Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
december 2019
THE YANFAN FOUNDATION 6th annual hollywood weekly film festival
SEYMOUR UBELL
RETIREMENT IS NOT AN OPTION
BICHLIEN NGUYEN
MRS. ASIA USA INTERNATIONAL
NATALIE BANKS BEST SELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR OF THREE DOMESTIC SUSPENSE NOVELS
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 1
DT
D O O W Y L HOL TOURS
DT Hollywood Day Tour is a unique adventure with MC Tour Guide ~ David Horn, sharing his unlimited abundance of historical education and comedic specialities! Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Laurel Canyon, West Hollywood and the Sunset Blvd historical locations are introduced with many surprises! Supportive Photoshoot stops are provided. All Celebrity residence info shared is updated for accuracy.
“YOU’LL NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU GO” CONTACT US DIRECT FOR COMMUNITY TOUR QUOTES U.S: 310-738-7396 EMAIL: Info@DTHollywoodTours.com
BEST SCREENPLAY WINNER "FREE YOURSELF" BY KELLY LACOMBE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY “THE HUMAN BRIDE" BY LUCIA BRACCALENTI HW SPECIAL SCREENWRITER AWARD "LENA'S RULES" BY KEN COMER BEST ANIMATION “ANACRONTE” RAUL KOLER, EMILIANO SETTE, DIRECTORS BEST DOCUMENTARY “REAL TRUTH ABOUT” PAUL EFRON BEST DRAMATIC SHORT “TRADE” ALYCIA COOPER, DIRECTOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY “THE DOLL” DANTE JAMES, DIRECTOR HWMFF AWARD FOR INDUSTRIOUS EXCELLENCE GORGE GOODENOUGH BEST COMEDY “THE FIDDLING HORSE” DIRECTOR, CJ WALLIS HW AWARD FOR ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE "WHAT'S EATING RALPHIE MAY” JEREMY BONDS, DIRECTOR BEST FEATURE FILM “ROAD TO REDEMPTION” JETA AMATA, DIRECTOR MOST OUTSTANDING HUMANITARIAN CAUSE RENO OMOKRI MOST OUTSTANDING CHILD STAR OUTSIDE OF USA REGINA DANIELS MOST CREATIVE HUMANITARIAN CLERGYMAN APOSTLE CHIBUZOR GIFT CHINYERE HW SPECIAL HERO AWARD JIM ZULEY HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 3
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716 21st Street Santa Monica CA 90402 – Listed at $ 3.500.000 - 3 bed 2 bath
20445 W Esmerelda Ln, Porter Ranch 91326 – Listed at $1,295.000 – 4 Bed 4 Bath
19665 Nashville Street – Chatsworth CA 91311 – Sold at $1,315.000 – 4 bed 4 bath
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
W
elcome readers to our Film Festival edition of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. This Issue of HWM is celebrating our 6th Annual HW Film Festival that took place on November 2nd at Warner Bros. Studio. With brilliant short films, animation and feature length masterpieces from Akon, Andy Kindler and Zachary Quinto, this year’s HWM Film Festival went down in Jackson Publishing history as our GREATEST Film Festival to date. We send out a Special Thank You to Warner Bros. Studio for their graciousness and hospitality in hosting our 6th Annual Film Festival. One of the most beautiful moments of our Film Festival came at the very end, when Eric Zuley was honoring his father, Jim Zuley. Everyone got out of their seats and approached the podium in front of the stage, trying to get near this great man. One of our esteemed guests, Nigerian Director Jeta Amata, our Film Festival Winner for Best Feature (“Road to Redemption”), threaded his way through a crowd of guests and landed right in front of the podium. Jeta Amata and Jim Zuley are from two different parts of the world, and they probably would have never come together if it hadn’t been for our HWM Film Festival. But Jeta and Jim Zuley were there together. And they discovered they have a lot of respect for each other. At the podium, Jeta reached out his hand to Jim Zuley. Seeing Jeta’s extended hand, Jim Zuley immediately moved toward Jeta, shaking his hand vigorously, and these two men shared an incredible moment of artistic support, compassion and humanity. But this Issue of Hollywood Weekly Magazine features Natalie Banks. Natalie is a best selling and award-winning author of three domestic suspense novels. Her novels are being read in over twenty different countries all over the world and we couldn’t be more thrilled! to feature Natalie on our cover. Writing is her gift to the world. She is also the founder of The Writing Champions Project. It is a group created to help support writers of all types, from novelists, bloggers, and screenwriters to journalists. As always, we thank you, our readers, for your continuing support. We are who we are because of YOU. Wishing you all peace and happiness!
Associate Editor
@ALEXANDRINEPOET
VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES & ASST TO THE PUBLISHER Jordan O'Quinn-Campbell MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Barbara Burke Victor Migalchan Alex A. Kecskes Rebecca Miller ART DIRECTOR Damian Aragon GRAPHIC DESIGNER Clemmy Le Busque PRODUCTION DESIGNER Denise Chavez VIDEO EDITOR/ PRODUCER Israel Aleman CHINA OPERATIONS Victor Migalchan victor@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com (213) 220-3052 (424) 371-9900 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Country Director Art4Peace Awards Hollywood Weekly Magazine B1/1565 Vasantkunj New Delhi-110 070 Mobile +919599068592 ASIA OPERATION Joyce Penas Pilarsky HWM Asia Ambassador Email: info@joycepilarsky.com Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559
Anthony Ewart
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PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson
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DECEMBER 2019
10 NATALIE BANKS 14 Best Selling and Award-winning Author SEYMOUR UBELL 18 RED CARPET PHOTOS 22 ALYCIA COOPER 28 BICHLIEN NGUYEN 32 The Yanfan Foundation
Retirement Is Not An Option 6th Annual HWMFF
“TRADE” Is A Perfect Shakespearean Tragedy Mrs. Asia USA International
Natalie Banks
6 ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY FILM FESTIVAL STELLAR GALA TH
BY JORDAN O’QUINN-CAMPBELL On November 2, 2019 Hollywood Weekly Magazine hosted its 6th annual Film Festival at the historic Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. The event attracted people from around the world including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and China. There were several foreign dignitaries and talented actors, producers, and screenwriters in attendance. Some of the special guests included: President Goodluck Jonathan, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ejike Asiegbu, Producer/Writer Egor Efiok, Director Jeta Amata, Vanessa Martini, Joan Brown McCarthy, Producer Tess Cacciatore, Akon, Reno Omokri (“Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cause” Award Recipient), Regina Daniels (“Most Outstanding Child Star Outside of the USA” Award Recipient”, and several other stars. Awards were given to the best shorts, features, screenplays, comedies, thrillers, dramas, and science fiction films. The festival was hosted by Eric Zuley and Dante. Eric Zuley, as you know now from our HWM Cover, is the son of Jim Zuley, who is featured on the Cover of
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this HWM edition. Jim and Eric created eZWay Promotions, which is a company that prides itself in being the top ten social media influencers in the world. They are well on their way to becoming major International Promoters. Our Hollywood Weekly Film Festival began with a red carpet and lunch at nearby Claim Jumpers in the TNT building, near Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. Everyone arrived, chatting over lunch and drinks. Networking and business connections were the buzz of conversations; everyone talking about their upcoming film and television projects. People were also able to rub shoulders with foreign dignitaries and international stars. Everyone was in high anticipation for the award ceremony. Actors, producers, and screenwriters were interviewed about their films and photographed on our TWO Red Carpets! One red carpet and stepand-repeat was located at our pre-Award lunch and another Red Carpet and step-and-repeat continued at Warner Bros. Studios.
