Zac Baldwin – First Take PR

August 26, 2022September 28, 2023

“Black Design Collective” Is the Focus of AGENDA Magazine, Issue 18!

AGENDA Issue #18 "Black Design Collective" Highights

AGENDA features Black fashion designers, NAACP Image Awards “Colors Behind the Look,” and more in this exciting issue of AGENDA. Melanie Wise, Udo Spreitzenbarth; cover models Coco Mitchell and AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer Ty-Ron Mayes; SHROOMS the cookbook; Aaron Walton, AMATO Couture Menswear runway; Jurassic World Dominion, The 355; and Kaylene Peoples Fashion Talk complete the story of this 151-page book periodical!

Los Angeles, August 26, 2022

AGENDA has been putting a spotlight on Black design talent since their first feature with Black Design Collective’s Co-Founder, TJ Walker of Cross Colours in Issue 10. What followed was Geoff Duran (Issue 11), BDC Founder Angela Dean of Deanzign (Issue 12), Sergio Hudson (Issue 13), OTG Essentials by Okera Banks (Issue 14), Apotts and Epperson (Issue 15), Agnes Bethel Shoes (Issue 16), Renaldo Barnette (Issue 17); and Byron Lars, Octavius Terry-Sims of Groom, and Kevan Hall were all featured in AGENDA Collector’s Issue 3: Changemakers. The world was informed that there is a kaleidoscope of “all” colors that make up the artisans behind the clothes we love. After a long hiatus following the release of Issue 17, Couture Paper Doll’s, AGENDA’s contributing staff helped to create another packed issue, appropriately titled, “Black Design Collective,” a nod to this pioneering nonprofit, created to bring awareness, mentor, aid and elevate Black design talent.

Catching up to Issue 18, Black Design Collective, the 151-page book periodical heavily features Black designers, a milliner, beauty brands, and pop-up shops. On the cover is supermodel Coco Mitchell who helped usher in a new generation of Black American models. And on the back cover is celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes, AGENDA’s Fashion Whisperer and America’s Next Top Model Wardrobe Stylist. Mitchell and Mayes are featured in breathtaking editorials shot by photographers Ezequiel de la Rosa and Udo Spreitzenbarth.

AGENDA interviews Tori Nichel (NBC Fashion Star) of Maison Black, Lisa McFadden Millinery, Byron Lars (Barbie) on his new collection by In Earnest, EPPERSON (Project Runway) and his latest fashion editorial EVOLUTION; and a recap of the NAACP Image Awards fashion event “Colors Behind the Look,” headlining with Kevan Hall (president of the Black Design Collective) and BDC designers EPPERSON, Byron Lars, BDC Co-Founder TJ Walker’s Cross Colours, and menswear designer Isaiah Hemmingway. Also featured this issue is “Emerge in Color,” a curated pop-up store headed by the Black Fashion Movement and Maison Black. This one-of-a-kind shopping event successfully launched at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles.

This intensely diverse issue also includes New York celebrity photographer Udo Spreitzenbarth and his traveling photo exhibition titled “Between Light & Dark”; The Swedish brand, Dagmar’s S/S 2022 sustainable collection; and AMATO Couture Menswear collection.

“Immune System Maintenance? Ain’t No Such a Thing!” is an article by wellness expert Melanie Wise of Wise Remedies. Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews Aaron Walton in “From Fashion Icon to Advertising Mogul, the CEO and Co-Founder of Walton Isaacson.” Fashion Archives presents a blast from the past with vintage Oscar de la Renta, photographed by Arun Nevader. And book reviewer Zac Baldwin critiques movies made from books, ranging from authors Stephen King to Dean Koontz. Universal Pictures and Amblin Productions presents Jurassic World Dominion and the backstory to the end of an era; and Universal Pictures in Association with FilmNation Entertainment presents The 355, an action film starring Jessica Chastain, Penélope Cruz, and Lupita Nyong’o, now streaming on Prime.

Beauty editor Shahada Karim reviews the products Beautystat, Mented Cosmetics, and Oui the People. And Karim gushes about her new cookbook, SHROOMS, a book filled with “healing” recipes, based on the medicinal qualities of mushrooms.

Fashion Talk was inspired by the film, Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris.

