Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
DJ HOLLYWOOD NICKY HANNAH C
®
MULTI TALENTED
CAMEEN Straight out of
Brooklyn” to your ears but Superstar on the rise.
HIP HOP ARTIST
MACEIS ONMILLY HIS WAY
TO BEING CANADA’S NEXT
BIG INDUSTRY NAME
® LETTER FROM THE EDITOR W
elcome Readers to Hollywood Weekly. This is a wonderful issue filled with Rising Stars in Music, Film, Fashion, Television and the DJ Nightclub business -- and more. We truly have it all including a way for any new and upcoming artists to get into the entertainment business. To start things off we have our HW Cover Superstar Mace Milly. Catapulting into the international music scene from Canada, we are honored to have this multitalented artist gracing our cover. Michelle Mackel, CEO of Plug Star, has made it her mission to help guide artists in utilizing their strengths and talents to establish a career for themselves in the entertainment industry. We love having her here. Then we have R&B sensation Cameen who is poised to make his mark in the music world. We’ll all be seeing a lot more of Cameen and listening to his amazing music.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson 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 Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jordan O’Quinn-Campbell ART DIRECTOR Damian Aragon
DJ Hollywood and HANNAH C are two major powerhouse players in the entertainment world. Their stories, their messages and the reason they want to be artists will make you want to be a part of Team Hanna C and Team DJ Hollywood.
PRODUCTION DESIGNER Denise Chavez
As always, readers, we thank you. We are who we are because of YOU.
CHINA OPERATIONS Victor Migalchan victor@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com (213) 220-3052 (424) 371-9900
Wishing you all Peace & Happiness!
Anthony Ewart Associate Editor
VIDEO EDITOR/ PRODUCER Israel Aleman
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4 Canada’s Next Big Industry Name CAMEEN 8 Redefining What It Means To Be a ‘ Super Star’’ 10 NICKY HANNAH C 12 HITHA 14 BEDSIDE READING 16 HW’s Favorite Authors FASHION 20 Is Passion PAUL PINCKARD 24 Marital Arts & Horror Genre JEDS 26 JEFF Marital Arts Star MICHELLE MACKEL 28 Plug Star SOUL VISION MAGAZINE 30 Adam Leipzig: The Movie Yoda
®
MACE MILLY
DJ Hollywood
Multi Talented
Teenager: Older Kid or Young Adult?
Mace Milly
Hip Hop Artist
MACE MILLY
IS ON HIS WAY TO BEING
CANADA’S NEXT
BIG INDUSTRY NAME 4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Stay in control of your ambition, and never let it get out of sight. Practice the art of humbleness.
O
ttawa is the capital city of Canada, and Hip Hop Artist extraordinaire Mace Milly has a tattoo of their Parliament building -- among many others. What this shows me is loyalty. And that's the backbone of rapper Mace Milly. Loyalty. Keeping things real. Like most great artists Mace Milly was a student of the world before he decided to pursue music fulltime. But he was always freestyling. He was always flowing knowledge through his words. But this was just something he did for himself and his friends. Probably more for his friends because he's that kind of guy. Friendships mean something. Relationships are important. Vakation is a childhood friend of Mace Milly. Where you find Mace Milly rocking the venue you'll find Vakation right there. Mace didn't realize it but he was setting up his team. The music business is like Hollywood, keep your friends close, and trust them only or you end up blowing out like Elton John's “Candle in the Wind.”
The other important part in the creation of Hip Hop rising star Mace Milly is The LJ. The man behind “The Beats.” Mace calls The LJ his “Dr. Dre.” But once again, it comes down to loyalty. The LJ was also a childhood friend who left Canada and came back a Master Music Producer. One day after reconnecting with Mace and friends and hearing these incredible flows Mace was coming up with just freestyling, The LJ said “Let's make this music thing real.” And that was all it took. I'm reminded of what P. Diddy said about the first time he listened to Notorious B.I.G. Diddy said “It seemed like he could just flow forever.” The same can be said for Mace Milly. In the studio he's the kind of artist who likes to freestyle first and find the truth of where the music is taking him. Let those original raw thoughts first come out and get them on tape. Many times he won't change much after that first take. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
There's a sense of spirituality that takes place in a music studio. Stevie Wonder referred to music studios as a “sanctuary.” Clearly Mace Milly is feeling the energy of the music and the atmosphere when he starts to rhyme. You can hear it in his music.
MACE MILLY
Keep a small circle with positive energy. That’s my main man to the right of me, he goes by the name of “Vakation”.
He is a student of all musical genres. He has two upcoming EPs in the works. A Hip Hop masterpiece entitled “Nothing But Gold,” and a smooth R&B classic in the making called “Cherish These Moments.” So much to look forward to with this Rising Young Star. He has opened for AKON and the WU-TANG CLAN. If you are ANYBODY in the music industry and you're performing in Canada chances are Mace Milly has or will open for you. He is a beloved Hometown Hero. And now he's ready to take things GLOBAL. Family and friends have always been important to Mace. The support of his mother and father. His cousins. And of course Vakation and his Mighty Music Producer The LJ. Mace Milly has a single coming out titled “Throw It Back” feat. Forgiato Blow (known for his single with Rick Ross).
Mace Milly is available on all music platforms: - Spotify: Mace Milly - Apple Music: Mace Milly - Amazon music: Mace Milly - Deezer: Mace Milly Mace's favorite artists are Kevin Gates, Saint Jhn, 2pac and Drake, but believe me some young Hip Hop artist in the near future will be adding “Mace Milly” to that list. And it will be righteously deserved. Instagram: @MaceMilly I was born for this life, it’s what I’m best at.
