We are a boutique public relations and communications firm focused on the media business and entertainment.
What We Do
Babygrande PR works in partnership with our clients, operating as a strategic communications arm for each client’s business. Representing media companies, production companies, studios, content platforms, live events, talent and more across TV, film, audio, sports and lifestyle, we:
Help fulfill our clients’ creative and business goals, defining and growing their brands
Promote their content, image and initiatives, including M&A and other corporate deals, and position their leadership in media and entertainment
Provide honest strategic counsel regarding press and all optics-related issues, including crisis and controversy management
Deliver the highest quality work and garner optimum results
Babygrande’s approach to communications and client service is unique in the industry.
Why We’re Different
Our talented, experienced senior-level executives immerse themselves in all facets of our clients’ businesses, working hands-on across business strategy, message development, media relations, campaign orchestration and crisis management.
We are obsessively responsive and meld creative, entrepreneurial thinking with purposeful, fastidious execution.
We know that ours is a relationship and reputation-driven business. To that end, we deliver straightforward, honest communication to our clients, operating with integrity, intelligence and in good faith with them, as well as their partners and collaborators.
How does Babygrande define its own brand?
We are a force of nature for our clients! The Babygrande team is driven by passion for what we do, and the desire to meet our clients’ objectives. We take pride in helping them rise, meet challenges and overcome obstacles. We are honored to contribute to their success.
Why do business leaders, media drivers and creatives team with Babygrande?
Clients come to Babygrande to establish, elevate and brand themselves in today’s challenging, intensely competitive and mercurial media landscape, and to partner with communications pros who orchestrate strategically, execute aggressively and counsel honestly.
What differentiates Babygrande from other agencies and consultants?
Babygrande subscribes to the philosophy that we are an integral part of each client’s business, and our imperative is to be across all client initiatives that affect, drive and touch communications. We are strategic and collaborative; proactive and principled; nimble and pragmatic.
Leslie Oren
Founder and President
Leslie Oren has been a communications specialist for more than 20 years, working across entertainment publicity, corporate communications and crisis and controversy management for numerous corporations, studios, networks, distribution platforms and high-level executives.
Prior to launching Babygrande PR in 2008, Leslie was SVP, publicity and corporate communications at Fox Television Studios, where she oversaw publicity for the studio’s development, series, limited series and original movies, as well as all corporate communications. She was previously VP, at Warner Bros.’ Telepictures Productions, working on the Emmy-winning The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Extra, and ABC’s reality franchise The Bachelor, among others. Leslie also ran publicity for Disney Interactive and was on the launch team of the Comcast-owned video game network, G4.
A business owner, wife and mother, Leslie is also the author of the book Fine, I’ll Go Online! The Hollywood Publicist’s Guide to Successful Internet Dating, published in 2007 by St. Martin’s Press.
Jason Tolbert
Senior Vice President
Jason Tolbert has been with Babygrande PR for 10+ years, working across the company’s roster of television and film production companies, network and streaming platforms, festivals and other clients. During his tenure, Jason has led corporate initiatives and spearheaded numerous consumer campaigns, working with countless network partners and platforms to successfully launch new series and films, both scripted and unscripted.
Prior to Babygrande, Jason was a publicist at Levine Communications, where he managed several of the firm’s accounts, from non-profit organizations to on-camera talent.
Jason is a graduate of Virginia Tech, earning Bachelor’s degrees in both Public Relations and Film/Theatre. During his time at the university, he also hosted and produced a local radio show in Blacksburg, VA.
Julia Bardzil
Publicity & Communications Director
With a diverse background in sports, fashion, tech and lifestyle PR, Julia Bardzil brings a unique blend of abilities to her role as Publicity and Communications Director at Babygrande PR, where she works across the company’s client roster.
Prior to Babygrande, Julia was the Director of PR & Marketing at EAG Sports Management, where she led international public relations and marketing campaigns for high-profile celebrities, athletes, national brands, nonprofits, and startups. Her clients have been featured in Vogue, Forbes, the New York Times, Glamour Magazine, Architectural Digest, TechCrunch, Sports Illustrated & many more. Julia also managed public relations and strategic partnerships campaigns for major national brands including Dunkin’ Donuts, Baskin Robbins and more.
Julia graduated from Temple University, earning a degree in strategic communications. Originally from Philadelphia, Julia is a die-hard Steelers fan with a soft spot for rescue dogs.
Natalie Russo
PR Coordinator
Natalie Russo serves as a Public Relations Assistant at Babygrande PR. Prior to joining the team in 2022, Natalie worked in administrative roles in both the finance and music industries.
She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Syracuse University (Go Orange!) and was born and raised on the East Coast.
228 Main Street, Unit A, Venice, CA 90291