Quest Media Entertainment

Each day, Mickey Burns goes to work at his Snug Harbor office, returning phone calls, researching the latest news on celebrities and getting in touch with some big-time New York publicists. But Burns isn't a gossip columnist or a PR guy looking to make connections.

A native Staten Islander, the West Brighton resident is the Host of the NYC TV Show, "PROFILES", a 30 minute, one-on-one interview-style talk show that features notable guests from all walks of the entertainment industry.

Guests who've appeared on the show include Joan Rivers, Eli Wallach and Joe Montana.

With studios nestled in a second-floor room of the Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Livingston. Burns said the show strives to put the focus back on the celebrity. Too often, Burns said, mainstream talk shows stick to a select list of questions about a person's new book, a touring schedule or a movie release, while leaving out the rest of the entertainer's career.

"We bring out stuff no one else asks. Networks are set on what they can ask," the native Staten Islander said. "They [the celebrities] often don't get a chance to express themselves."

Behind the scenes, the news pro works closely with a small, yet multi-talented staff, to form Quest Media Entertainment. Staff members include Bill McCreary, executive producer Gary Huminy of Bay Terrace; technical operations Steve LaManna, of Todt Hill; associate producer Mo Montenegro, co-host Marlie Hall; and our field producer Ralphael Munoz.

Everyone wears multiple hats at the studio, editing footage, producing shows, even producing commercials for local businesess, which is how the show is funded. With a budget of $100,000.00 a year and a staff of about seven, the quality of the show mirrors that of FOX, or any other network affiliate whose budget surpasses $1 million a year.

Celebrities see the value in appearing on the show, too. "PROFILES" boasts a viewership of six million and counting. Of course, interviewing famous people can be challenging, as they're used to journalists poking around for personal information, according to Burns. So how exactly does the veteran reporter get the celebs to open up on air and talk to him for 30 minutes?

"Within the first few minutes you have to build trust. With celebrities, the shield is always up", said Burns, a former producer at FOX 5 News. "Some reporters don't know when to back off", added executive producer Gary Huminy, "What makes us different is that we put them on a pedestal. We don't pound them like a lot of people do. We want to put them at ease".

Unfortunately, not every interview goes smoothly. "Some celebrities", Burns said, "think they are better than everybody else". Gossip columnist Cindy Adams once met the production team at a New York City restaurant for an interview. Upon her arrival, she rudely looked at her watch and asked, "How long is this going to take?" She gave us a good interview though. "I can't knock her for that", Burns said with a smile.

Some of Burns' favorite interviews include quarterback Joe Montana, comedian David Brenner and TV personality Dick Cavett.

"PROFILES" started out in the late 1990's as a seven-minute segment on a Staten Island TV show called "Special Edition". Disapointed that so much entertainment footage had to hit the cutting room floor, Burns and Huminy got the idea to create "PROFILES" in 2000 for Staten Island ch. 76. Eventually it was picked up by Mayor Michael Bloomberg's flagship station ch. 74 in 2004. The show will soon be acquiring Comcast audiences in New Jersey.

Though this news is exciting for the hometown production team, they admit it's more of a labor of love than a means to turn a profit. "Having the challenge of interviewing these special people. It's something to be proud of", Burns said.

"PROFILES" airs on NYC TV ch. 74 on Tuesdays at 7:30PM and on Time Warner Cable ch. 76 on Thursdays at 10:00 PM. There are encores throughout the week.

Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. Turned Out Full House at Sugar Bar for 100th Episode Anniversary

For Immediate Release: Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. held its annual awards ceremony on June 20th at Ashford & Simpsons �Sugar Bar� in celebration of The �NYC TV PROFILES� television show, broadcast live by Channel 74, �The NYC TV Network�.