Larry & Marsha Covin grace the red carpet with a music icon
Once the red carpet and interviews were over everyone made their way into the lavish main theatre venue of Warner Bros. Studio. The theatre contained a huge screen with seating accommodations for over 200 guests -- and we SOLD OUT! There were 30-minute panels that included a Q&A by Film Festival Winners like Writer/Director Alycia Cooper and the cast for her Award-winning short film “Trade,” and Director Jeta Amata and Producers Egor Efiok and Tess Cacciatore for their Best Feature Film Winner “Road to Redemption.” The amazing night ended with Host Eric Zuley Honoring his father, Jim Zuley, with a Special Award from Hollywood Weekly for all the work he’s done in helping his son, Eric, build his eZWay Empire, and being the kind of Father we can all love and admire. This was a night of Film, Fun and Love, which was our goal at Hollywood Weekly Magazine right from the start. Mission Accomplished!
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9 Photos By Daler Olimjanov
The Yanfan Foundation Title Sponsor 6th Annual Hollywood Weekly Fiilm Festival November 2, 2019
The first Westerner Branded at the Legendary Shaolin Temple of China in Henan Province, the main temple of the Shaolin school of Buddhism to this day and the birth place of Kung Fu. Born in the southern port town of Brindisi, Italy, Franco Testini, whose official title is His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan, acrossed the Mediterranean into the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, and became the Shaolin Temple’s first ever appointed Western Ambassador. Held by the Chinese government with the approval of the National Religious Affairs Administration and the China Buddhist Association, Shaolin Temple in Henan partially revived an ancient ceremony that had not been practiced for over 300 years. His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was at the helm of a long and grueling ceremony, after which he was officially anointed with the title of an Abbot. On May 24, 2007, many highly respected and honorary Abbots were called to witness this historical event. On the last day of the ceremony His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was chosen to become the first ever non-Asian to receive the ancient ceremonial branding signs that consisted of searing nine circles on the top of the head with sticks of incense - called the Jieba. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 2,500 year old Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China has unveiled its secrets that help promote natural self-healing of the body, increase inner strength, and reduce stress and pain. An unprecedented tribute to the most ancient martial arts and Eastern philosophy in the world. Today, in order to spread the legendary Shaolin Culture around the world His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was commissioned to be the Cultural Ambassador of Songshan Shaolin Temple Henan Province, China’s to promote the understanding, the revival, and preservation of legendary Shaolin heritaDge on a global scale.
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NATALIE BANKS TELL US WHO YOU ARE AND WHAT YOU ARE ABOUT: y name is Natalie Banks and I am a best selling and award-winning author of three domestic suspense novels. My novels are being read in over twenty different countries all over the world and I couldn’t be more thrilled! Writing is my passion and I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. Writing is my gift to the world. I am also the founder of The Writing Champions Project. It is a group created to help support writers of all types, from novelists, bloggers, and screenwriters to journalists. TELL US WHAT YOUR BOOKS ARE ABOUT AND WHAT MAKES THEM SO SPECIAL: My books are what they call an escape read. A book that sweeps you away and one that you just can’t put down until you’ve found out what happens in the end. My stories are centered around the lives of women who are going through or have gone through some sort of life challenge and in the end, overcome these challenges in their unique ways. I try to write stories that are relatable and give the reader a first-hand experience. They experience all of the emotions, ups and downs, that my characters go through. I write my characters as if they were my friends, actual people I know. I want them to be that way for my readers too. It is fun to read stories about untouchable people but the stories that touch our hearts, that stick with us long after the book is over, are the ones with people that we cared about, even loved. The ones who we felt we were walking
M
beside on their journey. WHAT DO YOU THINK READERS WANT FROM BOOKS THESE DAYS? Honestly, readers just want a great story and they want to feel emotionally invested in it. They want to be part of something that feels so real that it takes them away from where they are. A sort of escape from reality. There’s still nothing like reading a good book on a sunny afternoon. WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? What motivates me is multi-faceted. First of all, there’s my love for writing. The love affair with writing started for me when I was just twelve years old. That desire to tell a story. To submerge readers into a story that enraptures them, drives me to keep writing. To keep telling my stories. Stories that have never been told. I pride myself on unique plot lines. I love surprising the readers! Secondly, my reviews motivate me quite a bit. I get such beautiful and positive reviews and have a 4.5-star rating across all three of my novels. I consistently hear things like, “drew me in from page 1” and “I couldn’t put it down.” These-type-of-reviews drive me to keep going even on the hard days. Last, but not least, I stay motivated by having great self-care. I do this by taking good care of my body. Eating well, drinking lots of water and exercising. Because if you don’t feel good, you’re not going to be motivated to do anything. I also spend a lot of time watching inspirational and motivational videos on YouTube and on Instagram. One
of my favorites is a pure soul by the name of Ashely Ducey. She gives such incredible advice and support on both YouTube and Instagram on being authentic and going for your dreams. Her posts have inspired me and helped me to stay my authentic self. Her Instagram handle is @ashleyhallart if you want to check her out. I find that listening to like minded people helps keep me motivated. You know the old adage of “You are who you hang around.” WHAT DO YOU ATTRIBUTE TO THE SUCCESS THAT YOU’VE HAD? There’s a lot that has gone into my success. Success takes a lot of work and patience. It’s not something that most people can achieve overnight. I have been so blessed that word of mouth has gone a long way to help me achieve my goals. People love my books, so they naturally talk about them. I have also put in a lot of effort into my Instagram account and I think that has done a lot for me, as well. Being able to connect with readers in real time has a huge impact on authors and their book sales. I have invested in numerous marketing methods and only found that one really stood out from the rest and that was when I had the great honor of having my book accepted into the Bedside Reading program. They were able to coordinate getting my books in some high-end hotels. These hotels put my book on the bedside table of every guest room. This was incredible in helping spread word of mouth. I also got a lot of media exposure with them. Any authors with recent book releases
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I am offering my coaching services on Fiverr and Upwork if anyone is interested in learning more from me. The link is on my website. TELL US ABOUT THE WRITING CHAMPIONS PROJECT: I founded The Writing Champions Project back in January in order to get some much needed support out there for writers. We support all types of writers, from bloggers, novelists, poets, and screenplay writers. If you are a writer of any kind, you will find a home with us. Writing is such a solitary activity and a lot of times we end up feeling very alone. That’s why I created the project, in order to build a community that writers could go to get encouragement and even some learning. Our motto is: Stronger together-because writers need community. We have a lot of things still in the works and are partnering with some great people to give our members opportunities for networking and growth that they may not find anywhere else. We also are working on a literacy project that I am super excited about! I can’t wait to see what is next for TWCP! SPEAKING OF WHAT IS NEXT, WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU AS AN AUTHOR? I am in the process of finalizing the last steps to release my fourth novel set to come out December 15, 2019. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 16
The title is THE MOMENTS BETWEEN. It’s an incredible story about a woman who dreamed her husband was going to die, only to find out later that the events from her dream are actually coming to pass. She realizes she only has a limited time before the dream would fully come to pass and she is desperately working against the clock to try to save him. I am also working on my fifth novel, as well. I always have one or more in the works! For me, it’s all about the books and writing something that gives value to my readers. That is my main focus and always my next step. LASTLY, WHERE CAN WE READERS FIND OUT MORE ABOUT YOU, YOUR BOOKS, AND THE WRITING CHAMPIONS PROJECT? For my author pages, they can go to: www.nataliebanks.net to sign up for my newsletter and be the first to know about new releases. @nataliebanksnovels (Facebook) and @officialnataliebanks (Instagram) For The Writing Champions Project: www.thewritingchampionsproject.com @thewritingchampionsproject on both Facebook and Instagram All of my books are available on Amazon in 15 countries and Barnes & Noble in the US.
