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Canadian Kiefer O’Reilly on Hallmark, Buddy Love and Vancouver

Photo courtesy of Premiere Talent Management

By Scott Campbell

Canadian Kiefer O’Reilly remembers – sort of – his first role appearing on screen.

“When Calls the Heart,” he said, the character’s name was Ephraim Noonan. “It was a Hallmark TV show. I had two lines. It was something about a funnel cake. That’s all I remember.”

Although O’Reilly’s experience with the show was brief, When Calls the Heart is still running. It was recently renewed for a twelfth season.

O’Reilly took the Hallmark wave into Christmas movies and featured in two – Time for You to Come Home for Christmas (2019) and Holiday Road (2023).

“There’s a huge following to those types of things,” he said. “There’s apparently a ‘Comic Con’ sort of thing just for Hallmark. A bunch of people go to that.”

(There’s an upcoming Christmas Con 2024 in Edison, Jersey, set for December and features appearances by Hallmark stars.)

“Holiday Road, we shot that last summer,” said O’Reilly. “It was really fun to work on. It didn’t feel like a Hallmark movie. Holiday Road, I felt, took it more as a comedy first. There are still many aspects of love and relationships like every good Hallmark movie.”

The synopsis of Holiday Road reads: “Stranded at an airport, a group of holiday travellers agrees to rent a van for a road trip to Denver. When their unexpected journey leads them into uncharted territory, they must navigate a series of misadventures that brings them closer together.”

BUDDY LOVE

Hallmark may make an impression, but it’s not O’Reilly’s big 2024 news. He is now a short film award winner. His project, Buddy Love, recently won at the London Global Film Awards with ‘Best Short Film,’ ‘Best Director,’ and Honorable Mention for ‘Best Screenplay.’

And who was the director? Kiefer O’Reilly.

“That was super fun to film,” he said. “Tom Cavanagh was insane to direct, and I’ve been a fan of his for a long time. It was a little bit surreal directing him.”

“I’m super proud of Buddy Love. I saw a lot of the other short films and I was a little bit surprised on how much it is winning.”

“The quick gist of the story,” said O’Reilly. “This guy Henry (played by Geoff Gustafson) whose wife passed away a long time ago. He hasn’t gotten over her. With the help of a robot (voiced by Cavanagh), who comes from this dating service, he helps rekindle love, but kind of in a different way, hopefully, you wouldn’t expect.”

O’Reilly hopes Buddy Love will be out on YouTube soon, along with other platforms. The short film has been in festivals for nearly a year now, but not many of his friends and family have watched it. The project, he said, had to have a festival run for a year before it could be released.

O’Reilly says a short film can be 40 minutes or two minutes. But the sweet spot is in the 12 to 20-minute range. Buddy Love runs for about 13 minutes.

“You don’t have the audience’s attention for an hour and a half,” he said,”because they are sitting down to watch a short film. If they want to watch a movie, they would watch an hour and a half movie.”

“Piper, the Pixar short film, is like 2 minutes, and it’s so good. There are ways you tell a story that are very short or very long. It is honestly up to the story.”

VANCOUVER

Buddy Love shot in Vancouver, where O’Reilly is from.

O’Reilly is a Vancouver Canucks fan, even with his claim of being part of Mighty Ducks history. He played on the Disney Plus series The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers. But he has since lined up other projects, too.

“I wrapped Playdate with Kevin James. He’s great to work with and super funny. You can tell he’s super passionate about the stuff he works on and wants to get it right. He would be doing different stuff over and over…I learned a lot from someone from that scale. There’s Happy Face and (an episode of) Alert.”

The day of the interview was O’Reilly’s birthday. He had turned 17 and was soon to get his license.

“I’m not a big cake guy,” he said. “I don’t like cake at all, if I’m being honest. I know it’s a hot take.”

Greenbank Senior Public School’s 1978 Rendition of Blood, Sweat & Tears “Spinning Wheel”

In 1978, the talented students of Greenbank Senior Public School came together to deliver a performance that’s nothing short of magical—a joyful, spirited take on the Blood, Sweat & Tears classic, “Spinning Wheel.” With a school band and choir that could rival professionals, these young Canadian musicians captured the essence of the song with an energy and enthusiasm that’s downright infectious.

