Miami Shoot Magazine

November 18, 2025
December 14, 2019
December 8, 2019
November 20, 2019
November 16, 2019
October 30, 2019
October 29, 2019
October 15, 2019
October 14, 2019
September 27, 2019
July 23, 2019
July 6, 2019
June 15, 2019
Menu

Entertainment

Cover Stories, Entertainment, Music, The Issue

Phil & Orianne Collins Cover Shoot & Interview

/

LITTLE DREAMS, BIG CONCERT By Katie Jackson  In February of 2000, a foundation brimming with a passion to provide a unique form of philanthropy and compassionate support was born. The Little Dreams Foundation, created by music legend Phil Collins and former wife and jewelry designer Orianne Collins-Mejjati, fulfills the dreams of children who do not have the means to achieve their desired goals in music, art, and sports. To say the foundation has been successful would be an understatement, as it has positively impacted over 300 lives, with participants going on to be famous guitarists, karate champions, Olympic athletes, singers, and more. Originating in Switzerland, Phil and Orianne have made it their mission to spread their foundation across the globe. After expanding to countries like Belgium and Morocco, the Little Dreams Foundation finally reached the United States this past year—with the first stop none other than the Magic City. After receiving numerous letters from children asking for help to fulfill their passions, Phil and Orianne decided that it was time to create an organization that not only provided monetary support, but also provided guidance and special individualized attention. “We thought instead of just sending checks, we should do better,” says Orianne. The program is aimed at young children between the ages of four and sixteen. An application must be completed on the Little Dreams Foundation’s website, and if selected, children are invited to audition. Once the children are chosen to be a part of the foundation, they receive a personalized program that specifically caters to their area of interest within the three categories of music, art, or sports. Participants can receive training courses, equipment, summer camps, complete coverage of hotel and traveling expenses, personal trainers or instructors, and so much more. “It’s full support,” says Orianne. Though the children are young when they join the foundation, they often stay with the program until they are well within their twenties. The foundation has been so successful that Phil and Orianne decided to create the LDF No Difference Program in 2003. The new program provides the same monetary support and guidance, but for children who are handicapped. “With the help of the foundation, we see that the kids are feeling so much better. It’s been a great success,” says Orianne. After announcing that the Little Dreams Foundation will be coming to Miami in a press conference at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel last November, and holding the first Miami auditions in March, both Phil and Orianne are excited to further the expansion. “The objective today is to be known in Florida, then state by state, and finally to be known across the U.S,” says Orianne. Until then, the foundation’s annual gala will be held at the Fillmore Miami Beach this December during Art Basel. Phil will lend his voice to the “Dreaming on the Beach Concert,” along with Latin superstars Laura Pausini and Alejandra Guzman, children from the foundation in The Little Dreamers band, and “lots of different surprises,” promises Orianne. “We love surprises!” Click here to view post on the November/December 2014 issue. MIAMI SHOOT MAGAZINE HEADQUARTERS: Photography by IMANI OGDEN Set Assistants: AMBER BAER, GISEL HABIBNEJAD & STEPHAN USECHE Stylist: ANNIE VALDIVIA (DOLCE AND GABBANA) Hair: FRANK IZQUIERDO (IGK HAIR, SLS HOTEL) Editor-In-Chief: ERNESTO POBLACION Location: MSM HEADQUARTERS

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Up and Coming Music Artist Veronica Vega

