 | Brand Development. Strategy. Public Relations. Events. Influential Strategy with No Chaser.
| Historians may view 2017 as the most controversial year of the decade – with the juggernaut rise of a #MeToo movement that ripped through Hollywood and dismantled the long-standing credibility of many notable journalists, government officials, and business leaders across multiple sectors. Throughout the year, we steadily gained momentum as a premium boutique agency focused on Brand Development, Brand Strategy, Public Relations, Project Management, and Event Curation. A snapshot of 2017 agency highlights: led communications for a prominent New York City-based independent film festival; a master chef competed on a popular Food Network TV show; a breakout documentary changed the narrative about drug usage within urban LGBTQ communities; a spirit brand was introduced nationwide thanks to a major retail partnership; a cannabis lifestyle product reached sales goals ahead of California’s new Adult Use of Marijuana Act; the first-ever Global Spirit Awards event took place in Las Vegas; a non-profit organization emerged to support an island nation devastated by Hurricane Maria; a hip-hop TV show celebrated its 1st anniversary in Atlanta; crowned “The Nation’s Gentleman,” launched an upscale dating concierge service exclusively for men; and Manhattan’s oldest chocolatier secured a national TV segment during the last-minute Christmas holiday shopping rush. Headquartered in New York City with significant reach across the country and the Caribbean islands, our practice areas and industry expertise include: Business; Lifestyle; Entertainment – Film & TV; Consumer Packaged Goods & Luxury Products; Medical Cannabis & Recreational Marijuana Accessories; Food & Beverage; Spirits & Alcohol; Music (All-Genres); Fashion; Beauty; Tech; Books; Health & Wellness; Sports; Fitness; Philanthropy; Education; Real Estate; Politics; and Social Media. Be sure to follow us well into 2018 as we launch a music campaign to “Win Instead,” and develop film projects in a post-Weinstein movie industry among other high-profile projects. We appreciate your support! Best,
Alvin Alvin J. Woods
CEO | Brand Developer & Strategist | Publicist
THE MEDIA MODEL | Brand Development. Public Relations. Events. Content Curation.
Website: HERE
Email: alvin@themediamodel (dot) com
Business: (347) 949-8172
Twitter: @TheMediaModel
Instagram: @TheMediaModel
Facebook: @TheMediaModel |  Li-Lac Chocolates | Li-Lac Chocolates – Manhattan’s Oldest Chocolate Shop Since 1923 – featured on National CBS TV Evening News Christmas Segment During the December ‘17 Christmas holiday shopping rush, Li-Lac Chocolates was featured on CBS Evening News with Jeff Glor. Manhattan’s oldest chocolate shop since 1923 was the lead brand in segment, ““Delivery Companies on Overdrive This Holiday Season,” that originally aired on 12.15.17. Check out the segment HERE. The story of Li-Lac Chocolates began in the 1920’s in New York City, and more than ninety years later, continues the old-world artisan chocolate tradition of crafting small batch confections in copper kettles on marble-top tables – for exceptional quality and superior taste. With an assortment of more than 140 items, Li-Lac Chocolates has expanded to five locations throughout the New York City area. For more information visit website HERE or follow on social media - Instagram; Twitter; Facebook. |  CBS Nightly News - 12.17.17 | | 2017 Manhattan Film Festival Screens Over 100 Diverse Films and Documentaries at 11th Annual Event Series The 11th annual Manhattan Film Festival took place in New York City, throughout April, and kicked-off with the world premiere of “The Pathological Optimist” by Miranda Bailey. Check out the official press release announcing the festival HERE. Manhattan Film Festival was founded by independent filmmakers that learned first-hand how hard it is to find an independent film an audience. For more than a decade MFF worked to program a diverse film lineup that features student, emerging, and established filmmakers. Each year the festival honors three filmmakers with a Film Heals Award. This award recognizes filmmakers that use the power of film to promote peace, justice, equality, and humanity. For more information visit website HERE. Check out some of the 2017 major award recipients! Best International Feature | Boys in the Trees
Directed by Nicholas Verso Best International Short | Jonah
Directed by Michael Maschina Best Feature Comedy | American Fango
Directed by Gabriele Altobelli Best Feature Drama | The Depths
Directed by Jamison LoCascio Best Dramatic Fantasy | The Admired
Directed by Jacqueline Murphy Best Featurette | Growing up FAT and Albanian
Directed by Dhimiter Ismailaj-Valona Best Short Screenplay | Perception
Directed by Andy Cruz Best Feature Documentary | The Pathological Optimist
Directed by Miranda Bailey 2017 MFF Alumni Awards | Kelly Perine (Downward Hiro and Candice & Peter's Smokin' Hot Date) New York Spotlight Award | The Lost Village