6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
MACE MILLY
“Maintain passion and focus, that’s when good things start to happen”
MACE
Hollywood hills don’t seem so far away anymore. I’ll forever stay in control of my passion.
MACE MILLY Thinking of a master plan
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7
‘Straight out of Brooklyn” to your ears but Superstar on the rise “CAMEEN” is based thoroughly in the city that he grew up loving. New York. A city alive with the artistic energy and vibrations of all the artists who walked those New York/Brooklyn city streets before. Every genre of music: blues, folk, jazz, punk rock, Hip-Hop and of course, Rhythm & Blues. Cameen’s latest single “DON’T KNOW” is out now on all major music platforms. He is equipped with the vocal mastery of someone who can direct his vocal vibrations straight to your Soul. Cameen is more than the average ‘Soul Singer.’ Cameen is truly about the work of cultivating souls, not just through music, but by showing real world love through kindness and compassion. Mainly the plethora of charity organizations Cameen is committed to helping. Wonderful organizations like St Jude, Shriners and and charities dealing with Breast/Prostate Cancer, Autism, Cystic Fibrosis, Diabetes, Domestic Violence, Homelessness and Veteran Support efforts. He’s even started “Cameen Cares Program,”which contributes a portion of its annual proceeds from music performances, guest appearances and online music and apparel sales to the aforementioned groups. Cameen is a New England Music Awards Top Five Artist Of The Year Nominee, a Hollywood Producer’s Choice Award winner for Soul Artist of the year, a Tv Host (American Builder’s Show), Brand Ambassador, an actor, an ASCAP writer and a recipient of a St Jude Children’s Medical Research participation certificate for his outstanding humanitarian work.
CAMEEN
REDEFINING WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A “SUPERSTAR” 8 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
CAMEEN
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9
DJ
HOLLYWOOD
BY ANTHONY EWART The fact that Iraqi/Chaldean Female DJ Nicole Yaddgo took her stage name from P. Diddy’s character ‘Hollywood Nicky’ from the film ‘Carlito’s Way: Rise To Power (2005),’ is perfect. Ms. Yaddgo’s alter ego “DJ Hollywood Nicky” is also on her “Rise To Power.” DJ Hollywood Nicky’s musical style can’t be contained to one genre. As an open format DJ, She’s been known to play anything from Hip-Hop, EDM, Latin, House, Mash-ups, Indie, Dance, Top 40, Trap, Techno, Cultural and much more. DJ Nicky is one of the most versatile DJ’s in the game with a wide range of musical knowledge at hand, encompassing funk, jazz, blues, rock and ALL THINGS HIP-HOP. With a sharply focused mind she “Brings It!” to all nightclubs and special events. As one of the few phenominal female DJs in the game with majorevents. Not only has she worked with major artists in the industry such as, Too $hort, E-40, Kirko Bangz, LoveRance, Jeremih, The Game, Ray J, Yo Gotti, Big Sean, Waka Flocka. DJ Hollywood Nicky has also worked for the Top Three Radio Stations in San Diego -- Z90.3, Magic 92.5, and 91X! 10 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
NICKY But there’s much more to DJ Hollywood Nicky than just being a Master DJ...music has a message. Music is cathartic.
If Bob Marley taught us anything it’s that ‘music heals’ and the most important thing to do is stay positive about life.
...And if you’re having trouble maintainAs a young girl music saved Nicky from ing that level of ‘happiness’ consistency the trauma’s of childhood. She under- follow DJ Hollywood Nicky on social stands the power that music holds over media, find out where she’s performing us and DJ Hollywood Nicky is wield- next and everything you can to be in ing that power right now to make all of that audience when she’s spinning. Hapour lives better. To make us feel good. piness will be found. BOOKING INFORMATION Email: BookDjHollywoodNicky@Gmail.Com Phone: (713)360-8950
Social Media: www.facebook.com/djhollywoodnicky www.instagram.com/djhollywoodnicky Snapchat: HollywoodNicky
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 11
ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
THE MULTI-TALENTED
HANNAH C BY ANTHONY EWART
It's always wonderful when synchronicity provides a lovely serendipitous moment that end up helping the world. That moment occurred when Hannah Chu, professionally known as ‘Hannah C’ decided to help a friend at their film shoot. Something sparked. Something clicked. A film career was born -- to our benefit.
Now Hannah C adds more seasoned talents to her cornucopia of creative gifts. Here's the latest roundup (Please note that at any given moment Hannah's interest may focus on any given subject that very well may be added to this list; we'll design a website): Recording Artist/Songwriter/ Actress/Film Director/Screenwriter/Fashion/Runway Model/Dancer/Martial Artist (Wing Chun & Taekwondo) and she won the Ms. Los Angeles US Nation Pageant for 2019...and exhale. What I love most about Hannah is her process for choosing career paths. First she finds something that she loves and makes it her hobby. She learns how to perfect it unobserved so she can develop her original style. Master it. Then, she converts her passion for that hobby into a reality she can share with the world. A gift she can share with the world. Hannah also makes her own rules when it comes to developing and nurturing her talent. She's always watching. Always observing. Little things. Small moments that for some reason is invisible to most people. But not for Hannah. She can see the, metaphorically speaking of course, the ultraviolet and infrared colors around us that we are blind to. But isn't that what an Artist is supposed to do? Show us how to see those colors. We were talking about two of our favorite superhero movies: the original 'Super12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
man' (1978) and its sequel 'Superman II' (1980). Hannah recalled a small scene where Christopher Reeve was about to reveal to the lovely Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) that he was Superman. To do this he simply 'removed his glasses.' In that one movement the entire demeanor of Christopher Reeve changed. He went from Clark Kent to Superman in a 'nanosecond.' Hannah latched on to that technique and employs it regularly. Call it 'intense minimalism,' but she can can seep into the core of a character -- our emotional control room, if you will -- so every movement she makes is packed with authentic truth. A gesture from Hannah in character can have Shakespearean implications.