COMING DECEMBER 2019 to all major book retailers. Tragedy strikes the life of Claire DuPont when her husband of nine years is killed in a train accident on his way home from work, leaving her alone with two small children. One morning, six months later, she awakes to find him alive and there with her in the house, like he had never been gone. With her head spinning she picks up her phone only to see the date is actually three months before the accident ever occurred. Bewildered but grateful, she writes it off as a very vivid, bad dream. But as time goes on, she realizes that events are unfolding exactly the way they did in her dream. Racing against time, she desperately tries to change the inevitable but finds herself helpless to change anything. Unwilling to give up, she vows to stop at nothing to save her husband before it’s too late.
www.NatalieBanks.net
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Retirement is not an option. A Conversation with Seymour Ubell, first time novelist at 88 years old. surrounded by a complex family environment. The story, both tragic and filled with joy, is filled with twists and turns throughout children’s young lives. Including Seymoer Ubell: A middle-aged the dramatic chance meeting by New York couple with a ten- the adoptive father with the actual year-old son, decide to adopt Chinese Birth Mother. twin girls, as a result of totally circumstantial events. Daryl and HW: Where does your inspiration foryour story come Maxine Landsman go through the complex labyrinth of adoption from in this book? in China. The couple brings the twins home. The children grow SU: The story tumbled into my lap from a personal experience up in New York between my wife and me. Very early in my career in China, one of my partners brought me to an orphanage. He was a benefactor at the institution. I saw the children and fell in love. As a result of the meeting, we had an opportunity to adopt the twins. We reluctantly decided not to. Because of a time in life when I was in my early sixties, just a bit too old to take on the responsibility of two infant children. As the years passed, my wife would mention, “The girls would have been five years old now Hollywood Weekly: The title of your book, The Birth Mother is intriguing. Tell us a little bit about the story.
and nursery school age.” Once again, eight years later, Marsha said, “it would have been time for their Bat-Mitzvah and years later my wife would remind me; “Our twins would have been off to go to college. At that moment I decided to write a novel that we did, in fact, adopt the children. What I learned from that experience is, women never forget anything. Men hardly remember anything. HW: Where does the theme God is a woman come from? SU: Let me begin by stating, I am an atheist. However, I do believe in kindness, caring and accepting all people into my life, regardless of religion, race or politics. My wife is a very wise and the kindest, most loving person I have ever been with. She is my partner; I trust her the most. For more than three decades, I learned that women are much smarter, more sensitive and more creative than man is. As I wrote, the story; the tale began to have a life of its own and it took over. It guided me down the path, that if, there is a God, that God must, without question, be a woman. And so, I argue, if God is a man; Why do women have the power to perpetuate the species? Why do women have the power to feed the species if there is no food? Adam never ate
the apple; he was nursed on Eve’s breast. Why do women have the power to give a man his most significant pleasure? Why do they call Earth, ‘Mother Earth”? Why is nature is called ‘Mother Nature or that beautiful statue welcoming emigrants, Miss Liberty? All good things are a “She” never a “He”. I recite biblical stories where women save the day and the lives of both Judeo and Christian
I discovered, I hated retirement. It was important for me to return to the business world. I decided to go to China. I envisioned the future; seeking a business opportunity Asia. The one place in the world I believed would be the future economic global competitor to the USA. When most people are retiring at the age of 64, I went back to work. I do not regret a single moment.
I enjoyed the creative experience very much. I wanted to continue writing. In truth, I needed to continue writing. moments in history. When reading this book you will discover the power and gifts that women, in all their sensitivity, intellect and caring, have. HW: Tell us about your early careers.
HW: What inspired you to write a novel?
mentioned in detail their feelings regarding descriptions of World War II days in Brooklyn. And all the firsts in my life; including sex, love, marriage, children, and money. Readers enjoyed my account of the old neighborhood, the stores, the trolley cars racing on the main streets of Brooklyn; including descriptions of the neighbors, their gossiping, the simple apartment buildings. Their response was a much-welcomed experience. It was most gratifying. A memoir is interestingly restrictive. You must be truthful. Truth has power and it works. My father died at the age of 44. I have little memory of him. All I have is my imagination and the feeling of my love for him. In my own life with the blessing of three especially talented children, whom I love totally, it was important for me to leave
SU: After I wrote my first book, a memoir. “A Life of Risks Taken”, I enjoyed the creative experience very much. I wanted to continue SU: I never went to college. My writing. In truth, I needed to father died when I seventeen. continue writing. I learned so It was vital that I go to work to much about myself and the earn money, helping the family. people in my life. When I write, We were very poor. We lived it’s a rare time in my life, I on a widow’s pension and the am not in charge. The story $42.50 a week I earned as a takes over. The computer stock clerk in a men’s clothing becomes the boss. company. At the age of nineteen, I was promoted to work in the HW: What did you learn while writing your company showroom. Shortly memoir? after, in my early twenties, the VP of Sales at the company gave me SU: Writing my memoir another promotion; to go “onwas an education. I the-road” as a salesman. At the learned, when telling the age of twenty-eight, I started my story of your life, the truth own printing brokerage company. always works. Many It was very successful. Shortly people who read my thereafter, I simultaneously started Seymour at 18 story, approache me, a messenger service company, a consistently sharing tennis racket company, and an the honesty they advertising agency. At the age of experienced.They sixty-two, I retired. Two years later,
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HW: What is a typical day like for you? SU: I awake early, 6:15 AM. By 7:00 AM, at the gym. A trainer works with me three days each week. I go to Equinox five, sometimes, often six days each week. I am on my Gym bicycle, riding three to four miles each day. From the gym, I take a cab to my office where my son Ed, who is the CEO is running the company. I just sign the checks. By 3:30 PM, I am at home. I take a nap and write for an hour or more. Often dinner with friends, or my children or just Marsha and me. By 9 pm I am in bed listening to both classical folk music I grew up with; including Sinatra. Simultaneously reading the NY Times or listening to my audiobooks. My children, Lynn, Jane, and Ed speak to me almost every day. A special blessing for any parent. Before my eyes close, I turn to my left and see the love of my life. We kiss and whisper, “Goodnight.” HW: What is next on your list? What are you planning to write about next? SU: I am working on two books at the same time. One is a fictionalized story about our family business that began in Europe with my grandfather and continued with my father here in America. The story includes their meetings with the Mafia families that existed in those days. My other book is about people who have another opportunity in life after the death of a wife or husband. And those couples who go through divorce and find a “second love”. And in most cases a happy life. But not always.