Directed by Roger Paradiso |  Mellow Fellow Premium Natural Smoke Wraps | Mellow Fellow Premium Smoke Wraps Work to Change the Landscape of Medical and Recreational Marijuana Usage by Targeting Cannabis Connoisseurs Voter approval of Prop. 64/California’s Adult Use of Marijuana Act begins on Monday, January 1, 2018. Now that more and more Americans are softening stances on universal cannabis use, high quality products are on a mission to change the lifestyle perception – and Mellow Fellow Smoke Wraps are leading the new wave. In April, Mellow Fellow Smoke Wraps was featured in The New Smoker Magazine story "Natural Smoke Wraps -The Vapes of Wrath." Click on the pic below or the link HERE. In May, the popular smoking accessory was also featured in Dope Magazine’s summer feature, “Mellow Fellow Smoke Wraps – Sustainable Rolling Papers for the Conscious Smoker.” Check out the feature below and visit the publication website HERE for more information. Mellow Fellow Smoke Wraps are 100% natural and are harvested -- not processed -- to offer smokers a non-tobacco, chemical free experience, unlike rolling papers and other wrap products or cannabis accessories. The premium smoke wraps are slow burning and leaves very little residue, which helps preserve your product and enhance your experience. Mellow Fellow wraps have little to no taste, which allows the smoker to truly savor the flavor of their rolled goods. Available in three different wrap varieties: Corn Husks - smooth, light, crisp drag
Banana Leaf - the smooth, bold, smoky drag
Veggie - burns with a hotter core temperature that intensifies experience w/ slight sweet taste at the end of the drag Visit Mellow Fellow's Website and Shop Now: (HERE) Follow on Social Media:
Instagram – @MellowFellowSmokeWraps
Facebook – @MellowFellowSmokeWraps
Twitter – @MellowFellow___ |  The New Smoker Magazine - 04.20.17 | |  Dope Magazine - May 2017 | | Spirit Product – Cocktail Caviar – Available Now at Total Wine & More Retailers Nationwide Cocktail Caviar, bursting bubbles of boozy deliciousness, are now being introduced to customers across the country thanks to a partnership with Total Wine & More. In May '17 the spirit brand was apart of a Fox 5 Las Vegas TV segment to celebrate National Moscato Day. In July '17 The Dallas Morning News featured Cocktail Caviar in “Too Mature for Jell-o shots? Try these 5 Booze-Infused Treats.” Click the link HERE or the pic below to read. Cocktail Caviar gives you a moment of unforgettable flavor and fun. Create exciting cocktails and desserts, or simply add the boozy pearls to your wine and champagne to let your spirits pop! The family-owned and operated business is dedicated to making each day a celebration. Cocktail Caviar was created out of love for the little things in life that bring a smile to your face. Available in 5 Flavors: Strawberry; Raspberry; Lychee; Blueberry & Wildflower; and Autumn Apple. For more info on Cocktail Caviar visit website HERE. Follow Cocktail Caviar on social media for updates. Instagram: @cocktailcaviar; Facebook: @CocktailCaviarUSA and Twitter: @CocktailCaviar |  “parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles” by Micheal Rice | Documentary Film “parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles” Exposes Hidden Drug Epidemic within Urban LGBTQ Community In May '17, the documentary “parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles” directed by Micheal Rice debuted in New York City. Read the official press release announcing the world premiere screening HERE. The project focuses on methamphetamine addiction within the LGBTQ community of color, and explores a drug epidemic that is affecting the lives of Black and Latino gay millennials at an alarming rate. "parTy boi" was developed to spark debate and educate LGBTQ youth around the world about crystal meth and drug addiction. “parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles” made an impressive media debut with features in mainstream LGBTQ outlets that include: The Advocate; Logo’s New Now Next; and Queerty among others. The documentary was also screened in August during the Columbus Black International Film Festival in Ohio and in October at Circle Cinema in Tulsa, Oklahoma. View the trailer for "parTy boi: black diamonds in ice castles" HERE To learn more about bringing a “parTy boi” screening to your local area, send an email to alvin(at)themediamodel (dot) com. For more information on, visit our Facebook page HERE. |  Chef Felix Castro | Master Chef Felix Castro Makes National TV Debut on Food Network’s “Chopped” During the summer, NYC-based Master Chef – Felix Castro – competed on the Food Network’s national TV show, “Chopped.” Chef Castro, known for his Latin-inspired meals and desserts, was praised by judges and he was able to connect with new fans across the country. Visit Food Network’s “Chopped”to view the episode featuring Master Chef Felix Castro HERE. The NYC-metro area will also