Underdog Entertainment, a New York-based production company, today announced that Daniel Azarian, a director of television commercials and branded entertainment, has produced a series of PSAs with the New York City Anti-Violence Project (AVP) entitled, “Bullying is Violence.”rnrnThe PSA is being released today, the one-year anniversary of Rutgers College Student Tyler Clementi’s suicide as a result of anti-gay bullying.rnrn”Thanks to Daniel Azarian and Underdog Entertainment, AVP is able to make the important connection between bullying and the severe and too frequent violence that impacts LGBTQ people every day and at every age,” said Sharon Stapel, Executive Director of the New York City Anti-Violence Project. “One year ago today, Rutgers University freshman Tyler Clementi took his own life after experiencing anti-LGBTQ bullying. These Public Service Announcements bring much-needed awareness to the growing problem of violence faced by LGBTQ people.”rnrnThe PSAs feature a varied demographic of people filmed in the style of a series of photographic portraits, addressing the issue of bullying. "Tyler Clementi’s suicide was the impetus for me to produce these PSAs," explains director Azarian. "When bullying gets to the point where people are taking their own lives, something has to be done." The PSAs also feature Claire Buffie (Miss New York 2010) and Ronnie Kroell (Bravo’s Make Me A Supermodel). The spots were shot by cinematographer Milton Kam and edited by Joseph Orlowski. Associate producers were Pete Macnamara and Matt Hockersmith.rnrn
rnThe spot can be viewed at www.IamAntiViolence.org.rnrn”Bullying is Violence” Public Service Announcements for the New York Anti-Violence Project credits: Produced by Underdog Entertainment; Producer/Director; Daniel Azarian, Cinematography; Milton Kam, Editorial; Joseph Orlowski, Associate Producers; Pete Macnamara, Matt HockersmithrnrnThe New York City Anti-Violence Project is dedicated to eliminating hate violence, sexual assault, stalking, and domestic violence in lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and HIV-affected communities through counseling, advocacy, organizing, and public education. Visit www.avp.org for more information.rnrnDaniel Azarian has won five Telly Awards including Telly’s highest honor, the Silver Award. He most recently won two Tellys for the PSA, “Save Lolita.” Azarian has also directed and produced national spots for 3M’s Scotch-Brite brand and Horizon Organic. Blue-chip telecommunications firms and entertainment networks have licensed Azarian’s commercial spots for their US and international mobile networks.rnrnUnderdog Entertainment (www.UnderdogEntertainment.com) is a New York-based production company active in producing commercial spots, branded and traditional entertainment and film.Robert Michael Underdog Entertainment Contact Robert via email 212-807-9552 Underdog Entertainment on Facebook
Pioneering The Visual Narrative: Bobola Oniwura’s Impact on Nollywood’s Cinematic Evolution
Nollywood is in the middle of a visual revolution, and at its core is Bobola Oniwura, the mastermind behind some of the industry’s most striking cinematic transformations. Oniwura is a pioneering colorist whose unique approach to film aesthetics has set new standards for how Nigerian stories are told on screen. From the gritty realism of King of Boys: The Return of the King to the vibrant energy of A Tribe Called Judah, Oniwura’s work has become synonymous with a new era of cinematic excellence, one where color grading is no longer an afterthought but a defining narrative tool. The film industry in Nigeria known as Nollywood has grown into one of the most prolific cinematic powerhouses in the world. Producing thousands of films annually, it ranks alongside Hollywood and Bollywood in terms of output. Once characterized by rapid, low-budget productions, Nollywood has undergone a remarkable transformation, embracing higher production values, diverse storytelling, and international recognition. The industry’s films now command global audiences, made possible by platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and receiving acclaim at major festivals. This evolution has been fueled by creatives like Oniwura, who are redefining the post-production technical standards of Nigerian films. His impact extends beyond the color suite. Drawing on his background in Architecture and user experience research, Oniwura approaches color grading with an acute understanding of audience perception, crafting visual experiences that enhance storytelling, evoke emotion, and immerse viewers in the rich textures of Nigerian culture. His ability to merge technical precision with artistic intuition has positioned him as one of the most sought-after colorists in Nollywood... Read More