In a delightful fusion of cinematic artistry and whiskey craftsmanship, Redbreast Irish Whiskey has announced its partnership with acclaimed Irish actor Andrew Scott and the prestigious SXSW Film & TV Festival to launch ‘Redbreast Unhidden.’ This ambitious initiative aims to celebrate and showcase the hidden gems within the film industry, providing talented filmmakers with a platform to shine and audiences with a chance to discover unique stories.
A New Era for Film and Whiskeys
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ campaign marks an exciting chapter in Redbreast’s new global initiative, ‘Quite the Find,’ which emphasizes the joy of discovery. Just as the first sip of Redbreast reveals a complex tapestry of flavors, this partnership seeks to uncover extraordinary films that might otherwise fly under the radar. The campaign is a testament to both the art of filmmaking and the tradition of whiskey-making that Redbreast has perfected over the last century.
Nodjame Fouad, CEO of Irish Distillers, expressed the essence of this collaboration beautifully when he said, “We invite whiskey enthusiasts and newcomers on a journey that celebrates craftsmanship, character, and complexity in the creative worlds of whiskey and film.” Redbreast’s rich and complex profiles perfectly mirror the multifaceted stories told by independent filmmakers, making this partnership a match made in creative heaven.
Handpicked by Talent: The Short Films Selection
At the heart of ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ lies an exciting selection of six short films that exemplify the spirit of this initiative. Curated by Andrew Scott, the films span a variety of genres, reflecting themes of authenticity, resilience, and discovery. Here’s a glimpse at the exceptional works that will be showcased at SXSW:
One Day This Kid by Alexander Farah
Entre Tormentas by Frank Zayas
Nervous Energy by Eve Lui
Sweetbriar by Danny Rivera
Brief Somebodies by Andy Reid
I’m The Most Racist Person I Know by Leela Varghese
Each film captures a unique perspective, ranging from poignant dramas to clever comedies, inviting audiences to engage with pressing societal themes like identity, familial love, and personal struggles.
Celebrating Emerging Voices with the ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’
The collaboration doesn’t stop at showcasing remarkable films; it also aims to uplift emerging voices in the industry. At this year’s SXSW Film & TV Festival, the inaugural ‘Redbreast Unhidden Award’ will be presented. One deserving filmmaker will be honored with a financial award, providing them the support needed to pursue their artistic vision. Andrew Scott himself will participate in selecting the winner, embodying the initiative’s aim to nurture the next generation of creators.
An Invitation to Experience Cinema Like Never Before
From March 11 to 13, 2025, Redbreast will host a series of immersive events at SXSW, inviting attendees to enjoy curated film screenings and explore a hidden speakeasy cinema-inspired bar. For those unable to attend the festival in Austin, fear not! Redbreast is also bringing the spirit of SXSW to major cities across the globe with exclusive film and cocktail experiences, allowing fans to uncover hidden gems from the comfort of their local community.
As Francis Román, Senior Film & TV Programming Manager at SXSW, aptly put it, “The beauty of programming is finding those hidden gems.”
Join the Adventure
The ‘Redbreast Unhidden’ platform opens up a world of discovery for film lovers and whiskey aficionados alike. Whether you’re a long-time fan of independent cinema or new to the scene, this initiative encourages exploration and appreciation for the artistry behind the camera.
To dive deeper into this collaboration, discover the films being showcased, and stay updated on local events, head to Redbreast’s SXSW page and follow @RedbreastUS on social media.
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So, pour yourself a glass of Redbreast, sit back, and prepare to embark on a cinematic journey that will surely reveal stories worth discovering! Cheers to celebrating creativity and the joy of the unexpected!
Follow Redbreast on social: Instagram @RedbreastUS Facebook @RedbreastSinglePotStill
About Irish Distillers
Irish Distillers, a Pernod Ricard company, is a producer of some of the world’s most well-known and successful Irish whiskeys and Ireland’s leading supplier of spirits and wines. Led by Jameson, our brands are driving the success of Irish whiskey globally. Jameson is the world’s bestselling and most awarded Irish whiskey, a top 3 selling international whiskey brand and a top 10 international spirits brand, achieving +1% net sales growth globally in FY24. Our brands are exported to 130+ markets around the world.
Irish Distillers was formed in 1966, when a merger took place between John Power & Son, John Jameson & Son, and Cork Distilleries Company. In 1988 Irish Distillers joined Pernod Ricard, gaining access to unprecedented levels of investment and an extensive global distribution network.
