LA’s The Place chief Jane Emery interviewed Caprice Willard via Skype at Fashion Star‘s New York studios.


LA’s The Place: Caprice, I wanted to ask you – I’ve really enjoyed you on the show, I think you have a great discretion, and as a judge, what is the most important things that stand out when you are looking for a winning design?

Caprice Willard: Well, I think you kind of said it earlier in how much you said you enjoyed Kara [Laricks]and the fact that you have not seen her looks or her designs before. I was really looking for someone who was going to be fresh and new and can kind of, you know, really crack the code on fashion right now and be something different for the customer. We have so many brands at Macy’s and so many really great designers at Macy’s, but we also like to introduce newness and someone who’s got a totally different design esthetic and Kara absolutely has that and that is what we were looking for and that is why we decided to participate in “Fashion Star”.

LATP: Very exciting… gives me goosebumps!  For years, I mean, sometimes going shopping was a depressing situation, because you’re always looking for that something new. I think this is a new era emerging.

CW: I think Kara is the perfect example of what participating in a show like “Fashion Star” and having a huge retailer like Macy’s do that really shows, you know, how committed we are to find, you know, we both know the customer comes to us; expects for us to educate her on what she should buy and to have hottest newest thing and sometimes that is a look, sometimes that is a, you know, trend and sometimes it is a designer and in this case it is a designer and it is Kara for us right now.

LATP: OK, now Caprice, what are you seeing the designs trending toward this year; what styles do you want to see more of?

CW: I would say that one of the things I am super-excited about right now is really the reemergence of color the top and the bottom. That’s really an exciting new trend for so long we were really into neutrals and neutrals are still important, don’t get me wrong.. you know, black is still the new black. We are always looking for a new black, it’s black still, but color is super-important. Colored bottoms, printed bottoms, textured bottoms. That’s going to be very very important. And then as much as we all like to be casual and kind of comfortable, a little bit more structured jacket is becoming very important and you will see that in the Spring time and that does carry through to Fall. And the feminine blouse like what Kara has in her line, that will continue to be important as we go into the Fall season.

LATP: Well, that makes me very happy to hear because that was my next question: Do you see people starting to dress up more, or staying casual like it’s been for so many years?

CW: Well you know, I think it’s funny because we do always talk about, kinda like, that California casual look, which is always quite frankly going to be part of our dress code in Los Angeles. But a lot of people are really wanting to step it up and figure out a way to still be comfortable but pulled together. I think that Kara’s designs are a perfect example of that. The dress alone is amazingly comfortable to wear, but yet you look so pulled together. So I think we are very committed at Macy’s to finding a way to merge both of those, so people can dress things up, dress them down and feel comfortable throughout the day.

LATP: When can we see these designs in stores?

CW: Actually it is in stores now. So we have it in many stores across the country. I can personally say that we have it in many store in Los Angeles, being a LA girl myself, and we also have it at Macys.com. So you can go to Macys.com/FashionStar, put in your ZIP code and find a store near you.

LATP:  OK everybody, run, don’t walk! Caprice, thank you for entertaining all of us – you do a great job on the show and we can’t wait to see you next season!

CW: Thanks a million!

Set amidst the razzle-dazzle decadence of the 1920s, CHICAGO is the story of Roxie Hart, a housewife and nightclub dancer who murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her. Desperate to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, Velma Kelly, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids.

Now in its 16th year on Broadway, the record-breaking smash hit musical CHICAGO is now the fourth longest-running production in Broadway history.  With a legendary book by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse, music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb, CHICAGO is the winner of six 1997 Tony Awards including Best Musical Revival and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Cast Recording.

LA’s The Place Marc Chamberlain covered the Los Angeles premiere and chatted briefly with Christie Brinkley before the show.

Click here to view the embedded video.

I caught up with Christie Brinkley on the red carpet before her opening performance, who looked absolutely stunning at a young 58 years old.  I remember Christie as a young supermodel starring in Billy Joel’s hit video “Uptown Girl” and who has graced the cover of over 500 magazines.  I asked Christie how she stays you young and said one of her secrets is doing lots of yoga.  Christie has been very busy, having launched the “Christie Brinkley Beauty” a line of all-natural skin care products, all while raising 3 children.  I would never have thought I would see her transform herself into an actress.  Christie told me, “I never knew how to act, sing or dance” before being casted in CHICAGO and was a little nervous at first.”  You wouldn’t know it as she put on an amazing performance as Roxie Hart.  It goes to show you, you can do whatever you put your mind to.  She truly brought her character to life, her voice was amazing, and her dancing was superb.  Says Christie, “I am so happy to be back in LA, I am looking forward to my kids coming out to see me, and taking them to Disneyland”.  Disneyland happens to one of her favorite places to visit with her kids.

All together the rest of cast did an amazing job as well.  I personally wasn’t really a fan of musical theatre before this, but this performance of CHICAGO has truly made me a fan and has given me a new outlook on theatre.  If you ever wanted to see a Broadway play and cannot make it to New York, now is your chance to see one of the most successful musicals of our time. I highly recommend going to see CHICAGO, and Christie Brinkley as Roxie at the Pantages Theatre.  The show runs from May 15- May 27.  Seeing a live show at the Pantages is truly something you have to check off your to-do list!

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION:  Tickets are available at www.BroadwayLA.org or www.Ticketmaster.com or by calling

1-800-982-2787, as well as at the Pantages Box Office (6233 Hollywood Blvd) and all Ticketmaster Outlets.  Performances are Tue-Fri at 8pm,

Saturdays at 2pm & 8pm and Sundays at 1pm & 6:30pm.  Recommended for Ages 13 and up (Everyone must have a ticket; children under 5 will not be admitted to the theatre) Running Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes including intermission.  Tickets start at $25 in the orchestra

Kiki Melendez’ Hot Tamales Live! 3 & 4 hosted by Kiki Melendez and Fried Bananas Live! hosted by Joey Vega on Saturday, May 12th. Prime location was reserved for the premiere of 3 witty 60 minute comedy specials at the historic Ricardo Montalban Theater in heart of Hollywood on Vine Street. Latin Hollywood Films worked in association with Ann Lopez’ Moving Target Productions and Jessie Terrero’s YouTube Ch 123 Unodostres. Echos of laughter was captured at this multicultural themed event that featured a variety of comedians from New York to LA.

If laughter brings joy, then this was an exceptionally joyful occasion for all in attendance. This event was a fundraiser for the Joy Foundation so proceeds for the night went to help underprivileged children with special needs. Also in recognition on this exclusive event was all the mothers in the crowd in anticipation of Mother’s Day. Mothers were graciously greeted upon arrival, then complimented at the box office to relax and enjoy a night full of joyous entertainment.

Hot Tamales Live! 3 and 4 showcased some of the funniest finest and comedians, sketch artists and dancers all hosted by the hilarious Kiki Melendez. Kiki is recognized as an “American Latino Pioneer” and only female comedian nominated for the first annual American Latino Awards. She is the writer, producer, host and creator of Kiki Melendez’ Hot Tamales Live! which debuted on May 5th, 2009 on Showtime Television, America’s leading premium cable network. Since the first Hot Tamales Live! comedy show aired on Showtime it went on to be one of the most popular comedy shows they carried.

On Facebook, go to Kiki Melendez and on Twitter @kikimelendez – she will always give away tickets through her Twitter and Facebook.

Check Out the Impressive Line Up:

Kiki Melendez

Kiki’s comedy and creativity confidently stands up on stage and speeches volumes to the crowd. Fans; followed her voice from the radio, watched her acting on TV & film, tuned-in to her TV productions, got tickets to films she wrote and as always filling up seats for her comedy specials. www.kikikiss.com

Hot Tamales Live! 3 featured comedians Vanessa Hollingshead, Retha Jones, Helen Hong, Sharon Houston, Carla Collins and The Lucy & Ricky Salsa Show.

Vanessa Hollingshead

Vanessa has performed for The Jim Breuer Show, Live at Jongleurs, VH1’s Lords of the Revolution and has her own Comedy Central Presents. She is in her second DVD at Gotham, “American Anglomaniac” and also known for her DVD series, “Drunk” at Stand Up New York.  She was also in the film Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai.

www.VanessaHollingshead.com

Retha Jones

Retha has many TV appearances on BET’s Comic View, Comedy Central’s Premium Blend, HBO’s Def Comedy Jam and she reached the semi finals in Last Comic Standing. She was also crowned winner of the 2007 California’s Funniest Female Contest and winner of the 1st annual 2007 California Comedy Festival.

www.RethaJones.com

Helen Hong

Helen is a comedian, TV host, dating coach, and star of Logo Channel’s reality dating series “Setup Squad”. She was a semi-finalist in the 2011, 2008 and 2007 NY’s Funniest Stand-Up Competition and was a semi-finalist in the 2006 California’s Funniest Female Contest.

www.HelenHong.com

Sharon Houston

Sharon is a stand up comic, actress, producer, and writer and has stand up TV credits include MTV, Comedy Central, VH1 and SiTV. In 2011, she was chosen to showcase at the Women In Comedy Festival in Boston, the Ladies Are Funny Fest in Austin and the Bridgetown Comedy Festival in Portland.

www.IamSharonHouston.com

Carla Collins

Carla is a comedian, actress, TV Host and writer who has been called “Canada’s Tina Fey” and performs all over the US and Canada. She has her own reality TV series Carlawood on TVtropolis and she is the subject of a documentary film entitled “Who the Hell is Carla Collins?” which is currently shooting in LA.

www.CarlaCollins.com

Hot Tamales Live! 4 featured comedians Carlie & Doni, Ludo Vika, Kate Rigg, Sexy Marlo and Vicki Barbolak.

Carlie and Doni

Carlie & Doni are a whimsical musical comedy act that received high praise as feature comedians in Los Angeles Magazine’s “The Best of LA” 2011 edition. This duo are regulars at the Santa Monica Playhouse and have played at the Laugh Factory, Edge Theater and more.  They are also recognized for being on the cover of Tiger Beat’s January 2011 edition and featured comedians in the magazine.

www.CarlieAndDoni.com

Ludo Vika

Ludo won the title of “America’s First Bilingual Comic“ at the Utah Laugh Off Festival and she opened for some of the biggest comedy performers of our time; George Lopez, Sam Kinison and Paul Rodriguez. She has TV appearances on Comedy Central’s Make Me Laugh, FOX’s In Living Color, Galavision’s Que Locos, Showtime’s Latino Laugh Festival, HBO’s Loco Slam and more.

www.LudoVika.com

Kate Rigg

Kate was the executive producer of “Dance Your Ass Off” on Oxygen TV, which was the highest rated show on the network. She also worked on several episodes of the Dr. Phil Show episodes including specials on “Race“, “The Rudeness Epidemic” and “How to Spot A Liar”.

www.KateRigg.com

Sexy Marlo

Marlo “Sexy” Williams is a stand-up comedian straight our of Compton with explicit and raw material. She has performed at the Laugh Factory, The Comedy Store and The Improv just to name a few. She has be seen on BET’s Comic View, Monique’s Big Black Comedy Show, Who’s Got Jokes, Starz’ 1st Amendment presented by Martin Lawrence and on the big screen in the movie Jada.

www.MySpace.com/SexyMarloComedy

Vicki Barbolak

Vicki is best known for winning Nick@Nite’s Funniest Mom in America 3 and being a member of Jay Leno’s Laugh Squad. John Griess created a special role for her in his new Independent Comedy Film, “Pickin and Grinnin“. Her legendary performance of “Stand up at a Funeral” at The Comedy Store was featured in Mark Schiff’s book, “I Killed, Road Stories From America’s Top Comedians“.

www.VickiBarbolak.com

Fried Bananas Live! is the male version of Hot Tamales Live! and is hosted by Melendez’ long time friend Joey Vega. The guys kept the crowd rolling to the end with comedians KT Tatara, Ahmed Ahmed, Ruperto Vanderpool, Ron G, Lil Dougie Williams III and Allen Stephen.

Joey Vega

Joey is a NY native with a reputation as one of New York’s finest comedian after crushing at a packed Madison Square Garden. He hosted his own FOX series called The Latin Connection and appears on many major comedy shows including Comedy on the Road, Comic Strip Live and more. He is memorable for his film roles in Rounders and Punchline.

Comedians.Jokes.com/Joey-Vega

KT Tatara

KT was featured as one of the top “New Faces of Comedy” at the 2006 Just for Laughs Festival. He has TV comedy appearances on Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Showtime’s Live Nude Comedy and Comics Unleashed. He also has recurring roles on ABC Family’s Greek and Showtime’s Californication.

www.KTTatara.com

Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed is a regular at The Comedy Store in Hollywood and the Comedy Cellar in New York City. He has performed on TV specials including The Axis of Evil Comedy Tour and Vince Vaughn’s Wild West Comedy Show, as well as appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central’s Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn and MTV’s PUNK’D.

www.Ahmed-Ahmed.com

Ruperto Vanderpool

Ruperto is best known for his pantomiming humor and his endless variety of facial expressions. He is currently featured in Lions Gate Films’ The Cookout produced by Queen Latifah’s Flavor Unit Films. He has TV appearances on; CBS’s Urban Latino TV, BET’s Comic View, Galavison’s Que Locos! as well as special guest on It’s Showtime at the Apollo, Ricki Lake and NBC’s Law & Order: SVU.

www.RupertoVanderpool.com

Ron G

Ron gained mass recognition after winning 1st place at the 2005 Sierra Mist Late Night Laff Off. He was awarded the title “ACPA College Comic of the Year” in 2010 and is also the national spokesperson for Checker’s & Rally’s Restaurants. He was a finalist on Bill Bellamy’s Who’s Got Jokes and again a recent finalist on NBC’s Last Comic Standing #6.

www.GoRonG.com

Lil Dougie Williams III

Lil Dougie is introduced as the “World’s Youngest Comedian” and he already has experience with top comics from a previous Hot Tamales Live! comedy special. Starting at 2 years-old, Dougie warmed up the crowd for his father, comedian Doug Williams Jr., at the Starz’ taping of Martin Lawrence’s The 1st Amendment Standup. He has also performed at The Union and LA Improv.

Allen Stephen

Allen Stephen will be a featured comedian at the next LOL Laugh Out Loud Comedy Festival at the California Theater Of The Performing Arts in San Bernardino. Stephan is scheduled to perform on August 28th and will be performing with Rita Rudner & 4 Potential Ex-Husbands, David Gee, John Fox, Otto & George, Monique Marvez and Bill Bellamy’s Ladies Night Out.

For more information about Kiki Melendez check out her official website at:

www.KikiKiss.com

Confidential Beverly Hills is the brand new and ONLY exclusive nightclub / lounge fusion in Beverly Hills. It’s the epitome of luxury, with an all-white interior and a distinct “Old Hollywood” feel.

Confidential has been open since November and this Wednesday, May 16th, they are launching a weekly cabaret show entitled “Femme Fatale Wednesday’s: The Most Sophisticated Burlesque Show in Town.”

The premiere of “Femme Fatale” will be a sexy and interactive experience of music, dance and burlesque. This amazing production is going to put on by TOLEDO- the famed jazz singer, choreographer and burlesque extraordinaire.

Continental tapas and cocktails will be available throughout the night! Continental tapas and cocktails will be available from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.

And the best part is, entry is free, so come out and enjoy the show! Femme Fatale Wednesday’s will be going on throughout the summer, 8 PM – 2 AM

Confidential Beverly Hills
424 N Beverly Dr., Beverly Hills, CA 90210
Please call 310.275.8511 to book reservations or email info@confidentialbeverlyhills.com

www.confidential90210.com

American Idol was just the beginning. Now Katharine McPhee, three albums and a TV series in its second season, she’s white hot and has the style to pair with it on Glamour’s June issue. Katharine McPhee stars in the hit show Smash which chronicles the making of a Broadway musical about legendary actress Marilyn Monroe.

Here are just a few things Katharine shared with Glamour in the June issue: 

On making your own way…
“After my third semester of school, I came to Los Angeles just in time for pilot season and had 15 to 20 extra pounds on me. I was told, ‘Just lose some weight and you’ll be golden.’ But I knew I had talent. I went on Idol because it was about finding the voice, not about looks. I didn’t know how else to get to that level.”

The truth of the reality of overnight success..
“After Idol, I met with Steven Spielberg, who had me in mind for Smash. It really does take time for projects to develop. I spent five or six years just plugging away, auditioning for so many things. Doing things like Shark Night 3D because I so badly wanted to work! The hardest part of the job is getting the job. That’s the job.”

On how glamorous her job really is..
“Being on set seems so glamorous. Sometimes it is, but at the end of the day, it’s a job. The way I keep my head wrapped around it all is to love the people I work with and know that I’m there to sing a song and say some lines. I’m just doing my job, and the rest of it is glitz.”

Photographed by Nicolas Moore, Katherine McPhee show’s off the season’s sizzling white color for summer in the pages of Glamour.

Katherine McPhee wears a Prabal Gurung dress, Zana Bayne for Prabal Gurung harness and Gianvito Rossi for Altuzarra sandals & an A.L.C dress and Araks bra. The June issue is available now on newsstands and digitally (iPad, Kindle Fire and Barnes & Noble Nook Color) nationwide.

To see her entire feature on glamour.com, click here.

www.glamour.com

WOW! Creations' "Baby Swag Bag" for Jessica Simpson and New Baby Girl

Check out these Items Included in the Baby Swag Bag:

 Lullaby Lilly’s

Lullaby Lilly’s provided their unique, handmade baby and children clothing items. Products offered by Lullaby Lilly’s include; play mat blankets, infant tutu’s & diaper covers, nursing covers, lily pad bath cover, burp cloths, hooded towels, wash mitts, knit caps, coffee & bottle sleeves, swaddlers, soft blocks, owl lovies and gift sets. www.LullabyLillys.com

Jack Mat for Fireplaces!

Protect your baby from the hard, sharp corners of your fireplace, including your fire hearth… it is custom-made, fire-retardent, and will give you peace of mind, and protect your new baby! Watch this video, it shows all the benefits (and other great, life-saving tips for the protection of your new baby!

Jack Mat hearth cushions provides a comfortable place to sit and additional seating in your room. It is a child safety seat and furniture all in one. Every Jack-Mat has a sturdy well constructed wooden frame, two layers of comfortable padding and is upholstered with stain resistant fabric. No assembly is required. Easy to install and remove. Monogramming is also available. www.jackmatllc.com

 Games For Dames

Games For Dames provided an entertaining game for Jessica and the other Moms to have fun with playing at the baby shower called, “What’s a DAME to Do?!”. This light hearted game questions the ladies what they would do in different hilarious ‘dame dilemmas’ and is great fun at all girly get-togethers. www.GamesForDames.com

Baby Butz Cream

Baby Butz diaper rash cream is a 100% natural product created by a mother to relieve and prevent diaper rash on sensitive baby skin. Be sure that no toxic chemicals or painful alcohol will be applied to your loved one’s bottom because this product is both safe and effective at soothing diaper rash. www.BabyButz.com

Kenshar Fruit Vine Products

www.KensharProducts.com

Kenshar Products presented their all natural Chamomile and Lavender for Extremely Dry Skin. This body moisturizing cream for dry skin hydrates, moisturizes and soothes inflamed dried skin, burns, eczema and psoriasis. This product is made with chamomile butter, lavender and bergamot oils, for their antiseptic properties, and chamomile and lavender moisturizing lotion absorbs into your skin.

Udderly Smooth Udder Cream

Udderly Smooth ‘Udder Cream for Dry Skin‘ was also supplied in the gift bag. This product contains rich moisturizing ingredients not found in your average moisturizing lotion. Udderly Smooth is recommended for use on dry or cracked skin, diabetic foot care and as a facial or general moisturizing lotion.www.UdderlySmooth.com

AromaEarth Perfume

AromaEarth added a bottle of their newest perfume, Cali Blue, to the gift bag. Cali Blue is a clean and crisp blend of California florals and citrus with an amber vanilla base, for a unique aroma that reminds you of California coastal beaches.

WOW! Creations

WOW! Creations organized this great Baby Swag Bag for Jessica Simpson and her new born baby girl. WOW! is a LA based creative marketing and publicity company specializing in creating Celebrity, VIP Gift bags filled with high-end consumer products for Hollywood Award Shows, Film Festivals, Beauty Pageants, Charity Events, Sports Events, Individual Gifting Experiences and Launch parties for emerging companies. www.WOWcreationsMedia.com

check out this video of Jack Mat and other life-saving ideas for your baby…

Click here to view the embedded video.

The evening kicked off with a sunset performance by LA’s favorite girl rock band, BLEACHED. Dyrdek was overjoyed with the support from personal friends and guests that stopped by to congratulate him on the line, including Brody Jenner and Ryan Schekler, as well as several notables of the extreme sports word like motor cross star, Josh Hansen. Dyrdek hung with the crowd and was seen giving high fives through out the evening celebrating the official launch.

Guests partied into the the early hours of the morning, checking out the display cases of the new line stationed around the venue and enjoying an array of delicious catered food.

Reality star, Taylor Armstrong and actors Anton Yelchin and Michael Rosenblum were thrilled to get their own pair of sunglasses, before the line officially launches to the public on the IVIvision.com website.

You can catch Rob Dyrdek on his hilarious MTV show, ‘Ridiculousness’ – MTV, 10PM ET), which finds Rob giving his funny commentary and energetic spin only like Dyrdek can on some hilarious amateur viral videos.

They received gifts and gourmet treats from the luxury brands including the following companies:

George Lopez with Crocs Golf

Shoe company Crocs™ was on course gifting their new Crocs Golf shoes, designed by renowned golf instructor Hank Haney. These are done right! Comfortable, lightweight, waterproof, handsome. The one-of-a-kind comfort of Crocs™ shoes paired with the expert knowledge of Hank Haney, makes these the lightest, most comfortable golf shoes in their class. An alternative to traditional golf shoes, they feel as good as sneakers, are technically-engineered for the course and to clubhouse to home – you can wear these everyday!  They were voted “Best New Products” at the 2012 PGA Merchandise Show. Watch the video for more great features! www.croc.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Colantotte International, Inc., known for their wristwear line of Colantotte; the Flex bracelet offers the highest concentration of negative ions and magnets, and was worn by Robert Downey, Jr., in The Avengers. It’s been said that these products improve strength, balance, athletic performance and overall wellbeing. Many professional athletes wear these. www.Colantotte.com www.TrionZ.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

Balance TV – Balance is a modern, contemporary national cable TV show about how business people and movers and shakers deal with balancing health and wealth in the 21st Century.

Click here to view the embedded video.

They were at the suite providing celebrities with a non-transferable gift certificate from Balance TV worth $25,000, to appear on the show, which will air on Discovery Health next month. If you are interesting in submitting yourself or your business to be featured on the show, go to www.BalanceTV123.com and fill out the form…you never know!

Balance TV's Host Steven-E, George Lopez and Executive Producer, Co-Founder Naheed Ali, MD

RevitaLash gifted a 6-month supply of the newly formulated RevitaLash ADVANCED eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes – it really works! Forget false eyelashes, have your own beautiful lashes naturally! Hair by RevitaLash, which revitalizes what you have and makes it look thicker, and keeps you from losing any more hair, Perfect Primer, which gives your eyelashes a nice base to make them look even thicker when you apply RevitaLash Mascara, Spotlight Highlighting Pencil and Raven 24 hour eyeliner.  www.RevitaLash.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

George Lopez helping his friend, Bruce McNall out with Revitalash Hair!

ZIRH shave care/ skin care products for men gifted their ZIRH Clean Alpha-Hydroxy Facial Wash and ZIRH Aloe Vera Shave. In business for decades, ZIRH products have stood the test of time for a good reason! www.ZIRH.COM

Click here to view the embedded video.

