Flo Rida and Jay Kay in a Co-Produced Video with Bob Bekian and Loyal Studios
The phenomenal talents of Flo Rida and JayKay came together at Loyal Studios in Burbank, CA this past summer filming the video for their collaborative song entitled “What The Girls Like.”
With the state-of-the-art studios owned by Bob Bekian, and the director expertise of Claudio Zagarini in Italy, the two co-produced the video from both sides of the globe in real time. “This was really an international collaboration,” noted Bekian. “We had Claudio skype-directing from Europe, and our team at Loyal Studios with JayKay performing the content.” This method of directing became favorable for long distance review after Peter Jackson utilized it to direct the musical score of the third Lord of the Rings movie on location in New Zealand. “Our Director of Photography was Jesse Brunt, who is a master at making Digital HD footage look like film” Bekian added.
The shoot utilized a combination of high definition cameras along with Kino Flo lighting systems on a greenscreen to produce the raw content. The final cut was produced in Italy as the files traveled digitally across the internet. Any changes that needed to be made could be set into motion, shot, and sent back to Italy for review. “We specialize in using technology to produce high quality content while keeping costs under control” Bekian noted.
Loyal Studios and Bekian specialize in the latest high definition equipment, technical support, and state-of-the-art digital studios in Los Angeles, Burbank, and Santa Monica, CA.
For more on JayKay, please visit Here.
To view the video of “What the Girls Like,” please click here.
To learn more about Loyal Studios, visit loyalstudios.tv
To contact Bob Bekian , please visit bobbekian.com
For behind the scenes videos visit www.realhd.tv or view it on Youtube.
Bob Bekian and Loyal Studios Co-Produce “Time Travel” Music Video for ‘Never Shout Never’
Musical artists ranging from Nichole Scherzinger to Snoop Dogg to LMFAO quickly claimed Loyal Studios as an amazing place to shoot their music videos. The rhythmic legacy continues with the popular rock band, “NeverShoutNever” heating up the Burbank, CA stage for their new album, “Time Travel” — set to drop September 20th,2011. Loyal Studios and Bob Bekian co-produced the latest music video for the crew of “Never Shout Never” –Christofer Drew, Caleb Denison, Taylor MacFee, and Hayden Kaises –and provided the venue as well as the technical support and equipment to facilitate the production.
“The shot list included converting our digital stage to a time machine, complete with electrical props and rear-projection effects,” Bekian states. “We produced the video using our in-house playback system, and a combination of Canon 7D’s and 5D camera systems.” The lenses used included a 70-200, and a set of compact primes. Lucas Huffman managed the set while the band took up residence jamming around a corkscrew, Doc-Brown-inspired, Time Machine Prop.
“This band is destined for greatness,” Bekian comments. “They demonstrated a very consistent professionalism and talent that is refreshing in today’s music world”
“Never Shout Never” is originally from Joplin, Missouri, and formed in 2005 with Christofer Drew Ingle at the lead. The group made a name for themselves on Myspace which led to an appearance on TRL, and a tour in 2008 with “Hellogoodbye” and “Ace Enders.” 2009 showed further exposure with pop rock bands, and an EP album entitled “The Summer” featuring the hit single “Happy.”
“Never Shout Never” is currently on the road for their “Time Machine Tour” in South America, and then a tour of Europe to follow.
For more information on Never Shout Never, visit Never Shout Never
If you’d like to know more about Loyal Studios, click on loyalstudios.tv
For information on Bob Bekian, go to bobbekian.com
Bob Bekian and Loyal Studios Enter The Grid with Olivia Wilde for “Tron: Legacy”
1982. A year that brings to mind the electronic sounds of Depeche Mode, the brilliantly colored, angular neon couture of emerging fashion, the first CDs, the birth of PCs, and the cinematic eye-popping 70’s inspired graphics of Disney’s cult classic, “Tron.” Starring Jeff Bridges as Kevin Flynn, the original “Tron” was the story of a young computer genius who circumnavigated the logic of fledgling computer technology to create the ultimate unique GUI (Graphical User Interface) by way of a “Honey I Shrunk the Kids” style De-rez, digitizing beam. Kevin finds himself kidnapped by the MCP (Master Control Program) inside the computer, and fights to survive as a “User” while teaming up with his friend, Alan’s, security “Program,” Tron, to escape MCP’s hold back to reality.
