• Thursday, May 23rd, 2003, STATEN ISLAND SOURCE 

"PROFILES" LOOKS INTO THE LIVES OF CELEBRITIES

West Brighton resident interviews

national, local talents on cable TV

STATEN ISLAND SOURCE

Ever want to interview some of the greatest minds of our time?

Mickey Burns of West Brighton did, and has.

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."

GARY HUMINY  with  JENNIFER O'NEILL  during  a taping  of  "Profiles" at  Planet Hollywood  in New York City.

 "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 Island.

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.