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Incandescent light bulb ban goes into effect next week on July 28, 2023 at 2:11 pm Business News | The Hill

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DALLAS (NewsNation) — Starting next week, Americans will only be able to purchase LED lights from retailers across the nation as an official ban on incandescent lightbulbs will go into effect.

Come Tuesday, while it won’t be illegal to own incandescent light bulbs, it will be illegal for stores to sell them and companies to manufacture them.

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The federal government’s warnings started in January and have been getting progressively more aggressive as they want to make sure Americans don’t go back in time. The government announced a ban on the manufacturing and selling of incandescent bulbs, saying it will help Americans save money and help the environment.

Everyone will have to purchase LED or compact fluorescent light bulbs instead.

However, some critics of the ban are calling it government overreach, saying lawmakers should let Americans make their own decisions about the light bulbs in their houses.

The Department of Energy says LED lights provide more light using 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent light bulbs. Plus, LED lights are estimated to save families about $100 per year.

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The average cost of an LED light bulb ranges from $5 to $7 each, while an incandescent light bulb would normally range from $2 to $3 a bulb, according to a report from Lifehacker. However, LED bulbs save money in the long run because they use less energy to run and last longer.

The agency also claimed that discontinuing inefficient incandescent lights will save Americans nearly $3 billion yearly and substantially reduce carbon dioxide emissions over 30 years.

Despite the long-term benefits, some people said the decision to make the light switch should be their own, not the government’s.

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Last week, a House subcommittee discussed the ban at a hearing titled, “Canceling Consumer Choice: Examining the Biden administration’s regulatory assault on American’s home appliances.”

“I’m happy the Department of Energy is out here making sure that we can all save money because we’re too dumb to figure out how to do it ourselves,” Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Penn., said.

The hearing was in part a reference to gas stoves. The House passed a bill to prohibit banning them last month despite the Consumer Product Safety Commission not currently considering a ban.

“These updated regulations are not an attempt to ban or take away appliances like gas stoves, light bulbs, or dishwashers,” Rep. Cori Bush, D-Mo., said.

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Manufacturers who violate the ban could face a maximum penalty of $542 per illicit bulb.

​Business, Blog Briefing Room Starting next week, Americans will only be able to purchase LED lights from retailers across the nation as an official ban on incandescent lightbulbs will go into effect.  

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Advice

How Film Festivals Boost Emerging Talent

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In the glitzy world of cinema, film festivals are more than just red carpets and champagne flutes. They’re the secret sauce in the recipe for discovering the next Spielberg, Scorsese, or Zhao. Let’s roll out the metaphorical red carpet and dive into the data-driven wonderland of how these cinematic soirées turn unknown filmmakers into tomorrow’s Hollywood hotshots:

1. The Exposure Express: Where Hidden Gems Sparkle

Film festivals are like show-and-tell on steroids for filmmakers. A whopping 71% of emerging directors cite festival screenings as crucial for gaining industry exposure. It’s where hidden gems get their chance to sparkle brighter than a vampire in sunlight.

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  • On average, each major festival screens 200+ films, giving newbies a fighting chance against established names.
  • 1 in 5 films find distribution deals at festivals, turning indie dreams into mainstream realities.
  •  85% of filmmakers report increased social media following post-festival, because nothing says “I’ve made it” like a surge in Instagram followers.

2. Networking Nirvana: Six Degrees of Separation? More Like Two!

These festivals are Hollywood’s version of speed dating, but instead of swiping right, you’re handing out business cards faster than a Vegas dealer. With an average of 2,500 industry professionals attending major festivals, it’s a schmooze-or-lose situation.

  • 63% of filmmakers report making career-changing connections at festivals.
  • The average attendee exchanges contact info with 15 new people per day. That’s more numbers than you got in high school!
  • 40% of collaborative projects are born from festival meet-cutes. Who knew discussing obscure German expressionist films could lead to your next big break?

3. Feedback Frenzy: Where Egos are Bruised and Brilliance is Born

Q&A sessions are like a filmmaker’s baptism by fire. 82% of festival-goers attend these sessions, offering instant, unfiltered reactions that can make or break a filmmaker’s spirit (and possibly their next project).

  • Filmmakers receive an average of 50 audience questions per screening. That’s 50 chances to either sound brilliant or wish for a trap door.
  • 75% of directors make changes to their films based on festival feedback. It’s like a real-time focus group, but with more film jargon and fewer free snacks.
  • The most common audience question? “What was your budget?” followed closely by “What did that ending mean?” Some things never change.

