The Official Concept

Jesse Lewis, known simply as “Jesse,” is a Japanese singer and member of the chart-topping music sextet SixTONES (pronounced “stones”).

Active in the entertainment industry since the age of 10, in 2012 he was cast in the raucous teen television series “Bakaleya High School,” where his on-screen chemistry with 5 other up-and-coming stars directly led to the formation of SixTONES in 2015 and their major mainstream music debut under Sony Music in 2020. Their first single “Imitation Rain,” produced by the world-renown rock star and composer YOSHIKI, sold 1.3 million physical units in less than a week after release, and since then the group has released a total of 10 more singles and 3 albums--each of which has topped Japan’s highly-acclaimed Oricon sales charts--with their hotly anticipated 4th album THE VIBES releasing in January 2024 and a multi-city dome-class national concert tour kicking off in February.

In addition to his phenomenal singing voice, Jesse’s outgoing personality and comic elasticity continue to net him coveted roles on both stage and screen, including as the psycho primary antagonist in director Isao Yukisada’s international festival darling “Revolver LILY,” the voice of the awkward yet angel-voiced Alfonso in Illumination/Universal’s “Sing 2” (replacing Pharrell Williams in the local dub), and the titular Beetlejuice for the Japan premiere of the smash-hit Broadway musical. His 6ft frame also serves him well, both as a cover model for top men’s fashion magazines and on the runway for Hermes.

In this interview with The Official Concept, he talks about how it all began, the influence of growing up in a bicultural household, and advice he has for other young entertainers looking for a shot at stardom!

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Jessica Morris is a versatile actress and accomplished writer, currently making waves in the entertainment industry. Best known for her role as Jennifer Rappaport on "One Life to Live," Jessica has a diverse portfolio that includes starring in the film "Break In" alongside Billy Baldwin, available on Peacock and Roku. Recently featured in People Magazine for her exclusive wedding coverage, Jessica's talent extends beyond acting as she co-wrote and starred in the TV movie "Twisted Little Lies" with her "One Life to Live" co-star Melissa Archer.

With an impressive list of credits, Jessica has recurred on Netflix's "The Upshaws" and the Party of Five reboot. Her presence is felt in various Lifetime movies, including entries in "The Wrong" franchise such as "The Wrong Fiance," "The Wrong Teacher," and more. Noteworthy performances in horror films like "Living Among Us" and "Art of the Dead" showcase her versatility.

Jessica's contributions to acclaimed projects are evident, including her upcoming lead role in Tom Six's thriller "The Onania Club." Her talent extends to awards recognition, with a nomination for Best Lead Actress in Drama at the Indie Series Awards for her role in Amazon Prime's Emmy-nominated series "Ladies of the Lake."

Beyond the screen, Jessica is a verified social media influencer with over 25,000 Instagram followers. Her diverse career spans guest appearances on TV shows like "Rosewood" and "Perception," as well as a co-starring role in Season 2 of Amazon Prime's Emmy Award-winning series "The Bay." As a principal character in the hit web-series "Beacon Hill," Jessica contributed to its nomination for a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding New Approaches Drama Series. With a range that includes Christmas movies and hit films like "Role Models," Jessica Morris continues to captivate audiences with her talent and versatility.

Jaime Andrews is a multifaceted talent, acclaimed for her deeply personal memoir, "The Brink: A Memoir," reflecting on her tumultuous past with humor. Beyond her literary success, she's a versatile force in entertainment, recently earning a Best Actress award for her role in the award-winning film "Division," where she served as writer, producer, and star. Andrews, co-host of "The Daniel Baldwin Show Podcast," is not only an accomplished writer contributing to New Thinking Magazine but also a seasoned performer with credits on truTV's "World's Dumbest" and shows like "Good Girls Revolt" and "Heels." Her diverse career extends to her role as a columnist for Backstage and her own production company, Jaimation. Andrews continues to make a mark in the film industry with "Division" being an official selection at the SR Socially Relevant Film Festival 2023. From her cover feature on My Chemical Romance's album to her engaging social media presence, Andrews remains an influential figure inspiring others to learn from her experiences.

