VIP Connection
Below is a list of just a few of the many amazing individuals who have chosen to be a part of the wonderful journeys the company has taken. I am truly humbled and blessed to know each and every person, both on and off this list, who has partnered with us in our endeavors. I consider them all mentors and true friends.
Kobie Brown
Kobie Brown serves as Senior Director of Licensing & Business Affairs at Sony Music, responsible for identifying and overseeing the clearance of samples on over 300 album releases. His passion for music and work as an A&R, songwriter and producer for such talents as Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, Queen Latifah and Jam & Lewis have informed his ability to service a vast array of artists, ranging from Christina Aguilera and Pink to Usher and T-Pain.
Marthe Reynolds
Marthe Reynolds was Senior VP at Island Def Jam Records where LL Cool J, Jay-Z, Redman & Method Man, Ashanti, Ja Rule, and too many more successful artists to name were Marthe’s with which to work. Ludacris, Ne-Yo, Rihanna, and Young Jeezy became the next successes, all of whom Reynolds built from the ground up. Marthe Reynolds has worked on the biggest record of all time, We Belong Together, for Mariah on her comeback album. Reynolds currently consults for Lil Wayne’s Cash Money Records.
Stephen DeAngelis
Currently casting director for Grey NYC, Stephen has cast over 3000 network television and radio commercials. He was also the Casting Director for the six-time Emmy Award nominated Disney series Johnny and the Sprites starring Tony nominee John Tartaglia. He also cast the 25th Anniversary National Tour of Hair as well as the National Tour of Selena Forever. Stephen most recently directed and choreographed Little Shop of Horrors.
Ryan Colby
Ryan began his career as a model at the age of 12 in London and soon became an in demand fashion model in Paris, London, NY and Tokyo. After 12 years he retired from being in front of the camera and went into art direction working for prestigious magazines such as Vogue, Surface, Interview, and advertisements for Victoria’s Secret FedEx, Heineken and Coach. While art directing, Colby got into scouting faces which led to a current 10 year career finding some of the most reccognizable faces in modeling today.
Valerie Smaldone
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and holds the #1 on air position in the New York radio market. She has hosted, produced, and created numerous nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with top recording artists such as Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Phil Collins, and Mariah Carey, among others. She has just launched a new talk show, Valerie’s New York. Most recently she has been the “Voice of God” for many prestigious live events including, The New York Emmy Awards.
Pat Addiss
Pat Addiss is one of the most prominent female producers in Theatre-- in fact, she is responsible for the number one, longest running musical ever-- The Fantasticks, which has played in theatres world-wide. Addiss has produced other notable Broadway musicals such as Promises Promises, Little Women, Chita Rivera: The Dancer’s Life, Bridge & Tunnel, Spring Awakening, 39 Steps, Passing Strange. Her notable off Broadway projects inclued: Shout, War Brides NYMF2007, Housewives of Manheim, and A Christmas Story.
Jeffrey Gurian
Jeffrey Gurian is a comedy writer whose work has been used by some of the biggest names in the comedy world including: Rodney Dangerfield on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show and on his album, "No Respect," as well as Joan Rivers, Gilbert Gottfried, Robin Williams, Jerry Lewis and more! Gurian has also written special material for appearances by notables as Bruce Willis, Willie Nelson, Engelbert Humperdinck, and many more.
Karen Goodman
Karen Goodman has had three Academy Award nominations and three Emmy Awards and recently won an Oscar for their documentary “Strangers No More.” Her company, The Simon & Goodman Picture Company, is based in New York, and produces works in film and television. She is a member 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.
Angelea Preston
Angelea Preston was a contestant on America’s Next Top Model Cycle 14. Despite the controversy she caused, she was a strong competitor from the start and impressing the judges with her ability to look soft in all her photos, even though she comes off tough during panel. Angelea is now signed and working under Colby Models. Angelea will be reappearing on America’s Next Top Model in Fall 2011 as a member of Cycle 17’s All-Star cast.
