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FEATURE FILM ‘EQUIANO.STORIES’ TO PREMIERE ON INSTAGRAM FEB. 16

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Award-winning film studio Stelo Stories and the DuSable Museum of African American History, the nation’s oldest independent museum of Black history, today announced the release of the trailer for the new vertical film titled “Equiano.Stories.” (Watch the trailer here.) Set to premiere Feb. 16 exclusively to followers of @Equiano.Stories on Instagram, the feature film brings to life the memoir of Olaudah Equiano, who was kidnapped and enslaved as a young boy in West Africa in 1756.

“Equiano.Stories” follows Stelo’s groundbreaking release of “Eva.Stories,” the diary of a teenage Holocaust victim re-told through Instagram that captured 300 million views within 48 hours of its release. “Equiano.Stories” is the second film in a series from Stelo that takes the stories of young people who documented their lives during extreme moments in history and connects them with their 21st century peers through social media.

Followers of @Equiano.Stories will meet 11 year-old Equiano and watch his story unfold as he posts about 400 individual stories, totaling 80 minutes of content, over the first 48 hours of the film’s release. Just like today’s Instagram influencers, Equiano will share moments of his day — from a carefree boy in his village with his loving family and rich culture, to the fear and confusion of being kidnapped, up to the harrowing experience of life aboard a slave ship.

“Equiano.Stories” is focused on Equiano’s childhood story to connect him with today’s youth. He went on to become an influential figure in history — after buying his freedom at about 20 years old, Equiano moved to London and later published his bestselling memoir in 1789. The firsthand account was critical in stopping the trading of enslaved people by England, the world’s biggest exporter of enslaved Africans at the time, and remains one of the era’s only first-hand accounts of life in Africa written by an African author.

“Stelo Stories shares historical stories with our audiences by meeting them where they already are – on their phones and on social,” said Stelo Stories executive and one of the creators of the film, Yvonne Chioma Mbanefo. “We created ‘Equiano.Stories’ to connect people with a new Black history narrative. The story starts with a vibrant young man who is not so unlike today’s youth – he loves dancing, running through his neighborhood and hanging out with his friends. For far too long, historical films have started the narrative of Black history with enslavement. ‘Equiano.Stories’ paints a vivid portrait of a history that starts with freedom.”

Stelo Stories partnered with the DuSable Museum of African American History, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, to bring Equiano’s story to life. DuSable also contributed deeper educational content to the film and has created a museum exhibit that takes visitors into Equiano’s village to experience the culture of West Africa, featuring pieces from its own permanent African collection previously unseen by the public.

“Our collaboration with Stelo Stories on ‘Equiano.Stories’ is important because it gives us a platform to remind the world that slavery is not our origin story as Black people,” said Perri Irmer, President and CEO, the DuSable Museum of African American History. “Equiano’s story speaks most eloquently and in a way that we believe will create a paradigm shift in how our history is presented, consumed and understood. This is exactly what the world needs right now: the truth, the whole truth, historically accurate and beautifully portrayed.”

Stelo Stories Dance App & Social Lessons on Insta to Launch with Premiere

Inspired by today’s viral dance videos, the film is launching with a mobile experience that invites people to learn the steps of the beautiful Nigerian dances seen in the film. The new how-to experience, available on the Stelo Stories Dance app, is the first AI-based mixed reality dance tutorial to accompany a film launch. The app’s virtual teacher, AI Dance Coach, uses cutting-edge mobile phone camera technology and artificial intelligence to teach viewers the steps. AI Dance Coach corrects dancers in real time based on their actual performance, showing them what they got wrong and how to fix their movements. Look for the Stelo Stories Dance App in the Apple App Store on Feb. 16.

Bite-sized lessons will also launch on Instagram with each of the film’s highlights. These short, visual bites unpack what viewers see in the film, both historically and culturally. The lessons were curated by scholars from The DuSable Museum, Howard University, Georgia State and Stelo Stories.

The “Equiano.Stories” Story

“Equiano.Stories” is based on the bestselling memoir by Olaudah Equiano that is one of the only first-hand accounts of life in West Africa written by an African author. The film re-imagines the first part of the book in a modernized format: Olaudah Equiano is an 11-year-old boy living in a vibrant Igbo village in West Africa in 1756. Deeply connected to his family and community, he documents his life in the village through stories shared with his followers. But one day, Equiano and his sister are kidnapped from their home. They are separated, and Equiano is transported alone, by foot, to Africa’s Western shore where he is made to board a slave ship…

Stelo Stories Brings Mobile-First Point of View to High Production Films

Stelo Stories is an award-winning film studio that creates vertical, scripted, high production value content that is meant to be viewed on mobile, because that’s where the audience is. Its first series tells the true stories of 10 incredible young people who documented their lives during extreme moments in history.

“These young people had a pen and paper to tell their stories. We give them a phone, social media, and other technologies to allow them to communicate directly with their 21st century peers,” says Maya Kochavi, Stelo co-founder and one of the film’s creators.