Half Breed Clothing Co., founded by Rudy Tabasa, gifting Tees, Tanks, and Sweatshirts to celebrate the multi-ethnicnicity of people and discussed how to build pride within our multi-ethnic communities. www.HalfbreedClothing.com

Alfonso Ribeiro with Half-Breed Clothing and Columbus Short

Vineyard Napa Valley – The wines of Napa Valley’s Black Cat Vineyard are crafted, by hand, with a passion for perfection. Guests received a bottle of the 2008 Family Cuvee, Napa Valley, Red Wine Blend. The 2008 Cabernet is quite exquisite!

George Lopez at Black Cat Vineyard

Bogey Time – A new paradigm in golf apparel, Bogey Golf provided golf caps and golf towel. www.BogeyTime.com

Click here to view the embedded video.

The golfers sampled delicious treats from gourmet sponsors including Bread Basket Cake Company – who unveiled their specially designed cake and gifted their rich red velvet truffles and a gift certificate for a custom-made cake. www.BreadBasketCake.com

Milena’s Boutique - Milena`s Candles are made from exclusive organic coconut and kosher soy wax, pure essential oils, soy oils, organic wood wick, and cotton wicks. Pure, containing no petroleum products, no chemical dyes, no lead wicks, and no carcinogens! www.milenasboutique.com

It’s True! My Pillow IS the World’s most comfortable pillow”, plus…it’s washable, antibacterial, support pillow, with a 10 year warranty. They guarantee it, or your money back! www.MyPillow.com

Apple-Revolution.com – Designer Caramel Apples for All Occasions.

Rob Riggles and Apple Revolution

On the course, guests were treated to an array of refreshments and activities including KISSKAM – KISSKAM.com brings those special jumbotron moments straight to your event making it lovable, kissable, and memorable.

Camacho Cigars sampling their Camacho 10th Anniversary Cigar, Camacho Triple Maduro Cigar, and Camacho Connecticut Cigar.

Air Pacific also gifted free airfare to their favorite golf courses around the world.

Celebrities that attended included:

Rob Riggle

Alfonso Ribeiro  “Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”  (Carlton Banks)

Andy Buckley      “The Lying Game” (Ted Mercer), “Bridemaid’s” (Helen’s Husband)

Andy Garcia        “The Godfather Part III” (Vincent Mancini)

Anthony Anderson         “Scream 4” (Deputy Perkins), “Transformers” (Glenn Whitman)

Brian Dietzen      “NCIS” (Jimmy Palmer)

Bruce Jenner       Former Olympic Gold Medalist

Bruce McGill       Rizzoli & Isles

Bryan Fisher        “George Lopez” (Jason McNamara)

C. Thomas Howell      “The Amazing Spider Man”(Ray)

Carmine Giovinazzo    “CSI: NY” (Detective Danny Messer)

Cheech Marin     “Cars 1 and 2” (Ramone) and “Spy Kids” (Felix Gumm)

Cheryl Ladd         “Charlie’s Angels” (Kris Munroe)

Columbus Short Scandal (Harrison Wright)

Curt Menefee     Fox Sports anchor/reporter

Dondre Whitfield        “Make It or Break It” (Coach Mcintire)

Eizabeth Small             We The Party

George Lopez     Lopez Tonight, George Lopez (TV Series)

Greg Ellis           “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” (Groves)

Greg Maddux      Former Major League Baseball pitcher

Greg Noll             Professional Surfer

Jack Wagner       “The Bold and The Beautiful” (Dominick Marone)

Jamie Bamber    “Law and Order: UK” (Matt Delvin)

John C. McGinley     “Scrubs” (Dr. Perry Cox)

John Rocker        Retired American Major League Baseball relief pitcher

Kenny G               Musician/Jazz Saxophonist

Kevin Dobson     “April Moon” (Jeffrey)

Kevin Rahm         “Desperate Housewives” (Lee McDermott )

Kunal Nayyar      The Big Bang Theory (Raj Koothrappali)

Michael Crabtree   Wide Receiver for the “San Francisco 49ers”

Michael Bearden    Composer “This Is It”

Miles Doughty    Guitar/Bass/Vocals for “Slightly Stoopid”

Rob Riggle           “21 Jump Street” (Mr. Walters)

Ryan McPartlin   “Chuck” (Devon Woodcomb)

Salli Richardson Whitfield      “Eureka” (Allison Blake)

Tommy Thayer   Lead Guitarist for Kiss/ Black ‘n Blue

Vanessa Marcil   “General Hospital” (Brenda Barrett)

William Devane  “Leprechaun’s Revenge” (Pop O’ Hara)

Cheryl Ladd, Anthony Anderson at the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Tournament

The George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic benefitted The George Lopez Foundation, who’s mission is to create positive, permanent change for underprivileged children and adults confronting challenges in education and health, as well as increasing community awareness about kidney disease and organ donation.

Following the tournament, there was a silent and live auction benefiting The Lopez Foundation. For more information about the foundation, please visit: www.TheLopezFoundation.org

GBK, formerly GBK Productions, is a luxury lifestyle gifting and special events company, specializing in entertainment marketing integration. Formed in 2000 by Gavin Keilly, the company’s Founder and CEO, GBK consists of five divisions: GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations. Widely known in the entertainment industry for bringing that little extra something into the Gifting Lounge environment, GBK offers its clients a full range of marketing services. For more information on Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK, please go to: GBKProductions.com.

Photos by Tiffany Rose/WireImage

The 2012 Los Angeles Film Festival, presented by Film Independent in conjunction with Los Angeles Times will be hosted at L.A. Live in downtown LA from Thursday, June 14th to Sunday, June 24th. The LA Film Fest (LAFF) has now grown up into it’s 18th year of celebrating the best in new American and international cinema. The LAFF is recognized as a world-class event and this will be the 3rd year it will hosted by L.A. Live and located in the heart of LA.

This LAFF will be screening a diverse ticket of nearly 200 feature films, short films, and music videos, representing more than 30 countries from around the world. The event will feature their signature programs like the Filmmaker Retreat, Coffee Talks, Poolside Chats, music events and more. Opening night will feature Woody Allen’s To Rome With Love in addition Ava DuVernay’s Middle of Nowhere, Benh Zeitlin’s Beasts of the Southern Wild, and Lorene Scafaria’s Seeking a Friend for the End of the World were also selected to screen throughout the festival.

To Rome With Love

“There is nothing more satisfying than shining a spotlight on so many unique films from both seasoned and emerging filmmakers. Come experience the wonder of Beasts of the Southern Wild, let Call Me Kuchu break your heart and call you to action, or simply be entertained by Channing Tatum and Matthew McConaughey in Magic Mike,” said Festival Director Stephanie Allain. “These are just a few of the diverse stories that bring us into new worlds or put a fresh twist on familiar ones. ‘Exclusively for Everyone’ isn’t just a tag line. It’s an invitation to experience both the specific and the universal, and hopefully come away entertained and enlightened. Enjoy!”

Magic Mike

Closing night will feature the World Premiere of director Steven Soderbergh’s Magic Mike created by Warner Bros. Pictures and written by Reid Carolin. Stars in the cast include Channing Tatum, Matthew McConaughey, Alex Pettyfer, Matt Bomer, Riley Keough, Cody Horn, Olivia Munn, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Joe Manganiello and Gabriel Iglesias. This movie is set in the world of male strippers. The dramatic comedy follows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women and making easy money. Warner Bros. Pictures will release the film nationwide in theaters on Friday, June 29th, 2012.

People Like Us

Another anticipated World Premiere amongst the Summer Showcase screenings is director Alex Kurtzman’s People Like Us created by Dreamworks Pictures and written by Kurtzman, Roberto Orci and Jody Lambert. Starring in this film is Chris Pine, Elizabeth Banks, Olivia Wilde, Philip Baker Hall, Michael Hall D’Addario, Mark Duplass and Michelle Pfeiffer. A story inspired by true events, Sam (Pine), a twenty-something, fast-talking salesman, is tasked with fulfilling his estranged father’s last wishes, which is delivering an inheritance to a sister he never knew he had. Dreamworks Pictures will release the film in theaters on Friday, June 29th, 2012.

Woody Allen on To Rome With Love

“We’ve got a marvelous mix this year that reflects the incredible diversity of world cinema and of Los Angeles itself. I’m excited to have such giants as Woody Allen, Steven Soderbergh and André Téchiné alongside some amazing first-time filmmakers whose names you’ll be hearing a lot in the future. We want to offer festival-goers stories and visions they haven’t seen before and a chance to meet the most creative minds working in movies. It’s going to be a fun and mind-expanding ten days,” said Festival Artistic Director David Ansen.

Dirty Dancing 25th Anniversary

The LAFF will also feature free outdoor programming for fans to crowd around. In celebration of the 25th anniversary of the film Dirty Dancing there will be a Dance-A-Long at the California Plaza on June 22nd at 7:00 pm. This production is a cooperation with Dance Camera West and Grand Performances. Attendees may take a free salsa lesson by Contra-Tiempo. There will also be an interactive screening of the film with special guests and a shadow cast consisting of performers from local dance companies to dance on stage below the screening corresponding to key scenes.

The LAFF received 5,283 submissions from filmmakers around the world this year, compared to 5,025 submissions last year. From all these submissions the final selections represent 30 countries from around the world, North American and US premieres, which includes premiere status for films previously announced. There will be 19 premieres that are in the Narrative and Documentary Competition sections.

Make arrangements to attend this 10 day event. There are passes available for sale to Film Independent members and to the general public. The Festival passes give you access to screenings, events, a series of networking receptions and entry to the Filmmaker Lounge. This gives Festival pass holders opportunity to interact with Festival filmmakers and professionals in the film community at the Filmmaker Lounge.

LA Film Festival Information:

Beginning Tuesday, May 29th, general admission tickets to individual films go on sale. Contact the Ticket Office for passes, tickets and event information by calling (866) FILM-FEST, (866) 345-6337, or visit the official website at LAFilmFest.com.

This will be the seventh year the Los Angeles Times will be serving as the LAFF Presenting Media Sponsor. The LA Times will produce the Official Film Guide which is a comprehensive source for all movie information, screenings, locations and related special events. The Film Guide will be on top of their paper on Sunday, June 10th, in Los Angeles and Orange County, and will be made available throughout downtown Los Angeles during the 10 day event.

Films to be Featured at LAFF:

OPENING NIGHT:

To Rome With Love – (DIRECTOR/WRITER Woody Allen PRODUCERS Letty Aronson, Stephen Tenenbaum CAST Woody Allen, Alec Baldwin, Roberto Benigni, Penélope Cruz, Judy Davis, Jesse Eisenberg, Greta Gerwig, Ellen Page) – Written and directed by Woody Allen, To Rome With Love is a story about a number of people in Italy — some American, some Italian, some residents, some visitors — and the romances and adventures and predicaments they get into. North American Premiere

CLOSING NIGHT:

Magic Mike – (DIRECTOR Steven Soderbergh PRODUCERS Reid Carolin, Gregory Jacobs, Channing Tatum, Nick Wechsler WRITER Reid Carolin CAST Channing Tatum, Alex Pettyfer, Matthew McConaughey, Cody Horn, Olivia Munn, Matt Bomer, Riley Keough, Joe Manganiello, Kevin Nash, Adam Rodriguez, Gabriel Iglesias) – Set in the world of male strippers, the dramatic joefollows Mike (Tatum) as he takes a young dancer called The Kid (Pettyfer) under his wing and schools him in the fine arts of partying, picking up women, and making easy money. World Premiere

GALA SCREENINGS:

Beasts of the Southern Wild – (DIRECTOR Benh Zeitlin WRITERS Lucy Alibar, Benh Zeitlin PRODUCERS Michael Gottwald, Dan Janvey, Josh Penn CAST Quvenzhané Wallis, Dwight Henry) – This stunningly imaginative, boldly original film follows six-year-old Hushpuppy as she fights to protect her father and their unique way of life in a remote, dreamlike area of the Delta threatened by apocalyptic floods.

