San Francisco (PRBuzz) July 27, 2012 — The Great American NO BULL Challenge is pleased to announce the winner of the first, annual NO BULL Teen Video Awards, an event that celebrates the nation’s teens who stand up and a make a difference. Robert “Austin” Barker took first prize for his anti-bullying short film, “The Formula: A High School Thesis”. Barker attends Copperas Cove High School in Copperas Cove, Texas. Accepting his award, Barker said, “It’s a real rush, coming together to talk about the painful issue with all of the other teens from around the country. With NO BULL, we’ve been able to create a unified community to help parents, teachers, our principles and other kids on how to deal with this difficult issue. Thank you so much NO BULL, it’s an amazing program and opportunity that allowed us to honestly portray what bullying has evolved to become.”

Barker is among thousands of teenagers who wrote and directed hundreds of anti-bullying films during the 3-month competition. He wins a $10,000 production deal, a $5,000 college scholarship and his film will now be entered at the Sundance Film Festival. Other top vote getters are taking home, laptops, GoPro video cameras donated by GoPro and other prizes.

View the eight NO BULL Teen Video Award winners here:
http://nobull.votigo.com/contests/browseallentries/all/all/all/vote_count_desc/1/all/0/?topentries=winner

All the finalists were given the star treatment at Saturday’s event in San Francisco—from walking the red carpet to photo sessions with performers: The New Boyz, The League, Jenny and Ashley, and headliner Sean Kingston.

Filmmaker Lee Hirsch, writer and director of “BULLY”, and 15-year-old Alex Libby, one of the bullied kids profiled in the film, received Rising Star Awards for their roles in bringing attention to the deadly problem of bullying. During the Best Directing Award presentation, Hirsh moved the entire audience by saying “All of you in this room are not only filmmakers, you are change makers.”

Sean Kingston called on Libby to demonstrate his rapping skills. The shy teen and the internationally renowned Hip Hop and R&B sensation wowed the crowd. Check it out it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bP61PPuEXY

Shawn Edgington, the founder of the NO BULL Challenge and NO BULL Teen Video Awards, is already looking ahead to next year’s competition, and getting even more teens, parents, sponsors, educators and communities involved. Edgington says, “All NO BULL teens are winners for standing up and making a difference. It was an incredible night full of smiles, tears, and celebration. These kids are the foundation for meaningful change, spreading awareness and promoting courage!”

About the Great American NO BULL Challenge and 2012 NO BULL Teen Video Awards:
Cyber safety expert and mother, Shawn Edgington, whose daughter Nicole was a target of bullying in high school, founded the non-profit organization, The Great American NO BULL Challenge that hosts the annual teen video awards.

The NO BULL Challenge inspires and educates 25 million middle and high school students to stand up and make a difference in their school and community by using the power of film to send powerful messages. Each year, teens from around the country speak out by writing and directing short films that promote social media responsibility. The Teen Video Awards brings the teen nominees from around the country to celebrate their accomplishments and announce the winning films.

About Sean Kingston:
For his third-full length album Back 2 Life, Sean Kingston immensely expanded his songwriting role, nixed the multi-producer approach of his last release, and pushed for a fresh new sound. Like his 2007 self-titled debut (featuring the double-platinum breakout hit “Beautiful Girls”) and 2009’s Tomorrow (featuring the smash singles “Fire Burning” and “Face Drop”), Back 2 Life boldly fuses reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and electro to create melody-soaked pop. But on Back 2 Life, the singer/songwriter blends his newly strengthened vocals with fiercely inventive electronic effects and hard-hitting live instrumentation to offer up his most passionately inspired work to date.

Media Contact:

Suzanne Spurgeon, Women Media Pros
323-656-1536
Suzanne@WomenMediaPros.com

San Francisco (PRBuzz) July 10, 2012 — The Great American NO BULL Challenge is pleased to announce the star-studded line up for the first, annual NO BULL Teen Video Awards, which promotes social media responsibility for youth using the power of music and filmmaking. Hip-Hop and R & B sensation Sean Kingston will headline the event, which takes place at the Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco, July 21st. New Boyz, Jenny and Ashley, and The League are also scheduled to perform. Celebrities, music lovers, top teen filmmakers, educators, youth and industry leaders will gather to celebrate America’s teens for standing up and making a difference.

The awards ceremony is the culmination of a 3-month national video contest, in which thousands of teens from around the country wrote and directed hundreds of anti-bullying films. 15 nominees are competing for the top Stand Up Awards, scholarships, lap-tops and GoPro video cameras and a $10,000 production deal, among other exciting prizes. View the nominated films here.

