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US military will buy seafood from Japan to offset Chinese ban on October 30, 2023 at 9:32 pm Business News | The Hill

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The U.S. has reportedly begun buying Japanese seafood for its military stationed there to offset the impact of China’s ban on seafood, according to a new report from Reuters.

In an interview with Reuters on Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said there will be a long-term contract between the U.S. armed forces and the fisheries and co-ops in Japan.

Emanuel pushed for more ways Washington could help offset China’s ban on seafood, which was put in place in August in response to the the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant’s release of diluted and treated radioactive wastewater back into the Pacific Ocean.

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Japan’s move to release the wastewater came under fire from Chinese leaders at the time, including China’s Foreign Ministry, who said China “firmly opposes and strongly condemns it” and that Japan disregarded the criticism of the international community.

“The best way we have proven in all the instances to kind of wear out China’s economic coercion is come to the aid and assistance of the targeted country or industry,” Emanuel told Reuters.

Pressed on Emanuel’s comments during a press conference Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin reiterated China’s opposition to Japan’s discharge and defended the ban as a “precautionary measure.”

“The precautionary measures taken by China and some other countries in response to Japan’s move to protect food safety and people’s health are entirely legitimate, reasonable and necessary,” Wenbin said Monday.

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“As for the remarks of the U.S. Ambassador to Japan, it needs to be pointed out that the duty of diplomats is to deepen friendship between countries, rather than smear other countries and sow discords,” Wenbin continued.

Emanuel told Reuters the U.S.’s first purchase in the arrangement is just under a metric ton of scallops, a small portion of the more than 100,000 tons of scallops Japan exported to China last year.

The seafood will be given to soldiers in messes and vessels and sold in shops and restaurants on military bases, Emanuel reportedly said, adding that the types of seafood will expand over time. The U.S. military had not purchased local seafood in Japan prior to the deal, according to Emanuel.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida defended the controversial plan in August and argued it is an essential step in plant decommissioning and in the recovery process for Fukushima following a 2011 earthquake and tsunami that destroyed the plant’s cooling systems, melted three reactors and contaminated the cooling water.

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The contained water was being stored in about 1,000 tanks, which were expected to reach capacity by early 2024. The tanks also risked leakage if the water was not removed.

While drawing criticism from some world leaders, Japan’s plan is supported by the scientific community, which has claimed watching the plan closely will deem it safe.

At the time of the release, the plant’s operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, pledged to help local businesses impacted by the bans and vowed to work to have the ban dropped by providing scientific explanations to China. That ban, however, remains in place more than two months later.

The Hill reached out to China and Japan’s U.S. embassies for comment.

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​International, Business, Defense, News, China, Fumio Kishida, Japan, Seafood ban The U.S. has reportedly begun buying Japanese seafood for its military stationed there to offset the impact of China’s ban on seafood, according to a new report from Reuters. In an interview with Reuters on Monday, U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel said there will be a long-term contract between the U.S. armed forces and…  

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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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Laugh, Learn, and Connect: Houston Comedy Film Festival Oct 5th

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Date: Oct 5th
Located in:
EADO Workspaces
Address: 3420 Rusk St a3, Houston, TX 77003
Tickets Purchase: Here ( FILMMAKERS , not screenwriters, MUST purchase tickets here otherwise will impact film screening time)

The Houston Comedy Film Festival is set to return on October 5th, 2024, and it promises to be an exciting day filled with laughter, learning, and networking opportunities for comedy enthusiasts and aspiring filmmakers alike. This year, the festival welcomes Roselyn Omaka as the new festival director, bringing her expertise and innovative vision to the event.

Attendees can look forward to engaging sessions led by industry professionals. Joan Montreuil from The Newbie Film Academy will provide invaluable insights into financing films and raising capital, helping aspiring filmmakers navigate the often complex world of film funding. Meanwhile, Deloris from DD’s Showbiz will host an interactive acting workshop designed to enhance participants’ skills and confidence in front of the camera.

Although LemarKus Tinker from Friday Night Lights won’t be attending in person, he will offer an exciting virtual one-on-one guidance session for aspiring directors. This unique opportunity allows participants to connect directly with him from the comfort of their homes, gaining personalized advice and insights that can help shape their directorial vision. Imagine having a chance to ask questions and receive feedback from a seasoned professional in the industry—this virtual interaction is sure to be a highlight!

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In addition to these educational opportunities, festival winners will have the chance to receive valuable resources from sponsors to further improve their films and business outcomes. This support could be the stepping stone that many emerging talents need to make their mark in the competitive world of filmmaking.

The festival kicks off at 12 PM sharp, so attendees are encouraged to arrive 10 minutes early to ensure they don’t miss any of the action. It’s important to note that everyone must purchase a ticket to attend this fantastic event. Tickets are available for $50, which grants full access to all festival activities. Attendees can purchase their tickets through different platforms: filmmakers (not screenwriters) are encouraged to buy their tickets on filmfestivalcircuit.com, while guests and screenwriters should secure their tickets via meetup.com/bolanlemedia. Tickets can also be purchased at the door on the day of the event.

 

The Houston Comedy Film Festival has been a cornerstone of the independent film community since its inception in 2008 by author and retired filmmaker Mikel Fair. Over the years, it has consistently ranked in the FilmFreeway Top 100, cementing its status as a must-attend event for comedy filmmakers and fans.

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Houston Comedy Film Festival Feb 2024

With Roselyn Omaka’s leadership, the star-studded lineup of industry professionals, and the diverse array of films and activities planned, the 2024 Houston Comedy Film Festival is shaping up to be an unmissable experience. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a comedy enthusiast, or simply looking for a day filled with laughter and learning, this festival has something for everyone.

Houston Comedy Film Festival Feb 2024

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the world of comedy filmmaking. Grab your tickets now and be part of the Houston Comedy Film Festival experience! Join us on October 5th at the Coronation Theatre in Houston for a day of creativity, laughter, and cinematic celebration! Your next big break could be waiting for you!

 

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