Middle of Nowhere – (DIRECTOR/WRITER Ava DuVernay PRODUCERS Howard Barish, Ava DuVernay, Paul Garnes CAST Emayatzy Corinealdi, David Oyelowo, Omari Hardwick, Lorraine Toussaint, Edwina Findley, Sharon Lawrence) – How do you maintain a marriage — and your own identity — when your husband has been sentenced to eight years in prison? Writer/director Ava DuVernay’s elegant and powerful portrait of a strong woman contending with conflicting feelings of love, guilt and desire marks the arrival of a bold new voice in independent cinema.

Seeking a Friend for the End of the World – (DIRECTOR/WRITER Lorene Scafaria PRODUCERS Steve Golin, Joy Gorman, Steven M. Rales, Mark Roybal CAST Steve Carell, Keira Knightley, Connie Britton, Rob Corddry, Gillian Jacobs, Derek Luke, Melanie Lynskey, T.J. Miller, Mark Moses, Patton Oswalt, William Petersen) – Taking audiences on a humorous, moving and intimate journey against an epic backdrop of Earth’s final days, the film is Lorene’s feature directorial debut (she previously adapted Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlist). Set in a too-near future where time at once stands still and is slipping away forever, the film explores what people will do and how they will feel when humanity’s end is near. World Premiere

Narrative Competition (10): The Narrative Competition is comprised of films made by talented emerging filmmakers that compete for the Filmmaker Award. The winner is determined by a panel of jurors, and films in this section are also eligible for the Audience Award for Best Narrative Feature or Best International Feature.

All Is Well, Pocas Pascoal – Portugal – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

Breakfast with Curtis, Laura Colella – WORLD PREMIERE

The Compass is Carried by the Dead Man, Arturo Pons – Mexico – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

Crazy and Thief, Cory McAbee – NORTH PREMIERE

Dead Man’s Burden, Jared Moshé – WORLD PREMIERE

Four, Joshua Sanchez – WORLD PREMIERE

A Night Too Young, Olmo Omerzu – Czech Republic – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

Pincus, David Fenster – WORLD PREMIERE

Red Flag, Alex Karpovsky – WORLD PREMIERE

Thursday till Sunday, Dominga Sotomayor – Chile – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

Documentary Competition (9): The Documentary Competition is comprised of films made by talented emerging filmmakers that compete for the Documentary Award. The winner is determined by a panel of jurors, and films in this section are also eligible for the Audience Award for Best Documentary Feature or Best International Feature.

25 to Life, Mike Brown – WORLD PREMIERE

A Band Called Death, Jeff Howlett, Mark Covino – WORLD PREMIERE

Birth Story: Ina May Gaskin and the Farm Midwives, Sara Lamm, Mary Wigmore – WORLD PREMIERE

Call Me Kuchu, Katherine Fairfax Wright, Malika Zouhali-Worrall – US PREMIERE

Drought, Everado González – Mexico – US PREMIERE

The Iran Job, Till Schauder – USA/Germany/Iran – WORLD PREMIERE

Sun Kissed, Maya Stark, Adi Lavy – WORLD PREMIERE

Vampira and Me, R. H. Greene – WORLD PREMIERE

Words of Witness, Mai Iskander – Egypt/USA – US PREMIERE

International Showcase (15): The International Showcase highlights innovative independent narrative and documentary features from outside of the United States. Films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature, Best Narrative Feature, or Best Documentary Feature.

Bestiaire, Denis Côté – Canada

Bunohan: Return to Murder, Dain Said – Malaysia (Oscilloscope Pictures)

Canícula, José Álvarez – Mexico

The First Man, Gianni Amelio – France – US PREMIERE

The Last Elvis, Armando Bo – Argentina

Neighboring Sounds, Kleber Mendonça Filho – Brazil (The Cinema Guild)

On the Edge, Leila Kilani – France/Morocco/Germany

P-047, Kongdej Jaturanrasamee – Thailand

Return to Burma, Midi Z. – Taiwan/Myanmar

Sister, Ursula Meier – Switzerland (Adopt Films) – NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

The Strawberry Tree, Simone Rapisarda Casanova – Canada/Cuba/Italy

Summer Games, Rolando Colla – Switzerland

Teddy Bear, Mads Matthiesen – Denmark (Film Movement)

Unforgivable, André Téchiné – France (Strand Releasing)

Without Gorky, Cosima Spender – UK

Summer Showcase (16): The Summer Showcase section offers an advance look at this summer’s most talked about independent film releases from the festival circuit. Films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature, Best Narrative Feature, or Best Documentary Feature.

About Face, Timothy Greenfield-Sanders (HBO Films)

Beauty Is Embarrassing, Neil Berkeley

Big Easy Express, Emmett Malloy

Celeste and Jesse Forever, Lee Toland Krieger (Sony Pictures Classics)

Gayby, Jonathan Lisecki (Wolfe Releasing)

Gimme the Loot, Adam Leon (IFC Films)

The House I Live In, Eugene Jarecki

It’s a Disaster, Todd Berger – WORLD PREMIERE

La Camioneta: The Journey of One American School Bus, Mark Kendall – USA/Guatemala

Neil Young Journeys, Jonathan Demme (Sony Pictures Classics)

An Oversimplification of her Beauty, Terence Nance – USA/France

People Like Us, Alex Kurtzman (Dreamworks Pictures) – WORLD PREMIERE

The Queen of Versailles, Lauren Greenfield (Magnolia Pictures)

Reportero, Bernardo Ruiz

Robot and Frank, Jake Schreier (Samuel Goldwyn Films)

Searching for Sugar Man, Malik Bendjelloul (Sony Pictures Classics)

Community Screenings (6): These films will be presented free to the public. New films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best Narrative Feature or Best Documentary Feature.

Dirty Dancing (1987), Emile Ardolino – Grand Performances Screening

E.T.: The Extra-Terrestrial (1982), Steven Spielberg – FIGat7th Screening

G-Dog, Freida Mock – WORLD PREMIERE

The Invisible War, Kirby Dick (Cinedigm)

LUV, Sheldon Candis – Project Involve Screening (Indomina)

Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan (1982), Nicholas Meyer – FIGat7th Screening

The Beyond (3): The Beyond offers films that dare to be different. Films in this section are eligible for Audience Awards for Best International Feature or Best Narrative Feature.

The History of Future Folk, J. Anderson Mitchell, Jeremy Kipp Walker – WORLD PREMIERE

Juan of the Dead, Alejandro Brugués – Cuba

Saturday Morning Massacre, Spencer Parsons – WORLD PREMIERE

Retro (3):

Ballads, Blues and Bluegrass (1961), Alan Lomax – WORLD PREMIERE

Banishment (2007), Andrey Zvyagintsev – Russia – LAFCA’s The Film That Got Away

The Breaking Point (1950), Michael Curtiz – Film Foundation Screening

Short Films (48): Shorts are shown before features and as part of four short film programs. With their diverse and complex content, these films shine brilliantly. Most short films, domestic and international, will compete for prizes in Narrative, Documentary, and Animation/Experimental categories. The winner is determined by a panel of jurors. An Audience Award for Best Short Film is also presented.

Shorts Program 1-4

Future Filmmakers Showcase: High School Shorts (31): These two programs of shorts are made by high school students from around the country, featuring work by the next generation of filmmakers.

Programs 1-2

Music Videos (40): The Music Video Showcase consists of two programs. Eclectic Mix is a visual mix tape of this year’s best independent music videos with a few innovative major label artists thrown in for good measure. As a Special Focus, DANIELS and Walter Robot go head to head in an event peppered with music videos, shorts, production secrets, feats of strength, audience challenges and possible mime. Music videos will compete for an Audience Award.

Eclectic Mix 1

Thunderdome: DANIELS vs Walter Robot

For more information visit the official website at LAFilmFest.com.

Guests onboard enjoyed a hosted bar flowing with specialty drinks courtesy of Status Vodka, Tequila Loca, Lucadia Winery, Cascal, and O.N.E. Coconut Water, while enjoying the fashions of Designer Eloise Lapidus and Richie Williams of Bobo House Fashion, who presented elegant fashion from their collection of front drape leather vests, long and short pants for women, as well as a variety of tank tops.  Also onhands were French designers showcasing collections from Jean Paul Gaultier, BoBo House, Eloise Lapidus, Cosmo Queen, Babylone, Jen Mood, and Blue Glue.

There was creative stimuli everywhere to be found, including French Film sneak-peeks. Celebrity DJ’s Christos Kedras and Sonikem were spinning live on the decks, while guests perused and bid on designer and luxury silent auction items. Guests delighted in raffle prizes and giveaways, and took intimate boat rides throughout the harbor, all while being treated to white glove services and pampering in true “Cote Azure” style.

Liz Kelly introduced the Goody Awards, which recognizes those making positive contributions to their communities , particularly those with disabilities.   More information can be found at GoodyAwards.com.  Jason Goodman, CEO of 20th Century 3D, explained how he has been in the 3D movie business for 20 years and there is an increasing demand for 3D entertainment, growing every day.

It’s So LA™ presented this event in true style, as they always do. They are a trans-media entertainment company dedicated to bringing the “LA experience” to any event (services include hosted media lounges, luxury gifting suites, sketch comedy event experiences, branded integrated digital production services, and branded social media event gaming).

Mamz’ elle Margalette was created by Stephanie Audoin in 1997. With 20 years of haute couture expertise, her clients include: Armani, Emmanuel Ungaro, Kenzo, Barbara Bui, Robert Clergerie, Paul Ka, and Eloise Lapidus. It’s So LA™ and Mamz’elle Margalette collectively expose the French flavor to the United States and the Los Angeles spirit to the French.

Nestle® Waters North America

Jeremiah Brent

Resource Water partnered with Los Angeles interior designer and cast member of The Rachel Zoe Project, Jeremiah Brent to add some more fun to the festivities. Brent and resource Water hosted a complete ‘Electrolytenment‘ event with DailyCandy, a daily report of all that’s fun and fashionable. The event took place at LA’s SmogShoppe, California’s greenest event location and a LEED Platinum candidate. The event also supported the local Los Angeles nonprofit organization, Women Empowered. This is an organization with a commitment to the empowerment of women through volunteerism, mentoring of at-risk teen girls, the giving and receiving of support, social and professional networking as well as professional and personal development workshops and seminars.

“The resource brand stands for discovery and hydration, and I’m happy to have experienced ‘Electrolytenment,’” said Brent. “My favorite decorating accessory to have on hand while I’m designing spaces is resource 100% Natural Spring Water.”

In addition to the successful ‘Electrolytenment’ event, resource Water also teamed up with several lifestyle experts in the Los Angeles area to provide tips for consumers in a variety of specialties. Local LA influence’s included Emma Willis of Blushington makeup and beauty lounge; Meg Hall, founder of Made by Meg and a featured chef on Kitchit, a new company that allows diners to hire top-notch, professional chefs for their dinner parties and events; Melissa Gonzalez, CEO of Lion’esque Style, fashion forward made easy; Christine Avanti, best-selling author, celebrity chef and health consultant on The Food Network’s Fat Chef; and Kate Highstrete of Ballet Bodies, a fitness studio that combines the fundamentals of Pilates and ballet.

“We are proud to offer a bottled water that is good for you and good for the environment to Southern California,” said Larry Cooper, Senior Marketing Manager for resource. “Our goal is to bring the power of new discoveries and total ‘Electrolytenment’ through our interactive fountain of water and various LA experts.”

In celebration of the resource 100% Natural Spring Water being launched in Southern California, the resource Water company also hosted a consumer event where the brand unveiled the ‘Fountain of Electrolytenment‘. This Fountain is an exhilarating, first-of-its-kind interactive fountain of water, which was located at The Grove in Los Angeles was on May 3rd through May 6th. Shoppers at The Grove had the opportunity to discover ‘Electrolytenment’ by asking the Fountain questions and getting live, customized answers in real time. The Fountain seemed like a cross between IBM’s Watson and a supporting sport team’s water boy. Participants at The Grove also got the opportunity to sample resource Water for free.

The ‘Fountain of Electrolytenment’ is the first-ever practical application that combined water-writing. Water-writing is a new technology that uses falling water droplets to create words and graphics. This application works with a real-time artificial intelligence interface. Resulting in a breathtaking outcome for those in attendance and allowed them to experience something that has never been possible, having a real life conversation with a fountain of water.