4. Award-Winning Boost: From Unknown to ‘Next Big Thing’

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Getting your film into a prestigious festival is like winning the lottery, but instead of cash, you get instant street cred. Films with festival laurels are 35% more likely to secure distribution. Suddenly, you’re not just some kid with a camera; you’re an “award-winning filmmaker” faster than you can say “And the winner is…”

  • The average major festival hands out 20+ awards. That’s a lot of opportunities to practice your surprised face.
  • 60% of films winning top prizes at major festivals go on to wider theatrical release. Oscar, here we come!
  • Festival award winners see an average 150% increase in industry meeting requests. Suddenly, everyone wants to do lunch.

5. Diversity’s Got Talent: A Global Stage for Unheard Voices

Festivals are championing voices from all corners, proving that great stories can come from anywhere, not just Hollywood backlots. In 2023, 45% of films at major festivals were from underrepresented groups.

  • Festivals introduced audiences to films from 100+ countries last year. It’s like a cinematic United Nations, but with better catering.
  • 30% of festival programmers actively seek out films from first-time directors. Fresh blood keeps the movie monster alive!
  • Diversity initiatives have led to a 25% increase in submissions from underrepresented filmmakers over the past five years. The cinematic melting pot is bubbling over with flavor.

6. Film School 2.0: Learning Without the Loans

Forget stuffy classrooms. 78% of emerging filmmakers attend festival workshops, turning these events into film school on steroids. It’s where budding Tarantinos learn the tricks of the trade without the student debt.

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  • The average festival offers 30+ educational events. That’s more learning than most of us did in college, and with better networking opportunities.
  • 90% of attendees report learning at least one new industry trend or technique. Who knew vertical video would become a thing?
  • Workshops cover everything from “Guerrilla Filmmaking 101” to “How to Make Your Indie Film Look Like It Cost Millions (When It Cost Pennies).”

7. The Festival Effect: Where Careers Are Born

Film festivals aren’t just events; they’re career incubators. They’re where dreams are hatched, stars are born, and where you might just witness the birth of the next big thing in cinema.

  • 1 in 3 breakout indie hits originated from festival circuits in the last decade. That’s a better success rate than most dating apps!
  • Filmmakers who’ve been to festivals are 40% more likely to secure funding for their next project. Apparently, rubbing elbows with the elite is good for the wallet.
  • 25% of major studio executives report scouting new talent primarily at film festivals. It’s like “America’s Got Talent,” but for movie nerds.

Conclusion: The Reel Deal

In the end, film festivals are more than just a place to watch movies and spot celebrities trying to blend in with oversized sunglasses. They’re the beating heart of the film industry, pumping fresh talent and ideas into the cinematic bloodstream.

So, the next time you’re at a film festival, remember: that person sitting next to you furiously taking notes might just be the next big name in Hollywood. And if they ask you what you thought of their film, be kind – your words might just shape the future of cinema. Or at least shape their next therapy session.

Grab your popcorn, silence your phones, and get ready for the show. In the world of film festivals, every screening is a potential discovery, every conversation a possible collaboration, and every award a career launcher. It’s where the magic of movies meets the hustle of Hollywood, and the result is pure cinematic alchemy.

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Advice

10 Tips To Creating Quality YouTube Content on a Budget

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Producing engaging YouTube videos doesn’t have to break the bank. With the right strategies and tools, you can create high-quality content that resonates with your audience without overspending.

Define Clear Objectives
Before you start filming, establish your goals. Are you aiming to increase brand awareness, drive traffic to your website, or boost video views? Your objectives will guide your content strategy and help you measure success.

Batch Content Creation
Dedicate a day to shoot multiple videos, saving time and streamlining editing. This approach maintains a consistent posting schedule, crucial for audience engagement and algorithm favorability.

Create Compelling Content
Invest time in developing high-quality video concepts. According to Analytics Partners, video content has twice the lasting impact of non-video content. Focus on creating content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand messaging.

 

Leverage Smartphone Technology
Modern smartphones offer excellent video quality. For example, the iPhone 12 Pro can shoot 4K video at 60 fps, rivaling many dedicated cameras. Pair your smartphone with a basic tripod and external microphone for professional-looking results.

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Optimize Lighting
Good lighting is crucial for video quality. Natural light is free and effective. Position yourself near a window or invest in affordable lighting options like ring lights, which typically cost between $20-$100.

Post-Production and Optimization

Use Free Editing Software
Take advantage of free or low-cost editing tools. DaVinci Resolve, for instance, offers professional-grade editing capabilities at no cost for its basic version.