get to see Chef Castro in 2018 on “Ride With Me Latino TV,” to be featured on Amazon Prime. Learn more about Chef Castro on Instagram HERE. | The Mr. United States Organization Crowns 2017 National Title Holders In August, Timothy M. Richardson* was crowned Mr. United States 2017 and Yuji Moore won the title of Mr. Teen United States 2017 at the Astor Crowne Plaza Ballroom located in the world-famous French Quarter in New Orleans. The three-day competition series included a Talent and Fashion Arts Soiree, Preliminaries, and the Finals; and was co-hosted by cumulus 102.9 radio personality Tara Jae, pageant aficionado Tiffany Brinkley-Barrow, and Mr. United States 2016 Avery D. Wilson. Streamed on Facebook Live to approximately 19,000 viewers, men and teenage males from across the country represented their respective states and helped the Mr. United States Organization introduce a modern era of brotherhood, service, and male pageantry to an American audience. *In December 2017, contractual conflicts of interest led to Richardson's replacement by the 2nd runner-up - Emanuel Anzules (formerly Mr. New Jersey US 2017). While Anzules will join his teen counterpart in serving the organization, he will be tasked to promote his his Right the Rights of US Immigrants initiative. Anzules pictured below. Watch the former Mr. United States 2017 on national TV show “Right This Minute” from a September '17 segment HERE. The Mr. United States Organization empowers young men to develop a keen sense of identity and self-worth. Mr. United States is a distinct national pageant competition that looks for a “complete man,” to inspire the masses. More than a beauty pageant, Mr. United States is a transformative system that takes converting all things good into a lifestyle. The Mr. United States Organization is comprised of two divisions: Mr. United States for adult men ages 19 to 29 & Mr. Teen United States for teenage males ages 14 to 18. The entry period for 2018 contestants will begin January 15, 2018 and end March 16, 2018; for more info visit website HERE. | First-Ever Global Spirit Awards Recognizes 150 Winners at Las Vegas Tropicana Hotel The inaugural Global Spirit Awards, powered by Food & Beverage Magazine, took place in August at the Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. The Global Spirit Awards seal is the new authority to help increase product awareness, distribution, trials, and sales.
Over 100 independent distilleries and 275 spirit brands went through a unique double-blind judging process administered by a respected panel of spirit and alcohol professionals with over 175 years of industry experience. The panel influenced over 100 international competitions combined – assuring that the awards would be a powerful marketing message for entered product(s). PREMIUM AWARD WINNERS: Braunstein Distillery | Danica Peated Whisky - Judges Award Best of Show, Best of Show, Best Whisky, Best World Whisky, Best Aged Spirit, Dewar’s | The Monarch 15 Year - Best Scotch, Nevada Distilling | Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Bourbon Whiskey - Best American Whiskey, Pike Creek 10 Year - Best Canadian Whiskey, Black Eye Vodka - Best Traditional Vodka, EG Vodka Inspirition | Rosemary & Lavender - Best Flavored Vodka, Best Overall Vodka, Drake's Organic - Best Rum (White), Black Forest BOAR Distillery | Black Forrest Dry Gin - Best White Spirit, Best Gin, El Silencio Espadin - Best Mezcal, ReligionTequila Blanco - Best Tequila, Padre Azul Anejo - Best Aged Tequila, Ratu Signature 8 year Old - Best Liquer DOUBLE GOLD MEDAL WINNERS: Nevada Distilling | Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered Straight Bourbon Whiskey, Crooked Water Spirits | Abyss Gin, Prohibition Liquor Co. | Prohibition Gin, Milk Street Distillery | Dam Break Rye Grain Spirit Dewar’s | Signature, Mezcal El Silencio | Espadin, Drake’s Organic | Drake’s White Rum, Padre Azul | Anejo, Monopolow | Piolunowka, Braunstein Distillery | Braunstein Danica Whisky Peated, Embajador Tequila | Supreme Anejo, Dewar’s | The Ancestor 12yo, Black Eyed Distilling | BLK EYE Vodka, EG Vodka | Inspiration, Pomp & Whimsy | Pomp & Whimsy Gin Liqueur, BOAR | Black Forest Dry Gin, Religion Tequila | Religion Blanco, Bati | Ratu Signature 8 Year, Savage & Cooke | AYATE Tequila Reposado, Mezcal Mala Idea | Espadin Capon Joven Agave de 12 Anos, 10th Mountain Whiskey | Rye, New Amsterdam | Apple Vodka, Pike Creek Distillery | Pike Creek Whiskey 10 Year