March 27th is the release date for Hannah C's new single "Let Him Go." An urban/ pop/r&b Gem. Hannah C is all about Female-Empowerment. 'Ari' and 'Billie Eilish' are big influences. Though Hannah's musical sensibilities are wide and varied, she's distilled it all into her unique UrbanPop-R&B style with exquisite vocal runs and catchy melodies and beats. But we're talking about Hannah C, an Artist, so it will always be about the lyrics. Meaningful lyrics. Immortal lyrics. Probably composed while she plays piano and thinks of the kind of world she'd love to see. A world of understanding and love. Hannah C is currently writing a screenplay for a film which she will direct. Go Female-Empowerment! She's done several films with the Cal Lutheran Film School which premiered at AMC in 2019. But for now, while Hannah C is putting the final touches on her screenplay we have her MUSIC. MARCH 27TH. HANNAH C. "Let Him Go." All Major Music Platforms
INSTAGRAM: @hannahcofficial FACEBOOK: hannahcofficial NEW SONG: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/ hannahc/let-him-go
HANNAH C
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13
TEENAGER: Older Kid or Young Adult?
In our life we go through multiple stages. We start as a baby, then a toddler, then a kid, then a tween. These four stages of our life are our childhood. After comes our teenage years. They start on our 13th birthday and last until our 18th birthday. This stage lasts five years. When we turn 18, the world labels us as an adult. Many people look back on their teenage years with regret. This is because a lot of us either try to be the child from our previous years or try to grow up too fast. Recently, in our generation, it’s been more of the latter. 14 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
When we are teenagers, multiple things are going on around us, not to mention all the bodily changes we experience. The hormones being released accentuates any emotion we feel making them hard to deal with and almost impossible to understand. Conflicts seem more important than they are and everything eventually is a huge deal. Once we reach adolescence, we have an increasing amount of responsibility put on us. As I mentioned earlier, many teenagers right now are trying to grow up too fast. We want to see and feel what our future looks like. Many of us can’t wait until we hold the possibilities of what we can do; have control of all the decisions and what goes on around us. We see the freedom adults have and we want that. We want to be free. What many teenagers don't understand is that freedom comes with a price. When we are adults, living on our own, we have to deal with different burdens. Some responsibilities that come with being an adult are taxes, bills, cooking, cleaning, plan retirement, providing for family and the responsibility of making our own choices. These are just a few of them. Being a teenager is a gift.
HITHA We get more freedom than what we had as children and we don't have to deal with the responsibilities of being an adult. The five short years of our teenage years should be filled with moments of self-realization and happiness.
to real-life issues that they are not used to, or comfortable with. Being a teenager is stressful. We can't go back to being a kid so we look forward to the only other escape - adulthood. The way that we respond to these issues is how we build our character. These reactions show us and everyone else the potential we carry. Teenage years come with many advantages. We should enjoy being a kid because we can have fun without the burden of responsibilities. We can hang out with friends all the time, have summers off and can often get away with doing silly things without worrying about consequences. Although our teen years are an extremely weird and confusing time, we should use them to their full potential. We can understand what is going on around the world and grow as people, physically and mentally instead of trying to be older. We can have fun, learn and develop our character. We get to have five years to experience life at its best, let's not waste it!
Even though sometimes hormones can get in the way of success for a regular teenager, being in the age group of 13-17 is prime time. We have the learning ability of a child and the maturity of an adult. This means that we can grasp concepts faster than other age groups while being able to use them in everyday situations with the maturity that comes with growing up. During this learning period, we also come to sense with who we are as people and what morals we want to I like to hear from you regarding your interests for up and coming follow. Oftentimes, teenagers are exposed articles. Please reach out to me at www.hitha.me HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 15
Hollywood Weekly - Books to Devour A Spy with Scruples by Gary Dickson The unintended consequences of acing a test . . . or when all else fails, try blackmail. In July of 1964, after marrying in Paris, Desirée and Scott Stoddard are honeymooning in the South of France when their idyll is interrupted by a notice from Scott’s draft board advising him that his status is being reviewed. Desirée, the former French countess who is already three months pregnant, doesn’t understand why her new husband, an American, must traipse off to some military base in Germany to be tested. Scott’s remarkable scores on the tests attract the attention of the CIA, and Scott, much to his dismay, becomes part of their world of intrigue and deceit. How can he get back to the life that he and Desirée had envisioned? When all else fails, blackmail is the answer. A Spy with Scruples plunges readers into the complicated political world of Cold War Europe. From neutral Switzerland to the aristocratic salons of Paris to bombedout Berlin, Scott ingratiates some and offends more. But he has a plan.
Wild Game: My Mother, Her Secret, and Me by Adrienne Brodeur A daughter’s tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity. “Exquisite and harrowing.” —New York Times Book Review “This electrifying, gorgeously written memoir will hold you captive until the last word.” —People NAMED A BEST BOOK BY People * Refinery29 * Entertainment Weekly * BuzzFeed * NPR’s On Point * Town & Country * Real Simple * New York Post * Palm Beach Post * Toronto Star * Orange County Register * Bustle * Bookish * BookPage * Kirkus* BBC Culture* Debutiful
Images by Lauri Broadbent A young professor with a terminal brain tumor agrees to an experimental and highly secretive operation in brain cell grafting. While recuperating, he begins to have flashes of fragmented images that have no connection to his life. He soon realizes he is an unwilling participant in a murder plan initiated by his donor.