Joseph Robinette
Joseph Robinette is the author of 51 published plays and musicals, including The Fabulous Fable Factory and Charlotte's Web-- two of the most widely produced children's plays in the United States. He has also dramatized the stage versions of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, The Paper Chase, and A Rose for Emily. The recipient of numerous playwriting awards, Robinette was presented with the Charlotte Chorpenning Cup, the American Association for Theatre and Eductation's best play award for his adaptation of Sarah, Plain and Tall, and more.
Doug Singer
Dough Singer is Feature Editor for Jetset Magazine, Feature Writer for AQUA Cabana Magazine and Contributing Editor for Varli Magazine, and Editor-in-Chief, for Metropolitan Report. He is a nationally published writer with pieces that range from food and travel, to fashion. Doug is a significant resource for those wanting to follow in his footsteps. He has a high level of expertise when it comes to breaking the process down into attainable steps. Doug is responsible for VIP Talent Catriona Whitehead becoming the on-camera face of Daily Food & Wine.
Teri Bostaji
Teri is the head of Wilhelmina Kids the #1 kid’s Management Company in NYC. Wilhelmina represents models age newborns to teens. The young models can be seen in fashion & beauty campaigns; editorial features; commercial print campaigns and magazine covers. The young actors and actresses represented by Wilhelmina Talent Management can be seen in feature films, television programs and commercials, and major theatrical productions.
Robert Russell
With over 25 years of casting under his belt, Robert Russell is former Senior VP of Warner Bros. Casting and has worked for such heavyweights as, Mark Burnett, Abel Ferrara, Ben Silverman and has casted for every major Network on projects from feature to test shows. 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.
Vivica A. Fox
Vivica Fox is an American actress and television producer, best known for her roles in the films Independence Day, Set It Off, Soul Food, Why Do Fools Fall In Love, and Kill Bill: Vol. 1. Fox also starred in and produced the romantic comedies, The Salon, with Academy Award Nominee Terrence Howard and Getting Played with Bill Bellamy and Carmen Electra. On the Fox Network, Vivica also enjoyed success headlining her own sitcom, Getting Personal, opposite Elliot Gould, Jon Cryer and Duane Martin.
Gala Darling
Gala Darling’s unrelenting devotion to positivity & magic has earned her cult celebrity status & rabid fans all over the globe, from India to Sweden. Described in the New York Times as “a Web-tethered gadabout”, she was recently named one of the 10 most influential style bloggers in the world (Fashionista). Gala has been featured prominently in The New York Times, Teen Vogue, New York Post, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Time Out New York, The Daily Telegraph, Next, Cleo, Girlfriend, The Age, Inked magazine, & on CBS & ABC News, among (many) others.
Abiola Abrams
Abiola Abrams writes and broadcasts TV and web shows about love, lifestyle and pop culture. Current projects include: reporting on celebrity news and relationships on BBC and FOX, MTV Teen Dating Empowerment Coach on the reality series “Made,” her lifestyle site “Abiola’s Passionista Playbook,” and host/producer of her own award-winning web series and advice vlogs. Abiola Abrams has hosted TV shows on, BET, HBO, and NBC and starred on VH1 reality series “Tough Love.” Recent press includes Essence Magazine, NY Times, Gawker, and Jezebel.
Vikki Ziegler
Vikki S. Ziegler, Esq. is an attorney of matrimonial law and civil litigation; a television personality known for her commentaries on high-profile cases; an active volunteer for women’s and children’s charities. She is often called on to give her expert advice on television, radio and print, most notably on HLN/CNN, Fox News and Fox Business Channel weekly. She also contributes to People Magazine, Ok!, Life and Styles as well as www.thehuffingtonpost.com and www.hollywoodlife.com. Her vast media experience has made her a premiere legal expert.