The event brought out new to classic celebrities from film, Broadway, Hollywood, media and top business sponsors for the �NYC TV PROFILES� 100th Episode on the NYC TV Network which has featured celebrated guests like Philip Michael Thomas, Lisa Lisa, Chyna, Maya Angelou, Ed Asner, Joan Rivers, Larry Holmes, Danny Glover, Davy Jones, David Brenner, Joan Collins, Irene Cara, Melba Moore, Isaac Hayes, Crystal Gayle and more.

Moe Monty is senior producer of �NYC TV Profiles,� which is executively produced by Gary Huminy, and Arick Wierson. Bill McCreary who is a Double Emmy Award Recipient, Vice of Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. and world renown ex-television host of the long running Bill McCreary Report, is also an executive producer of the weekly show and delivered the Welcome Address met with ovation by star-studded guests and sponsored by Washington Mutual, Bacardi, and the very popular Nerds On Site.com to name a few.

Even Charlie B. president of �Vibe Interactive Lounge,� graciously asked Bill McCreary if he could plug one his new tv shows by mentioning the shows motto,�Get Wheel With It,� for the opening of an episode which the veteran host nailed within a few tries. Without doubt, he�ll have even young Hip-Hop fans tuning in to "NYC TV PROFILES" when people find out that he�s opened the door for new up and coming celebrities from the literary, music, and entertainment industry to infuse with the usual classic Hollywood guest list of stars. These are the people Bill knows, so it will be interesting to see this infusion take place as the show gears up for a whole new season. Bill McCreary is also the most respected name in television journalism so it isn�t uncommon for all of his media alliances, political leaders and celebrities to regularly attend Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. events that are becoming the �IT� New York events in town.

�NYC TV PROFILES� has been rated as one of �THE BEST INTERVIEW SHOWS ON TV� according to critics. People are saying � NYC TV PROFILES� is finer to watch than your average reality tv show that may not survive after one season, and more than likely due to the shows professional, in- depth and candid interviews of some of the most intriguing celebrity guests that viewers seem to have their eyes glued onto lately. � People today want to hear about real people�s lives,� says Robert Moran and host of The New Yorkers.

Just some of the VIP fans of �NYC TV PROFILES� show and attendees of the event got a chance to glimpse at excerpts of the most candid and historical interviews on television creating more fan fare, overwhelming applause, humor, amicable ovation and for awardees like Dominick Mancino, Michael J. Migliore, Mary Ann E. Zagaria, and Christine Taylor noted as the Top Realtor of New York City.

"NYC TV PROFILES" is co-hosted by Marlie Hall and hosted by seasoned veteran TV Host, Mickey Burns. Mickey Burns has been compared to veteran television icons and journalists, but his commentary and rapport with celebrities as featured on the show can heart-warmingly melt down the tough exterior of even Hollywood�s finest actors and actresses and attract even the most popular stars of yesteryear and today without fail. Everyone is buzzing about Mickey Burns interviews that have young to mature watchers tuning in every week.

He�s likeable and genuine, says an avid watcher at Ashford & Simpsons�s �Sugar Bar.� �He�s not rehearsed like some tv show icons. He really knows his guests and evokes personal responses that make for a fine interview,� says Kim Fuller, PR King. One of the actual "NYC TV PROFILES" guests mentions, �the people on the show are not only invited to an all out star-studded awards ceremony each anniversary year, but the finest in every domain come out. It�s great to see who you�re in company with the show. This is true networking. I love it.�

New York finally has a well noted event that is worth attending regularly each week.

TUNE IN TO www.questmedia.net for more information.

If you think Herb Williams is devastated about not getting the Knick job, you should talk to Mickey Burns.

The former McKee HS basketball coach and great running back on New Dorp High School's classic football teams thoughthe had the scoop of the year only to have it become a losing Lotto ticket.

Burns, as many of you know, coached Kenny Pageon those fab Sea Gull quintets of the mid - seventies, Page moved on to Ohio State University and became a teammate of Williams. "To this day, he knows me as Kenny's coach".

In fact, it is that reason he got the interview, which it appeared the NBA's third-longest playing member might be named to the sport's pinnacle coaching position.

"Just hours away," Burns said recently of the 6 foot 11 Williams who went from becoming the tallest head coach to the tallest assistant.

It's a reflection of the basketball industry. All the prospectine. All the prospective coaches were no longer there. Negotiations in Detroit (with eventual Knick pick Larry Brown) did not look good. Herb felt he was the guy". However, as they say on Broadway - or is it 8th and 33rd? - that's show business.

Anyway, Mickey has an incisive, 30-minute chat with Williams, which will air next week on his "Profiles" (Ch. 76) show.

Among the topics covered are the rebuilding of the Knick program, the pressures of coaching in New York and the Garden, the New York basketball fans, his relationship with GM Isiah Thomas, the longevity (18 years) of his NBA playing career, and the keys to becoming a successful NBA coach.

Burns managed to get a couple of chuckles when he edited in some footage of Williams playing high school football in Columbus. For some odd reason, he was discouraged from playing pigskin in the Big Ten.

I'm sure Herb is heartbroken; who wouldn't be? Knowing the guy and what a wonderful person he is, I'm devastated. But he'll make a great assistant and move on to be a head coach someday. It's only a matter of time.

The folks over at "Profiles" are all smiles - and for good reason. The celebrity interview show has gone citywide, which means that everyone from the Bronx to Brooklyn can learn a lot about the celebrities who will be, uh, profiled.

"Profiles", produced by Quest Media Enter-tainment, Inc., has been acquired by Mayor Bloomberg's flagship channel NYC TV 74. NYC TV is the official television network of the city. The show has been renamed "NYC TV Profiles" on the network.

NYC TV is available to every cable subscriber in all five boroughs of New York City on Time Warner; Cablevision and RCN systems.

All of this means that more than 6 million people have a shot at seeing the show.

On NYC TV channel 74, the show can be seen Wednesdays at 1:30 AM and 9:00 PM. It's also on Saturdays at 1:30 AM and 8:00 PM and Sundays at 11:30 AM.

Locally, "Profiles" can be seen on Time Warner Cable channel 76 on Thursdays at 10:00 PM, Fridays at midnight, Saturdays at 11:00 AM and 11:30 PM and Sundays at 9:00 AM.

"NYC TV Profiles" is hosted by Mickey Burns, whose television roots can be traced back to Fox 5 News.

Back in the 1980's, he helped produce "The 10 O'Clock News", "The McCreary Report" and "Sports Extra".

The Executive producers of "NYC TV Profiles" are Gary Huminy, Bill McCreary and Arick Weirson. The Associate producer is Moe Monty.

"Our involvement with NYC TV has been an exciting one," Burns said. "Profiles' was acquired at the very beginning of the network launch, and with Mayor Bloomberg's direction, the potential for this network appears unlimited."

Certainly the guest list or the show seems to be unlimited. The many guests who will be profiled this year include:

Guests at "Lunch Around The World: Staten Island Way" will rock and party at a fund-raiser March 27th from 1:00PM to 5:00PM in the Colonnade Diner in Grant City to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation (EJAF).

The idea for the "Lunch Around The World" benefit started back in 2002 in Florida, when a cluster of fans of the rock star got together and played Elton John music and made out a check payable to the EJAF. Since then, the idea has been gathering momentum across the country.

Last year, Diana Humienny, who lives in Bay Terrace and is a legal secretary for Sullivan & Cromwell LLP, got on the Elton John fans' bandwagon and decided the fund-raiser was a great way to join in the effort.

"Lunch Around The World: Staten Island Way" will take place two days after the entertainer's birthday and will be the first such fund-raiser ever anywhere in the New York area.

Mrs. Humienny's husband, Gary, vice president of Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. and executive producer of the TV Show "Profiles", is reaching out to many of his celebrity contacts and media friends to make it a memorable event.

The luncheon will be videotaped, and the results will be presented to Elton John, along with the donations.