“I just saw the film Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. The film was set in 1957, about a maid who wants an haute couture dress. The movie triggered so many things in me. I would see a dress on the runway and covet it. Once, I attended a Carolina Herrera fashion show, and I saw this model in a gown that I had to have. To this day, I want that dress! Needless to say, it was way out of my budget. But I got how Mrs. Harris felt. Many of us are Mrs. Harris. That’s what high fashion is all about. Giving the fantasy that an outfit could change our lives. And creating a story with clothing, clothing that encompasses all the accessories, much like a finished painting. If Oscar de la Renta was alive today, I’d love to ask what inspired him when he created the perfect dress!” – “The Art of Dressing” by Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk

AGENDA Issue 18, “Black Design Collective” is sure to enlighten and entertain. You might heal an ailment, find a cute dress, or even buy a hat and a pair of gloves. But one thing is certain, you’re sure to enjoy the read . . . and don’t forget to shop Black! (@agendamag). Visit Agendamag.com/shop to purchase the digital magazine. AGENDA is published by klpublishinggroup.com.

Get your copy today of AGENDA Issue 18: “Black Design Collective.” Purchase Link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BBXSTVGR

August 2, 2021September 28, 2023

AGENDA Midsummer 2021 Issue Is Dynamic, Featuring Cover Model Lindy Flowers in “A Midsummer’s Daydream.”

165 pages of killer content features BDC’s Rodney Epperson & Aaron Potts, Verified’s Monica Dogra & BlacKkKlansman’s Kevin Willmott. We talk corsets, health, beauty, models & movies from best-selling books! Agenda Issue #15 packs a powerful punch!

Lindy Flowers, model, wife, and mother of two, is Agenda’s stunning cover model for the Midsummer 2021, Issue #15. She has graced Agenda’s cover once online, was featured in several fashion spreads, and was even Agenda’s spokes model before the magazine expanded to print. Flowers has walked in shows for Oscar de La Renta and Bill Blass, appeared in countless fashion editorials, as well as several magazine covers. This issue, she stars in “A Midsummer’s Daydream”—a swimsuit editorial that celebrates women. The all-female team for the shoot includes photographer Cathy Cunningham, wardrobe stylist Sabrina Feldman, makeup and hair by Alma Mahmood, and produced by Kaylene Peoples. The editorial was shot on location with swimwear ranging from La Blanca to Solid Striped. And Hailey Flowers, a dancer and Miss Junior Teen Nevada United States 2019 & 1^st Runner Up Miss California’s Outstanding Teen 2021, is featured in the editorial “Sun-Kissed,” making this a mother-daughter “fun-in-the-sun” collaboration.

“The great thing about the industry is it’s ever changing. When I started at 19, it was supposed to be a short shelf life, over by 25. There’s a whole group of fantastic models that has steered a path in terms of growing older. I think people can relate to models of all different ages and sizes now, whereas before, everybody was trying to fit into a size 0.” –Lindy Flowers, Agenda Cover Model

Photographer Ash Gupta debuts Verified, featuring Indian music sensation and podcast host Monica Dogra; and Manasvi is featured in Gupta’s “Out of the Woods” editorial.

In “Romanticism Redefined,” designer Rebecca Taylor previews of her Fall 2021 looks, “ . . . with resolved gestures, newfound romance manifests in eyelet, pleats, and embroidery in robust interactions.” –Rebecca Taylor

Beauty by Shahada Karim reviews May Lindstrom, SMD Cosmetics, and Bynacht in “Seasonal Skin Saviors”; Introducing a new line of incredible body creams and candles by Bond No. 9 in “Reintroducing Bond No. 9; and Agenda’s beauty editor explores the Rose Hermès collection in the article “Hermès and the Summer Flush.”

Melanie Wise sheds light on the importance of maintaining liver function in her article “Fight or Flight Mode Is Your Body’s Way of Saying CHANGE YOUR DIET!”

“Our largest expenditure of energy on a daily basis is our food. The more chemicals that we eat, the more processed the food is, and the more energy it takes to break it down. One of the easiest ways to get the body to right itself is to decrease the energetic load of digestion. Once you do that, suddenly and magically it goes “ooh . . . let me fix this and let me fix that!” And you’ll find that the whole system tends to work better.” –Melanie Wise, Wise Remedies

Zac Baldwin reviews a series of movies made from best-selling books—authors include Stephen King, David Baldacci, and Elmore Leonard.

