Action sports host Sal Masekela will narrate the soon-to-be-completed documentary film Ruffo, about professional surfing legend Anthony Ruffo. When asked why he chose to lend his voice to this important and controversial film, Sal stated “In our society, it is easiest to write off people like Anthony Ruffo as failures. Taking a real and uncomfortable look into his story however, Ruffo forces the greater conversations of both redemption and prevention.”nnContinuing to emerge as action sports & entertainment’s most sought after and engaging talent, Sal Masekela is the consummate voice of action sports, and as a result, the voice of Gen Y. Sal was co-host of The Daily 10, a countdown of the day’s "top 10" entertainment stories, on the E! network. He is also host of both the X Games and Winter X Games on ESPN. nn”Sal’s credibility within the action sports community, coupled with his personal desire to participate in the solution to this problem, made Sal the perfect choice. We feel that Sal’s participation will widen the audience, and bring more viewers to this important discussion. We are stoked to have him on the team,” said filmmaker Rocky Romano.nnThe film documents Ruffo’s struggles with methamphetamine addiction, and his ambitious efforts to lead his communities – both Santa Cruz and the professional surfing world – out of drug dependency and into a clearer and healthier future. The in-progress film has been featured on HBO Real Sports, ESPN and the New York Times, and over 50 publications from Australia to Hawaii, ahead of any public screenings, with the hope of debuting at a major film festival. nn48-year-old professional surfing legend Anthony Ruffo was born and raised on the west side of Santa Cruz, CA. He is regarded as one of the "Godfathers" of the infamous Westsiders surf brotherhood who put Santa Cruz on the pro surfing map. Ruffo rose to surfing fame as the first champion of the Coldwater Classic in 1985 and still surfs at a professional level. With success came partying, with partying came addiction, and with addiction came consequences. Anthony is currently facing a potential five-year prison term for distribution of methamphetamine. His court date is December 12th, 2011.nnAnthony voluntarily checked himself into the Clear Mind Healthy Planet treatment center in New York on November 5th, 2010. After completing his treatment, and feeling a renewed sense of purpose, Anthony began to look for a way to give back to the community of Santa Cruz. He partnered with the Clear Mind Healthy Planet team and created his own treatment concept: The Anthony Ruffo Project. He requested that Genie O’Malley and the Clear Mind Healthy Planet team provide an opportunity for his friends in the Santa Cruz community to heal from their addictions. Anthony helped introduce Genie’s program to the city of Santa Cruz on December 10th, 2010 with a week-long open house. Over 40 people attended at least 4 hours a day for the entire week. Anthony is committed to repaying his community by volunteering his time with Clear Mind Healthy Planet, non-profits, and speaking about the consequences of drug use to local schools.nnWith his trial looming, the end of Anthony’s story is yet to be determined, but the hope is that Ruffo will serve as a cautionary tale about life choices and as one of the most effective anti-drug use documentaries ever made. Ruffo includes some of the best surfers in the world candidly discussing Ruffo’s rise to fame and his spiral into addiction, drug dealing, and criminal lifestyle. For the first time, they also break the code of silence in the surfing industry and open up about their own addiction issues, discuss the problem of drugs in the surfing industry, and include messages of hope for Anthony Ruffo and for others who suffer from addiction issues. Ruffo includes appearances from: Shawn "Barney" Barron, Dino Andino, Vince "The Godfather" Collier, Christian Fletcher, Peter Mel, Ken "Skindog" Collins, Darryl "Flea" Virostko, Peter Townend, Shawn Dollar, Tyler Fox, Troy Rettig, and Shane Desmond.nnAccording to co-producer Robert Martin, “Ruffo is a groundbreaking behind the scenes look at the problem of drugs and addiction in the surfing industry. By taking an unflinching look at these issues, we hope to remove the stigma around this problem in the industry so that athletes can get the help that they need to turn their lives around."nnThe filmmakers hope to do more than raise awareness, and have begun initial development on a non-profit organization called "Clean Up The Line Up". The non-profit will be dedicated to providing help to action sports athletes with drugs and alcohol problems, as well as providing a platform for continuing education for action sports athletes.nnnThe film will premiere in 2012.nnFilm CreditsnDirector: Rocky RomanonNarrated by: Sal MasekelanProducers: Robert Martin & Rocky RomanonExecutive Producers: Sandy Bell & John MeindlnDirector of Photography: Rocky RomanonLead Editor: Thomas HillnEditors: Rob Armenti, Robbie Moen, Chris Renfer, Jesseca Simmons, and Chris KillennCinematographers: Cori Hume, Brendan Daly, Chelsea Nelson, Chris Renfer, Kyle Buthman, Elijah Crowell, Brendan Daly & Skim ShadynSound: Kevin CameronnAerial Cinematograpy: Hover EffectnGraphic Artist: Brendan DalynStill Photographer: Rocky RomanonWriter: Rocky RomanonSurfers: Anthony Ruffo, Pete "PT" Townend, Pete “The Condor” Mel, Darryl "Flea" Virostko, Christian Fletcher, Dino Andino, Vince "The Godfather" Collier, Shawn "Barney" Barron, Shawn Dollar, Shane Desmond, Tyler Fox, Ken “Skindog” Collins, and Troy RettignnA Sweaty Dynamite Film. The Go Big Project. All rights Reserved, 2011 Ruffo The Film, LLC
Peter Bell, Publicist The Go Big Project Ruffo the Film, LLC 530-416-1514 Contact Peter via email www.ruffothefilm.com
Creative Trailblazer Javier Campopiano Returns as Executive Jury President For The 2025 NYF Advertising Awards
New York Festivals Advertising Awards is thrilled to announce that Javier Campopiano, Global Chief Creative Officer at McCann Worldgroup and McCann will return as the 2025 Executive Jury President. In January, NYF’s Advertising Awards will kick off a spectacular new season, once again spearheaded by industry innovator Javier Campopiano. He will continue to build on the success of last year’s event by pulling together a carefully curated mix of both creative and brand leaders to ensure that a diverse array of viewpoints and perspectives are brought together. Through thoughtful discussions and expert evaluations, this coveted group will establish the benchmark for creative excellence in 2025. “We’re honored to have Javier Campopiano return to lead the 2025 Executive Jury,” said Scott Rose, President, New York Festivals Advertising Awards. “With his seasoned global perspective and mastery in crafting campaigns that push creative boundaries, Javier’s insight will once again inspire a bold standard of excellence within our jury sessions.” Campopiano has built a reputation as an innovative creative, consistently standing out on the global stage. His achievements have garnered international acclaim, including over 200 Cannes Lions, which feature prestigious accolades such as Titanium Lions and Grand Prix. Additionally, he has received top honors at numerous renowned international competitions. Campopiano said, “Serving as Executive Jury President for New York Festivals is its own reward, and I am honored to be taking on this important role again. Together with an incredible group of accomplished industry peers, we will be looking for creativity rooted in human truths that generate... Read More