The event will include four hours of the entertainer's music, a champagne toast, an Elton John birthday cake, a hot buffet, a celebrity auction in addition to participation by Elizabeth Rosenthal, author of "His Song: The Musical Journey of Elton John", Diane Arneth, director of "The Staten Island AIDS Task Force", and other surprise guests.

The luncheon tab is $32.00, in addition to a minimum donation of $30.00 for the "Elton John AIDS Foundation". Send a certified check or money order for the luncheon payable to Diana Humienny c/o Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island, N.Y. 10301. Any questions can reach Diana through E-Mail at dhuminy@questmedia.net.

Mickey Burns will have interesting guests on TV show, including heavyweight champion Larry Holmes.

Congratulations are in order for Mickey Burns and the crew from Quest Media Entertainment of Staten Island.

In recent months the television program "NYC TV Profiles" was acquired by NYC TV, the official television network of New York City. The program airs on Mayor Michael Bloomberg's flagship, NYC TV channel 74.

Burns, a veteran entertainer from Castleton Corners, hosts the show with Miss New York 2003, Tiffany Walker, as an occasional co-host. Burns' television roots go back to his production days at FOX 5 News, where he was involved in the "10 O'Clock News", the "McCreary Report" and "Sports Extra".

"Profiles" can be seen on the Staten Island cable channel 76, on Thursdays at 10:00PM, Fridays at 12:00 Midnight, Saturdays at 11:00AM and 11:30PM as well as on Sundays at 9:00AM.

"The Best of Profiles", produced by Quest Media Entertainment, airs on Staten Island channel 90 at 11:00PM on Fridays and 10:30AM on Sundays.

Gary Huminy, executive producer of both shows tells us that he has an impressive list of guests set to appear in the next several months including: former heavyweight champion Larry Holmes, rhythm and blues singer Freddie Jackson, defense attorney Johnnie Cochran, actor Ed Asner, community activist Curtis Sliwa and veteran radio personality "Cousin" Bruce Morrow, just to name a few.

He currently hosts "Profiles", a one-on-one interview show which spotlights national and local celebrities, such as actors, musicians and comedians, on Channels 76 and 90.

Two renowned guests who have appeared on "Profiles" include Maya Angelou and Joe Montana.

"Both treated their interviews as if it were the most important one of their lives, and I knew I was in a special place in having the opportunity to interview (them). The experience is one that I will never forget," Burns said.

"When Profiles first started, it was very difficult to book major guests, even more difficult to get them to come to Staten Island. However, once we established a reputation as a quality production it became much easier to book celebrity guests," he added.

Currently in its fourth season, the show's 100th episode is scheduled to air in June. Begun in 1999, the show was originally taped in the Music Hall at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center for performing Arts at the College of Staten Island, Willowbrook, as well as at Planet Hollywood, Hard Rock Cafe and Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar in Manhattan.

According to Burns, the process of putting a show together, from start to finish, is not an easy task. "The process can take from one phone call to a publicist or agent up to two years, as it took us to finally interview Isaac Hayes," he said, during a recent interview. "Celebrities' schedules are extremely busy, and finding a window that fits for everyone's schedule is sometimes a difficult task."

"Profiles" producers, led by executive producer Gary Huminy of Bay Terrace, who is co-founder of Quest Media Entertainment, Inc. are constantly researching celebrity projects, such as books, CD's, movies, and other interesting features, along with other potential, new and upcoming stars.

Burns described the goal of each interview, as "creating an environment that quickly develops trust and comfort. In doing so, we hope the guests will open up and will share information that will be sensitive and personal and, when revealed, make for a special interview."

"Profiles" aims at becoming a future worldwide syndication, and currently is represented by The Television Syndication Company, Inc. (TVS). "Profiles" has been successfully syndicated in such places as Japan and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Later this spring, "Profiles" will also expand to Brooklyn and the Bronx on Cablevision, and in the fall it will be further extended throughout New Jersey on the ComCast Cable System.