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Never Sit If You Can Dance Lessons from My Mother by Jo Giese At a turbulent time in America, when personal connections are fleeting and shared values rare, award-winning journalist and author Jo Giese offers uplifting lessons in old-fashioned civility in her memoir. The lessons are wisdom from a mother of the 20th century for a daughter in the 21st century. “This engaging tribute should ring a bittersweet bell with many baby boomers whose aging parents are dying.” ―Kirkus Reviews “Tender, pithy, and steeped in respect, Never Sit if You Can Dance is a light-filled biographical work.” ―Foreword Reviews
Grace in the Wings by Kari Bovee New York City, 1920 - Grace Michelle has everything she wants: A home, a family, and a future career as a costume designer for famed showman Florenz Ziegfeld, Jr.’s Ziegfeld Follies. Pretty good for a girl who once lived on the streets of New York City. But when her sister, Sophia, the star of the show, is murdered, Grace’s safe and protected life is shattered. "Not one page of this captivating tale bores, whether it's the latest scandal hitting the Follies or a glance between Grace and Chet. GRACE IN THE WINGS is the perfect blend of noir mystery, romance, action, and historical fiction, with a few comedic moments thrown in. GRACE IN THE WINGS is a page-turning 1920s mystery set against the smoky and sometimes seedy world of the famous Ziegfeld Follies." - Kent Page McGroarty for IndieReader
The Association by Sharon Ann Ziegler A young female attorney takes on a powerful homeowner association and uncovers the inner workings of the world of Southern lawyers and its own court room drama. A young attorney and her husband have relocated to the small, idyllic town of Champaign, Georgia for his new job, and she’s on an extended hiatus after becoming exhausted and weary of her profession. Yet she knows she needs to get back in the legal game, even though it won’t be easy. Now discouraged and out of practice, she must start fresh, with new determination and new clients. Her world brings into the depths of the back-stabbing world of “old-cronyism”, murder and fraud.
I Know How This Ends by Amy Impellizzeri What if you finally stop running away from the story you were always meant to tell? I KNOW HOW THIS ENDS is a time-bending novel about a young reporter swept into a story about family secrets and twisted fate when time travelers collide. In the spring of 2020, an ambitious journalist, Rory Garcia, gets detoured on her way to a protest at New York City Hall, and stumbles upon the commencement ceremony of a very special class, composed completely of 37 students born to women who were pregnant on 9/11. They are, in fact, the very first graduating high school class of true 9/11 survivors. Valedictorian, Hope Campton, is scheduled to give the commencement speech for the class at Carnegie Hall, but delays and absences threaten to ruin the day. While Rory is waiting, a mysterious stranger tells her a time-bending tale about epic love, loss, and sacrifice, and suddenly the story Rory thinks she is covering becomes so much more.
The Art of Dying by Derik Cavignano A CRIME THRILLER REMINISCENT OF THE SILENCE OF THE LAMBS AND THE DEPARTED. When the bizarre death of a mob foot soldier sparks an escalating war between Boston’s Irish and Italian mafia, Detective Ray Hanley’s relentless search for the truth uncovers evidence of a serial killer obsessed with the art of human suffering. As the body count rises, Detective Hanley must navigate a minefield of crime families, dirty politicians, and crooked cops, while matching wits with a deranged serial killer. But temptation, betrayal, and death threaten to derail the investigation… and justice doesn’t come without a price. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 17
Hearts for Kids by Jenny Lynne GET YOUR KIDS OUTSIDE! Hearts for Kids does just that. Each page features a natural or accidental heart accompanied by fun suggestions of where to look for hearts creating a habit of noticing nature’s subtle way of proving love is everywhere! Kids are naturally adept to finding shapes and patterns but that ability isn’t always stimulated. This book encourages creativity and takes them away from the dreaded "blue light" screens.
Live True: A Mindfulness Guide to Authenticity by Ora Nadrich This book vividly illustrates and breaks down the philosophy of Mindfulness, and what it means to live in the present moment; authentically. “Mindfulness and authenticity are inexorably linked. It keeps us honest,” writes Ora Nadrich in her timely, and much needed book on raising awareness and consciousness of who we are, and more importantly; who we are not.
Someone Else’s Shoes - Walking the Muddy Path Toward Personal Sovereignty by MaryBob Straub From the outside looking in, author MaryBob Straub was living the American Dream until she realized Life was insisting she travel an alternate route. Over time she sought to understand both her own choices and those of her loved ones. This led her on a path to discovering her own personal sovereignty as well as compassion for the world she walked away from. Do you ever wonder what it might be like to look out of someone else's eyes? Do you think life might be calling you in a different direction? If so, you might just see yourself in this book.
Outsource Your Book by Alinka Rutkowska Do you want to get your book out without lifting a finger? Outsource Your Book shares the secrets of a USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author on how to hire experts to write, publish, and launch your bestseller. Warning: Reading this book and following the advice within can result in having your name on a bestselling book and on top of the charts
Challenge Everything™: The Battle Cry That Blew Sh*t Up and INVNTd Live Brand Storytelling™ Scott Cullather and Kristina McCoobery This husband and wife team, co-founders of INVNT™, the global live brand storytelling agency™ share their story of launching a scrappy start-up – at the beginning of a global recession – and evolving it into a fully-fledged global agency business. They discuss the power of live brand storytelling and provide tactics for incorporating it into wider marketing strategies, and reveal the next frontier of business success: Predictive analytics.
