The 2018 Los Angeles Nollywood Film Awards Has An International Flair

August 5, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

On Sunday, August 5th, the Los Angeles Nollywood Film Association (LANFA) will have their black tie film awards ceremony at the historic Miracle Theater on Market Street in Inglewood, CA. Multi-talented and acclaimed filmmaker, King Bassey, is the founder of this wonderful film festival, which will screen an international slate of films!

Festival Founder and Filmmaker King Bassey

The celebrities and VIPs expected at this event are Founder of the Nollywood Awards and Movie Producer King Bassey, Event hosts Motown Maurice (Liongate’s Snake Outta Compton), Bessey lkem (American Mama), Honorees Actress Alice Amter (The Big Bang Theory), SAG/AFTRA actress and radio personality Amber Lynn (Lionsgate’s Who’s Jenna?), the first African-American Bond girl Gloria Hendry (Live and Let Die), Producer Anoush Sadegh (First Born), nominated filmmakers Dustin Ferguson (Nemesis 5: The New Model), former five-time World Kickboxing Champion Grandmaster and filmmaker Robert Parham (Jackson Bolt), Mike Olafson (Hot Lead Hard Fury), Steve Oakley (Stan’s 420 Adventure), Elham Madani (16/03), media personalities Orlando Jose and Nicole Dunlap, actor nominees Mel Novak (Black Belt Jones), Dawna Lee Heising (Samurai Cop 2: Deadly Vengeance), Vida Ghaffari (The Mindy Project), David Lockhart (Lockhart: Unleashing the Talisman), Iyad Hajjaj (Dreams I Never Had), JJ Stomp (John Kinkaid Unleashed), actress Reatha Grey (Betty White’s Off Their Rockers), William Romeo (American Gladiators), producer Jenna Urban (Sins of the Father) best single nominee Marneen Lynne Fields (Royal Flush) and entertainment attorney Nadia Davari. Other nominees are actor and filmmaker Harley Wallen (Bennett’s Song) and actress Kaiti Wallen (Into A Dark Mind).

King and 2017 Film and Television Achievement Award Honoree Mel Novak. Photo courtesy of Bob Delgadillo/WENN

Sponsors for this esteemed event are Jojokid Music, Nollywood Film Academy, FAN TV LA, Esdiac Global, the Universe Multicultural Film Festival, Mesmerized Minds, The Williamson Management and So Very Vida is proud to be a media partner.

About King Bassey:

LANFA was created by King Bassey, who hails from Akwa lbom, Nigeria. He has an associates degrees in Electronic tech and micro computers from National Technical School and a Bachelors degree in Media Production at Intercontinental University, Los Angeles, His concentration was in the area of directing producing, editing, screenwriting and cinematography. After looking at the negative images and portrayal of Africans on TV, King become one of the first to start Afrikan Network Television on a UHF channel in the early 90’s, bringing programs from Africa to educate people about Africa and it was even featured in the LA Times. After many years the station could not make it because of funding, King Bassey did not give up, he embarked on a song writing career. He has released about three albums, the most recent one, David Dance, and started organization called the Los Angeles Nollywood Film Association (LANFA). Lanfa’s goal is to provide a platform for our creative artists to produce and showcase the unique artistic abilities, increase the level of awareness in the community, promote the brand, strengthen and grow the credibility of the group. To also foster the creation of successful working partnerships, empower networking, raise visibility, and strengthen distribution and marketing channels. Every year, the festival screens Afrikan and other international films. He won several awards, best African singer and writer from the City of Los Angeles, Award for best Video Programming, Educational & Documentary, Media award for best photographer. He directed and produced his first films called Johno the Fake Producer, in 2007, his second film Undisciplined, about the way negligent parents raise their children, and in 2010, he directed Queen In LA movie, which is about human trafficking. His latest film in the making now is called A Woman In A Man’s World, and is a multicultural film creating awareness on the global fight for violence against women in work, home and church. He also started a campaign called “Let’s Get Our Women Back.”

About the Miracle Theater:

Built in 1937, The Ritz – now revived as The Miracle – is once again home to local and international entertainment. Featuring music, movies, comedy, and community, The Miracle Theater offers a prominent arts and culture a venue on Market Street. Famous artists such as Ice-T, Bootsy Collins and Nina Simone among others have performed here. Issa Rae, the creator and star of Insecure on HBO had her series season 2 premiere here.

