Former EPA Science Communication Director Launches Vincent Roa Group, LLC - Communication in the Green Sector

Washington, DC-MD-VA, January 18, 2010 – Managing Partner and Chief Strategist Donna Vincent Roa today announced the launch of Maryland-based Vincent Roa Group, LLC, a company that provides executives with world-class strategic communication, brand management, and public relations services.

Founded at a time of increasing global interest in environmental issues and corporate social responsibility, Vincent Roa Group, a woman-owned firm, specializes in communication about the earth and its people—science, environment, sustainability, energy, LEED®, public health, technology, and lifestyle communications.

“Vincent Roa Group is a strategic alliance of communicators that know the business of communication inside and out, and are passionate about its role in improving the environment and public health,” explains Dr. Roa.

“Executives in international organizations, leading scientific institutions, and the US government count on us to ensure that their high performance organizations deliver high value communications. We are uniquely positioned to serve Maryland’s 200+ biotechnology companies, 19 federal agencies, and the burgeoning bioscience industry,” she adds.

The firm’s executive team has deep experience in developing and implementing communication programs and projects across a wide spectrum of businesses and organizations. They have served CEOs, scientists, architects and communication professionals, as well as provided counsel and services to the United Nations, World Bank, USAID, U.S. Treasury Department, Hong Kong Trade Development Council, and Ministry of Health, Egypt, to name a few.

Accredited by the International Association of Business Communicators and a winner of the IABC/DC “Best of the Best” Award, Roa is rainmaker who can commandeer start-up operations, deliver robust and scalable systems, and build best-in-class, global communication portfolios.

Businesses know Roa as “business communication process expert” and hire her to re-engineer the way that they communicate.

Most recently, she worked as public affairs director and director of science communication at the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development, where she wrote the award-winning Visual Identity (Brand) Guidelines.

Currently, in addition to leading Vincent Roa Group, she manages www.purpleponywebsites.com, a web design and development division that helps small businesses leverage the power of the Internet.

For a complete list of services offered by Vincent Roa Group, LLC, visit www.vincentroagroup.com.

Vincent Roa Group, LLC, is a full-service communication, marketing, and PR firm that helps executives achieve excellence in high-stakes communication, position communication as a key enterprise asset, and maximize communication resources.

Media Inquiries:
B.B. Murti
Vincent Roa Group, LLC
news@vincentroagroup.com
www.vincentroagroup.com

Photos I Took With My New Camera for KK Gems & Beads for Purple Pony Websites

Business Podcasting - 3 Question Survey

Take my podcasting survey for Purple Pony Websites. Thanks in advance.

Click here to take the survey.

Hair Extension Master of the East Coast Victor Roa Joins Upscale Salon in North Bethesda, MD

Washington, DC-MD-VA September 20, 2009 - Nationally-recognized, award-winning stylist, Victor Roa (formerly of David's Beautiful People) has recently joined the classy and upscale Studio 355 Hair & Day Spa in North Bethesda, MD as Master Hair Designer.

“I am especially pleased to be able to join such an impressive full-service salon in the Metro DC area,” Victor explains. “Studio 355 is a dream come true for me and for my clients. The relaxing and high-class atmosphere make the salon experience great for clients and our stylists alike. Studio 355 is THE place in the North Bethesda, Rockville, Gaithersburg area to have your hair done. Try it once and you won't go anywhere else.”

Known as “The Hair Extension Master of the East Coast,” and recently featured on Bravo TV, Victor is a Vidal Sassoon-trained hair stylist. He was also named one of the best bridal stylists in the DC Metro Area by Washingtonian Magazine for his special event, bridal, and one-of-a-kind artistic up-styles. He's a hair stylist pushes the boundaries of hair design and delivers extraordinary creativity that brings out the best in his clients!

A stylist in demand by Kennedy Center visiting performers, celebrities, media personalities, brides, and women who need their best style, Victor is a certified hair extension trainer, having trained over 400+ stylists throughout the United States. He also has a specialist certification for thermal reconstruction (i.e., Japanese relaxers and Brazilian reconstructors).

