Student Filmmaker’s, Civic & Visionary Honorees Honored at 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week
February 25, 2012 by Esteban "Steven" Escobar
Filed under Award Shows, Awards, Community News, Diversity, Entertainment News, Featured, FEATURES, Oscar, People
On Friday, February 24, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association hosted their 19th Annual Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards. The lunch and award show was hosted by Radio and TV Personality Sam Phillips.
The event was held at Sofitel Los Angeles from11:00 pm to 3:00 pm. The Civic and Visionary Honorees for the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards Recipients are Viola Davis (2012 Oscar Nominee), Octavia Spencer (2012 Oscar Nominee), Kami Zargham McAdam (Award Winning Photograher/Filmmaker), Bobbie Chance (Actress/Acting Coach) and George Zakk (Producer). The Student Filmmaker’s Finalists from The LA Film School are: William Rouse, Justin Benson, Jamel Benson, Anthony Mitchell, Daemon Stashko, Yoshi Tran and Joseph Schmitz.
The Student Filmmakers and honorees present made public speeches of appreciation and including Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland did a speech at the event.
Pam Schmid (Actor, speaker, author), Recording Artist Fawn, book author John Palisano, Recording Artist Arnold G, Actress Bai Ling were among the notable guests at the event.
There was live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags.
As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support for scholarship recipients.
In previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).
Some of the event sponsors were American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and many more.
Some of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association executive committee are: Rita Moreno, Rupert Murdoch, Edward James Olmos, Oliver Stone, Sally Kirkland, Dr. Mark Valinsky and City of Los Angeles Mayor Honorable Antonio Villaraigosa.
About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association:
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit* arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.
*Not a verified charity organization, please check with your State Attorney General and Secretary of State for non profit status.
Sources: Diversity News Magazine, Diversity News TV & World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations
Photo credit to: Carlos Zeron and Sonny Sun for Diversity News Magazine & Diversity News Publications.
Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications was the event official media partner sponsor and World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations as the media event coordinator providing marketing and public relations services.
About Esteban Escobar
Executive Editor In Chief, Director of Public/Media Relations & Community Affairs, Sales, Reporter, Webmaster & Graphic Designer Specialist. About Esteban “Steven” Escobar: Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an Award Winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist). Esteban is known as Steven Escobar. He is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by close to two million visitors a month while growing each day. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar and the President of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment multimedia firm in Hollywood, CA. Steven Escobar owns E.E.Enterprises and an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. Steven Escobar is also the official Hollywood and Los Angeles County Events Examiner for Examiner.com and contributor for Yahoo.com distributed via Yahoo Voices. Steven Escobar also gives back to the community by helping charities, and since 2003 to the present, he has been raising money and awareness for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. Also in 2011 Steven Escobar raised money and awareness for The Life Group LA and volunteered for Exotifit For Humanity and The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee. Steven was nominated for The Shorty Awards 2011 and the People’s Choice Fan Award 2012. In 2012 Steven Escobar receives the Humanitarian Award at the 2012 International Noble Awards. Also on June 2, 2012 Steven Escobar Received the Community and Humanitarian Services Award at Kayamanan ng Bayan for all his contributions to the Filipino American community in Southern California. On 12-12-12 Steven Escobar received Award for Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012. On 2-22-2013 Steven Escobar is nominated for a 2013 EOTM Award (Entrepreneurs on the Move) for Outstanding Journalist and on April 25, 2013 receives nomination for 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Internet Radio. On April 4, 2013 Steven Escobar receives award for Diversity News TV “Best B-Roll." Yahoo.com names Steven Escobar the Hot 500 contributors during the month of March 2012 of Yahoo! Contributor Network. Steven Escobar currently resides in Los Angeles County in the City of Hollywood, CA. For more information visithttp://www.stevenescobar.diversitynewspublications.com, http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com or his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/
Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer to receive honor at 19th MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon & Awards
February 23, 2012 by Esteban "Steven" Escobar
Filed under Breaking News, Entertainment News, Events, FEATURES, Oscars
On Thursday, February 23, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association announced the Civic and Visionary Honorees for the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards. The Civic and Visionary Awards Recipients are Viola Davis (2012 Oscar Nominee), Octavia Spencer (2012 Oscar Nominee), Kami Zargham McAdam (Award Winning Photograher/Filmmaker), Bobbie Chance (Actress/Acting Coach) and George Zakk (Producer).
