LORRIE LEAN LIGHTS UP THE ABFF 2013 IN MIAMI BY LORRIE LEAN

7/5/2013

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LORRIE LEAN WITH ABFF FOUNDER JEFF FRIDAY AND BEAUTIFUL WIFE NICOLE

LORRIE LEAN WITH ALAINA LEWIS

LORRIE LEAN WITH BILL DUKE

LORRIE LEAN WITH DAVID E. TALBERT, WRITER/DIRECTOR "BAGGAGE CLAIM"

LORRIE LEAN WITH DEREK LUKE

LORRIE LEAN WITH TERRENCE JAMES

LORRIE LEAN WITH SHAUN ROBINSON, ACCESS HOLLYWOOD

LORRIE LEAN WITH BOB SUMNER, DEF COMEDY JAM CREATOR

LORRIE LEAN WITH ROBERT TOWNSEND

LORRIE LEAN WITH DAVID MIMS

LORRIE LEAN WITH DAVID MIMS AND LINDA SCOTT

LORRIE LEAN WITH RICHARD DURDEN

LORRIE LEAN - LAST DAY TO ENJOY THE BEACH

LORRIE LEAN LIGHTS UP THE ABFF 2013
By Lorrie Lean

Traveling to Miami is always a monumental trip. Usually I travel to Miami at least once a year for the Fitness & Bikini Universe Championships. But this time, I took a little detour and went to Miami a week earlier so that I could check out the 17th annual American Black Film Festival (ABFF). My entertainment and sports consultant advised me about the great opportunities and connections that I would acquire by attending the ABFF. David Mims has enjoyed networking at the ABFF since 2002, he continues to attend and refer others. So, I needed to witness for myself.

This was my very first ABFF and I wanted to make the most of everything that the festival offers. My diverse talent absorbed the ABFF. One, I host “Lorrie On Location”, a sports and entertainment show that airs on Minneapolis Television Network, see Lorrie Lean and LorrieOnLocation YouTube channels for some clips. Two, my performing arts background includes dancing and acting. Three, my fitness expertise helps others gain interest in my training. Four, I host and emcee shows, and I accomplished networking for connections and exposure. Lastly, powerful networking connections with people from across the nation in the film industry at one place. No matter what the connections I made, all were amazingly great and first hand.

To recap the event, at first, I felt like it would be an easy and simple task. I’d mention a few highlights and be done. Attending so many stand out events and meeting so many intriguing people throughout the weekend at the events, made each day the best and stand out more than the last. I witnessed great sponsors, American Airlines and Cadillac to name a few. Attendees were treated to sponsored receptions, parties and events, movie premiers, celebrity panels, master workshops, and LOTS of networking.

Here are my LEAN highlights.

Bill Duke hosted a 3-day intensive actor’s workshop where he guided, directed, and helped shape actor’s performances. Projections, clips, and extended trailers were presented by representatives from six major motion picture companies at the Hollywood Trailer Fest. “The Best Man Holiday” director Malcolm Lee and cast members Morris Chestnut, Sanaa Lathan, and Nia Long, were there to discuss the movie and “Yes” I will be going to see this movie. A Q&A session with Boris Kodjoe, Derek Luke, and Writer/Director David E. Talbert from “Baggage Claim” - “Yes” I will be going to see this movie, as well. Shaun Robinson from Access Hollywood hosted events and I attended “A Conversation With Regina King.” I felt honored to meet Def Comedy Jam’s creator Bob Sumner who gave me a personal insight to the Comedy Wings Competition. I met Bernard Bronner from Upscale Magazine and connected with Brian Hooks from “Laughing to the Bank” movie to take a quick photo. Anthony Anderson hosted and gave out great prizes at the fun brain teasing Movie Challenge Trivia. I saw Spike Lee at the Kevin Hart’s “Let Me Explain” movie premier, where - wait for it - my publicist, David Mims and I sat 4 seats down, FOUR SEATS DOWN, from Kevin Hart and enjoyed every minute of the movie.

As a newbie, I was greeted with open and welcoming arms from the Fridays and the ABFF staff. I had the great honor of chatting with the ABFF Founder Jeff and his beautiful wife Nicole Friday, also it was nice to meet a Minnesota native Alaina Lewis who was on ABFF staff. Attendees like Upscale Magazine Founder and "Laughing To The Bank" Movie Producer, Bernard Bronner, Tasha Poullard, owner and CEO of House of Virgo Ent., LLC, Richard Durden, actor and Blue Diamond Ice Water owner, TV One’s Ryan Nelson and Filmmaker Darren Saunders, John Blasingame, and Linda Scott. Contacts made with not just one passing in mind but people that I feel will be my ABFF family for years to come. If that wasn’t enough excitement, I was able to connect with my inspiring great Fitness Universe emcee/host and friend, David Gandell. So, attending the ABFF was quite a productive event.

I was able to capture pictures of everyone that I planned to network with and much, much more! I made connections that I couldn't dream of, now they remember me from my fitness image. This trip was quickly successful and I feel so incredibly blessed. If asked, would I attend the event again? I’d reply hands down - ABSOLUTELY!

Publicist David Coneze Mims, Pro Athlete Keith Richburg, and Writer Ed Goree assisted to bring out the BEST in me! Considering that this was my first ABFF, my presence shined even more because of my team! I feel so blessed and know my future with the M.I.M.S. team is bright knowing my diverse talents and skills in multi-media, fitness, hosting, acting, and more will be utilized to the fullest!

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For Lorrie Lean, contact her assistant, Sasha at 612.367.6446; email at lorrielean@gmail.com, also available on social media sites; Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin.