Top 10 Trailblazers in the Entertainment Industry

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1 –  Tiffany Davis

Tiffany Davis, an entertainment producer dedicated to producing the most impactful and high-profile events in the world, is a powerhouse in the entertainment industry. During her tenure as president and co-founder of Quay Entertainment, Tiffany has worked with the world’s leading artists, athletes, and entertainers, delivering unparalleled experiences to millions of fans worldwide. Her team’s involvement in some of the most iconic events in recent history, from the Olympics to the Super Bowl, has helped transform them into unforgettable experiences that will endure for a lifetime. Currently, they are working on the inaugural Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix.

As an innovator in the entertainment industry, Tiffany has been recognized for her contributions. Notable among her accomplishments was spearheading the first full online voting system for an award show broadcast on network television, which revolutionized the voting process for the Academy of Country Music Awards and other shows to follow. Additionally, she is an alumna of the Leadership Music program and has been recognized for her outstanding leadership abilities as an advisor for Belmont University’s Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business. As part of her commitment to the industry, Tiffany is also involved with Live Nation’s Music Forward Foundation and the Beverly Hills High School Music Industry Center, which help mentor and support independent artists.

Tiffany’s involvement in the entertainment industry extends to her active participation in multiple organizations and committees based in Beverly Hills and other entertainment cities. Having obtained a master’s degree in education from Texas State University, she is committed to giving back to the entertainment industry by offering guidance and placement services to students and young professionals, helping them secure their first positions in the field. The advice she would give to others is to show up for everything possible and cultivate meaningful relationships, emphasizing the importance of forming a solid network of mentors and colleagues. In the future, Tiffany sees Quay Entertainment flourishing with a solid client base while simultaneously expanding her career portfolio through live speaking engagements, on-camera projects, and leadership positions in the community.

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2 – Stro Galang To

Stro Galang To (known as @Directedbystro) is a well-known filmmaker who has gained recognition for his collaborations with popular social media influencers and major brands like HBO and T-Mobile.

Stro is particularly passionate about the power of social media in filmmaking. He believes that social media’s ability to reach audiences quickly and effectively in real-time is a significant advantage over traditional production methods. Stro’s obsession for social media has motivated him to seek out novel and imaginative methods of producing content that captivates audiences and adapts to the constantly changing social media landscape.

Stro has fostered a culture of creativity, innovation, and teamwork within his company,  Room 1041. Room1041 Studios is a digital content production company founded by Stro and his business partner Jesse Dueck. Their primary goal is to produce engaging and captivating content for their creators, which has resulted in billions of views. They work closely with the world’s top influencers to ensure that each piece of content is customized to reflect their unique style and humor.

Stro’s diverse range of talents distinguishes him from other filmmakers. He boasts nearly a million followers across various social media platforms and has directed videos for renowned artists such as Usher, Ariana Grande, and Rihanna. He has also created commercials for notable brands like Dolce & Gabbana. Despite his accomplishments, Stro remains committed to identifying and nurturing emerging talent. He is passionate about mentoring and guiding aspiring creators towards success. His work in the entertainment industry continues to inspire and push boundaries, and his commitment to discovering and fostering talent is a testament to his dedication to the craft of filmmaking. With his projects in the works and his creativity and passion for the art of filmmaking, we can expect to see more exciting things from Stro Galang To in the future.

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3 – Michael Savas

Introducing Mike Savas, also known as “The Wizard,” an accomplished CEO and entrepreneur who has revolutionized the VIP touring industry since 2008. With Savas’s innovative approach, he spearheaded the concept of VIP touring in foreign markets and served as the cost touring representative for AEG, successfully opening up international markets to this niche. Notably, he managed Bon Jovi’s tour from 2008 to 2013, which became the highest-grossing tour with the largest audience attendance and most exceptional management. Furthermore, he established the VIP department for TEG Dainty – Australasia’s premier promoter group – which generated over $50 million in ten years.