The event will be held at prestigious and luxury Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles located at 8555 Beverly Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90048 on Friday, February 24, 2012, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. The event will feature live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags. The event to be hosted by Radio and TV Personality Sam Phillips.
As previous announced Student Filmmaker’s finalists are William Rouse, Justin Benson, Jamel Benson, Anthony Mitchell, Daemon Stashko, Yoshi Tran and Joseph Schmitz.
As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support scholarship recipients.
Per the MMPA, a dual purpose in recognizing these outstanding individuals is the ability to benefit the Multicultural Motion Picture Association’s Educational and Development Scholarship Fund. This fund was established by their Executive Committee as a means of helping underprivileged students seeking entry into the film and television professions, develop and foster quality education, leadership, and talent.
The scholarship committee funds and matches students with mentors at production companies, trade guilds, and with directors, as they gain further knowledge and entry into their chosen disciplines in the motion picture industry. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support.
They have announced that some of the attending and invited guests for the afternoon are Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland, Dr. Mark Valinsky (Actor Producer, MMPA Board Member), Pam Schmid (Actor, speaker, author), Demian Lichtenstein, Fawn (Actress, Recording Artist), Actress Bai Ling and many 2012 Oscar Nominees and various celebrities will be on hand to support the young upcoming student filmmakers.
The prestigious organization of actors, cinematographers, editors, writers, and directors has in the past played host to an array of celebrities and nominees from Salma Hayek,Robert DeNiro, Kate Winslet and Djimon Hounsou to Sandra Bullock, Denzel Washington, and Leonardo DiCaprio among others. The luncheon is always anticipated and remembered for its spontaneous surprises of high-profile guests and the goodwill shared among colleagues, coming out in support of talented emerging artists.
Previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).
The MMPA is encouraging 2012 Academy Award nominees, past and present to come out in full force to support the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Awards.
GENERAL TICKETS: Limited amount of tickets are available for sale from $150 and Up purchase them online at http://thediversityawards.org/
The Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards is a production of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association. Jarvee Hutcherson is the President of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association.
Event sponsors include American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, WTV Networks, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and Lamborghini Gold Champagne and many more.
About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association:
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.
Source: The Multicultural Motion Picture Association
Photos credit to: Rodrigo Vaz, Diversity News Magazine
About Esteban Escobar
Executive Editor In Chief, Director of Public/Media Relations & Community Affairs, Sales, Reporter, Webmaster & Graphic Designer Specialist. About Esteban “Steven” Escobar: Esteban A. Escobar (born in El Salvador, Central America on September 6th) is an Award Winning American (Journalist, reporter, editor, columnist, writer, producer, director, publicist, radio personality, accounts receivable specialist, humanitarian and philanthropist). Esteban is known as Steven Escobar. He is the Executive Editor-In-Chief of Diversity News Magazine, an online & special print consumer news magazine that is visited by close to two million visitors a month while growing each day. Esteban “Steven” Escobar is also Producer, Director of Diversity News TV, the host of Diversity News Radio, on Air with Steven Escobar and the President of Diversity News Publications, a news/entertainment multimedia firm in Hollywood, CA. Steven Escobar owns E.E.Enterprises and an affiliate of The Diversity News Publications Family of Companies. Steven Escobar is also the official Hollywood and Los Angeles County Events Examiner for Examiner.com and contributor for Yahoo.com distributed via Yahoo Voices. Steven Escobar also gives back to the community by helping charities, and since 2003 to the present, he has been raising money and awareness for AIDS Walk LA benefiting AIDS Project Los Angeles. Also in 2011 Steven Escobar raised money and awareness for The Life Group LA and volunteered for Exotifit For Humanity and The Human Rights Campaign Los Angeles Steering Committee. Steven was nominated for The Shorty Awards 2011 and the People’s Choice Fan Award 2012. In 2012 Steven Escobar receives the Humanitarian Award at the 2012 International Noble Awards. Also on June 2, 2012 Steven Escobar Received the Community and Humanitarian Services Award at Kayamanan ng Bayan for all his contributions to the Filipino American community in Southern California. On 12-12-12 Steven Escobar received Award for Most Fascinating Person of the Year 2012. On 2-22-2013 Steven Escobar is nominated for a 2013 EOTM Award (Entrepreneurs on the Move) for Outstanding Journalist and on April 25, 2013 receives nomination for 2013 EOTM Award for Outstanding Internet Radio. On April 4, 2013 Steven Escobar receives award for Diversity News TV “Best B-Roll." Yahoo.com names Steven Escobar the Hot 500 contributors during the month of March 2012 of Yahoo! Contributor Network. Steven Escobar currently resides in Los Angeles County in the City of Hollywood, CA. For more information visithttp://www.stevenescobar.diversitynewspublications.com, http://www.stevenescobar.blogspot.com or his IMDB at http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4164655/
Student Filmmakers Finalists Announced for 19th MMPA Oscar Week Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon & Awards
February 20, 2012 by News Staff
Filed under Celebrities News, Charity, Entertainment, Events
On Monday, February 20, 2012 The Multicultural Motion Picture Association announced the 7 student filmmaker’s finalists have been selected from The Los Angeles Film School for their upcoming the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards.
