Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Media, photographers, videographers walk the red carpet in Beverly Hills

Beverly Hills, CA - As promised in earlier posts, I would update you on my first ever David Harrison Levi event. I have been to a lot of celebrity charity events, and this one was definitely unusual, one of the more friendly events I have attended, because what I noticed is what most people don't. As a former working member of the TV, radio and print press I am more sensitive to the media needs. What I saw was a very relaxed group of media representatives up and coming celebrities and veterans in Hollywood. I also felt more like I was at a family reunion (even though I knew no one except a handful of folks) at the event which was to make everyone aware of breast cancer prevention David Harrison Levi never asks for money and yet he has some many people in the entertainment circles who support him, he is an amazing creature, who has lost his sister to breast cancer. My sister nearly died, too, but she caught it early. I am grateful for folks like David who said, "If nothing else by attending this event and you happened to remind a woman to get a check up for breast cancer, you have saved a life," said Levi. Every time I tried to leave the event, because yea I had somewhere else go, it got more interesting.



Beverly Hills, CA - Now here's a guy who really has his act together. David Harrison Levi, the guy in the video with the microphone is a champion of breast cancer awareness. Not since Luis Van Amstel, ABC's DAncing with the Stars help in MAYO's MAMMOJAM 2010 earlier this summer have I seen a philanthropist attract such a great crowd for a good social cause. He has a passion for helping keep the fight going, and we should all support him. Enjoy, and we welcome your comments here. Thx. George @MAYO PR


Inside, the DJ spun records and a lovely Irish Lady (Actress, Dancer and Singer) by the name of Mags McCarthy sang and tapped dance, of course I had to shoot more pictures, remember this was unusual for
these kind of events.

The restaurant was lovely, but I was so busy meeting and greeting people, I forgot to try the food. But hey, there will be an event every two weeks at the Villa Blanca now thanks to David Harrison Levi. So stay tuned, and don't forget to get your mammogram ladies, and guys its not fun, but I have a paramedic friend who found out the hard way what it's like to have prostate cancer treatments. You don't even want to go there or hear what I heard. I will try to capture the next event for charity, and if you have a charity event contact MAYO Communications, and be sure to visit our Facebook Like Page, too, where you can post your events or post them below here, thx. Geo.


Monday, August 23, 2010

"The Bill Hicks Story " takes center stage at Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles



Los Angeles, CA - Downtown Film Festival Los Angeles announced today that "American: The Bill Hicks Story" will be presented as the 2010 festival's Opening Night Film, Wed., Sept, 8th, 7:30 pm at the new 400-seat Civic Center F. Deaton Auditorium, at the corner of 1st and Main St., across from City Hall in downtown L.A.
The presentation will mark the Los Angeles premiere for the critically acclaimed film that has been commercially released in Europe and previously screened in North America at HotDocs in Toronto, SXSW in Austin, the Boston Int'l Film Festival and the Seattle Int'l Film Festival. In its review, The Hollywood Reporter said "the groundbreaking comedian gets a step closer to immortality with American...funny, well executed" and achieving a "compelling intimacy." The Daily Mirror (UK) called it "hysterically funny and deeply moving tribute to a true American outlaw." Variety called it a "fascinating portrait of a born funnyman who seemed to know early on that his time was limited."

With exclusive interviews from the people who knew Hicks intimately, filmmakers Paul Thomas and Matt Harlock boldly recreate scenes throughout the comedian's life using a stunning new form of photo-animation that Esquire called "brilliant and beguiling," allowing the audience to be immersed in Bill's world as he moves from Houston to Los Angeles, where he achieved his first level of success at the famed Comedy Store on the Sunset Strip. (His name is still featured on the Comedy Store's Wall of Fame.) Hicks would go onto to make his mark not only in the LA comedy community, but nationally as well, appearing on "Late Night with Letterman" eleven times, as well as two of his own HBO specials.