Savas, a true entrepreneur with three successful businesses, has a company called Superfan Live. Among his impressive list of clients are some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Oprah, Metallica, Barack Obama, Queen + Adam Lambert, and Bon Jovi. In addition to his work in the entertainment industry, he also actively participates in many social impact campaigns, including immediate humanitarian relief in areas affected by natural disasters and other crises. Having traversed more than 80 countries, Savas has had the chance to delve into different cultures, interact with diverse people, and hone his skills. To take control of our lives, he advocates embracing challenges and seeking out experiences that disrupt our comfort zones, as he believes this leads to the proactively designed existence we aspire to lead.

Driven by his passion for creating unique experiences, Savas is a visionary man with ambitious goals. He aspires to produce high-end and bespoke shows in unique locations worldwide, a testament to his drive to push boundaries and exceed expectations. Savas plans to own property on every continent in pursuit of his desire for global exploration and investment. As a symbol of his success and accomplishment, he recently purchased a forgotten pasta factory compound outside of Lisbon and will be restoring it to its ancient beauty and luster while renovating it into a premiere international events center and wedding venue. Through his numerous actions, Savas proves that anything is possible with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude.

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4 – Wes Leslie

Wes Leslie is a creative entrepreneur making waves across multiple industries. After moving to Los Angeles to pursue his music career, Wes found inspiration in the historic neighborhood of Chinatown. His fascination with the paranormal, nurtured during his time in New Orleans, led him to launch the renowned ghost tour company The Haunt Ghost Tours, which operates in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Wes’s unparalleled attention to detail and hospitality set his tour apart. Armed with state-of-the-art ghost hunting tools like EMF meters, he takes guests on a deeply researched, spine-tingling journey through Chinatown’s haunted past. Among his career highlights include being the number one ghost tour on TripAdvisor in San Francisco and a three-time Best of the Bay winner.

Aside from his accomplishments as a pop singer/producer and the founder of The Haunt, Wes has expanded his entrepreneurial portfolio to include Kabloom Events, a virtual team-building company. The company has grown from a pandemic project to a thriving business that partners with over 50 creatives globally to offer new and exciting virtual events for corporate teams.

Looking ahead, Wes will continue producing music for emerging pop R&B artists, performing live shows in Los Angeles, and embarking on music tours throughout Japan and the Philippines. The Haunt is gearing up to expand its reach and introduce its brand of hands-on ghost tours to other cities. Ultimately, Wes intends to continue his Los Angeles life much as it is: a life enriched by writing and performing music, nurturing and empowering other talented creatives, and exploring the world through travel.

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5 – Matt DeAngelis

Matt DeAngelis, a 24-year-old singer-songwriter, is quickly making a name for himself in the music industry with his unique sound and unwavering positivity. Despite battling severe anxiety and OCD since a young age, DeAngelis has not let these challenges hold him back from pursuing his passion for music and inspiring others through his message.

From the young age of 8, DeAngelis began writing songs and performing live, honing his craft over the years. His main goal as a songwriter is to spread positivity and bring inspiration to as many people as possible. “I don’t care about the fame or fortune. I just want to be able to inspire people in our world and help them achieve great things,” he said.

One of DeAngelis’ proudest moments in his music career so far has been recording his original music with Liberty DeVitto and Richie Cannata, members of Billy Joel’s original band, at Cove City Sound Studios on Long Island, New York. Although he has achieved this feat, DeAngelis is still striving for more success in the industry. Overall, DeAngelis’ positive message and unique sound make him an artist to watch in the music industry. His commitment to spreading love and positivity through his music is admirable, and his fans eagerly await the release of his new music and videos.

