LOS ANGELES- Planet Shark has been selected the EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER of the Sony Urban Hip Hop R&B Showcase (LA/Hollywood - June 2004)

PLANET SHARK PRODUCTIONS, the LA-based production company behind Shark's hugely popular online global showbiz "Industry Insider Forum," announced it's been selected as the EXCLUSIVE LA-AREA PRODUCER of the SONY URBAN Hip Hop R&B Showcase (June 2004 - LA/Hollywood - Specific Dates, Co-Producers, and Sponsors TBA).

LOS ANGELES, CA (PRWEB) March 28, 2004 --Planet Shark has been selected the EXCLUSIVE PRODUCER of the Sony Urban Hip Hop R&B Showcase (June 2004 - LA/Hollywood - Specific Dates, Co-Producers, and Sponsors TBA)

PLANET SHARK PRODUCTIONS, the LA-based production company behind Shark's hugely popular online global showbiz "Industry Insider Forum," announced it's been selected as the EXCLUSIVE LA-AREA PRODUCER of the SONY URBAN Hip Hop R&B Showcase (June 2004 - LA/Hollywood - Specific Dates, Co-Producers, and Sponsors TBA).

Sony Urban, a division of Sony Music and home to many of the worlds most popular hip-hop and R&B performers including Destinys Child, Beyonce, Bow Wow, Kelly Rowland, Ginuwine, Jagged Edge, Lil Flip, Xzibit, Nas and Amerie (as well as underground stalwarts such as Bravehearts, Grafh and DJ Kayslay, and Three 6 Mafia) has launched a nationwide search for Americas hottest undiscovered rap, hip-hop and R&B talent. The label announced it will sponsor a 20-city showcase event series in various U.S. markets in 2004 and it is currently looking for rappers, singers and producers.

The showcases will be co-produced by local hip-hop promoters in each market - with Planet Shark holding the exclusive rights to LA/Hollywood. Invited participants will be screened and selected through a music submission process administered by Sony Urban and showcase production partner GigAmerica. Aspiring artists are encouraged to visit www.gigamerica.com/sony/index.asp for submission guidelines and other details (or email showcases@gigamerica.com and mention planet shark sent you*). The submission period will vary according to the Showcase schedule. Additional nationwide showcase dates and locations will be announced on the Sony and GigAmerica Web sites later this month. The entire Showcase Series is expected to run for 8-10 months.

GigAmerica is one of the premier independent music resources in the country," said Sony Urban A&R executive Joe Cerini. Were very excited to be working with them to find Americas hottest new hip-hop and R&B talent." Sony Urban Senior VP of A&R Dino DelVaille added This Showcase Series is about taking a good look at underground artists from all over the US, especially those without high-powered managers and attorneys to shop their music. Sony Urban always has an ear to the streets and these showcases will take us directly into the markets where the stars of tomorrow live." Planet Shark's "head shark" offered an equally enthused comment "Music and music video production have always held a special place in our hearts but it was not until we segment produced 'Hip Hop Nation' that we became truly involved with the urban (music) scene ... It's a remarkable world that's filled with some amazing underground artists who we're proud to support and help discover."

Up to 50 acts per night will be heard by Sony A&R reps, who will fly from New York City to attend each of the showcases. In addition to Los Angeles, other announced cities that will host Sony Urban showcases include Boston, Virginia Beach, Charlotte, Birmingham, Montgomery, Atlanta, Jackson, Louisville, New Orleans, Orlando, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Memphis, San Antonio, Chicago, St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbus, Detroit, Denver, and San Francisco. LA sponsorship opp's available via Planet Shark (see below).

Nationwide Submission Inquiries to Sony/Gig America: showcases@gigamerica.com **Note your City and mention Planet Shark in subject**
LA Sponsorship Inquires to Planet Shark: sohosharky@aol.com **Note "Sony Urban Sponsorship" in subject" **
LA Media Inquires to Planet Shark: sohosharky@aol.com **Note "Sony Urban Media Inquiry" in subject" **
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"If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten." - Anthony Robbins
               
ABOUT PLANET SHARK PRODUCTIONS: Los Angeles film and video production company specializing in short format media projects and music videos. Planet Shark also produces, markets, and promotes film, record, and DVD release parties & other industry events. Shark's popular global showbiz website has 1000's of industry links, a live entertainment news ticker, and an "Industry Insider Forum" that's packed with industry jobs, music gigs, showbiz events, resumes, loglines & more. Over 1.2 MILLION industry visitors have orbited Planet Shark since our February 2003 relaunch and we're currently generating 130,000+ monthly hits. For more information, visit SHARK'S GLOBAL SHOWBIZ FORUM: http://pub64.ezboard.com/bplanetshark - To join Shark's LA Industry Events list, visit our Yahoo! Groups button on our homepage: http://www.planetsharkproductions.com