/

MSM: At what age did you start singing? I’ve been singing since I was about 3-4 years old but I started professionally doing it at the age of 13. MSM: What artists inspired you to start singing? I’m inspired by many artists not just one or two. Culture really intrigues me so any artist that offers talent and culture is inspiring. MSM: Pitbull is like family to you. How did you meet and what important role does he play presently in your life? I met Pitbull when I was 15 years old through doing music and recording in the studio. Pitbull and I have an awesome working relationship. He and I come from the same background as we are first generation Americans with Latin parents. He sees a lot of himself in me as I do in him. That makes our connection strong. MSM: Tell us what it was like to have Pitbull collaborate on your recent single “Wicked”? Collaborating with Pitbull on Wicked is of course nothing but an honor and a blessing. For me it was a great learning experience as well because I got to see the way he works as well as his attack on records and approach in business which is quite impressive. MSM: How would you describe your style of music? I would describe my style of music as a blend of cultures. Its a fusion of sounds and melodies found in different genres of music. I’ve mixed tropical music with hip-hop, dance, and reggae. It’s untapped so it’s refreshing. But a person who probably couldn’t describe it would say its pop music. MSM: What is your next single? Album? Is it in Spanish or English? When is it slated to be released? My next single will be announced very soon. Currently I’m recording a few more records for my album both in English and Spanish and collaborating with producers and artists from around the world. Greatness takes time! 😉 MSM: Legendary producer Polow Da Don who has worked with some of the big names in the music industry such as Usher, Chris Brown, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, Rihanna, among many others, has been working with you… How did you both meet and how long have you been working with him? Working with Polow Da Don is a dream. Aside from being undeniably talented and recognized for his success in music, he’s been an incredible mentor for me. Working with him has motivated me and taught me hard work and dedication. He inspires me to be better everyday. He pushes me to the limit and his expectations for me keeps me on my toes. Musically, I can’t even explain how genius he is. What he’s done for me musically has no words. I can’t wait for the world to hear it. In short, working with Polow has been one of my greatest blessings. MSM: What is your sense of style and who are your favorite fashion designers? My sense of style ranges depending on my mood. For the most part, I like to be comfortable. I’m from Miami so anything that shows some skin is a winner to me! (laughs). I’m a girly girl but I do dabble in boy apparel as well. I like young, fresh, and colorful things. I have a bipolar style lol. MSM: What is in store for the future of Veronica Vega? New music and visuals for my fans. I pray to change peoples lives and inspire others like great artists have inspired me. Through music and culture I hope to represent a group of people like me (Young Latin Americans) and help create awareness about our culture throughout the world. Photography by IMANI OGDEN Hair by ESTHER JIMENEZ  Click here to view post on the Sept/Oct 2014 issue.

Cover Stories, Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Deco Drives Shireen Sandoval-Cover Shoot

