Skateboard legend Rob Dyrdek put his spin on a cool, new sunglass line, IVI. Read more in Accessories….

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.

Guests of the hotel are free. Locals rate is $15.00 per class, and it includes use of steam room and sauna! Or really show your dedication for getting in shape this summer and purchase a package of 10 for $120.00.

310.284-6500

www.InterContinentalLosAngeles.com

Actors/Golfers Joe Regalbuto and Don Cheadle try DnA on for size at the George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic.

This is no mere golf club — DnA Golf, formed in 2009 as a subsidiary of VyaTek, holds the patent for detachable face technology, and it boasts a unique crown logo position. Two years later, DnA Golf kicked off in-house production, ultimately bringing to market fully custom Private Label Golf drivers. DnA drivers are not only customized around the requested colors, graphics, and logos of each customer, they’re engineered to the maximum legal limits of USGA conformance.

Customized DnA drivers

Business pros know golf can be a valuable tool and opportunity for building relationships, making deals, and general relaxation. Whether the sport is your hobby or your gateway to industry connections, DnA Golf lets you take it to the next level with fully customizable clubs. Clients, friends, and opponents alike will be impressed with your unique colors and your chosen brand. Golfers will appreciate the alignment bar on the Private Label drivers to help with their alignment when teeing off. This piece of real estate serves a second purpose: You can decorate the resulting high-contrast crown windows with a secondary color, adding an extra spotlight to your brand. Because the drivers are built to order, DnA Golf can work with you to match the colors to your brand and logo.

At The George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic: Deanna Fero – DnA Golf Director of Business Development, George Lopez, Gary Cruz – Cruzwood Communications (former TV Sports Caster) – DnA Golf PR Firm Howard Lindsay – Owner/CEO DnA Golf

There’s no mistaking your brand and logo on DnA drivers. With the company’s patented logo integration display, your insignia is placed in a prominent spot for all spectators to see every time you tee off. DnA drivers offer six different placement opportunities for your graphics: the crown of the head, the toe of the head, the bottom of the head, the shaft, the grip, and the head cover. While the placement might be pronounced, the result is never overwhelming.

Actor Michael Clarke Duncan with DnA driver

Of course, fully custom Private Label DnA drivers don’t just look good — they deliver the performance you want, starting with the 460cc titanium heads engineered to the maximum legal limits of USGA conformance standards. As engineered, these titanium heads with maximum trampoline effect give the drives a face thickness of 3.2mm — the top factor in how far the ball travels on the golf course. With each Private Label Driver, you can expect a 65g graphite Accra Designed Shaft, a Pure Pro Velvet Traction Grooved Grip, and a premium Head Cover. To further ensure quality control, DnA drivers are U.S.-designed and cast in the same factory with the same materials as TaylorMade drivers.

With every stroke of Private Label DnA driver, you’re not only working on your golf game; you’re also creating brand awareness for your corporation, charity, green-grass facility, sports organization, or government agency with a high-quality, high-value product delivering long term exposure.

Click here to view the embedded video.

For golfers who want a driver for tour or recreational use, DnA Golf offers an out-of-the-ordinary driver for out-of-the-ordinary needs. DnA’s Alpha 610 features a detachable 3.2mm USGA-conforming face.  Additionally, DnA partnered with Fujikura and Pure Grips, the leading premium brands in shafts and grips, respectively, for the driver. This unique construction allows DnA’s designers to optimize the two performance factors at the top of every golfer’s list: distance and acoustics.

The distance traveled by a golf ball is directly related to the energy expended on impact with the driver. Even when hit perfectly, the ball loses a large amount of energy when it collides with the golf club. The USGA and R&A, as the two governing bodies in golf, have created strong standards for manufacturers to follow. DnA Golf technology works within these parameters to create drivers that tease the maximum legal limit and minimize this lost energy.

Many golfers may not realize it, but they’re in touch with a club’s acoustics with every swing. The acoustics contribute to the player’s impression of and feel for the club. With a conventional driver, you’ll find a thin-wall titanium bell; at impact, it creates a high-frequency response that doesn’t jibe with many golfers.

DnA’s detachable-face design takes care of this issue. A DnA driver allows access inside the driver head, where a layer of acoustic damping material can be added to the inner walls. You have a choice of three acoustic profiles for the driver: A1-Loud, A2-Medium, or A3-Quiet.