In 2025, Midleton Distillery celebrates 200 years of distilling excellence by unveiling stories from the Irish Distillers archives and hosting a series of special whiskey launches and events.
We employ over 800 people across our operations in Cork, Dublin and Northern Ireland.
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About Pernod Ricard USA®
Pernod Ricard USA is the premium spirits and wine company in the U.S., and the largest subsidiary of Paris, France-based Pernod Ricard SA., the world’s second largest spirits and wine company. Pernod Ricard employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide, is listed on Euronext (Ticker: RI) and is part of the CAC 40 index. The company’s leading spirits include such prestigious brands as Absolut Vodka, Avión Tequila, Chivas Regal Scotch Whisky, The Glenlivet Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Kahlúa Liqueur, Malibu, Martell Cognac, Olmeca Altos Tequila, Beefeater Gin, Del Maguey Single Village Mezcal, Código Tequila, Monkey 47 Gin, Seagram’s Extra Dry Gin, Malfy Gin, Hiram Walker Liqueurs, Midleton Irish Whiskey, Redbreast Irish Whiskey, Aberlour Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Lillet, Jefferson’s Bourbon, TX Whiskey, Skrewball Whiskey, Smooth Ambler Whiskey, Rabbit Hole Whiskey, Pernod and Ricard; such superior wines as Jacob’s Creek, Kenwood Vineyards, Campo Viejo, Brancott Estate and Sainte Marguerite en Provence rosé.; and such exquisite champagnes and sparkling wines Perrier-Jouët
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge.
SOURCE Redbreast Irish Whiskey
Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience.
At our core, we at STM Daily News, strive to keep you informed and inspired with the freshest content on all things food and beverage. From mouthwatering recipes to intriguing articles, we’re here to satisfy your appetite for culinary knowledge. Visit our Food & Drink section to get the latest on Foodie News and recipes, offering a delightful blend of culinary inspiration and gastronomic trends to elevate your dining experience. https://stmdailynews.com/food-and-drink/
Many film historians see ‘Jaws’ as the first true summer blockbuster.
Steve Kagan/Getty ImagesJared Bahir Browsh, University of Colorado Boulder
“Da, duh.”
Two simple notes – E and F – have become synonymous with tension, fear and sharks, representing the primal dread of being stalked by a predator.
And they largely have “Jaws” to thank.
Fifty years ago, Steven Spielberg’s blockbuster film – along with its spooky score composed by John Williams – convinced generations of swimmers to think twice before going in the water.
As a scholar of media history and popular culture, I decided to take a deeper dive into the staying power of these two notes and learned about how they’re influenced by 19th-century classical music, Mickey Mouse and Alfred Hitchcock.
The first summer blockbuster
In 1964, fisherman Frank Mundus killed a 4,500-pound great white shark off Long Island.
After hearing the story, freelance journalist Peter Benchley began pitching a novel based on three men’s attempt to capture a man-eating shark, basing the character of Quint off of Mundus. Doubleday commissioned Benchley to write the novel, and in 1973, Universal Studios producers Richard D. Zanuck and David Brown purchased the film rights to the novel before it was published. The 26-year-old Spielberg was signed on to be the director.
Tapping into both mythical and real fears regarding great white sharks – including an infamous set of shark attacks along the Jersey Shore in 1916 – Benchley’s 1974 novel became a bestseller. The book was a key part of Universal’s marketing campaign, which began several months before the film’s release.
Starting in the fall of 1974, Zanuck, Brown and Benchley appeared on a number of radio and television programs to simultaneously promote the release of the paperback edition of the novel and the upcoming film. The marketing also included a national television advertising campaign that featured emerging composer Williams’ two-note theme. The plan was for a summer release, which, at the time, was reserved for films with less than stellar reviews.
TV ads promoting the film featured John Williams’ two-note theme.
Films at the time typically were released market by market, preceded by local reviews. However, Universal’s decision to release the film in hundreds of theaters across the country on June 20, 1975, led to huge up-front profits, sparking a 14-week run as the No. 1 film in the U.S.
Many consider “Jaws” the first true summer blockbuster. It catapulted Spielberg to fame and kicked off the director’s long collaboration with Williams, who would go on to earn the second-highest number of Academy Award nominations in history – 54 – behind only Walt Disney’s 59.
The film’s beating heart
Though it’s now considered one of the greatest scores in film history, when Williams proposed the two-note theme, Spielberg initially thought it was a joke.