JUDGES: Steve Beal – Recognized worldwide as a distilled spirit expert & judge at International Wine & Spirits Competitions, Danny Ronen – spirits educator with focus on sustainability, Rick Edwards – Pernod Ricard’s Chivas Master award winner & whiskey expert, Jim Romdall – Rum Expert, Founding member of Washington Bartender’s Guild, Judge at San Fran World Spirits Competition, Mia Mastroianni – Master Mixologist on Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue”, Bobby “G” Gleason – former USA Mixologist of the Year & educator, Damian Cross – corporate mixologist for Station Casinos, and 20 year casino industry veteran. Juyoung Kang – multiple award-winning bartender in Las Vegas. Paula Dezzutti – CEO of Local Choice Spirits For a complete list of winners visit, website HERE. | “Battle Rap” TV Show – The Bar Structure – Honors Hip-Hop Culture & Celebrates 1st Anniversary The Bar Structure, designed to create a higher standard for the hip-hop culture of “battle rap," celebrated its 1st anniversary in September with a move from Detroit to Atlanta. With a spotlight on skilled lyricists that are hungry for their major break, the show's host - Taz Bailey - and judges score hip-hop artists in the following criteria: Lyrical Content; Rebuttal; Performance; and Stage Presence. Click on the link HERE to watch the show's 1st year anniversary episode. Be sure to follow The Bar Structure on social media for updates on new segments and features. | Dominica United Assembles in the Wake of Hurricane Maria to “Lend a Helping Hand to Dominica” Dominica United, a non-profit organization founded by Dominicans for Dominicans, partnered with the United Stated and other countries abroad to help raise funding to rebuild the Caribbean island nation officially referred to as the Commonwealth of Dominica. Known as the “nature island” due to its natural beauty, Dominica was decimated by the hurricane and suffered 85% total damage to infrastructure and destroyed agriculture. The Dominica Unitedteam is aligned with both public and private sectors to provide immediate support to the island, people, and government of the Commonwealth of Dominica. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit has declared a national state of emergency, and people from around the world are encouraged to support in the following tax deductible ways: Helping Hand to Heal Dominica – circulating immediate monetary donations through a network of area farmers and brokers that will distribute much needed food and building materials; Sponsor a Family – applying sizable donations to families by way of medical supplies and hygiene products; and A Home for Dominicans – assembling modern homes using refabricated modular shipping containers for people that lost everything during the catastrophic storm. Learn how you can lend a helping hand and visit the Dominica United website for updates, announcements, and details on rebuilding the Commonwealth of Dominica in the aftermath of Hurricane Maria website HERE. | Platinum Men’s Matchmaking Service Offers Exclusive Security for Upscale Gay Dating Culture In October, Platinum Men’s Matchmaking – a new man-for-man dating service – launched to provide upscale gay men with a new level of heightened security while in search of a potential romantic partner. The one-of-a-kind concierge and website targets New York City metropolitan area men, ages 20 to 65, and is designed to protect clients by eliminating the risks linked to known dating Apps or off-website Ads. PMM differentiates from other widely used dating services, because potential members must go through a discreet three-step filtering process that includes a full background check. Read the official press release announcing the new service HERE. Platinum Men's Matchmaking gained momentum during the holiday season and was featured on Pride & Equality Magazine. PMM is a new one-of-a-kind website that serves as a filtered concierge dating service for men seeking men, ages 20 to 65. Our top priority is to ensure that clients meet high-quality men in the most discreet way possible. From start to finish, we thoroughly engage and guide our clients to the life partner that they seek. Platinum Men’s Matchmaking staff members spend countless hours sorting through potential applications to bring top men into our office for a signature series of interviews. With direct access to our company CEO around-the-clock, every client benefits from their own personal romantic concierge – at just a fraction of the cost associated with other known commonplace dating service competitors, that make their clients do all the work. For more info about Platinum Men’s Matchmaking, how to become a client, or interested in scheduling an interview to become a member, visit our website HERE. |  Alvin J. Woods | The Media Model’s Chief Executive – Alvin J. Woods – Continues to Build Business Imprint as a Brand Expert and TV Personality For years, Alvin J. Woods has been providing expert tips on brand development, small business growth, and entrepreneurship – targeting millennials – for a variety of media platforms that include: U.S. News & World Report; Yahoo! Finance; Huffington Post; and How to Quit Working Radio among others. In November, Woods’ expertise was recruited to film several segments about “how to become a star” for a newly greenlit New York City-based television series that will begin to air in 2018. Follow The Media Model on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to learn more. | | |