DnA takes great care in all aspects of driver design, including the choice of premium partners for select portions of club. For the best shaft performance possible, DnA works with Fujikura, purveyor of premium graphite shafts and well regarded as world leaders in the field. You can look forward to shafts weighing 65 grams; available in L, A, R, S, and X Flexes, as well as mid/low torque or mid/high launch.

For top-of-the-line durability and feel, DnA brings in Pure Grips, which has lit up the golf grip market. Pure Grips introduces velvet-style traction-grooved grip, injection mold technology, and high-level moisture and heat resistance.

DnA Golf reaches out to local charities and community groups with programs to help raise money through golf-related functions and events, as well as through golf-oriented corporate partners.

DnA partnered with The George Lopez Foundation and took part in the Gifting Lounge at the Fourth Annual George Lopez Celebrity Golf Classic…

www.DnAGolf.com

www.facebook.com/dnagolf

DnA Golf
1711 W. University Drive
Suite 159
Tempe, Arizona 85281
P – 480.240.6004 ext. 20

Earth Friendly & Cost Effective

Restoring windows throughout your house with a professional window cleaning company in Anaheim will also save thousands of dollars in having to replace it that you could use towards improvements in your future home. In fact, restoration costs about 20% of what it costs to replace a window. It’s also very green savvy, as it is always better to renew your windows than buying new and filling up the earth’s landfill. When selling a home, finding a qualified, professional glass restoration business in Anaheim is crucial if your windows are scratched from pets or kids, hazy from hard water or spotty with calcium deposits.

Let There Be Light!

You spend so much time making the inside of your home look gorgeous for the realtor to bring potential buyers in, it’s vital to ensure the full natural light is coming through the windows to illuminate your home, making it more appealing to buyers.

Stanley Window Care Window Cleaning 949.786.0816 www.StanleyWindowCare.com

Mineral Deposits? Can Do

Professional window cleaning companies in Anaheim cover a wide base of services to make your windows shine again, including glass restoration. But just because the Anaheim window cleaning company you’ve located offers glass restoration on homes, not all of them offer mineral deposit removal as a part of their service. You’ve seen it, your windows start to form white haze and it’s impossible to remove with regular household cleaning products, even power washing won’t work. Finding a window cleaner in Anaheim that successfully treats and cleans mineral deposits is crucial to removing the white film from the metal around your windows oxidizing.

Hard Water Stains Be Gone

Ever tried to remove hard water stains from your car or house window? Nearly impossible, and if you have to get your house ready to see quickly, there’s no time to waste trying to remove it yourself.  Many hard-water stains occur when rainwater travels over the exterior building’s surface and deposits minerals from these surfaces onto the window below. Hard water stains can also occur from salt spray, sprinkler systems, and acid rain. When looking for an Anaheim glass restoration company, make sure they offer removal of hard water stains with a guarantee.

Fido is Cute, Scratches are Not

There’s nothing cuter than seeing Fido at the window, so happy to see you, tail wagging, pawing the door trying to get in to say hello. But what’s not cute is the damage done by years of the dog’s scratching at the patio doors. Window damage due to scratches is a major eyesore to potential buyers. A qualified Anaheim glass restorer will have it looking like Fido never laid a paw on them.

There is much to do when preparing your house to sell, but getting your windows cleaned and the glass in your windows restored by a professional Anaheim window cleaner will be a dramatic difference to your home’s curb appeal and interior attractiveness.  As they say the eyes are windows to the soul, with houses, the windows are the eyes of the home’s soul.

Los Angeles Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Anita Patel

Building trust, giving honest answers without a sales pitch and being emotionally supportive are the foundation of Dr. Anita Patel’s patient care in her cosmetic surgery practice. Because she knows plastic surgery is a life-changing event, she is dedicated to being there every step of the process – from consultation to post-surgery healing.

Dr. Patel’s extensive training from her degree in General Surgery at Tulane University in New Orleans to securing one of the four highly coveted positions at the Plastic Surgery Program at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles and one year of studying advanced techniques with Dr. Jay Calvert guarantees her expertise in all areas of plastic surgery including facelifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, mommy makeovers and liposuction.

Because of her skilled precision and her gentle manner, Dr. Patel’s practice has grown quickly to three locations in Beverly Hills, Newport Beach, and Thousand Oaks due to word-of-mouth referrals from satisfied patients. Dr. Patel feels there is no greater compliment than a friend or family member booking a consultation from a former patient’s referral.