Although “Tron” was never a blockbuster, it still wedged itself in as part of the nascent digital revolution. Now, 28 years later in real time, Disney has taken that idea and recreated the neon striated world using state-of-the-art computer graphics with high definition keying techniques to transform the blocky settings into a pure 3D immersive experience. “Tron Legacy” –Directed by Joseph Kosinski— is a stunning high quality counterpart to its forefather. Starring Jeff Bridges–returning as Kevin Flynn, and also as his creation, CLU, “Tron: Legacy” introduces the athletic skills of Garrett Hedlund as Kevin’s adult son, “Sam Flynn,” and the graceful Olivia Wilde as the unique “ISO” (Isomorphic Algorithm,) “Quorra.”
As it happens, Kevin has been living in the world of Tron for the past 25 years, leaving his only son the head shareholder of Kevin and Alan’s game company, Encom. Sam finds himself blasted into The Grid –a digital world his father created–, and with the help of Quorra, battles life and death situations against a facist 1982 version of Bridges in order to free his father and return home.
The Trailer for “Tron: Legacy” sent millions of fans drooling over the two-decade awaited sequel. Loyal Studios in Santa Monica, California, was the location used to shoot a portion of the trailer with Olivia Wilde. Using the studio’s spacious green screen, The Grid came alive with motion capture nodes, identity disks, ideal lighting, and, of course, the incredible flexible talent of Wilde, who gave Quorra a deep emotional resonance.
“We were very excited to work with Disney on this project and are always impressed with their technical capabilities” says Bob Bekian, Producer and owner of Loyal Studios. “Disney is always pushing the technical envelope with new innovations and technical advancements as they did with this project. We shot the project with a modified RED camera 3D system with Prime lenses. Our goal is always to work closely with the client at our Loyal studios facilities, and provide a technical solution to their production– as we did in this case, integrating the latest 3D systems with our pre-lit Greenscreen studios to insure the clients requirements are met.”
To view the “Tron: Legacy” trailer, visit HERE
To learn more about Loyal Studios, visit http://www.loyalstudios.tv
To connect with Bob Bekian visit www.bobbekian.com
RAY J AND BOB BEKIAN TO PRODUCE BRANDED INTERNET CONTENT THROUGH REALHD.TV
Burbank California. William Ray Norwood Jr. –known to his fans as Ray J— and Bob Bekian have agreed to collaborate on multiple branded -content projects for distribution on the web. Ray J is an internationally known artist with multiple platinum albums as well as a star of 3 reality shows on VH1 .
Bekian is a media entrepreneur who owns several state-of–the-art production facilities, a high definition production service company and the entertainment website REALHD.TV which is scheduled to launch in the fall of 2011.
“REALHD.TVis an entertainment site which brings together trends, stories, trailers and
behind the scenes content from Movies, Television, Commercials, and Music Videos,” Bekian says. “We are excited to bring our visitors a fresh view into the entertainment world and provide advertisers with a high traffic venue.”
A unique feature about the site is the design that does not “pre-roll” advertising on the video screen, nor does it obstruct the content with a lower third ad. Rather, the site feels as if you are watching a TV screen with clean advertising neatly organized in the player and control panel. “We felt that the pre-roll and lower third traditional web-ad strategies can be obstructive and a turn-off to viewers, so we have designed the site to be more viewer friendly.” Keeping the website clean and functional are very important to the feel of the site.
Ray J and Bekian started working together in Bekian’s Loyal Studios for “For The Love of Ray J” and “Family Business” produced by the Endemol Company 51MINDS. Their relationship grew as they collaborated on other projects together, such as music videos and behind the scenes content. “I’ve always admired Ray for his Talent, but he has a serious business side that I respect as well,” Bekian adds. Ray J and Bekian plan on doing multiple projects including a pilot and talk show hosted by Ray J. as well as cutting edge branded content. Christy Lee Hughs in Loyal Burbank Christy Lee Hughes Broadcasting from Loyal Studios in Burbank California.
Another new and exciting show on REALHD.TV scheduled to air is “What’s Hot with Christy Lee” starring Christy Lee Hughes which follows the latest trends in entertainment, fashion, gaming and art. Christy Lee Hughes is a producer,actor and experienced entertainment correspondent who has conducted hundreds of hours of celebrity interviews in association with realtvfilms.com and loyalstudios.tv. “I am very excited to do this show on REALHD.TV because creative trends are always fresh and interesting and we have incredible talent lined up to talk to” says Lee who is currently wrapping several features.