At the national level, Victor was an On-Stage Feature Stylist and Special Invitation Only Presenter at Intercoiffure Noveau’s Tribute to Scott Cole, Intercoiffure Creative Director in New York; a Top Ten Intercoiffure Noveau Timeless Classic - National Finalist; and Top Seven Intercoiffure Generation Next Award - National Finalist.

He invites clients to come to Studio 355 Hair & Day Spa and experience extraordinary creativity from a hair stylist who knows how to design signature hairstyles.

Studio 355 Hair & Day Spa is located at 11755 Rockville Pike, North Bethesda, MD 20852. Call 301-230-2929 for an appointment with Victor.

EPA/ORD Guidelines Wins National Award

Washington, DC -- The editors of Graphic Design USA have announced in a letter to winners that the EPA/Office of Research and Development's Visual Identity Brand Guidelines, written by Donna Vincent Roa* and designed by JDG Communication, has won an Award of Excellence in its Annual National Design Awards Competition in the Brand Guidelines category.

"Once again, we've shown that government agencies can indeed compete with the big boys. When you combine a communicator with a vision, leaders who value brand communications, and a firm that can deliver on brand alignment and development, the synergism yields great results. It's a cost-effective product yielding cost-effective results. We are happy with this win," explains Donna Vincent Roa, chief architect of the product.

The goal of this broad national competition, which is open to advertising agencies, graphic design firms, corporations, and more, is to focus attention on areas of growth and opportunity for graphic design professionals, to recognize the best work being done in those arenas, and to emphasize the value that graphic design brings to business and society.

The Graphic Design USA competition garnered over 15,000 entries. Only 10% of the entries received an award. Winners will be featured in American Package Design Awards Annual that will appear in March 2009 in print and — new this year! — online on the Graphic Design USA website.

The American Package Design Awards honors outstanding work across all media and works to spotlight and celebrate superior design products, but more importantly the power of design to advance the brand promise and to forge an emotional link with the buyer at the moment of truth.

*Donna was the US Environmental Protection Agency Office of Research and Development Public Affairs Director and Director of Science Communication from July 2004 to May 2008 where she was a key advocate and communication strategist for leveraging EPA science and research results to reinforce EPA’s reputation as a public health and environmental protection agency.

Hollywood storytelling, Hong Kong high-tech- report from the American Film Market 2008

Check out my article on the American Film Market for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

2008 American Film Market

This weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to attend and cover the 2008 American Film Market.

I was on a press pass this year and worked the market as a journalist for the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.

I wrote a 1200-word article for their website and the Hong Kong Trade Quarterly that will be published in the coming days.

I also had a chance meeting Harvey Weinstein in the elevator and got the opportunity to tell one of the lead characters on Lost--Terry O'Quinn--how much I loved his work.

I was also proud to see my home state of Louisiana had purchased elevator door advertising touting the benefits of bringing films there. I even met several producers and directors from Louisiana in the shuttle bus from the Santa Monica beach.

All in all, an exciting event, lots of buying, selling, pitching, and most importantly, a great discussion and seminar moderated by Patrick Frater, Asia Editor of Variety about how Hong Kong is Asia's Co-Production Center/Hub and Gateway to the China Market.

On the Set - AFI Project - "Sick Puppy"

Shooting for American Film Institute (AFI) fellow Christopher Williamson's "Sick Puppy" took place in a vacant building in Simi Valley transformed into Chase Liberty Bank by the AFI team's production designer.

This was one of the most organized and delightful projects that I've worked on. Great script and great casting. Amazing director. The day went like clockwork and the bank robbery took place without a hitch. I was one of the customers cashing a check when it happened.

As you can imagine, I ended up on the floor. Got some great close-ups of my fear-based reactions. The film premieres in February and will also be pushed to the festival circuit. Stay tuned!

Photo: Donna Vincent Roa with Christopher Williamson in fictional Chase Liberty Bank.

"One Child" Garners Semi-Finalist Nod at Moondance

Denver, CO -- "One Child" received a Semi-Finalist nod from the Moondance International Film Festival.