LANFA film festival promo:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDGH0PAEbOk

More info about the festival and to purchase tickets: http://lanfaa.com/

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Tech

Segway-Ninebot Launches New Products

July 25, 2018 Vida G. Leave a comment

Segway-Ninebot Inc. hosted a truly informative press conference on July 24th to officially announce the launching of their new product series, the Segway Drift W1 E-Skates and the Ninebot Gokart kit at the swanky Westin Bonaventure Hotel in super hip downtown Los Angeles.

Luke Gao, the board president and CEO of Segway-Ninebot

The Drift W1 was the first offering in Segway’s new, exciting product category, e-Skates. These self balanced electric powered roller skates that have huge retail commercial value for both the purpose of exercising and entertaining. With two years of research and development behind them, these new e-Skates are poised to be the next highly sought-after consumer product from Segway. The Drift W1 e-Skates are able to reach a top speed of about 7.5 MPH and offer up to 45 minutes of uninterrupted riding time. Lightweight and extremely portable, the Drift W1 e-Skates are perfect for the young generation who dare to stand out and create new trends. The Drift W1 has an MSRP of $399 and is available for pre-sale, with a $99 deposit at www.segway.com

Randy Ayala, Director of Sales, Dealer Development of Segway-Ninebot

Mr. Ayala talks about the Ninebot Gokart Kit

Segway thinks this product has the future potential to dominate the short distance traveling transportation market by resurrecting the street culture and I totally agree. It’s a product that is cooler than skateboards and possess the technology that made Hoverboards look like a trend from yesteryear. The announcement covered all the aspects of the product in-depth such as functionality, distribution, marketing, price, and following timelines.

Luke Gao, the board president and CEO of Segway-Ninebot stands besides the Ninebot Gokart kit

Another product that was launched that day was the Ninebot Gokart Kit, which is a unique accessory for the miniPRO260 or miniPRO320. Users attach their miniPRO to the kit, acting as the rear wheels and drivetrain for the Gokart. This kit offers three driving modes; novice, normal and sports, with each corresponding to a different driving speed. The Ninebot Gokart Kit has a top speed of 15 MPH, a typical range of 9 miles and a maximum payload of 220 lbs. It can be adjusted to lengths between 51 and 75 inches, suiting the needs of most riders. In keeping with Segway’s overall focus on safety, it offers dual braking (electronic and mechanical), as well as speed management and alerts via the mobile app. With a strong battery, simple operation, and suitability for a wide range of people. You can reserve your Ninebot Gokart Kit at Segway.com When released, the kit will have an MSRP of $599.

An attendee has a blast on the Ninebot Gokart Kit!

During the event, besides announcing and introducing the product, there also was an E-Skates racing tournament which consisted of influencers and other media testing out the products. During the press conference, the entire panel consisted with key members of the Segway-Ninebot leadership including the CEO. Many of members on the panel are from the international capital giant Ninebot Inc. who have flown from Asia and other continents. They spoke about the trend of globalization and how the international capital and management style is merging and effecting the American organization’s culture and business development via the Segway Inc. and Ninebot Inc. merging.

All in all, it was a great event and I really enjoyed riding the e-skates. Here’s a video of me on the e-skate during Jesse T’s show (around the 15:43 minute mark):

All photos courtesy of Richard Ren/The LA Post

Vida G.

Vida is an actress and journalist who lives in Los Angeles, California. She is the co-founder of the Hollywood Press Corps.

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Red Carpet, Special Events, Sports

Regard Magazine Pre-ESPY Party in Bel Air

July 17, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

BEL AIR, California (JULY 17th, 2018) — The Hollywood Press Corps attended Regard Magazine’s Pre-ESPY Experience 2018, a celebrity filled party in Bel Air, California. Dimitry Loiseau’s Regard Magazine along with Grand Marnier, Lyft and Soul Restaurant sponsored a sun filled afternoon of luxury cars, sports stars and delicous handcrafted cocktails. This event was held in celebration of The ESPY’S hosted by CJ Lana Perry, the cover celebrity of this month’s annual sports edition of Regard Magazine. Event host CJ Lana Perry is a WWE Diva on E’s WWE Diva show. She walked the red carpet and posed for photos with guests and VIPs.

