Posts Tagged ‘Carolines Comedy Club’

Oscar Award Winner Karen Goodman attends VIP Talent Connect Event

Monday, March 21st, 2011

As partners in the Simon & Goodman Picture Company, independent filmmakers Kirk Simon and Karen Goodman are recipients of three Academy Award nominations and three Emmy Awards and recently won an Oscar for their documentary “Strangers No More.” The company is based in New York, and works in film and television production.

Karen’s  Oscar winning film “Strangers No More,” is about the Bialik-Rogozin school, a unique school in south Tel Aviv with children from forty-eight different countries and wildly diverse backgrounds.  The documentary profiles the school and the students who somehow, despite the dizzying diversity, manage to do all the right things to foster an environment where these students can actually come together to learn. 

Simon & Goodman received an Oscar nomination and an Emmy Award for Best Documentary for the HBO special, Chimps: So Like Us. Their exploration of the role of women in Egypt, “Cairo Unveiled,” was broadcast as the season premiere of National Geographic Explorer series in 1992. They produced and directed “Backstage at Masterpiece Theater: A 20th Anniversary Special,” which was broadcast nationally on PBS and nominated for an Emmy Award. They have produced a number of projects for Lincoln Center’s Dance Film Archive, documenting the works of choreographers Paul Taylor, Alvin Ailey, Robert Joffrey, Jerome Robbins, and George Balanchine. Other joint projects include commercials, corporate and promotional videos, and political spots.

Karen Goodman was nominated for an Oscar for “Children’s Storefront”, a portrait of an extraordinary educational oasis in Harlem. Her film No Applause, Just Throw Money was first seen at New Directors/New Films; following its broadcast on the PBS documentary showcase P.O.V., it won an Emmy and numerous festival awards, including the Silver Prize at the Leningrad International Film Festival. Ms. Goodman’s first film, Light of Many Masks, was televised in the U.K. and the U.S.

Kirk Simon was nominated for an Oscar for Isaac In America, a co-production with AMERICAN MASTERS about the Nobel laureate writer Isaac Bashevis Singer, which premiered at the New York Film Festival. Mr. Simon produced a dramatic adaptation of a Singer short story, “The Cafeteria”, for American Playhouse. He directed the PBS special, “Carnegie Hall”, and the PBS children’s series, Eat Well, Be Well.

Both Simon and Goodman are members of the National Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and served as judges for the International and National Emmy Awards, the Ace Awards and the Media Program for the National Endowment for the Humanities. Simon & Goodman are currently in production on a documentary for PBS’s American Experience chronicling the early history of the telephone.

Here’s a picture of VIP Talent Sevices Nicole holding Karen’s Oscar.

Jodi Katz Meeting One on One with VIP Talent at March Event

Monday, March 21st, 2011

Jodi Katz attended the VIP Talent Connect this past weekend to advise our Talent interested in the music industry and perform some songs for us. Jodi Katz is currently touring on her second year as the lead vocalist/dancer in The Trans-Siberian Orchestra’s North American Tour. Last summer Jodi entertained thousands of teens and tweens while headlining the US tour of Kidz Bop World Tour! She has been a backup performer, sharing the stage with artists such as Bianca Ryan, Miley Cyrus, and Josh Groban, and has performed on The Martha Stewart Show, Good Morning America, and LIVE! With Regis and Kelly.  She has been seen on the big screen in the feature films Normal Adolescent Behaviors, produced by Freddy DeMann (Madonna and Michael Jackson’s manager); Lonely Street, starring Joe Mantegna and Jay Mohr, The Skater Twins, starring the YouTube sensations Nick and Tristan Puehse; Viva Laughlin, produced by and starring Hugh Jackman and John Palermo. Ms. Katz has also written and performed an original song for the sound tracks of one of her movie debuts.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY VIP TALENT CONNECT!

Thursday, December 23rd, 2010

VIP Talent Connect is celebrating its three year anniversary this month. Wow, no one can believe it has been three years since all of this has begun. We have met some amazing people in those three years and we certainly have met some crazy people also. (That is what the entertainment industry is all about – separating those that can from those that cannot.)

 VIP began in December of 2007 and the first event was held in March of 2008. VIP Talent Connect has gone far in its three years. This anniversary is a thrilling announcement as it means three years of empowering individuals who have striven for careers in the entertainment industry. Through the power of making connections VIP Talent Connect has helped close to 10,000 individuals from a variety of backgrounds and ages get started on the path to stardom.   VIP is set on a course for expansion in its fourth year, aiming to help individuals across the United States and around the world in 2011 as more projects are developing.  After three years of networking VIP Talent Connect is so proud of its many success stories and cannot wait to build that number.  VIP will continue turning dreams into reality for years to come.  From a staff of only two individuals we have grown to over 450 people who are now a part of our team.  From the bottom of our hearts we are blessed and honored to be connected to every one of those special and unique individuals that believe in what we do. Thank you and Happy Birthday VIP Talent Connect!