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Before my eyes close, I turn to my left and see the love of my life. We kiss and whisper, “Goodnight.” Earl, Alvin & Seymour Ubell
Seymour and his wife Marsha Tosk
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Photo by Wayne Hoggatt
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Books to Devour
Books to Devour by Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of Bedside Reading
by Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of Bedside Reading
Our 2nd annual gift guide is here. Books to gift and get during the holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
Our 2nd annual gift guide is here. Books to gift and get during the holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
2nd annual Holiday Gifts to Gift and Get!
Lost Tomorrows by Matt Coyle A widow and ex-FBI agent of hard-earned courage, Cody O'Brien is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan. Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband'sby murder. Failed by the Witness Protection Lost Tomorrows Matt Coyle Program, she's on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly A phone call thrusts Rick Cahill’s and all its her: tragic consetoward a past that wants only past one thing from cold-blooded revenge.
2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFTS TO GIFT AND GET!
quences into his present. Krista Landingham, his former partner onThe the Pale-Faced Santa Barbara Department, is dead. When Lie Police by David Crow Rick goes to the funeral in the city where his wife was murIn this riveting memoir, David Crow presents a searing account of his experience growing up dered and where he is seen as guilty for her death in the eyes of on the Navajo Indian Reservation with a mentally ill mother and violent father, an ex-con from the police, he discovers that Krista’s death may not have been San Quentinawho groomed himbut to be his partner in by crime. When David ultimately tragic accident, murder. Hired Krista’s sister, Leah, to found the courage to change his life,Rick he unwittingly triggered a plothim of revenge that forced investigate, follows clues that lead to the truth, not him into a only about about “The the tragedy thatLie” ruined deadly showdown with hisKrista’s father. death, Raw andbut palpable, Pale-Faced is an unforgettable his life. Along the way, Leah shows him that his life can testament to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit. be salvaged and he can feel love again if he can just move beyond his past. But the past is Rick’s present and will always be until Overture by Skye Warren he rights his one great wrong. In the end, Rick is left with a Overture The world knows Samantha Brooks as the violin prodigy. She guards her secret truth—the decision that forces him to confront the horrific actions he’ll Warren desire she harbors for her guardian. Liam North got custody of herby sixSkye years ago. She’s all need to take to exact revenge and achieve redemption.
grown up now, but he still treats her like a child. No matter how much he wants her. No matter how bad he aches for by one David taste. HerCrow sweet overtures break ex-soldier’s Thedown worldtheknows Samantha The Pale-Faced Lie defenses, but there’s more at stake than her body. Every touch,Brooks every kiss, night. The as every the violin prodIn this riveting memoir, David Crow presents a searing acShe from guards her out secret closer she gets, the more exposed his darkest secret. She’s one igy. step away finding count of his experience growing up on the Navajo Indian Restruth—the desire she harwhat happened the night she lost her family. One step away from leaving him forever.
ervation with a mentally ill mother and violent father, an exbors for her guardian. Liam con from San Quentin who groomed him to be his partner in North got custody of her six crime. When David ultimately found the courage to change years ago. She’s all grown up Thankful Unicorn: Your Magicthat by forced Hayley Rose his life, The he unwittingly triggeredRelease a plot of revenge now, but he still treats her innovative and uplifting book with gratitude him intoThis a deadly showdown with coloring his father. Raw and palpa-prompts is all about building selflike a child. No matter how ble, “The Pale-Faced Lie” positivity is an unforgettable the esteem, promoting and inspiringtestament creativity. to Gratitude is scientifically proven to much he wants her. No matpower ofrewire forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit. the brain to make you happier. Benefits to happiness include: Stronger ter how bad heImmune aches for one System, Increased Productivity and Decision Making, and taste. Her sweet overtures Ability to Combat Stress. break down the ex-soldier’s defenses, but there’s more The Thankful Unicorn: Release Your Magic Captain No Beard by Carole P. Roman at stake than her body. Evby Hayley Rose Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcomeery touch, every kiss, every a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his littlenight. The closer she gets, This innovative and uplifting coloring book with gratitude sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a the more exposed his darkest prompts is all about building self-esteem, promoting positivsecret. She’s one step away distraction. Gratitude When facediswith danger, theproven captain must find a way to escape. While ity and inspiring creativity. scientifically from finding out what haplessons Benefits about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody pened the night she lost her to rewire the brainlearning to makevaluable you happier. to happiness include: Stronger Immune System, Increased Productivity and family. One step away from Decision Making, and Ability to Combat Stress. leaving him forever.
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Captain No Beard by Carole P. Roman Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape. While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes!
Non Obvious Mega Trends by Rohit Bhargava The future belongs to non-obvious thinkers. This book is your guide to becoming one. For the past ten years, Rohit Bhargava’s signature annual Non-Obvious Trend Report has helped over a million readers discover more than 100 trends changing our culture and how business is done. Now for the first time after a decade of publishing more than 100 trend predictions, for the first time to identify ten revolutionary new Megatrends that are transforming how we work, play and live.
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold Many corporations have slick, flashy mission statements that ultimately do little to motivate employees and less to impress customers, investors, and partners. But there is a way to share your excitement for the future of your company in a clear, compelling, and powerful way, and entrepreneur and business growth expert Cameron Herold can show you how. Vivid Vision is a revolutionary tool that will help owners, CEOs, and senior managers create inspirational, detailed, and actionable three-year mission statements for their companies. In this easy-to-follow guide, Herold walks organization leaders through the simple steps to creating their own Vivid Vision, from brainstorming to sharing the ideas to using the document to drive progress in the years to come.
Staying Bothered by Jamie C. Amelio Amelio describes what “being bothered” really means, a term she coined to explain the uncomfortable feeling we all get when we learn about a terrible wrong--maybe in our neighborhood, maybe across the world. But more importantly, Amelio emphasizes “staying bothered.” Because while that initial feeling might motivate us to get involved, finding a way to make it last is the key to making a difference. Staying Bothered tells the story of how Jamie overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to positively change her world and the lives of thousands of children and in doing so sparked a movement!