For more information about resource Water, visit:

www.Nestle-Waters.com

www.Facebook.com/ResourceSpringWater

For more information about the event sponsors, visit:

www.JeremiahBrent.com

www.DailyCandy.com/everywhere

www.Women-Empowered.com

www.Blushington.com/about

www.KitchIt.com/la

www.LionesqueStyle.com

www.ChristineAvanti.com

www.BalletBodies.com

“Remodeled”, the new hit TV show on the CW Network premiered this season to huge numbers, and The CW will be airing it again this summer. The star of Remodeled, Paul Fisher, is the CEO of The Network, the world’s largest modeling agency, where his ‘network’ encompasses small agencies all over the country. One of those agencies that caught the attention of Paul Fisher and The Network is Hermosa Beach’s own, Blaze Modelz, founded by Stefanie Blase. Stefanie and Blaze Modelz were featured on an episode of “Remodeled”. In this video, LA’s The Place sat down with Stefanie Blase and Paul Fisher, as they discussed their partnership and her plan for Blaze Modelz to become the top modeling agency in the world for swimsuit models.

We also had a chance to speak one on one with Stefanie Blaze, who shared her journey in the world of modeling and owning her own successful agency.

LA’s The Place:   At what age did you become a model? When did you move to LA?

Stefanie Blasé:   I became a model at the age of 15, doing small shows and events in Ohio.

LATP:  What were your long term goals and what are some of the fun things you did as a model?

SB:   I signed with a big agency, Elite Models, and moved to Chicago when I turned 18.

LATP:   At what point did you decide to open your own agency?

SB:   I moved to LA when I was about to turn 21. I knew modeling wouldn’t last forever, and I was very successful as a model, so when I turned 25, I decided I needed to start my own modeling agency.

I wanted to help girls/boys/kids, and teach them what I knew. I didn’t want them to get into the bad scenes/drugs, and many other things that living the fast life, making fast cash can lead too. That’s why I started my agency! I want to see successful kids, healthy kids, and kids that GIVE BACK to our WORLD.

LATP:   Do you model concurrently?

SB:   I am still young, and I still get requests for special shoots, and events, when requested I sometimes will work the events, or I I will replace myself with a similar model, and still attend and chaperone That way everyone’s happy.

LATP:   What is the toughest thing about owning an agency?

SB:   The toughest thing about owing an agency is- the people organization, between the clients, the models and all around everyone. Trying to please everyone and making everyone happy!

LATP:   When did you hear about The Network?

SB:   I heard about the network through a good friend of Pauls, last summer 2011.

LATP:  How is Blaze Modelz different since you became part of The Network?

SB:   Now that we are a part of the Network, our whole agency had changed! We are now based on high fashion and real models (meaning girls 5’9′+) Before we were more just a promotional/talent agency. We have both sides now-working with the network, big big agencies, placing models worldwide, and also using our local talent to cater to the LA Market- as far as promotional modeling, and using models under 5’9”.

LATP:   Has the show Remodeled created a draw for your agency?

SB:   Remodeled was an amazing show to be on! It really changed my life and my agency. Everything that went on in the show, it what we are here doing today in our office. The changes were crucial to success and we are seeing amazing changes each and everyday!

BlazeModelz.com

Blaze Modelz Modeling Agency
200 Pier Ave #303
Hermosa Beach, CA.
1 (310) 372-5500

The Network's CEO Paul Fisher and Stefanie Blaze of Blaze Modelz in Hermosa Beach, CA

Sarah Marissa Wullinger

We all know that breaking into Hollywood is not an easy job, but for German actress Sarah Marissa Wullinger she is already creating a major buzz around town with her incredible acting talent. Born in Stuttgart, Germany, Sarah relocated to Los Angeles, two years ago, in the hopes of pursuing a successful acting career.

Miraculously, Sarah is already on the path to super stardom after being cast as one of the leading roles in the upcoming TV series to be released, “Shifting Shadows”. Written by Oscar winning writer Martin Donovan of “Death Becomes Her” fame, starring Meryl Streep, Sarah is paving her way to becoming a major factor in Hollywood.

Many of entertainment’s heavy weights are already rallying behind her, including Stan Harrington of (“Perception”) and Casting Director Joseph D’ Agosta from (MGM). When Stan Harrington cast Sarah in “Perception” after seeing her performance at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting, he couldn’t help but notice her as an asset to his production with her unique and honorable dramatic acting ability.

One of the most stand out qualities about Sarah, is her ability to adapt to almost any accent. Being from Germany, she has mastered both the american and british accents, as demonstrated on her demo reel.

One of Sarah’s first appearances, was in a production of Tony Kushner’s “Angels in America”at the Irene Gilbert Theater, which also drew in some large audiences and new found fans of her work.

Since being in Los Angeles, Sarah has had an amazing track record of success, including an honorable mention in a Clinique Happy Commercial Contest, by Amy Walmann who raves: “Her performance in the Clinique Happy Commercial was brilliant during every moment of each take. I have auditioned and followed many actresses in the industry. I can state that few can rival the skills and ability that Sarah Wullinger possesses. I would rank her in the top 1%”- to presenting a 2011 Speech at the critically acclaimed Stella Adler Academy of Acting with director Troy Duffy from “Boondock Saints”.

With her stunning good looks and supermodel height (5”11), Sarah commands respect whenever she walks into a room. Many actresses dream of being cast in a leading role by an Academy Award winning director or writer and Sarah has proved that she can nail that role with grace, yet still remain a down to earth girl from Germany, who takes it all in her stride. Hollywood directors are astounded by her talent and beauty and Sarah is very quickly, becoming a much sort after actress.

Not bad for a girl that came across the other side of the world in search of her lucky break. It goes to show, that dreams really do come true! Check out an interview with Sarah Marissa Wullinger below:

LA’s The Place:  Hi Sarah, tell us how you got into acting and who inspired you?

Sarah Marissa Wullinger:   Well, in all honesty, I got into acting when I was performing small plays for my mom when I was a little girl. I would come up with the wildest stories and act them out in front of my mother and she really ended up believing me sometimes – sorry mom! I remember seeing a movie with Elisabeth Taylor at my Grandmothers house and I just wanted to be like her. I wanted to have that elegance, poise and grace that I saw she had on screen. I have been inspired by many actresses. Of course Meryl Streep is one of my biggest idols I would say.

LATP:  How tough was it leaving your hometown in Germany to come to the US?

SMW:  Even tough I left my family and friends behind, I have to say it was not only heartbreaking. It was also terribly exciting for me to travel so far abroad to follow and pursue that dream that I had been carrying with me for so long. My family is super supportive of what I do and I am constantly in touch with them. They give me all the strength in the world. Also, about a year after I came to the U.S, my younger sister moved here as well and is attending film school and pursuing a career behind the camera. We both work very hard for what we want and we are a perfect team. That makes me miss Germany a little less, even if it’s very hard sometimes. Especially the food and all my wonderful friends and of course family. I make a point of going back to Germany as much as I can!

LATP:  What led you to study at the Stella Adler Academy of Acting, in Hollywood?

SMW:  I’ve always really wanted to work with a technique that uses the imagination rather than my own background. To me, personally, art is something completely newly created as opposed to remembered from a persons past. I’ve always had a wild imagination as a child and I thought if I can just trigger that in the right way, I can come up with all kinds of choices in my acting. I looked at some of the actors that have used the Stella Adler Acting technique, like Marlon Brando, Robert De Niro etc. and these are some of the most inspiring actors to me. So I just made a choice without thinking to much and I absolutely don’t regret a minute of it. I can highly recommend this acting school.

LATP:  A lot of A-listers, have raved about your acting abilities. How does that feel? And how did this happen?

SMW:  It’s always great to receive a compliment and it helps me to see whether or not I’m going in the right direction. However, I think it is very important to not only listen to the good things that people say about your work, but also the things they criticize about your work. That way you can grow. I’m still at the beginning of my career and there is a lot that I can learn. I don’t get to ‘high’ on compliments, because satisfaction is the point at which you stop working and growing. Don’t get me wrong, it’s wonderful to see your work being appreciated, especially when you’ve worked hard for it, but I never base my happiness on that.

LATP:  What is your advice for other actresses coming to Hollywood, from all over the world for their acting dreams?

SMW:  The most important thing that I could say on that note is to stay true to your own goals and integrity. Take the step despite what other people think about your potential in this business. There is no ‘recipe’ for success, other than working hard and never taking your focus away from your goal. Never lose track of where you really want to go as an actor and don’t compromise that. And never stop working on your craft. The business side of the whole industry is something that you have to study and become smart about because this is effectively your career and business, and you don’t want to get fooled by unprofessional people in this town. But most importantly, never stop working on your craft. You can always become better – and don’t let anyone tell you differently.

LATP:  Who would you most wish to work with?

SMW:  Since you are putting me on the spot, I would say on the top of my head, Meryl Streep, Christian Bale and Edward Norton.

LATP:  Whats coming up next for you?

SMW:  I am currently in the preparation process for a Pilot and I’m also working on 2 short films with the actor Maurizio Di Meo and my sister. We are hoping to get these projects screened this and next year. I co – wrote the scripts and I am very proud and excited to be working on this.

You can check out Sarah Marissa Wullinger’s work on IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4282591/

Sarah Marissa Wullinger

Throughout her 30-plus years as a producer, writer and director, Suzanne DeLaurentiis has been involved with over one hundred feature films and has been honored for her work with numerous prestigious awards and her dedication and support for veterans. The first thing you see when you walk into Suzanne’s office, is not her film awards, but her accommodation medal from the Oregon National Guard.  “I make movies, and the men and women of our military make it possible for me to do what I do for a living.  In the grand scheme of things, I think it’s obvious which one of us has the most harder job.”

Recently, Suzanne returned to Oregon to show her continued support for the Oregon National Guard and The Reintegration Team.  Suzanne was presented for the second time with the Oregon Commendation Plaque, a true honor, and one that she doesn’t take lightly. Her mission is to make sure the Vets know how much they are appreciated for protecting our country and make sure they all are able to find jobs upon their return home.

On Saturday March 10, Suzanne went out in less than stellar weather conditions to the tarmac to see Captain Tyler Eikenberry, commander of 7-158 Aviation, off as he left to go on his mission to Afghanistan. Watching him board the Blackhawk Helicopter was a particularly moving event for Ms. DeLaurentiis. “I can never quite comprehend the selflessness of our soldiers. It’s something you never get used to.”

“What most people don’t realize is that our Veteran’s return from horrors that most of us don’t even want to imagine and are then put in a position where they have to put their lives back together.  These are men and women who put their lives on the line every day that they are in the service, and when they come home, they can’t even get a job.”

Suzanne DeLaurentiis and Veterans

When Suzanne first heard about the Oregon National Guard and the Reintegration Team, spearheaded by Master Sgt. Vinnie Jaques, she knew that she had to get involved, and she has been ever since.  She’s hosted numerous charity events for the Organization, adds messages promoting the Military at the end of every film, and is constantly reaching out to her Hollywood colleagues both for donations and to spread the word about the lives our Veterans are coming back to.

LA’s The Place sat down with Suzanne DeLaurentiis and asked her about her dedicated involvement with veterans and how she is making a difference in their lives, even putting them to work in her film projects!

More about Suzanne DeLaurentiis: www.suzannedelaurentiisproductions.com.

"The Voice" Final Four

On May 3, 2012, The Final Four contestants of NBC’s smash singing competition show, “The Voice,” performed live at 10:30 am on Thursday at the Universal CityWalk’s “5 Towers” interactive concert venue.  Fans came by the tram load to this exclusive one-time concert to see their favorite performers sing live. Stay tuned to NBC next Tuesday, May 8th to see who will be voted winner of “The Voice” Season 2. Also, check out our interview with one of the finalist inside…

Last week was the most high-stakes episode of the show yet, when celebrity judges Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton made their toughest decisions of the season by deciding which member of their team would represent their team in the season finale.  In anticipation of the May 8th final episode, these four finalists sang a special song for their fans at the “5 Towers” stage.