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6 – Michael Dunker

Michael Dunker is an award-winning screenwriter & director in Los Angeles specializing in a new genre of storytelling called poli-noir or political noir. He has been accepted into 70+ screenwriting competitions including placement at the Academy’s Nicholls Fellowship, Austin Film Festival, Scriptapalooza, Final Draft’s Big Break, Screencraft’s True Story, Page Turner Awards, and attended the 2022 Nostos Screenwriting Retreat in Tuscany. He recently completed his third short film titled, Seatbelts, which will be screened at the LA International Film Festival & Beverly Hills Film Festival respectively, while focusing on securing funds for his feature debut, Detroit.

Before Hollywood, Michael served in the United States Air Force deploying twice to the Middle East and graduated from Michigan State University with a degree in psychology. His goal is to create high concept stories for wide audiences with a social commentary. He signed a shopping agreement for his script, Cold Dead Hands, about when the federal government bans military assault rifles then sends a task force to collect them door-to-door and is shopping around his biopic, Amelia Earhart, about the true story of Earhart being shot down in the Marshall Island, imprisoned by the Japanese, and how the Roosevelt administration covered it up after U.S. soldiers founds her maps, visas, personal writings, and her plane during World War II. Both projects have been accepted into 20+ screenplay festivals and embrace the darkness of noir with a political commentary on today.

He currently works in the film industry as an on-set photographer working with such stars as Drew Barrymore, Tom Brady, Camila Cabello, Chris Evans, Gustavo Dudmel,Eva Longora and Queen Latifah. His proudest moment is taking his mom to Monument Valley to show where Forrest Gump stopped running.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaeljohndunker/

Photography website: www.photographybymichaeljohn.com

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7 – Reggie Westmoreland

Reggie Westmoreland is a man on a mission to revolutionize the music industry. As the CEO of Bad Domination Entertainment, Reggie has made it his life’s work to nurture local talent in the Bay area and help them reach new heights. Reggie started the company with the vision of creating a safe space for artists to create music while also learning the ins and outs of the business side of the industry.

Despite facing some challenges, such as a lack of recognition, Reggie is determined to build a team and generate infrastructure to make B.D.E. the premier entertainment company for up-and-coming artists. He’s already made strides in accomplishing this goal by signing rapper Haiti Babii and having several records go gold. However, Reggie’s ambitions don’t stop there. He envisions B.D.E. branching out into filmmaking and content creation and partnering with a major label to help Northern California’s rising talent get their foot in the door.

Through his leadership, Reggie Westmoreland hopes to inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and artists to follow their dreams, take risks, and make their mark on the world. He believes that with time, patience, and a solid business plan, anyone can make it in the music industry. With Reggie’s vision and determination, Bad Domination Entertainment is sure to be a name to watch in the coming years.

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8 – Jennie Lin

Jennie Lin, a persistent and inspirational single mother of two, is turning her dreams into reality. From a tender age, she has been enamored with fashion and has yearned to sashay down the runway. Though hampered by the constraints of being a “petite” model, Jennie never lost sight of her aspirations, and with the emergence of a more inclusive fashion industry, she has triumphed on the runway. For her, the runway provides an outlet to showcase her skill in making the designer’s clothes and accessories come alive, and she is always grateful for each opportunity that comes her way.

A woman of formidable talents, Jennie adeptly manages a variety of professional pursuits. Her bustling schedule comprises a full-time corporate job, print modeling, acting career, and a thriving runway presence. A string of noteworthy accomplishments attesting to her exceptional skill have borne the fruit of her unwavering dedication to her craft. Among Jennie’s many accolades, she is proud to have walked the runways of both OC Fashion Week and LA Fashion Week and been hired for commercials and print jobs for prestigious brands like Nest, Citi-bank and Hoag Hospital. Despite a busy schedule, Jennie will also appear in a film shortly, further cementing her position as a rising star in the entertainment industry.

Aside from her professional accomplishments, Jennie is passionate about inspiring others to follow their dreams. She encourages others to support, lift each other, and have fun in the process. Additionally, she has ambitious dreams of walking the runways of Paris, New York, and Milan and is determined to make them a reality. A source of inspiration and role model to everyone and especially to her little girls. Her positive outlook and unwavering determination to her passions are an inspiration to us all. Jennie is collaborating with the hottest production company in Los Angeles on an innovative fashion experience. To keep up with her work, feel free to follow her on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/jennielifestyle5/ for updates!

