With the growing interest in celebrity news and gossip, GreyTV decided it’s their turn to start making headlines in Hollywood. The wide world of the web and its millions upon millions of viewers, don’t forget to multiply in a few more million, is where you can find host/writer Lauren Bergfeld dishing out all the juicy details. Produced by Marcelo C. Alvarez and Michael Yakovchik, this online show will bring you the hottest celebrity news and the week in review every Friday. It all started when Marcelo received a phone call from Lauren. She began to explain how the world needs more celebrity news and in hopes of satisfying the world, he listened intently. Shortly there after, the dynamic duo began pre-production on the show. Phone calls were made, scripts were written, locations were selected and the spec pilot was scheduled. Joining the team was Crystal Roval, make-up and hair specialist.
The day before the shoot the two met at, yes you guessed it “Coffee Bean” and of course on Sunset Blvd. As the host and co-producer began securing wardrobe and all the little extras that would help make the show look and feel like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitts new twin babies, the phone rang. Michael, with his cool and producer like demeanor said,” I mentioned to a friend, casually that we will be shooting a pilot, I told her it was a weekly show about celebrity news and gossip, and she offered us to use her jewelry for the production.” Elated and jolted from their coffee buzz, Lauren and Marcelo screamed like two little girls, hopefully Marcelo doesn’t read this, oops.
Leslie Saleson of www.luxurybasics.com was the friend who so generously offered the jewelry. She arrived to the set carrying a large and very heavy bag, “I know because I carried it”, inside was an assortment of eye dazzling necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Along with the stunning wardrobe on set, the jewelry made the outfits feel complete and put big smile on the bubbly blondes hosts face. After wrapping the pilot, Lauren tried to steal the jewelry, security got involved, it was a big mess. You can watch and hear all about the robbery as our host is the main headline for the upcoming week in review. It’s amazing how ferocious such a cute little blond can be. Stay tuned, as more pandemonium, scandals, news and thefts make headlines at GreyTV.
GreyTV attended Expressions Unlimited Acting Studio talent showcase on Thursday May 22. 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.
Originally, GreyTV attended the showcase in hopes to discover talent for the up and coming 48 Hour Film Project. Pleasantly surprised by the quality of actors and their performances, producers Michael Yakovchik and Marcelo Alvarez began taking names for consideration in future projects currently in the pre-production phase.
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 spec pilot with production taking place at the end of June. GreyTV recommended these actors to director, Ted Reynolds. It has been speculated that the girls will all receive small roles in the production and serve as understudies in larger roles.
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 and Director of Photography - Marcelo Alvarez of GreyTV have decided to put forth their efforts alongside a list of very talented filmmakers that include: Director – Dan Wiese, Writer – Sara Zofko, Sound Mixer – Mike Pflug , Camera Operator – Chris Mammarelli and Editor – Giselle Murillo.
Talent for the event has been established from various acting studios, 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.
With the event taking place in the next couple of weeks it will be interesting to see who will lose their cool and what the outcome of the project will be.
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.
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 in 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.
It was not long ago that Parvati Shallow, a close friend to producer Marcelo Alvarez walked into the GreyTV office to audition for a position hosting our soon to launch Internet TV channel. Her audition was average, but Marcelo insisted that she was definitely a bit nervous and when the time came for her to be in front of the camera, she would shine like the star she is. Her easy going, laid back personality prompted Michael Yakovchik to give her an opportunity hosting her first segment. In true survivor fashion she pulled it off and was given a second opportunity in hosting additional segments.
In late April, we got a call from Hollywood Life Magazine, 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, chairman and C.E.O of H.L. 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. You can see these segments along wih highlights of the event at: http://www.hollywoodlife.net/younghollywoodawards2008/
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”.
The Sundance Film Festival came and went once again this year and GreyTV linked up with Hollywood Life Magazine 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 know and feel what it is like to be at Sundance. The interviews took place in 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 room at least a few months in advance, put on your, bring some A game and the rest is history.
It was in April of 2007 when Michael Yakovchikand Joseph Ochoa decided to pack up all their shit, leave NewYork and head down to sunny California. They traveled accross the country by way of Joe’s Honda Passport making stops all along the way until they reached their destination at 6535 Wilshire Blvd in Los Angeles. They opened up their multimedia production company on May 10th, 2007. Starving for work their very first project ended up being a funeral. The funny thing is they worked extremely hard on the project shooting an 8:1 ratio, then editing it into a beautiful 2 hour video, just to find out that the family wanted all 5 hours and could care less about the edited masterpiece. I guess it goes to show how each and every client is special in their own way. The lesson was learned and you better believe that we don’t shoot funerals anymore.