Ara Malikian, the virtuoso violinist born into an Armenian family in Beirut in 1968, is a maestro of international acclaim, seamlessly blending his Lebanese roots with a global musical palette. Educated in Germany and now a resident of Spain, Malikian's musical odyssey commenced under the tutelage of his violinist father, leading to a debut concert at the tender age of 12. At 14, he became the youngest-ever student at the Hochschule für Musik und Theater Hannover in Germany.

Distinguished by a repertoire that spans Middle Eastern, Central European, Argentinean, and Spanish influences, Malikian has not only championed classical masterpieces but also premiered compositions by contemporary maestros. His laurels include triumphs in esteemed competitions, with a string of first prizes and accolades from Berlin to Pamplona, showcasing his prowess.

As a soloist, Malikian has graced renowned stages worldwide, from Carnegie Hall to Salle Pleyel, leaving an indelible mark with orchestras conducted by luminaries such as Mariss Jansons and Vladimir Spivakov. Residing in Madrid, he held the esteemed position of concertmaster for the Orquesta Sinfónica de Madrid, enriching the city's musical tapestry.

Beyond the classical realm, Malikian's collaborations span genres and artists, from flamenco guitarist José Luis Montón to iconic figures like Fairuz and Joaquín Cortés. His discography, an opulent array of solo and collaborative albums, attests to his dexterity in interpreting classical opuses and exploring diverse musical landscapes.

Recognized not only for his musical virtuosity but also for his versatility, Malikian's nominations and awards underscore his enduring impact. His presence extends to the cinematic realm, contributing to iconic soundtracks in Pedro Almodóvar's "Hable Con Ella" and Carlos Saura's "J: Beyond Flamenco."

In essence, Ara Malikian transcends the boundaries of classical virtuosity, weaving a captivating narrative of cultural fusion and artistic brilliance that resonates on the global stage.

Daniel Augustin is a multifaceted and driven talent, renowned for his acting prowess in various roles, including sharing the screen with Hilary Duff in "How I Met Your Father" and portraying the recurring character of Maurice in Issa Rae's HBO Max original series, "Rap Sh!t Season 1." His standout performance has earned him a series regular role in the highly anticipated "Rap Sh!t Season 2," set to premiere on November 9, 2023.

Beyond acting, Daniel is a versatile artist who recently released the captivating single "Movie" along with a cinematic music video. The narrative in the video mirrors a thrilling romance novel, showcasing Daniel's life as a melody of second chances, a harmonious blend of wildness and warmth, exploring themes of redemption and desire.

As a Haitian American born in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Daniel's journey in entertainment began with a passion for music discovered in his parents' church. From a young age, he became a hip-hop recording artist and later co-produced and recorded his first solo album, "I'm Sorry 4 the Delay," blending Neo-Soul and hip-hop at the age of 21.

Daniel's foray into television started as a production assistant on "As Seen On TV," sparking his deep interest in the entertainment industry. Alongside his wife, he founded Augustin Productions, producing short films and digital series like "Cake" and the acclaimed "Kinfolk: The Series," which was selected into Tribeca's 2022 Creator's Market.

Not confined to behind-the-scenes success, Daniel has showcased his on-screen charisma with appearances on hit series like "Grey’s Anatomy," "How I Met Your Father," and Hulu's "Wu-Tang: An American Saga." However, he's most recognized for his fan-favorite role as Maurice in the HBO Max comedy series "Rap Sh!t," where his chemistry with Aida Osman's character leads to the exploration of friendship and romance against the backdrop of the music industry.

With an impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for "Rap Sh!t," Daniel's undeniable talent secured him a series regular position for Season 2, produced by the acclaimed Issa Rae. Excited to unveil Maurice's journey in the upcoming season, Daniel Augustin continues to captivate audiences with his multifaceted contributions to the world of entertainment.

