COPA INTERVIEW: Rodney Wayne Branch interviews KF Media Group’s CEO and Executive Producer, Deb Chandler
1.
Rodney: Where are you from?
Deb: Tornado Alley, she says with a grin.
Rodney: Seriously?
Deb: Yes, knew Dorothy well, born in Wichita, KS, military family that transferred, then mostly raised in Texas. I dodged a few tornados growing up!
2.
Rodney: Which schools have you attended?
Deb: This sounds like a job interview when I was 24. LOL!!! Suffice to say, I did get a college education, but that's a whole other interview. It took me awhile.
Rodney: No, seriously...hahaha, that journey molded who you are today. Short version??
Deb: Ok, short version...offered two scholarships for theatre at Kansas universities, and walked away from both to discover the world, (because, I knew everything at 18.) Caught Greyhound bus to Louisiana, met a jazz musician, married him, worked for a publishing/printing company, and the head of oil exploration for Amarada Hess, divorced jazz musician to follow my dreams of being an actress, did regional dinner theatre and a year at the University of South Carolina (studied theater,) Conway. No way, I was going to be in Columbia, SC when I could be at the beach.
Rodney: Hahaha, wow! Please continue....
Deb: 1978, flew to Greece, signed a print and film contract within a week of being in Athens with Models One, the largest agency at the time, owned and managed by Mary Dracopoulou. Whirlwind four years. Returned to the U.S. in 1982, landed in ATL , worked in theatre, print, and finally for an agency selecting, and taking models up to New York to Ford for campaigns with Maybelline, Cover-Girl, and covers of Glamour.
Rodney: Again wow! Sounds a lot like the school of life experience. Did you go back for a formal education?
Deb: Indeed, after 9 years out of high school I went back to the University of Northwestern Louisiana in Nachitoches, studying communications/pr with a theatre minor. Such a great experience, while there playwright Josh Logan came to campus. Our department produced the last play Logan took to Broadway. I also ran technical lighting for country singer Shania Twain's visit to campus. Sadly, I missed out when Steel Magnolias filmed in Nachitoches. The best was being dorm mates with country singer Joe Stampley daughter, and niece of Hank Jr. Finally, found myself in Washington, making the decision to leave theatre for good, after a bad review from a Washington Post critic. I was still young, and would have handled it much differently now. Life Lesson: Never listen to a newspaper critic...lol.
3.
Rodney: When did you establish KF Media Group???
Deb: About a year ago officially. We contracted with a new global OTT for distribution of original content.
Rodney: That's very exciting. For our readers, who aren't familiar, would you explain a little more about OTT.
Deb: Sure OTT, or over the top is a content distribution method for streaming television. The platform we have distribution for is the new Akyumen Entertainment Network, based out of LA. Their new app hits Google and Playstation 1Q/19. Our first show rolling out is the popular Blog Talk Radio Podcast "Backroom Politics," with moderator and our own political gorilla, Justin Thomas Russell. We will keep the audio running on Blog Talk Radio, then sometime first quarter we will transition to the video show for streaming on AkyumenTv, and distribution to additional networks four days a week.
Rod: I caught first show. How many do you have in preproduction?
Deb: The media group has, give or take 6 to 8 television shows, and two independent films in various stages, meaning, everything from partnering with other producers, to looking for writers, directors, signing talent...all the things we do before we ever film. We have exciting days ahead of us.
Rodney: Sounds like it, so what encouraged you to become active in New York Fashion Week?
Deb: Easy, networking, visibility and business! I love fashion, still have a few contacts, (she grins and winks,) fabulous New York designer Dara Lamb, Italian designer Anna Maria La Bianca, international jewelry designer Mindy Lam, handbag designer Laura Lee Williams, DC designer Kenny Kas Flanagan, and close personal friendinternational designer Clavon Leonard. BTW, who's line Clavon Leonard NY is taking off. Clavon's designs have been strong in London, featured in British Vogue, British GQ, and Tatler in the past 12 months, plus he just wrapped the Mercedes Benz Fashion tour through Africa just before New York Fashion Week. I've included some of his S/S19 looks. The designs totally rock glamour and sophistication. Again, NYFW is about networking, and visibility.
4.
Rodney: In your professional opinion, how would you compare the fashion scene in Washington, DC to the New York fashion scene?
