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Miami Beach Celebrates 100th Birthday

By Angela Betancourt Photography by Mitchell Zachs On March 26th, thousands of people gathered on the sands of South Beach to celebrate Miami Beach’s 100th birthday. The city, in partnership with the Hard Rock, joined forces to host the Hard Rock Rising – Miami Beach 2015 Global Music Festival. The star studded concert featured Andrea Bocelli, Gloria Estefan, Wyclef Jean, Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, Flo Rida, and more. Though it was unusual to see such an unlikely collection of artists, the music line-up perfectly represented the melting pot that is Miami Beach. There was no denying it was a concert for the ages and a fantastic conclusion to several weeks of nonstop celebrations across the city. However, this anniversary was about more than just nonstop partying. The city, in partnership with local businesses and organizations, came together to celebrate the occasion in a variety of unique ways that reflects Miami Beach’s diverse cultural community. Several days leading up to the finale concert, Miami Beach Mayor Phillip Levine presided over a mass wedding of 100 people (50 couples) as a part of the 100 years celebration. Among the happily wed were same-sex couples who were finally able to get married legally in the state of Florida. Same-sex marriage became legal in the state at the start of the year, and this marked a historic milestone for Miami Beach’s LGBT community. The Art Deco Museum, founded by the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) in Miami Beach, opened its doors to host the Miami Centennial Photograph Exhibition. Renowned professional photographer Johnny Arraiz, whose been recognized by the Congress of the United States of America for giving his invaluable service to the community, showcased his latest exhibition “Miami Beach, 100 Years, 100 Photos,” which immortalized special moments in the city’s history. This exhibit was one of many hosted by the museum to educate and engage locals and tourists alike on Miami Beach’s rich history. The Miami Beach Centennial celebrations became an extra special event for 100 men and women who passed their citizenship requirements and officially became citizens of the United States. Leon Rodriguez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services officially welcomed these 100 new citizens after they swore allegiance to America. Representing more than 25 different countries, it was fitting to have this ceremony in a city that was built by immigrants from all over the world. Orchestra Miami and The Leroy Schecter Foundation celebrated the centennial with a free picnic concert that took attendees on a musical tour through the highlights of Miami Beach’s history. Orchestra Miami believes in the power of music to strengthen a community. Now in its 8th season, they provide high-quality classical symphonic music and programming that celebrates Miami’s diverse cultural heritage. In order to reach as many people as possible, Orchestra Miami events are almost always free. The Miami Beach Centennial was as much about celebrating its past and present, as it was about looking towards the future. As Miami continues to evolve as a global city and as its population continues to grow denser, its future becomes even more important. In a show of its dedication to protecting Miami Beach from the effects of climate change, the city announced during the celebrations, that it has begun developing a variety of initiatives to generate more awareness about global climate change. The city is also planning on creating an environmental summit hosted by the Mayor that will feature scientists, educators, and other influential leaders from different disciplines, coming together to discuss environmental advocacy. Miami Beach’s history helped define its foundation, but its present and all of the people, organizations, and businesses, who love the city today, will drive Miami Beach into the future and forward for another 100 years. Happy Birthday, Miami Beach.

Culture, Digital Edition, Film, The Issue

My Miami: Andrea Iervolino

Andrea Iervolino is living proof that the American Dream still exists. The Italian-Canadian film producer started to work in the film industry at the age of 16 in Italy. Now, at 28 years old, he has already made over 40 films. Since he started the production company, Ambi Pictures, with Italian power woman Lady Monika Bacardi, Iervolino made a great impact on the Hollywood market. In 2014, Ambi Pictures produced 14 films – each with top actors. From The Humbling with Al Pacino to All Roads Lead to Rome with Sarah Jessica Parker. Right now, James Franco’s directorial debut In Dubious Battle (also starring Franco) is the hot project of the moment. The handsome mastermind, Iervolino, enjoys his time on set while staying on top of business; developing new projects in Ambi Picture’s offices worldwide. We were delighted to learn that he wholeheartedly enjoys a special relationship with Miami – both on the business and leisure front. And, we couldn’t wait to learn about all the details! In Miami, you can catch me… At some fantastic restaurants, like Casa Tua, and even at The Cheesecake Factory, having one of their delicious cheesecakes! The biggest misconception about Miami is… That Miami is only a touristic and party town. Miami is also an amazing multiethnic city, where the people work very hard, especially the Latin population who arrived here to follow the American Dream. There are very interesting neighborhoods for that matter, like Little Havana. I enjoy the wonderful cultural exchange and the integration that this city has mastered. The last restaurant I enjoyed in Miami was… Casa Tua, one of my absolute favorites. When I go there for dinner, I usually order the Burrata with organic tomatoes and Basil, and the Taylor Bay Scallops with Ligurian Extra Virgin Olive Oil…It’s really special! What surprised me most about Miami was… The real surprise was when I discovered that Miami has the largest and richest Italian community in the United States. In fact, there’s also one of the biggest Italian Consulates. Already, for this reason when I come here, I feel at home. Aside from the weather, the best reason to return to Miami is… Because it is the best place to work, relax, and enjoy yourself all at once. Business easily meets pleasure here, which is much appreciated by any business traveller. The first time I became really curious about Miami was… I have been working on film sets since the age of 16, so of course Scarface really grabbed my attention. The screenwriter Oliver Stone, the director Brian De Palma and the lead actor Al Pacino, make the perfect triangle. And Miami, makes the perfect location! Now, I work in Miami quite often and I’m the co-producer of Al Pacino’s latest film (The Humbling by Barry Levinson)… I can really say that sometimes dreams do come true!

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, Film, Showbiz

Acting 101 – The Actor’s Resource

The ACTOR’S Resource Training The Acting School of South Florida Lori Wyman Casting TV/Film Auditioning Weekend Workshop Headshots Bob Lasky Paul Greco Agency List SAG Franchised Benz Model-Talent Agency 2211 7TH AVENUE TAMPA, FL 33605 813-242-4400 Diamond Agency, Inc. The 160 INTERNATIONAL PARKWAY SUITE 150 HEATHROW, FL 32746 407-830-4040 Elite Miami Model & Talent Agency 119 WASHINGTON AVE SUITE 501 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-674-9500 Gilla Roos Miami 1000 5TH ST STE 203 MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-357-0601 Greer Models and Talent LLC, Karen 20205 NE 15TH COURT MIAMI, FL 33179 954-347-2486 Level Model and Talent Inc 12807 W HILLSBOROUGH AVE TAMPA, FL 33635 813-814-4944 Martin & Donalds Talent Agency 2131 HOLLYWOOD BLVD STE 304 HOLLYWOOD, FL 33020 954-921-2427 Runways, The Talent Group Inc. 1688 MERIDIAN AVENUE, MIAMI BEACH, FL 33139 305-673-8245 Stellar Talent Agency 3001 W HALLANDALE BEACH BLVD, STE 303 HALLANDALE, FL 33009 954-241-7376 Unions Actor’s Equity SAG-AFTRA

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