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In at the Deep End by Kate Davies A deliciously disarming debut novel about a twenty-something Londoner who discovers that she may have been looking for love—and pleasure—in all the wrong places (i.e., from men). SHORTLISTED FOR THE BOLLINGER EVERYMAN WODEHOUSE PRIZE 2019 ‘Every woman should own a copy of this book’ Erin Kelly ‘Brilliant’ Stylist ‘The best thing I’ve read in AGES’ Gill Sims ‘Fresh and funny’ Guardian ‘I love this book!’ Josie Long Fresh, filthy and funny’ Grazia
The Lies That Bind by Emily Giffin In the irresistible new novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of All We Ever Wanted and Something Borrowed, a young woman falls hard for an impossibly perfect man before he disappears without a trace. . . . Giffin is a worldwide best-selling author because she gets under your skin—by creating relatable characters wrestling within believable situations.” —The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Girls of Summer by Nancy Thayer
“Giffin [has a] trademark ability to capture the complexities of human emotions while telling a rip-roaring tale.”—The Washington Post
“Giffin’s talent is pretty much unparalleled when it comes to the One life-changing summer modern woman’s story about life, love and family.”—Redbook on Nantucket brings about exhilarating revelations for Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes a single mother and her two grown children in this sensational novel from this A heartfelt debut about the unlikely relationship between a young New York Times bestselling woman who’s lost her husband and a major league pitcher who’s author. lost his game. NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY NPR NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today • “Everything a romantic comedy should be: witty, relatable, and a little complicated.”—People
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 19
FASHION is PASSION Mike Bazer New York Fashion Week every time rise new names and talents. Model Mike Bazer: "Chasing your dreams and becoming successful isn’t easy... Don’t ever let fear or doubt get in the way of your dreams. Do your research and go. Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now". The formula of success he is sharing in the interview for Hollywood weekly:
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Mike Bazer and I would like to share with you my life story. I hope that somehow you can see yourself through my perspective.
How did you become a model?
Natalia Spivak – special correspondent. She started her career as a fashion journalist, interviweing celebreties and Heads Of States. She has conducted many interviews with Ministers, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors, Presidents, politicians from different countries, top business leaders like Sir Richard Branson, Anthony Scaramucci, and Dr. Edward Bosarge. Her articles were many times the most viewed and were publish on the front page. She covered different types of topics from fashion to economics, energy and politics. She is now a special correpondant for Hollywood Weekly Magazine, back to her favorite passion that is fashion.
20 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
When I was a teenager I use to watch some programs on TV about fashion and i always dreamed that one day I could be a model but how come? I was a skinny and shy boy living in Santiago, Chile. Always fighting with my self steem, many times rejected because i didnt fit the profiles they were looking for. I was devastated of course and I wanted to quit but something inside me told me that I had to go on... What iIwas meant to do something big.
Why were you interested in modeling career?
Well, I always asked myself why do I have to follow the rules of fashion and try to be one more of the prototypesthey are all the same? No way! I wanna challenge the industry, perfection is so boring.
How did you progress in modeling field?
I continued my jorney. I went to New York and started to go to castings and i felt so small, as I saw doezen of beautiful people looking for the same opportunity. Each time I waited for casting team reply and was very disappointed. Until one day they called me for a shooting for next day early morning. I was really excited and scared at the same time. Fortunately the production team was really nice and I learnt a lot from them. That day I met Manonce Manonce a photograper who has helped me a lot until now. He encouraged me to go on and never give up. He saw something in me. I am trully grateful to him.
Share with us steps you did.
After my first big experience I started to contact people on Instagram, Nik Kacy asked me to walk for his footwear brand and suddenly I was casted
for small a runway show but that was my kick off. After the show some people related to fashion business approached me and they were telling me that i did such a good job and started to invited me to be part of difderent kind of fashion shows. One of them was Rainbow fashion week, which opened my eyes and showed me that everyone has its place in fashion industry. My very first big runway show was DapperQ in New York where i walked for Nik Kacy and Leon Wu. It took place in Museum and it was just wonderful. New York Fashion Week means a lot to me. Ive been lucky to be able to walk for many differt kind of designers and ive met so many people from all over the world.
Can you tell us what is behind the scenes?
Most of people dont know whats behind the scenes. Models calls are usually is an early morning for the shows at the afternoon or evening. So we have a lot of time to share while we are on reherseals or fitting. There are a lot of people working along to make fashion shows possible such as designers, makeup artists, hairdressers, producers and etc. I have been walking in many fashion shows so far. It is not an easy jorney but at the end of the day I can say it was totally worth it.
What inspires you to continue on modeling career?
Nowdays , I follow a lot of models who create positive changes in various ways, reframing the way we perceive size, shape, color, gender, ability, age and beyond, and I’ve witnessed the impact of their efforts firsthand. The industry is a lot better now as far as being more open, but I wish that high-fashion brands would push themselves to expand their idea of what beauty really is. People tell me I’m too different-looking to be walking in a catwalk, but once they see my work they totally change their mind. I know I still have so much to show and I will still knock many doors because I do wanna go far and make my carrer remarkable.
Any advice to someone just started ?
It would be better to make a plan for yourself and follow your heart. Chasing your dreams and becoming successful isn’t easy. You need to be consequent and have a strong mind. No matter how confident and comfortable you are, once you start working in an industry where very few people look like you, some insecurities will surface. Don’t ever let fear or doubt get in the way of your dreams. Do your research and go. Don’t wait for tomorrow, do it now. Follow your dreams and dont let anyone to bring you down. This is an advice from a humble who challenged the industry and himself for good. Thanks to all the designers, producers and photographers who have trusted me during all this time.
