1-800-Company “Cleared for take-off!”
In July, Greytv Media Company inked a deal with 1-800-Company to produce a regional commercial campaign. The resulting spot, shot at Whiteman Airport in the Los Angeles area, features an entrepreneur who operates his own flight school. The hangars and runways provided a great backdrop for the shoot, and the stylish planes taking off and landing gave the ad some excellent movement. Check out our Portfolio page to see the final commercial.
Superior Gold Group Campaign
Today marks the completion of a successful 1-year branded drtv campaign for the Superior Gold Group and Integrated Media Solutions, a Beverly Hills-based ad agency. In February 2009, we were approached by the client, and challenged to create a national commercial campaign that would make their phones ring by incorporating branding and a strong call-to-action. We were further tasked with setting their brand apart from their competitors, who were flooding the networks with their own brand and direct-response marketing spots.
We went with a less-is-more approach, reducing the subject to it’s essence, making it approachable and accessible. We also worked hard to achieve a high production value. The resulting spots were simple and tasteful, creating separation from the competitions’ preachy and aggressive ads.
The new drtv spots have aired nation-wide on the Weather Channel, Military Channel, Fox Business, Bloomberg News, Fine Living Network, CNBC during “Mad Money,” and some others, producing excellent results for the client.
Though originally contracted 12 spots, the client asked for a 13th commercial, delivered on Thursday, May 13th, viewable here: Gold Ideas
World premiere of Feature Film “Exposed”
July 28th, 2009
* Media Advisory *
World premiere of Feature Film:
“Exposed”
Los Angeles, CA On August 2, 2009, Media At Large (Shashi Balooja) in association with Greytv (Michael Yakovchik) will hold the world premiere of their latest soon-to-hit-the festival-circuit film, “Exposed.” Ready to exploit the intense political climate, this will be the first full-length feature produced solely by the forward-thinking production houses.
Aggressively depicting New York’s seedy civic underbelly, Assistant D.A. Andy Hernandes (Shashi Balooja) hires prominent Senator’s son, Michael (Josh Heine); a privileged, brilliant-but-troubled law student eager to help his new mentor. Suddenly both Andy and fiancé Ann (Michelle Glick) are ensnared in a whirlwind of vulnerable situations that result in indiscretion, blackmail, and murder. EXPOSED is a visually stunning and emotionally jarring film.
Presenting is Actor and filmmaker, Shashi Balooja, Founder of Media at Large, and a proponent for diversity in independent film, is an award winning actor and filmmaker. His first feature film, which he co-produced, and co-starred opposite Vanessa Williams and Eartha Kitt “And Then Came Love” was acquired by Warner Bros. He is the lead actor in several upcoming films and has performed extensively on stage in NYC with industry greats Peter Boyle, Mercedes Ruehl and Alec Baldwin to name a few.
Also presenting will be LA based producer Michael Yakovchik / Founder of Greytv – He produced national commercials for leading advertising agencies and helmed music videos, sitcoms and broadband programming for industry standouts like Sundance, Toronto Film Festival, HL and InStyle Magazine. Greytv’s client list includes MTV Networks, ABC, Fox, BET and ESPN to name a few.
The World Premiere of “Exposed” will take place on August 2, 2009 at The Regency Fairfax Theater, 7907 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048 as part of the New York International Independent Film and Video Festival.
Nike Human Race and Kanye West/Common
August 31st, 2008 would be the date that 12,000 Angelenos strap on their running shoes and hit the pavement for Nike’s World Wide Human Race taking place in over 25 cities around the globe. The event began at 8:30pm on the streets of Los Angeles just outside of the USC campus and the Memorial Coliseum. The energy on the streets was electric and Greytv was there to capture all the emotion and of course the Kanye West and Common concert to be held shortly after the 10K (6.2 mile) run.
Expressions Unlimited
Greytv attended Expressions Unlimited Acting Studio talent showcase on Thursday May 22, 2008. The studio is owned and operated by acting guru Bobbie Chance. As a Theater Arts Major at the University of Miami, Bobbie Shaw Chance won the Miss Miami Beauty Pageant. One of the prizes was a Hollywood screen test, which resulted in an American International signing her to a seven year contract.
Bobbie’s studio of actors appropriately named ‘Expressions Unlimited’, located in Sherman Oaks, CA is where the pursuit continues with eight intense sessions per week for those who dare to take the challenge. Her manifesto for novice and celebrities alike is:
- Dedication to the work.