REALHD.TV is Scheduled to launch September 1, 2011,
For more on RayJ visit www.rayj.com
For Bob Bekian visit www.bobbekian.com
For Christy Lee Hughes visit www.christyleehughes.com
For celebrity interviews visit www.realtvfilms.com
BOB BEKIAN CO-PRODUCING “THE UNITED MONSTER TALENT AGENCY” WITH GREG NICOTERO
What could be better than the Wolfman and Frankenstein terrorizing the cold starless nights?
How about these famous fiends striking fear into our hearts… and getting paid for it, too! In a twist on life around the creatures of old Hollywood, renowned special FX make-up artists, Greg Nicotero and Howard Berger (of KNB FX Group) give the famous 1950’s Universal Monsters a different role as employees of The United Monster Talent Agency (UMTA). The chilling personae of Dracula, the Mummy, the Wolfman, the Bride of Frankenstein, the Invisible Man and the Creature from the Black Lagoon lurk in wait for horror movie work with the headline “We’ll have our people scare your people!.”
AMC posted the eight-minute short just before Halloween, which features guest appearances by “Hostel” director Eli Roth, Dana Gould, “Machete” co-director Robert Rodriguez, and “The Walking Dead’s” own executive producer and director, Frank Darabont (who fittingly plays a director).
The short premiered in Fantastic Fest in Austin, Texas, late 2010.
After working with Loyal Studios president, Bob Bekian, on the hilarious, star-studded Farley Brothers comedy sketch, “Happy Birthday” (featuring Gerard Butler as a perverse leprechaun), Brett Ratner knew Loyal Studios could be an ideal partner to help film the promo for this “Monster” of a short film. Bekian, –a life-long fan of the Universal Monsters and classic horror memorabilia collector—jumped at the chance to be the co-producer for UMTA, especially with spectacular make-up only KNB FX studios can provide.
Nicotero has worked in Loyal Studios several times in the past, and his artistic genius has been applied to the casts of all of Quentin Tarantino’s, and Robert Rodriquez’ films. He was noted on the hit make-up reality show, “Face Off”, and more recently as the special effects make-up designer for the graphic novel-inspired zombie series, “The Walking Dead.”
“Everyone who knows me knows that I have loved the universal monsters ever since I was a kid,” says Bob Bekian, owner of Loyal Studios, and co-producer. “I have a vast collection of original
movie posters and lobby cards, toys, and props from the classic Universal horror library. I am also excited to be producing an exclusive interview with Julie Adams, the female Lead in “The Creature from the Black Lagoon”, in our Santa Monica stage in May. The opportunity to work with a legend like Greg Nicotero—whom I‘ve admired in all of his work, combined with the concept for this project—was an honor, and incredibly fun to be involved with. “
KNB FX is the force behind some of Hollywood’s most memorable special effects and movies. Greg Nicotero opened KNB FX in 1988 with long time friend, Howard Berger. Since then, he has marked his expertise on “Dances with Wolves,” “Sin City,” Transformers” and “Serenity”, “Spawn”, “The Green Mile,” “Inglorious Bastards,” “Predators,” “Splice,” “The Chronicles of Narnia,” and more than 200 credits in both make-up and special effects.
Working in the popular venue of 3D has been a challenge that Greg Nicotero was eager to undertake, as is shown on the incredibly detailed “Final Desintation 3D” and “Pirahna 3D.” Creating “The United Monster Talent Agency” let Greg go back to the Universal Monsters that inspired him in his youth to bring to life creatures from our darkest imaginations, and to throw you headfirst into the fray of explosive science fiction features.
The “United Monster Talent Agency” stars Jaremy Aiello, Bob Burns and Jeffrey Combs, and was shot on the Sony F900.
For more information about Loyal Studios, please visit www.loyalstudios.tv
For more information about Bob Bekian, please visit www.bobbekian.com
To See these monsters, click link to AMC or visit www.universalstudiomonsters.com
Billy Crystal Calls Loyal Studios for Multiple Projects
Billy Crystal is a name that is synonymous with comedy, and also with many important causes. He has created incredible characters such as Mike Wazowski of “Monsters Inc.,” Harry Burns of “When Harry Met Sally,” Mitch Robbins of “City Slickers,” Larry from “Throw Mamma From The Train,”to name a few. His many roles on the sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” are legendary. Loyal Studios has had the esteemed privilege of playing host to various projects and productions that Mr. Crystal has been involved in. After his first shoot in our Santa Monica stage, he was so impressed that Loyal Studios has become his boutique studio of choice.
“We’re always very happy to work with Billy Crystal, who is not only funny, but also takes his causes very seriously; such as endorsing the Jewish University” says Bob Bekian, owner of Loyal studios.