“Our films are shot as though the protagonist was holding the phone and filming their day to day life,” says Stelo co-founder and one of the film’s creators, Adi Kochavi. “In our new, autobiographical genre, the protagonist is aware of the viewers and is inviting them into their life, which creates a personal relationship between the character and the viewer.”

Stelo’s team consists of award-winning writers, artists, and philosophers – as well as AI, computer vision and Metaverse technology experts. Stelo aims to tell important and meaningful stories to its audiences by meeting them where they already are: on their phones and the newest technologies. Stelo was co-founded in 2020 by sisters Maya Kochavi and Adi Kochavi. For more, visit stelostories.com.

The Making of “Equiano.Stories”

“Equiano.Stories” is a multi-million-dollar production filmed in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2019 with more than 400 cast and crew members. The set includes two main locations: a village built for the film and a reconstructed replica of a ship. The village and ship are handmade replicas based on research from academics and Equiano’s own account. Equiano’s story is set to music created by Kahil El‘Zabar and Stephane Legar.

The DuSable Museum to Open Equiano Exhibit

The DuSable Museum of African American History, a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, is the nation’s first independent museum dedicated to the collection, preservation and study of the history and culture of Africans and Americans of African descent. To celebrate the African origin story in “Equiano.Stories,” the Chicago-based Museum will open an exhibit on Feb. 16 that brings to life Equiano’s village life and customs. Museum goers will step into a handcrafted replica of the thatched-roof huts seen in the film to be immersed in African works of art, sculpture, and photographs. These historical pieces that were curated from DuSable’s permanent collection are interwoven with interactive digital experiences, including vertical screens showing scenes from the film and social lessons shared in the Instagram experience. For more, visit www.dusablemuseum.org and follow @dusablemuseum.

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Clarivate Declares Dividend on Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares

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LONDON, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Clarivate Plc (NYSE: CLVT; CLVT PR A) (“Clarivate”), a leading global provider of transformative intelligence, today announced that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $1.3125 per share on its 5.25% Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Shares (the “Preferred Shares”), payable in cash on June 3, 2024 to shareholders of record at the close of business on May 15, 2024.

On the mandatory conversion date, which is scheduled to occur on June 3, 2024, each Preferred Share will automatically and mandatorily convert into a number of ordinary shares of Clarivate (and cash in lieu of any fractional ordinary shares) based on the average volume weighted average price (“VWAP”) of Clarivate’s ordinary shares over a 30-trading day period that begins on, and includes, April 18, 2024 and is scheduled to end on, and include, May 30, 2024 (the “valuation period”). If such VWAP is (i) greater than $31.20, then the mandatory conversion rate will be 3.2052 ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share, (ii) less than or equal to $31.20 but equal to or greater than $26.00, then the mandatory conversion rate will be a number of ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share equal to $100.00 divided by such VWAP and (iii) less than $26.00, then the mandatory conversion rate will be 3.8462 ordinary shares of Clarivate per Preferred Share. The mandatory conversion rate will be announced following the end of the valuation period. The above description of the terms of the Preferred Shares is not complete and is subject to, and qualified in its entirety by reference to, the “Statement of Rights” for the Preferred Shares, which is filed as Exhibit 3.2 to Clarivate’s annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains “forward-looking statements” as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements, which express management’s current views concerning future business, events, trends, contingencies, financial performance, or financial condition, appear at various places in this communication and may use words like “aim,” “anticipate,” “assume,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “see,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “strive,” “target,” “will,” and “would” and similar expressions, and variations or negatives of these words. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on management’s current beliefs, expectations, and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy, and other future conditions. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond our control) or other assumptions that may cause actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include those factors discussed under the caption “Risk Factors” in our annual report on Form 10-K, along with our other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). However, those factors should not be considered to be a complete statement of all potential risks and uncertainties. Additional risks and uncertainties not known to us or that we currently deem immaterial may also adversely affect our business operations. Forward-looking statements are based only on information currently available to our management and speak only as of the date of this communication. We do not assume any obligation to publicly provide revisions or updates to any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as otherwise required by securities and other applicable laws. Please consult our public filings with the SEC or on our website at www.clarivate.com.
About Clarivate
Clarivate™ is a leading global provider of transformative intelligence. We offer enriched data, insights & analytics, workflow solutions and expert services in the areas of Academia & Government, Intellectual Property and Life Sciences & Healthcare. For more information, please visit www.clarivate.com.
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CGTN: 3rd CMG Forum in Beijing discusses AI development

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BEIJING, May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Focusing on the development of AI, the third CMG Forum was held on Monday in Beijing.