In essence, Burn's believes that the show's ultimate aspiration is to present interviews that are informational, inspirational, and entertaining. The purpose of the interview is to present an overview of the celebrities' lives."

"Also to uncover what the celebrities consider to be the key to their success, and to show how they overcame some of their trials and tribulations along the way."

"Profiles" airs on Thursdays at 10 p.m., Fridays at midnight, Saturdays at 11 a.m. and 11:30 p.m. and Sundays at 9 a.m. on Channel 76. Also, Fridays at 11 p.m. and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. on Channel 90.

For an upcoming schedule, visit Quest Media Entertainment's website at www.questmedia.net.

"Profiles" is the island's unique one on one interview show that is quickly approaching its 100th episode. It is hosted by Mickey Burns, whose television roots can be traced back to Fox 5 News where back in the day he helped produce the 10 p.m. newscast, "The McCreary Report" and "Sports Extra". A member of two Emmy Award-winning specials he helped produce, Burns also hosted, anchored and starred in numerous television programs.

Recently, we asked him about "Profiles" and the upcoming milestone for the show.

"Profiles" is in its fourth season and coming up on its 100th episode, How did all of this start? Who came up with the idea? When will the 100th episode air?

I got the idea to produce "Profiles" four years ago as an offshoot of another show we were producing at the time, a news magazine show called "Special Edition". Many of the stories were celebrity-driven.

These stories ran approximately 7-8 minutes. Our interviews with major celebrities were always difficult to edit down to 7 or 8 minute features, and myself and Gary Huminy, the editor; were always torn when we had to cut interesting portions of our interviews with these celebrities.

It was here that I developed an interest in doing a long form, comprehensive profile of celebrities.

At about the same time Gary and I were considering launching "Profiles", I spoke with Wayne Miller; then marketing director at the Snug Harbor Cultural Center; about producing such a show. Mr. Miller thought the concept was great and suggested that we use the Snug Harbor Music Hall as a set for the show.

Additionally, he thought "Profiles" would be a great vehicle to promote and bring attention to the historic music hall, which at the time was in a fundraising mode for future renovation.

The stage of the music hall did become our set for a majority of the episodes "Profiles". This location has been a favorite for celebrities!

Currently the music hall is in the final stage of restoration and will soon be the gem of Staten Island theaters.

During the music hall's final stage of restoration, we have been using the Center for the Arts at the College of Staten Island as our primary set. As a secondary set we use Planet Hollywood in the heart of New York City in Times Square and Ashford and Simpson's Sugar Bar.

Our 100th episode is scheduled for this June. We are now working to book either actor Elliott Gould or singer Tom Jones to celebrate our milestone episode.

I think "Profiles" has been so successful because it is exceptionally produced, has a unique feel and look, and has established a roster of guests that have been interesting, inspiring and entertaining.

We have made being prepared a priority for the show. We do an extensive amount of research in preparing for each interview. This approach is always appreciated by the celebrities, who, in turn, are very responsive. This combination usually results in a great show.

Additionally, much of the success of "Profiles" should be credited to Gary Huminy, our executive producer, Moe Monty, our editor; and Andrea Vadala, our current co-host and marketing consultant.

How do you find your guests? What do you look for when booking someone for the show?

Acquiring our guests is a constant, ongoing endeavor as well as the life blood of our show. We acquire our guests through a variety of ways, such as relationships with theatrical agents and publicists, also through relationships we've developed with people in show business.

However, Gary Huminy is always researching celebrities who are releasing new books, plays, CD's, videos, movies, etc., who are seeking publicity and exposure for themselves and their projects.

When "Profiles" first started, it was very difficult to book major guests, even more difficult to get them to come to Staten Island. However, once we established a reputation as a quality production it became much easier to book celebrity guests.

Today, we get calls all the time from many sources pitching their celebrities and projects for consideration to be a guest.

When booking someone for the show, foremost we look for a celebrity with national recognition; one who has a unique story to tell, and one who has the potential to attract a wide audience demographically.