Sibrena Stowe
Sibrena Stowe is founder of La Chic Media, Inc., specializing in publicity and advertising for an extensive client roster including high profile entertainment executives such as artists from Czar Entertainment, Kedar Entertainments, Jive Records, Tupac Shakur's The Outlawz, Arista's DJ Quik and Run/DMC, Universal's Juvenile, Lil Wayne & Big Tymers, The legendary Rakim, MJG & Eightball, as well as Solange and Beyonce Knowles and so many more. Sibrena is also a producer and has cast films directly from VIP Talent Connect Events.
Tamsen Fadal
Tamsen Fadal is an Emmy Award winning Television Journalist, Relationship Expert and Author. From U.S Presidents to Hollywood Royalty to hottest stars on Broadway, Tamsen Fadal has interviewed some of the most exciting names out there. Tamsen anchors the WPIX-TV, Morning News and has lifestyle segment, Totally Tamsen. In January 2010, Tamsen made her Broadway debut in CHICAGO, the musical! It was a dream come true! Tamsen has a national segment ASK MATT and TAMSEN where they answer questions from viewers all across the nation.
Chelsea Krost
Chelsea has become a sought after voice for the teenage generation, bringing her fresh perspectives to television with guest appearances including, Fox’s Good Day New York and Street Talk, The Tyra Banks Show, CNN Headline News, NBC’s The Today Show, News 12 New Jersey, and Fox 5 News San Diego. Seventeen Magazine named Chelsea a “Mini Mogul, who gave teens a voice by creating her own radio show.” Chelsea is currently working on a television pilot, “Positively Ernie” and taping new installments of The Chelsea Krost Show.
Fran Kirmser
As a consultant for artists and non-profit arts organizations for over 15 years Fran has facilitated the work of hundreds of artsits to stage. Kirmser produced the award-winning Radio Golf, the last play and final chapter in August Wilson's epic ten-play cycle by one of our nation's greatest playwrights, and the 2009 Tony Award-Winner for Best Musical Revival, Hair. Kirmser produced Lombardi, the longest running play of it's 2010-2011 Season, was nominated for Best Play by the Broadway.com Audience Choice Awards and received a Tony Award nomination.
Randy Jones
Randy Jones is an American disco and pop singer and is the founding member and original cowboy from Village People, which has sold over 100 million records worldwide. In 2007, he released a disco and pop solo album “Ticket to the World.” In 2009, he appeared with Flight of the Conchords in their music video for "Too Many Dicks." Randy Jones is planned to appear as himself in the video game Postal III.
Richard Stratton
Richard Stratton is a writer, producer, and actor. Most recently he appeared in Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps. His written work has been published in Rolling Stone, High Times, Spin, Newsweek, Penthouse, Esquire and a number of literary quarterlies. He worked as a producer HBO’s including Prisoners of the War on Drugs, The Execution Machine: Texas Death Row, Thug Life in D.C. and the dramatic prison series, Oz. He co-wrote and produced the movies Slam, Whiteboys, and others, as well as Street Time, a dramatic television series.
Nolé Marin
Nolé Marin is a fashion stylist and art director, styling models and organizing spreads within such popular magazines as ELLE magazine. Currently he has been appointed as the fashion director for the international fashion and entertainment news agency Runway magazine. He is probably most famous as a judge on America's Next Top Model. Marin is also a regular on Canada's Next Top Model, appearing in each episode as the artistic director for photo shoots. Marin was also a judge on True Beauty, Tyra Banks and Ashton Kutcher's reality show.
Ed Bennett
Ed Bennett is both an artist and an entrepreneur. He work ranges from the internet, media and technology, to music, film, television broadcasting, talent development and publishing. Ed was the founding Chief Executive Officer of VH1 and MTV. He is also responsible for the start of Comedy Central.He also owns his own record label, Film/Television Company, and Talent Management agency. His recent focus is helping various artists, writers, performers and producers in bringing their creative work forward to higher profiles.
Jamal Joseph
Jamal Joseph is a U.S. writer, director, producer, poet, and activist. He is currently the artistic director of the New Heritage Theater in Harlem. He has been featured on HBO's Def Poetry Jam, BET's American Gangster and on Tupac's Shakur's "The Rose That Grew From Concrete" Volumes 1 & 2. He is the author of the interactive biography on Tupac Shakur, Tupac Shakur Legacy. Joseph was nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Song category for the song "Raise It Up", in the 2007 film August Rush.