Known as the "American Cannes" and the festival that presents films and scripts that raise awareness about vital social issues, Moondance "believes in the unique power of the world entertainment media to create great social and environmental change."

"I am especially pleased to get this accolade from Moondance. 'One Child' illuminates a vital social issue that has been overlooked for too long," explains co-executive producer/screenwriter, Donna Roa.

"The one-child policy in China continues to have a detrimental effect on the lives of thousands of girls in that country and abroad. This story brings expanded awareness and understanding of a human rights issue told within the context of one adopted girl's search for her Chinese birth parents," she adds. "This acknowledgment from Moondance further confirms the success of our intentions."

Moondance is one of the premier venues for the exhibition and promotion of feature and short films in the US. The festival was also voted the "third most important film festival in the world" after Cannes and Sundance in an online poll of 150,000 international film industry professionals at LA-based Filmmakers Alliance.

"One Child" Nominated for Best Short Film at IndieFest USA

Anaheim, CA -- "One Child," which played at Disney's AMC 12 Theatre on August 11, 2008 at the IndieFest USA Film Festival, was one of five nominees for "Best Short Film."

"One Child" Official Selection of INDIE FEST USA

I have just received notification that "One Child" has successfully passed the three stage festival screening process and is now an "Official Selection" of INDIE FEST USA August 8th - 15th, 2008.

The film festival takes place in Anaheim, CA at Downtown Disney, Disneyland.

According to film festival organizers, INDIE FEST USA is not your typical film fest. Filmmakers will have the opportunity to do live media interviews, meet and greets, Q & A, and speak to real distributors and executives.

The festival will broadcast interviews and snippets with filmmakers live, online and traditional, seen by more than 80 million viewers. There will also be seminars, parties, and networking, and the opportunity to present your film or talent to the industry in person.

Festival organizers expect many dignitaries from foreign consulates and film commissions. China is sending a delegation from the Ministry of Film and Video.

"One Child" will screen on Monday, August 11, 2008 at 9:45 pm in Theatre 11 at AMC 12 in Disney with seven other short films. When requesting tickets, mention Short Block #4 (TRT91).
BUY TICKETS

Check Out the Back Stage Article

Check out Back Stage writer Wayne Melton's Focus on Independent Filmmaking article, title Scripting the Dream: How screenwriters use pitchfests to sell their ideas -- in mere minutes.

He featured my experience with the Great American Pitchfest and some of my activity for "One Child."

"One Child" Wins Award in Prestigious Accolade Competition

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Burbank, CA -- The short film "One Child," a contemporary dramatic and controversial subject matter short film co-produced by Donna Roa and The Vine Entertainment, has won a prestigious Honorable Mention from 2008 The Accolade Film Competition, a top tier film competition with entries from around the world.

The Accolade recognizes film professionals who demonstrate exceptional achievement in craft and creativity, and those who produce stand-out entertainment or contribute to profound social change.

In winning a coveted Accolade, "One Child" joins the ranks of other high profile winners of this internationally respected award. Gino Cabanas directed the short. Donna Roa penned the screenplay.

Thomas Baker, PhD, who chairs The Accolade says that "The Accolade is not an easy award to win. Entries are received from around the world. The Accolade helps set the standard for craft and creativity. The judges were pleased with the exceptionally high quality of entries. The goal of The Accolade is to help winners achieve the recognition they deserve."

For more information about the competition: http://www.accoladecompetition.org/

Jeff Goldblum, My Boyfriend?

Throughout my life, I have had a healthy respect and fascination for Jeff Goldblum and his body of work. His acting style and manner are noteworthy. He carries a certain savoir faire and magnetism.

About ten years ago at a Mongolian restaurant in Bethesda, MD during an outing with another couple, we were all challenged with the question, "if you have the chance, who from Hollywood would you have as your girlfriend or boyfriend?"

My friend Elisa said, "Russell Crowe." I said, "Jeff Goldblum."