But Williams had been inspired by 19th and 20th century composers, including Claude Debussy, Igor Stravinsky and especially Antonin Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World.” In the “Jaws” theme, you can hear echoes of the end of Dvorak’s symphony, as well as the sounds of another character-driven musical piece, Sergei Prokofiev’s “Peter and the Wolf.”
“Peter and the Wolf” and the score from “Jaws” are both prime examples of leitmotifs, or a musical piece that represents a place or character.
The varying pace of the ostinato – a musical motif that repeats itself – elicits intensifying degrees of emotion and fear. This became more integral as Spielberg and the technical team struggled with the malfunctioning pneumatic sharks that they’d nicknamed “Bruce,” after Spielberg’s lawyer.
As a result, the shark does not appear until the 81-minute mark of the 124-minute film. But its presence is felt through Williams’ theme, which some music scholars have theorized evoke the shark’s heartbeat.
Mechanical issues with ‘Bruce,’ the mechanical shark, during filming forced Steven Spielberg to rely more on mood and atmosphere.Screen Archives/Moviepix via Getty Images
Sounds to manipulate emotions
Williams also has Disney to thank for revolutionizing character-driven music in film.
The two don’t just share a brimming trophy case. They also understood how music can heighten emotion and magnify action for audiences.
Although his career started in the silent film era, Disney became a titan of film, and later media, by leveraging sound to establish one of the greatest stars in media history, Mickey Mouse.
When Disney saw “The Jazz Singer” in 1927, he knew that sound would be the future of film.
On Nov. 18, 1928, “Steamboat Willie” premiered at Universal’s Colony Theater in New York City as Disney’s first animated film to incorporate synchronized sound.
Unlike previous attempts to bring sound to film by having record players concurrently play or deploying live musicians to perform in the theater, Disney used technology that recorded sound directly on the film reel.
It wasn’t the first animated film with synchronized sound, but it was a technical improvement to previous attempts at it, and “Steamboat Willie” became an international hit, launching Mickey’s – and Disney’s – career.
The use of music or sound to match the rhythm of the characters on screen became known as “Mickey Mousing.”
“King Kong” in 1933 would deftly deploy Mickey Mousing in a live action film, with music mimicking the giant gorilla’s movements. For example, in one scene, Kong carries away Ann Darrow, who’s played by actress Fay Wray. Composer Max Steiner uses lighter tones to convey Kong’s curiosity as he holds Ann, followed by ominous, faster, tones as Ann escapes and Kong chases after her. In doing so, Steiner encourages viewers to both fear and connect with the beast throughout the film, helping them suspend disbelief and enter a world of fantasy.
Mickey Mousing declined in popularity after World War II. Many filmmakers saw it as juvenile and too simplistic for the evolving and advancing film industry.
When less is more
In spite of this criticism, the technique was still used to score some iconic scenes, like the playing of violins in the shower as Marion Crane is stabbed in Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.”
Spielberg idolized Hitchcock. A young Spielberg was even kicked off the Universal lot after sneaking on to watch the production of Hitchcock’s 1966 film “Torn Curtain.”
Although Hitchcock and Spielberg never met, “Jaws” clearly exhibits the influence of Hitchcock, the “Master of Suspense.” And maybe that’s why Spielberg initially overcame his doubts about using something so simple to represent tension in the thriller.
Steven Spielberg was just 26 years old when he signed on to direct ‘Jaws.’Universal/Getty Images
The use of the two-note motif helped overcome the production issues Spielberg faced directing the first feature length movie to be filmed on the ocean. The malfunctioning animatronic shark forced Spielberg to leverage Williams’ minimalist theme to represent the shark’s ominous presence in spite of the limited appearances by the eponymous predatory star.
As Williams continued his legendary career, he would deploy a similar sonic motif for certain “Star Wars” characters. Each time Darth Vader appeared, the “Imperial March” was played to set the tone for the leader of the dark side.
As movie budgets creep closer to a half-billion dollars, the “Jaws” theme – and the way those two notes manipulate tension – is a reminder that in film, sometimes less can be more.
Jared Bahir Browsh, Assistant Teaching Professor of Critical Sports Studies, University of Colorado Boulder
This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
The culinary world is reeling from the sudden and tragic loss of beloved chef and television personality Anne Burrell, who was found dead in her Brooklyn, New York, home on the morning of Tuesday, June 17. She was 55 years old.
According to a statement from the New York City Police Department, officers from the 76th Precinct responded around 7:50 a.m. to a report of “an unconscious and unresponsive 55-year-old female.” Emergency medical services arrived shortly after and pronounced her dead at the scene. While police did not formally release her name pending family notification, public records and the address provided in the police statement confirm that the residence belongs to Burrell.
A cause of death has not yet been determined. The city’s Office of the Chief Medical Examiner will conduct an autopsy to clarify the circumstances surrounding her passing.
Burrell’s representatives confirmed the heartbreaking news in a release obtained by People magazine, marking a devastating moment for fans, friends, and fellow chefs who admired her bold personality, bright red hair, and fierce culinary skills.
Best known for her work on Food Network shows like Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Worst Cooks in America, and Iron Chef America, Burrell was a standout in the food television landscape. A classically trained chef and graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she blended expertise with an infectious enthusiasm that made her a favorite among viewers and a mentor to many aspiring cooks.
Tributes from across the food and entertainment communities have begun pouring in as the industry mourns the loss of one of its brightest and most unique stars. More details are expected in the coming days as the investigation continues and the autopsy results are released.
Anne Burrell’s legacy will live on through the meals she inspired, the careers she helped shape, and the joy she brought to countless kitchens around the world.
STM Daily News is a vibrant news blog dedicated to sharing the brighter side of human experiences. Emphasizing positive, uplifting stories, the site focuses on delivering inspiring, informative, and well-researched content. With a commitment to accurate, fair, and responsible journalism, STM Daily News aims to foster a community of readers passionate about positive change and engaged in meaningful conversations. Join the movement and explore stories that celebrate the positive impacts shaping our world.
This year saw a staggering 130,145 attendees—a new high for the event . That massive turnout speaks volumes about the guest lineup, community spirit, and post-pandemic resurgence.
Legendary Panels & Guest Moments
The Lord of the Rings crew—Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, Dominic Monaghan, and Billy Boyd—dazzled with hilarious anecdotes and audience games .
Simon Pegg delivered a masterclass in storytelling, offering behind‑the‑scenes glimpses into franchises like Star Trek and Mission: Impossible.
Anthony Daniels (C‑3PO) meandered through the crowd answering fan questions, bringing warmth and surprise to his panel .
Community-Led Panels Shine
Fan-run sessions like the raucous Jar-Jarpardy (a Stars Wars–themed trivia panel) won praise for creativity and laughs .
The Not-So-Great
⏰ Panel Time Chaos
Hayden Christensen’s much-anticipated Q&A started an hour late. While some panels remained on schedule, this one left attendees waiting negatively .
🚶♂️ Overcrowded Vendor Hall
The surge in attendance made vendor aisles nearly impassable at peak times—great for sales, tough on foot traffic .
👮♀️ Security Tightening & Restrictions
Enhanced security measures limited cosplay props and banned food/drink items. The 18+ late-night parties, now with stricter checks, were less freewheeling and more controlled .
Mixed Bag Moments
Hayden Christensen Mania
Christensen’s debut appearance in Phoenix was a huge draw. But the set-up—separate ticketing, line-clearing between panels, and delays—created a mixed fan experience .
Heavy Panels Hit a Somber Note
Jonathan Rhys Meyers, present only on Friday, steered his panel toward serious topics like AI’s impact on film and personal reflections—a shift in tone after more light-hearted sessions .
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Final Thoughts
Phoenix Fan Fusion 2025 soared to new heights with record attendance, crowd-pleasing celebrity panels, and electrifying fan energy. But with that growth came growing pains—long waits, tight crowds, and tighter rules.
If history holds, 2026 will bring refinements—better crowd control, smoother scheduling, and more fan-focused fun. Until then, here’s to the highs, the quirks, and the memories made under the Phoenix convention center lights!
Looking for an entertainment experience that transcends the ordinary? Look no further than STM Daily News Blog’s vibrant Entertainment section. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of indie films, streaming and podcasts, movie reviews, music, expos, venues, and theme and amusement parks. Discover hidden cinematic gems, binge-worthy series and addictive podcasts, gain insights into the latest releases with our movie reviews, explore the latest trends in music, dive into the vibrant atmosphere of expos, and embark on thrilling adventures in breathtaking venues and theme parks. Join us at STM Entertainment and let your entertainment journey begin! https://stmdailynews.com/category/entertainment/
Hal Machina is a passionate writer, blogger, and self-proclaimed journalist who explores the intersection of science, tech, and futurism. Join him on a journey into innovative ideas and groundbreaking discoveries!
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