CJ Lana Perry (L) and rockstar Rachel Lorin (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

CJ Lana Perry (C) with Antoine Holmes (L) and Spencer Holmes (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Event host CJ Lana Perry (L) with UFC Ring Girl of the year Arianny Celeste (C) and Gretchen Rossi (R) of RHOC (Real Housewives of Orange County)

Byron Chamberlain and Model. Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Pro Bowler and former Denver Bronco Byron Chamberlain looked stylish on the step and repeat. Byron is a former American football tight end in the NFL, who played with the Denver Broncos, the Minnesota Vikings, and the Washington Redskins. Byron won back-to-back Super Bowl Championships as a member of the Denver Broncos (Super Bowls XXXII & XXXIII). Byron and actor Steve Cederquist co-host a show for Rio Vista Universal called The Front Lines. We asked Steve Cederquist about the HGTV reality show “Flip or Flop”. He was happy to talk about his love for flipping properties and remodeling homes. Steve shared that he also just appeared in the short film “REASON”(2018) directed by Graeme Finlayson.

Dimitry Loiseau (L), Owner of Regard Magazine, and guest. PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Lisa Morton Woodard (L) Publicist, Kimi Applegate (C), Owner of Beverly Hills Magazine, and Rachel Lorin (R), Rock Singer at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

John Baskin (L), providing the Mercedes Benz Maybachs, and Rick Egusquiza (R), Editor of In Touch Weekly and Life and Style Magazine at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Antoine and Spencer Holmes, Twin Actors /Screenwriters at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Bai Ling, Actress at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

This event was at an incredible location at the top of Sepulveda Pass. The upscale home of Kimi Applegate, owner of Beverly Hills Magazine, featured a swimming pool and two separate putting greens. John Beskin of Mercedes Benz provided three luxury model Maybach’s on the front lawn. Actress Bai Ling posed for photos in front of the stunning cars with VIPs. Former pro basketball player turned designer and actor, Jason Faulknor, walked the red carpet. Dr. Sam Nguyen was on hand with her husband Chris Luong. Dr. Nguyen is a Ms National Woman of Achievement recipient. She was awarded a Lifetime Presidential Award from President Obama in 2015. Antoine and Spencer Holmes (Transformers) caused double vision in identical outfits and Justin Peck, Lucas Oil Off Road Champion graced us with his presence.

Spencer Holmes (L), Jerome Dawley (C), and Antoine Holmes (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Justin Peck (L), Lucas Oil Off Road Champion, with guest at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Lisa Morton Woodard (L) and Mia St. John (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Rachel Lorin cooling off at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Mia St. John, 5 Time World Boxing Champion and Playboy Covergirl at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Lucas Oil Off-Road Driver & Mental Health Advocate, Justin Peck (L) and Publicist, Stacey Barker (R). Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Lisa Morton Woodard, Publicist, at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

World Champion Boxer Mia Saint John was shadow boxing as she posed for photos on the red carpet. Mia has a foundation where she helps the homeless. She is currently working on a documentary film. Check out Mia’s Foundation website here: Mia Saint John Foundation. Rachel Lorin looked fabulous on the step and repeat. Rachel debuted on the Billboard ROCK charts and is working on a new album to be released next year. She was featured on Oxygen/E Networks show “Next Big Thing.” Follow Rachel Lorin on Instagram here.

Rapper, Too $hort (L) and model at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Tetona Jackson, Actress (L), and Choice Skinner, Actor (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

The celebrities and VIPs moved from the red carpet to the back yard where guests were treated to gifts from the many sponsors. Rapper Too$hort and Boxer “Ice Man” Joey Davis were among the crowd. The gazebo by the pool was full of VIPs that were relaxing in the shade.

Joey Davis, IceMan aka Black Ice (L), *Dimitry Loiseau* (C), and Big Joey (R) at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Bottled water from Sobaba was gifted to the thirsty party goers. Working together with local food banks, Sobaba’s mission is to make childhood hunger a thing of the past. When you buy a bottle, a meal is donated. Jen Oloo’s Yahooty Who? Puppets were at the party and posing for Insta photos. The Yahooty Who? project kickstarts an animated feature based on her Puppets.