Well folks, guess what? Last Wednesday night, I finally met him. Yes. Jeff Goldblum. Victor and I went on a date to meet Jeff in Beverly Hills. We went to the infolist (Jeff Gund) event at Aqua. Before Jeff went on stage with his group "The Mildred Snitzer Orchestra," he walked around the dining area and shook hands and talked with people.

He came to our table. I stood up and shook his hand and couldn't let him get away without telling him my "boyfriend" story. He got a kick out of it and was especially amused when Victor added, "and my girlfriend was Madonna."

It was a beautiful night for all, even though Madonna didn't show up.

"One Child" Screens in North Hollywood

On Friday, May 16 at 7:30 p.m., Actors Comprehensive Training, LLC in North Hollywood hosted a screening of "One Child" for about 60 people.

My short film was one of two films that was presented during this showcase.

I am pictured here with Michael Edelstein, a key actor in the short, who attending the screening.

Michael opens and closes the film and plays a signficant role (Kissinger) in the story. I appreciate his interest and continued support in the project.

Great American Pitchfest, June 20-22

In a couple of days, I will be featured in a newsletter from the Great American Pitchfest. Here's the essence of that interview.

The Great American Pitchfest is a high-value, high-return venue for writers to present their story ideas. The Pitchfest provides access to industry executives. When you go into the pitch room, the clear majority of representatives are principals in the company they represent.

The Great American Pitchfest brings in the executives who can make decisions on the spot. That makes a significant difference on a number of fronts. These executives have the framework or experience to process the relevance of your film and to take action on the spot, if necessary.

I had three companies pull out the writer's consent form on the spot within the first three minutes of my pitch because they had the power and intention to do it and because they understood my logline and story idea. This creates a very rewarding experience for the writer.

I've been to pitch fests where the young staff representing major companies didn't have this framework or experience, and most of them acted as if they really had better things to do on a Sunday than listen to your idea. This is not good for the writer or for the company they represent.

The Great American Pitchfest also runs a tight ship during the event. This allows a writer to make the most of the two days. I was able to meet with 24 companies formally and many others informally.

High-value and high-return. Where else can you do this? I am still in contact with five of the companies that I met at Great American PitchFest and value these and other relationships that I established while I was there.

What was the most valuable thing you learned from the Pitchfest?
Three critical things:
1) Be ready to network and pitch your film to anyone, anywhere -- the pitch room, hallways, elevators, bathrooms, poolside, etc. I pitched a movie to a famous actress as we washed our hands in the ladies' room. She's been a mentor and supporter to me ever since.
2) Don't skimp on your marketing materials. They are "leave behinds" that help to tell your story when you are not around. I worked with a company that help me to ensure that my marketing materials said that I was already a part of Hollywood, not just some writer from Rockville, MD who wrote screenplays with no real intentions of getting it made. Good design is good business. If you are serious about your screenplay and believe in its worth, invest in the right graphics and materials to support it.
3) Be very strategic about the companies you choose and don't use all of your time waiting in line for the big companies. I firmly believe that because you have an overall event time limit, it is better to see more of the right companies than to put all of your eggs in one basket for a large one that every wants to see. I saw people waiting in line for several of the biggies and ended up only seeing six or seven companies all together. I met with 24 companies using this strategy.
4) Make your logline rock solid. I read Blake Snyder's critically-acclaimed "Save the Cat" as I was writing "One Child." I followed the steps he recommended and locked in a superb logline. And because the Pitchfest offered a :30 minute session with Blake, I got a chance to thank him for the advice he proffered in the book and to present my logline to him. He was wowed and ask to see my script on the spot. It doesn't get any better than that.

3. What advice would you give to other newcomers to the world of writing?
I can boil it down to five words and a question mark.
Work ethic. Work smart and strategically.
Attitude. The glass is always more than half full.
What odds? Expect magical moments to happen.

4. Tell us about what comes next for you in terms of "One Child."
"One Child", which was co-produced by me and The Vine Entertainment in Santa Monica, CA, has been accepted to the Cannes Film Festival, where it will have its world premiere. I am going to Cannes this month for a week (May 17 - 24). I plan to pitch "One Child" (the short film) to acquisition executives from a number of countries, and will pitch "One Child" the full-length screenplay to development executives and other industry attendees at the Festival. This is the year for the full feature to get started. We will make it happen (see last item in question #3).