/

By Angela Betancourt Keeping track of all the entertaining things happening in South Florida is not for the faint of heart. Between the pulsating nightlife, fashion shows, movie shoots, and all the celebrities gallivanting around town, Keeping up with the Kardianshians is a walk in the park. Yet one woman has proven that when it comes to reporting on all things entertainment, she stands in a class of her own. Shireen Sandoval is the current Entertainment/Features and Film Critic for Deco Drive on WSVN. Her job is to travel around the world interviewing some of the world’s biggest stars while keeping Miami informed of the latest celebrity and fashion happenings. If there is something going down, “Shireen is on the scene” to get the scoop day after day without skipping a beat. She has interviewed some of the most famous people on earth like Oprah and George Clooney and does it all with an impeccable sense of style. There is no doubt that Shireen is also one of Miami’s best dressed reporters and she proudly shares her love of all things fashion on her blog “Shireen’s Favorite Things”. However, before her favorite things became a blog; before she was jet setting around the world, and interviewing Oprah; Shireen was a woman with a big vision and a dream to create an amazing life. Shireen was born on August 15th in Albuquerque New Mexico. Growing up she spent a lot of time with her grandfather, the late Robert Wilkes, who worked in the entertainment industry and was the first to expose her to the world of TV and film. Mr. Wilkes was a sound engineer and jack of all trades. After years of working behind the scenes of major TV shows and motion pictures like the Exorcist, Mr. Wilkes retired into theatre and at one point worked at the famed Kennedy Theatre in Washington DC. “He was very interesting and very worldly,” said Shireen. She credits him for being a big influence in her career and setting her on a path into television. She enrolled at Eastern New Mexico University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in both Broadcast Journalism and Theatre Arts. After graduation she began her broadcasting career as a reporter/anchor at the ABC and NBC affiliates in Amarillo, Texas. Initially she wanted to report hard news. She envisioned herself as a war correspondent and telling stories that would change the world. Instead, she found herself reporting entertainment news. “At job auditions they always said I was an ok reporter but that my entertainment stuff was really good,” she explained. “But I fought it at first.” She admired women like Katie Couric and Barbara Walters that were out there reporting on the major issues. But it was the entertainment industry that became her true calling. She realized that it didn’t matter what kind of reporter she became as long as she could tell great stories and enjoy doing it. And just like that, “Shireen on the Scene” was born. Her exuberant personality, intelligence, and charm immediately began catapulting her career to new heights. Early on she got an opportunity to work at the FOX affiliate in Indianapolis, Indiana where she continued her “Shireen on the Scene” segments as the Features/Entertainment Reporter. A few years later, Shireen found herself in Miami and joined the FOX Affiliate WSVN where she became one of Miami’s most recognized TV personalities. It’s been a decade and Shireen is going stronger than ever. In 2006, she left for New York to follow her dream of being on a national show. She fearlessly took a bite out of the big apple and went to work for NBC and freelanced for ESPN. What she discovered during this time was a defining moment in her career.   “I wanted to work on a national show and then found that creativity is not as needed. You are a talent and you become a performer and deliver information. I lost the ability to be fully involved with a story. You go to an interview and they give you the questions you have to ask.” She shared admitting that she was uncomfortable asking questions that were often times irrelevant. “I got to do national TV and it was everything I thought it would be, but it turned out I wasn’t who I thought I was. I needed to be more involved in the creative process.” A year later, Shireen moved back to Miami and reclaimed her rightful spot “on the scene”. “New York is great but I love Miami. I don’t see myself leaving Florida. There is a great quality of life here and I love the people I work with. Deco Drive is a special show and WSVN is like a family. We love the talent and the producers we have. It’s a team. You don’t get that on a national level.,” said Shireen. Shireen’s life really is as shiny and as glamorous as it looks. Though she recognizes her many blessings, life doesn’t sparkle all the time. To her the downside of being an entertainment reporter, film critic, and active blogger, are the hours of relentless work that go into making things look seamless. In college no one ever told her that working in this industry meant working on holidays, working crazy hours, and not always being able to lead a normal routine like everyone else. “I wouldn’t change my past but I have made sacrifices to have my career. You have to be really committed to staying on the top. I’m not a mother and I’m single now even though I’ve been married before. I gave up some degree of working on my personal life. It just kind of happened by default not because I did it on purpose,” she said. “I haven’t found that perfect balance but I am working on it. I believe that a woman can have it all.” Staying on top of her game might not be easy, but Shireen makes it