How long do you spend preparing for an interview, and what is the purpose of the interview - to cover general information, to get the guest to reveal something he or she hasn't stated publicly before?

Preparing for an interview varies from guest to guest. Some guests provide comprehensive press packages that we can use as the nucleus for the interview. We also turn to various sources to research information about the celebrity, such as articles, reviews, quotes, etc. After we gather all of this information, we prioritize the information and then format the structure and direction of how we would like the interview to go.

Keeping in mind that we are usually covering a celebrity's entire career, we need to be conscience of the time frame for accomplishing our interview goals. This interview preparation process can take anywhere from one week up to a month.

The purpose of the interview is to present an overview of the celebrities' lives. Also to uncover what the celebrities consider to be the keys to their success, and to show how they overcame some of their trials and tribulations along the way.

One of our goals going into an interview is to create an environment that quickly develops trust and comfort. In doing so, we hope the guest will open up and will share information that will be sensitive and personal and, when revealed, make for a special interview.

The ultimate goal of our episodes is to present interviews that are informational, inspirational and entertaining.

How long does it take to put a show together from start to finish? There is a lot more to it than simply sitting down and talking to someone. Clips, photos, etc., are used.

The first step is to book the guest. That process can take from one phone call to a publicist or agent or up to two years, as it took us to finally interview Issac Hayes. Celebrities' schedules are extremely busy. Finding a window that fits for everyone's schedule is sometimes a difficult task.

Then there is also the celebrity who is resistant to the interview and requires follow-up and tenacity to make it happen.

I think there were two -- my interviews with Joe Montana and with Dr. Maya Angelou. In both cases I knew I was interviewing people who have reached greatness and have achieved extraordinary accomplishments in their respective fields.

Both have touched and inspired millions through their careers in many different ways. Joe Montana as one of the greatest NFL Quarterbacks of all time, and Maya Angelou as one of the most accomplished authors and poets of our time.

During the interviews, I knew everything they both had to say would be meaningful to our listening audience.

You don't have to mention names here, but was there one interview that was especially difficult to do? Ever book someone who had virtually nothing to say? If so, how did you handle it?

Yes, comedian Pat Cooper: His publicists and agents provided very little information prior to the interview, and, in our research, we were equally unsuccessful. Ultimately I went into this 30-minute interview of Pat Cooper's life with approximately one paragraph of general information to work with.

On top of that, when the interview started, Mr. Cooper spoke angrily about people he was unhappy with in show business over the course of his career.

In my opinion what saved the interview was when I turned the questioning away from the anger and started asking him questions about many of the stars he worked with over the years, such as Jackie Gleason, Bobby Darin, and Sammy Davis Jr.

It was here that Mr. Cooper was at his best, sharing personal stories and insight about some of the show business legends he had worked with and who were his friends.

In the end, the interview turned out great. In fact, many feel it was one of our best shows.

The ultimate goal of the show is to have it syndicated worldwide. Currently, "Profiles" is represented for worldwide syndication by TVS (The Television Syndication Company, Inc.) It has been successful in syndicating "Profiles" to such places as Japan and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

Locally, "Profiles" can currently be seen on Time Warner Cable, Inc. in Staten Island (Ch. 76) and in Manhattan (Ch. 35).

Later this spring, "Profiles" will be expanding to Brooklyn and the Bronx on Cablevision, and in the fall of 2003, "Profiles" will further expand throughout the state of New Jersey on the ComCast Cable System.

We knew one-time McKee HS basketball coach Mickey Burns (you know, he coached that team that went to the PSAL city championship game back in the 70's) was versatile - he's an all-star football player out of New Dorp HS; he's a competent golfer who competes in lots of tourneys; he's had a band that did all right for itself; he's even been a Tom Jones impersonator; he's still a teacher (at Tottenville HS) and he's had himself a career in television.

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is located within the 83 acre campus of the magnificent Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Staten Island, New York, just minutes away from downtown Manhattan.

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