Good Authority: How to Become the Leader Your Team Is Waiting For by Jonathan Raymond Creating a company culture like that is not a dream. Through personal stories and real-life conversations, Jonathan takes you into the room with managers and employees where real culture change happens, and shows you a new kind of employee mentoring where each person gets the real-time feedback, support, and clear boundaries we all need to get beyond the patterns that hold us back. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25
Books to Devour by Labyrinth Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of The Influence: Bedside Reading
Awaken the Wisdom Within
Our 2nd annual gift guide isby here. to gift and get during the PJBooks Jackson holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
If just one step could change your life, would you take it?
2ndIn annual Holiday Gifts to Gift and Get! The Wisdom Within, The Labyrinth Influence: Awaken
we meet a woman searching for answers. After overcoming
Lost Tomorrows by MattinCoyle myriad challenges work and life—a round of layoffs, her A widow and ex-FBI agentillness, of hard-earned courage, O'Brien is husband’s serious and health issuesCody of her own—the herself at the mouth of home a labyrinth, unsure of finallyWoman enjoying finds the quiet life, providing a good for herself and her her nextson, move. eight-year-old Ryan. Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder. Failed by the Witness Protection Program, she's on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly Bulwark toward a past that wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge.
by Brit Lunden
The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow
Clay Finnes the sheriff a small inaGeorgia In this is riveting memoir,of David Crowtown presents searing account of his experience growing up called Bulwark. Recently separated from his wife, all and violent father, an ex-con from on the Navajo Indian Reservation with a mentally ill mother he can think aboutwho is what went wrong, and will in Jenna San Quentin groomed him to be his partner crime. When David ultimately found the ever come back to him. He's troubled by a bothersome courage to change his life, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that forced him into a reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a deadly showdown with his father. Raw and palpable, “The Pale-Faced Lie” is an unforgettable normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastestament to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit. tical stories, told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves, things are getting a bit strange. Overture by Skye Warren A visit to the ominous Gingerbread House makes him The world knows Samantha Brooks as the violin prodigy. She guards her secret truth—the realize that his life as he knows it will never be the same.
desire she harbors for her guardian. Liam North got custody of her six years ago. She’s all Theher. Storm grown up now, but he still treats her like a child. No matter how much he wants No Beyond the Tides matter how bad he aches for one taste. Her sweet overtures break down the ex-soldier’s The Birth Mother defenses, but there’s more at stake than her body. Every touch, every kiss, every night. The Cullen by Jonathan closer she gets, the moreby exposed his darkest secret. She’s one step away from finding out Seymour Ubell what happened the night she lost her family. One step away from leaving him July forever. 1939. War is on the
On a business trip, a high-powered fifty-six-year-old Amer- horizon but on Monk Isican entrepreneur visits his partners in China. After their land, Maine life goes on as Asian Release mentor Your invites him by to Hayley an orphanage, The meeting, Thankful his Unicorn: Magic Rose a usual. As the daughter of a lobsterman, trip that will change the course of his family’s life forever. This innovative and uplifting coloring book with gratitude prompts is all about buildingEllie self- Ames’ future proven seems tolimited until a Without hesitation, heand andinspiring his wifecreativity. fall in love with Anglo/ esteem, promoting positivity Gratitude is scientifically mysterious German couple Asian twin girls and become their adoptive parents. The chilrewire the brain to make you happier. Benefits to happiness include: Stronger Immune dren grow up in a world of twists and turns with multiple comes off the ferry with their System, Increased Productivity and Decision Making, and coincidences and synchronicity. Their journey takes them nineteen-year-old son. From Ability to Combat Stress. from China to Europe to America and back to China where the moment she meets Karl their unusual birth mother enters their lives. This powerful Brink, the two become inCaptain Beardwith by Carole storyNo is filled dramaP.atRoman every turn as the daughters face separable and not everyone Captain No Beard and the crew of the Dragon welcome internal and external challenges.Flying The Birth Mother is a story approves because locals are a new crew member, whenfilled Cabin Girllove, Caylapathos, joins thetragedy, ship. Responsible for hisRead, little laugh, suspicious of outsiders. Ellie with and triumph. ignores their scorn, howeva tale he youfinds willhis never forget. sister, Captain No Beard iscry, notand verylearn. happyIt’s because newest charge a er, and the secret she learns distraction. When faced with danger, the captain *****must find a way to escape. While about Karl’s family makes learning about strangers, the crew realized not judge somebody Andvaluable not tolessons be missed: The Thankful Unicorn, ThetoLabyrinth Influence, her even more determined Staying Bothered, Captain No Beard to be with him. 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Cold Silence - Danielle Girard
Q: You’ve published 14 thrillers. What drew you to that genre? A: I didn’t set out to write a thriller when I started writing. But in the first pages of that very first manuscript, there was a murder, and it’s been that way ever since. I’m also drawn to the darkness of the genre because there are no greater stakes than life and death. The other piece of the genre that appeals to me is police and investigators. I have tremendous respect for law enforcement. To go out every day and know you may have to react in a split second and not make a mistake—because an error means a life… There’s so much controversy today over how the police manage engagements, and there’s no question that the mistakes and abuse in the system need to be addressed. At the same time, it’s such a demanding, stressful job. I feel like when you get down to why someone would choose police work as a career—in the vast majority of cases—it’s got to be to help people. I admire that. Q: Your 14th book is out next summer. How do you come up with new ideas and still keep it fresh? A: There are ideas everywhere. My first book came from a profile on a police officer who had lost the use of his hands and how that impacted him after years on the job. That man became FBI Profiler Casey McKinley in Savage Art who lost the use of her hands because of an attack by a serial killer. That said, a really strong book isn’t in every idea. For me, the trick is finding the right character to marry to a specific plot. For instance, you might have a teenager who shows up in a hospital, presenting with symptoms of heavy drug use and possible overdose. Maybe your point of view character might be the Emergency Department doctor who tries to save him. That is interesting … More interesting is if the doctor realizes that the teenage junkie is actually his straight-laced nephew who is supposed to be in boarding school across the country. Add in that the doctor can’t reach the boy’s mother (his sister) and then you’ve got a plot worth telling… in fact, I might go write that one down.