Model: Mike Bazer @mikebazer Photo: Anika Lambkin @art.by.anika HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21
Designer
Mariia Pashuk
How was New York Fashion Week (NYFW) in February 2020?
It was great, but that doesn't mean it was simple. I’m still impressed. I was convinced from my own experience – with clothes and style I create my own philosophy. After one of the models decided to disrupt the show a few minutes before the performance, I promised myself not to make a big deal out of nonsense. Now I enjoy even little things – through laughter I make myself free from negative thoughts and look at the world in a new way.
What inspired you for the new collection? Winner on many ladies hearts at New York Fashion Week - designer Mariia Pashuk specially for you, dear Hollywood Magazine reader, will give fashion tips how to be stylish at prom night 2020 and to be trendy at upcoming summer.
Mariia, for you fashion is a passion?
Fashion is more than clothing, it is a culture of self-expression. Fashion and people are both influence each other. The one who understands this, fashion does not absorb. On the contrary, such people remain themselves. Sometimes, fashion helps more than any psychologist. With its arrival life becomes more interesting. Feelings decorate us better than clothes, so yes. For me, fashion is a passion.
How did it all start? How did you become a designer?
Women's clothing reminds me of painting. From early childhood I was a fond of art and I always imagined outfits of book heroes, dresses suitable for some kind of music. You know, a little costume designer still lives in my head. Constantly draws some kind of images. It was what made me, at the age of 19, enter the College of Technology as a fashion designer. Since this all started.
Share your experience with us: now we can see your dresses at red carpet of film festivals?
Since I started working with celebrities, I am often asked about this. This is a great responsibility. I think, the most pleasant reason to step up to the plate was the support of the actress Natalie Spivak. In my dress she took part in Berlinale 2020 – Anniversary 70th Berlin Inetrnational Film Festival.
Creating a collection, which I presented at NYFW, took me a lot of time and it will not be true if I say that this is an accidental inspiration. What I sew is bound to be gorgeous long before it appears on the podium. During this time, many different things inspire me – most often flowers.
What is the difference between NYFW and Los Angeles Fashion Week?
For me – this is another opportunity to express myself. I want to show the public that being stylish is not difficult if you know yourself and your body. Your style is a reflection of your lifestyle. I think many people will like my approach. It would be great to find more soul mates and business partners.
Are you nervous before the fashion show?
Always. It is really scary. But fashion is subject to women's whims, and I know that I can satisfy them. To calm down, I’m looking for a quiet place and just drink tea. The anxiety passes quickly.
What is the most crazy thing you would like to do in Hollywood? If I get lucky and meet Leonardo DiCaprio, I will kiss him.
Do you have any specific approach for celebrities?
Yes. I believe that society is not fond of fashion, but those who demonstrate it. Therefore, I decided long time ago that I want to help celebrities, create and develop their own style – unique for them and recognizable for the environment.
What is the secret of your success?
I work a lot. I would really like to say that I was lucky, but it is not. In general, I think that I haven’t done anything yet. All that surrounds me today is hard work. I often criticize myself: “You can do more! Mariia, you can do better! Work faster". I express my world in what I sew and I love my work very much, but sometimes its results require more effort than you thought.
Advises us, how to be fashion at upcoming summer 2020?
From my personal observations, the most stylish people dress as if they had not put any effort into creating the look. Here in US, it is especially noticeable. And you know, it’s not clothing that fascinates, but the confidence of these people in themselves. In the light of recent events, self-expression has every chance of becoming especially popular this year.
Coronavirus changed the world. Do you think a face mask can become a part of a dress cod? Rather yes than no. In China the tendency to wear face masks has been around for many years. We are not used to it yet. I want to believe, until they finally become fashionable, we will stop using them for their intended purpose. 22 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Marria Pashuk Brand collection at NYFW 2020 Photo: Alla Ready Bellephotostudio
Has your lifestyle changed a lot since you became a designer?
Except for the fact that I began to attend parties and attend charity events more often, everything remained as before. I’m still doing yoga. If I have a personal meeting with clients, I say: “If there is clothes in your closet that you don’t like to wear anymore, be sure to call me and I will create a new look that you will love at first glance.”
What are the strengths of your brand?
Style. My clothing style is my calling card. Without it I would remain anonymous. I direct all my efforts to create a completely new image of a modern woman in society. This is most noticeable in my early collections. Things were sold a long time ago, only photos on Instagram remained as a keepsake.
How do you deal with competition?
It is important for me to think through everything. Until the seamy side of the outfit became as beautiful as it is beautiful on the outside, I consider it unfinished. This approach makes my clothes different, not like everyone else. It helps me.
Advises us, what is the most stylish outfit for prom night 2020?
In this matter, I would not risk with fashion. The best advice I can give is to try to impress not someone, but yourself. The dress you wear will tell more about you than your figure. This is not just an outfit, it is your internal state. The image must be comfortable and attractive. Following this rule, just try to find what is not on selling in the stores. My dress for a prom night Queen you can see at pictures 4-7.