- Commitment to the role.
- Total and complete elimination of the need for personal gain.
During her twenty years as a director/acting coach, some of the names that have come to experience her innovative style of working with actors are:
Drew Barrymore, Steven Dorf, Breckin Meyer, Giovanni Ribisi, as well as celebrity devotees Academy Award Winner Anthony Hopkins, Academy Award Winner Martin Landau, Academy Award Winner Richard Dreyfuss, Kurt Russell, Rob Reiner, Andy Garcia, Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt, all of whom have worked out at her studio.
Actors Keir McGill, Kelley Whilden (a.k.a., Kelley Nicole) and Pilar Carrington were recently called upon to audition for roles in,”Rick’s Place” a pilot with production taking place at the end of June.
48 Hour Film Project
It is time once again this year for the 48 Hour Film Project, www.48hourfilm.com taking place across the globe. The 48 Hour Film Project is a wild and sleepless weekend in which you and a team make a movie—write, shoot, edit and score it—in just 48 hours. On Friday night, you get a character, a prop, a line of dialogue and a genre, all to include in your movie. 48 hours later, the movie must be complete. Then it will show at a local theater, usually in the next week. The Los Angeles event will take place on June 13 – June 15.
In 2007, some 30,000 filmmakers made films www.48hourfilm.com/tour in 55 cities around the world. Producer – Michael Yakovchik of Greytv and Director of Photography – Marcelo Alvarez have decided to put forth their efforts alongside a list of very talented filmmakers that include: Director – Sam Linder, Writer – Sara Zofko, Music Composer – Mike Pflug , Camera Operator – Chris Mammarelli and others.
Michael Marcus and Prakriti Maduro in “Floor Scores Ago”
Talent for the event has been established from Lee Strasberg Theatre and Film Institute, past projects and present client relations. All of the actors who have decided to take part in the chaotic event are incredibly skilled and when it comes time to cast, it will make the decision a bit harder than usual.
Rick’s Place Pilot
Greytv has signed contracts this past week with Lightning Productions, based in Houston, Texas to line produce a sitcom pilot called, “Rick’s Place”. Production will take place at the end of June in Marina Del Rey, CA. Michael Yakovchik will Line Produce and Marcelo Alvarez will serve as the Director of Photography. Roy Lightner, a prominent and successful entrepreneur is the Executive Producer; Ted Reynolds will direct the pilot with brother Vining Reynolds producing.
UPDATE – June 6, 2008
Lorenzo Lamas of “Renegade” has signed on to do “Rick’s Place”
Lorenzo Lamas has signed on to play, ”Rick” the main character in the show, while Richard Tyson will play his counterpart,” Roy”. The show has secured a list of fine talent to play staff and clients alike. The sitcom takes place in a gymnasium and surrounds all the mishaps that occur between management, employees and the numerous characters – clients that exercise at, “Rick’s Place”.
According to Roy Lightner, Greytv was selected amongst a list of independent production companies to line produce due to their incredible talent, high energy and motivation that came across in their initial business meeting. Greytv has stated that they are very eager to begin production; they look forward to creating a positive and productive environment on set.
Stay posted as more to come will follow, due to the sensitive nature of the pilot being kept under wraps, not much can be stated at this time.
Greytv Host Makes Headlines
In late April, we got a call from Hollywood Life (hollywoodlife.com), they wanted us to provide video coverage of the 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards – red carpet interviews, awards ceremony and after party. It was a no brainer when it came time to book talent for the event. We submitted a bio along with photos of Parvati to Anne Volokh, at the time Chairman and C.E.O of HL. She was approved and it was show time. It was clear that she was a natural and her presence commanded attention. It seemed as if she had known the celebrities for years, she was able to create a sense of comfort with in her self and with each and every interviewee.
Parvati Shallow and Donald Sutherland – 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards
Parvati was born in Vero Beach, Florida and at a young age moved to a small town in Georgia with her family. After graduating from college with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in journalism and traveling abroad, she moved to Los Angeles. She spent her early days in L.A. as waitress, bar tending and modeling trying to earn a living. In her spare time she trained her little heart out boxing. She became part of Perfect 10 Model Boxing and eventually co-created a reality show called the the Knockouts with Pattianne Harootian. It’s a combination of America’s Next Top Model meets The Contender. It was her experience as a contestant on Survivors: Cook Island, that spawned the idea. Along with the two girls history as boxers and Pattiannes extremely hard work ethic, a pilot episode was shot and is currently on the drawing table.