Deb: Oh man, Rodney Branche you are trying to get me marked off everyone invite list in DC!!!! I sat on a fashion panel earlier this year for the CFAE DC. Such a great experience. DC has much more going on in the fashion realm than most of your readers may know. I see tremendous talent evolving and emerging. We have designers based in the DMV like Kenny Kas, Victor Hou, Laura Lee Williams, Mindy Lam, and Michelle Blanchard, to name a few who make the DMV their home. These designers, and others are working in New York, Miami, LA, and London. Fashion is hard business to be in, to build a brand, and hold market attention, yet a multi-billiondollar business globally. I believe DC can be a solid launch pad, and home base for many emerging designers. Certainly, one of the many reasons the Mayor's office is committed to growing the fashion industry, which can only help boost the visibility in the region, and nationally. Your publication, with others continue to bring fashion news to the area readers. Politics aside, it also doesn't hurt that we've had two very fashionable First Ladies back to back. Both with very different personal styles. Will Washington, DC ever be as big as New York. No, however, I do believe this area can build a healthy fashion industry of it's own.
5.
Rodney: What were some of your best and worst experiences of NYFW 2018
Deb: This 2018 cycle: NYFW S/S19 was AMAZING, crazy good with moments of SMH odd! DMV Photographer, Devona Jefferson and I partnered 5 cycles ago, and we are in a groove now. I started as her mentor, and now we are doing some exciting things together as business partners. Devona is an amazing fine art photographer that has pushed into fashion. She captures stunning moments on the runway, while I'm covering VIP and front row from the shows. We had 38 shows this cycle. Together we were very selective in the designer shows we wanted to cover. No way we were missing The MKKM Experience,a tribute to designer Mycheal Knight who passed away a few weeks after his last show in New York. Mycheal, as many may remember, was one of the designers who competed Season 3 of Project Runway Allstars in 2013. The Project Runway Allstars hit New York by storm for the show at held at the Stewart Hotel. Wall to wall, standing room only for designers Mycheal Knight, KortoMomolu, Christopher Palu, Edmond Newton, Kimberly Goldson, with host Peach Carr.
Rodney: Sooo, you also mentioned crazy?
Deb: Well, there was the small tiff that went down at the Harper's Bazaar ICONS by Carine Roitfeld event between divas Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. What can I say, "great press." They've managed to keep in the clear in Milan this past weekend. Then we had a little mob gossip, connected with fashion week.
Rodney: Mob gossip?
Deb: Yes, honey! Let's see how best to phrase this answer, so I don't end up in the east river with cement heels. There several larger production groups for NYFW. One had major delays with the shows beginning hours late, making attendees and press wait 6 plus hours to get in. Rule #1, don't tick your press off. Press was told Day One it was a contractual issue, that was being resolved. DayTwo, press was told it was a logistics issue. Rumors where running rampant that the production was being squeezed by the mob. Major inspections by the city for fire code violations, occupancy issues, business licenses, etc. No way of actually knowing what was going on, because there was a BIG NOCOMMENT from the producers.
Rodney: That's interesting.
Deb: Oh, yes it was interesting!!! Now, all that said, they pulled the biggest crowds, with bigger celebrity names popping by than we've ever seen. Soooo....did we have a publicity stunt. Hmmmmm? Welcome to NYFW!
Rodney: And, the best experience?
Deb: Easy. The little celebrity who lives with me opened Clavon Leonard's show.
Rodney: What???
Deb: Yes, my Pomeranian, Jackson opened NYFW for designer Clavon Leonard's runway show. He was carried by Kelcie Leonard. They stole the show. You know your dog has made it when he draws crowd on the side walk in Chelsea.
6.
Rodney: Now, I'm shaking my head Deb. This has been an outstanding interview, last question. What's next for KF Media Group and for you?
Deb: I've had a blast with you, thanks for asking me to share what the media group is doing, plus Devona and I love sharing our coverage of NYFW with Copa readers. As I mentioned earlier, the media groupis preparing to launch multiple shows, while in talks with new content producers. In a few weeks I’ll be in NY again for television week and the National Association of Broadcasters meeting and Devona will be with again. Headed to icon John Blessingame’sfashion, film, and music competition scouting new talent. Also, exciting news brewing with the work Devona Jefferson and I are doing together, which fingers crossed, will roll into a series related to pop news, covering fashion, entertainment, and the arts. The two of us will be launching a new fashion website before next NYFW cycle, "Deb and Devona's Luxury Look." Follow us on social media for updates at Deb Chandler, and Devona Jefferson Photography on Instagram. You'll see when the site goes live. It's a great wrap forthis year, and 2019 will #KICKFANNIE!