His life and career, which promised even more to come, was tragically cut short when he was diagnosed at age 32 with pancreatic cancer and died in 1994 within a matter of months. Known as a comedian in the vein of Lenny Bruce, Dick Gregory and Mort Sahl who wasn't afraid to tackle "big ideas" on politics, religion and even the meaning of life in a stand-up comedy routine, Hicks started with a cult following, first through word-of-mouth, bootlegs and VHS, and is now tipping into a much wider mainstream following.

The filmmakers comment: "Although Bill was a superstar outside America, the challenging nature of his material meant he never got the chance to be seen unedited by mainstream US audiences, but since the rise of Jon Stewart and "The Daily Show," Stephen Colbert and Lewis Black, the landscape has changed. Considered by many in the comedy community to be one of the most important stand-ups America ever produced, this firebrand comic's freethinking message of acceptance and hope is more relevant in today's world than ever. Above all though, his is the human story of an artist who had to overcome great obstacles, personal and professional, to try and make the world a better place. As such, its for everyone."

Headlining at festivals around the States, and now the second most successful theatrical documentary release in the UK this year, the film is now primed to firmly secure Bill's place on America's cultural map.

In "American," Hicks' story is told by the 10 people who knew him best; his family and closest friends who recount the twists and turns of his life with a freshness that hasn't faded in 15 years. From Los Angeles filmmaker Kevin Booth, Bill's lifelong friend, to the Outlaw Comics who introduced Bill into their heady world of drugs and alcohol, to photographer David Johndrow who perceptively captures some of the most revelatory moments of Bill's life, each speaker is a compelling narrator who still carries a piece of Bill with them and, woven together, they bring a palpable sense of Bill's presence to the screen.

"We're privileged to present the Los Angeles premiere of this compelling film about a truly original comedian whose humor still resonates today," said Rod Ramsey, DFFLA Director of Programming. "For those who already know Bill Hicks, the movie reveals all, including how some of his most famous skits were directly connected to events in his early life. For those who aren't acquainted with Hicks, suffice to say that Letterman taped and then banned his last televised skit from his show. He was a rebel with a cause and a punchline."

The 2010 Downtown Film Festival L.A. will be held Sept. 8-12 in venues throughout Los Angeles' historic core. More than 100 feature-length and short films - narrative, documentary and experimental - will be presented along with filmmaker Q&As, panel discussions, cocktail parties, live music events and receptions. For more information, please visit us online at www.dffla.com.


MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Turning the Spotlight On The Men & Women of Media ☆ Photographers ☆ Videographers ☆ On-Line Reporters

Beverly Hills, CA - Now here's a guy who really has his act together. David Harrison Levi, the guy in the above this photo with movie camera.

We all know how the media hate to go to award events unless its the Oscars, Grammy's or Emmys. But what if the awards or event had a reverse role, where the men and women, who cover those events, photographers, videographers, writers, reporters, Online Bloggers, etc became the event? 

Sounds more intriguing and more fun. It also lets photogs know just how bright those dam lights can be in pitch black darkness. I was surprised to learn when I RSVP for the event, that this reporter will be honored, so how can I refuse? Right? 

The "exclusive event" is set for August 18th, 8 p.m. at the Beverly Hills Restaurant | Italian &  Asian cuisine at Villa Blanca Restaurant, Beverly Hills. If you Google it, you see that Levi has a lot of class, especially for honoring the media and selecting a great venue. 



Well, David Harrison Levi, who has a great reputation for throwing great events has kicked it up a notch. Here's the info provided, so if you are media you might want to stop by to check it out. I haven't gone to an event like this since Media Bistro started their event networking, which began as journalists (many free lancers sharing war stories and job openings) to media and PR Pros sneaking in to pass around their business cards. Here's everything you need to know about the event and afraid to ask in the news advisory below.


Oh I forgot to mention this guy has great philanthropy. He's always raising awareness for breast cancer. MAYO recently staged a fundraiser for breast cancer -MAMMOJAM 2010- with Louis Van Amstel, ABC's Dancing with the Stars, which drew nearly 400 (85% women) to a Hollywood nightclub, where Louis performed a live dance lesson with a packed house and music. It was also awesome. EXTRA, ABC-TV, Examiner and other media including US Magazine covered the story. You feel good, have fun and all for a good cause. 

This is how I personally connected with David Harrison Levi. He gives from the heart and asks for nothing in return. My Mom who died of Multiple Sclerosis on Mothers' Day used to tell me. "There's one thing you can never give away, and that's kindness, because it always comes back." She must have been talking about people like David Harrison Levi.

So now we finally get to meet. I will share my pictures and story later this month. Now this.....




☆ Honoring the Media ☆ Photographers ☆ Videographers ☆ On-Line Reporters ☆
You are Attending · Share · Public Event
Time
August 18 at 8:00pm - August 19 at 2:00am

LocationVilla Blanca Restaurant
9601 Brighton Way - Camden Drive at Brighton Way
Beverly Hills, CA

Created By

More Info
You & your guests are cordially invited to
attend STARMAKER Honors the Media ☆ Villa Blanca Restaurant - Beverly
Hills - Wednesday August 18 - celebrity red carpet 8pm - You won't want
to miss this opportunity to thank "our friends" for their hard work
& dedication! This very exclusive red carpet event is to honor the Men & Women (our friends) of Media PR☆ Photographers ☆ Videographers
☆ On-Line Reporters ☆ who make "our" red carpet events so very memorable. These amazing people give their time, their energy, their talents & dedication to their craft in making a simple night out so very special for all of us, capturing each image for "us" to remember again & again! Come celebrate the lives & talents of these great individuals as we give thanks & applaud them for all they do. In addition; we will also recognize the PR firms & TV video corps that make Southern California the place to be seen! The following individuals will be honored we will also celebrate Barry Berlinskys' birthday --- a special Thank You to my talented friends: Andre Cohen, Nelson Shen, Alan Gough, CC Perkinson CCTV, Mark Politi, Gwen Drake, Saul Escadero, Shelly Scandrani, George Mc Quade III, Tisha Rivera, Daniela Hubbard, Jungle Jim Behrans, Paul Behrans, Gordon Realtvfilms Vasquez, Parris Harris, David Carraway, Liran Cohen, Barry Berlinsky, London Moore F.A.M.E, Francis Deutsch, Mohamed H. Aly, Debbie Major, Sam Green, Buddy Sampson - Scoop LA, Seth Donovan, Patrice Ryan, Mike "the Duke" De Luca, Jennifer Tapiero, Clinton W. Wallace, Amy Graves, David Livingston, Josh Ryan, Josh Emery, DennisDennis, Garry Prophecy Sun, Phillips, Moriah Slates, Matthew Cousins, Matt Brown, Frank Koga, Tommy Bruno, Tom Yip, Carlos Loya, Magnus Peterson, Evolve, California Photo, Masha Kart, Def Film, Keith McNulty, Dave Pearce, Mary L. Carter, Lydia Margosis Elfenbein, Lee Underwood, Ali Shahbazyar, Andrea Hanks, Peter Ronen, Jack Fleming, Tracy Saunders, Eric L. Wade, Bernard Hinson Jr. Greg Rutkowski, Jeff Knight, Jon Scudder, Skyler Braund, Monica Wild, Mark Valinsky, Eric Zuley WTV, Devon Guzzie, Dian Wilson, Deborah Hayter, Steven Escobar - Diversity News, Lee Lang, Tom Costello, Natalia Artloven, 
- Cher Rue - Tamara Wentworth - Thrive TV, Leo S. DeLati, Kimberly Jessy, Emerson Chen, Zack Yanni, Felix LookBookLA, Ziv זיו Lee Barzilay, Brandon Jay, Kai He, Yvette Morales, Manut Buapet, Rodrigo Vaz, Daniel Beaman, Winston Burris, Suan, Jim Juilfs, Elle Lee, Deborah Kolb, Somric Castro & so many, many others. TMZ - Wire Image - Getty Image - Space is limited - RSVP NOW - Please re-post this invitation to your pages on Facebook, MySpace & Twitter ---

