21 SEPTEMBER 2009

On 21 September 2009, IBG, Inc. joined forces with dozens of non-profits worldwide to bring The Age of Stupid to over four hundred screens across the globe, helping the film to break their own record [set in London, UK] for the largest film premiere in history. We are proud to announce that the screening we were given ownership of in Century City, CA was sold out!! One of our own members nearly didn't have a seat inside the theatre. For over two hours the crowd was captivated by the Green Carpet arrivals, the film itself and the Q&A session afterward. The brilliance of The Age of Stupid is that it touches upon the humanity of the environmental crisis the world is facing. While we've heard statistics and scare tactics on the news for several years, writer and director Franny Armstrong taps into our very basic need to connect to other people and, through that, not only reach a higher understanding but also a sense of truly caring about the environmental state of the world. Throughout the course of the film, facts are presented in a way that is not only clear and concise, but puts human faces onto a problem that is often presented as anything but human. When we hear the same statistics and predictions time and time again, slowly we begin to tune those out and retreat to a more comfortable state of blissful ignorance, or denial. When suddenly forced to see the impending catastrophe and the causes of the environmental disaster through the eyes of a young African woman hoping to be a doctor but confined by societal disadvantage, an older mountain guide in France who has seen firsthand climate change over the course of several decades, a former Shell scientist who lost all he had in Hurricane Katrina, a young family pioneering wind power while facing immense resistance in rural England ... suddenly, the victims are human. The facts make sense. We've connected to this issue in a personal, emotional way.

Please visit Age of Stupid to see if the film will be playing in a cinema near you, to donate to the cause, and to get involved.

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07 SEPTEMBER 2009

Check out IBG CEO Danielle Turchiano's My Life, Made Possible By Pop Culture interview with Lizzie Gillett, producer of Age of Stupid.

25 AUGUST 2009

We are very proud to celebrate IBG's one-year anniversary today. It was on 25 August 2008 that we decided to take our napkin scribbles to the next level, and one year later we are an incorporated 501[c][3], applying for grants and checking out office space. As a special treat to commemorate the day, we offer you some thoughts from our inaugural event's guest of honour. Without further ado we present "just a little something" for your reading pleasure ... IBG's interview with The X-Files' writer and executive producer, and founder of Big Light Productions, Mr. Frank Spotnitz.


1. We recently became aware of your interest and support for the UCLA-Santa Monica Medical Center: Rape Treatment Center. How did you first become involved with the charity?

My wife, Melissa Lefante, became involved with the Rape Treatment Center through a friend.  The center has made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of people by providing 24-hour emergency care, evidence collection and counseling for victims; training for police and prosecutors; and prevention education in schools.  They also serve the special needs of kids who are victims of sexual abuse at Stuart House, which is an international model for the treatment of child victims.

2. Other than the Rape Treatment Center, what are the other charities [or specific issues] that you feel need more attention or would like to see addressed?

There are so many worthy causes that it's really impossible to address them all.  In addition to the Rape Treatment Center, I have been deeply moved by the work Paul Farmer's Partners in Health does serving the health needs of the poor in developing countries.

3. We were thrilled to read about your new projects in Variety.  Anything else you’d like to share on these or any projects not mentioned in the article?

No, that's all for now.  But there is definitely more to come  ... !

4. Fans still fondly remember the comments made by Fox Films Entertainment Co-Chairman Tom Rothman, when he indicated that the future of the franchise was up to the creative team. How is that third X-Files film coming?

Chris, David and Gillian and I would all like to make it.  We're still waiting to see whether the studio will support it.

5. On the work front, although fans would love to see another X-Files film, would you ever consider working with either David or Gillian on a non-X-Files-related project?

Yes! I would jump at the chance.


08 AUGUST 2009

 

We are thrilled to announce upcoming auctions of eleven collectors' items signed by Gillian Anderson. Among the items going up for auction include nine RARE signed photographs, as well as two signed films. Please stay tuned as we begin to auction these exciting items off in waves, beginning in September 2009. 100% of proceeds from each sale will go to the designated charity. Organisations to benefit include Off The Street Kids and Neurofibromatosis, Inc. Coming soon we will have preview photos available. Remember to bookmark http://www.ibginc.org/auction and check back frequently for updates!!

A truly wonderful cause was recently brought to our attention. A three year old girl named Jenna Marie Jenkins suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a rare seizure disorder. According to A Dog For Jenna, despite vigorous treatment with medication she has been seizing daily since 10 May 2009, when she first experienced a Grand Mal seizure. Since these intense seizures can happen at any time, her family has set out on a mission to obtain a highly specialised seizure alert dog. The training for these life-saving canines runs into the tens of thousands and, despite competently providing a loving home for Jenna and her two brothers as well as providing Jenna with the medications she needs, the cost is beyond feasibility for the family. In response, Jenna's parents are reaching out for the selfless donations of others in order to assist them in providing this life-saving canine for her. The Jenkins family has established a fund to further their goal of obtaining a Seizure Service Dog for their daughter.

Please visit A Dog For Jenna to read more about Jenna, Dravet Syndrome and to donate. The family will accept any dollar amount one is able to contribute. Please also visit The Epilepsy Foundation to learn more about seizure disorders at large and the many ways in which a Seizure Service Dog may prevent injury and save lives.

IBG gathered with charitable fans from across California on this picturesque spring day for their portion of the Global Marathon for OTSK. Activities of the day included a self-guided tour of the 20th Century Fox lot, a private screening at the Paley Centre in Beverly Hills and trivia, food and another screening in Brentwood.

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The final wave of the NF, Inc. auction begins today!!

Our inaugural fundraiser took place on 6 December 2008 in Los Angeles. Not only did we have a Q&A with The X-Files' writer and executive producer Frank Spotnitz - moderated by TVGuide.com's Erin Fox - we also held a double-feature screening of Fight the Future and I Want to Believe. This event marked the first time since its theatrical release in the summer of 1998 that Fight the Future was seen on the silver screen. The IBG Team was moved and humbled by the enthusiasm and involvement of Mr. Spotnitz, Ms. Fox, 20th Century Fox, and all of our volunteers. We also owe a huge thanks to Gillian Anderson for her encouragement and auction donations; the event's NF, Inc. representative, Beverly Oberlander, whose moving and empowering speech regarding her own battle with Neurofibromatosis lit a fire in the hearts of all in attendance; Executive Director Kim Bischoff and everyone at NF, Inc., for their assistance, invaluable information and support. Please visit NF, Inc. to learn more about the plight to raise funds and awareness for Neurofibromatosis. Recently we received a letter from Ms. Bischoff with regard to our fundraising efforts: