Variety
Entertainment news, film reviews, awards, film festivals, box office, entertainment industry conferences

NBC stations launch new reality series 'The Match Off'

NBC Local Media's LX.TV, so far known mostly for its localized city guide-style programming, is adding another show to its reality roster.

The production unit is behind "The Match Off," a reality competish that will air on NBC's ten O&O stations (including KNBC Los Angeles and WNBC New York) starting this Saturday, June 26. Show will air at 1 a.m., after "Saturday Night Live."

“‘The Match Off’ is the perfect series for local audiences – nothing is more local than finding a partner," said Morgan Hertzan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, LX.TV.

The six-episode summer series, hosted by Maria Sansone, features matchmakers and clients from New York, Los Angeles and Chicago. Here in L.A., that means Sherry and Eva Singer, Luis Santiago and Kim Lockhart, Julie Ferman and Dianne Bennett. The matchmakers "go head to head to help their singles find love."

Rachel Kamrasch is executive producer.

Click here to read the article on the Variety weblog.

The Yenta Report
"I know the answer, so just ask me already!"

Your Weekly Yenta Interview of LA Insiders - Kim Lockhart

Kim Lockhart is a successful dating coach for young professionals in LA. Though a natural, her early attempts at matchmaking were more sly, yet fruitless. “Years ago when I lived in the Bay Area, I would organize dinner parties, and try to set people up without them knowing it. I wanted it to seem natural. But then one or two key people would cancel, and then someone else would bring an unexpected guest, and my whole plan would fall apart. So I figured out that “secret” date coaching doesn’t wor k.” These days, Kim is unabashed in her enthusiasm to set singles up. Nowadays, it’s through coaching, classes, mixers and rockin’ big parties. “There are so many smart, fun, creative, and basically awesome single people in LA. But they’re not meeting each other. I want to change that!” With that mission in mind, Kim has spent the past few years studying the sexes through classes, workshops, research, focus groups -- and real life coaching experience. “When I see the change in someone who suddenly has confidence and enjoys meeting new people, it delights me. And after they’ve had a great date, I’m like a teenager who wants to know every last detail. When she’s not connecting couples, Kim can be found napping on the beach, cruising around on her yellow bike, or enjoying margaritas with her husband and friends.

Lucky for all TYR readers - Kim is sharing some awesome advice for the single ladies - write these down!!!

Why is it so hard to meet anyone here? Two reasons: Men have the misconception that all women in LA get hit on constantly, and so they don’t want to be “jerk number 9” who interrupts a woman when she’s hanging out with her friends. However, women also have the misconception that they appear approachable, even though they’re texting, talking on their phones and surrounded by a pack of girlfriends at the bar. No man wants to try to break through that.

So what’s a girl to do? Here are some tips.

1. Men need very clear signals that it’s okay for them to approach. When you see a guy that you like, smile at him for five seconds without breaking eye contact. I know that it will be feel like a very long time, but men need it to be that clear that - yup, you’re looking at him. If he’s available, he will be by your side in about a minute.

2. If you are chatting with a guy that you like and your girlfriend says that she’s ready to go, tell your guy, “It was really nice meeting you” and wait a beat to see if he asks for your number. So many women tell a guy that they have to go, and then dart out the door before the guy has a chance to ask for her number. And that’s an opportunity lost.

3. If a man gives you his business card, turn it over, write your number on the back, and hand it back to him. Encourage men to initiate the date.

4. Show appreciation for the little things. The bottom line is that men really want to make a woman happy. Appreciation is the fuel that keeps men working hard to please you. So speak up and let him know how much you liked your dinner, that you enjoyed the movie, that you have fun when you’re with him, etc. And the day after a date, send him an email or text saying that you had a great time. The more that he feels like he can please you, the more motivated he will be to keep doing it.

5. Have fun! Think of each date like a treasure hunt. You might find chemistry, you might learn something new, or you might just make20a new friend. If you make the effort to be a great date, both of you will benefit.


Your favorite place in LA to have a cocktail?
The Viceroy

Your favorite LA place for bargain shopping?
Designer sample sales!! Definitely one of the perks about living in LA.