Regard Magazine Senior Publicist Kelly K (L) with Trap Recording Artist Chef Sean (R)

Dustin Brown, Editor of HollywoodPressCorps, surrounded by models at Regard Magazine’s PreESPY Experience in Bel Air. Photograph by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

By the end of the afternoon, guests that were leaving the event were treated to complimentary luxury level rides on Lyft and giftbags featuring puppets by Yahooty Who?, iPhone charging cables by Cords of Steel and other unique gifts, given out as thoughtful momentos of the afternoon.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Food and Wine, Special Events

CONCERN FOUNDATION’S 44TH ANNUAL BLOCK PARTY RAISES $1.8 MILLION FOR CANCER RESEARCH

July 14, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

(Los Angeles) – Saturday, July 14th 2018 – The Hollywood Press Corps attended the Concern Foundation’s 44th Annual Block Party on the backlot of Paramount Studios. This was in the heart of Hollywood on the foundation’s 50th anniversary. Themed this year as Cancer Crusaders, the highly anticipated and sold-out event hosted 4,000 guests, successfully raising $1.8 million for cancer research through ticket sales, donations and bids on auction items.

All guests had a chance to experience over 70 restaurants, caters, and beverage vendors including Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Fogo de Chao, Dulan’s Soul Food, Button Mash, Fresh Brother’s Pizza and Pink’s Famous Hot Dogs. The night was filled with interactive entertainment such as casino-style gaming, a celebrity bar hosting actors Lili Bourdán (BATTLESTAR GALACTICA, THE NUN), Gabe Jarret (REAL GENIUS) and Chad Johnson, the original TV Batmobile, and live and iconic Super Hero “streetmosphere”. For the 14th year in a row, The Best of LA® on Los Angeles Magazine’s street featured lounges, photo booths, food stations, beauty stations and gift bags sponsored by Infiniti.

As a focal point for the evening’s festivities, the live auction lead by lifestyle expert and entertainment reporter, Mar Yvette, presented guests with the option to bid on prizes including VIP tickets to a taping of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show”, VIP tickets to the 2018 American Music Awards, a six-night vacation in Maui, and Dodger Dugout seats. Following the auction, John Ferdenzi of Town and Country Event Rentals was honored with the Spirit of Concern award. Recognized for his dedication and commitment to Concern Foundation, John Ferdenzi has been a valued member of the extended Concern family for more than two and a half decades. He has given his time and creative talents to assist at various Concern Block Parties and annual holiday events.

This year, in connection to the theme, the foundation was happy to honor Dr. Jay & Kris Calvert and family as this year’s “Cancer Crusaders” for their participation in helping to conquer cancer through research. Honored on stage alongside his family, Dr. Jay & Kris Calvert openly shared their personal experience with cancer. The Calvert’s 10 year old son Ace was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia at age 4 and while today he has beaten his cancer, ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) can always return and he is never truly cured. This is a major reason he and his family feels so strongly about raising money to help find a permanent cure. Jay himself was a young scientist who could not get funding early in his career as a molecular biologist and he personally knows how important our mission to supporting young investigators is to jump start researcher’s careers. Dr. Jay Calvert has been consecutively named one of Los Angeles Magazine’s “Super Doctors” in 2014, 2015, and 2016. He has appeared on multiple hit television programs including CBS’s “The Doctors” and OWN’s “Dr. Phil”.

Cancer survivor/superhero. Photo by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Concern Foundation is proud to have these members of the community serve as this year’s honorees. Their personal connection to the fight against cancer and philanthropic actions alongside the non-profit organization is sure to help make this year’s Block Party a success.

Concluding the event, Derek Alpert stated, “Having the honor to be on stage to welcome and see nearly 4,000 of the true super heroes all gathered together helping us raise funds to conquer cancer is a very emotional thing for me. It’s such a blessing to be able to help orchestrate this event each year and to bring together four generations of donors, five decades of cancer researchers that Concern has funded all surrounded by a tremendous outpouring of love and support by our local business community that donate their time and talents so that we can give as much money as possible to support cancer research.”

Concern Foundation’s mission is to conquer cancer by providing essential funds to support the early, yet critical, stages of discovery. Since its inception in 1968, Concern has raised and awarded $63 million to 750 gifted cancer scientists around the world.

For 50 years, Concern has pioneered the advancement of cancer immunology—the study of the relationship between the immune system and cancer—a field that is now widely acknowledged to hold the most potential for discovering treatments and preventions for cancer.

The Tom Nolan Band entertained the crowd with the soulful sounds of Jazz, Blues, and R&B.

