Tag Archives: Television Host

Australian Talents, Entertainment, Entertainment Reporter, Music Video, Television, Television Host, TV Host, TV Journalist

Millions Watch Dan Babic in viral “Watch Me” parody

August 26, 2017 ewgpress Leave a comment

18342193_10210704003969943_166645179443174327_n — Dan Babic and Caitlyn Jenner

“I didn’t wake up to be mediocre.” This simple mantra is what pushes Australian Television Host Dan Babic every day. He doesn’t accept anything other than excellence, and those who have followed his career know this to be true. He is truly extraordinary, and at just 23, he has emerged as one of Australia’s most high-profile entertainment journalists.

Babic’s online television show AfterBuzz TV has over 20 million downloads a week in 150 countries. He has interviewed some of the world’s most recognizable celebrities, such as icons Caitlyn Jenner and Kim Kardashian, as well as Academy Award winners like Kathy Bates and Brie Larson.

“Entertainment journalism and hosting is something that chose me. As long as I can remember, it has been the only thing I have wanted to do,” said Babic. “We live in what appears to be such a dark world at times, so I live for my moment on screen where I can help provide escapism and take audiences away from the hardships they may be facing. I love the power it gives me to brighten one’s day and the ability to just make people laugh.”

In the parody music video of the hit song “Watch Me” by Silento, Babic does just what he aims to do, and gives audiences around the world the opportunity to watch a video and escape. The hilarious video features Babic dancing and rapping a line in the song. His reputation and popularity greatly contributed to the video’s massive success, going viral and amassing over 20 million views on YouTube alone.

“Although we truly believed in the project, nothing is more validating than knowing all your hard work has paid off. While we were confident in the final result, my grandmother taught me to ‘never count your chickens before they hatch.’ There is always that slight feeling of fear upon releasing a video to the world that your intention of proving joy and laughter could be ill-conceived and taken out of context. Reading all the comments from fans provides the upmost feeling of joy knowing that through my talent and work I was able to make someone smile. It’s why I get up every day and continue to have the success I have in the entertainment industry. I see what I do as service to others.”

The video, by YouTube sensation Bart Baker, is four minutes of talent. It was written by Eli Braden, who is responsible for some of Howard Stern’s, Jimmy Kimmel’s and Joan Rivers’ most successful content. Babic had always wanted to work with the writer, and therefore jumped at the opportunity when it arrived. Knowing the necessity of having a distinct leader in the industry who would not only boost views on the video, but also who have the ability to make audiences laugh, Babic was approached to be a part of the parody. There are several controversial moments in the video, which are necessary for the humor, and Babic’s role provides the light-hearted moment needed to capture audiences.

“Production chose not to take the risk of using an on-camera personality without a notable acclaimed track record and requested my work on the project. Having notoriety in the television industry is something I don’t take nonchalantly. I am well aware of that my regard is rare and the ability to entertain millions though my personality is a true gift. I was therefore thrilled to have the confidence and respect of acclaimed industry professionals and was very excited to collaborate with successful individuals at the top of their field,” said Babic.

The video largely takes place in a gymnasium, with various characters dancing in the background and appearing on screen. Regardless of his crucial role in the parody, Babic says working on the project was very relaxed and filled with constant laughter. He was working alongside comedic experts, an exciting experience for the television host. When shooting the parody’s make-or-break moment, he felt completely confident in his ability to use his improvisational skills to create laughter. He trusted his instincts, and helped make the moment triumphant and made a moment with darker humor very tasteful. His versatility is evident, and his cameo impressed many around the world.

“The parody was an instant hit, and Dan’s leading and critical role as a television personality held tremendous weight in the production. His role in the music video worked similarly to having film stars in music videos, as fans looked forward to seeing one of their favorite TV hosts in the music video, where he was even key in pointing out the surprising twist at the end of the music video. The parody video of ‘Watch Me’ garnered an incomprehensible 20 million views on YouTube, an impressive feat which highlights not only the immeasurable success of the music video itself, but of the impact Dan’s role had on attracting viewers to come and pick out his part. This, paired with overwhelming praise from fans as well as over 180,000 likes for the video on YouTube, is incontrovertible evidence of the massive commercial success of the music video, and of Dan’s leading and critical role therein,” said Heidi Jo Markel, CEO of Eclectic Pictures who has worked with Babic in the past.

