Strategic Counsel for People and Projects That Want to Make the World a Better Place!

Strategic Counsel for People and Projects That Want to Make the World a Better Place!

Former CDC Entertainment Director, Melissa Havard, Launches Casablanca Entertainment Consulting to Focus on Social Change in Hollywood

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Aug. 24 /PRNewswire/ -- Melissa Havard, former Director of the Entertainment Outreach Program for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) Office on Smoking and Health has launched a new, independent consulting firm. Based in Los Angeles, Casablanca Entertainment Consulting focuses on strategic counseling, as well as managing and developing partnerships between advocacy groups, non profit organizations, foundations, private business and the entertainment industry.

As the CDC's representative, Havard served as the technical liaison on Touchstone's Academy Award nominated film, The Insider, and was an independent research consultant for Fox Searchlight's Thank You for Smoking. Melissa has also produced several award winning public service announcements (PSA's) and documentaries. In addition, she has provided research and technical assistance to high profile and critically acclaimed television programs including Grey's Anatomy, Law & Order: SVU, ER, Strong Medicine and Jack and Bobby.

Casablanca Entertainment Consulting is currently working with the Kaiser Family Foundation's Entertainment Media Partnership program, including the KFF/Fox Network Group's "Pause" campaign, designed to help and empower young people take a minute, pause, and get the facts before making a decision that can change their lives.

Havard said, "There are many projects and individuals in Hollywood that want to use their art or celebrity status to make a difference in the world. Having worked within the federal government, the non-profit world, and private industry, I discovered there is a real need for someone who understands how to marry entertainment with important issues. In particular, working with managers, agents and publicists who may not have the time to really navigate the philanthropic or cause-related space for their clients, has proven to be an area where expertise is really appreciated."

Havard has created social change around a variety of issues -- including tobacco, sexuality, AIDS and mental health. She has worked closely with Christy Turlington, Esai Morales, Sean Astin, Jeremy London, Richard Marx, Boyz II Men, Dr. Jeffrey Wigand, Sharon Lawrence, and Debi Mazar.

Havard is credited with creating, and ultimately spearheading, the CDC's Office on Smoking and Health's Entertainment Partnership that leveraged the power of Hollywood to educate young people about the dangers of smoking. She has been honored by the American Heart Association for her work in this field which included the 2002 Excellence in Public Health and Entertainment Collaboration.

Available Topic Expert(s): For information on the listed expert(s), click appropriate link. Melissa Havard http://www.profnet.com/ud_public.jsp?userid=10032395

Source: Casablanca Entertainment Consulting

CONTACT: Tami Alesca of Ivy Girl PR, +1-310-622-4547, for Casablanca
Entertainment Consulting

NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in additional information, contact Casablanca founder Melissa Havard at 310-782-0804, 269 S. Beverly Drive, Suite 721, Beverly Hills, CA 90212, or email MelissaHavard@hotmail.com

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