The event will be held at prestigious and luxury Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles located at 8555 Beverly Boulevard in Beverly Hills, CA 90048 on Friday, February 24, 2012, from 11:30 am to 3:00 pm. The event will feature live entertainment performance by Recording Artist Izzy Chait and Band, a red carpet, scholarship and civic awards presentation, lunch and official gift bags.
As a part of the annual afternoon affair, awards are presented annually, to filmmakers selected for their creative achievements, vision and technical talent, and in addition to financial awards toward their tuition, film companies traditionally arrange gifts of technical support for scholarship recipients.
A dual purpose in recognizing these outstanding individuals is the ability to benefit the Multicultural Motion Picture Association’s Educational and Development Scholarship Fund. This fund was established by our Executive Committee as a means of helping underprivileged students seeking entry into the film and television professions, develop and foster quality education, leadership, and talent.
The scholarship committee funds and matches students with mentors at production companies, trade guilds, and with directors, as they gain further knowledge and entry into their chosen disciplines in the motion picture industry. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support.
Some of the invited guests for the afternoon are 2012 Oscar Nominees Viola Davis & Octavia Spencer, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Academy Award Nominee Sally Kirkland, Actress Bai Ling, Producer Elaina Archer, Actress/Acting coach Bobbie Chance, Photographer/Filmmaker Kami Zargham McAdam and many 2012 Oscar Nominees and various celebrities will be on hand to support the young upcoming student filmmakers.
Here are some blurs of what students wrote when applying for the scholarship:
“When people ask me “why I chose a career in filmmaking”, I can only smile. Because one day, like Picasso or Shakespeare, I know they’ll be able to look at me and see the real answer; this is simply just what I do.”
- Anthony Mitchell
“I want my films to be just as empowering if not more. I express myself visually, and I want to be able to benefit people through experiencing films I create. I want to be mentioned with the great filmmakers of my generation. I want to be able to impact the world in a positive way through my expressions on screen. I want my work to speak for itself.”
- William Rouse
“Even now, as a film student, there is one thing I regret. I regret not knowing what I wanted to do sooner and regret not pursuing film after graduating from High School. Wasted 4 years in a Business College, when I could’ve been done with film school and started on my first feature film. However, even though I’m late from realizing my passion, I am rather late in knowing that I want to be a Director than not knowing at all.”
- Long “Yoshi” Tran
“There is a story to be told, a way to go about doing it, and the proper time and place for it to be heard. I wholeheartedly believe that it is my job as a filmmaker and human being to tell that story in the richest and most provocative form imaginable.”
-Daemon Stashko
“Coming from a town of 300 people, and a high school in a town of 5000, it should be fairly apparent that I did not get much diversity. It is safe to say that making such a drastic change in setting was a little nerve-racking at first, but after learning how this city works I can say with confidence that diversity is my favorite thing about Los Angeles. I may not be the typical Hollywood film student, but I think my background gives me an advantage since I know how to work harder than most people. I believe that I add a lot of diversity to the melting pot that is Hollywood.”