The day-to-day structure involved each industry professional staying in their lane and using their well-regarded creative instincts to ensure the project’s success. Babic was surrounded by other industry leaders on the video, and when everyone from different fields came together with one goal in mind, it was the best part of the experience for the entertainment journalist.

“Working with notable, celebrated professionals in the entertainment industry is inspiring, the project allowing us to each learn from one another and admire each other’s unique gifts and rare talent. I’m a big believer that you are your environment and felt extremely grateful to be in the position I am in,” Babic concluded. “I never take this for granted and as a host live for bringing people together in laughter, entertainment and good times. With so many views of the parody, it is safe to say our work put a smile on millions of people’s faces across the world. That’s what the world needs more of after all.”

You can watch the “Watch Me” parody video here, and prepare to feel the sense of escapism that Babic always aims for, and always achieves.

Actress, Canadian Star, Comedy, Entertainment, International Creative Talents, TV Host, Writer

Anja Ellam is truly awesome with AwesomenessTV

May 22, 2017 ewgpress Leave a comment

Growing up in Toronto, Canada, Anja Ellam always wanted to entertain people. Although she had loved being on stage, making people truly feel the emotions of a character, it wasn’t until later when she realized her passion for writing. That was a fateful decision, as she is now not only an internationally recognized actress and successful influencer, but a celebrated writer.

Ellam now has shown the world why she is one of the best. Her film The Woods that she wrote went on to receive praise at many international film festivals. She worked with Verizon’s Go90 app and has written and hosted several of their top videos. The viral video What Girls Do in Cars on DangMattSmith’s YouTube channel that she co-wrote has over 1.4 million views. Working with ArsenicTV as a writer and host for their Snapchat story gets over 500,000 views a day. There is nothing this versatile writer, actress, and influencer cannot achieve.

“I’ve had a very successful career for someone my age but I like to think that this is only the very beginning. I’m very lucky to be in the place that I am, but it’s because I work incredibly hard,” said Ellam.

Ellam’s continued work with AwesomenessTV has helped make the channel what it is. As a writer for the Hollywood department, she writes for their many segments that come out on their channel daily. Her job as a host and influencer allows her to work on a wider variety of shows for the network.

“Me being an influencer helps me connect more to our audience and see what they’re interested in at the moment, which lets me write scripts that relate to them. My online presence helps me to stay connected and stay relevant on topics that relate to AwesomenessTV and entertainment news,” she said.

Without almost twenty-thousand followers on Instagram, Ellam has an impact all over the world. While promoting AwesomenessTV using social media, she has helped the videos viewership, ranging from 100,000 to over a million views.

“Anja and I worked together on AwesomenessTV’s Hollywood team where Anja wrote scripts and pitched ideas for daily episodes. She would always come prepared and would always be willing to step up when needed. I always enjoyed working with Anja and loved that she expressed her ideas and contributed to a team atmosphere. She definitely takes direction and has a good eye for what is trending and in the news. She knows what is relatable to our audience. She is super creative and always had input for stories to write and pitch ideas for stories,” said writer, host, and producer Hunter March.

Ellam writes a lot of AwesomenessTV’s daily entertainment news segments, which are targeted at teens and young adults. She says from the moment she first started working there, she fell in love, and quickly moved up due to her talent and commitment.

“Everyone was so welcoming and the company was so rapidly growing I knew that’s where I wanted to be. They’re definitely leading the way in digital media,” said Ellam. “I like that I can be open with my ideas and that even though we’re a big company, we’re still a small company where everyone knows each other. I like that my job allows me to be creative and that we reach such a large audience.”

Ellam does a lot of test shoots, but she also often appears as the main talent for the videos, hosting shows like Third Wheel and Dream Date with Brent Rivera. Their audience is drawn in by social media followers which is why having influencers on the channel are so important.

“The first time I hosted was very nerve racking because you’re in the office with everyone around you and you don’t want to mess up or take too long. But it always runs smoothly and the crew is amazing and very reassuring,” said Ellam. “It’s a good feeling because everything we put out is positive and it’s something I’m very proud of. I’m especially proud when a topic that I pick ends up with very high views because it’s something I was trusted to do and I was successful at it.”

Ellam’s followers are always eager to view her videos that she hosts or writes for Awesomeness, and she says it allows her to truly be connected with her audience.