The eight-time Oscar host has supported the performing arts department of the Jewish University for over a decade, understanding how important it is to keep the flame of artistic freedom alive among the students. We were fortunate to have his creative force at Loyal Studios for this project. “Many celebrities use teleprompters and have others write their lines” says Bekian. ” But Billy Crystal showed incredible professionalism and delivered his lines expertly to the camera”. Its refreshing to see that level of discipline.
Another of his projects was a commercial for IBM and his involvement as host for the 2009 Impact conference in Las Vegas. Once again Billy Crystal delivered his lines flawlessley and even added some improvisation that had the entire crew and studio laughing.
Another project Billy Crystal did at Loyal Studios was for a documentary by the BBC in focusing on the life of the famous jazz singer, Billie Holiday. He spoke of his childhood growing up in New York City with Billie as his babysitter on a number of occasions, and how much she influenced his life for the better. His Uncle owned Commodore Records, which recorded many of Billie Holiday’s songs. In a quote on the BBC documentary in 2009 entitled “Angel of Harlem”, Billy Crystal looks back with fondness as he retells of his uncle’s shop on ‘Swing street.’ “For my part, I am so proud that my family was involved in the record that Time magazine would one day vote ‘the most important release of the 20th century’.”
For more information about Billy Crystal and his career, please visit his IMDB page.
To learn more about Loyal Studios, please visit www.loyalstudios.com
Loyal and Bret Michaels Team Up for “Rock of Love”
Bret Michaels –a name that conjures up images of bandannas, guitars, and glam rock hair. For the past few years, the lead vocalist of the band, Poison, had taken his life to a new level with reality cameras tuned onto his music, life, and most importantly, his love. His goal: to find a woman who can –essentially– keep up with him.
VH1 brought Bret Michaels and his beautiful ladies into Loyal Studios’ Burbank studio to film interviews on the popular shows, “Rock of Love,” “Rock of Love: Charm School“, and “Rock of Love Girls: Where Are They Now?” It Seems there’s a lot of rocks in the house, but none rocks it better than Mr. Michaels . Keeping it cool, his passion for music came through in the interviews shot on our pre-lit greenscreen stage.
“We have worked alot with Brett over the years and I can honestly say he is one of the nicest Rock Stars you will ever meet” says Bob Bekian owner of Loyal Studios. “We are both into muscle cars and motorcycles so we hit it off immediately” Bekian adds. Brett is always happy to take photos with his adoring fans and patiently listen to their stories.
We were more than happy to have Michaels in our studio, and have built a relationship with the famous rocker. Even after suffering a traumatic brain hemorrhage, Michaels never lost sight of the importance of living life to the fullest. He has always been real to his fans and friends. When asked once about a 4th season of “Rock of Love“, Michaels responded, “I feel that it should be something that changes up, but I still want that fun element. What you see is what you get with me.” Whatever happens, we hope he will think of us for his future and ongoing projects. If anyone can fight off the darkness and get back on his feet, it’s Bret, and with the love of his girls, general stubbornness, and an undeniable need to be kick ass, Bret will do just that.
Along with a career with Poison, a solo career, and a reality show career, Michaels has always made room to support his charity, the American Diabetes Association. The monies for winning “Celebrity Apprentice 3” were donated to this charity.
Loyal Studios knows how important it is to fight for causes that better humanity and the planet, and we are behind every celebrity that uses their status for the greater good. We aim to keep production in California to make things easier on production companies.
For more information about Bret Michaels, you can visit his home page here.
To learn more about Loyal Studios, please visit www.loyalstudios.tv
Sponsoring Laughs at the 2011 LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival
The LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival is back in town for a weekend of laughs and hopefully production deals for the many talented and funny It will showcase new comedic talent, show off the shorts of the hottest comedians, and bring the world of comedy right to your face. Those lucky enough to be stared down by the judges and win will be poised the write their own deals as “Funny”= “Money”.
It is a Celebrity-filled event that has had famous faces as guests, panelists, and judges for both past and now present events. Some Notables from iconic, and comedic movies and shows include “Futurama,” “Family Guy,” Boondocks,” “Modern Family,” “SNL,” “Star Wars,” “MAD TV,” “Breaking Bad,” “Reno 911,” “Glee,” “Austin Powers,” “The Office,” and “Robot Chicken”–plus and many many more. Their mission objective is, “…dedicated to introducing the newest and hottest comedic talent to the industry, and helping them make the connections they need to take their careers to the next level.” –from lacomedyshorts.com.
The festival began way back in the bygone days of 2009 when men were men, and women let them believe it.