Born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, Ashlei Foushée has emerged as a versatile force in the entertainment world, calling Los Angeles her artistic home. From a foundation in classical ballet, including professional performances with the Moscow Ballet Theatre, she discovered her passion for the arts early on. Committed to arts education, Ashlei contributed to the St. Louis International Film Festival and served as a counselor for Washington University’s Diversity Arts Program, impacting the lives of underprivileged youth.

Transitioning to Southern California, Ashlei earned her B.F.A. in Theatre Performance and a B.A. in Screenwriting from Chapman University's Dodge College of Film and Media Studies. Her academic journey, marked by Latin honors and recognition as an O.L. Halsell Scholar, included mentorship from Academy Award-winning producer Cathy Schulman. Post-graduation, Ashlei joined the nonprofit Kids In The Spotlight, contributing to film and arts education for foster children in Los Angeles.

On the big screen, Ashlei's talent shines in award-winning films like Jinn (2018) and B*** Ass (2022), both celebrated at SXSW. In the television realm, she made her mark with recurring roles in HBO's Ballers (2019) and CBS's SWAT (2020). Expanding her portfolio, Ashlei takes center stage in the dark comedy A Little White Lie alongside Michael Shannon, Don Johnson, and Kate Hudson. Look out for her in the upcoming gritty drama On Fire, a project based on the true-life Paradise Fires, where she shares the screen with Peter Facinelli, Asher Angel, and Lance Henriksen. Ashlei Foushée's career epitomizes dedication to craft and a vibrant storytelling spirit across diverse mediums.

Damon Elliott is a highly accomplished and versatile music producer and artist. He began his career by working with the late Easy E and his group, contributing to songs with Bone-Thugs-n-Harmony, including Flesh-N-Bone's debut solo album "T.H.U.G.S." His success continued as he produced multiple songs and solo albums for various members of Bone and the Mo Thugs' compilation album, achieving gold status.

Throughout his career, Damon earned multiple Grammy nominations and secured a Grammy win in 2023 for White Sun's "Mystic Mirror." He also received an Oscar nomination for producing Diane Warren's "Applause" sung by Sofia Carson. Damon is known for various collaborations, including the first-ever duet between Dionne Warwick and Dolly Parton, "Peace Like a River," and Dionne's first Gospel duet with him, "I Kneel."

Damon's recent work includes producing BeBe Winans and Dolly & Donnie McClurkin's forthcoming music, with plans for a collaboration between Dionne Warwick and Stevie Wonder. He's also nominated for the Grammy Awards "Producer of the Year" for his recent accomplishments.

Early in his career, Damon specialized in cultivating female singers, working with artists like Mya, which led to Billboard charting singles and launched her solo career. He continued his journey, producing for major artists like Beyoncé, Pink, Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears, and Destiny's Child.

Damon also ventured into movie soundtracks and scored hits for films such as "Men In Black" and "Moulin Rouge." His achievements expanded to the film industry with music production for several major movies and reality TV shows.

His influence in the music industry extended to discovering and promoting artists, including rapper/producer Hopsin, known for his significant success in the YouTube revolution.

In 2017, Damon took on the reggae alter ego NomaD, achieving success with releases in Hawaii and founding the Kind Music Group record label. He then managed his mother, Dionne Warwick, and produced her albums "She's Back" and "The Voices of Christmas," which both charted on Billboard's Top 20.

Currently, Damon is collaborating with legendary songwriter Diane Warren on music for feature films, contributing to songs like "Applause" and "Gonna Be You," scheduled for release in 2023. Damon Elliott's extensive and diverse career in music and entertainment continues to thrive.

Salah Bachir: Philanthropist, Entrepreneur, and Star-Studded Memoirist

Salah Bachir's life story is a remarkable blend of philanthropy, entrepreneurship, and star-studded encounters. As an accomplished entrepreneur, he began in publishing, founding Canada's first consumer video magazine, Videomania, and establishing Premiere, a trade publication for the video industry.

Bachir's journey led him to the presidency of Cineplex Media and the helm of Cineplex Magazine, boasting over 4.3 million readers per issue at its peak. Today, he manages his diverse interests through Phamous Characters, a multimedia company he founded.