Li Shulei, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the head of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee, attended the opening of the event and delivered a speech.
Guests at the forum stressed the role of media in promoting the innovative application of AI as well as its governance.
Efforts should also be made to boost the development of AI in creating positive, healthy, diverse and high-quality content, so that AI can become a force for good and benefit mankind, they agreed.
They also called on media to accelerate intelligent transformation and help bridge international exchanges and cooperation on the governance of AI to facilitate its healthy, orderly and safe development.
Hosted by China Media Group (CMG), the forum attracted more than 200 participants from international organizations, media, think tanks and multinational companies.
“Innovation and breakthroughs in science and technology not only guide the development and progress of human civilization, but also bring uncertainty to the changing world,” said Shen Haixiong, vice minister of the Publicity Department of the CPC Central Committee and president of CMG. He called for efforts to jointly create valuable and responsible artificial intelligence.
AI technology is affecting every aspect of our lives. Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), stated in a video speech that CMG has always been a partner of the IOC, bringing the charm of the Olympic Games to hundreds of millions of Chinese viewers. He said the IOC invites CMG to work together for the creation of a future with the application of AI in Olympic sports.
“From ancient inventions such as silk, printing and the compass to modern technological advances such as robotics, telecommunications and green technology, China has always been committed to innovation and creation,” said Daren Tang, director general of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). He said WIPO pays close attention to ensuring a balance between the opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence and is committed to strengthening cooperation to ensure that artificial intelligence is properly used.
https://news.cgtn.com/news/2024-04-30/3rd-CMG-Forum-in-Beijing-discusses-AI-development-1tdDcXvCexG/p.html

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Trianz Appoints Sridhar Kannan as Practice Leader – Digital, Elevating its Leadership in the Global Digital Transformation Space

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SANTA CLARA, Calif., May 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Digital transformation technology & services company Trianz is pleased to announce the appointment of Sridhar Kannan as Practice Leader – Digital. With over 25 years of extensive experience in technology and business leadership, Sridhar joins Trianz to lead the expansion of Trianz’s Digital Practice, forging strategic alliances and expanding the business footprint.

Sridhar’s appointment comes at a transformative phase for Trianz as it solidifies its commitment to redefining the digital landscape with an “IP Led” model. This strategic shift is powered by Trianz’s cutting-edge hyper-automated platforms, Concierto.Cloud, Extrica.AI, and Pulse, driving industry-leading transformations in cloud, data and analytics, AI, and the digital workplace. Sridhar’s visionary leadership in technology-led business transformations across diverse sectors will be instrumental in leveraging IP-led models and innovative methodologies to position Trianz at the forefront of digital transformation.
“We are thrilled to welcome Sridhar Kannan to the Trianz family,” said Seshi Vanguru, Chief Revenue Officer at Trianz. “His appointment marks a significant stride in Trianz’s journey toward innovation and excellence. Sridhar’s wealth of experience and exceptional leadership skills will elevate our Digital Practice to new heights, reaffirming our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our clients.”
Sridhar is recognized as a client-focused technology and business transformation executive with a remarkable track record of helping Banking and Financial Services organizations in business transformation and product innovation using applications, cloud, data, and digital solutions. His extensive prior experience at industry giants such as Wipro, Cognizant, and Infosys include successfully leading Fortune 10 global client relationships and implementing transformative solutions across Banking, Financial Services, and Healthcare industries. Sridhar is highly regarded for his ability to lead global cross-functional teams, foster collaboration, and achieve aggressive business goals while consistently delivering high levels of client satisfaction.
“I am deeply honored to join Trianz and contribute to its mission of shaping the future through digital transformation,” said Sridhar. “Together, we will push the boundaries of what’s possible and drive meaningful impact for our clients in this rapidly evolving digital landscape.”
Based out of Minnesota, US, Sridhar has steered numerous clients towards success through the strategic application of Digital, Cloud, Product Engineering, Data, AI, and Application services, making him a seasoned strategist in today’s dynamic digital landscape. His appointment marks a significant milestone in Trianz’s journey to nurturing talent and delivering world-class solutions.
About Trianz
Trianz is a leading-edge technology platforms and services company that accelerates digital transformations at Fortune 100 and emerging companies worldwide in data & analytics, digital experiences, cloud infrastructure, and security. Our “IP Led Transformations” approach, informed by insights from a recent global study spanning 20+ industries and 5000+ companies, addresses challenges posed by the rapid pace of AI-driven transformation, digital talent scarcity, and economic uncertainty. Our IP and platforms, including Concierto, Extrica, and Pulse, revolutionize cloud adoption, data analytics, and AI insights, empowering organizations to navigate the complexities of digital transformation seamlessly.
Founded in California and with an organization of over 2,000 associates across the United States and India, Trianz is a Premier Partner of AWS, consistently rated #1 by clients for value delivery over the past five years. Trianz has been ranked as one of the best Consulting Firms by Forbes and has been certified as a Great Place to Work for three years in a row. To learn more about Trianz, email [email protected] or visit www.trianz.com.
Watch Trianz CEO Sri Manchala’s insightful interview with Bloomberg on Partner | Crossing The Digital Faultline & Leading Towards Transformative Success – YouTube and delve deeper into his book Crossing the Digital Faultline at Crossing the Digital Faultline | Trianz.
Trianz Media Team : [email protected]+1-408-387-5800
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