It’s exciting to have 3 campaigns I’ve worked on covering the city!

Photography by James Weber  http://www.jamesweberstudio.com

NYC STAYS SURE

It is EVERYWHERE in all five boroughs! There was “Be Sure” and then “Play Sure”, now there is “Stay Sure”!  We cast Gay, Straight, Trans, Gender Non-Conforming,  HIV+, HIV-, Caucasian, Asian, Latin and African American.  These shoots are always a lot of fun and great camaraderie happens between all the talent!

Photography: James Weber   http://www.jamesweberstudio.com

SUBJECTS: Trevon Haynes, Joshua Keith, Xavier Smith, Richie Moo, Elliott Sailors, Peche Di, Sherise Powell, Kouryou Ngin, Raven Lopez, Caliph Jones, Anais Almonte, Anthony Varrecchia, Achilles Tsakiridis, Alisa Murray

SAP Image Library

I love working on image libraries! This is the latest for SAP Software Solutions with Art Producer Marc from RAPP.

1 day, 2 locations and 13 talent!

Photographer: Shaun Fenn   Rep: http://www.mariannecampbell.com/

Casting and Production by me @ Desiree Kennedy Productions

 

 

 

 

Take Care/Take Pride

Last year the agency that does all the wonderful ads for the New York City Department of Health & Mental Hygiene approached me about the second part of their “Take Care/Take Pride” campaign for Trans Health.  The focus this time around was FTM Trans/Trans men.

I thought in a panic, “I’m a middle aged, boring, straight white lady. What do I know about the Trans community!!??”  I am not someone to back down from a challenge.  I remembered a former co-worker of mine dated a Trans man a few years back and I took her to coffee and asked her to point me in the right direction.

I needed 8 talent of all ethnicities for this shoot and we had 68 people show up for the casting!

I am also happy to say this and other castings & shoots for NYC DOHMH have made me a friend & advocate of the Trans community, they are my brothers & sisters!

I am a better person having met all of you!

Photographer: James Weber www.jamesweberstudio.com 

Casting/Production: Desiree Kennedy Productions

 

I’m quick!

Last year I cast and produced a big shoot for the NY State 529 College Savings Program, I wasn’t able to get “tear sheets” from the campaign. I’ve seen ads on the subway and online.  The ads pop up while I’m surfing the net so I am always ready for the “command, shift, 4” to catch one of the ads!  Here is one!

Photography: Franco Vogt http://www.francovogt.com

I bet by now you have seen the “NYC PLAYS SURE” campaign on the subway!

It is EVERYWHERE! The launch of the print campaign and the video spot was December 1, World AIDS Day.  Photographer James Weber, myself and a couple of the models met at the Apollo Theater and were part of the celebration!

We are so excited about the amazing feedback the campaign has gotten! We had Carmen Carrera again participate and be the “voice” of “Play Sure”, we also had Seven King; Trans actor, writer, producer of the web series “Eden’s Garden” join us.  I cast HIV+, gay, straight, black, brown, pink and beige as well.  The energy was amazing and I left that 3 day shoot with 11 new friends.  Much love and respect to our cast, crew, agency Bandujo & NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene!

http://www.jamesweberstudio.com

CARMEN: Twitter: @carmen_carrera ♥ Instagram: @carmen_carrera  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/carmencarrerafans  SEVEN: Seven King Entertainment https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSlg4c-OAU3pUa6kEBbpmdQ   ARTICLE ON EBONY.com: http://www.ebony.com/entertainment-culture/edens-garden-explores-the-lives-of-black-trans-men-333#axzz3uQDpNQBf

Ken & German

Carolina, Chantele & Ron

Justin and Jeff Beler – learn about Jeff’s work with “Love Heals” http://observer.com/2015/10/love-heals-foundation-dedicates-brooklyn-mural-project-to-aids-activist-alison-gertz/

Check out the final video here:

Got kids? Start saving!: NYS 529 College Savings Plan!

A few weeks ago I walked into the subway and saw one of the ads I cast & produced for NYS 529 College Savings Plan.  I was excited because it was shot last November!

I am working on getting my hands on more shots, but for now-this is what I got.

It was a two day shoot, day one in the studio and day two on location at a private home on Long Island.  We had 14 kids aged 3-10, they were fun!

This was the second campaign I cast & produced.  The first one was shot in Miami with a different agency.  I got the call about this because the client was pleased with my work and told the new agency to call me.  It is always nice when your hard work is recognized in a positive way.

This campaign was shot by Franco Vogt, with whom I first worked with on a multi day, multi location shoot for a tobacco brand.  Franco, who is a Dad is also a big kid himself and his warmth and humor set the tone with the kids.

http://www.francovogt.com

NYC Homeless Prevention Project

I really enjoy working on these PSAs for the City of New York!

This campaign launched recently, if you are close to being evicted from your home- there are services available to keep you & your family out of a shelter, call 311.

I did the casting for the print campaign, the production was handled by the agency Bandujo.

Photographer: James Weber  http://www.jamesweberstudio.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

AND- I must say, even tho I didn’t cast the TV commercial, I am really impressed with the actress they cast.  You really feel her worry & stress! Good job. GREAT service.

 

 

NYC Dept. of Health: KNOW YOUR HIV STATUS

Currently rolling around in a subway car you will probably be on!

We cast Straight, Gay & Transgendered. African American, Hispanic & Caucasian.

Photographer James Weber took beautiful pictures of these passionate, sexy & smart people!

 

 

I got to meet the very lovely Carmen Carrera!

The Latest NYC PSA-Rolling Out In a Subway Car Near You!