1.
Rodney: Where are you from?
Deb: Tornado Alley, she says with a grin.
Rodney: Seriously?
Deb: Yes, knew Dorothy well, born in Wichita, KS, military family that transferred, then mostly raised in Texas. I dodged a few tornados growing up!
2.
Rodney: Which schools have you attended?
Deb: This sounds like a job interview when I was 24. LOL!!! Suffice to say, I did get a college education, but that's a whole other interview. It took me awhile.
Rodney: No, seriously...hahaha, that journey molded who you are today. Short version??
Deb: Ok, short version...offered two scholarships for theatre at Kansas universities, and walked away from both to discover the world, (because, I knew everything at 18.) Caught Greyhound bus to Louisiana, met a jazz musician, married him, worked for a publishing/printing company, and the head of oil exploration for Amarada Hess, divorced jazz musician to follow my dreams of being an actress, did regional dinner theatre and a year at the University of South Carolina (studied theater,) Conway. No way, I was going to be in Columbia, SC when I could be at the beach.
Rodney: Hahaha, wow! Please continue....
Deb: 1978, flew to Greece, signed a print and film contract within a week of being in Athens with Models One, the largest agency at the time, owned and managed by Mary Dracopoulou. Whirlwind four years. Returned to the U.S. in 1982, landed in ATL , worked in theatre, print, and finally for an agency selecting, and taking models up to New York to Ford for campaigns with Maybelline, Cover-Girl, and covers of Glamour.
Rodney: Again wow! Sounds a lot like the school of life experience. Did you go back for a formal education?
Deb: Indeed, after 9 years out of high school I went back to the University of Northwestern Louisiana in Nachitoches, studying communications/pr with a theatre minor. Such a great experience, while there playwright Josh Logan came to campus. Our department produced the last play Logan took to Broadway. I also ran technical lighting for country singer Shania Twain's visit to campus. Sadly, I missed out when Steel Magnolias filmed in Nachitoches. The best was being dorm mates with country singer Joe Stampley daughter, and niece of Hank Jr. Finally, found myself in Washington, making the decision to leave theatre for good, after a bad review from a Washington Post critic. I was still young, and would have handled it much differently now. Life Lesson: Never listen to a newspaper critic...lol.
3.
Rodney: When did you establish KF Media Group???
Deb: About a year ago officially. We contracted with a new global OTT for distribution of original content.
Rodney: That's very exciting. For our readers, who aren't familiar, would you explain a little more about OTT.
Deb: Sure OTT, or over the top is a content distribution method for streaming television. The platform we have distribution for is the new Akyumen Entertainment Network, based out of LA. Their new app hits Google and Playstation 1Q/19. Our first show rolling out is the popular Blog Talk Radio Podcast "Backroom Politics," with moderator and our own political gorilla, Justin Thomas Russell. We will keep the audio running on Blog Talk Radio, then sometime first quarter we will transition to the video show for streaming on AkyumenTv, and distribution to additional networks four days a week.
Rod: I caught first show. How many do you have in preproduction?
Deb: The media group has, give or take 6 to 8 television shows, and two independent films in various stages, meaning, everything from partnering with other producers, to looking for writers, directors, signing talent...all the things we do before we ever film. We have exciting days ahead of us.
Rodney: Sounds like it, so what encouraged you to become active in New York Fashion Week?
Deb: Easy, networking, visibility and business! I love fashion, still have a few contacts, (she grins and winks,) fabulous New York designer Dara Lamb, Italian designer Anna Maria La Bianca, international jewelry designer Mindy Lam, handbag designer Laura Lee Williams, DC designer Kenny Kas Flanagan, and close personal friendinternational designer Clavon Leonard. BTW, who's line Clavon Leonard NY is taking off. Clavon's designs have been strong in London, featured in British Vogue, British GQ, and Tatler in the past 12 months, plus he just wrapped the Mercedes Benz Fashion tour through Africa just before New York Fashion Week. I've included some of his S/S19 looks. The designs totally rock glamour and sophistication. Again, NYFW is about networking, and visibility.
4.
Rodney: In your professional opinion, how would you compare the fashion scene in Washington, DC to the New York fashion scene?