“I waited with trepidation for the movie The Princess Bride to finally be made. It took a long time, but wow was it worth it! It captured the essence of the book, the humor, the unusual and riveting characters, and of course true love.” –Zac Baldwin, Book Reviews

Sheryl Aronson (Arting Around) interviews BlacKkKlansman’s Academy Award-winning screenwriter Kevin Willmott.

“Growing up watching award shows with my mother and having the fantasy that one day I was going to win an Oscar, was my dream. When it actually happened, I felt the privilege of it, because there are many great artists who have never won. It also opens up opportunities but gives you newfound responsibilities. You have to be willing to take things to the next level. That’s the most important thing it has meant for me. I felt it was a great privilege to have won an Oscar for a movie that I believed in. That’s something a lot of people don’t have an opportunity to do.” – Kevin Willmott, Academy Award-Winning Screenwriter

The Black Design Collective features designers Aaron Potts (APOTTS) and former Project Runway contestant Rodney Epperson (EPPERSON). In their interviews, they talk about their inspirations, as well as their creations in the interviews “APOTTS: Designed to Make Us Take Pause” and “The REBIRTH of Epperson.”

Celebrity stylist Ty-Ron Mayes talks about athleisure wear and new ways to style sweatshirts in “The Sweatshirt Goes Next Level Fierce!”

“From Balenciaga to Givenchy, sweatshirts have leveled up. Once upon a time these sweatshirts used to be just super comfy tops for college kids and sports enthusiasts, but today’s sweatshirts are more glamorous then ever.” – Ty-Ron Mayes, Fashion Whisperer

The Midsummer 2021 issue has a frenzy of fashion with runway from Milan, Berlin, and Jakarta (British Council), featuring designers Hugo Boss, ThreeOnes, Xevi Fernandez, Outsiders Division, and Intoart x and John Smedley’s capsule collection. Fashion Archives opens Agenda’s time capsule with runway from the past (2013) by Sally La Pointe and (2012) Made in Africa by Arise, featuring top African designers, including images from pop vocalist Leona Lewis, photographed by Arun Nevader.

Fashion Talk by editor-in-chief Kaylene Peoples authors a historical retrospective that delves into the practice of waist training in “Corsetry & Morality: The History of Tightlacing”:

“When I watch shows like Bridgerton where corseting is its own character, or the film Moulin Rouge with Nicole Kidman who suffered a broken rib from tightlacing, why aren’t I phased? Because I, like so many women, see the value in corsetry—after all, they do shape the body. Of all the snake oil being peddled today, it is the one accessory that follows through on its claims—wear it and look amazing! As far as waist trainers, the modified corset, they are body drill sergeants that train our waists to behave. They smooth our bulges and boost our self-esteem. So, the big question is whether to corset or not to corset . . . the choice is yours. Either let it all hang out or tuck that tummy in and leave to everyone else’s imagination what’s underneath! –Kaylene Peoples, Fashion Talk

About AGENDA:

The fashion and lifestyle magazine that has been telling the story behind the story since 2004, is a print and online magazine with a diverse readership, consisting mostly of women from various backgrounds, ranging from college age to 65 years old and beyond. Touted as ‘the intelligent read,’ Agenda is credited for being the first online magazine to stream video and documentary-style interviews. In print since 2014 (including the Special Editions and Collector’s Issues), the magazine has consistently put out breathtaking coffee table keepsakes with content, including fashion, beauty, photography, interviews, entertainment, and more. Agenda magazine is available in print worldwide! Visit https://www.agendamag.com (Social Media @agendamag)

The multicultural fashion and lifestyle magazine crosses continents, bringing a new perspective to the world of fashion and journalism. Agenda’s Midsummer 2021, Issue #15 has a 165-page count, and is a full-color glossy periodical. Listen to Podcasts for extended interviews of Rodney Epperson and Lindy Flowers at https://www.agendamag.com/category/podcast. Agenda is published by KL Publishing Group.

March 13, 2021September 28, 2023

Chase Masterson Hosts the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival’s 6th Edition Live Events April 23-25, 2021.