The Connector’s Advantage - Michelle Tillis Lederman 1. What does it mean to be a connector and what are the most important tools to keep in mind when connecting with others? A connector is relationship focused in their approach to business to life to everything. When they ask for something or make an introduction, it carries weight and people respond. Connectors get things easier, faster, and better whatever it is they are working on. If you think about the most common things people are working on whether it is a new job, a promotion, getting a client, or even their health and happiness, they will see an impact through the relationships. For example, you are 70 percent more likely to get a promotion if you have a mental relationship. When you have a close relationship at work, you are actually more productive and happier on the job. You’ll also have more longevity on that job. 2. The Connector’s Advantage talks about the Connector’s Spectrum. Do you believe anyone can become a connector? Yes anybody can become a connector. I always say that networking is something we do and a connector is who you are. It is a mindset, it is a way of behaving and interacting and it infuses into all the things that you do. It’s really about building habits and shifting our thinking. That is what the book is about, the 7 mindsets to be relationship-driven and relationship-focused. I always say that everyone has some level of the spectrum. As we recognize the value of relationships, we are climbing our way up the latter of the Connector Spectrum. The basic four levels of the Connector Spectrum are the non-connector, emerging, responsive and acting connector. When we are thinking about how to go up and be a bigger and greater connector, the first is the tendency to initiate or respond to a connector’s request for help. They become a responsive connector, and then once we move up a bit further is an acting connector. An acting connector is not just responding but they are also initiating. They see that there is value they can bring and offering assistance and suggesting those connection requests. Once we are acting connection, they next way to climb to the top is the breadth and depth of connecters. When you get breadth and depth you are a super connector. Bedside Reading places books by the bedsides in luxury hotels. For more info, visit BedsideReading.com HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
OOPER
A LY C I A 28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Alycia Cooper’s Short Film
Covers ‘6 Circles of Hell’ by Anthony Ewart
Lust (2nd Circle). Greed (4th Circle). Wrath (5th Circle). Violence (7th Circle). Fraud (8th Circle). Treachery (9th Circle). It’s hard to imagine a 30 minute short film containing all of these elements from Dante Alighieri’s 14th -century masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” but she does. Inferno (Hell) is the first part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, and it is the most recognized part of the epic poem. As writer and director of TRADE, Alycia Cooper is essentially our “guide” through this hellish scenario she has created, just
“Trade” just about
from “Dante’s Inferno” as the poet Virgil was Dante’s guide in the Divine Comedy. Maybe Alycia’s log line for TRADE should have echoed Dante’s as he passed through the gates of Hell: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” But, Alycia Cooper is a comedian, right? We saw her on Last Comic Standing. We saw her on America’s Got Talent. Her comedy videos on Tru TV’s “Laff Mobb Presents Laff Tracks” are the highest rated videos they have. So, where did Alycia’s command of dramatic writing spring from? When did her comedy go gothic?
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29
AlyciaCooper.com will tell you all you need to know about the whirlwind formation of this multitalented artist, which began at 5 when she “perfected knock-knock jokes and imitating drunk family members.”
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ut nothing you read about Alycia Cooper’s comedic roots points to the emotional and psychological depth she exhibits in her first Short Film “Trade.” Alycia has essentially pulled a Jordan Peele. Everyone knew Jordan Peele was an incredibly talented comedic actor and writer, but the leap he made to “Get Out” and “Us” as a writer and director came from a far deeper pool of talent. It came from a depth of talent unseen and unknown by the public, and therefore it came as a surprise -THIS, is Alycia Cooper’s story.
The deepest part of the ocean is called “Challenger Deep.” It’s located in the Caroline Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It’s 6.856 miles down. That’s 36,200 feet. The closest patch of land to Challenger Deep is Fais Island. Fais Island is classified as a “raised coral island” if that gives you an idea of the scope of land in the middle of nowhere we’re talking about. And even this raised coral island is 180 miles away from Challenger Deep. 6.856 miles down into the depths of the ocean -- I believe that’s just about the distance from the smile on our face we show the public to what’s really going on in the core of our existence. The core of our existence. Six miles down into our emotional psyche. That’s where you’ll find Alycia Cooper fishing -- in the deepest part of our emotional ocean. But that’s where we find our true selves. Sigmund Freud said our 30 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Sallieu Sesay showing that he’s got levels.
personality is the tip of an iceberg, underneath the surface of the water (or under our conscious reality), was Freud’s psychological trifecta of the Id, Ego and Superego. Whatever this mysterious pool of knowledge and creativity and passion and raw talent deep inside our unconscious is called, clearly Alycia Cooper has tapped into it. Like drinking from a metaphorical sacred well of spiritual water within her unconscious, Alycia the comedian has been reborn Alycia Cooper, “The Filmmaker.”
“The filming of Trade was a great experience. There was a level of professionalism only matched by those bigger sets that I had been on previously.
Chastity Dotson
I remember the empathy and kindness that everyone showed. To give specific examples would be a problem only in that it would require pages and pages of shout outs and acknowledgements. I can say in short that everyone was nice and there was such a sense of family. The support was strong on set. I remember one particular shot when I was outside of the house and Alycia yelled, “cut”. The response from everyone on set provided me with an enormous amount of reinforcement. I look forward to more projects to come with Ms. Cooper.” Actor Sallieu Sesay, ‘Felonious Hinds’ from Alycia Cooper’s “Trade”
IRONIC TRAGEDY TRADE is a perfect Shakespearean tragedy because of the heartbreaking irony of the story. The impetus for the events that lead to the tragic ending echo the famous saying written centuries ago: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Irony... John Travolta brought the irony of “Romeo and Juliet” into hilarious perspective in “Saturday Night Fever.” Travolta’s character “Tony Manero” reflects on the famous tragedy by stating, “I always thought Romeo should have just ‘waited a little longer.’” Yes, maybe Juliet would have woken up in time for him not to kill himself if he had “waited a little longer.” But he didn’t wait. And that’s why it’s a tragedy.
Actor Sallieu Sesay, who is a Writer/ Director himself, plays “Felonious Hinds” in TRADE. Sallieu does a masterful job in creating fear and intensity with just his eyes. Few can convey deep emotional subtext of rage and passion with their eyes. Sallieu can, frighteningly so. The intensity he brings to this role reminds me of a young Howard Rollins Jr. who set the world on cinema on fire with his performance in director Milos Forman’s “Ragtime.” As a writer himself, he was able to compartmentalize the demons of his character, and only give us glimpses into what could possibly lay lurking 6 miles down in his troubled emotional psyche. Actor Blue Kimble, who plays “Alonzo Harrison” in TRADE, is perfect as a man who is not exactly what he seems to be on the surface. Freud’s “iceberg theory” about our personalities must have been swirling through Cooper’s mind as she created this complex character of conflicting emotions. Blue, a former football player, does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing about his character. Do we sympathize with him? Can we empathize with him? Do we we feel sorry for him or hate him? Blue and I spoke about the “drama” inherent in all sports, and though acting is a different kind of drama, adrenaline can’t tell the difference. Concentration and focus are tools for an athlete, and a thespian. Blue has made his transition to film and television from football seamless, revealing that, just like Alycia Cooper, he was always in possession of hidden talents. Writer/Director Alycia Cooper has shown her talent in eliciting true, real performances from her actors, and Mr. Kimble was up for that challenge. It was just “Game Time,” for Blue. Actress Chastity Dotson has the challenging role of “Tempia Harrison,” the wife of Kimble’s “Alonzo Harrison.” Chastity is a seasoned theatre actress with seven one-woman shows under her belt, and 36 IMDB credits. She’s busy. But she loves what she does,
which is immersing herself in fictional characters. Becoming those characters. Living like those characters. It could be an emotionally draining career for some, but not Chastity. 7 one-woman shows, clearly Chastity has a ravenous appetite for acting. In TRADE she has 30 minutes to show us her integral part in Cooper’s raw, emotional vision of a sad truth of denial in our society. For Chastity, the role of Tempia Harrison was complex. Tempia’s feelings about the husband she knew before he went to jail, and the man that came back to her. This she must balance with a successful career and two kids. But home is where your heart is, and Chastity’s home life with Alonzo is...well... Let’s just say her female intuition is leading her beneath the frozen surface water of the iceberg that is Alonzo Harrison.
immediately after viewing, like Jane Campion’s amazing 1993 film “The Piano,” with Holly Hunter, Anna Paquin, Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel. TRADE is a disturbing film, but it is a necessary film. Alycia Cooper is concerned, at this point in her fil¬mmaking career, with peeling back the skin of uncomfortable and ugly situations, poking around in the flesh that lay underneath and then dramatically filming it. We may want to thank Alycia. Who knew the evil in Dante’s Inferno could be so close to our present lives? With people we know. With people we meet. With people we’re married to.
