A PARTNERSHIP...
Over the course of their careers, Chris Caris and Bill Miller have been at the forefront of the alternative marketing and entertainment universe–connecting with consumers, igniting word-of-mouth & influencing popular culture. Their passion is entertainment and the business of entertainment. As partners, they have founded two ground breaking initiatives. In 2000, they created Access Cinema Scene -- the first specialist agency focused on cine-media and cine-promotions. In 2007, they created the next generation agency, The Venice Group (TVG).
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Based in Venice, CA, Chris focuses on production, content and logistics, and is responsible for the execution and ultimate success of The Venice Group's accounts. Chris Caris has been working in entertainment and marketing for the past 20 years. He began his career in New York in television commercial production. He went on to produce and shoot magazine news segments for various domestic and foreign networks, including Reuters and 60 Minutes. In addition, Chris assumed a key role with Realis Pictures, producing documentaries with director Geoffrey O’Connor, which garnered several awards including an Academy Award nomination in 1993. Simultaneously; Chris worked as a partner of COA, one of the most successful freelance television photojournalist agencies in NY, providing crews and equipment for documentary, news and corporate clients around the globe. Upon moving to Los Angeles in 1997, He produced music videos and films,
working with such world renowned acts as Ice Cube, Mack 10 and the Westside Connection, and developed projects with numerous Hollywood production companies, agencies and talent. Chris graduated from Grinnell College with a degree in economics. |
MELISSA ENGELLAND
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As the newest member of The Venice Group, coordinates marketing and production initiatives. Melissa has extensive experience in promotional, event, trade show
and sports marketing. After graduation she worked for the Milwaukee Radio Alliance with responsibility for nightclub promotions and marketing campaigns. Shortly thereafter, Melissa moved to
Las Vegas to pursue a Masters degree in Communications at UNLV. During her time in Las Vegas, She managed community relations for The Las Vegas Wranglers Hockey Club. She
also managed promotional marketing programs for the largest nightclubs on the Strip. In
conjunction with this, she has extensive credits as a model,
both in the United States and Canada. Melissa earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and Communication
at Concordia University Wisconsin. |
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Based in New York, Bill oversees business development, marketing & planning, as well as strategic partnerships. Bill started his career in film production and development with Simpson-Bruckheimer Films. Later he moved into motion picture marketing and distribution first for Paramount Pictures and then with The Walt Disney Studios where he managed various projects in marketing strategy, promotions, special events and exhibitor relations. Bill planned and managed Fantasia 2000's worldwide IMAX merchandise program and developed a team to analyze theatrical marketing strategy and execution. In 2003, he co-founded Cast the Vote, a non-partisan, non-profit organization in partnership with MTV that utilized the strength of the movie going experience as a platform for voter registration and involvement. Together with his cofounder, he raised approximately $200,000 from the Rockefeller, Carnegie and ARCA foundations, as well as in-kind contributions from major movie studios and other non-profit partners. Bill graduated from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in Drama and English. |
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