David Harrison Levi - STARMAKER☆ red carpet events for breast cancer awareness -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Villa Blanca Restaurant - 9601 Brighton Way --- Camden Drive at Brighton Way - Beverly Hills, CA - STARMAKER☆ Honors the Media ☆ Photographers ☆ Videographers ☆ On-Line Reporters ☆ Villa Blanca Restaurant - Beverly Hills - media check-in 7:30pm - celebrity arrivals 8:00PM Wednesday, August 18, 2010 - dress: cocktail attire - men jackets required --- David Harrison Levi - STARMAKER☆ red carpet events for breast cancer awareness - PEACE ☮





MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"

Saturday, August 7, 2010

The Other Guys is a hilarious nonstop action hit movie this weekend starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg



- 1hr 47min‎‎ - Rated PG-13‎‎ - Comedy‎ - Action movie


Director: Adam McKay (also cowrote script)- Cast: Will Ferrell, Mark Wahlberg, Eva Mendes, Samuel L. Jackson, Michael Keaton, Derek Jeter


Hollywood, CA - "The Other Guys," the cop buddy movie starring Will Ferrell and Mark Wahlberg from Sony Pictures beat "Inception" at the box office this weekend. The comedy pulled in $35.6 million and put to ease any concerns over Ferrell's box-office duds after the disaster that was "Land of the Lost." There's still enough interest surrounding "Inception" to drive the Warner Bros. movie to second place with $18.6 million. The "Step Up 3D" didn't make anyone want to dancetaking in only $15.5 million in its first weekend.

 If you think some cops are cocky or a little wierd, these guys define both terms in the new movie The Other Guys, now in a theater near you.

The Sony Pictures flick, starring Will Ferrell, and Mark Wahlberg, sped to the top of the daily boxoffice rankings with an around $13.2 million from its first day in movie theaters on Friday. and it will tickle your funny bone and then some. 

It is not your ordinary shootem' Up copy movie like Bruce Willis, who survives gun blasts and exposions, and steps on broken glass barefoot. No, this is a comedy about a day in the life of two mismatched New York Detectives trying to take a bite out of crime. There are so many stars and so many action scenes, it's unstoppable.

Photo by Macall Polay – © 2010 Columbia TriStar Marketing Group, Inc.
Terry Hoitz's past mistakes in the line of duty and Allen Gamble's reluctance to take risks have landed them the roles of the "Other Guys", disgraced New York City police detectives relegated to filling out paperwork for cocky hero cops Danson and Highsmith. The mismatched duo must look past their differences when they take on a high-profile investigation of shady capitalist David Ershon and attempt to fill the shoes of the notoriously reckless officers they idolize. Written by The Massie Twins
NYPD Detectives Christopher Danson and P.K. Highsmith (Dwayne Johnson and Samuel L. Jackson) are the nastiest and most beloved cops in New York City. They don't get tattoos - other men get tattoos of them. Two desks over and one back, sit Detectives Allen Gamble (Will Ferrell) and Terry Hoitz (Mark Wahlberg). You've seen them in the background of photos of Danson and Highsmith, out of focus and eyes closed. 

They're not heroes - they're "the Other Guys." But every cop has his or her day and soon Gamble and Hoitz stumble into a seemingly innocuous case no other detective wants to touch that could turn into New York City's biggest crime. It's the opportunity of their lives, but do these guys have the right stuff? Written by Sony Pictures

MAYO PR - "We don't guarantee media, we just get it!"