Christina, Ceelo, Adam and Blake invited the fans of their show to come for free and cheer on their favorite finalist at CityWalk’s new interactive outdoor concert venue. Upon arrival, the attendees received complementary T-shirts and posters to commemorate this exclusive event showcasing the leading vocal artists from celebrity musician coaches. The artist lineup that performed at “5 Towers” included Kansas native Chris Mann for Team Christina, Florida native Juliet Simms for Team CeeLo, Connecticut native Tony Lucca for Team Adam, and New York native Jermaine Paul for Team Blake.  Each performer did their best to showcase their talent to the live audience and the world watched online streaming on Facebook, NBC.com and at the NBC Experience Store in New York. It will be exciting to see who will be named “The Voice” in Season 2 of this hit show and receive the grand prize recording contract.

Ceelo was the first to christen the “5 Towers” stage in July 2011. The “5 Towers” literally stands-out for the crowd and is the first-of-its kind outdoor concert venue with fan immersive features and state-of-the-art technology.  The Music Spotlight Series held this spring at “5 Towers” featured Billboard chart-topping talent Carly Rae Jepsen, as well as an exciting and diverse lineup of local homegrown favorites including Cherri Bomb, Midnight Red, The Thomas Nicholas Band, and many more.

“We are so excited to have the finalists from ‘The Voice’ here at the 5 Towers on CityWalk,” said Pat Donahue, Director of CityWalk Entertainment.  “While we’ve hosted established recording artists like Flo Rida, Good Charlotte and Justin Bieber, we also have a strong commitment to supporting emerging artists.  It’s a great privilege to provide up-and-coming talent with an outstanding, state of the art venue to do what they love to do – which is to play great music and entertain the masses!”

Jermaine Paul sat down to talk with LA’s The Place and relax after performing at CityWalk’s “5 Towers” stage.

LATP:         “What did you try to do in your performance today to outshine your competition?”
Jermaine:     “Today, like just right now.”  “I don’t know what I did to outshine anybody.  I just try to do the best Jermaine Paul impression I can possibly do.” Then after a chuckle, he adds. “I’m just trying to be the best me every time I hit the stage. I’m not trying to out do or compete, I mean it’s all art and artistry.  Everybody here has a gift and a talent.  It all deserves to shine. The way you see it, is the way you see it.”

LATP:         “Do you feel confident that you nailed your performance today?”
Jermaine:     “You know it’s so early singing that high @$$ song.  That song is so high, I don’t know what Bon Jovi was thinking when he wrote that song and then it has modulation on top of it.  It’s ridicules!  I just gave my heart and left it out there.  It was real relaxed, no pressure.  I tried to interact with the crowd as much as possible and just had a good time with it.”

LATP:        “You discussed trying that challenge of hitting those high notes, is there anything in particular that the judges and the audience should look for in your performance for the final?”
Jermaine:    “Coming up, I defiantly want to take the inspirational route.  I want to inspire the world.  I want to inspire every person out there that has a dream.  To help every person out there that has been trying to do something with themselves to find their way there.  I just found my way here and it feels amazing to be here!  I just want to make the best of the opportunity and inspire someone in the process.”

LATP:        “You are defiantly inspiring people all over the world.  Do you feel that you are living your dream now and is there more of that dream to come?”
Jermaine:    “You know, it seems like with this competition you go in and your thinking about the beginnings and the end.  You don’t think about all the little obstacles and victories in between.  This is one victory and everyday you try to create a new one hoping to do better things and be victorious.”

LATP:        “Is there anything you did in particular to help you prepare for today’s performance and for the final?’
Jermaine:   “I pray.  I try to keep it defiantly spiritually grounded and move forward every time from one to the next.  That’s all I can say, I can’t take credit for anything.”

"The Voice" Last 8 at Transformers: The Ride-3D

Prior to the final four contestants being announced last week the eight semi-finalists were treated to a behind-the-scenes sneak peek of Universal Studios Hollywood’s epic, new immersion thrill ride, “Transformers: The Ride-3D”. This attraction opens officially on May 25, 2012. More information on Universal CityWalk’s upcoming events is available at www.CityWalkHollywood.com.  Artist announcements and “5 Towers” concert venue events can also be found on Twitter @CityWalkLA and Facebook-Universal CityWalk Hollywood.

"The Voice" Last 8 at Transformers: The Ride-3D

“The Voice” is a vocal competition show featuring celebrity musician coaches Christina Aguilera, CeeLo Green, Adam Levine and Blake Shelton. Carson Daly hosts and serves as producer, and Christina Milian serves as social media correspondent. The show’s innovative format features three stages of competition; the first begins with the blind audition, then the competition enters into a battle phase, and finally, the live performance shows. Each vocal coach will choose one star artist to compete against the other teams’ finalists to be named “The Voice” – the winner will receive the grand prize of a recording contract.

To view the official website for NBC’s “The Voice” click HERE.

Click here to view the embedded video.

She also has the Miss Christy Dancing Video DVD series which inspired her successful The Art of Dance studio in Los Angeles, where Christy coaches her students on nutrition, self-esteem and killer dance moves.

The Art of Dance

The Art of Dance studio, with over 400 students enrolled weekly, has become a cornerstone of Christy’s Los Angeles neighborhood by making dance a lifestyle not just simply a workout. Like the LA Lakers, Christy Curtis-Buss is taking dancing to the next level in performance and success.

Dance to the Top

Christy grew up dancing in her mother’s St. Louis dance studio and performed throughout the Midwest and on children’s T.V shows. She got into the dance instructor world early as Christy taught her first dance class at 10 years old.

A victory at the “All American Girl Pageants” brought her to Los Angeles at nineteen years-old to pursue her opportunities as a dancer. With her extensive background in dance and fantastic physique developed through her own regimen soon led her to becoming a beloved low-impact dance aerobics and certified personal trainer. She went on to coin the term “Cardio Choreography” and traveled around the country teaching her dance-workout theories and routines.

Christy Curtis-Buss Knows Dance

Christy is trained in ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, gymnastics, Ballroom-waltz, Mambo, Salsa, Disco, Bolero, Russian Dance, Swing and ice skating. With a resume that is long as she is tall, all her training has paid off. Christy’s illustrious credits include international commercial choreography and dancing for 8 USO Tours with Bob Hope, choreography and nutritionist expertise for Lee Ann Rimes concert tours, choreography and dance for both the Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders and the Los Angeles Clippers Spirit Squad. When Johnny Buss acquired the Sparks, Christy was the director and choreographer of the Los Angeles Sparks Kids. Most recently, Christy was the choreographer of The Bank Nightclub in Las Vegas.

Did you know a soap opera is choreographed? Christy is here to say it is as “Days of Our Lives” choreographer for over 19 years. With her little spare time, she finds way to give back teaching dance classes in her studio to under-privileged inner city youth.

The Studio Art of Dance
113 Main St.
El Segundo, CA   90245

310.606.5600

Not every A-list celebrity will be blessed with a tote of green goodies. Only twenty-five of the most environmentally conscious stars will receive the Earth Day in Hollywood gift bag.

And the drum roll of who’s who’s for green savvy stars? This year’s list of most eco-friendly celebs includes Jeremy Piven, Tom Hanks, Bill Maher, Adrian Grenier, Kate Bosworth, Pink, Leonardo DiCaprio, Dave Matthews, Rosario Dawson, Woody Harrelson, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Daryl Hannah, Drew Barrymore, Ellen DeGeneres, Orlando Bloom, Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Hartnett, Sting, Barbra Streisand, Alicia Silverstone, Courteney Cox, Cameron Diaz, KT Tunstall, Mark Ruffalo and Edward Norton.

This year’s Distinctive Asset’s eco-centric gift assortment includes Splurge Skincare, EC Galleries artwork (Celestial Spring by Daniel Ryan), Angel Minaro Exquisite Beauty, The Artisan Group handcrafted gifts, Imanta tropical resort stay (Punta Mita, Mexico), The Sili Squeeze, Nutrex Hawaii BioAstin Hawaiian Astaxanthin and  Hawaiian Spirulina Pacifica, Fetch innovative pet products, Peculiar Potions Cheesecake Lip Balm, Krystal Klear Water Filtration System, Columbia Healing Cream, World’s Best Cat Litter, Coucoon Chrysalis luxury haircare, Santi ‘Heaven on Earth’ facecream (with diamond meteorite), and The Green Garmento 4-in-1 reusable dry cleaning bags.

Distinctive Assets’ Mission    

Established in 1999, Distinctive Assets not only produces the Gift Bags and Backstage Gift Lounges for many major award shows but also provides product placement, product introduction, event production, public relations and branding opportunities within the entertainment industry and beyond.

Congratulations to those stars that are doing their part to conserve the earth’s precious resources. Distinctive Assets’ Earth Day in Hollywood gift bags are well deserved.

Happy Earth Day from LA’s the Place!

Looking even more stunning than ever before, Scarlett Johansson is featured on the cover of this May’s issue of VOGUE, appearing on newsstands April 24th.  The interview by VOGUE writer Jason Gay gets real as Scarlett explains how she has endured through  recent painful experiences in her personal life and the excitement from concurring the most difficult roles she can find.

That sweet young woman who stole America’s heart in Lost in Translation, is now jumping into action to fight with The Avengers to save the world.  Scarlett Johansson will be reprising her Iron Man 2 role as Natasha Romanoff, a.k.a. Black Widow in the highly anticipated May 4th release of The Avengers.

Scarlett’s unique spirit seems to always find the positive side of life and turns  painful or difficult situations into a pleasure.  As Chris Evans, costar on The Avengers, states, “I always say that if you were on a road trip, you’d definitely want Scarlett in your car.  She’s kind of always laughing, even when she’s in a bad mood.”

Johansson is just as courageous and unstoppable in real life as her superhero character on screen.  From a divorce with Ryan Reynolds last Summer 2011 to later then being hacked for personal intimate photos that went viral on the Internet, Scarlett has not only continued persevering but is successfully aspiring to challenge new and daring roles.

Scarlett says that she was drawn by her character’s murkiness.  “Female superheroes normally are superlame.” Natasha/Black Widow, “is kind of gray.  I like that about her.”

Since Scarlett’s breakout success in Lost in Translation and Girl with a Pearl Earring a decade ago she has been actively working with some of the best in the business.  For example, when Woody Allen decided to cast Johansson for Match Point, after Kate Winslet suddenly dropped out of the film, because, “Someone suggested Scarlett, and she was available,” Allen says. “I’ve been crazy about her ever since.”

So many fans and critics are singing praises about Johansson and her range of talent.  From blockbusters to indies and collaborating with singer-songwriter Pete Yorn to winning a Tony Award for her performance in Arthur Miller’s A View from the Bridge.  “I couldn’t get over how brave she was,” says Liev Schreiber, a stage veteran.  “Coming into that experience would be pretty intimidating for just anybody and usually cripples actors.  I was blown away by how fearless she seemed.”

Look forward to seeing more of this beauty with brains.  Scarlett will act as an alien in Under the Skin directed by Jonathan Glazer and she will play Janet Leigh in a film about the making of Alfred Hitchcock’s Psycho.  Johansson is also going to direct an adapted screenplay based on Truman Capote’s debut novel, Summer Crossing.

As busy as Scarlett is, nothing stops her desire for change.  She supported Barack Obama back in 2008 and is still rallying voters for a 2012 reelection.  Johansson is also supporting Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer for the New York mayoral campaign.

Lucky for Scarlett to find a new romance and start dating again.  Recently, she has been seen with New York-based advertising creative director Nate Naylor enjoying normalcy and sending time with friends.  Scarlett still remembers herself as the kid from Greenwich Village.

Finally, Scarlett reflexes at life now saying, “Yeah, everything’s been really great now.”  Johansson continues saying, “It’s been a good time.  I’ve had peace. Relative peace.  I just want to work on things that are really hard, and when I’m not working on things that are really hard, I want to hang out with people I like to be with, and that’s it.”

Check and see this stunning starlet in elegant photography by Mario Testino and read the entire article by Jason Gay from the May VOGUE article, “Scarlett Johansson: Back in Stride”, please click HERE.