Entertainment, The Issue

One on One with Kevin Lyttle

/

By Craig K. Skilling “Turn me on” three simple yet provocative words and song lyrics that captured the heart of music lovers from across the globe ten years ago has hit the charts again! I had the pleasure of sitting down recently with the singer and song- writer of those lyrics along with his wife, the Barack and Michelle power couple of south Florida and the Caribbean, the engaging Mr. and Mrs. Kevin Lyttle. Kevin, born Lescott Kevin Lyttle Coombs from the Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is most known for his talented high pitch sound that universally blessed us in 2004 with that hit single “Turn me On” off of Atlantic Records. We met up for good food, drinks and conversation where everything was on the table including Kevin’s latest business ventures, philanthropic efforts, married/ family life, the early days of his music industry career and of course his new music! As Kevin and I began to catch up I was informed by Jackie that Kevin just returned from a long trip for a concert performance and philanthropic mission in the south pacific island of Papa New Guinea along with R&B singer, songwriter and actress Ms. Mya Harrison. The two plan to record a song together once their schedule permits in 2014. The reminder allowed for Kevin to open up on some of the amazing things that are currently happening in his life. “Man, it’s crazy “Turn me on” is back on the charts and is currently #7 on the local charts and #28 on the Amazon’s best-selling digital songs list,” says Kevin emphatically. As I looked across the table I noticed a few of Kevin’s gadgets including two cell phones and a dual phone/wristwatch device. Kevin recently struck a deal with Samsung to be an official brand ambassador and as part of the deal receives the latest in their mobile technology. Speaking of mobile technology Kevin has just inked a deal with a company called ‘Pack’ to build his personalized and branded “Fan Experience” celebrity app available in the iTunes, Amazon and Google app store. Kevin is a brand and what I found out is that the lovely lady sitting next to him, his wife and business manager has been extremely instrumental in helping to build that brand. “We actually met when we were both thirteen in third form” (the US equivalent of high school) says Dr. Jacqueline James-Lyttle who received her PhD in Engineering from the University of Miami. While both were thirteen Kevin said he was going to marry the Vincentian when he turned sixteen. It would take several years for their stars to align and for marriage to become a reality but Jackie mentions with a gleam and glow that Kevin would always inquire to see how she was doing and remained confident that he would marry his island beauty one day. Their bond seems to be unbreakable however Kevin would admit that that being an international touring artist and balancing being a husband and father would not be possible without the support of his multitalented wife and business manager. Although Kevin is not a casual consumer of alcohol he did mention that when he occasionally has a drink you better believe it will be Monte Carlo Vodka in his cup. Kevin signed a deal with Monte Carlo Vodka to represent their brand throughout the world. If that were not enough he and his wife Jackie are partners in a phenomenal startup company called Kidsville, currently located in Southland Mall with new Florida locations being confirmed. Kidsville is the ultimate experience for kids and a place where parents can safely consider dropping their children off while working or shopping at the mall. Just when I thought we were going to catch up on his music the entertainment mogul mentions another partnership with a company called Chill Shot. Chill Shot is the natural liquid version of what someone like Bob Marley would have truly appreci- ated. No it’s not a liquid version of marijuana but it is a legal FDA approved version and stimulating experience that will basically make an individual feel “chill” after taking the shot. We shifted our conversation to Kevin’s independent label Tarakon Records, co-founded by his wife Jackie. Tarakon has been instrumental in discovering and signing new talent as well as releasing Kevin’s latest music including a song titled “Anywhere” featuring south Florida homegrown, worldwide, music heavy- weight FloRida. “Anywhere” is one of Kevin’s most recent singles and has been licensed by Hollywood for a film titled “What about Love’ featuring Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia. The film will be released on February 15th, 2015 and will incorporate scenes from the film in an official Kevin Lyttle music video. Tarakon is a rising star in the independent music label space and has been able to secure several major deals for Kevin and their artists including a quickly approaching print, radio and television talk show campaign. As for new music I am told Kevin’s new LP will be titled the “Diplomat” partly titled after his world travels and his official appointment as ambassador of St. Vincent & The Grenadines. Kevin still tours throughout the world touching almost every continent. His upcoming single features another Caribbean star “Mr. Boombastic,” international recording artist Shaggy. Additional artists to be featured on the new LP include Yagay Mackie, King James out of Ruwanda, Medina in Sweden and many more to make up the international and diverse sound. I had the pleasure of listening to the various songs on his Samsung device and must say the diverse blend and world sound of dance, reggae, soca, pop and r & b is going to make the Diplomat a must get for sure! When asked what drives him to continue the hectic daily grind, Kevin mentions his family including his talented little man KJ, his wife and the Janice Lyttle Foundation named after his mom who passed away a few years ago. The foundation is really

Entertainment, Film, MSM Online, Real Estate

Miami Real Estyle – Meet Chad Carroll – Star Of Bravo’s New Series Million Dollar Listing Miami