The Great American Pitchfest gave me great practice for this international high profile gathering. I am finalizing my marketing materials, shining my shoes, practicing my French, and getting packed for this event of a lifetime.

Thank you, Signe for having the foresight and vision to put in place a goldmine for writers. It's a tremendous launching pad for writing careers and for getting connected to so many industry insiders in one weekend. It's an event that has proven to be of tremendous value time and again. I will forever be grateful.

"One Child" - World Premiere at 2008 Cannes Film Festival

I am pleased to report to friends and industry colleagues that "One Child," my short film co-produced with The Vine Entertainment, will premiere at the international Cannes Film Festival in France, May 16 to 21. It's exciting to receive this international professional recognition for my first film project.

The Festival de Cannes expects over 30,000 accreditees spanning the entire spectrum of the film industry, as well as some 4000 international journalists, making it the biggest and most widely acclaimed film festival in the world.

The privileged venue and rendezvous of all motion-picture industry professionals is supportive of artistic and cinematic development throughout the world. "The role of the Festival de Cannes has thus grown rich over the course of the years, to the rhythm of the evolution of cinema itself: selecting and promoting films and artists, welcoming professionals, developing new artistic initiatives... ultimately, serving cinema in all its infinite dimensions."

I'll travel to France to participate in the festival, network with other film industry professionals, and meet with distributors and buyers throughout the world to negotiate distribution deals with them.

The screenings will take place at the Cannes Film Festival Short Film Corner, which is dedicated to promoting short films and providing a platform for producers and directors to showcase their films.

I'll document the experience with text and photos on this blog and let you get an insider's perspective of what goes on at the Festival. Stay tuned!

ON THE SET - "My Sister the Prostitute"

Heavy make-up, odd clothing (blue sweater and bright orange, flowered pants), a grey wig, a funny walk, and the tendency to pick up things that didn't belong to her. See the owl in the photo? That was in the neighbor's yard.

This is "Grandma" - a disoriented, yet highly creative woman with big ideas about how she can help her grandchildren pay for her funeral.

"Grandma" is a character that I played in "My Sister the Prostitute" shot in Santa Ana, California under the direction of Andrea Mgebroff (Chapman University Film School).

Throughout this shoot, I stood next to the camera to listen carefully to the sweet sound of the 16 mm film rolling through the World War II era, high-quality camera. There's nothing like that sound.

And there's nothing like being able to play a character that a wears a wig and does crazy things...doesn't dress like me, behave like me, or respond to life like me. It's so refreshing and odd at the same time.

She was a crazy grandma with two grandkids who always ignored her and even tried to sell her at a garage sale. Their main goals: get rid of her and/or raise money so that they could pay for her funeral.

Grandma had a better idea! While they were ignoring her, she hunted down a "special" outfit she wore the night President Roosevelt picked up her on the corner of 32nd and 5th. She dressed in that tasteful yet, skimpy outfit, flagged a limousine, and began her night to remember (and one that would help her to contribute to the funeral kitty).

She had the last laugh.

ON THE SET - "Las Angelz"

I am in red, just behind the car.

ON THE SET - "Egg Decorating Contest"

I am on the set of the UCLA student film "Egg Decorating Contest" with Director Lynn Winter (L), who also the owner of Lynn's Paradise Cafe located in Louisville, KY.

My role for this short film was to be a crazy and dramatic contestant who entertains as she blows a total of nine eggs. This means taking an egg that has both ends punched and then blow the contents out.

Each year, Lynn, who has an egg decorating contest in connection with the restaurant. She is using the short film to show the untold story behind the contest...egg blowing (getting the eggs ready). This footage may also be used for a commerical to be aired in Louisville to promote her restaurant. Stay tuned!

According to Lynn's website, she "opened her little slice of paradise more than a decade ago and has since become a national attraction and local treasure. As unique and quirky as Lynn herself, Lynn's Paradise Cafe offers the tastiest 'down home' cooking, the wackiest decor, and genuine southern hospitality."