Harvey Weinsten, Co-Chairman of The Weinstein Company, which released the critically acclaimed film, “BULLY”, is the recipient of The Stand Up Lifetime Achievement Award. The award will be accepted on Weinstein’s behalf by Lee Hirsch, writer and director of “BULLY”, and by 15-year-old Alex Libby, one of the bullied kids profiled in the film.

Red Carpet arrivals begin at 5:30pm PT. The Fairmont Hotel is donating the use of its venue, including the Grand Ballroom for the awards show.

To Purchase Tickets:

www.teenvideoawards.eventbrite.com

About the Great American NO BULL Challenge and 2012 NO BULL Teen Video Awards:

Cyber safety expert and mother, Shawn Edgington, whose daughter Nicole was a target of bullying in high school, founded the non-profit organization, The Great American NO BULL Challenge.

The NO BULL Challenge inspires and educates 25 million middle and high school students to stand up and make a difference in their school and community by using the arts to send powerful messages. Each year, teens from around the country speak out by writing and directing 2-5 minute films that promote social media responsibility.

Teen filmmakers will be celebrated at the NO BULL Teen Video Awards–featuring Red Carpet Arrivals, VIP Reception, and Celebrity Meet-and-Greet. Donations will support cyber safety educational programs–available to all U.S. teachers and their students at no cost.

About Sean Kingston:

For his third-full length album Back 2 Life, Sean Kingston immensely expanded his songwriting role, nixed the multi-producer approach of his last release, and pushed for a fresh new sound. Like his 2007 self-titled debut (featuring the double-platinum breakout hit “Beautiful Girls”) and 2009’s Tomorrow (featuring the smash singles “Fire Burning” and “Face Drop”), Back 2 Life boldly fuses reggae, hip-hop, R&B, and electro to create melody-soaked pop. But on Back 2 Life, the singer/songwriter blends his newly strengthened vocals with fiercely inventive electronic effects and hard-hitting live instrumentation to offer up his most passionately inspired work to date.

About New Boyz:

Fresh off their European Tour, The New Boyz were labeled “The Young Teens of Hip-Hop” by the New York Times before they even had an official single out. Earl “Ben J” Benjamin and Dominic “Legacy” Thomas met in the L.A. suburb of Victorville during their freshman year of high school. While initially nemeses, the pair built a friendship over a shared love of music. It only took a few months for the New Boyz to become rising stars on a national level.

About Jenny and Ashley:

All American girls Jenny and Ashley are a vibrant pop country singing sister duo. They’ve lived, worked or performed in nearly every state. While in Nashville they recorded the ‘Songs About You’ EP on the renowned Music Row with Tim McGraw’s co-producer Darran Smith and industry veterans, the Dance Hall Doctors. They’ve released their first single “My Kinda Life” off their second EP “Our Kinda Life” in April.

About The League:

The road to international stardom is a path that Pop/Hip Hop/R&B/Electro Pop group The League has always been destined to travel. Comprised of singer/songwriter Allan I and rapper/songwriter Hype this dynamic duo has quickly showed why they are considered by many industry insiders to be one of the top acts to hit the airwaves in years! Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Allan I and Hype prepare to crash the airwaves and transcend as citizens of the world. Allan I, born of Japanese and Mexican decent and Hype, Filipino, White and African American, together reflect a new generation of artist with the appeal and talent to move dance floors around the globe.

Media Contact and Media Credentials:

Suzanne Spurgeon

Suzanne@WomenMediaPros.com

323-656-1536

Fanlala and The Great American NO BULL Challenge take on Cyberbullying by hosting the NO BULL Teen Video Awards featuring Musical Acts Sean Kingston and New Boyz

Santa Monica/Walnut Creek, CA (PRWEB) June 30, 2012

Fanlala, the social entertainment and lifestyle destination for teens and tweens, has teamed up with The Great American NO BULL Challenge to put on the 2012 NO BULL Teen Video Awards Red Carpet Show. The NO BULL Challenge is the first, student-led National Video Contest that brings awareness to the issue of cyberbullying in America and the Teen Video awards. The Teen Video Awards is a celebration of the 15 NO BULL Challenge nominees as well as the announcement of the 8 final NO BULL winners.

The 2012 NO BULL Teen Video Awards is being hosted by radio personality, St. John, of CBS owned Radio Station 99.7 [NOW!] and includes musical performances Sean Kingston, New Boyz, and Surprise Guests. The show will also include the announcement of the 8 final NO BULL winners and the first annual Stand Up Lifetime Achievement Award recipient will be awarded to Harvey Weinstein and accepted on behalf of Lee Hirsch, Writer and Director of the powerful film “BULLY.” The 15 nominees and 8 final NO BULL winners were selected by a panel of esteemed judges including Dr. Mehmet Oz and his wife Lisa Oz, Lee Hirsch, Filmmaker and Director of the film “BULLY,” Ann Shoket, Editor-In-Chief, Seventeen Magazine, Deborah Liebling, President for Red Hour Films, Alyssa Rodemeyer, 16-year-old sister of bullied victim Jamey Rodemeyer, Teri Schroder, iSafe CEO, to name a few.