Dr. Patel feels strongly that her patients deserve nothing less than the very best in the latest technology in plastic surgery.  In addition to performing surgery with an eye for beauty and precision, Dr. Patel continually refines her skills, and uses the most current and advanced techniques.

Rest assured, a consultation with Dr. Patel will let you know that she strives to give personalized care in a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere to every person she assists in realizing their physical goals. In fact, many of her patients remark that they will miss Dr. Patel and her staff when their follow-ups are done – now that’s a great doctor-patient bond!

We sat down with Dr. Anita Patel to glean a closer look into her world:

LATP:   From your bio, it looks as if you have 3 practices? Do you rotate between them throughout the week?

Dr. Anita Patel:   Yes, I keep the same schedule each week. Monday I am in Thousand Oaks, Tuesday through Thursday I am in Beverly Hills, and Fridays I am in Newport Beach.

LATP:   Are there certain procedures you do only at specific locations?

Dr. AP:  I do the majority of procedures in accredited ambulatory surgery centers, and send my patients to private after-care centers for procedures such as tummy tucks or facelifts. If I am doing breast reconstruction at the time of cancer resection, I typically do these procedures at the hospital.

LATP:   Women surgeons in the plastic surgery field are still very small numbers; what’s your thoughts on this?

Dr. AP:   I think this is changing with time. When I was in my residency nearly half of the plastic surgery residents were women. I think a career in plastic surgery is amazingly rewarding. I feel very grateful to have the patients I do, and feel honored to take care of them.

LATP:   What are the latest trends in plastic surgery that you see firsthand?

Dr. AP:  What I’ve seen in my practice is an increasing popularity in labiaplasty and buttock augmentation. The most popular procedures still remain the same- breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, tummy tucks, and facelifts.

LATP:   Are there any recent scientific developments that you have incorporated into your practice?

Dr. AP:   There are constant refinements in each procedure I do. Not only do I make modifications based on my own increasing experience, but I also make sure to remain actively involved in the latest scientific meetings in plastic surgery to stay on top of the newest techniques.

LATP:   How is working with Dr. Jay Calvert?

Dr. AP:  It has been a great pleasure working with Dr. Jay Calvert. I have learned so much about rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty in a short amount of time with Dr. Calvert. That knowledge and experience really jump-started my own rhinoplasty practice and has given me the skills to tackle very complex rhinoplasty cases.

LATP:   Based on your experience, do you ever try to talk patients out of surgeries that might not be best or unnecessary?

Dr. AP:   I absolutely let patients know when I don’t think a particular surgery is in their best interests. Unfortunately this can be a difficult task. I consider it my job to educate a patient on what any given procedure can and cannot do for them. Just because a procedure is technically feasible does not mean it is right for each patient, or that it will give them the result they desire.

LATP:   After a surgery, what do you recommend patients do to continue on their path of self-love and acceptance?

Dr. AP:   Plastic surgery can be a powerful tool to improve self-esteem. The surgery itself does not fix life’s problems. However, it can enable a patient to see themselves in a different light, improve their confidence, and thereby project a different image to the world. After surgery, it’s important to allow time for both physical and emotional healing.

Here is an  up close look at Dr. Patel, as she further discusses her approach to cosmetic surgery.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Anita Patel, MD, Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
465 North Roxbury Dr. Ste. 1001, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
310.205.0212 Beverly Hills
213.861.1436 Downtown Los Angeles
949.644.2858 Newport Beach, CA

AnitaPatelMD.com           RoxCenter.com

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

La Cuevita creatively captured the Hispanic roots of the local neighborhood and turned the intimate space into the Highland Park east-side’s clear-cut cool bar for gathering with friends or meet someone new. Now this is a grotto at its finest, with it being an indoor structure resembling a small picturesque cave. Step into this cave for a fun hideaway.

While in this “Little Cave” you notice right away how chill the vibe is by being immersed in its dark atmosphere. 1933 Group saved the spotlight for the traditional agave spirits, the bar showcases an awesome selection of tequila and mescal, while also featuring the same type of creative cocktails, spirits and drinks that the 1933 Group has become famed for around the city of LA. The La Cuevita location was formally the 1933 Group’s own Little Cave, which was a homage to Bobby Green’s true old-world Mexican grotto-bar.

