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
Union’s Tim Thornton-Allan Edits Santa’s ‘Naughty List’ for Toyota
We may not get a second chance to make a first impression, but when the opportunity presents itself to right our wrongs in time for Christmas, we should seize the moment. In a new holiday spot for Toyota, a little boy realizes he is probably on Santa’s “Naughty List” and resolves to do something about it. The spot was created via Conill Advertising, produced by MJZ, directed by Fredrik Bond, and edited by Tim Thornton-Allan of Union Editorial/Los Angeles and Marshall Street Editors/London. Watching a program on his iPad in the back seat of his dad’s Toyota Tundra, our young protagonist receives a warning: “If you’ve been naughty, Santa won’t bring you any presents.” The lad wastes no time: “Papa! Turn back!” he commands. Father and son proceed to make the rounds, stopping at school, the neighbors, and elsewhere around the neighborhood, to set things right and deliver apologies. The boy even goes so far as to make amends with his little sister - returning the head of a favorite doll. The child’s restitution has the desired effect, and on Christmas morning, he receives exactly the gift he’d asked for. Judging by what he does next, he may have his work cut out for him next year, but we can all just take things one “Naughty List” at a time. Read More