Prom night Queen look from Mariia Pashuk
Anniversary 70th Berlin International Film Festival Awards Ceremony Red Carpet
Designer: Mariia Pashuk Brand Actress: Natalie Spivak Photo: Valik Kazmenko Retouch: Katya Oc Makeup stylist: Sharri Bonner Hair stylist: Jalyn Aryn Averitte
Designer: Mariia Pashuk Brand Actress: Natalie Spivak Photo: Juliana Nyine Retouch: Abir Khan Makeup stylist: Sharri Bonner Hair stylist: Jalyn Aryn Averitte
Designer Mariia Pashuk Fashion summer look from Mariia Pashuk Designer: Mariia Pashuk Actress: Natalie Spivak Photo: Alla Ready Bellephotostudio Retouch: Ivan Mironov Makeup stylist: Elizabeth De La Rosa Hair stylist: Dareen Parsons aka Lady D HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23
L U A P D R A K C N PI RR
HO E H T & S T R A L IA T R “READY TO TAKE MA Born in Los Angeles on January 28th, 1983, and raised in the San Fernando Valley/Chatsworth a couple miles away from Spahn Ranch, it seemed like Paul Pinckard’s destiny was already foreshadowed. He started reading Sangria magazine and True Crime books at an early age. When Paul read Vincent Bugliosi and Curt Gentry’s 1974 book “Helter Skelter’ it began his lifelong love/obsession with ‘Sharon Tate.’ Paul started training in Martial Arts when he seven years old. Of course, like everybody in America, he was inspired by Bruce Lee. Specifically after he watched the great Bruce Lee in “The Big Boss” and his legendary “Enter The Dragon.” Paul currently holds a 3rd degree black belt. He has studied with Master Sayed Qubadi since his American Hapkido School opened in September 1991, and was actually the first student in the studio. Paul has always taken his Martial Arts seriously. He’s studied with friends Jeff Jeds (Martial Art Film Star) and Leo Fong (legendary Martial Arts Star and friend of Bruce Lee). 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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IRECTION D W E N E L O H W A IN OR GENRE BY ANTHONY EARL EWART
He is a 6 time USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame inductee The 2020 induction will take place in May. But year after year Paul’s skill and talent has been recognized. 2015 Hapkido Black Belt of the year 2016 Multi Disciplined Martial Artist of the year 2017, 2018, 2019 International Martial Arts Competitor of the year. Paul is a member of the USA National Martial Arts Competition Team. He is a 2 Time Silver Medalist in weapons at the Jamaica World Cup Martial Arts Tournament in 2017 and 2018...but, honestly, this athletic spirit is real in his genes. Paul’s father was the first American to play professional baseball in the Japanese Major Leagues. He was, in fact, a “home run king” there. The elder Pinckard also played for the Denver Bears and Billings Mustangs. Paul’s father was known for his power. 600 foot home runs!
Now, here’s the film/television connection: Paul’s father also did a lot of extra and stunt work on movies and T.V. productions: “Ben-Hur,” “The Bad News Bears,” and landmark television shows like “The Twilight Zone,” I Love Lucy” and, of course the Bruce Lee connection again, “The Green Hornet.” Paul studied at Stella Adler and graduated from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts (2005-2007) He’s worked with Robert Picardo and John de Lancie in the action/drama “The Moneymaker” which won 2015 best action short at the Hollywood Reel Film Festival. He played a chauffeur on The Bold and the Beautiful opposite Katherine Kelly Lang. Paul’s mother, originally from Peru, won a “Doris Day/Miss Peru Beauty Pageant” and was flown to Hollywood by 20th Century Fox. Where, of course, she stayed. To be clear, to win this beauty pageant Paul’s mother had to “look like Doris Day.” She is truly a beautiful woman and very proud of her son. Paul has been working for CBS and Dancing with the Stars part time for the last 14 years while creating his Martial Arts/Horror Film hybrid stories. Paul speaks fluent Spanish and this may play a part in getting some of his projects off the ground, since he’s not limited to only english speaking audiences. Paul’s bedroom is a Horror Movie Shrine dedicated to his favorites: John Carpenter, George Romero, Stephen King, Tobe Hooper and Tom Savini. Of course there’s space for his Martial Arts/Horror posters when his films are made. He’s ready to join that pantheon of horror Masters. His upcoming Martial Arts film “Duel of Legends” with Cary Hiroyuki Tarawa is set for a 2020 release. And there is much more to come from this new Martial Arts film star in the making.