AWIAFF 2021 announces the host of their virtual film festival; the founders Melanie Wise and Zac Baldwin talk about what to expect for the 6th edition; and Artemis Women in Action Film Festival welcomes Ameri Law PC, Final Draft, Action Factory, and AXTionWear as sponsors.

As the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival (AWIAFF) gears up for their 6thedition, hosting for the second year is Chase Masterson (Star Trek: Deep Space 9, The Flash, ER). Masterson is an award-winning actress and a singer who has amassed a growing list of credits that also include founder and spokesperson of the Pop Culture Hero Coalition: a charity with the mission to teach real-life heroism over bullying, racism, misogyny, and more. Chase Masterson divides her time between her nonprofit and her busy career in entertainment.

“Women are still unsung heroes in so many capacities. The Artemis Women In Action Film Fest is the exception to that rule with a brilliant celebration of filmmakers who feature brave and exciting women onscreen, highlighting both individuals and this vital area of the entertainment industry as a whole. This type of entertainment would not exist as we know it without these intrepid souls, and it is an honor to host the AWAIFF, to hear their stories and to celebrate their spectacular work.” –Chase Masterson

About the Festival’s Activities

From binge watching to leisurely enjoying the content in the 6th edition, the $29.95 all-access pass holders will be able to watch approximately 26 hours of streaming content, available to view for 30 days, and includes narrative and documentaries in many genres both feature length and short. Audience members can congregate with Artemis and festival participants for the scheduled live events between April 23-25, 2021. The Artemis Welcome is set for Friday evening, April 23rd. The All-Stars of Stunts panel, screenwriter and music roundtables are set for Saturday and Sunday (24-25th). Live events will conclude with competition awards presentation on Sunday evening, April 25th. Advance ticket sales begin on April 1, and content will be available approximately April 9, 2021, through May 10, 2021.

All edition details: Artemis Streaming Menu

“It’s been a pleasure for me to look at all the projects coming in from all over the world. Through all different genres and styles is the running theme of strong women kickin’ ass in a variety of ways. This year was especially hard to pare down hundreds of entries to 80 creators this year with 52 films, 12 screenplay finalists, and 16 music finalists.” Artemis Co-Founder Zac Baldwin

“I’m incredibly excited about this year’s live virtual events (happening Apr 23-25, 2021). We are placing this year’s focus squarely upon the creators in 2021 Official Selections. Our hope is to offer our audience members an amazing opportunity to see these works and get to know the creators. Additionally, we are offering our signature panel, ‘The All-Stars of Stunts,’ because the stunt community is the bedrock that brings female action and empowerment heroes to life; it has been a staple of the festival since its inception, and one that we could not forego!” – Artemis Executive Director & Founder, Melanie Wise

Artemis Women in Action Film Festival is pleased to announce the following sponsors:

• Ameri Law, PC to provide legal consultation to a winning feature film
• Final Draft, a Cast & Crew Company to provide winning screenwriters with their award-winning screenplay software
• Action Factory to provide custom swag to winning films in action categories
• AXTionWear to provide AW gear for winning films in action categories

“Ameri Law, PC is proud to announce we will be an official sponsor of the 6th edition of The Artemis Women in Action Film Festival. We are excited to meet this year’s contestants and patrons, and to be offering a free consultation prize to this year’s feature film winner.” – Owner & Founder Nina Ameri

“We have women that are capable, men, little people, big people, Black, white, Asian, Iranian, whatever you want to call it, we have it. It’s our responsibility to keep up to date with the growing [stunt] population. We can’t rely on what used to work for those guys in the past. We need to create our own for the future.” –AXTionWear founder and Stuntwoman Crystal Michelle, Agenda Collector’s Issue 2019: “Artemis Women Kick Ass!”

About the Sponsors:

AMERI LAW, PC

Ameri Law, PC is a hands-on law firm dedicated to helping those navigate the entertainment industry and achieve all creative and business goals through a holistic, cost-effective approach. With extensive experience from matters involving talent representation, production legal, film finance to intellectual property. Ameri Law, PC protects interests by handling legal needs in a conscientious and cost-effective manner by demystifying legalese and red tape, leaving creators free to focus on what’s important through providing strategic guidance on all things entertainment, intellectual property, and business. With significant experience in several practice areas, Ameri Law, PC is positioned to provide clients with a holistic approach to legal issues while fiercely protecting legal interests without compromising business goals. Constantly adapting to the rapidly changing entertainment industry, Ameri Law, PC takes into account short and long-term goals to provide the best legal guidance. Whether the niche is in the traditional media universe of films and television or the new media world of digital content – Ameri Law, PC has it covered.

