Brooklyn On Demand, the only video streaming service created to showcase Brooklyn-centric indie film and media, took home the "Artist/Creative Group of the Year" trophy at the first annual Brooklyn Innovation Awards.

The award was given "For the most unique and inspiring use of software or other digital or technical tools." BKOD streams both Free and Premium titles online and on their Roku channel, which was built by NYC-based video content pros Zype.

"We're honored to be recognized by Brooklyn's tech community for pushing the boundaries of what a film festival can do by developing our own streaming channel Brooklyn On Demand," said Joseph Shahadi, Executive Director of the Art of Brooklyn.

Voting took place from Dec. 8-23 on Technical.ly Brooklyn and the winners were announced Thursday, Jan. 28 at the beautiful new WeWork space in Dumbo Heights. 

​Congratulations to all the talented nominees and winners and thank you to everyone who voted for us! 

Bay Ridge, Brooklyn — The Storefront Art Walk (SAW) is now accepting artist applications for 2016. Fifteen Brooklyn artists will be chosen to create site-specific art installations in collaboration with merchants along the avenue from 68th Street to 84th Street. The storefronts along 5th Avenue will be the stage to display these works, offering Bay Ridge residents and visitors a unique opportunity to engage with the visual arts and explore the dialogue between commerce, art and community. 

The artists will be selected by a jury of six, comprised of curators, arts administrators, and artists, based on artistic merit, feasibility, and an ability to successfully engage with the Bay Ridge community. Last year’s jury included Anna Lise Jensen, a SAW 2013 Artist, Maureen Drennan, a SAW 2014 Artist, Jason Andrew, co-founder/director of Norte Maar and co-owner of OUTLET, Jillian Steinhauer, Senior Editor for Hyperallergic, and Leigh Holliday Brannan, owner of The Art Room Bay Ridge.

Each artist will eventually pair themselves with a 5th Avenue business and will create a unique installation with the particular business in mind. Beginning on May 14, 2016 each SAW artist will display in a storefront window so that Bay Ridge residents and visitors alike can enjoy the unique pieces while outside the establishment.

Artists will receive a stipend to create new work that will be installed for the duration of SAW. Interested artists are urged to send their application materials no later than 5PM on Monday, January 27, 2016 to info@bayridgesaw.org. More details are available at www.bayridgesaw.org.
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SAW was created in 2010 by local business owners John Avelluto (The Owl’s Head Wine Bar) and Heather Hamilton (Long’s Wine & Liquors) as a way to showcase the diverse community of Bay Ridge and give it a unique platform for engagement and dialogue with the visual arts. While Bay Ridge is home to many artists, the neighborhood is under-served and underfunded in terms of public arts spending and grants.  The SAW, now in its 7th year, is sponsored by the 5th Avenue Business Improvement District, Red Hook Winery, and SixPoint Brewery.

From Gothamist:

'The four-million-square-foot Brooklyn Army Terminal has a long and interesting history as a military supply base, but these days, it's still getting a handle on its new life as a commercial hub.
The federal government sold the terminal to New York City in 1981, and a few years later, a wholesale renovation began. It's come a long way since then—notable tenants now include such diverse neighbors as the NYPD's intelligence division, the chocolatier Jacques Torres, the New York City Bioscience initiative center and the Museum of Natural History.'

See Photo Gallery

Roger Skai and Thomas Bellezza invited AoB co-founder Anthony DeVito onto Top of the Bottom Pile on BBOX radio. Their show is "a gathering of comedians focused on working together as a team among like-minded individuals to bring laughter, success, and a little fun back into the business side of comedy." As a comedian, Anthony fit right in. And as an entrepreneur he shared some valuable insights on what he's learned in his career as an actor, arts organization co-founder and long-time advertising professional.

They talked comedy, acting, the Art of Brooklyn Film Festival, Brooklyn On Demand and lots more. A silly, loose conversation that has some solid business tips for people who are working and creating independently. Have a listen:

When you talk about Brooklyn's legendary Crazy Country Club, the phrase "you had to be there" definitely applies. Filmmaker Dena Greenbaum's father Steven worked at the club, and her 2012 documentary is a loving tribute to the long-gone Bay Ridge icon.

Warm Beer, Lousy Food is the untold story of America's first comedy club, and its founder (and self-proclaimed nut) Lou Burdo. The film includes rare footage of the club throughout its nearly 50-year history and testimonials from the founder, staff, and patrons, breathing life back into a storied institution that, despite having been shuttered long ago, continues to live on for the many people who were forever changed by this wonderful and crazy place.

When asked how she feels about her film streaming free on the only platform for Brooklyn-centric film and media, Dena says, "If I were to answer in the tone of the club I'd say 'WHO GIVES A SH*T!' But, on a more serious note, I'm very excited Warm Beer, Lousy Food is part of Brooklyn on Demand. It's important to share the story of Brooklyn's beloved Crazy Country Club with this audience.  I hope it brings laughter and good memories back to Brooklynites who attended the club, and I hope it brings the club to life for younger generations that didn't get to have the firsthand experience."

Watch Warm Beer Lousy Food for free online and on Roku.

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