Alive & Well director Aaron Salgado’s award-winning film “Magic City Memoirs” recently made its New York premier at the 2011 HBO International Latino Film Festival on August 19th. Written and directed by Salgado and produced by Jaydee Freixas and Executive Producer Andy Garcia (Academy Award nominee: The Godfather Part III), the hip-hop infused drama follows three high school friends who get caught up in the wrong situations that make them choose between graduation or their own mortality. nnNotes Executive Producer Andy Garcia, “Aaron Salgado demonstrates all the qualities of an important young artist: Passion, commitment with an explorative, collaborative nature, which is essential to maximizing the potential of any film. He’s a terrific young guy, and his talents and discipline as a filmmaker will serve him well.” For director Salgado, creating the film has been a very intimate journey. He notes, “The film is a personal portrait of contemporary Miami lifestyle. The Latin culture, the fast life, the unique bonds of friendship and family all based on true stories and dedicated to our deceased friends. As filmmakers, we felt it was our responsibility to create an authentic depiction of our city.”nnEach teen has hopes: one is into sports, another, academics and the third, drugs. The film is based on true stories from Salgado’s experiences growing up in the Miami private school scene. The film debuted at the Miami International Film Festival and has already begun sweeping awards in the festival circuit, taking home the Lexus Pursuit of Perfection Award at The 2011 Miami International Film Festival in addition to Best Film, Best Screenplay, and a shared Best Actor Award for JR Villareal, Michael Cardelle and Andres Dominguez at The 2011 Ibiza International Film Festival. Adds Salgado, “‘Magic City Memoirs’ New York debut is a special moment for me. It’s coming back to New York that made me a filmmaker, from the Miami that made me a man. It feels great to be able to experience both in one night.”nn
nnAbout Alive & WellnIn their latest incarnation of a production and integrated solutions company, Stephen Dickstein in partnership with Phillip Detchmendy have joined forces. With a legacy of launching some of the industries best-known talents, Alive & Well is indeed on a successful path. The company has assembled a compelling roster of award-winning talents both in tradition and digital realms, and are providing for a highly responsive contemporary support team.nnAt the core of this talent collective is a central vision of supporting innovation, accomplishing great executions, and attracting and developing artists.nnThe journey begins again…nVirginia Scripps Press Kitchen 310-392-6682
ABC Fine Wine and Spirits Embraces Dry January With Cheeky New Ad Campaign
Bacon & Eggs, the creative shop known for its witty, imaginative and disruptive advertising, has created an innovative campaign for ABC Fine Wine and Spirits that playfully tackles the Dry January's impact on its business head-on. Through the campaign, Florida's largest family-owned wine and spirits retailer proudly proclaims its support for Dry January even as it shares its extensive selection of wines, spirits, premixed cocktails and beers found within 127 stores across the state. In the campaign's signature spot, ABC Fine Wine and Spirits cheekily announces its enthusiastic support for Dry January, then proceeds to describe its tantalizing array of velvety cabernets, perfectly frosted IPAs, and smooth whiskeys — all while insisting, of course, that viewers "definitely shouldn't" indulge in these libations during the month. "Most alcohol retailers either push non-alcoholic alternatives or go quiet during Dry January," explains Kia Zomorrodi, founder and chief creative officer of Bacon & Eggs. "We wanted to flip the script and create something that would resonate with both those participating in Dry January and those who aren't. The campaign's reverse psychology approach lets ABC own the conversation while showcasing its impressive selection in an entertaining way." The campaign arrives as ABC Fine Wine and Spirits aims to maintain brand engagement during a traditionally quiet period for alcohol sales. "This campaign perfectly captures our brand personality while acknowledging the reality of Dry... Read More