Love always and to your success,

Alycia Kaback CEO and founder

“Culture relates to objects and is a phenomenon of the world; entertainment relates to people and is a phenomenon of life.”

For updated  VIP Talent Connect reviews clike here.

VIP Talent Connect Founder Alycia Kaback with Andy Morris (The Morris + King Company)

Monday, November 15th, 2010

Andy Morris Founding Partner and Co-Principal

Andy Morris is a founding partner and co-principal of The Morris + King Company, one of the leading independent public relations firms in the industry. An Internet pioneer who was among the first marketing executives to recognize how the Web would forever change the way companies communicate with its customers, Mr. Morris leads SeisMK, MKC’s flourishing digital and social media division.

Among Mr. Morris’ primary responsibilities is providing unparalleled expertise for premier brands seeking the fullest range of communication tools available, from social media campaigns, microsite development and widget creation and marketing to branded online content development and syndication. Working seamlessly across both traditional and new media arenas, Mr. Morris has developed successful campaigns and initiatives for many of the top companies in the digital space, including AOL, Wikipedia, Glam Media, Real Networks, Stardoll, Heavy, Beliefnet, IDG, eMusic, Fanscape and Register.com.

Mr. Morris’ extraordinary insights into how the Internet is changing the way people obtain information, what they listen to and who ultimately influences them has put him at the forefront of the digital phenomenon. He has amassed and cultivated an extensive network of taste-makers and thought leaders across key categories including media, technology, lifestyle, entertainment and public affairs. Mr. Morris has also helped shaped the agendas of numerous prestigious new media conferences, such as the Monaco Media Forum, Personal Democracy Forum and D: All Things Digital, which is sponsored by the Wall Street Journal.

Throughout his outstanding career, Mr. Morris has been on the leading edge of innovation in the digital world. He has created groundbreaking public relations campaigns and innovative branding programs for Pseudo.com, an early Internet website for live audio and video webcasting, as well as for Razorfish, Excite@Home and Musicmaker.com. Prior to founding MKC in 2001, Mr. Morris was senior vice president at LaForce & Stevens. Before that, he served as vice president at Dan Klores Communications, where he co-led the Internet and healthcare practices.

Mr. Morris is the recipient of several honors and accolades for outstanding public relations programs, including the Creativity in Public Relations Award (CIPRA), the Public Relations Society of America’s “Big Apple” award and Bulldog Reporter’s “Silver Bulldog” award.  For more information click here.

VIP Talent Connect 10/2 Event NYC Presents Robert Russell

Saturday, October 2nd, 2010

VIP Talent Connect 10/2 Event NYC Presents Robert Russell

About Robert Russell

With over 25 years of casting under his belt, Robert Russell has worked for such heavyweights as Warner Brothers/Telepictures, Mark Burnett, Abel Ferrara, Ben Silverman, Roy Bank (The President of Television at Merv Griffin Entertainment), Maverick and every Network casting everything from feature to test shows and countless pilots for other network executive producer heavyweights like Howard Schultz, Gary Marks, Michael Canter, Jeff Olde and Lois Clark Curran. He has also worked as a casting producer on a plethora of Reality Shows. Robert has a knack for finding that special “X” factor, whether he is working with actors, models, children and especially newcomers, Robert gives everyone a chance to show their stuff and then finds the best place for them to showcase their talents.

Robert is responsible for auditioning and casting Jay Overbye for ABC’S “The Bachelor” and Zora Andritch for FOX’s hit “Joe Millionaire” and has been the remote casting director/producer for 7 of the 10 NYC open calls for the CBS hit show “Big Brother” as well the NYC casting for Mega Game Shows like FOX’s “The Moment of Truth”. He has worked on and cast such shows like Nickelodeon’s “Hi Jinx”, CBS’s “Rock Star INXS”, NBC’s “The Restaurant”, NBC’s “The Apprentice”, NBC’s “The Casino”, Bravo’s “Queer Eye for the Straight Guy”, VH1′s “My Generation” and a “LIVE” Reality Series also on NBC called “Phenomenon” starring Chriss Angel & Uri Geller, which aired not long ago. And he was also the Senior Casting Coordinator some years ago on the old Telepictures hit “Dating Show” called “Change of Heart” and ran the Field Representative Department for 3 seasons and cast “The Dating Game” with game show veteran host Chuck Woolery when the show came back for a very successful second coming in the mid 90′s. He also developed a show with the legendary 60′s drummer Carmine Appice & Leslie Gold (The Radio Chick) Carmine who was the backbone behind Jeff Beck, Rod Stewart, (he co-wrote “Do Ya Think I’m Sexy” with Rod) and created the psychedelic 60′s Rock Band’s “Vanilla Fudge” and “Cactus” and continues to be one of the greatest “session” drummers out there today. Leslie, who reigned as the Queen of K-Rock here in NYC for a number of years.

