ITTY BITTY BITS: Smokey at SXSW; Film & TV Music Conference; Whilly Bermudez fundraiser; Townsend's "The Ultimate Pitch Master Class."

       *The Hollywood Reporter and Billboard announced that Mary J. Blige and "Glee’s" Lea Michele will take part in the 2009 Film & TV Music Conference on Oct 29 and 30 at the Beverly Hilton in Los Angeles (9876 Wilshire Blvd.). Now in its eighth year, the conference examines the increasingly important role of music in film and television, and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas among the industry’s most influential executive and creative talents including award-winning composers and directors, key studio, network, record label and publishing professionals, VIPs from the advertising, gaming and commercial fields as well as the best music supervisors in the business. The full event schedule can be found at: http:///www.billboardevents.com

       *South Florida resident and "Miami Vice" star Philip Michael Thomas will host a campaign fundraiser for Whilly Bermudez - Candidate for the Florida House of Representatives for 116th District on Saturday, Nov. 14, from 7:30 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the River Lounge inside Epic Hotel in the downtown Brickell District of Miami (270 Biscayne Blvd. Way). The event – featuring music, cocktails, celebrities, and government officials – is being sponsored by several multinational corporations as well as several local enterprises. The minimum suggested campaign contribution is $50 with a maximum of state allowed $500. To attend, RSVP via www.VoteWB.com.        

       *Film Life, Inc. announces it will present producer/director Robert Townsend's "The Ultimate Pitch Master Class" lecture series. The first installment will be held in New York on Nov. 21 at TheTimesCenter stage (232 West 41 St.) from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The session is designed to teach those seeking careers in film and television how to pitch their ideas to networks and studios. Townsend shares his technique from concept to development, through the various stages of rewrites and pitching to studios as well as providing advice on how to close the deal with clarity, precision and confidence. Tickets are available at www.ticketweb.com - prices are $75 (if purchased before Nov. 7) and $125 (starting Nov. 8). For additional information e-mail info@thefilmlife.com or call 646-375-2144 ext. 1.