Larry Fessenden
Larry Fessenden is an American producer, writer, director, and actor. He is president of Glass Eye Pix, an independent film production company based in New York City. Fessenden directed such renowned films as The Last Winter and produced the Dark Sky film The Inkeepers which is directed by Ti West, as well as the thriller Hypothermia. Besides his work as producer, he appears in films, such as the psychological thriller I Can See You, in which he stars as well as the horror flick Bitter Feast, which is directed by Joe Maggio.
John Buffalo Mailer
He has written several screenplays and is a freelance journalist. Mailer founded Back House Productions in New York City developed the 2008 Tony winner for Best Musical, In The Heights.
John portrays the character Robby Mancins in Oliver Stone’s Wall Street 2: Money Never Sleeps. He has freelanced for Playboy, New York Magazine, Provincetown Arts, Lid, Stop Smiling, Corriera De La Sera, The Norman Mailer Review, ESPN Books and The American Conservative. Mailer was selected as one of People Magazine's sexiest men alive.
Todd Feldman
Todd Feldman is a Casting director from Central Casting, the leading casting company for the past 80 years. This well-known casting director selects talent daily for feature film as well as background work for such popular programs as Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: SVU. Recent feature casting includes: Salt, The Wrestler, Pride & Glory, The Departed, Enchanted, The Nanny Diaries, The Good Shepherd, World Trade Center, The Tourist, The Brave One and Bourne Ultimatum. Todd is open to meeting actors of All Types-All Ages
Kristian Sorge
Currently, CEO at Roman Candle Casting, Kristian Sorge has been casting principals for numerous commercials for: Boston Market, Gillette, Connecticare, NIKE, Breast Cancer PSA, Disney, IPOD, VEET, Snapple, Dockers, VW, Diet Coke, Gardisol, Virgin Mobile, and more. He has cast the feature films-- Flight of the Concords, Just Wright, Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, Spiderman, The Eternal Sunshine of The Spotless Mind, and Henry's Crime.
Kwasi Asare
Kwasi Asare is CEO of FIGHTER Interactive and is a New Media Marketing expert. Kwasi was the mastermind behind Sean "Diddy" Combs' new media empire, simultaneously overseeing the development & marketing for Diddy's brands, including: Ciroc, Sean John Fragrance, Sean John Clothing and Bad Boy Entertainment. Kwasi has executed global marketing campaigns for artists and brands such as: Ice Cube, Prince, Pharrell Williams, Wu Tang Clan, LL Cool J, Outkast, Gnarls Barkley, John Legend, Snoop Dogg, Mary J Blige,The Roots,The Fugees,Cypress Hill, Diageo, Sony Music and Estee Lauder.
Ivanka Trump
Ivanka Trump is one of the most powerful businesswomen in America; additionally, she is a socialite, heiress, and a fashion model. The daughter of Ivana and Donald Trump, she is Executive Vice President of Development & Acquisitions at The Trump Organization. She is one of the boardroom judges on her father's reality show The Apprentice. Before joining the family business, Trump joined forces with Dynamic Diamond Corp. to design and introduce a line of jewelry at the brand's first flagship retail store called 'Ivanka Trump' on Madison Avenue.
Terence J. Noonan
Four-time Emmy Award-winner Terence J. Noonan is currently an Executive Producer at CBS. Over his 15 year career in TV, Noonan has produced hundreds of successful lifestyle, business, reality, brand, and celebrity segments for such shows as The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Isaac Mizrahi, Ellen Degeneres and All Year Round with Katie Brown. Terence has a reality show in development and continues to work with companies and individuals on brand development and recognition through media exposure.
If your name is not on this very short list, I do apologize, but the true list has grown into the thousands. I cannot put everyone in this small snapshot; however, I do thank each and every one of you from the bottom of my heart
