/bio
Tony Filson
/biography KissMyKite
Welcome to KissMyKite.com
CEO & FOUNDER
From 1985 to 2022 I had the honor of founding and leading as Chairman, one of the most successful global media management consulting and executive search firms in the industry. Headquartered in New York City, we serve media and entertainment conglomerates, TV networks, sports entities, music publishers, record labels, the fashion industry, advertising agencies, technology leaders, the Fortune 50-500, and U.S. Government interests globally. Examples at every level. From 2023 on as President of The Media Group and Chairman emeritus, I've concentrated on "key assignments" that I feel, offer integrity to the media industry and the public. Having mentored exceptional recruitment and management consulting executives in my own firm, I can now pick and choose assignments that reflect the character and ethics, I admire in broadcasters.
Through the years we helped build some of the most successful and profitable media entities in the TV, entertainment, telecommunications, and media technology industries. Our firm also managed production personnel and BO&E for The New York Yankees, Knicks Basketball, NY Rangers Hockey, Liberty Basketball and live events from Radio City Music Hall. Sports was not our primary business, but we always made the trains run on time.
PAY IT FORWARD - KissMyKite
In 2013 my wife and I founded KissMyKite to support philanthropic efforts for children's sports initiatives.
The fashion, music & sports industries have been tremendous supporters of KissMyKite over the years and we have participated at NYFW, STYLE, Miami Swim Week, Art Hearts Fashion, Miami Tennis, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit and Art Basel Miami. At fixed venues or exotic locations, we combine fashion, sports, art, and music to produce beautiful media that supports a great cause, "the enhancement of academic performance, through mentored sports programs".
HOW WE HELP
KissMyKite donates and directs 100% of all proceeds to Children's Sports initiatives. We accept no money and arrange for direct contributions. For many years, my wife and I have matched funds and during COVID there was a noted hiatus but we endured. We continue to support deserving children in Summer sports clinics and camps each year. Our efforts are for children who normally, cannot attend.
In 2018 we also helped fund the Tony & Helene Filson Baseball Camp in Aruba where KissMyKite subsidized tuition. This effort was helped greatly by FX Sports Aruba and their CEO Wim Eelens who held auctions during Aruba Hi-Winds and donated merchandise generously in conjunction with Fashion Designer Olga Papkovitch and her publishing company. Thank you to ESPN, The ESPY Awards, BRAUN and Wilson Sports.
PHOTOGRAPHY ROOTS
Early in life, I had the honor of studying and apprenticing with the famed portrait and performing arts photographer Joseph Umberto Torchia, everyone knew him as "Bert". Bert Torchia. From the Rolling Stones to every actor or model who wanted stunning portraits, they all found their way to Bert's studio. As I look at my work today, I feel there is a lot of Bert in everything I do. Now noted for my Sports Illustrated Swimsuit work, I feel it reflects my roots in portraiture.
So many of the fashion models I photograph are also athletes, some professionals, Olympic Athletes, and also noted amateurs. My work with SI Swimsuit is rewarding as growing up I always admired the high standards of Sports Illustrated.
EXAMPLES AND MEDIA TIES
THE COLLABORATION:
A.) International Sports Events and Sports Fashion
B.) Fashion Designer(s) who want fit noted models
C.) Sports Equipment and Garment Manufacturers
D.) Fashion Magazines & Digital Media Branding
E.) Fashion Show Producers , Their Clients & Sponsors
F.). Fashion Advertising Agencies, PR Agencies & News Organizations.
RESULTS & BENEFITS
Beautifully Produced Media & Press for everyone involved
1. Brand Awareness
2. Consumer Activation
4. Marketing
5. Sales & Merchandising
6. PR and Community Relations
7. Current and Stock Media for Your Brands
8. Social Media Placement
9. Magazine Placement
HOW YOU CAN PARTICIPATE and FAQ's
Q: Who do we contact to learn more?
A: Tony Filson by email and we'll talk- Click Here
Q: Can we donate garments for photoshoots?
A: Yes. And, you'll get beautiful photos back. :) - Your garments, even if not perfect, will also be auctioned off and 100% goes to the Camp(s). This is a donation by you to a KissMyKite sports camp.
Q: Who pays for HMU and Styling
A: We do for remote tropical locations. At Miami Swim Week, Art Basel Miami, Miami Art Week, and Miami Fashion Week you have some of the best in the industry. You should contact Art Hearts Fashion and if they produce your show, we'll be there on the riser or BTS. Example
Q: What does it cost to hire you?
A: A donation to a summer camp for children. You can set the price. No donation is too small or too big. Use your heart and your head :) Be nice!!!
Q: Who do we donate to?
A: The Summer Camp(s). We accept no payment. But you can promote us and our cause and say thank you. Based on the Summer Camp, we could match your donation. :)
Q: Is my donation tax deductible?
A: It's based on the Summer Camp. Your media is also a business expense as are the garments. Double win! Examples
Q: Who arranges the model(s) and possible coordination with an event?
A: We do or you can. As of 2024, we prefer Florida or an ABC Island location. Happy both ways. But we hope you'll be with Art Hearts Fashion, they will take care of everything and their CEO Erik Rosete has high standards. For remote locations, we have some beautiful models and athletes.
Q: Can you help us get press coverage?
A: Yes. We work with several Fashion Magazines and Global Fashion News organizations. They like our media for features and editorials.
Q: Where can we see some of your work?
A: Miami Swim Week, Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, NYFW, Location BTS, Show BTS.
Q: Do you photograph kitesurfers?
A: Yes. Models and athletes on and off the water. We've even shot Olympic athletes on and off the field. Example
Q: Is KissMyKite on Instagram?
A: Yes. https://www.instagram.com/kissmykite/
Q: What's the best way to view KissMyKite at KissMyKite.com?
A: On a PC or MAC. Our photos are for industry professionals so the higher resolutions are meant for desktops.
KissMyKite is a member of the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP)
Helene & Tony Filson at Aruba Hi-Winds with their CEO Wim Eelens who is also the President of FXSports.
Sports equipment donated by FxSports, courtesy of Mr. Eelens was auctioned to raise funds for a KissMyKite initiative to send deserving children to the Aruba Sports Unie Summer Camp. Mr. & Mrs. Filson matched the funds raised and also produced media to complement the competitions at Aruba Hi-Winds