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  I began recording my songs in the 70's at studios here and there. I collected three songs and a poem and added visuals, meaning illustrations and photos, and put my video on Youtube. The address is Http://www.youtube.com/user/pegalomania. The same video airs on our local access television station Access Humboldt. In addition, I have produced videos on Dance Classes and Serious Music in Humboldt.
     In 2004, I copyrighted my original stage play with original music with the U.S. Library of Congress. Their link is Http://www.loc.gov. It is always fun to explore such sites as they are a wealth of ideas. The categories to choose from are: Architecture & Design, Cartoons & Comics, Folk Art, Movies & Television, Music, Photographs, Prints & Posters, Poetry & Literature, Theater & Dance. After careful consideration I made my particular choices. A person can download forms, fill them out, pay a nominal fee, and thereby copyright one's materials. I did this to create a legal paper trail of my work that unfortunately, while I hope people enjoy what I have written, it can be easily pirated.
     A few weeks later, magically, I received a letter from "Hilltop Records" in Hollywood. I have since learned that they are one of several companies that track creatives such as myself. They requested materials, and I sent them cassettes. From there, I had two songs produced in their studios, at my expense, and they guaranteed airplay. Once the airplay had occurred, and confirmed, I was then eligible to join the prestigious American Society of Composers and Producers from New York City. Http://www.ascap.org I have had two songs produced and are available by purchasing the CD/albums. Http://www.hilltoprecords.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?.
     I now receive the daily ASCAP DAILY BRIEF IN email newsletter format. The focus is Music, Copyright, and New Technology in the News from a Creator's Perspective. The DAILY BRIEF can be accessed on the Headlines page of ASCAP.com and/or in the ASCAP_RSS_FEED.
     Today's topics (March 28, 2012) are Investing in US Telecoms, Piracy Liability, A Little Less Spin on Filesharing, New Zealand Court Rules MegaUpload Assets Seizure Null and Void, a story about Harvard's Crimson Newspaper article "A Sensible Compromise: The MPAA's recent approach to illegal downloading is refreshing", NPR SVP of Marketing: "Public Radio Is Actually Expanding", Radio's Growing Online Revenue at a Double Digit Pace, Twitter Releases official Guide for Musicians, and Digital Music Created the Resurgence in Vinyl, and many more.
     Member services offer Title Registration, Career Development, ASCAP Estate and Trust Planning for Music Copyright Owners, Social Networking, Equipment and Studio Guides, Health Insurance plans and various workshops featuring awards and recognition of talent.

Cassandra Hesseltine was recently appointed to her position as the Humboldt/ Del Norte county Film Commissioner. I recently interviewed her about her career. We are located where California bumps into Oregon, with pristine mountains, Redwood forests, solitary beaches, moody fog and loads of talented artists.

MOLLOY: What exactly are the duties of a Film Commissioner?

HESSELTINE:  It is my responsibility to connect visiting film production houses with our local caterers, hotels, crews, required permits, supporting cast, and locations.

MOLLOY: And if there are money troubles?

HESSELTINE: I'm sorry, we cannot help with financials.

MOLLOY: Is the bulk of your work in feature films or commercials?

HESSELTINE: Right now we have two feature films interested in working here, with about two or three commercials every three weeks or so during the spring and summer.

MOLLOY: This interview is for an assignment with Full Sail University, do you have any advice for students who are considering being part of the film industry?

HESSELTINE: I would say to remain open to all jobs in the industry. For example, I had various jobs including actor, crew, assistant director, casting, and producing. Just be ready for anything.

MOLLOY: What is your academic background, and did it prepare you for your current position?

HESSELTINE: I graduated from Humboldt State University with a Psychology Major and Computer and Theatre Minors. After I graduated, I went to work in the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas within my field. This was very helpful because I was then able to anticipate what would be required of me as Film Commissioner here.

MOLLOY: What do you like the most about your job?

HESSELTINE: The best part of my job is to be able to find creative solutions for an industry that I love but also be able to raise a family and be a good mom here in beautiful Humboldt County.

Contact: Humboldt Film Commission (707)825-7600; email: filmcommission@rreelinc.org. Http://www.filmhumboldt.org.

For more information regarding film production work in your state you may contact The American  Motion Picture and Television Industry website, Http://www.mpaa.org. The industry is a major private sector employer, supporting 2.2 million jobs, and nearly $137 billion in total wages in 2009.