It is the brainchild of famous comedian/actor, Gary Anthony Williams of “Boston Legal” and the voice of ‘Uncle Ruckus’ on Adult Swim’s “Boondocks”. Gary provided an interview toRealTV Films during the 2009 festival, joking about what he hoped people would get out of the festival. “I hope people will go home with their own cars, because under each seat, we’ve put car keys, they can go out to any car and drive away.” But seriously, he speaks about the LACS, saying, “It’s been amazing. The sponsors have really helped us out. ….. they’ve all come through more than I ever hoped they would.” Then humorously adds, “Mark Hamill owes me $0.58.”
If you look on the “Sponsors” page, you’ll notice a familiar black and gray fist under ‘Festival Patrons.’ Loyal Studios is standing right alongside some of the many respected companies supporting the LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival. We do it because we love comedy, and we love the comedians that split our sides. “I am co-producing one of the projects with Snehal Patel, and we are happy to help make the event happen” says Bob Bekian, producer and owner of Loyal Studios.
The festival will run from April 7th—10th 2011. To get your tickets, go Here. The Venue: The Downtown Independent Theater.
For all information regarding the festival, visit LA Comedy Shorts Film Festival
Like the Loyal fist on the Sponsors page? Get the shirt here. And if you like us, find out about what we do at www.loyalstudios.tv
Brandy and Ray J Conduct “Family Business” at Loyal Burbank
If you’ve ever watched VH1, then you’ve probably seen Brandy and Ray J’s show, “Family Business“. The popular show documenting the lives of pop superstar siblings, Brandy Norwood, and her talented brother, Ray J Norwood, is well into season 2. When they needed a venue to film the green screen interviews, Bob Bekian –owner of Loyal Studios, and Producer–was called, and arrangements in our new Burbank stage were made. Brandy and Ray J. were among the first to shoot in the new studio, and helped begin what is sure to be a history of amazing talent that will grace the stage. The appearance by the duo has contributed to the astronomical success of the opening of the Burbank facility.
The show is produced by Loyal Studios client, 51 Minds, a successful reality show production company owned by Endemol that is responsible for such hits as “Flavor of Love,” “Charm School,” and “Rock of Love.” As with “Family Business,” 51 Minds has spent many a day in our studio filming interviews for their productions, and were–of course–welcomed into our new studio with open arms.
“‘Loyal’ isn’t just our name, but –as is evidenced by 51 Minds support of the new facility– is also our philosophy,” says Bob Bekian. “We strive to make our clients comfortable, accommodated, appreciated and respected. It’s our service that sets us apart. And our name that makes us special.” Kudos to 51 Minds and VH-1 for joining us on our newest journey. And cheers to the shining stars of “Family Business,” —Brandy and Ray J— for making our studio that much brighter.
For more information about “Family Business,” visit www.vh1.com
For information about Loyal studios, visit www.loyalstudios.tv and www.bobbekian.com
America’s Funniest Videos Brings Tom Bergeron to Loyal
AFV (aka America’s Funniest Videos) was in the Loyal Studios Santa Monica studio with Tom Bergeron to promote the show. True to form, Mr. Bergeron was nothing but gracious and very funny. Despite predictions from the crew there were no embarrassing moments or clutsy moves that would warrant submission to the show for the $10,000 prize. Cameras were poised around the studio just in case. How cool would that be to have a Tom Bergeron gaffe actually aired on the actual program? We tried, but he was onto us. Next time you visit, Tom, we promise the only cameras rolling will be the one with the teleprompter.
Loyal Studios and Bob Bekian were proud to have Mr. Bergeron on our pre-lit green screen stage, and hope to be able to work with
AMV again in the future. “Tom couldn’t have been better to work with,” says Bob Bekian, owner of Loyal Studios. “Technically, we set up a live keyed out green screen shot, and placed large monitors in front of Tom on the stage , then inserted the funny video into the shot . Tom saw the video on the monitor, then we inserted him into the clip so he could interact with the segment.” Bekian added.
The final result was hilarious and the network was thrilled at the work Loyal Studios did to accomplish these shots.
Thanks to the proliferation of inexpensive video camcorders, video phones and digital technology, there is never a shortage of material for the very popular, very successful ABC show. If you have a funny video, prank or fall that brings tears of laughter to your eyes, then we suggest that you submit to AFV. You could win $10,000. How bad can that be?
To learn more about Loyal Studios, please visit our home, www.loyalstudios.tv
To see more of America’s funniest moments, please click AMV to go directly to hilarity.