Margaret Byrne-directed Segment for NBC's 'Red Nose Day Live' Airs Tonight!

Today kicks off the first official Red Nose Day in the US! Originally established in in the UK, Red Nose Day is "a campaign dedicated to raising money for children and young people living in poverty by simply having fun and making people laugh.” The day will be commemorated in a three-hour, star-studded entertainment TV special on NBC. The special will highlight the issues for which Red Nose Day is fundraising and feature premier comedy and entertainment in both live and in pre-recorded segments. During the TV special, viewers will be encouraged to donate by phone and online.

Beti Films founder and director Margaret Byrne directed a segment for the special focusing on Feeding America. The segment will be narrated by Matthew Broderick.

Comic Relief, Inc. is working in partnership with NBCUniversal in the production to produce the first Red Nose Day. The Red Nose Day special will premiere on NBC on May 21st, 2015 at 8 PM/7PMc.

Learn more about the special here.

'American Promise' Nabs Britdoc Impact Award

American Promise is one of five recipients of the Britdoc Impact Award which recognizes documentary films "that have made the greatest impact on society." Each filmmaking team receives $15,000 to "recognize their achievements and continue their campaigns." In particular, American Promise is being recognized for using "...an ambitious traditional theatrical release in over 60 cities to build a national platform for building awareness, dialogue, and action around issues of black male achievement and educational equity, effectively using a traditional theatrical release as an outreach vehicle."

American Promise follows two middle class black families over thirteen years as they navigate the ups and downs of parenting and educating their sons. Beti Films' Margaret Byrne and Jon Stuyvesant served as a cinematographers on the project. Byrne also served as an editor.

You can read more about the outreach campaign for American Promise here.

Britdoc Impcact Award | American Promise

'Raising Bertie' to Present at Good Pitch Chicago 2015; Official 'Raising Bertie' Instagram Now Live and Other News

We've got some exciting new developments in the works at Beti Films. Here's a rundown:

Raising Bertie to Present at Good Pitch Chicago 2015

Raising Bertie has been selected to present at Good Pitch Chicago 2015!

The event is sponsored by Chicago Media Project and will bring documentary filmmakers together with “foundations, NGOs, campaigners, philanthropists, policy makers, brands and media around leading social and environmental issues to forge coalitions and campaigns that are good for all these partners, good for the films and good for society.” Filmmakers will have the opportunity to present a seven minute pitch and then receive feedback from an audience of 300 potential partners and investors. Good Pitch is based on a partnership between BRITDOC and Sundance Institute Documentary Film Program.

Raising Bertie is one of only six documentaries to be selected. There were over 100 international submissions vying for spots in the 2015 round. On deciding upon the six films to be showcased, Reel Chicago reports:

In keeping with Good Pitch’s mission of addressing a topic of social change, “We arrived at projects on a wide range of topics that balance bringing world class filmmakers to town and showcasing Chicago’s own strong documentary scene,” notes Danny Alpert, Planning Committee board member.

Congrats to Director-Producer Margaret Byrne, DP Jon Stuyvesant and Associate Producer Ian Kibbe on this exciting opportunity!

Good Pitch Chicago 2015 will be held on May 5, 2015 Pilsen’s Historic Thalia Hall venue. Click here for the official announcement and for more information on the event

You can read the rest of the Reel Chicago article here.

Official Raising Bertie Instagram Now Live!

You can now follow Raising Bertie (@raisingbertie) on Instagram! Every week we will share photos offering a rare glimpse into everyday life in Bertie County, North Carolina. Delve deeper into the world of Bertie County by viewing more images in their full, HD glory on Tumblr as well as behind-the-scenes production stills on the film's Facebook site.

Follow us: @raisingbertie

Coming Soon: Official Raising Bertie Blog and Newsletter

Stay up-to-date with all things Raising Bertie. In the next few weeks, the official Raising Bertie site will launch a blog featuring news on the production, Bertie County, and issues related to rural education and education reform. Also in the works is a monthly e-newsletter so be sure to check out the official site and join our mailing list.