Publicist Ed Solarzano. Photo by Marie Gregorio-Oviedo

Check out the website for the Concern Foundation here.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Self Improvement

Celebrity Hypnotherapist Julian Ufano-Leon Expands His Practice

July 13, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

Due to demand, noted celebrity hypnotherapist Julian Ufano-Leon is expanding his practice to house calls especially for his celebrity and VIP clients that need more personal care.

He specializes in working with clients who are experiencing stress, anxiety, fears, phobias, addictions, clients seeking relationship enhancement, weight management and career improvements.

Combining his 16+ years of experience as a child and family counselor for at risk youth along with his hypnotherapy training, Julian is extremely effective when working with individuals suffering from issues such as relationships, social phobias, anxieties, and mental blocks. He enjoys watching his clients transition from a certain state of mind, into confident, assertive and motivated individuals, reaching their goals.

Julian is welcoming to his clients, and allows them to feel safe. He listens, using a non judgemental approach, empathizes with clients and their needs. He is able to identify blocks, fears, and negative associations quickly, which allows him to work effectively, getting impressive results.

Julian has watched numerous clients achieve success in taking exams such as the BAR, the MFT exam and other state issued tests. He has helped many clients with career success, managing weight, gaining anger management skills, working through abuse issues, forgiveness and increased self-esteem. In addition to all of this, he specifically has helped athletes improve their game, dancers flow in the zone and as well as actors get into character.

Previously working as a counselor for troubled youth and their families, Julian has a natural passion for helping individuals realize their dreams, conquer their fears and achieve their goals. His experience as a Behavioral Specialist, coupled with his training as a hypnotherapist grants him the ability to work with a wide variety of people. He attributes his success in this industry to many years of experience, thousands of live sessions, the ability to build rapport quickly, listening to clients’ needs and understanding deep rooted associations in order to help clients create a better sense of well-being for themselves.

More info at http://mesmerizedminds.com/

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Uncategorized

Martial Art Star Paul Mormando’s BOUND BY DEBT To Hit VOD later this month

July 9, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

Ammo Content, a prominent New York based distribution company will release the long awaited film Bound by Debt, starring martial art sensation, Grandmaster Paul Mormando in his debut starring role. Supporting cast include Freedom Williams (C&C Music Factory) and Bobby Ciasulli (The Real House Wives of New Jersey).

Mormando plays Dylan James a rough and tough underground fighter who is estranged from his family. When Dylan refuses to fight for the mob, the mob boss Russo (Samuel Difiore) kidnaps his brother’s daughter Alexis (Nikki Silva) forcing Dylan back into the fighting game. Now the two brothers are forced to reunite to

save themselves and their family.

Still photo of Paul Mormando in Bound By Debt

Bound by Debt is a riveting film that brings back the old 90’s action feel. This film has garnered some impressive reviews and has been picked up by several international territories including South Korea.

The film will be released on AMAZON VOD later this month.

About Paul Mormando:

At the tender age of 19, Mormando became the world’s youngest Martial Arts Grand

Master, which is a title given only to practitioners with more than 25 years experience. He was the World Professional Karate Organization’s (W.P.K.O) Middle Weight Kumite Champion in 1992. This martial arts champ was inducted into the prestigious W.P.K.O Hall Of Fame at Madison Square Garden in 2001. He is a 10th degree black belt and founder of the Cha Ki Do Martial Arts System. He is also an expert in Tae Kwon Do, Jujitsu and Kung Fu. The New York Police Department hired him to teach his skills with new officers, and the New York Board of Education engaged him to lecture students. Nicknamed in the press as “Mr. Karate USA,” Paul achieved worldwide fame when he set a world record in board breaking at Shea Station in front of 25,000 people and a TV audience of two million by breaking 56 boards in 58 seconds! This was followed by exhibitions at Madison Square Garden and Nassau Coliseum where he was the headliner. He was a trainer to Madonna and other celebs and has appeared in action films and TV shows.

His enduring spirit and can do attitude is truly inspiring. A near-fatal car crash left him seriously injured and took his life on an scary and painful detour. Doctors told him that he would not only have to give up martial arts, but he would also perhaps never walk again. Though determination, a strong will and hard work, he regained most of his strength and truly triumphed over tragedy. In addition to his acting career, he has a popular school, the Mormando Martial Arts System and has spoken at many New York City public schools with the message: “kids who study self-defense gain discipline and self-confidence while learning that they don’t have to resort to violence to settle disputes.”

