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
$1K+ Per Mile Is a Nice Way to Say ‘F*** Cancer!’
After a record breaking fundraising year in 2024 the Fireflies tour is looking for new riders to join the battle to fight cancer in 2025. The Fireflies West is a purpose driven cycling community whose mission is to ride bikes, to raise money, to find cures for cancer. Over the years, the Fireflies have built a forum for training both seasoned riders and newcomers and to inspire action and change through community. For 16 years, an international group of dedicated cyclists, primarily from the advertising and entertainment industries, has come together to honor loved ones, support those in need, and fund groundbreaking research. The Fireflies West 2024 Cycling Tour broke new ground last year by starting outside of California for the first time, embarking on a breathtaking seven-day, 628.8-mile ride from Oregon’s Willamette Valley to California’s Napa Valley. This year’s event also set a new fundraising record, raising an incredible $685,000—equivalent to $1,089 per mile—in support of the world-renowned cancer research and treatment center City of Hope. "With every mile covered and every dollar raised, we are one step closer to finding a cure for cancer," said Michael Raimondi of Union Editorial, who has ridden with the Fireflies since 2004. To date,... Read More