Guests

NANCY KNUTSEN (ASCAP)

Nancy Knutsen joined ASCAP’s Los Angeles staff in 1988, and after having served as the Senior Vice President of Film and Television Repertory for many years, she is now ASCAP’s Special Consultant for Film and Television Music.

In her new role, Nancy will continue to promote activities in film, television and concert music both in the United States and internationally. She was the driving force in establishing a full-service film and television music department, which set new standards in serving the needs of composers. She developed a staff in Los Angeles and New York whose specific responsibilities include signing new composers and songwriters to ASCAP, and she has created many career-building opportunities for ASCAP composers, as well as producing ASCAP’s annual Film and Television Music Awards, workshops, and other tributes and events.

ROBERT TOWNSON (VARESE SARABANDE Record Producer)

For over twenty years, record producer Robert Townson has led one of the most successful and prolific careers in both the Hollywood and world film music communities. His career has focused on both the most successful films of today as well as providing an invaluable chronicle of many of the greatest motion picture scores from Hollywood’s Golden Age. Spring of 2010 will see the highly anticipated release of Townson’s 1000th album.

RAY COSTA (COSTA COMMUNICATIONS)

Ray Costa is the founder and president of Costa Communications. Costa earned his BA in Communications from the University of Memphis. While a student, he became a news reporter and talk show host at WHBQ, winning two Associated Press News Awards, a United Press International Award for Excellence in Broadcast Journalism and was nominated for a Pyramid Award.