Shortly after the pilot was made, a non-profit charity organization revolving around the premise of the show was created. You can visit their website for further details at: www.KO4G.com Parvati has worked with the organization raising awareness to their cause in hopes of being able to give back to the community.
During this time, she was invited back to the Survivor camp for Season 16: Fans vs. Favorites. After a long and equally grueling experience form the first time around, it came down to the end. She made it to the final 4. In short, she was crowned the ultimate favorite, winning this years Survivor competition on Sunday May 11th on CBS. It was of no surprise to her friends, family and colleagues.
Greytv was asked what they thought about her victory, “It’s no surprise to us, it’s evident that her energy lights up the room when ever she steps in it. Parvati’s the type of person that makes you feel good about being yourself, it’s almost like you can’t help but feel amazing when you are around her. We know that there are bigger things to come. We feel incredibly fortunate to have worked with her and look forward to collaborating on future projects together”.
2008 Sundance Film Festival
The Sundance Film Festival came and went once again this year and Greytv linked up with Hollywood Life (hollywoodlife.com) to bring you all the exclusive coverage on films, celebrities, fashion trends and highlights from the event. Host Shira Lizar, chatted away with top celebs that included: Dennis Hopper, William H. Macy, Michael Keaton, Maria Bello, Stanley Tucci, Tim Daley, Adrian Grenier, Mary Lynn Rajskub and list of others, from the directors and casts of featured Sundance film entries.
Dennis Hopper & Adrian Grenier – Sundance 2008
Produced by Michael Yakovchik and shot by Deg Truesaw, there is more than enough coverage for viewers to experience the event. The interviews took place in a wide range of settings and all the sponsors were there to show support and admiration for the films, their cast and crew. Hennessey took part in the event for the first time and made a splash with their signature cocktails and ultra lounge. Cadillac provided plush transportation on the snow filled roads. Onitsuka Tiger outfitted the celebs with cool kicks, Michelle hooked up some ticking time pieces, Solstice kept every one’s cool in tact supplying slick shades, Vera Bradley made it easy to carry everything with their stylish bags, Sephora did all the hair and make up, Sexy Hair provided product, Ole Henricksson kept skin looking beautiful and yeah, I think you get the picture on what some of the perks these celebs receive.
The nightlife was a whole another monster. The clubs were packed and full of life. Party goers headed on down to “Bed”, the top night club spot this year and usually didn’t get home until the roosters made some noise… There were plenty of places to party and people to see. Sundance is and was awesome and I strongly recommend you make a film and go, but no worries you don’t need a film to make it. Call Jet Blue and hook up a flight, book rooms at least a few months in advance and don’t forget to bring a warm hat.
10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards
The 10th Annual Young Hollywood Awards sponsored by Crest White Strips and Nikon Cool Pix Camera took place on Sunday April 27th, 2008 at the Avalon in Hollywood, California.
Emmanuelle Chriqui – April 27th, 2008
It’s host, Hollywood Life Magazine presented a list of awards that included: Abigail Breslin – Hottest Coolest Young Veteran, Cam Gigandet, Thomas Dekker, Brady Corbett, Brittany Roberston, Lily Collins and Summer Bischil – One to Watch, Jesse McCartney – Exciting Music Crossover, Donald Sutherland – Young Hollywood’s Role Model, Matt Reeves – Hottest New Filmmaker, Kat Von D – Hottest New Picasso, Michael Angarano, Vincent Kartheiser and Amber Heard – Breakthrough Performance, Alex Frost and Emma Stone – Exciting New Face, Emmanuelle Chriqui and Jonathan Tucker – Standout Performance, Brittany Snow – Best on Screen Smile and Adam G. Sevani – Hollywood’s Newest Scene Stealer Awards.
Greytv was there to capture all of the Red Carpet Interviews (hosted by Parvati Shallow) and the Award Ceremony (hosted by Aisha Tyler). Video coverage and broadcast of the event was produced by Michael Yakovchik. Visit http://www.hollywoodlife.com/ to view all of the red carpet interviews and Award Ceremony segments.