Alycia Cooper’s TRADE will be screened at Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s 6th Annual International Film Festival on November 2nd. It will be one of those films that have to be discussed
TRADE is a perfect Shakespearean tragedy because of the heartbreaking irony of the story.
Blue Kimble gets his “daddy on” with his Trade kids, Isaiah James and Celeste Clark. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 31
Alycia Cooper puts out another fire with DP, Freeman White III
Interview with Alycia Cooper HW-How long have you wanted to be a filmmaker? Alycia Cooper- I believe a lot longer than I even realized. I’ve always loved Hollywood and cinema. When I was growing up in the 70’s, celebrities were insulated and almost mythical. They kept their private lives private. If you got a glimpse into their world, you drank it up like a thirsty person that walked through the desert, and is finally able to get a drink of water. They wouldn’t let you photograph their kids. There was such a mystique surrounding the entertainment business and entertainers, that a little girl like me never thought I could be a part of it. Nevertheless, I watched everything I gained exposure to, and had no idea that watching as much television and film that I did would lead me to this moment. HW- What were your favorite movies as a child? AC- Well, we had one cable channel in MD at the time, so you’d see the same few movies ad nauseam. I could recite the words to Cujo, Children of the Corn, and Carlito’s Way. 32 32 •• HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY WEEKLY
Then, the big boom happened with Jaws and then E.T. The stories, acting and directing were so awesome that you were able to get lost in the story. People earned these spots with talent and hard work. There was no social media at the time, so people weren’t hired because of the number of followers they had. They got their positions on merit. Novel idea, huh? LOL! HW- Which directors did you gravitate towards? AC- Early on, it was Steven Spielberg. As I grew older, it became Spike Lee, John Singleton, Kasi Lemmons, The Hudlin and Hughes brothers. HW- Was there one film that resonated with you more than others? AC- Yes. “The Color Purple.” The movie was over three hours long, but you were so lost in the story that it felt like ninety minutes. The acting, the script, the music, the cinematography- this movie made you laugh, cry, it had every-
thing. It also introduced us to Whoopi Goldberg. To this day, it has to be the most quoted movie of all time, and anytime it comes on television I end up watching it again. With commercials that can become a six hour adventure. HW- Let’s talk about Trade. How did you come up with the title? AC- I’m not giving you any spoilers. Your readers will have to find out November 2nd at the film festival. HW- So, without giving away any spoilers, why this story? AC- Well, as you know, I’m an actor and a comic. I started my stand up career in 2000. In this world, the worst thing you can do is sound like someone else, which is why it always baffles me why someone would want to steal jokes, but I digress. I always strive to sound unique, which spilled over into my screenwriting. I decided that I wanted to tell a story in such a way that it feels extremely fresh and different. I took a theme that I believe is not discussed in the African-American community and brought it to the forefront. I’m a huge Jordan Peele fan, so I knew that I wanted to add a horror/
“W
suspense thriller aspect to the piece. I put all these things together and out came the story idea for “Trade.” HW- What do you want audiences to take away from this film? AC- I want to spark a dialogue. Some people will be on one side, some will be on the other. I purposely wrote it with nuances and dimensions so that no two people will experience this film the same way. It will all hinge upon the viewers individual upbringing, life experiences, and cultural assumptions. This is what makes Trade special. I’m proud of the work we all did on this. As a first time director, I couldn’t have asked for a better producing experience, team (in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes), and final product. This is my calling card to the industry. HW- What is your overall goal with Trade? AC- My goal is to direct Trade as a feature film. I’ve already written the script. I just need investors to take this to the next level, but don’t we all? Lol.
e had an amazing time on the production of “trade. The energy on the set was always positive and encouraging, those are the type of work environments that allow you to be your best on camera. Cooper is more than just a director, she wanted us to actually live on the camera, she wanted all of our emotions to be real. Because these are the things that capture the audience. Trade” taps into different dynamics that everybody will be able to relate to, but then the film also gives you a glimpse into worlds that you may have never seen before. From The prison culture, to the family relationships.. we wanted to make sure that everything was as genuine and realistic as possible. And I think Cooper and our award winning cast of actors were able to pull that off. We can’t wait to share this film with the world.” Actor Blue Kimble
W
hether Ernest Hemingway was
obsessed with the idea that writers had to experience life before they could write, or he just believed it as an artistic truth, that school of thought, unfortunately for young writers, is correct. The longer you live in this world, the more varied your interests and experiences are while you are here, makes you a better writer. It’s just a fact. Even the great, multitalented Steven Spielberg, who was a cinematic prodigy by anyone’s standards, famously admitted that if he made “Close Encounters of the
Third Kind” as a mature man, the ending may have been different. As a young man in his 20’s Spielberg felt no qualms about sending Richard Dreyfuss’ character “Roy Neary” off to space to live with aliens instead of staying on Earth with his family. But now, as a husband and a father, an artistic decision like that for Spielberg would require more thought... Life is the ultimate teacher. Mark Twain said never let school get in the way of your education. The school of life, where the worst that can happen won’t be suspension from school...though you will “exit the campus,” as it were.
Ken Comer is a twenty year
veteran of the New York City Police Department.A seasoned Detective who retired in 2005. Early in his career he was recognized as one of the top officers in his percent. Young Officer Comer was reassigned to the Organized Crime Control Bureau -- he became an undercover Narcotics Investigator. The operative word to sum up Mr. Comer’s life with the NYPD would be gritty -- and that is a pleasant way to describe the world Ken Comer worked in and somehow made it to the other side...but he didn’t come back to us empty-handed, he brought stories. Lots of them.
Screenwriter, Retired N.Y.P.D.
Detective Ken Comer, brings
“Reality” to his fictional Screenplay Masterpiece
“Lena’s Rules”
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Of course, Ken knew what to do with all those stories and the memories of all the characters he encountered in his 20 years with the NYPD. Life for came began with the dream of acting. He even did some modeling early in his career before he decided that he wanted to live the life of those famous
Detectives he read about in novels or saw in films. Reading Ken Comer’s screenplay “Lena’s Rules” was like reading a new novel by Michael Connely -- except, (and I love Michael Connely), Ken Comer has walked the walk. The things his characters say and the emotions and feelings and dire strait situations they find themselves in all come from an organic place of creative, artistic truth. I don’t know what kind of writer Ken Comer would have been had he not spent two decades working with the NYPD, but I do know that the screenplay “Lena’s Rules” could not have been written without the life experiences Ken Comer lived through.