Al Jourgensen’s Shasta Jingle: The Unbelievable Pop Gem from Ministry’s Mastermind

Before he redefined the sound of industrial metal with Ministry, Al Jourgensen was secretly crafting one of the most infectious pop jingles of the 80s—the Shasta jingle! The same genius behind the heaviest, darkest tracks in music history also gave us the bubbly, feel-good anthem that had everyone singing about their favorite soda in 1983.

The T.A.M.I. Show 1964: The Groundbreaking Concert Film That Pioneered High-Definition Music Cinema

Imagine witnessing rock and roll history captured in a groundbreaking format that laid the foundation for the future of music videos! The T.A.M.I. Show, filmed in 1964 using the revolutionary Electronovision system, brought together the biggest stars of the time in one electrifying concert. This cutting-edge technology, a precursor to today’s high-definition, gave the world a chance to experience these iconic performances on the big screen like never before. Dive into this seminal moment that not only captured the raw energy of a live show but also set the stage for the entire music film industry. Get ready to experience the ultimate rock and roll lineup with The Barbarians, The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, James Brown and the Famous Flames, Marvin Gaye, Gerry and the Pacemakers, Lesley Gore, Jan and Dean, Billy J. Kramer and the Dakotas, The Miracles, The Rolling Stones, and The Supremes all on one stage!

How the marching band became synonymous with college sports

By Mitch Rice

While college sports in America are big in their own right, the marching bands that accompany the events that take place have become synonymous with the spectacles.

The events are among some of the biggest in America, as sports fans are extremely passionate about the games that are played at that level. Whether it be college football, basketball, or even baseball, there are many who will go out of their way to support a college team as much as they would support a professional team.

Events like the Rose Bowl and March Madness are known worldwide because of the prestige that they have attached to them, which has attracted viewers from around the globe. Some have even looked to engage in sport betting activities based on these events, simply because of how big they have become.

Why have marching bands become synonymous with college sports?

While sporting fixtures are often the main attraction, marching bands have helped to increase their popularity.

Social media has perhaps helped to provide exposure to a more international market and audience, as video clips have gone viral for performances that have taken place on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok. Examples have included shows that have been choreographed to look like a story is being told from above.

Entertainment is a massive part of the sports culture in the US, with the Super Bowl perhaps the biggest example of this. The Super Bowl halftime show is one of the most watched shows each year, with many looking forward to whoever might be headlining that year’s show. The college game might not be as big internationally, but the marching bands help to keep them entertained. As has been the case, there’s every chance that these performances can go as viral as one from an artist with an established reputation.

A respect for marching bands

Unlike some other forms of game entertainment, marching bands appear to have a lot of respect from fans who witness their performances, which is why they have become an integral part of the college sports scene.

Some have argued that it should be a sport in itself because of the intensity that can be experienced. The routines need a lot of discipline and organization, endurance because of how intense marches can be, as well as having technical skills and hand-eye coordination because they must play a musical instrument at the same time as walking. For many, there are some who can’t walk and talk on a mobile, which perhaps helps to highlight the difficulty of marching and playing an instrument, as well as knowing where to go.

Should marching bands remain in college sports?

For many, marching bands can be one of the best forms of entertainment that can be enjoyed during a half-time event, and they should remain part of the college sports scene.

Many others immediately associate college football with marching bands and vice versa, showing just how synonymous they have become and why they help to build the atmosphere further.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

Tears For Fears Are Coming to Fontainebleau Las Vegas with Three Shows

Iconic British duo Tears For Fears are headed to Las Vegas this fall with Songs for a Nervous Planet, an exclusive three-night live event at BleauLive Theater inside Fontainebleau Las Vegas. The shows will take place on Wednesday, Oct. 30, Friday, Nov. 1 and Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 at 8 p.m.

Early access pre-sale for these limited run of dates starts Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. PT with the fan pre-sale.

Citi is the official card of Tears For Fears’ exclusive Las Vegas engagement at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Citi cardmembers will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, Aug. 20 at 12 p.m. PT until Thursday, Aug. 22 at 10 p.m. PT through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete pre-sale details visit citientertainment.com.

Additional pre-sales will be held throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, Aug. 23 at 10 a.m. PT at tearsforfears.com.