You could change one thing about LA - what would it be?
To have a good subway system like New York.

You’ve always wanted to go to this LA spot – but just haven’t made it there yet?
Chateau Marmont

Your favorite LA extravagance?
Dinner at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney. Tiny plates, a little pricey, but oh, their food sends me.

Your favorite neighborhood haunt?
Venice Wine Bar

Your favorite local getaway?
Camping at Leo Carrillo State Park in Malibu.

Your favorite place for cheap eats?
Wahoo’s Fish Tacos

You always take out of town guests to this spot?
Will Rogers beach + El Cholo for margaritas

You're most connected to this charity or your last volunteer experience?
Project Nightlight (www.projectnightlight.org)

Click here to read Kim's interview on The Yenta Report.

Voice of Santa Monica
Santa Monica's News, Events and Entertainment Source

Find love and connection at Santa Monica’s Mix It Up L.A.

Having a hard time making new connections in LA? Are you looking for that special someone? Look no further. Santa Monica based Mix It Up L.A. is just the service for you to get a head start in love and life.

Founded a year ago by dating coaches Kim Lockhart and Luis Santiago, Mix It Up L.A. started out as a social club where they hosted events such as art gallery openings and White Parties (where all of the attendees dress in white). “We introduced ourselves to everyone at our events and casually mentioned what we do. People are sensitive to their respective love lives so we weren’t out to be pushy,” says Luis Santiago, who has been a dating coach for young professionals for over two years now.

What is unique about Mix It Up L.A. is that they are the only male-female matchmaking team for young professionals in the city. “Most services are either run by one or two female team. We believe in the male-female view,” says co-founder Kim Lockhart, who is also one of the official VIP dating experts for ‘Lock and Key’ events. “Kim never thought about working with a guy,” said Luis with an amused look. Reminiscing about their first meeting which led to the establishment of Mix It up LA, Luis says, “I introduced myself to Kim at one of her singles mixers and we talked for over an hour. She then wanted me on board as a partner once we clicked.”

Mix It Up L.A. gained national exposure when Kim Lockhart and Luis Santiago appeared on “The Match Off”, a reality competition where two matchmakers square off to find the right match for a particular client. Luis likens it to “a roller-coaster, extremely exciting and scary since reality programming can portray you in any way they want.” Recalling one of the challenging moments of the competition, Kim says, “We had two days to find a date and an alternate date when we thought we had two weeks.” To top it off, during the episode their opponents were a mother-daughter team who have been matchmaking for over 25 years. It was a classic case of David defeating Goliath as the young upstarts were chosen as the winners over the seasoned veterans. Business picked up right after the episode aired, drawing in singles from all over LA, requesting Mix it up LA services.

Do people continue to look for love in tough times?
Yes and No. According to Kim Lockhart, men and women respond differently during recession. Women see it as a blessing and take opportunity to find a date and long term commitment. However, men see it as a roadblock. Men are looking for work and see commitment as a hindrance because they can’t provide.

How to connect with Mix It Up L.A.?
If you’re looking to make new friends and connections, Mix It Up L.A. hosts a weekly event called LA Connect every Friday from 6-8pm at West 4th/Jane in Santa Monica. “LA is a magnet for smart and creative people, but the neighborhoods aren’t ideal for interaction.”, explains Kim, who created the event to bring community to LA. The event is free, so stop by to make new friends or connections while enjoying Happy Hour drinks and tasty appetizers. Kim is a great host and helps create a relaxed and fun atmosphere.

If you’re looking to take the next step in finding love, you can receive a free 20 minute consultation and relationship readiness assessment at Mix it Up LA.

Mix It Up your Halloween
‘CUZ THIS IS THRILLER: Mix It Up L.A., along with Spin PR and Wokcano, presents their 2nd Annual Thriller Night on Saturday, October 30 at 8pm. Billed as The Westside’s Largest Halloween Party, Thriller Night will feature awards for best costumes as well as $4 drink specials from 8-10pm. Admission tickets start at just $10! Get your tickets to Westside’s Largest Halloween Party.

Click here to read the post at the Voice of Santa Monica's blog