/

By Sherri Balefsky Move over Wade, Bosh, and James, there’s a new trifecta in town. And they are about to explode onto Miami’s pop culture scene. Million Dollar Listing Miami, a spinoff of Bravo’s popular Million Dollar Listing reality series, debuts on June 25. The show follows three of Miami’s top power brokers—Chad Carroll, Samantha DeBianchi, and Chris Leavitt—as they dominate the South Florida real estate market. Less than two weeks away from the premiere, a calm, confident Carroll discusses the upcoming season. Carroll moved to Miami in 2008, a time when real estate sales were struggling. “I didn’t know a single person,” he recalls. But the 24-year-old Ohio native was determined to make a name for himself in the industry. “I became an expert in every single area of Miami. When people were running away from the business, I was right in the middle of it.” Fast-forward to today: South Florida real estate is booming, and Carroll is a power broker in every sense of the word. He’s closed over $200 million in property sales, and for the past two years has been named Douglas Elliman’s top producing agent in South Florida (and one of the firm’s top 1 percent nationwide). So, when Bravo decided to expand the MDL series to the Magic City, Carroll fit the bill perfectly. “They knew what they were looking for [in a cast member] and I met that criteria,” he says. “My sales experience and my track record show that I’m better than anyone in Miami. As soon as the episodes start to air, you’ll see how my approach to real estate is different from anyone else out there.” Carroll doesn’t just sell properties; he sells the lifestyle that goes with them. “People come to Miami to live their dream,” he says. “Beautiful beaches, beautiful people, yachts, planes, cars…I sell the dream that comes with owning a property in Miami.” It’s this approach that has led him to secure some of the most lavish properties in the area, with clients so exclusive, he respectfully must keep their names confidential. “I have one of the best reputations in Miami—both business and personal,” he says. “My clients know they can trust me. I’m available to them 24/7. They are my friends, my family. There’s nothing I wouldn’t do for them.” Carroll insists this is evident from the first episode. “People will see just how hard I work…Nothing is handed to me.” While he admits it was strange at first to have cameras following him, after a few weeks, it was second nature. “This season is going to be a little different,” he reveals. “We represent properties from Palm Beach down to the Keys—waterfront homes, condominiums, luxury developments, new construction… We give viewers a taste of everything South Florida has to offer. And with property values on the rise, the competition is fiercer than ever.” This will also be the first time the series will have a female cast member. “I knew Sam [DiBianchi] before the show,” Carroll says. “She has a very strong personality; there is a little tension because we have conflicting selling styles.” As for Leavitt, they both worked at Douglas Elliman, but they didn’t know one another. “We end up co-listing a property. You’ll see how it all transpires from the beginning of the season to the end.” As Miami property sales continue to break records, Carroll has more drive than ever to keep moving up in the industry. Every year, he sets out to double sales from the year before. “I love real estate. I breathe and sleep it—I dream about it!” Does the same go for his personal life? (The season’s trailers hint at a possible engagement.) For now, it’s mums the word. “My girlfriend, Jen, is a very important part of my life,” he says. “You’ll see on the show how our relationship grows.” No matter what, it’s safe to say that MDL Miami will bring the same drama and entertainment as it did for Los Angeles and New York. “The three of us have three completely different personalities,” Carroll says of the cast. “You’ll have to tune in to see how it all unfolds!” ■ Click Here To View This Story In Our July/August Issue