Visit Ameri Laws, PC to learn more.

FINAL DRAFT, A CAST & CREW COMPANY

Final Draft, A Cast & Crew Company has published Final Draft® software—the number one screenwriting application in the world—for 30 years. Final Draft automatically paginates and formats your script to industry standards, allowing writers to focus on what they do best, writing scripts. Used by such industry giants as J.J. Abrams, James Cameron, and Aaron Sorkin, Final Draft software is the professional’s choice and the entertainment industry standard. In addition to its flagship software product, Final Draft offers the annual Big Break® Contest, a screenwriting competition that launches careers and awards over $100,000 in cash and prizes. Final Draft also offers Final Draft Mobile for iPhone and iPad, making creativity truly portable.

To learn more about Final Draft and its products and services, visit Final Draft.

ACTION FACTORY

Action Factory is a one-stop action resource providing equipment sales, rentals, and services to the Entertainment Industry. Born out of necessity, Action Factory was created to fulfill a need for better technologically designed products for stunt professionals by stunt professionals. Using exact sciences across multiple platforms, coupled with real life experience, the design process ensures that AF delivers products that will be of great benefit and improvement to professional stuntmen and women.

Visit: Action Factory

AXTIONWEAR

Stunt professionals know all too well just how hard it can be to find truly reliable safety pads. That’s why AXTionWear has developed a line of state-of-the-art stunt pads designed with the unique needs of female stunt performers in mind. Created specifically for women’s bodies — and also offering men’s designs — AXTionWear’s safety pads enable the wearer to take on even the most complex stunts with confidence: Visit AxtionWear

“When we put a full body suit together for you, we give you a “barcode” that tells us exactly how your body is shaped. Next time you need a suit, we have your exact measurements and dimensions on file. Our suits are currently available online and will soon be featured at the specialty safety store AMSPEC, Inc., Southwest Costume Rentals, and more.” – Crystal Michelle, AXTionWear’s Founder & Award-Winner Stuntwoman

About Chase Masterson:

Chase Masterson’s credits include Star Trek: Deep Space 9, Doctor Who Big Finish, VIENNA, and The Flash. She hosted Sci-Fi Entertainment opposite Bruce Campbell in Terminal Invasion for SyFy, played opposite Jerry O’Connell in Sliders, and co-hosted NBC Sunday Night at the Movies with Ryan Seacrest and the renowned STARMUS Gala in Zurich. Her guest-star credits include the Emmy-winning episode of ER and Presidio Med, and a recurring role on General Hospital. Masterson’s feature film lead roles include a mysterious jazz singer in eOne’s acclaimed sci-fi noir, Yesterday Was a Lie and the title role in Je Suis Auto. Chase is also singer with several CDs, including Thrill of the Chase, Ad Astra, Jazz Cocktail, and Rendezvous. In 2013, she founded the Pop Culture Hero Coalition, the first nonprofit organization to teach real-life heroism over bullying, racism, misogyny, LGBTQI-bullying, and cyberbullying; using stories from pop culture TV, comics, and film. The Coalition works in schools, pop culture cons, and children’s hospitals.

For more information on Chase Masterson and the Pop Culture Hero Coalition, please visit Chase Masterson Twitter and PopCultureHero.org

About Artemis Women In Action Film Festival:

Melanie Wise and Zac Baldwin, two filmmakers with a longtime love of female-driven action films, together founded the Artemis Women In Action Film Festival. Wise and Baldwin have produced shorts and features, focusing on female action projects. They saw that audiences around the world loved the genre despite the fact that studios (for many years) claimed female action films were box office poison. In 2014, the idea of Artemis was born with the intent to create a space where these types of films could play for audiences with an unsatisfied hunger of female-driven action films.

And for the 6th Edition, Artemis is proud to include for the second year women-powered music, sponsored by Bella Composers: Visit AWIAFF