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May 24, 2006

MICA Runway Model Is Among Finalists On Tyra Banks Show

From: MICA - May 24, 2006

Media Contact: T.S. Writing Services
media@micarunway2006.com
media@tswriting.com
(507) 334-2366 FAX

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MICA RUNWAY MODEL IS AMONG FINALISTS ON TYRA BANKS SHOW Floyd McClain is also part of MICA Runway 2006
  May 23, 2006 [New York City] – MICA Runway 2006 model Floyd McClain, Jr., was chosen as the second runner-up in a model search contest held by The Tyra Banks Show. “I wasn’t at all surprised that he placed in the top three,” said producer Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan. “We have top quality models participating in the MICA Runway 2006 show, and knowing Floyd, he has all the qualities needed to be a supermodel. I’m really proud that The Tyra Banks Show saw these qualities in him, but even more proud that he’s part of MICA Runway 2006.”

McClain, who is deaf, was chosen as one of six finalists out of over 400 men nationally to compete in The Tyra Banks Show’s Male Model Search for a 2(x)ist underwear campaign. Provided with an interpreter during the competition, McClain participated in challenging assignments and various drills, such as trapeze and rodeo. Judges for the contest included Jillian Barberie from “Skating with Celebrities,” “Baywatch” actor Michael Bergin and “EXTRA” correspondent Terri Seymour. The teaser for the episode on the show’s Web site also featured McClain’s photograph.

McClain, 28, comes from Los Angeles where he is the only deaf one among eight children. He became a model because “my goal is to change minds and open doors for us all,” he said in a biography on the MICA Web site, “and I’m very excited to participate in MICA Runway 2006.” Jade said McClain is the perfect example of how diverse models can and should be. “This is an ideal opportunity for us to demonstrated just how accomplished our models are, whether they are deaf, hard of hearing, or hearing, and regardless of ethnicity,” said Jade. “McClain will be a major part of our show, modeling different outfits – including underwear. It’s sure to be a sizzling night full of excitement and drama!”

MICA Runway 2006, a community affair celebrating the arts, disability and recognizing diversity of all colors, shapes, sizes and backgrounds, will be held on Saturday, June 17, at New York City’s exclusive Crobar Nightclub. With a reception prior to the main event, MICA Runway 2006 will entail a fashion showcase of wardrobes by renowned designers and sponsoring boutiques. In addition to being a unique opportunity for talented fashion designers, the event will attract the participation of some of the most creative makeup artists, trend-setting hair stylists and stunning runway models in the industry.

Funds raised from the event will help support the completion of two films produced by DeafVision Filmworks, Somalia and 9/11 Fear in Silence: The Forgotten Underdogs. Cash prizes will be awarded by DeafVision and JADE Films and Entertainment for the talent portion of the evening, which includes American Sign Language poetry, dance, drama and film screening showcase.

Added to this year’s list of awards is an award in remembrance of Sarah Marie Pack, who was a dedicated publicist and editor contributing many years of service to DeafVision Filmworks/Jade Films. The Sarah Marie Pack Writing Award will be given to a student writer who is deaf or hard of hearing, selected by a panel of MICA judges. Monetary donations are also being accepted to contribute directly to this award.

For further details on McClain, who is represented by S. Devereaux, visit www.micarunway2006.com and click on “d’artistes.” Tickets are also available via the Web site.

About MICA
MICA RUNWAY is the leading arts and entertainment high-grade venture in New York City exclusively dedicated to showcasing works by emerging filmmakers, up-and-coming fashion designers, striving talents, literary and visual artists who are disabled, deaf, hard of hearing or deaf-blind. MICA RUNWAY strives to provide access to the film, fashion, art and visual art worlds for disabled individuals who may be intimidated, oppressed or ignored by the gatekeepers of the elite art, fashion and entertainment industries. 

About DeafVision Filmworks, Inc. & JADE Films and Entertainment, LLC
DeafVision Filmworks, founded in 1991, caters to filmmakers of color to develop stories that are overlooked, ignored, or suppressed by the media gatekeepers. DeafVision Filmworks is a New York-based non-profit corporation founded by African American Ann Marie “Jade” Bryan, who believes in the importance of educating the general public about the cultural experiences of Deaf and Hard of Hearing population. JADE Films and Entertainment, LLC, where the passion of words are turned into action, is an independent film and entertainment production company that strives to raise consciousness about African Americans and Latinos who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing, whether culturally Deaf or with varied degrees of hearing loss who do not identify with deaf culture. More information is at www.jadefilm.com.


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