Deb: Oh man, Rodney Branche you are trying to get me marked off everyone invite list in DC!!!! I sat on a fashion panel earlier this year for the CFAE DC. Such a great experience. DC has much more going on in the fashion realm than most of your readers may know. I see tremendous talent evolving and emerging. We have designers based in the DMV like Kenny Kas, Victor Hou, Laura Lee Williams, Mindy Lam, and Michelle Blanchard, to name a few who make the DMV their home. These designers, and others are working in New York, Miami, LA, and London. Fashion is hard business to be in, to build a brand, and hold market attention, yet a multi-billiondollar business globally. I believe DC can be a solid launch pad, and home base for many emerging designers. Certainly, one of the many reasons the Mayor's office is committed to growing the fashion industry, which can only help boost the visibility in the region, and nationally. Your publication, with others continue to bring fashion news to the area readers. Politics aside, it also doesn't hurt that we've had two very fashionable First Ladies back to back. Both with very different personal styles. Will Washington, DC ever be as big as New York. No, however, I do believe this area can build a healthy fashion industry of it's own.
5.
Rodney: What were some of your best and worst experiences of NYFW 2018
Deb: This 2018 cycle: NYFW S/S19 was AMAZING, crazy good with moments of SMH odd! DMV Photographer, Devona Jefferson and I partnered 5 cycles ago, and we are in a groove now. I started as her mentor, and now we are doing some exciting things together as business partners. Devona is an amazing fine art photographer that has pushed into fashion. She captures stunning moments on the runway, while I'm covering VIP and front row from the shows. We had 38 shows this cycle. Together we were very selective in the designer shows we wanted to cover. No way we were missing The MKKM Experience,a tribute to designer Mycheal Knight who passed away a few weeks after his last show in New York. Mycheal, as many may remember, was one of the designers who competed Season 3 of Project Runway Allstars in 2013. The Project Runway Allstars hit New York by storm for the show at held at the Stewart Hotel. Wall to wall, standing room only for designers Mycheal Knight, KortoMomolu, Christopher Palu, Edmond Newton, Kimberly Goldson, with host Peach Carr.
Rodney: Sooo, you also mentioned crazy?
Deb: Well, there was the small tiff that went down at the Harper's Bazaar ICONS by Carine Roitfeld event between divas Nicki Minaj and Cardi B. What can I say, "great press." They've managed to keep in the clear in Milan this past weekend. Then we had a little mob gossip, connected with fashion week.
Rodney: Mob gossip?
Deb: Yes, honey! Let's see how best to phrase this answer, so I don't end up in the east river with cement heels. There several larger production groups for NYFW. One had major delays with the shows beginning hours late, making attendees and press wait 6 plus hours to get in. Rule #1, don't tick your press off. Press was told Day One it was a contractual issue, that was being resolved. DayTwo, press was told it was a logistics issue. Rumors where running rampant that the production was being squeezed by the mob. Major inspections by the city for fire code violations, occupancy issues, business licenses, etc. No way of actually knowing what was going on, because there was a BIG NOCOMMENT from the producers.
Rodney: That's interesting.
Deb: Oh, yes it was interesting!!! Now, all that said, they pulled the biggest crowds, with bigger celebrity names popping by than we've ever seen. Soooo....did we have a publicity stunt. Hmmmmm? Welcome to NYFW!
Rodney: And, the best experience?
Deb: Easy. The little celebrity who lives with me opened Clavon Leonard's show.
Rodney: What???
Deb: Yes, my Pomeranian, Jackson opened NYFW for designer Clavon Leonard's runway show. He was carried by Kelcie Leonard. They stole the show. You know your dog has made it when he draws crowd on the side walk in Chelsea.
6.
Rodney: Now, I'm shaking my head Deb. This has been an outstanding interview, last question. What's next for KF Media Group and for you?
Deb: I've had a blast with you, thanks for asking me to share what the media group is doing, plus Devona and I love sharing our coverage of NYFW with Copa readers. As I mentioned earlier, the media groupis preparing to launch multiple shows, while in talks with new content producers. In a few weeks I’ll be in NY again for television week and the National Association of Broadcasters meeting and Devona will be with again. Headed to icon John Blessingame’sfashion, film, and music competition scouting new talent. Also, exciting news brewing with the work Devona Jefferson and I are doing together, which fingers crossed, will roll into a series related to pop news, covering fashion, entertainment, and the arts. The two of us will be launching a new fashion website before next NYFW cycle, "Deb and Devona's Luxury Look." Follow us on social media for updates at Deb Chandler, and Devona Jefferson Photography on Instagram. You'll see when the site goes live. It's a great wrap forthis year, and 2019 will #KICKFANNIE!