Fashion Expert Robert Verdi and Celebrity Physical Trainer AJ Johnson
JERICHO, New York, July 12, 2004 – Now women have a viable resource for solving the key challenges they face – what do I wear, how do I fix it and how can I get in shape? WE: WOMEN'S ENTERTAINMENT premieres SAVVY, an innovative new magazine series that provides real, practical information women can use in their everyday lives. Hosted by Tina Malave ("Next Action Star"), the series features experts in fashion, fitness and home improvement, among other important areas, to enable women to become more self-sufficient. The half-hour informational weekly series premieres August 6 at 10 PM (ET) and runs on Fridays for eight episodes.
With a lively, fast-paced format similar to popular women's magazines, SAVVY provides expert advice in an entertaining tone that is smart, stylish, motivational and non-judgmental. As it focuses on ways to improve women's lives and helps them achieve their fullest potential, SAVVY seeks to become every woman's one-stop source for must-have tips.
Joining Malave will be SAVVY's impressive line-up of series regulars who are renowned experts in their fields, including Do-It-Yourself expert Barbara K, Style Guru/Trendsetter Robert Verdi and Celebrity Fitness Trainer AJ Johnson.
SAVVY host Tina Malave, in addition to currently starring in Joel Silver's mega-reality show "Next Action Star" on NBC, also co-hosts Court TV's "Fake Out" and appears on E Entertainment Television's "101" series. Tina began her television career as an entertainment reporter with Miami's local CBS affiliate and within a year, parlayed that into a position as the nation's Miami correspondent. Upon moving to Los Angeles, Tina was cast as co-host for FOX's talk show "That's Life". Since then, she has hosted E! Entertainment's international series "Extreme Close Up" and "FYE!," "Ifilm at IFC" and has produced for the talk show "The Other Half."
Barbara K (Do-It-Yourself Expert): Barbara Kavovit, (a.k.a. Barbara K), is an authority in do-it-yourself, and she has revolutionized the home improvement industry with her philosophy and new product tool line that brings new meaning to the phrase "power women." Barbara K is a comprehensive lifestyle brand whose mission is to provide solutions for women in areas where they may lack confidence and capability. Her products include and extensive line of high-quality do-it-yourself kits, tools and accessories designed with a woman in mind.
Robert Verdi (Fashion Expert) : From his start as a successful jewelry designer, with a degree from New York's Fashion Institute of Technology, Robert has built a well-earned reputation as a premiere style, home and fashion expert and commentator. Renowned author Faith Popcorn was so impressed with his keen awareness of trends that she considers him to be an important 'Trendspotter' and 'Trendsetter.' Robert first appeared on the scene as Gay Entertainment Television's style correspondent and later began hosting MetroChannels' "Metrohome" – his own live, weekly show about interior design. Robert then served as a developer and correspondent for MetroTV's "Full Frontal Fashion" (now airing on WE) and is currently co-hosting The Discovery Channel's "Surprise By Design."
AJ Johnson (Fitness Expert) : Personal trainer to many celebrities, AJ currently stars on VH1's fitness series "From Flab to Fab." An accomplished television and film actress, as well as the former Miss Collegiate Black America, AJ made her film debut in Spike Lee's "School Daze." She has since appeared in "House Party," "The Inkwell," "Tara," "Assassins," "Sister Act," with Whoopi Goldberg and "Dying Young" with Julia Roberts. Television appearances have included "Chicago Hope," "Fresh Prince of Bel Air," "Touched by an Angel" and many more.
Other useful topics and experts appearing throughout the series include:
- "The Shoe Girl" with Meghan ('Miss Meghan') Cleary, author of "The Perfect Fit: What Your Shoe Says About You"
- "Heels on Wheels" – car repair tips with Nick Brown and Shelli Lockhart
- "Money 101" with Tina and Brock Harris
SAVVY is produced by A2TV, a division of the branding/design agency Autonomy. Rick Scott and Joel Lipman are co-executive producers, Tina Malave is supervising producer and Latrice Beal is the show's producer. Jeff Eisenberg is Vice President of Production for WE.
WE: Women's Entertainment is a subsidiary of Rainbow Entertainment Services, which also includes AMC and IFC Companies. WE: Women's Entertainment features the largest collection of women's interest films, inspiring original series and topical specials. The network is currently available in over 55 million homes.