Week 6 BOC: Monty Lapica

Monty Lapica is growing to become a Las Vegas homegrown celebrity.  Born and raised in the Las Vegas area, he had big dreams an wouldn’t stop until he reached all of his goals. He’s a filmmaker that gives back to his beloved hometown of sin city, and he is always moving forward.

            Winning two academic scholarships, Monty graduated Magna Cum Laude from Loyola Marymount University's School of Film and Television. Just graduating wasn’t enough, while in school he began to dream of bigger plans. This is when he started forming his feature movie “Self Medicated”.

            “Self Medicated” is a feature film that Monty produced, at the age of 24. It tells the true-life story of a 17-year-old boy, Andrew, who’s life begins to spiral out of control.  Not being able to move on from his father’s death, Andrew turns to drugs in order to make it to the next day. Andrew’s mother is at a loss on how to help him, and pays a private company to kidnap him and lock him up into a psychiatric institute. There he is subjected to physical and mental abuse and awakens something deep inside himself, and must find a way to get free of the medicated prison he has been forced into.

            Monty’s film premiered in 2005 and quickly took the international film festivals by storm. With over 25 awards won world wide, it became one of the biggest hits and must seen Indy Films of 2006. His movie, “Self Mediated” was such a hit that Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman officially declared August 31^st to be “Monty Lapica and Tommy Bell Day” in honor of the theatrical release. This wasn’t the only thing to push Monty forward however.

            Monty has given back to Las Vegas in many different ways. One of the most noted ways is the creation of the Las Vegas International Film Festival. This festival grew to become the largest independent film festival in Las Vegas. He also served as an advisory board member on the Marty Hennessy Junior Tennis Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that gives to underprivileged children.

             With a very successful feature film made, a production company built, and charitable events, it would seem like life should slow down. For Monty it is the opposite. Monty told Las Vegas Business Press that they are currently working on a Toyota campaign that will conjunction with AOL and Saatchi & Saatchi. He is proof that as long as you put in the effort, anything can be reached.