You can also learn even more about Scarlett Johansson in Voguepedia, please click HERE.

Vogue.com

http://www.vogue.com/voguepedia/Scarlett_Johansson

The Q&A will be broadcast live from The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Austin, Texas. This event is INVITE ONLY and closed to the public, but fans can tune-in online at AintItCool.com.

“Get The Gringo”

“Get The Gringo” stars Mel Gibson as Driver, an American criminal who violently crashes his car into the border wall as he tries to outrun the U.S. Border Patrol. Driver survives the crash only to land inside a hard-core Mexican prison where he enters the strange and dangerous world of “El Pueblito.” Driver finds unlikely guidance from a 10-year-old kid who shows him the ropes.

Film Will Debut Exclusively on DIRECTV Beginning May 1st.

#GetTheGringo

NowLive
NowLive is a leading entertainment production and streaming company for live events. Comprised of a team of Hollywood studio and network digital alums, NowLive provides clients an interactive platform that allows fans an exclusive all-access pass to a wide range of live events such as red carpet premieres, awards shows, cast chats, concerts and original productions. In just over a year, NowLive has produced and livestreamed the premieres of Hollywood’s biggest events including The Hunger Games, The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 1 and Fast Five premieres as well as concert events for Project X and Avril Lavigne. Additionally, NowLive has produced and streamed live chats with Steven Spielberg, Johnny Depp and the cast of the Academy Award winning Best Picture, The Artist as well as live shows for Macy’s Fashion’s Night out, The Oscar Red Carpet and the Independent Spirit Awards.

For more information on NowLive and upcoming events, visit: www.nowlive.com

This event is brought to you by Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, Icon Productions,
Ain’t It Cool News and NowLive.

The party was fully stocked with delicious appetizers from the hotel, signature cocktails from the open bar, professional photographers galore, and music bumping by DJ Cassanova and DJ Kitty Smile. Party attendants received complimentary make-up by Julie and bottles of Cotton Candy Liqueur.

Some of the clients in attendance included Tatyana Ali from “Love That Girl”, Lester Speight from “Transformers 3”, and Jamie Hector from “The Wire”. In addition to the festivity many colleagues and friends of TCA Jed Root extended their congratulations and best wishes.

Jamie Hector said, “The party was everything I expected. It was amazing! Even more exciting was the joy I saw in Tracy and Jed, which was infectious. Eagles in flight!”

Bradley Glenn of the Kaplan Stahler Agency said,“The party was as epic as the agent is. The signature cocktail summed it all up: strong yet sweet, with a kick. I dig that Tracy Christian.”

Charles Cook, television producer, said, “I love Tracy! She’s a talented woman and hard working agent – definitely a force of nature and she’s only beginning to make her mark on this town. It was an incredible launch for an incredible woman.”

Jubba Seyyid, Sr. Director of Programming and Production at TV One said, “Tracy and Jed give the Hollywood agent a good name.”

Tracy Christian explains, “Our philosophy at TCA Jed Root is simple: pick up the phone – don’t wait for it to ring. Concentrate on shaping careers, instead of just moving clients from job to job. Lastly, it’s important to have fun! We only take on clients we’re passionate about. Both Jed and I love what we do.”

Jed Root is a respected entrepreneur with offices in New York, London, Paris, Tokyo, and now Los Angeles. Jed provides crucial knowledge and expertise with photographers, make-up artists, manicurists, fashion stylists, hair stylists,  illustrators, and props & set designers. Tracy Christian has been working with some of the most prolific Oscar winners and nominees throughout her career. Tracy has worked with Mo’Nique, Melissa Leo and Octavia Spencer to name a few. Tracy is experienced with nearly 20 years in the entertainment industry and is a veteran of both Don Buchwald & Associates and Peter Strain & Associates. Christian and Root first came together as agent and client. After founding they spoke the same language and shared a similar aesthetic they decided to launched TCA Jed Root.

TCA Jed Root television projects include; “Love and Hip Hop” on VH1 and “Kandi Factory” on Bravo. The company’s clients include personalities on “Housewives of Atlanta” on Bravo, “What Not to Wear” on TLC, “Jerseylicious” on Style, “Basketball Wives” on VH1. The company also represents actors such as Busta Rhymes, Jamie Hector, Tatyana Ali, and many more.

The TCA Jed Root launch party was the ideal way to send this full service talent agency into an exciting year. Tracy Christian and Jed Root the two well renowned and celebrated agents have been in partnership since January 2012. Their unique approach to the industry supplying all of the access of a large agency without that bureaucracy provides respectable representation.

From entertainment to beauty industries they both bring rich talent together from each of their respective fields for more than 40 years combined experience. TCA Jed Root is a highly selective boutique talent agency that services television shows, producers, actors, make-up artists and photographers. The agency is also notable for specializing in developing beauty and lifestyle brands.

To contact TCA Jed Root visit their website at www.TCAJedRoot.com

Or call (310) 432-2929

Located at:
9220 West Sunset Blvd., Suite 315
West Hollywood, CA 90069

In order to prepare for the parts, Roxy conducted her own research contacting friends and acquaintances to help her better understand the complexity of each role. Contrary to popular belief, playing these roles did not always come so easily for Roxy.

Southland's Regina King, Roxy Brusso, and Tom Everett Scott

Roxy’s career path was rather a rocky road before fate took charge. Born in Peru, and later moving to North Hollywood at the age of 4, Roxy grew up searching for herself. While Roxy’s academic endeavors proved dissatisfying, she remained open to opportunity on her quest to find her true passion.

While she was attending San Diego State University, Roxy’s father experienced a severe car accident, which led her to move home to Los Angeles to care for him and attend community college. Some time after her father’s incident, Roxy decided it was necessary to regroup; she halted her studies at a local college and began waiting tables and caring for her father.

Upon starting her waitressing job in Hollywood, Roxy was surrounded by aspiring actors who discussed their exciting audition experiences. It wasn’t until she met one waitress that Roxy decided to venture into the world of show business. A shy, but ever-curious young adult, Roxy took a leap of faith and linked up with a talent agent referred to her by her coworker. From there, she began taking acting classes and found that the once unidentifiable void had finally been replaced.

Roxy landed her first role in an ampm minimart advertisement which led to a theatrical role in Melrose Place. With unrelenting dedication, Roxy began guest starring on shows like Beverly Hills 90210. Her unique, raspy voice was perfect for many of the authoritative roles, and Roxy found she was casted for these characters more and more often.

Roxy’s strong, confident voice brought equally authoritative roles, regardless of her contrasting mild demeanor. As a child, Roxy was fairly sheltered, and her life experiences limited, which she felt hindered her confidence. In her everyday life, Roxy struggled to show anger or rage, but acting soon brought her out of her shell, and the self-assured woman she portrayed on screen began to transcend her personality as she grew into her voice.

Roxy initially found inspiration in such film actors as Meryl Streep.  Although for now, the small screen is her home, she is keeping all doors open to whatever opportunities come her way. Despite her late discovery of passion, Roxy has grown to embrace every aspect of her acting career while developing her identity along the way. She now embodies an additional character—the talented, poised and successful Roxy Brusso.

With Oxygentix, you can resume public activities after a facial procedures with no downtime, and also contribute to the healing of your skin.

Oxygenetix creator Barry Knapp created this breakthrough line as a solution for patients after laser facial procedures. It is absolutely the best makeup for all types of skin because it acts as a second skin. This allows your skin to bring in that vital oxygen that it needs to heal. Consequentially this promotes healing with durable, non-comedogenic, full coverage that not only accents you good looks but also improves the quality and health of all types of skin.

If you or someone you know is planing on having a laser treatment, peel, surgery, or other aesthetic procedure, Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation allows patients to leave their doctor’s offices looking great and able to return to work or normal life, immediately. It is true that there are other topical aftercare formulas that may speed up the recovery process, but Oxygenetix is the only makeup that completely ELIMINATES downtime after a cosmetic adjustment.

Oxygenetix uses “Ceravitae”, which is a super-charged oxygen complex that encourages collagen cell and connective tissue growth in wounded or aging skin, with its inherent properties that comfortably covers and treats a wide variety of skin problems including: skin injuries, wounds, cracked skin, rashes, acne scars, dry skin, rosacea, psoriasis, eczema and other skin conditions.

Celebrity Makeup Artists now regularly use this fantastic foundation on the famous faces such as Paula Abdul, Brooke Shields, Jeremy Piven, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Nancy O’Dell, and Elizabeth Rohm. Billy Crystal looked great hosting the 2011 Oscar’s with his confidence high thanks to the full coverage with Oxygenetix. This is the official foundation of 3 film studios and 18 T.V. shows including, Glee, The Middle, Mike & Molly and more.

Oxygenetix provides complete and natural coverage to even the most sensitive and compromised skin. When applied over Oxygenating Moisturizer, Oxygenating Foundation acts as a virtual second-skin, allowing it to breathe as necessary for functional human wound healing of the skin. This second skin technology creates a delivery system that allows Ceravitae to speed connective tissue reconstruction, systematically build collagen layers, and reinforce natural skin healing. With continual use you will notice less down time, reduced scar tissue, giving you undetectable coverage all day, and ultimately protecting your beautiful skin.

The first truly breathable makeup, Oxygenating Foundation containing Ceravitae Complex is a patent-pending formula proven to increase oxygen uptake, stimulate skin cell production and speed the healing process following most procedures. Oxygenetix works harmonious with any skin type with its, hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic, SPF 25 for UVA/UVB skin protection, waterproof (lasting up to 90 mins. in chlorine), oil & fragrance-free and is available at doctor’s offices nation-wide (MSRP: $80).

Everyone can be categorized as Blue Base or Yellow Base, with skin tone and hair color lending clues as to which spectrum they belong to. Yellow based people have peachy or olive skin tones, while blue based people have pink, rosy or blue undertones to their skin. Oxygenetix Breathable Foundation based its makeup colors on this theory.

Oxygentix is sold at Rox Spa in Beverly Hills…

Read more about Rox Spa here…

Click here to view the embedded video.

The evening’s highlights of the Second Annual Night of a Billion Reality Stars:

Newly-engaged couple Ben Flajnik and Courtney Robertson enjoying some alone time while sipping specialty Freak-A-Zoid SVEDKA cocktails in the “Smush Room,” equipped with life-size cutouts of Jersey Shore cast members JWOWW and Vinny Guadagnino.

Real Housewife Teresa Giudice making her way through the crowd to blow kisses at a standee of hubby Joe Giudice.

Ben Flajnik, Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Mauricio Umansky smirking in approval while watching the very sexy animated SVEDKA_Grl’s in the premiere of her new commercial.

Former Bachelorette Ashley Hebert swapping stories with counterpart, Ali Fedotowsky, before laying a smooch on a lifesize cutout of fiance, JP Rosenbaum.

Courtney Robertson and Ali Fedotowsky

Peggy Tanous, Brandi Glanville and Kyle Richards toasting to their absent friend and recent castaway, Camille Grammar.

Maksim Chmerkovskiy

Next time your watching your favorite reality TV show, you can celebrate like the stars did with this SVEDKA Vodka cocktail featured at the party:

Freak-A-Zoid

2 parts SVEDKA Vodka
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1 tsp Simple Syrup
Splash Lemon Juice

SVEDKA is a Gold Medal winner at the 2008 Beverage Tasting Institute, San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Monde Selection in Brussels, Belgium, and the 2002 International Wine & Spirit Competition. Wine enthusiast vodka ratings score it above Ketel One, Absolut and Skyy.

It is probably best known in the United States for the advertising campaign created by the New York-based agency Amalgamated, introduced in late 2005, with a futuristic “spokesbot” designed by Stan Winston. The ads make the claim that in the year 2033 Svedka will be the most popular vodka in the world. In 2012, Svedka is to sponsor robotics contests (“sexiest robotics” competition) at several leading U.S. engineering universities (CMU, Cal Tech, MIT, Stanford).

Mix all ingredients in a pint glass filled with ice. Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass.