“It’s been a while since we’ve been on the road and are very eager to share this live show experience with everyone,” explains bandmates Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith. “You can expect to hear tracks from our 2022 album The Tipping Point as well as fan favorites. Be sure to listen closely though as there may be something new sprinkled in there as well.”

This exclusive run of shows follows The Tipping Point World Tour and The Tipping Point Tour Part II, an extensive run of global dates in 2022 and 2023 that featured legendary stateside performances at Madison Square Garden in New York and the Hollywood Bowl in Los Angeles. The tour was in support of the band’s first studio album in seventeen years, The Tipping Point, which was released in late February 2022 to rave reviews. According to Pitchfork, Vulture, Stereogum and more it was one of the year’s most anticipated albums and went on to receive widespread critical and commercial praise.

Don Henley’s “Building the Perfect Beast” Is Getting A 40th Anniversary Edition

Available on 2 LPs for the first time, this 40th anniversary edition of Don Henley’s triple platinum classic album Building the Perfect Beast has been remastered from the original analog tapes and is pressed on 180-gram vinyl. It features the hit singles “The Boys of Summer,” “All She Wants to Do Is Dance” and “Not Enough Love in the World.” It comes out on October 4th and will also be available digitally.

Selections
Side A:
The Boys of Summer
You Can’t Make Love
Man with a Mission

Side B:
You’re Not Drinking Enough
Not Enough Love in the World
Building the Perfect Beast

Side C:
All She Wants to Do Is Dance
A Month of Sundays

Side D:
Sunset Grill
Drivin’ with Your Eyes Closed
Land of the Living

Wireless Stereo Headset Market to Reach $173.1 Billion, Globally, by 2033

Allied Market Research published a report, titled, “Wireless Stereo Headset Market by Product Type (wireless stereo earbuds, neckband headsets and over-ear headphones), Technology (Bluetooth, near field communication and radio frequency), and Application (consumer electronics, gaming headset and fitness & sports): Global Opportunity Analysis and Industry Forecast, 2024-2033″. According to the report, The global wireless stereo headset market was valued at $42.7 billion in 2023, and is projected to reach $173.1 billion by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 15.1% from 2024 to 2033.

The growth of the wireless stereo headset market is primarily driven by several key factors. The technological advancements in wireless communication, particularly Bluetooth technology, have significantly enhanced the reliability, range, and sound quality of wireless headsets, thereby expanding their appeal to consumers. Moreover, the proliferation of smartphones and other mobile devices has spurred demand for convenient, hands-free audio solutions, fostering the adoption of wireless stereo headsets for activities such as listening to music, gaming, and making calls. In addition, the increasing consumer preference for immersive audio experiences, facilitated by features such as noise cancellation and spatial audio, has further propelled market growth. Furthermore, lifestyle trends favoring fitness and outdoor activities have boosted the demand for rugged, sweat-resistant wireless headsets suitable for active use. The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and voice assistants into headsets has added functionality and convenience, attracting tech-savvy consumers.

The true wireless stereo buds have high demand in wireless stereo headset market. This is due to their unmatched convenience and portability. These earbuds offer users freedom from tangled wires and are favored for their compact, lightweight design, making them ideal for active lifestyles and daily use. Advancements in Bluetooth technology, such as improved connectivity and enhanced sound quality with versions like Bluetooth 5.0 and 5.2, further bolster their appeal. TWS earbuds also come equipped with advanced features like active noise cancellation, touch controls, and seamless integration with voice assistants, catering to tech-savvy consumers seeking innovative audio solutions.

The bluetooth have high demand in wireless stereo headset market. It enables seamless connections across a wide range of devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, without the need for proprietary connectors. Users benefit from the freedom of wireless connectivity, allowing them to move freely during activities such as commuting or exercising. Advancements in Bluetooth, such as Bluetooth 5.0 and beyond, have significantly improved connection stability, range, and data transfer speeds, ensuring a reliable audio experience with minimal latency. Setting up Bluetooth headsets is straightforward, often featuring simple pairing processes and automatic connection capabilities.