Not surprisingly Ken Comer is now working as a full-time screenwriter. And, as an added benefit for all that life experience Hemingway loved writers to have, Ken has also found a new career as a law enforcement consultant in Hollywood. But it’s Ken’s characters. Ken’s words. The colorful, vivid, dangerous worlds that Ken Comer creates that is truly fascinating -- and where we, movie audiences, will benefit from his talent the most. KEN COMER SCREENWRITER, RETIRED N.Y.P.D. DETECTIVE com904@aol.com 917-734-5977
by Anthony Ewart
BICHLIEN NGUYEN
MRS. ASIA USA INTERNATIONAL BY CARMELITA PITTMAN
F
ollowing the footsteps of Bichlien Nguyen, one is amazed at her journey to America from Vietnam. She hails from Hue City, in central Vietnam, the nation’s former capital during the Nguyen Dynasty, the last ruling monarchial family. Although her name ties her to royalty, she has overcome the odds of surviving the repressive Communist reign which took over the country. In 1975, at the end of Vietnam war, her family moved to Saigon, the capital of South Viet Nam, known as “Pearl of the Far East.”
V
ietnam is a country that has had a history of invasion from the French, the Japanese, the Chinese, and the division of the North and South. With the presence of the restrictive government, after several attempts, she and her family fled the region and became part of the escaped Boat People by way of the Pacific Ocean to other Southeast countries to seek freedom. The exodus was huge, between 1975 and 1995, hundreds of thousands people involved, many did not survive the passage, losing their lives at the hands of Pirates, lack of food, and the storms at sea. The journey was rough, but fortunately, Bichlien and her family made it through to America.
36 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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he grew up equipped with brains as well as beauty and thus studied Vietnamese literature at Saigon University. When she first arrived in the U.S.A., she barely knew the English language. A survivor, she was determined to succeed, and she pushed herself to endure long hours of overcoming the language barrier while she studied and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in computer science and mathematics from U.C. Davis. Bichlien began her high-tech career as a software engineer. Being an intelligent and hard-working individual, she quickly obtained leadership roles. As a software manager, she led technical teams developing software products to serve the US military. She is presently the Senior Program Manager at a high tech company in the Bay Area. Her projects demand her expertise to draft and execute large contracts across multiple companies and organizations. Her skills and attribute of strength have enabled her to lead and develop teams in business deals with US clients as well as those located in Asia and Europe. It was startling and surprising at the beginning of a high tech company to witness someone who looks like a model command such a responsibility. With ten + hours daily, she manages to get the job done.
Photos by Huy Khiem
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mongst her achievements is the establishment of becoming the first Vietnamese TV newscaster on Channel 48 in San Jose. She also appeared on Trung Duong television. She has preserved the values from her culture and ancestors of maintaining “face,” humility, motherhood, hard work, recognition, and honor of the elders for their experience and wisdom and applied sharing and caring for those less fortunate. She is a woman of determination, integrity, and positivity. She dives into everything she does with gusto looking for the best product. A humanitarian with a big heart, she serves the sick, the needy, provides food, and education to orphans during her excursions to Vietnam. She supports the community in the Bay Area by volunteering her singing talent, modeling, and moderating various charity events as MC. As a result, she is well known and beloved in the community.
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ay 2018, the largest Vietnamese Art and Culture, a non-profit organization in the USA, selected Bichlien for the role of “Mother Au Co” to represent the “Mother of Vietnam” in the “Ao Dai Festival.” This selection occurred as the result of their observation of her support of the Vietnamese community, love of the arts, and involvement in charity programs. During one of the events, she played the role of the last queen of Vietnam, “Nam Phuong Hoang Hau.” In 2018 she was recognized and crowned as Mrs. Vietnam, California. The same year she became Mrs. Asia USA International at the Virgelia Productions 30th pageant. She aims to serve as a role model for all Vietnamese American women. Indeed her life is exemplary, overcoming tremendous obstacles in triumph. Her greatest role, however, is being a good mother, which she manages to balance with her unusual and unique career and achievement. She manages to fulfill her spiritual life as well by spending time praying and mediating at the Buddhist Temple. A life well-lived, a heart well given, she is happy with her lifestyle. Bichlien Nguyen wearing the Ao Dai Dress, selected to represent the Mother of Vietnamese Civilization from the “Me Au Co” Collection Designer: Do Trinh Hoai Nam Details are flowers on the crown and dress of pure 24 Karat Gold I Value: $40,000
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Purple dress and hat, designer: Tommy Le ( TeeJay Couture) Photographer: Daniel Pham I Make-up artist: Tam Vo
Bichlien Nguyen in national costume Designer: Tommy Le of TeeJay Couture I Photographer: Ken Hugh I Make-up Artist: Tam Vo
Bichlien Nguyen on the runway Designer: Tuan Tran I Photographer: Andy Nguyen
Bichlien Nguyen at a Buddhist temple Designer: Chau Nguyen I Photographer: Hai Tran I Make-up: Johnathan Nguyen HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 39
Bichlien Nguyen (in the center of the Red Carpet) at the Ao Dai Festival in San Jose Photographer: Hai Tran I Designer: Chau Nguyen
Bichlien was the model wearing the Vietmanamese Queen Costume. She played the role of the last queen in Vietnam “Nam Phuong Hoang Hau”. Photographer: Long Huynh I Make Up Artist: Phi Ngoc Nguyen 40 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Photographer: Huy Khiem I Make up Artist: Tam Vo
RENO OMOKRI, EGOR EFIOK SHINE AT THE
2019
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS By ONOME IDHE Reno Omokri was honoured with Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s “Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cause” Award at their recent HW Film Festival on 2nd November 2019, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank – California. Flanked by Nollywood veterans Zik Zulu Okafor and Ejike Asiegbu, #TableShaker Reno, who couldn’t help taking a dig at President Buhari during his acceptance speech, was given a standing ovation as he passionately talked about his #FreeLeahSharibu campaign which he is taking around the world. Reno revealed to the audience that he has already been to 36 countries and has met with various world leaders including the British Prime minister. Reno dedicated his award to HE Goodluck Jonathan and HE Atiku Abubakar, who both sent representatives to witness this iconic moment. Abba Atiku was present to represent his father and also gave a speech. At the same event, the “Hollywood Meets Nollywood” film, “Road To Redemption,” directed by Jeta Amata and produced by Egor Efiok, Tess Cacciatore, Vanessa Martini and Joan McCarthy, won BEST FEATURE FILM 2019. The film teaches awareness about the dangers of Vesticovaginal fistula (VVF) and stars musician Akon, Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives), Zack Amata, Fred Amata, Viva Bianca, Yvonne Nelson, Margaret Avery and many other top stars.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 41
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Treatments, Film & Television Scripts
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