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Business

Attorney Nadia Davari’s Legal Seminar at General Assembly

July 6, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

On Tuesday, September 11th from 12:30pm to 1:30pm, noted entertainment attorney Nadia Davari will be giving an informative seminar called “10 Legal Tips for Running Your Business.” This event will be held at General Assembly at 1520 Second Street in Santa Monica.

Running a business can be extremely rewarding but also incredibly challenging, and there are a whole host of issues that need to be taken into consideration on a daily basis. Legal issues crop up all the time and ignoring them can have serious consequences. Davari will guide attendees on how successfully tackle these issues

At this event, she’ll cover the following five important legal issues that businesses face and discuss how to manage them:

Picking the right business structure
Protecting your intellectual property
Negotiating favorable contracts
Raising capital
Managing independent contractors and employees

Davari has over 14 years of experience as an entertainment and corporate attorney. She has served as the outside counsel and in legal and business affairs for start ups and media companies, including MyLabBox, Channel Factory, MavTV, and Prescience. She works with a wide range of clients including digital media companies, new business start-ups, production companies, movie studios, television networks, and investors. She is well-known for her superior negotiating, drafting, and resourceful problem solving skills. Nadia graduated from UCLA with a B.S. in molecular, cell, and developmental biology and attended USC Law School where she participated in the Hale Moot Court Honors program.

More info about the seminar at :

https://generalassemb.ly/education/10-legal-tips-for-running-your-business/los-angeles/54663

More info about Davari:

http://www.nadiadavari.com/

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Uncategorized

Retrosploitation Releasing Teams Up with Award-Winning filmmaker Dustin Ferguson for New SLEEPAWAY CAMP II

July 6, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

Talented award-winning filmmaker Dustin Ferguson (Nemesis 5, Sleepaway Camp IV) is at it again! This wunderkind filmmaker was hired by Retrosploitation Releasing to film new material for the upcoming 30^th Anniversary VHS release of “Sleepaway Camp II: Redux”. Paired with a new fully uncut VHS version of “Sleepaway Camp III: Teenage Wasteland”, both tapes quickly sold out in their initial run.

The original version of “Sleepaway Camp II” was directed by Michael A. Simpson and released to home video in 1988 by Nelson Home Entertainment. “Back in 2015, I was asked to direct the original scripted ending for ‘Sleepaway Camp II: Unhappy Campers’, which revealed Molly’s intended, but never filmed, death scene”, says Ferguson. “It was released as a ‘Special Feature’ called ‘Whatever Happened to Molly?’ on the Official Scream Factory Blu-Ray release of the film.”

Three years later, Ferguson was approached again to film another new scene, this time for the movie’s 30^thAnniversary VHS re-release. “John Klyza, who runs Retrosploitation Releasing, asked if I would be interested in gathering a crew together to go shoot a scene that would be the ‘visual’ for ‘T.C.”s campfire story during the opening of the film,” explains Ferguson. “This segment was called “Steve and Michelle Go to Hell” and it wrapped shooting in June 2018 in Compton, California.” Continues Ferguson, “We went to the same mausoleum used in ‘Phantasm 3, 4 and 5’ and introduced ourselves to the Caretaker. He was very kind and allowed us to film inside, and we also shot some scenes out in the cemetery behind the building. It was a strange yet amazing feeling to be filming for a ‘Sleepaway Camp’ film on a ‘Phantasm’ location…talk about horror-nerd overload!”

The segment in its entirety will be released on its own online to help promote the release. Portions of both “Steve and Michelle Go to Hell” and “Whatever Happened to Molly?” are incorporated into the new release of “Sleepaway Camp II: Redux” itself.

Ferguson is no stranger to the “Sleepaway Camp” franchise. In 2008, he was hired to edit 1992’s unfinished “Sleepaway Camp IV: The Survivor” for Films Around The World. It was the beginning of a long career involving work in several well-known and respected Horror and Science Fiction franchises. He’s also directed “Nemesis 5: The New Model”, which was executive produced by Albert Pyun (“Mean Guns”, “Cyborg”). He made two entries in the infamous “Camp Blood” series for Sterling Entertainment, and in 2016 he also edited the extended and unrated version of 1987’s “Slumber Party Massacre II”, which hit Blu-Ray in early 2017. Along with a slew of additional “Special Feature” work for Scream Factory (including contributions to “Piranha 2”, “Darkman 2”, “Silent Night, Deadly Night”, “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation”, “Dawn of The Dead”, “Return of The Living Dead II” and several others), Ferguson has also directed two “Amityville” films for Wild Eye Releasing, the latter starring Mark Patton of “A Nightmare On Elm Street 2”, and also “Silent Night, Bloody Night 2: The Revival” which starred Jennifer Runyon Corman (“Ghostbusters”) for New Wave Pictures.