Entertainment, Film, The Issue

Top Recruiter Miami Is Big Business

/

DOWN TO BUSINESS WITH CREATIVE DIRECTOR & EXECUTIVE PRODUCER CHRIS LAVOIE What is your position within the show Top Recruiter? I am the Creator & Executive Producer of the show. What is the show Top Recruiter about? Top Recruiter is a reality series – where 6 recruiters come together and take on a series of challenges based on the job market. We aim to showcase the process of what happens behind the scenes of a recruiters job. Through that process, we want to give job seekers some insight and tricks of the trade so they may implement some in their job hunting endeavors. Plus there’s great drama between these huge personalities. What category does Top Recruiter fall under in reality TV, is it a planned or a followed story? I am a big fan of the “unexpected”! This is the reason why we have no script on set. As the executive producer, I read the human behavior on set and develop the day’s filming format. How did you come up with the idea of Top Recruiter? The idea of Top Recruiter was born in the dawn of the recession. We realized then, like many people did, that things were about to change- quickly. We also realized that while many people were losing their jobs and homes, there were other opportunities as a direct result of this recession. We knew that many people simply did not have the inside knowledge that a recruiter has. We wanted to deliver this information in a way that was entertaining so that people would watch and learn and hopefully apply the information to their situation and thrive. There was so much doom and gloom hovering over us as a country that we really felt something should be done. I have always had a passion for film, I just took my two passions and married them. What’s the process of casting your stars? 1. The single most important characteristic is knowledge base. For us, we want the show to be credible. We want to educate and only people with real expertise can really do that, right? 2. Secondly, this is a show – and shows need to be entertaining to keep any attention by the viewer. So we look for bold personalities who don’t cringe at the sight of a camera. They simply need to be comfortable in front of the camera, not everyone can do that. 3. Confidence, Confidence, Confidence!! What job markets do Top Recruiters target? EVERY Industry. What are your Top Recruiters competing for amongst each other? The “reputation” of being the world’s best. Every winner has seen a tremendous elevation in their career and personal brand. Once a winner is selected what is the Grand Prize? A dinner with me. Did I just say that?! Seriously, they win something pretty – Job Security They really could work at any Fortune 500 company if they wanted to. Just as long as they still perform to their abilities. Has Top Recruiter Miami achieved the success you were hoping for? We couldn’t be happier with the achievements of Top Recruiter. We set out to help a very important industry at a very important time in our country’s history. We feel that we helped shed some light on how to get ourselves out of a rut. There have been a number of publications that have been written about the show, and in them, I find the meaning of success. What inspires you the most in making your business decisions? As I turn 40 years old, I want to work on projects that make sense in 2 areas. One, it needs to “move” me. I need to be “turned” on. There needs to be a “risk” factor. Secondly, it needs to make sense financially. Since I will be working 95% of the time raising the funds for each reality series or film I am working on – I need to see that my time is valued. I perform at a high standard and expect nothing less. Do you have any plans for other reality shows in the near future? Yes, I am working on raising funds for Social Media Stars Reality Series. Click here to view this story in our July August issue.

Culture, Entertainment

Million Dollar Listing Miami Series Premiere Party

/

By Sherri Balefsky on June 20th, 2014 Photo by Imani Ogden On Wednesday evening, some of Miami’s top tastemakers gathered in South Beach to celebrate one of the summer’s hottest new shows: Million Dollar Listing Miami. The VIP-only event was held at the trendy Pearl Champagne Lounge at Nikki Beach and was a chance for the cast to mingle with friends, family, and colleagues just a week before the much-anticipated series premiere. The show’s stars, Chad Carroll, Samantha DeBianchi, and Chris Leavitt—all impeccably dressed to the nines—were in attendance. And although this season’s trailer hints that there certainly will be some drama between the cast members, the three were nothing but smiles as they posed together for photographers on the red carpet. MDLM, which is a spinoff of the hugely popular reality shows Million Dollar Listing LA and Million Dollar Listing New York, follows the three brokers (all of whom are among the leading agents in South Florida) as they fight to secure some of the area’s most sought-after properties for their affluent and, often, high-profile clients. Be sure to tune in to the season premiere on June 25 at 9:00 pm on Bravo. And look out for our exclusive interview with Chad Carroll in the upcoming July/August edition of Miami Shoot Magazine.

Culture, Entertainment

America’s Got Talent comes to Miami

/

  Do you have what it takes to win $1 million dollars and be named the most talented act in America? America’s Got Talent is the only talent competition show open to any age and any talent, and has been recognized as a “shocking, modern-day variety show”. The auditions are a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for performers across the country to showcase their talent in 90 seconds to the series’ producers, in the hopes of being able to take the stage in front of the “AGT” judges. Every type of performer is welcome: Last season’s competitors included musicians, dancers, magicians, contortionists, comedians, singers, jugglers, animal acts, and everything in between. Miami auditions will be held on  Oct 26th & 27th – Miami Beach Convention Center! For more information and pre-registration instructions, please visit: http://www.americasgottalentauditions.com/

Scroll to Top