What does life really mean without goals? That should be what motivates us to live. Dreaming is important because it give us hope that anything is possible.
EPIC
Los Angeles-Long Beach, CA (1888PressRelease) January 25, 2012 - Independent movies have been around for years. Some of the biggest actors and filmmakers started their career by showcasing their talent that would soon become mainstream. When you think of Independent, the first words that come to mind is story telling and passion. It's the filmmakers ability to tell a mainstream story but shoot it Independently and it's the lead actors ability to showcase mainstream appeal. The blueprint for Indie filmmakers have always been to create a great project and submit to film festivals. The goal from there is to get your film accepted and then get some kind of attention. An award, distribution or good reviews are all great attention grabbers. Building your network with other filmmakers and future investors is a great platform as well.
What if I told you that one day a guy would come along and star in 3 impactful Indies, Co Exec Produce, Co Produce, Co Write and shoot them all in one year. What if I told you that the same guy would Exec Produce 3 impactful soundtracks which are his albums to go along with the movies. Nobody would believe those statements. They also wouldn't believe that he chose not to submit to any festivals and take matters into his own hands. He had select city movie theater and record label deals before completion of the projects. He turned them down. Welcome to Kenneth Monroe's reality. He landed a big endorsement deal with one of the biggest fragrance companies in the world out of Dubai. That deal was to be the spokesperson for a new fragrance by Cadillac called "Cadillac Black". He started throwing big Hollywood events, became a big socialite around town, got named "Cub Of The Year" and those elements led to him throwing epic Bel Air Mansion parties. He is now set to produce 3 movies tours this year, distribute all 3 movies/soundtracks and keep 100% of the sales instead of signing off for some low end deal for 10 to 15 points that is not fit for a boss.
"It's like I'm a Independent studio. Exec Producing the movies, soundtracks, music videos, marketing, distribution, finding other investors you name it. When you wanna be the best you have to rely on yourself. Agents and managers been trying to sign me but I'm weighing my options and I'm not in a rush. I can be a agent or manager if I wanted to. All of this stuff I'm doing I closed the deal on it. I know how to speak and negotiate well. I don't need nobody speaking for me. I didn't submit to festivals because I wasn't looking to get accepted. I don't need a panel of a few people to tell me if I'm good or not. I know what I bring to the table and I've proved it countless times. I'm always humble and grateful for the Blessing. I love being respected by people and companies that's bigger than me. " (Monroe)
His all around ability impressed Donna Spangler who runs the Beverly Hills Film, TV and New Media festival. Besides the festival she is a successful author, actress, model and high class Beverly Hills socialite. She is inspirational just like Monroe, the two of them understand each other. She has a beauty and fitness book coming out for females of all ages. Her goal is to empower woman to be the best they can be inside and out. Monroe and Donna will also be teaming up on an impactful socialite documentary due out later this year. She wanted to personally host his movie tour kickoff.
"Monroe is driven and positive which is resulting in his success in completing his Indie projects and his 3 tours. I think his accomplishments are driven by the star quality he possess in his inner spirit. When he told me about his tour I was pleased to host the kickoff party at my home in Beverly Hills. I'm honored to work on the tour and socialite project with him. His enthusiasm and effervescent makes an awesome working partner." (Donna Spangler, Director of Beverly Hills Film, TV and New Media Festival)
Monroe has always been different so doing anything regular is highly unlikely. Black Tie Affair, an intimate crowd, appetizers, wine and a special energy is sure to light up the guest.
"I wanted the tour to be very personal and intimate. I want it to be exclusive. I've thrown parties with 3, 4, 5 hundred people and you just can't talk to everyone. I want to reach out to the guest, thank them for coming, purchasing, talk business, smile, laugh with them, have a toast with them. I want to give that personal touch. People appreciate that. I only want around 150 guest in each city. I'm not promoting this tour like a club. It's Hollywood, Hollywood is exclusive." (Monroe)
And exclusive it is, Monroe has his personal chef on board and his wine sponsor for the intimate affair. His chef is the main food sponsor for the "Cinequest" film festival in San Jose. He owns two big Moroccan Restaurants in the Bay area. Monroe's wine sponsor is the legendary "Rockwall Winery" also in the Bay area. It didn't take long for them to understand Monroe's value.