**Photo Credit: Michael Williams/ StarTraksPhoto.com

GBK produced a celebratory  birthday-theme extravaganza in honor of the 2012 Kids Choice Awards in support of cancer survivors and the American Cancer Society, featuring birthday cake, presents from the lounge’s luxury sponsors, activities and more.

GBK, the luxury lifestyle gift lounge and special events company, along with BOP & Tiger Beat, the industry’s leading teen entertainment magazines, honored the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards Nominees and Presenters at their annual Gift Lounge. The gifting lounge on March 29th and 30th was at the SLS Hotel in Beverly Hills.

Ashley Argota, Cassie Scerbo

GBK, who is the recipient of multiple BizBash’s Award for “Best Gift Bag,” offered its exclusive list of invited celebrities, VIPs, and media an opportunity to enjoy an exciting environment with gifts, refreshments and a charitable focus. Known for their creative, cause-driven events, this year’s GBK, BOP & Tiger Beat Lounge birthday bash supported the American Cancer Society and cancer survivors everywhere.

Master cake creator, Bread Basket Cake Company, prepared special birthday cupcake invitations for the celebrity and honored guests, and has teamed up with GBK to design a 14 foot Birthday Cake- edible – press wall! This wall was an unforgettable centerpiece to the event and a fun photo opportunity for all.

As always, giving charities an opportunity to share their cause and draw attention to the work they are doing is a major focus with GBK Gift Lounge’s. The GBK, BOP & Tiger Beat Gift Lounge will also support the following charities:

The American Cancer Society is a global grassroots organization of more than three million volunteers passionately saving lives and fighting to end the suffering from cancer. They save lives by helping people stay well by preventing cancer or detecting it early; helping people get well by being there for them during and after a cancer diagnosis; by finding cures through investment in groundbreaking discovery; and by fighting back by rallying lawmakers to pass laws to defeat cancer and by rallying communities worldwide to join the fight. To learn more about The American Cancer Society at Cancer.org or call (800) 227-2345.

Vanessa Lengies

Dream Center helps rescue people from homelessness, hunger, poverty and substance abuse problems. Founded in 1994, and now this volunteer driven organization is caring for the needs of over 40,000 people each month across LA. The Dream Center is fighting against human trafficking by opening the nation’s largest shelter for victims of human trafficking. Providing a dream solution to a nightmare situation is the goal. Learn more about Dream Center at DreamCenter.org.

Peyton List, Vanessa L

Model Citizen Fund, LLC is a charitable organization that cares for the homeless by give out backpacks stuffed with over 150 emergency supply items. Super Models are Super Heros at this nonprofit organization. Lovely ladies using their fame and fortune to helping the homeless, now thats putting sexy into giving back, backpacks that is. Learn more about Model Citizen Fund at ModelCitizenFund.com

An array of fun products and trendy gifts filled the lounge and contributed to the birthday fun.

MGA Entertainment, known for their award-winning brands such as Little Tikes, Lalaloopsy, Bratz, and Moxie Girls were on site gifting their Bratz Dolls – one packed doll of choice and an invitation to receive the new Bratz True Hope dolls when they arrive in stores in June. The new BratZ True Hope dolls features a proud bald-headed fashion to support cancer treatment survivors because courage is always in style. These fashion dolls, invented by Carter Bryant in 2001, have grown in popularity through the years. MGA Entertainment has successfully brought the BratZ dolls to movie theaters, T.V. series, music albums and video games entertaining kids over a decade.

imPRESS Press-On Manicure by Broadway Nails, the revolutionary way to apply polish. Broadway Nails is the leading value brand for all consumer artificial nail and nail accessory needs, consistently offering beginner to intermediate nail consumers latest styles and trends for a complete nail transformation. Broadway Nails delivers on products that are quick, easy, and innovative at the right price and value.

RevitaLash Advanced, was on site gifting their eyelash conditioner that lengthens and thickens eyelashes, Hair by RevitaLash and RevitaLash Mascara and Perfect Primer. This organization was well recognized last October during the Breast Cancer Awareness month. Athena Cosmetics, Inc. (owner to RevitaLash) is proud and honored to play a part in the fight against Breast Cancer. Contributions in time, energy, education and financial resources, Athena Cosmetics, Inc. will strive to help find the ultimate cure for this epidemic disease.

Toy State, an innovator and industry leader in the manufacture of highly-stylized lights and sound toy vehicles, gifted DUB DJz custom vehicles with dual mixing decks. The Toystate Dub Garage D-Jayz: Supercar is a cool DUB customized supercar with dual mixing decks that play realistic DJ scratch sounds and hip hop music lights, sounds, music and vocal phrases give each vehicle its own style.

Zachary Gordon with Toy State

Coby Electronics, gifted their spunky new Attitudz earphones which match consumers’ ever-changing style – and attitudes – with eight fun colors and designs that reflect a range of personalities. Express your individuality and style with the CVE53 Attitudz line. Each color represents whichever mood you choose to indulge: Diva(Red), Stormy(Black), Envy(Green), Charming(Orange), Moody(Blue), Flirty(Pink), Mysterious(Purple), or Daring(Silver). Accompanying the stylish and edgy design, the Attitudz earphones possess high performance dynamic drivers that deliver pure digital audio with deep bass for all your music needs.

My Pillow Inc., which manufactures and markets one of the few patented pillows exclusively made in the USA, providing the most comfortable, adjustable and healthiest pillows ever. Many kids will get a better night sleep thanks for My Pillow. www.MyPillow.com

Aubrey O'Day, Dana Wilkey

Welch’s Fruit Snacks, tasted their delicious Welch’s Fruit Snacks, Juicefulls™ Juice-filled Fruit Snacks, Sun Maid Milk Chocolate Raisins, My M&M’S Brand Chocolate Candies and more. Welch’s is sweet on their consumers, so they dream up fantastic offers to delight fans. Their secret? They appeal to the child in everyone. After all, everyone loves the kind of candy that makes you smile and tantalizes your taste buds.

Spin Master, a multi-category children’s entertainment company, was on site gifting their Appfinity AppBlaster! Using dual triggers, trigger-tap technology and augmented reality applications, the AppBlaster turns any environment into a virtual gaming experience and connects securely with your iPhone/iPod Touch. Spin Master has been entertaining kids with their wide rage of products since 1994. Some of these playful products include Air Hogs, Tech Deck, Tron Legacy figures, NASCAR replica cars, and more.

Ematic, a superior technology company featuring groundbreaking innovations in portable media, provided Tablet PCs and MP3 Video Players. Ematic has been providing superior technology at a fraction of the cost since 1985. They produce over 100 different consumer electronics products, ranging from high-end headphones to MP3 video players, all competitively priced, all made to stand the rigors of everyday use.

Sweet Dream Girlz, providing their naturally made face, body and hair products made especially for girls. Sweet Dream Girlz was founded by two young, fabulous sisters, Brea and Halle out of their need for skin and fragrance sensitive beauty products. The product line includes Body Wash Smoothie, Body Frosting Moisturizer, Body Spritzer and more. Sweet Dream Girlz products are all natural with wholesome ingredients such as shea butter and natural oils. Except for the use of fragrance oil. Girls will go crazy over the scent of chocolate chip cookies, pink sugar and iced lemon cookie.

American Apparel, gave out their American-made clothing. Based in downtown Los Angeles, California. American Apparel currently employs approximately 10,000 people globally (about 5,000 in LA), and operate more than 285 retail stores in 20 countries. Within their

Vanessa Lengies

business model, knitting, dyeing, cutting, sewing, photography, marketing, distribution and design all happen in the company’s facilities in Los Angeles. The company operates the largest garment factory in the United States, at a time when most apparel production has moved offshore. With our recently opened stores in China, we are now selling Made in USA clothing in the largest consumer market in the world.

MacSlaps, slapped artistic decals on iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. MacSlaps is the original supplier of designer skins for your MacBook, iPad, and iPhone devices. MacSlaps make it simple to personalize your Apple device and express your individuality. MacSlaps are made from high quality, self-adhering vinyl that is easy to apply. When you’re ready to switch things up, simply peel off your old MacSlaps sticker and replace it with a new one.

RockaBella Jewels, gave their Hawaii inspired jewelry. Founded in 2003 Rockabella Jewels by designer Kristel Bandisch has been making each piece by hand when you order it. Every shell, tahitian pearl, gemstone etc. is one of a kind, so naturally no two same styles of jewelry will be exactly the same as your friends piece. We love that our customers are excited to know their bracelet was made just for them.

Mama Earth Rocks Publishing, has brought you Pinky the Star- motivational illustrated children’s book, Sweet Potato Mama Cookbook and Angels for Everyday Living. Happy Sunshine Publishing today introduces Pinky the Star for iOS, their new motivational eBook. Written and illustrated to include girls from all cultural backgrounds, the eBook follows Pinky in her quest to become a Star. With the help of her family and new Star friends she meets during her journey, she seeks answers to questions of her self-worth and identity. Her journey ends with a new understanding, appreciation of and love for herself.

Moshi Monsters, provided gift packs including Bobble Bots, Moshi Monsters from Innovation First International, 6” Moshi plush from Spin Master and Moshi trading cards from Topps. The world of Moshi Monsters has been created by Mind Candy, a company that loves developing games and new forms of interactive entertainment. The intention when creating Moshi Monsters was to produce a ground breaking new entertainment experience that would be fun, safe and educational for kids of all ages.

The stars of the 2012 Kids’ Choice Awards came out to support the American Cancer Society and celebrate the Awards Show included: Jennifer Stone “Nominee”, Jake Short “Winner for Favorite TV Actor”, Willow Shields “The Hunger Games”, Alex Heartman “Nominee”, Aubrey O’Day “Celebrity Apprentice”, Leon Thomas III “Victorius”, Kalia Prescott “The Hunger Games”, Nolan Gould “ABC’s Modern Family”, Amandla Stenberg “The Hunger Games”, Cody Simpson “Recording Artist” and many More.

GBK has been an extravagant gifting and special events company since 2000. Gavin B. Keilly is the founder and CEO and is well recognized for specializing in entertainment marketing integration. With five entities thriving; GBK Celebrity Gifting, GBK Special Events, GBK Weddings, GBK Charitable Consulting and GBK Marketing/Public Relations the GBK name is widely known in the entertainment industry. GBK supplies the high-life to the gifting lounge environment and offers its clients a full range of marketing services. Learn more about Gavin B. Keilly (CEO), Carla Domen (VP) or GBK at GBKproductions.com

Alluring ushers welcomed guests with box office tickets, pink popcorn, and classic movie theatre snacks, and once inside, these VIPs indulged in all the treats supplied by M·A·C Cosmetics.

M·A·C Senior Artists Tiffany Johnston and Cynthia Rivas

They could take in a screening of the “Reel Sexy” film, complete with a plush movie theatre seat, treat themselves to makeup demonstrations by M·A·C Senior Artists Tiffany Johnston and Cynthia Rivas, and dance and mingle to the sounds supplied by DJ Dominic Carter.

M·A·C Cosmetics’ Reel Sexy line stars iconic supermodel Kristen McMenamy, as photographed and filmed by Miles Aldridge. The Reel Sexy range highlights and transforms one of fashion’s most iconic faces, as Kristen McMenamy laughs, cries, and surrenders to the cinematic images. Her legendary visage lights up with a bold, brilliant look provided by the mysterious eye shadows, stunning lipsticks, cremesheen glass, eye kohl, blush, nail lacquer in the Reel Sexy family.

Fashionistas — or anyone with Hollywood dreams — can mix and match M·A·C’s dazzling pink and purples, as well as bold orange and purple, among the Reel Sexy collection. Among the highlights of the line are the Heirloom eye kohl, a highly metallic grey lavender; Screening Room nail lacquer in bright, midtone teal; the eponymous Reel Sexy lipstick in bright coral or Heroine in matte bright violet/purple; Cinestyle cremesheen glass, a midtone blue-grey violet; and Lightscapade Mineralize Skinfinish. That’s just a sampling of M·A·C’s latest assortment, and now you can make your own big-screen dreams come true with Reel Sexy!