Tia Smith of talentedSOL Productions is Chosen by Gates-Funded Program

Bill Gates Announces Plans for Retirement to Pursue Philanthropic Interests

Tia Smith of talentedSOL Productions is Chosen by Gates-Funded Program to Document the Result of a Vaccine Clinical Trial in Africa

Los Angeles - Computer technology mogul, Bill Gates recently announced his plans for retirement in order to pursue his philanthropic interests full time with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Veteran producer and director, Tia Smith of talentedSOL Productions, LLC was hired by one of Gates’ funded programs to document the results of a recently concluded vaccine clinical trial conducted in Africa. The results of the trial are expected to be published by the end of 2006.

Guided by the belief that every life has equal value, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation works to reduce inequities and improve lives around the world. In developing countries, it focuses on improving health, reducing extreme poverty, and increasing access to technology in public libraries.

Smith has been featured in magazines such as Charisma, Gospel Today, Black Filmmaker, and Directors Uncut, and she landed a profile in the Christian lifestyle magazine, Precious Times. Marilyn White, CEO and publisher says, “Precious Times magazine selects businesswomen who truly love the Lord and are making an impact in the marketplace. We chose Ms. Smith after watching how she seamlessly maintained her Christlike behavior in front of her colleagues and when no one else was around. Her spirit shines so bright in the industry and she is the perfect example of one who displays Christ in the mainstream with quality product.”

With over a decade of experience, Smith has accumulated an impressive list of clients that span across North America and abroad. Her career began at Black Entertainment Television, where at 26 years old, she became the youngest Music Director at the network to program the billion dollar corporation which has over 1 million weekly Nielsen-rated viewers when her boss/mentor, Gregg Diggs left to pursue other ventures. Smith continuously proved herself at the network, serving as Senior Producer for the longest and highest rated program, “Bobby Jones Gospel” (2001-2004 seasons), in addition to creating “Jam Zone”, “Hit List” and “Top 25 Countdown.” Smith also co-created a myriad of programs such as “Lift Every Voice” , “Midnight Love” , “Video Vibrations” and the network’s first “All Access” shows. Smith also created specials for Mariah Carey, Wyclef, Brian McKnight, Usher, Brandy, Teddy Riley, Aaliyah, Ginuwine, D’Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Missy Elliot and many more.

After leaving BET, Smith produced several prime time music documentaries at conglomerates such as: VH-1 (the critically acclaimed “Black in the 80’s: Color in Film” , “All Access: Rock Star Makeovers featuring Kevyn Aucoin”, “Rock’s Finest” featuring Janet Jackson and Ricky Martin, “Save the Music Foundation with Lenny Kravitz”, “VH1 & Hard Rock Live Presents: Hootie Rocks The Joint” , “Fairway to Heaven: Celebrity Golf Tournament featuring Will Smith, Ozzy Osborne and Daman Wayans”), Lifetime Network (“One in Three” and “Silence” PSA’s – Women’s Abuse Campaign), and AIDS Campaigns for DITINC Advertising Agency and the African Bureau Society.

Smith directed the ground-breaking music video, “Stronger” by Frederic (Song Power Music) and “Vida-Te” by Italian popstar, Enrique (MTV Europe), and commercial spots for rapper, Jadakiss’ “The Comeback” tour and Timberland Boots Apparel. Most recently, talentedSOL Productions produced the behind the scenes coverage for Heather Headley’s music video, “In My Mind” (RCA Records), Groovevolt.com’s UNPLUGGED series with Atlantic Records’ new rock group, Hit The Switches, and Sobe Entertainment’s Urban Mystic, BET-J and J&R Music’s Summer Concert featuringJagged Edge, Paula Campbell and Tye Tribett & Greater Anointing.

Ms. Smith is a long standing member of the Producers Guild of America, served as a judge in the Film & Documentary categories for the New York Film Festivals, and was a featured panelist for the 2005 African American Women in Cinema conference.

About Talented SOL Productions:

Founded in 2003, talentedSOL Productions, LLC is a television, film and video production company specializing in live concerts, documentaries, music videos, commercials, behind the scenes event coverage and program development. From script to screen, talentedSOL travels worldwide to handle all aspects of production to ensure the best visual representation for its clients. The company has secured accounts with MTV Networks, VH-1, BET, Verizon, Coca Cola, Lifetime Television Network, RCA Records, SONY Music Group and many more. For a complete company profile, visit their website: www.talentedsol.com.