on the river Thames before the week ended with the BBC CARNIVAL PARTY for staff and friends where singer Janet Kay performed as did actor/singer Victor Evans alongside Genesis Carnival Dancers- as usual a proper sweaty all out rave!

On Saturday photographer to the hip-hop elite Paul H threw a BBQ at his home and then I finally topped it off by attending the huge Afrobeats festival at Hammersmith Apollo where Award winning Afro Pop sensations P Square, Whiz Kid, Ice Prince and more did their thing!

Something I was honoured to be asked to be a part of was a TV series called ‘Black Women: In The Media’ Discover their journey to success!

It’s a three part documentary TV series that gives an exclusive insight into some of the UK’s most successful and talented women, paving the way in the Media Industry today. It’s premiering on 1^st September on OHTV (parts 2 and 3 on the 8^th and the 15^th- If you’re reading JASMINES JUICE from outside of the UK the show repeats across OH Africa and OH USA).

Alongside myself it features; ITN Journalist Charlene White, BBC Arts and Entertainment Correspondent Brenda Emmanus, Founder of Colorblind Cards and JH PR Jessica Huie, MD of VA-PR (World Music Awards) Vanessa Amadi, CEO of LGN Events (Producers for London Fashion Week) Yolande Letshou, BBC and OH TV Producer Michelle Brooks, Radio Presenter for Premier Gospel Radio Amma Aning, Award-winning Book Author Malorie Blackman OBE and Media Brand Consultant to MOBO Awards and Justin Timberlake Kubi Springer. it gives an exclusive up close and personal account of the highs and lows of our journeys’ to success. Dynamic and honest, we all discuss what it took for us to push past the boundaries and excel as Black women in Britain today.

To complement the show, Pride Magazine even dedicated a double page spread in their September issue to us, which was fabulous. As if that wasn’t enough there’s going to be a billboard campaign across London starting from 1^st September which makes us all look like super heroes. All of us ladies were whisked to a studio one summers afternoon and whipped into hair and makeup to tell our stories accompanied by sexy bubbly cocktails and the bonding and sharing experience immediately generated a whole new set of friendships and a network that I’m proud to have been a part of. Thank you everyone for a wonderful experience and a timeless, positive bit of TV content. I’ll be sure to tune in with my peeps for a VIP screening-(and of course it’ll be ladies only cos ‘who runs the world-GIRLS!’