“Encouraging and supporting creativity and empowerment in kids lives is what Fanlala is all about,”said Alan Anderson CEO of Fanlala and Co-Chair of Teen Video Awards.”Fanlala is proud to be a part of such a noteworthy event. We recognize the value of using entertainment and music to celebrate the incredible effort that these young filmmakers have exhibited.”

According to Pew Internet Research Center 95% of teens using social media have witnessed bullying behavior on social network sites and 55% of them witness it frequently. 80% of those who have seen cyberbullying occur online have defended the victim of the abuse. Since 68% of teens think cyberbullying is a serious problem, The Great American NO BULL Challenge goal is to bring awareness to this prevalent issue in our society.

“Because Fanlala is the source for original teen entertainment including film and music, they are the perfect organization to help bring The Great American NO BULL Challenge to the forefront of every teenagers empowerment against cyberbullying” commented Shawn Edgington, Founder and President of The Great American NO BULL Challenge. “The way to stop cyberbullying is to create awareness about it, which is what The Great American NO BULL Challenge is all about.”

The 2012 NO BULL Teen Video will take place at The Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco on Saturday July 21st 2012. The Celebrity Meet-and-Greet, Red Carpet and VIP Reception begins at 5:30pm and the Dinner and Show begins at 7pm. Purchase your tax deductible tickets or tables at: http://www.teenvideoawards.eventbrite.com. Tickets are limited.

About Fanlala:
Fanlala is the go-to social entertainment and lifestyle site for tweens and teens that offers the best of popular media tailored just for them in one safe place. From original content and customized music to entertainment news and cool community features, Fanlala is a fresh online community that delivers teen content when and where they want it. Fan up at http://www.fanlala.com.

About The Great American NO BULL Challenge and Teen Video Awards:
The NO BULL Challenge is the largest annual youth-led campaign and video contest in America that promotes social media responsibility at the teen level and is free to all U.S. middle and high schools. The NO BULL Challenge uses the power of social media, music and the magic of filmmaking to inspire 25 million middle and high school students every year to write and direct their own 2-5 minute film that speaks to the widespread epidemic of social media casualties. The Teen Video Awards will celebrate the culmination of the 3-month, NO BULL Challenge video that will be held every year. Eight youth filmmakers will be announced live at the Teen Video Awards, a high profile, high-energy tribute and celebration to teens around the country.

The Great American NO BULL Challenge is a 501c3 organization.

After an eventful 5 months full of hard work, dedication and willingness to stand UP to this very important cause, the 15 NO BULL nominees have been selected! “It has been incredible working with all of the teens over the last several months. Their ability to spread awareness and courage using the power of social media and film is a powerful thing that can create real change at the grass-roots level. The NO BULL Challenge platform is free to all U.S. middle and high schools, and is easily accessible to every student and school.” commented Shawn Edgington, the Founder and President of the Great American NO BULL Challenge.

Congratulations to:

Spencer Agren of Gunnison, UT – Producer of “One Text”

Jacob Alewel of Henderson, NV – Producer of “help”

Robert Austin Barker of Copperas Cove, TX – Producer of “The Formula: A High School Thesis”

Braden Barton of Oregon, IL – Producer of “Prevention”

Hunter Doebereiner of Kings Mills, OH – Producer of “I Stop the Fire”

Max Fedore of Johnstown, PA – Producer of “Not Here”

Tyler Gregory & Scott Hannah of Charleston, OH – Producers of “Don’t Lose Hope, Stand up to Bullying!”

Jacob Hayworth of Leon, IA – Producer of “It Follows You”

Hunter Hopewell & Lawren Linehan of Henderson, NV – Producers of “Alone”

Christy Idleman of Effingham, IL – Producer of “Dive”

Luke Logsdon of Muskgrove, OK – Producer of “Be The Voice”

Des Matelske & Joseph Langan of Medinah, OH – Producers of “Don’t Stay Silent.”

Angel McGowan of Simpsonville, SC – Producer of “STOMP OUT the Bullying”

Triple Oswald & The Cypress Ranch High School Student Body of Cypress, TX – Producers of “Cypress Ranch Anti-Bullying Lip Dub”

Kyian Robertson of Haymarket, VA – Producer of “Just Words”

We couldn’t be more proud by the ways our Challenge channeled such amazing creativity from everyone involved. It is clear that we all stand for the same mission and cause and that is NO BULL!