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9 – Joseph Sernio

Joseph Sernio is a man who wears many hats, excelling as an actor, filmmaker, and entrepreneur. Born in Jersey City, Joseph began his acting career shortly after graduating from high school. Having delved into studying various acting techniques in NY City and LA, he embarked on his acting journey, eventually securing opportunities in off-Broadway productions. One of his earliest milestones was securing a job on the longstanding CBS daytime drama “As The World Turns”. After a year of dedicating himself to that, Joseph felt it was time to pursue new challenges. Driven by his passion for acting, he auditioned for and landed the role of an ICU orderly on the long-running ABC daytime drama “All My Children.”

Over several years, Joseph meticulously crafted his reputation in independent film and television, starring in two films, The Bastard Sons (written & directed by Kevin Interdonato) and LOVED (written & directed by DJ Higgins), that are now both out in major film festivals. His next project “HORSEPOWER” is a new series also written and directed by DJ Higgins set to be shot in Colorado in late august 2023. Focusing predominantly on independent cinema, Joseph devoted himself to his craft and, as a result, was lauded with many accolades, including the prestigious titles of “Best Actor,” “Best Supporting Actor,” and “Honorary Achievement in the Arts,” amongst others. Joseph’s noteworthy accomplishments in the industry are a testament to his unyielding work ethic and unrelenting determination, resulting in recognition from NJBiz and other esteemed publications.

Joseph also later dove into entrepreneurship by building two successful marketing agencies, Shoreline Digital Marketing and Holly Lake Films, and purchasing small businesses to help them rebrand and expand. The success of these ventures has landed him several front-page feature stories in tech magazines, including CEO of the Year. With a remarkable drive and work ethic, he has made vast contributions to the film and business industries. Joseph has set his sights on the ambitious objective of continuing to build and produce, taking his companies to new heights. Ultimately, his goal is to foster the growth of strong, high-performing teams that enable everyone who contributes to his success to attain equal levels of achievement.

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10 – Dunya Djordjevic

Dunya Djordjevic is a dynamic force in the film industry that transforms the landscape with her exceptional work. As an veteran Filmmaker, Film Producer, Director, Entrepreneur, and Educator, Dunya is driven by her love of the ‘underdog’ theme. As an immigrant from Serbia and from a high profile film family she pushes for international women’s stories in Hollywood. Her efforts to bridge the gender gap in the film industry both in front of and behind the camera by bringing women’s stories to the screen made by women are truly remarkable, as are her accomplishments, making her a trailblazer in the industry.

As the founder and executive director of the non-profit Girls IN Focus (GIF), Dunya is paving the way for young girls and non-binary youth to become leaders in the film industry. After four years GIF has partnered with the MBS Group to offer their summer intensive in-person right on the legendary Radford Film Studio lot. GIF is partnered with The LA STEM Collective teaching film to the Los Angeles Unified School District. In 2022, Dunya founded Focus50 LLC, a professional, woman run film production company hiring GIF graduates behind the camera and creating a pipeline from education to employment.

Dunya began as a trained theater actor and producer moving to LA after her first film got the attention of Paramount casting director. Today, she considers her love of actors as one of her strengths as a director. Poised to produce/direct feature D.R.E.A.M. under her Focus50 film banner which is based on a true story and co-written with writing partner Kris Skeie. Looking to the future, she has ambitious goals, including directing and producing a live-action film franchise with a strong female lead, securing funding and distribution for Focus50 women driven projects, and expanding GIF globally, inspiring a new generation of female filmmakers to follow in her footsteps. Dunya’s notable past career highlights include co-writing, producing, and starring in feature film “Desert Vows” and directing award-winning short “End of the World.”

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