“When I host or I’m a talent on the show I think it helps a lot because I can promote it on my social media platforms. I’m closer to our demographic and my followers are also the same demographic,” she concluded.

You can check out the Awesomeness TV channel here.

Actors, Model, Russian Talents, TV Host

Russian Television’s Leading Lady, Yana GoodDay!

March 11, 2015 Scott Prewitt Leave a comment

The name of supremely talented Russian celebrity Yana GoodDay has become synonymous with entertainment. An inimitable radio personality, charismatic television host, mercurial actress and a drop-dead gorgeous model, GoodDay first began laying the foundation for her career in the late 90s when she accepted an offer to tour the South of Russia as a podium model with “Prestige,” a company known for it’s unique theatrical fashion performances.

For GoodDay, this was only the start of the incredibly fruitful career she has created for herself today. Her initial success in the entertainment field came at the start of the new millennium when she was offered a job as a radio host for the show “Formula of Luck,” which featured a number of Russian celebrities.

She recalls, “I started my work as a radio host in 2000, at the age of 16. I got an offer to do so right away after winning the beauty contest “Miss Russian Radio 1999″ in Pyatigorsk.”

As the host of “Formula of Luck,” which aired on the massively popular Russian Radio, GoodDay travelled around the city streets in a car specially-outfitted with mobile broadcasting equipment while interviewing drivers.

In 2006, GoodDay made her debut leap into television when she was invited to host Success Stories, which aired on the TDK Channel. By then, the talented young beauty had already earned her stripes in the industry having won two beauty contests, and being chosen to model for several high-profile companies including Ro-Color and Revlon.

Her instant popularity on Success Stories led her to be offered the position of host on the live show Sexual Revolution, which she still hosts today. GoodDay was able to help uncover some of the most groundbreaking findings in the world of sexuality and sexual health through her interviews with some of the foremost experts in the field. A testament to GoodDay’s talents as a host and the overall success of Sexual Revolution, the show received Best Erotic TV Show of the Year from the International Erotic Arts Festival from 2010 to 2012.

GoodDay also worked as the director, scriptwriter, reporter and host on Reports about Egypt, a series promoting tourism destinations and lodgings in Egypt.

“We had to cover about 10 hotels in different areas along the Egyptian Red Sea coast within a week, so we had to film one or two hotels per day,” says GoodDay. “We had to work fast and be creative.”

As a result of her work as the host of the show, GoodDay adds, “I’ve learned a lot about hotel design, architecture, art directing, tourism business and Egyptian antiquities.”

GoodDay was also asked to host the state lottery program Gosloto, a popular news and variety program featuring celebrity guests, musical acts and of course, the lottery. Being chosen to host such a highly watched program puts GoodDay in league with Vanna White, the leading lady from the popular American show Wheel of Fortune.

Quickly becoming a staple of the show, GoodDay was not only broadcast on live television as a Gosloto host, but the position also gave her an opportunity to work with one of her longtime idols, Tina Kandelaki.

“As one of the hosts of Gosloto (State Lottery), I was honored to work with Tina Kandelaki, one of the most successful and popular TV host/journalist/producers in Russia,” explains GoodDay. “She was always a role model for me.”

The diverse nature of Kandelaki’s successful career in the entertainment industry easily made her the perfect inspiration for GoodDay in her youth. The co-owner of Apostol Media, the production company behind Gosloto, Kandelaki has been honored with three TEFI Awards, an annual award given by the Russian television industry, and an Astra Award for “The Most Stylish TV-hostess,” among others.

Like Kandelaki, GoodDay has also found remarkable success in the industry thanks to her diverse talents. As an actress, she has landed a lengthy list of starring roles including the role of Liza in the hit sitcom Kids in the Cage.

“It’s a backstage parody of modern music shows,” says GoodDay. “My character Liza was a ‘golden kid’ and was chosen to participate in the show because of her father who is one of the investors.”

Aside from Kids in the Cage, Yana GoodDay played the role of Olga Radosteva in the series The Fortune Teller, Dasha in Detectives, Alla in Understand and Forgive, Angela in Daddy’s Daughters, as well as several roles in the show Sled, and many more.

Additionally, GoodDay displayed her raw talent as an actress in the lead role of Katya in the film The Waiting, which she co-wrote and produced as well.

Actor, writer, director, producer, hostess, model – whatever hat this astounding young talent decides to wear, she is all business… and business is good.