"Monroe is a businessman. I like to see the multi dimensional things that he gets involved with. This particular tour is a great example. He is releasing 3 movies/soundtracks, but also building an extensive network. He seems to realize this movie tour may only be the beginning of something much bigger. Most movie makers I've met seem to have arrived with the one movie they were showcasing at the time. Monroe seems to be barley getting started with the tour." (Chef Jay)
Monroe's 1st movie was shot in the Bay area so that was a highlight for the sponsors as well.
"I liked the aspect of the Bay area involved. It made the plot more exciting to see it being played out in a familiar setting." (Shauna Bloomberg, Rockwall)
People always appreciate good food and wine so Monroe knew that was a very important element for the tour.
"The collaboration with Monroe is a first time opportunity to expand our area of exposure by traveling around the country and feature our fine cuisine at world class, VIP Hollywood style movie release parties. It's all about the people. They have the palate and taste to appreciate and enjoy the overall experience. Spending time to get ready for a Black Tie is art so is the movies, wine and food." (Chef Jay)
"We love wine and we think everyone should be able to enjoy and explore wine. Black Tie affair and wine is synonymous." (Shauna Bloomberg, Rockwall)
This story can't be told without talking about Monroe's main business partner, his right hand man, the guy that's knows Monroe the best, spend the most time with him and most importantly the other half of Monroe's success.
"After I left Apple, it was my time to think different and make movies. I knew it would be impossible to get a studio to back me so I did the next big thing. I partnered up with Monroe to film 3 movies in one year. A Camera and a dream was our motto. We knew we could develop three different movies and show people that we aren't afraid to take risks. It's not right to wait for anyone. You have to create your own opportunity and that's exactly what we did. I'm proud of us. Big studios spend too much money to hire the biggest stars and develop the perfect script, and for what? No thanks. Money wasn't the key to our success, our passion was." (Gerry Cisneros, Director/Producer)
Monroe believes in team work. He understands it takes a team and other talents, ideas outside of your own to be successful.
"Directing Monroe was all business. He wasn't just a lead actor. He was my co writer, co producer and executive partner. Were both professionals so everything else just fell in place. As an actor Monroe proves his ability to keep the audience intrigued and wanting more. He's a diamond in the rough. In a couple years they'll offer him millions to star in roles. He has that fire. He is all big moves and entertainment, I'm all Independent. He is the next Will Smith and I'm the next Stanley Kubrick." (Gerry Cisneros, Director/Producer)
Gerry Cisneros was also with Monroe throughout the entire making of the soundtrack. He witnessed something amazing.
"I've always known Monroe to be a fast thinker, and when I saw him record 12 songs in 3 days without writing a single word down, I couldn't believe it. His talents are crazy and his ability to reach deep and drop hits from his heart is why I believe in him so much. Monroe has allot of struggle and he wants this bad. Listen to the album and you will know what I'm talking about."( Gerry Cisneros, Director/Producer)
When Monroe was asked about working with Cisneros his mood got deep before he shared his thoughts.
"I wouldn't have wanted to take this journey with a different person. God Blessed me with a business partner that is just as creative, talented, and a person that understands my goals and inspiration. He is a pure genius and we've been through allot through the years. I will go to war with him any day. He makes me better and I appreciate his friendship everyday." (Monroe)
The dream has begun and it kicks off in Beverly Hills before they hit San Francisco, San Jose, Oakland, San Diego, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Houston, Chicago, Miami and Vancouver Canada. Pre orders have been great and the buzz is impactful. A big tour on a Indie level has never been done let alone 3 times. Monroe sets history as he goes. It's no secret what goes into something of this magnitude from beginning to end. Lets just say he was born to do this. Business is great but filmmaking is art. His partner sums up filmmaking in a unique way.
"Filmmaking is like a woman. Its the imperfection, the connection, the story behind the kiss, the moment when things change and moods develop,the fear and love. The look in her eye when you find the truth, and whether it hurts or not its a moment worth sharing. Years later you look back and wonder how it could have been different, how the story could have gone that way or this way. Nobody cares, you did it anyway. Learn from it." (Gerry Cisneros, Director/Producer)
We leave you on Monroe's thoughts about life and goals. Until next time be embraced by the leadership of Kenneth Monroe.
"What does life really mean without any goals? That should be what motivates us to live, dreaming is important because it give us hope that anything is possible. Without goals you can't dream, dreaming means that you want to be somewhere different in your life and your going to dream as long as it takes to get there. Keep your dream alive and never give up because it just might be around the corner." (Monroe)