Robert is also producing and developing a slew of other projects including one with Jeanette Lee “The Black Widow”, who’s the number one ranked pool player in the world. And just a brief note about his family .. they all have all been quite successful, Robert the Casting Director, his cousin Robin Antin who is the creator/founder of “The Pussycat Dolls” who had major success with her Reality show “The Search For the Next Pussycat Doll” on the CW, his cousin Jonathan Antin is the hairdresser to the stars who graced the Bravo Network with 3 seasons of his hit show “Blowout”, and cousin Steve Antin who is a successful screenwriter/director who “re-wrote” the screenplay for the re-make of the feature film “Gloria” starring Sharon Stone and has an extensive body of work as a very successful actor in the 80′s with screen credits such as “The Accused” opposite Jodi Foster who won the Oscar for best actress, Steven Speilbergs “The Goonies”, “Silver Spoons” starring “little” Ricky Schroeder, “Quincy” starring Jack Klugman as well as series regular on NYPD Blue as the Brooklyn narcotic cop Detective Sevito. And his Aunt who was the creative director at Motown for a great many years, and his cousin Neil Antin who was a successful cameraman for shows like “Extra” and “Inside Edition”. In any event, Robert is one of the most respected casting director/producers in the Entertainment Business from coast to coast and is an asset to anyone’s panel across the globe.

Available by invitation only, VIP Talent Connect membership is the world’s most exclusive opportunity to launch a career in the entertainment industry and confers a level of service that can be extended only to selected talent and individuals worldwide. For more information click here.

Executive Producer Alycia Kaback NYC The “It” Factor presents Rescue Ink Crew Joe Panz, Big Ant and Johnny O on August 26th 2010 at 2:00pm Live on Ustream and CBSNewyork.com

Thursday, August 26th, 2010

Chance TV and CEO Alycia Kaback “THIS AIN’T YOUR MOTHER’S RESCUE GROUP”

You’ve never met a rescue group like Rescue Ink™ – an army of tattooed, motorcycle-riding street guys who have zero tolerance for animal abuse and neglect. We think abusers are losers, and we have no problem “educating” them about the error of their ways. Hey, we’re no angels, and we’ve made plenty of mistakes in our lives, but we’ve been given a second chance. And we think neglected and abused animals deserve one, too. We continue to need your financial support to enforce the organization’s mission and hope you will do so by purchasing Rescue Ink™ merchandise, donating and/or attend Rescue Ink™ Events.

Joe Panz

Joe Panz grew up in a Queens neighborhood notorious for wise guys, where taking care of business is a way of life, and you are only as good as your word. He brings that premium on honor and loyalty – as well as some really high decibels – to every rescue. When Joe’s not bailing out pit bulls or catching feral cats, he’s working out at the gym, cruising on his Harley or hanging out with his tiger-striped pit mix, Bond.

Big Ant

Big Ant loves to ride his Harley as well as customizing anything that goes, and it usually goes fast. His motto is “Try to make it, or if you buy it, make it better,” like his 1950 cherry-red Buick or 1966 Nova drag car. Big Ant’s house is bursting at the seams with rescues, from rabbits to cats to Butchie, a pit-bull puppy saved from a used-car lot. And while he’s quick to kid around, watch the fuse: Big Ant can go from teddy bear to wrath of God faster than you can say “braciole.”

Johnny 0

With his “Clark Kent” glasses and ski cap, Johnny O’s look is best described as “coffeehouse biker.” A former personal bodyguard, he loves the martial arts, reflected in his tattoos of symbolic Chinese animals, from a fiery dragon to a contemplative crane. Like all the guys, Johnny O is a pit-bull advocate – he owns two, look-alikes named Lucy and Chuck – and he educates about their undeservedly bad rap every chance he gets.

About The “IT” Factor hosted by Alycia Kaback

The “IT” Factor hosted and produced by Alycia Kaback gives young women and men the ‘industry friend’ they want to hang out with, and the role model they need. With hot, young, celebrity guests, topical issues, beauty and fashion, current “IT” topics and advice along with open discussion on socially important matters, the show speaks to a new generation of individuals in a relevant voice. For more information click here.

About Chance Von Spiessbach

Chance von Spiessbach was born in New Jersey but fortunately “escaped” (as he put it ) in 2001 to N.Y. Upon seeing Wall Street with Charlie Sheen he realized he wanted to be an actor and a financier. After receiving two degrees in finance at Boston U., beeing recognized in Who’s Who in Finance and working in Hong Kong, France and Holland doing investment banking he returned to the states for the next logical step – become an underwear model for Calvin Klein. He also volunteered teaching special needs kids Tae Kwon Do and studying at Stella Adler where he learned how to, “overact and say his lines way too loudly”. He concedes this lead to a role on CSI NY, a slew of commercials and appearances on shows ranging from Tyra Banks to Gossip Girl.