As the year went by and progress was made there were new additions to GREYTV. Deg Truesaw, a true businessman and entrepreneur came on board to help develop the second branch of the company, GREYTV Films. As the projects rolled in and equipment was rented out, GREYTV became a full service multimedia production company. It was 2008 that the next addition to the team was made. Simon Yin, a friend and former colleague from MTV Networks decided it was time to leave the Big Apple and come down to Tinsel Town. Simon, a natural born comedian added a new perspective to the team. Shortly there after another new face walked through the door. Marcelo Alvarez joined the crew and added to the already dynamic team with his cool and easy ways. GREYTV has become a force, kinda like VOLTRON
On to the party. It was held a Deg’s apartment in downtown at the Millano Lofts rooftop. It was an intimate event with a list of great people in attendance, who deserve an extra special thanks for their continued support and love. The party started as Deg set up his turntables; Marcelo prepped the bar, Mike the projector and Joe the snack table. As the sun set, music played, drinks were served, our reel was viewed and moments were shared. In all, this past year was a great triumph for GREYTV. We look forward to the upcoming as we grow together with each and every one of our clients, friends and our new GREYTV family.
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) . The video is produced by Michael Yakovchik, with Camera A operated by Marcelo Alvarez and Camera B by Cynthia Kao. You can visit http://www.hollywoodlife.net/younghollywoodawards2008/ and view all of the red carpet interviews, awards ceremony and a highlight reel of this special night.
GreyTV has been recognized for excellence in 3 categories at the 29th Annual Telly Awards for their thinkproducts’ COMMUNITY documentary film. The mini-doc revolves around the community of natural industry leaders who believe that their “voice together is louder and more powerful in preventing and promoting wellness”. GreyTV began work on the doc with thinkproducts’ in late 2007. The documentary can be viewed at: https://www.thinkproducts.com/video/vid-fashion3-08.htm
The film was made to help raise awareness to the fact that every 3 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer. Its proceeds benefit the Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a not-for-profit charity organization. Lizanne Falsetto, founder of thinkproducts has rallied together the best and brightest in the natural products industry with a goal to make the world a healthier place.
The mini doc was produced by Michael Yakovchik and Joseph Ochoa for thinkproducts and has been awarded two silver medals in the categories of: Charitable Not-for-Profit and Fund Raising. Additionally, a bronze medal was awarded in the Health and Wellness category.
The Telly Awards was founded in 1978, honoring premier and outstanding local, regional and cable TV commercials and programs, as well as the finest video and film productions. The Telly Awards receive in excess of 14,000 entries each year and through a rigorous selection process determine the silver and bronze medal winners.
I got a call from Parvati Shallow, a close friend who was organizing a bikini calendar photo shoot for this reality show and charity organization called “The Knockouts”. It’ about 16 female models picked to live together and then through a series of challenges and eliminations, 2 girls get voted out by their fellow housemates. In order to stay and not leave the competition, they have to train and have a boxing match, loser goes home and the winner stays. Eventually, it comes down to the championship fight and the winner gets money, contracts, etc…
In true producer fashion, the day started off at TOAST having some bagels and lox. We then headed out to the location which was a beautiful house in the Hollywood Hills, owned by Lonnie (one of the main owners at the Dolce Group).
We began setting up for the day. Gary B. Garman was the photographer for the event and he was awesome, his work can be seen at www.garybgarman.com On to the shoot, there was plenty of beautiful girls in amazing bikinis, hand made and crafted piece by piece by Daniel Kelley. Not only were each and every one of the girls gorgeous with incredibly sexy figures, but they had the personality and wits to match.
The Knockout Girls Photoshoot - April 25, 2008
We interviewed each one and soon learned how driven and committed to the project these girls were. All the proceeds for the calendar are being donated the Knockouts for Girls non profit organization, you can access their site at and see photos and videos form previous boxing events and fashion shows.
Their next event will be on June 3rd at Boulevard 3 in I know it will be a blast, so come out and support. Be sure to keep a look out for “The Knockouts Bikini Calendar” along with,” The Making of……”DVD. It will be available at the event. The DVD is produced by Marcelo Alvarez and Michael Yakovchik for GreyTV.
