Importance of building a team: Why Adrian Grenier, Willow Smith and Gary Oldman are successful.
January 04, 2012
This past year ended with a bang, literally, as my Volvo was hit as I was heading out for a NYE's event. (Not my fault as usual.:) Having to take it easy to relax my back, I've started reading Larry A. Thompson's book, SHINE: A Powerful 4-Step Plan For Becoming A Star In Anything You Do as I like to keep up on what successful people in my field recommend.
I come from the school of thought you never know everything and it's best to keep on learning. I've been a publicist for over 10 years, but I always learn something new. Larry is obviously one accomplished man. Here's his bio in case you're not familiar with his illustrious career:
"Acclaimed Hollywood producer, author and motivational speaker, Larry Thompson has managed the careers of over 200 stars. Voted "Showman Of The Year" in 1998 by the U.S. Television Fan Association, Thompson has produced 18 movies for television, including the highly acclaimed ABC world premiere movie, “And The Beat Goes On: The Sonny and Cher Story,” 5 motion pictures, 2 television series, 3 television specials, and various series pilots. Thompson received the industry’s prestigious Vision Award and his productions have received nominations for 8 Emmys, 2 Prism Awards, and a Golden Globe. He is perennially listed in Who’s Who In America and Who’s Who In The World. For more information visit www.LarryThompsonOrg.com"
I think those are very good credentials for my line of work, don't you agree? I was pleasantly surprised to see he started his book detailing his failure and breakdown before getting into the meat of becoming successful which is what the book is about. I'm still reading it, and have really enjoyed what I've read thus far.
One of the things he mentions, and which I recognize in successful people I've met along the way, is they always build a strong team around them. I feel, as part of my client's team, I need to do all I can to build their belief in themselves, their unique talents and expertise. It's funny, but oftentimes those who are most accomplished aren't aware of how much they have going on for themselves and it's part of my job to help them see it. Then, to help the world see it too.
I recently received information from Adrian Grenier's "people" that he was intending to launch his new eco-wine label, SHFT HOUSE WINES, along with his film producer partner, Peter Glatzer, at Portugal’s 6th Annual International
Gourmet Festival, The World’s Biggest Gourmet Event Featuring Only Michelin-Starred Chefs, which made my mouth water just reading about all the wonderful foodie and wine events planned and amazing chefs involved.
"Over 20 of the world’s most celebrated chefs from France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, Canada and Portugal will also participate, each presenting a tasting menu combined with several wine pairings."
Here's the official blurb on Adrian's new venture with his team:
"Actor-filmmaker Adrian Grenier and film producer Peter Glatzer will unveil the newly launched SHFT House Wines.The wine label is under the umbrella of Grenier’s and Glazter's eco-conscious taste-making company, SHFT.com, which produces original content, and distributes widely through multiple platforms, including their partnerships with Huffington Post and Virgin America Airlines. SHFT.com also curates and sells sustainable products. SHFT House Wines is produced out of Paso Robles, Calif., sourced from organic, biodynamic and sustainable vineyards. The ink on the labels is non-toxic and the bottles are recycled. SHFT House Wines is debuting with its first vintage, self-titled SHFT House Wine, a decadent Grenache, Syrah and Mouvedre blend."
Wouldn't you like to be part of that team?:) So, when one part of your career ends like Entourage has for Adrian, it often opens up opportunities you never knew even existed. Keep the faith and create opportunities for yourself if necessary is my motto.
If you have time and money, you can join Adrian and "Emmy Award winning actor Michael Imperioli (“The Sopranos”), Emmy and Golden Globe nominated actorMatthew Modine (“Too Big Too Fail,” The Dark Knight Rises), Tony nominated actor-comedian Mario Cantone (“Sex and the City”), four-time Emmy nominee Ricky Paull Goldin (“All My Children”) and Gretta Monahan (“The Rachael Ray Show”)" there too.
The festival will be held at the Vila Joya in Albufeira-Guia (Algarve) from January 12 – 22, 2012. For more information or to book, go to www.internationalgourmetfestival.com.
Don't you think they need an accomplished Food & Wine Festival blogger like me along with them? I do! Bill, dude, hook me up!:)
I also received a note from a publicist working on the magazine, A Bullseye View, for Target about Willow Smith, Will and Jada Smith's daughter, who, along with Target, launched the “Kids Helping Kids” campaign to award eight deserving New York kids and their families with a holiday shopping spree in the Target Harlem store. The lucky kids were selected based on a nomination from The Boys and Girls Club of NYC for displaying leadership and academic excellence.
Can you imagine the excitement of these lucky children? I think it's so important for celebrities to give back and donate their time and platform to help those less fortunate. I haven't read that in Larry's book yet, but I'm sure it's coming.
Can you imagine having Jay Z as a mentor or singing with Nicki Minaj on her new single, Knees and Elbows, like this 11 year old dynamo has? Talk about a team!
Then there's people like Alec Baldwin who need a team.
Fortunately, Gary Oldman has an excellent one with his agency. Doesn't Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy have Oscar written all over it?!
Hey Jim! Call me, I sent you an email with all the details!:)
That's all for now, but you get my drift. If you need help with your team from a publicity standpoint, please contact me here: joykennelly1 (at) gmail (dot) com. As we get closer to Oscar season this is my favorite time of year to work with actors, stylists and others who want a bigger presence in Hollywood.
Let's talk... More to come...
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