ON THE SET - "The Mirror Trial"

"The Mirror Trial" is part of the 168 Hour Film Project. I played the part of Gloria. While you see me smiling in this photo, the Gloria character NEVER smiles and is probably the cruelest character of the film. She snaps at people, gives dirty looks often, and has a stare that will make small animals run for cover. She does show her teeth once, but it was for an evil laugh. It was a fun part to play.

The script was amazing with fascinating characters and a lot of surprises and twists. I was pleased to be a part of this project which will premier April 11 and 12 at the 168 Hour Film Festival. James-Joseph V. Greyson wrote the script and directed the film.

The 168 Hour Film Project is a competition where producers have 168 hours (1 week) to film and edit a 11-minute movie based on a theme and a Bible verse. All films are created during production week to premiere at the 168 Film Festival. At the end of the festival, awards are given to producers for all artistic and technical merit.

168 aims to illuminate the Word of God through short film. The project provides a training ground for filmmakers, reducing barriers to production and creating opportunities for pros and newcomers alike. Teams are made up of people with diverse backgrounds, who learn to forge dynamic, creative communities.

One Child (A Short Film by Donna Roa and The Vine Entertainment)

"One Child," a short film based on a full-length screenplay of the same name, presents the story of a young Chinese girl caught in the crossfire of the most despised and controversial population policy in the world.

Executive Producer and Screenwriter, Donna Roa notes that "we've created a short that artfully positions a disastrous social policy that affects the lives of millions of girls in China and throughout the world with one child's wish to connect to her birth family. Watch 'One Child' and your heart will skip a beat. You'll want to know what happens next."

Director and Executive Producer Gino Cabanas, The Vine Entertainment, brings his unique flair for impactful storytelling and delivers a short that rips open your heart, provokes your emotion, and stimulates your intellect.

The full-length screenplay is available to financiers/investors interested in financing a development deal or producing the full feature. 

"One Child" is being entered into national, international, and academy-nominated film festivals and is currently under a distribution deal for several major retailers. 

For more information or a copy of the DVD, email me or click the CALL ME button on the sidebar.

ON THE SET - "Double-Sided"

In "Double-Sided," a student film, I play the part of the dying mother of the lead actress, Chloe.

Written and directed by Rebecca J Vanderwerf, the film is a project of the Los Angeles Film Study Center. Story Line: A young woman discovers the importance of treating others in the way you would want to be treated.

The peach pajama top adds to the "this lady's gonna die" make-up/look.

ON THE SET - "LA Sucks" (A Comedy Pilot)

It was a beautiful, VERY cool evening in Los Angeles as eight of us danced hula under the leadership of Aliki Kavouras, Hula Dancer Extraordinaire and under the direction of Andrea Moore (Seventh Heaven), who was also one of the lead actresses in "LA Sucks."

The hula scenes for this comedy television pilot featured a variety of character types and ethnicities dancing hula, while three Los Angeles-based vampires weave in and out of the dance lines.

Notice how the red and white string top really complements the blue sweatshirt. The blue flower and the purple lei cap off the "hula dancing in winter" look.

Comedy Writing and the Showcase

This is a flyer for a comedy class showcase. My name is there. Yes. For the past nine weeks, I've braved a new writing path. Comedy. Each Tuesday evening, I attended and participated in one of the most challenging classes I've taken to date.

Comedy/Improv with Gerry Katzman was a transformational experience. He teaches his students a new way of thinking. He challenges you to go beyond the ordinary. He drives you to get to your truth. And if you've never done that before, you haven't lived.

Gerry guides you through a journey that leaves you wanting to do more...more stand-up, more writing, more personal growth. Whether you are a polished performer or a first-timer, Gerry takes your hand as a partner in the journey and brings you to a place you haven't been before.

Don't expect to coast in this class. The standards are high. The results are magical. What you feel on the inside changes. What you do on stage astonishes and delights. I got far more than I paid for with this class. Thanks, Gerry!