To watch the show go here http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/9109676

VIP Talent Connect Alycia Kaback host of The “It” Factor present Marti Gould Cummings sponsored by Kaback Casting

Monday, August 9th, 2010

Marti Gould Cummings moved to NYC at the age of 17 to pursue a career in the entertainment industry. Since arriving in the Big Apple Marti has been featured on NBC’s 30 Rock, on LOGO TV, and in the smash hit 2007 Drama Desk Nominated musical Twist, off-broadway. Marti has produced and hosted concerts and events for his organization Broadway Speaks OUT, featuring the likes of BD Wong, Lea DeLaria, and the Broadway cast of HAIR just to name a few.

As a talk show host Marti has interviewed stars including Laura Linney, Rosie O’Donnell, Liza Minnelli, Rue McLanahan, just to name a few, for his online program Broadway Speaks OUT. Broadway Speaks OUT was co-founded by Marti in 2008 as a way to speak out for equality through concerts, a talk show, and live events.

Marti is a devoted advocate for equal rights and currently sits on the board of OUTMusic and Prevent HIV NYC as well as the planning committees for The Ali Forney Centers Broadway Beauty Pageant and their summer fundraiser, OASIS. Marti is also on the planning committee for The Rally to Protect Homeless LGBT Youth and along with Broadway Speaks OUT he is a sponsor of Take Back Pride and Marriage Equality New York’s Annual Gala.

For more information on Marti or Broadway Speaks OUT please visit www.broadwayspeaksOUT.com

About The “IT” Factor hosted by Alycia Kaback

The “IT” Factor hosted and produced by Alycia Kaback gives young women and men the ‘industry friend’ they want to hang out with, and the role model they need. With hot, young, celebrity guests, topical issues, beauty and fashion, current “IT” topics and advice along with open discussion on socially important matters, the show speaks to a new generation of individuals in a relevant voice.

"Jersey becoming the state of reality TV" VIP Talent Connect quoted in Star Ledger

Sunday, March 21st, 2010

By Leslie Kwoh/The Star-Ledger

March 21, 2010, 9:00AM

In the opening scene of the new reality show “Jerseylicious,” Olivia Blois-Sharpe races to a job interview after a sleepless night of clubbing, her white Hummer swerving treacherously as she throws her head forward and douses it with hairspray.

“I can’t figure it out — I don’t know why I’m so late all the time,” says the Montville makeup artist, 22, still clad in a sequined leopard-print outfit from the night before. “Thank God I have a personal closet on wheels.”

Gayle Giacomo, owner of Gatsby Salon in Green Brook, stars in a new reality TV show called “Jerseylicious.”

Gayle Giacomo, owner of Gatsby Salon in Green Brook, stars in a new reality TV show called “Jerseylicious.”

“Experts warn the trend is self-perpetuating.”

“At his New York talent networking company, VIP Talent Connect, CEO Michael James said he’s noticed a surge in New Jersey reality star hopefuls at his events who appear to be imitating what they see on TV. The men arrive with open shirts, shaved chests and gelled hair. The women wear skintight outfits, stilettos, long nails and loud jewelry.”

“You’re starting to see reality mimic ‘reality,’ ” he said. “What people don’t realize is most of these kids will have a hard time getting a job in the industry after. Just as fast as those fans put you up on that pedestal, they’ll take you off of it.”

Already, there are signs that New Jersey’s 15 minutes of fame are almost up, he said. He pointed to a recent pitch for a reality show called “Brighton Beach,” about a group of young, vodka-chugging Russians in Brooklyn.

“We’ll move on to the next big thing,” he said.”

For more information click here.

VIP Talent Connect goes “In The Heights” with High School Musical Star Corbin Bleu.

Saturday, March 20th, 2010
Corbin Bleu with VIP Talent Connect

Corbin Bleu with VIP Talent connect

VIP Talent Connect Danielle Guldin and Victoria T. meet with Corbin Bleu in honor of his Broadway appearance in the hit show “In The Heights”. Corbin Bleu is best known for his roles in the High School Musical film series and the Disney Channel Original Movie Jump In!. Congratulations Danielle and Victoria on always making the connections with VIP Talent Connect. If you would like to meet Corbin Bleu at our next VIP Talent Connect event then sign-up today! For more information click here.

Gabrielle Kedziora Signed with BMG Models Global Management

Tuesday, September 15th, 2009

BMG Models - KIDS MODELING


“I wanted to let you know I just received a called from BMG models global management stating they want to represent Gabrielle, and have asked us to come back to NYC to create her comp card and testing.  We are all so excited and (more…)