Green was joined by company co-owners Dimitri Komarov and Dmitry Liberman. A pleasant surprise happen after pulling off years of stucco, plaster and paneling, Green discovered the building’s early 1930’s roots and let the sledge hammer swing away. Today, the bar is decorated by exposed brick walls, rustic wood beam ceiling and just enough windows to shed light on the imported antiques procured by Green on his year-long search of Mexico.

La Cuevita made its debut on May 4th and has officially join 1933 Group’s legion of transformational Los Angeles bars, including; Thirsty Crow, Bigfoot Lodge, Oldfield’s Liquor Room and Bigfoot West. In the same fashion of those famed cocktail destinations, La Cuevita will take patrons on an escape to another time and place. During this journey, Green took great care in deconstructing the erstwhile Little Cave by meticulously restoring the 60 year-old building.

“We were the first to open a bar in Highland Park in decades when we christened the Little Cave in 2003, and I believe we pioneered nightlife in the neighborhood. Now, with La Cuevita, we are perfecting the concept in 2012. We wanted to bring this building back to its original glory. Seeing Highland Park grow over the last decade has given me the chance to invest in restoring the building and creating an even better space,” comments Green. While the iconic Little Cave sign remains as a fitting tribute to the past, the building’s facade will now feature a discreet painting with the bar’s new name, La Cuevita.

During the remodeling phase Green chose reclaimed wood remnants, stained glass lighting and classic rod iron fixtures to adorn the walls, all this to embellish this intimate grotto bar. La Cuevita welcomes you and your friends through their magnificent 100 year-old doors, derived from an old church in Mexico. After you walk through the doors on your left flank is the patio and front entrance of the building. This rustic bar is accented by worn leather stools and is surrounded by tables made from salvaged marble and wood. La Cuevita also features 2 outdoor patios in which are perfect places for patrons to have a smoke while you are relaxing near the bar drinking some classic and creative cocktails.

The 1933 Group’s collection of bars and liquor rooms are all well known for their distinguished spirit collections and cocktails. La Cuevita boasts its bravado some more at the sight of such a large and extensive tequila selection featuring agave-based spirits, as well as a wonderfully curated cocktail menu by Jared Mort of Oldfield’s Liquor Room and Cooper Gillespie of Thirsty Crow. Surely, you should try some of the new signature cocktails that will be classics soon. For examples, such as; the “Del Maguey Crema de Mezcal” which is made with St. Germain, fresh lemon juice and ginger beer; the “Mezcalada Scorpion Mezcal” which made with Clamato that is blended with roasted pablano peppers, fresh lime juice, topped with Corona and rimmed with house-smoked salt; the “Pinaleta” which features Bacardi 8 Year Rum, Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, cayenne, pineapple, Gomme syrup, passion fruit juice and fresh lime; the “Mole Manhattan” which is made with Old Overholt Rye, Carpano Antica, Cointreu, Crème de Cacao, Chocolate chili bitters and Hellfire bitters and the “Jalepeno Margarita” which is made with Tanteo Jalapeno Tequila, honey, grapefruit juice, fresh lime and cilantro.

“There couldn’t be a greater spot for La Cuevita than Highland Park. With the current renaissance of the area, I have a good feeling that this bar is going to attract patrons from all walks of life and from all areas of the city. The space has a really wonderful spirit and soul to it and I believe that is what people are craving,” says Green.

Visit the official website at: www.LaCuevitaBar.com

La Cuevita is located at: 5922 North Figueroa St. Los Angeles, CA 90042

Direct: 323.255.6871

Open daily from 8:00 p.m. – 2:00 a.m.

Like on Facebook at: www.FaceBook.com/LaCuevitaBar

Follow on Twitter at: www.Twitter.com/LaCuevitaBar

Brigitte M. Britton

The Mega Way LLC was founded by the well-educated holistic nutritionist, talented organic chef and author Brigitte M. Britton. Faced with a life-threatening illness, Britton realized that she needed to apply her holistic knowledge to develop her Mega Way Organic Shakes to restore her own health. Since Britton’s recovery, she realized that her formula was a vital product that needed to be shared with the world.

“Mega Way Shakes with the Complete Body System Complex combined with Health Direct’s Optimal Nutrition Liquid Vitamins starts your day on the right track, supporting your body systems and guiding you to achieve great health and strong body, mind and spirit,” says Britton.