- Joey Schmitz
“As a kid, films caught my attention and have always felt connected with them. It was and still is an art that I am very eager to perfect. Great filmmakers are the ones who put the full amount of effort to perfect their craft and that is what we, as a team, plan on doing to become some of the world’s best Filmmakers.”
- Justin Benson
“As a younger growing up, I was always interpreted in television and motion picture and how it was been produced. I am happy to be in film school fulfilling my dreams. I hope one day to become a successful filmmaker and give back to other up and coming young filmmaker students.”
- Jamel Benson
The prestigious organization of actors, cinematographers, editors, writers, and directors has in the past played host to an array of celebrities and nominees from Salma Hayek,Robert DeNiro, Kate Winslet and Djimon Hounsou to Sandra Bullock, Denzel Washington, and Leonardo DiCaprio among others. The luncheon is always anticipated and remembered for its spontaneous surprises of high-profile guests and the goodwill shared among colleagues, coming out in support of talented emerging artists.
Previous year honorees were Oscar Winner Sandra Bullock, Academy Award Winner Louis Gossett Jr., Oscar Nominee Ruby Dee, Academy Nominee Sally Kirkland, Kate Linder (Actress, Philanthropist), Renee’ Valente (Producer, Valente Productions), Michelle Phillips (Actress, Singer) and A.C. Lyles (Paramount Pictures).
The MMPA is encouraging 2012 Academy Award nominees, past and present to come out in full force to support the 19th Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Awards.
The Student Filmmaker’s Finalists Are:
- William Rouse
- Justin Benson
- Jamel Benson
- Anthony Mitchell
- Daemon Stashko
- Yoshi Tran
- Joseph Schmitz
WHERE: Sofitel Hotel Los Angeles
8555 Beverly Boulevard Beverly Hills, CA 90048
WHEN: Friday, February 24, 2012
11:00 am – Media Check-In
11:30 am – Red Carpet Arrivals
12:00 pm – Luncheon & Awards
GENERAL TICKETS: Limited amount of tickets are available for sale from $150 and Up purchase them online at http://thediversityawards.org/
PRESS/MEDIA: For Red Carpet Access Only, Contact: Alex Leon at World Wide Vital Marketing Public Relations email: worldwidevitalpr@gmail.com and For Red Carpet Access & Seated Lunch Contact: Steven Escobar at diversitynews@hotmail.com
The Annual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards is a production of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association. Jarvee Hutcherson is the President of The Multicultural Motion Picture Association.
Event sponsors include American Society of Young Musicians, Sofitel LA Luxury Hotels, WTV Networks, World Wide Vital Marketing and Public Relations, Diversity News Magazine, A&G Entertainment Productions, Hot Talk LA, Rose Breast Cancer Society, Sherwood Florist and Lamborghini Gold Champagne and many more.
About The Multicultural Motion Picture Association:
The MMPA is a 501 © 3 non-profit arts organization that provides scholarships annually to a certain number of qualified film students and trade guild apprentices who have shown dedication and talent for furthering their studies in the cinematic arts. The MMPA’s annual Oscar Week Luncheon is always a highly anticipated afternoon event amid sumptuous mid-day dining where talented young filmmakers intermingle with Academy Award® nominees and studio executives. The MMPA utilizes committed individuals who bring their skills and commitment to schools, as well as youth and civic organizations, where teens and young adults need career mentoring, coupled with equipment and technical support. The Multicultural Motion Picture Association is also the producer of the Diversity Awards. For more information visit http://www.
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MEDIA CONTACTS:
Alex Leon, Director of Marketing & PR
Steven Escobar, Media Liaison
World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc.
http://worldwidevitalpr.
TEL: (213) 321-9408
or
Brad Daly, Media Relations Director
Multicultural Motion Picture Association
TEL: (310) 358-8300
Source: World Wide Vital Marketing & Public Relations Inc. & MMPA.
Photos credit to: Multicultural Motion Picture Association
Editor’s Note: Diversity News Magazine published by Diversity News Publications is a proud sponsor of the 19thAnnual MMPA Oscar Week Student Filmmaker’s Scholarship Luncheon and Civic Awards.