In the entertainment industry, he's renowned for his captivating encounters with stars like Marlon Brando, Princess Diana, and Sean Connery. His upcoming memoir, "First To Leave The Party; My Life with Ordinary People Who Happen to be Famous," is a unique window into his extraordinary life and will feature pronouns on the cover—a powerful nod to inclusivity.

Beyond his star-studded connections, Bachir's philanthropic endeavors have earned him accolades, including membership in the Order of Ontario and the Order of Canada. He's a two-time Grand Marshal of the Toronto Pride Parade, an avid art collector, and a host of numerous charity events.

Salah Bachir's life is a testament to the transformative power of philanthropy and the enduring value of human connections. His memoir, set to release on October 17th, promises to be a captivating journey through his extraordinary experiences and remarkable contributions.

Marquette King, the Arizona-based entertainment virtuoso, has embarked on a transformative journey into the realm of modern sound over the past few years. While renowned as an All-Pro NFL Punter, Marquette has seamlessly transitioned into the world of music, blending diverse contemporary genres and mediums. His mission extends beyond mere music engineering; it's about creating an immersive auditory experience that captivates audiences.

Having spent considerable time on the football field, Marquette discovered a profound need for expression and release through songwriting, acting, and sound. With a penchant for curating tranquil and mesmerizing emotions, he defies genre conventions by infusing elements of EDM, House, and Pop-Hop into his music. Furthermore, King's artistic talents extend to crafting one-of-a-kind unisex jewelry, available for purchase on his website.

Currently calling Phoenix, AZ home, Marquette King recently reached a career pinnacle when his XFL team, the Arlington Renegades, secured the 2023 Championship. Beyond his athletic achievements, he's also part of a dynamic power couple, dating professional female boxer Mikaela Mayer. In his downtime, Marquette maintains his fitness through weightlifting, basketball, running, and Pilates. He finds leisure in gaming, exploring new destinations, and cherishing moments with his Chihuahua companion, Joker. Moreover, he dedicates his time to charitable endeavors, particularly in the noble cause of feeding the homeless. Marquette King is not just an athlete; he's a multifaceted entertainer and philanthropist leaving an indelible mark on various facets of life.

Chris Robert Riegel is a filmmaker known for his latest satiric modern-day film, "Expectations," which draws inspiration from Charles Dickens' "Great Expectations." The film boasts a talented cast, including Callan McAuliffe, Blu Hunt, Samuel Arnold, Annie Q. Riegel, and Rina Lipa, and it's set to release next year.

Beyond his filmmaking success, Chris has a remarkable life story. Similar to characters Pip and Estella from his film and the classic novel, he too was an orphan who faced adversity but maintained hope for a brighter future. Growing up across various countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the US, Latin America, and England, he initially pursued a career in baseball before an injury led him to a new path.

Chris is known for fostering a sense of family in every project he's involved in, ensuring that everyone feels heard, seen, and valued. His previous works include "Dallas Buyers Club," "Stealing Cars," "Stowaway," "To Catch a Killer," and "The Big Wedding," among others.

Currently, he's producing "Death of Kings" in Morocco and is attached to direct "Boy in the Moon." Chris is also a member of the Order of Saint John and actively supports The Rashad Jennings Foundation while serving as a board member for Jovē water.

As the director of development and production at Rainmaker Films, Chris, alongside Clay Pecorin, has successfully raised over $750 million in debt and equity capital for various media and commercial ventures. His executive producer credits include the Academy Award-winning "Dallas Buyers Club" and "Stowaway" for Netflix.

Additionally, Chris is a talented screenwriter, having worked on projects like the A&E series "Alice" and currently writing "Riding the Odds" for Rainmaker Films, a true equine sports story.

Chris made his feature film directorial debut with "Another You" in 2017, followed by directing "Ten" in 2018 and, most recently, "Expectations" in 2023 for Panay Films. He is a graduate of Villanova University and continues to make significant contributions to both the film industry and charitable causes. For more information, you can refer to his company's website.