Please check out the Sleepaway Camp: Analog Apocalypse Trailer at: https://youtu.be/sRIELD2nccc

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Comedy

Award-winning filmmaker Dustin Ferguson Announces New Television Series Pilot for L.A. LIFERS

June 28, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

Award-winning filmmaker Dustin Ferguson announces cast and details regarding his upcoming and much anticipated television pilot for “L.A. Lifers”, a throw-back to the “situation comedy” sitcoms of the 90s.

“I’m 90s TV Junkie”, says Ferguson. “Shows like ‘Married with Children’, ‘Martin’ and ‘Living Single’ I still hold dear to my heart today. Even the classic Nickelodeon programs like ‘Clarissa Explains It All’, ‘My Brother and Me’ and ‘The Adventures of Pete and Pete’ all served as inspiration, and many gags in the show are based on my experiences after moving from the Midwest to Los Angeles to pursue my own film career.”

Filmmaker Dustin Ferguson and actress Dawna Lee Heising

The series will feature a “laugh track” and follow four roommates: a Stunt Car Driver, a Soap Opera Star, a rising Adult Film Actress and a YouTube Sensation as they fight their way to the top (while also struggling to pay the bills) in the suburbs of Los Angeles.

The show was written by Mike Reeb (“Horndog’s Beach Party”, “Nemesis 5”) and stars Carrie Anne Bernans (“Black Panther”), David Thomas Newman (“Troma’s Mulligan’s Monsters”), Neveen Woods (“Horndog’s Beach Party”), Ryan Rasberry (“Ant-man and The Wasp”) and noted actress Dawna Lee Heising (“Samurai Cop 2”, “Nemesis 5”).

Production wraps in late July and the finished pilot will be presented to both Fox and Netflix. For more information, please visit:
https://www.facebook.com/SoCalCinemaStudios/

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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Uncategorized

Sci-Fi Action Thriller’ Abeyance’ starts shooting in late June in Pontiac, Michigan

June 28, 2018 Dustin Brown Leave a comment

The much anticipated sci-fi action thriller Abeyance starts filming in late June in Pontiac, Michigan. The all-star ensemble cast features Scout Taylor-Compton (The Runaways, Rob Zombie’s Halloween and Halloween 2), Richard Tyson (Kindergarten Cop, Black Hawk Down, Something About Mary), Billy Wirth (The Lost Boys, Boys on the Side, Body Snatchers), Mel Novak (Bruce Lee’s Game of Death, An Eye for An Eye opposite Chuck Norris, Steve McQueen: American Icon with Mel Gibson) and Yan Birch (The People Under the Stairs, Death House, Bless the Child). This film has already generated a big buzz as Variety covered the film’s casting announcement!

Martial arts champion (black belts in Judo, Tae Kwon Do and Jiu Jitsu) and multi-award winning writer, director and actor Harley Wallen (Bennett’s Song with Tara Reid, Into a Dark Mind with Tom Sizemore) not only writes and directs this compelling film, but he also stars in it.

In this story, we follow Corey (Damien Chinappi), a troubled and suicidal military veteran who stumbles across a kidnapping with great scientific implications and alongside his unlikely “partner in crime” a prostitute named Stephanie (Kaiti Wallen), they decide to try to help a young girl, Miranda (Angelina Danielle Cama), who got away. They enter a world far more complex, cutthroat and dangerous than they could ever imagine.

HPC’s own Vida G. (The Mindy Project, the upcoming Nation’s Fire), Shane Hagedorn (Wild Faith) and Calhoun Koenig (Moving Parts) also star. Production will begin in late June through early August in Pontiac, Michigan.

Wallen of Painted Creek Productions and his production partners Nancy Oeswein, Kaiti Wallen, Annette Cama and Nick Sarelli are excited to show their own take on the morality issues as science allows us to “Play God” and the implications of the decisions and the temptations we face when we do.

Dustin Brown

I am the Senior Editor at HollywoodPressCorps.com.

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