The consumer electronics have high demand in wireless stereo headset market. Consumer electronics are highly sought after in the wireless stereo headset market due to their versatility and integration with modern technology. These headsets cater to a broad range of everyday activities such as listening to music, watching videos, gaming, and making calls, appealing to diverse consumer preferences. Seamless integration with smartphones, tablets, and other smart devices enhances functionality with features like hands-free calling, voice assistant support, and app connectivity, providing users with enhanced convenience. Accessibility through various retail channels ensures easy availability, allowing consumers to find and purchase headsets that meet their specific needs.

Regional Outlook 

North America dominates the wireless stereo headsets market for several key reasons that underscore its leadership in the industry. The region boasts a high rate of technological adoption and innovation, with consumers eagerly embracing new audio technologies such as wireless stereo headsets. Strong consumer demand is fueled by widespread smartphone use, a growing appetite for mobile entertainment, and a preference for premium audio experiences. Major tech giants headquartered in North America, including Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon, lead the industry with cutting-edge products and influential market strategies. Economic prosperity contributes to higher disposable incomes, allowing consumers to invest in advanced audio solutions.

Recent Developments:

  • In October 2021, Apple debuted the AirPods 3rd Generation, presenting a redesigned form reminiscent of the AirPods Pro but without active noise cancellation. This model boasted enhanced sound quality and support for spatial audio.
  • In January 2021, Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Buds Pro in, highlighting features such as active noise cancellation (ANC), a sleek design, and improved sound quality, catering to users seeking top-tier wireless earbuds.

Meta and Universal Music Group Announce Expanded Global Agreement

Meta and Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announced an expanded global, multi-year agreement that will further evolve the creative and commercial opportunities for UMG artists and Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG) songwriters across Meta’s global network of platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Horizon, Threads and, for the first time, WhatsApp.

The new agreement reflects the two companies’ shared commitment to protecting human creators and artistry, including ensuring that artists and songwriters are compensated fairly.  As part of their multifaceted partnership, Meta and UMG will continue working together to address, among other things, unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters.

The new agreement builds upon the strategic framework established with 2017’s landmark agreement between the two companies, which ushered in a new era of collaboration between the music industry and the company then known as Facebook. Under the 2017 agreement, UMG became the first major music company to license its recorded music and music publishing catalogs across Facebook’s platforms.  In turn, Facebook took a pioneering role as music’s first fully licensed partner among the major social media platforms.

Meta’s platforms have long been a destination for artists and writers to connect directly with fans to expand audience and depth of connection.  Since 2017, the companies have worked closely together to explore new emergent channels and creative ways for licensed music to thrive within the entire Meta ecosystem, including Facebook, Instagram, virtual reality experiences across Meta Quest and Horizon, User Generated Content (UGC), live streaming and other Meta products.  The new agreement expands monetization opportunities for UMG, and its artists and songwriters, even further with short form video, building on Meta and UMG’s joint track record of innovation and collaboration. In addition, UMG has partnered with Meta to license music for WhatsApp, unlocking new value for UMG artists and songwriters in the future.

Tamara Hrivnak, VP Music and Content Business Development at Meta, said, “We are thrilled to announce our renewal with Universal Music Group, and Universal Music Publishing Group, both of whom are innovators for music on social media, especially with regard to Meta’s family of apps.  This partnership builds on the recognition that music can help connect us and bring fans, artists, and songwriters closer together, not only on established platforms such as Instagram and Facebook, but also in new ways on WhatsApp, and more.  We’re extremely grateful to the Universal team, and look forward to growing our partnership in the future.”

Michael Nash, Chief Digital Officer & EVP, Universal Music Group said, “Since our landmark 2017 agreement, Meta has consistently demonstrated its commitment to artists and songwriters by helping to amplify the importance music holds across its global network of engaged communities and platforms, creating new opportunities and applications where music amplifies and leads engagement and conversations.  We are delighted that Meta shares our artist-centric vision for respecting human creativity and compensating artists and songwriters fairly. We look forward to continuing to work together to address unauthorized AI-generated content that could affect artists and songwriters, so that UMG can continue to protect their rights both now and in the future.”

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That Eric Alper
6-time nominee for Publicist of the Year during Canadian Music Week, a 16-time JUNO Award winner overseeing PR campaigns, and have also been truly honoured to work with some of the biggest and most important artists of our time.

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