Mega Way launch party Honorable Hosts

Britton diligently studied the organic whey protein shake market and the variety of products available to other health enthusiasts like her. After thoroughly investigating what good nutritional value the various products offered she still knew there was more. Based on her wisdom gained from her expertise in holistic nutrition, Britton fully developed and perfected her Mega Way Shakes with the goal in mind to provide superior organic whey protein shakes.

The criteria for achieving this goal had to meet Britton’s standards. At first as a meal replacement shake it had to taste good, be easy and convenient to take on the go, give you an energy burst you feel right away, but most of all, be nutritious enough to give your body what it really needs to satisfy your hunger for some time. Britton’s highest standard for her product to really excel had to be in the longevity of good health promoted after prolonged use. So she formulated the Complete Body System Complex with special organic ingredients to supercharge her Mega Way Shakes.

“It is your POWER MEAL of the day!” Exclaims Britton and adds, “These ingredients made the difference for me when I was Battling for my Life.”

The Mega Way’s proprietary Complete Body System Complex, rich in high-strength antioxidants, contains goji berries, cinnamon, alfalfa leaf, turmeric, ashwagandha, chia seeds, cacao, maca, flax seed and wheat grass, all ingredients with long histories of scientifically validated health benefits.

A select high quality liquid vitamin by Health Direct USA called Natures Optimal Nutrition is also included in Mega Way Shake kits to ensure proper absorption of the daily required allowance of vitamins and nutrients.

Britton remarks, “All in all, you will feel Amazing throughout the day!”

To order or more information about The Mega Way Shakes go to the official website by clicking HERE.

TheMegaWay.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

Get your latest fix NOW of Top 40 music from the ongoing series; Also just released is favorite Classic rock selections with NOW That’s What I Call Music Vo. 42 and or NOW That’s What I Call Classic Rock Hits. Read more in Music…

The world’s best-selling, multi-artist album series, NOW That’s What I Call Music!, have released NOW That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 42 and NOW That’s What I Call Classic Rock Hits on May 1.  Both titles will be available on CD and for download purchase from all major digital service providers.

NOW That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 42 features 16 current major chart hits from today’s hottest artists, including Kelly Clarkson, FLO RIDA, Karmin, One Direction, David Guetta featuring Nicki Minaj, Calvin Harris, Chris Brown, Havana Brown featuring Pitbull, LMFAO, Madonna featuring Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., Gym Class Heroes, Bruno Mars, Gotye featuring Kimbra, Train, Eric Church, and Taylor Swift, plus four free up-and-coming “NOW What’s Next” New Music Preview tracks.

The “NOW What’s Next” bonus track program featured on each numeric NOW release continues to preview hot new artists with tomorrow’s biggest hits. NOW 42 showcases up and coming tracks from Zach Heckendorf, Graffiti6, Jadagrace, and Labrinth featuring Busta Rhymes

NOW That’s What I Call Classic Rock Hits, a new companion collection of 17 huge, genre-defining singles, features Bad Company’s “Feel Like Makin’ Love,” The Kinks’ “Lola,” Peter Frampton’s “Do You Feel Like We Do (Live),” Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Free Bird,” Jethro Tull’s “Locomotive Breath,” Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town,” Steve Miller Band’s “Take The Money And Run,” Cheap Trick’s “I Want You To Want Me (Live),” Foreigner’s “Feels Like The First Time,” Toto’s “Hold The Line,” Eddie Money’s “Baby Hold On,” Journey’s “Any Way You Want It,” Styx’s “Come Sail Away,” Heart’s “Crazy On You,” Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4,” Manfred Mann’s Earth Band’s “Blinded By The Light,” and Meat Loaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light.”

The NOW That’s What I Call Music! series is a joint venture from EMI Music North America, Sony Music Entertainment, and Universal Music Group.  NOW That’s What I Call Music! Vol. 42 and NOW Classic Rock Hits will be distributed by EMI Music North America.   NOW and NOW That’s What I Call Music!are registered trademarks of EMI (IP) Limited.

The NOW That’s What I Call Music! series debuted in the U.S. in 1998, after 15 years of multi-platinum international success. The series has generated sales exceeding 200 million albums worldwide, including more than 84 million copies in the U.S.  Every album in the numeric U.S. series has reached Billboard’s Top 10, and 15 NOW releases have reached #1, second only to The Beatles in chart history. For more about the NOW series please go to: www.nowthatsmusic.com