Optimize for SEO
YouTube’s algorithm considers factors like view count, engagement, watch time, and relevance when recommending videos[2]. Use keywords in your titles, descriptions, and tags to improve discoverability. For example, including relevant keywords in your title can increase views by up to 20%.

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Engagement Strategies

Prioritize Community Engagement
Respond to comments and interact with your audience. YouTube puts recent comments front-and-center in your analytics dashboard, encouraging timely responses. This engagement can lead to higher watch times and subscriber growth.

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Experiment with YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts are amassing tens of billions of views daily. Creating Shorts content can increase your channel’s visibility and engagement without requiring significant production resources.

Budget-Friendly Marketing Tactics

Leverage Remarketing
Implement remarketing campaigns to re-engage viewers who have already interacted with your content. This targeted approach can be more cost-effective than broad audience targeting.

A/B Testing
Experiment with different video formats, thumbnails, and titles. YouTube’s own data shows that 90% of top-performing videos have custom thumbnails. A/B testing can help you identify what resonates best with your audience without additional production costs.

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Engage with Your Audience
Respond to comments, ask for feedback, and encourage viewers to engage with your content. This interaction helps understand what your audience enjoys and guides future content creation.

Real-Life Example

Consider the case of Peter McKinnon, a photographer and filmmaker who started his YouTube channel in 2010. Using primarily his smartphone and basic editing software, he grew his channel to over 5 million subscribers. His success came from consistently delivering valuable content, engaging with his audience, and gradually improving his production quality as his channel grew.

By implementing these strategies, you can create engaging YouTube content that resonates with your audience without overspending. Remember, the key is to focus on delivering value and consistently improving based on audience feedback and performance metrics.

Creating high-quality YouTube content on a budget requires resourcefulness and strategy. By planning effectively, utilizing available tools, and engaging with your audience, you can produce compelling videos that resonate with viewers without overspending. Focus on delivering value, and your channel will grow!

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Business

Revisiting the Value of Film Festivals

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As a film industry professional, you’re likely no stranger to the hard work and dedication required to bring a project to life. However, you may not be aware of the crucial role film festivals play in advancing your career and the industry as a whole. Let’s revisit the importance of film festivals and how they can benefit you and your work:

Houston Comed Film Festival Feb 2024

Networking and Community Building
Film festivals offer a unique opportunity to connect with fellow filmmakers, industry professionals, and potential collaborators. You can build relationships, share experiences, and learn from others in the field. These connections can lead to new projects, mentorship, and career advancement.
Exposure and Visibility

Film festivals provide a platform for your work to be seen by a wider audience, including critics, distributors, and industry leaders. This exposure can lead to recognition, awards, and critical acclaim, which can boost your reputation and open doors to new opportunities.

Up to 30% savings compared to Hotels.com, Orbitz, and Priceline.

Career Advancement and Opportunities
Film festivals can be a launching pad for your career, helping you transition from short films to feature films or from indie to mainstream projects. You can also gain recognition and credibility, making it easier to secure funding, distribution, and production deals.
Staying Current and Inspired
Film festivals showcase innovative storytelling, techniques, and technologies. By attending, you can stay up-to-date with industry trends, find inspiration for your next project, and learn from the successes and failures of others.
Reigniting Passion and Creativity
Film festivals can rekindle your passion for filmmaking and remind you why you started creating in the first place. They offer a chance to step away from the daily grind and reconnect with the art and craft of storytelling.
In short
Film festivals are more than just a showcase for your work; they’re a hub for networking, career advancement, and inspiration. By embracing these events, you can reignite your passion, stay current, and propel your career forward. Don’t underestimate the power of film festivals in helping you achieve your goals in the film industry.
Interested in submitting your film to the Houston Comedy Film Festival? Click here to begin the application process. With a diverse range of categories and a proven track record of showcasing exceptional comedic talent, this festival offers a valuable opportunity for filmmakers to gain exposure, connect with industry professionals, and compete for prestigious awards. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of this esteemed event – submit your film today.

From the Film Festival Circuit Founder, Mikal Fair:

“Explore the ‘Film Festival Submitter’s Handbook 2024,’ your ultimate guide to conquering the film festival circuit. Whether you’re a filmmaker or screenwriter, this essential resource provides practical strategies to navigate the competitive landscape of film festivals successfully. From crafting compelling titles, taglines, and synopses to creating impactful director’s and writer’s statements, this handbook equips you with the tools to shine in the festival circuit. Learn to develop effective marketing materials, including posters and trailers, and discover the importance of communication and presenting a professional package. With insights tailored to the evolving role of social media and marketing in the film industry, this handbook is your key to festival triumph. Get your copy now and embark on your journey to festival success!”

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