IMDb: nm2365982
SAG-AFTRA Member
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25
J
EFF JEDS THE IDEAL ACTION FILM PRODUCER’S
“Martial Arts Star” by Anthony Earl Ewart
If you take the insane worldwide ‘fan phenomenon’ over Ralph Macchio as “The Karate Kid” (1984) and the poetically brutal breakout performance of Jet Li in “Lethal Weapon 4,” then you are prepared for the cinematic explosion of Jeff Jeds in his upcoming features “Junkers” and “Knights Thunder.” Jeff Jeds has the boyish looks of James Dean and the attitude and skill to back up that ‘Bad Boy’ persona. But it’s just a persona. The carnage he may do with his hands and feet in movies, notwithstanding, he’s the nicest guy you’ll ever meet. A dedicated Christian and member of the Church of Christ (Iglesia Ni Cristo, Northridge). Despite his busy schedule teaching and acting he prioritizes his Christian duties. He was born in the Philippines and moved to America at the age of 11. He was 10 when he learned about boxing and kickboxing in the Philippines. He studied under Simon Rhee’s Tae Kwon Do Hapkido until he was 12. Then synchronicity stepped in and he met Robert and Ben Torres at the wise age of 13 and began training Shotokan under Black Samurai Karate Do. Ben Torres, a U.S. Marine Special Ops., learned Tae Kwon Do from General Choi Hung Hi during the Vietnam War -- this was the teacher of Jeff Jedda at 13! Jeff participated in many martial arts competitions in full contact, point systems, MMA and weapons. Because of his close relationship with Dr. Guillermo Lengson, founder of Sagasa Karate/Kickboxing, another
26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
living legend that somehow gravitated into Jeff’s life when he was 14, Jeff was given the honor of “Founder” of his own martial arts studio under the name “Jedokan Martial Arts.” Jedokan means “Way of the Versatile Warrior.” That’s major... In June 2011 Jeff met, once again, a living legend. Leo Fong. The closest friend of the late Bruce Lee. The man who had a strong influence on Bruce Lee’s decision to study boxing and the development of Jeet Kune Do. Jeff and Leo developed a father/son relationship that began as training partners and evolved into business associates. Needless to say, Leo Fong is the Mentor of Jeff Jeds. It’s miraculous. The best friend of Bruce Lee is the Mentor and business associate of Jeff Jeds... So, the only thing left to do is make some incredible movies, right? Absolutely! Or shall I say “Reboot them.” Leo Fong is a legendary martial arts movie star, as well, and Leo and Jeff are planning to remake and reboot all of Leo Fong’s classic martial arts films with new concepts and Jeff Jeds in the Leo Fong role. This is exciting news on every level. JUNKERS This film sounds like a whole lot of fun. Something we need in the world right now. And the trailer is amazing. The movie is set in a future worse than our current reality so there’s immediate escapism. Jeff plays a former Special Ops. Soldier named SOTO. He’s security on a salvage team that travels from planet to planet collecting scrap metal. If you’re guessing this story takes place in the aftermath of a generational civil war that has divided the Galaxy, you’re right. Count me on “TEAM SOTO” this new world sounds like William Golding’s “Lord Of The Flies.” Written by Paxton Gilmore, Directed/Produced by Nick Nielsen, Produced by Richard Chiu and Lawrence Elisalde and of course starring the great Leo Fong, keep your eyes out for this.
KNIGHTS THUNDER This is a future project for Jeff. An L.A. based action adventure T.V. series created by Arthur Jauregui and Cy Casidsid. It’s in the genre of “Son’s of Anarchy6,” “Breaking Bad” and “Ozark.” The story follows a Native-American man who discovers his family has ancient, dark ties with a dangerous European drug cartel. Jeff plays an ex-paramilitary Marine who helps the protagonist in preventing the encroaching onslaught of this expanding European drug invasion. I love the Native American ancestral connection on this one. Jeff has learned to trust his instincts in life and with is projects -- they have not let him down. Jeff Jeds is a Martial Arts Action Star with love and God in his heart. Who better to fight the bad guys in the stories we tell. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
MICHELLE MACKEL As the CEO of Plug Star ENT, Michelle Mackel provides quality entertainment, opportunities, management and PR for independent and main stream alike. Her mission is developing, enhancing, and investing in artists’ talent. Michelle’s passion to help artists break into the industry is at the core of Plug Star’s philosophy. We all know how difficult it is getting your foot in the door or know who to trust when working in the entertainment industry. As a former Club Owner and Live Concert Producer Michelle understands firsthand how many talented artists never have the opportunity to entertain audiences because of lack of management, assistance, and knowledge. With the help of Michelle’s Plug Star team every artist will have the opportunity to reach their maximum potential as a performer, model, actor or business Mogul. As Michelle likes to say “The Sky is the limit.” Each member of Michelle’s Plug Star team works tirelessly to support artists, ensuring they are not only promoted, 28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Michelle Mackel Plug Star CEO but also educated on the ins and outs of the business. Sharing their knowledge with other talent agencies, artists everywhere are being liberated, focusing on honing their craft. Plug Star has artists from different genres and different levels all around the world. Developing and expanding their reach with press, social media and tours etc. Plug Star is an invaluable resource to anyone intersected in getting into the entertainment industry -- either in front of the camera, behind the camera or in a corporate office calling the shots. Michelle Mackel and her Plug Star Team can help you get there.
Michelle Mackel comes from a Military family. She followed her Father’s lead by joining the Army. Michelle’s close cousin (adopted sister) also enlisted but she joined the Navy. Growing up Michelle learned that the principles her father brought into their home were principles that could guide her life. Organization. Attention to detail. Pride in your work. But the most important lesson was that of Teamwork and camaraderie. Teamwork and camaraderie is the philosophy of Plug Star as a company, and Michelle's Mission Statement to her clients: once you are brought into Plug Star, you are Family. Now Michelle has Plugstar TV which will be available summer of 2020. And with Paul Anthony (Legendary Artist Icon of "Full Force" & "House Party" fame) as COO of Plugstar TV, there's going to be a new streaming power player in the entertainment industry. Michelle Mackel has been incredibly successful already with THE VIBE SHOW, an FM streaming radio show. She serves as Executive public relations Rep on The Vibe Show. Kevin Hampton is the CEO & Host. Recent guests have included: ADINA HOWARD (MULTI PLATINUM SINGER/SONGWRITER), RENEE LAWLESS (THE HAVES AND HAVE NOTS),:PHIL LAMARR (COMEDIAN, VOICE ACTOR),MICHAEL COLYAR (COMEDIAN, ACTOR), TRICK DADDY HIP-HOP ARTIST, PRODUCER), BIZZY BONE of BONE THUGS-N-HARMANY and OMAR GOODING (ACTOR, ARTIST) to name a few.
Hollywood’s Celebrity Mother and Daughter Duo Bree K Jones (Daughter) Film Producer, ASL Sign Interpreter A.K.A. “Deaf Culture Merger,” Actor, Host” & Shelley Meche’tte (Mother) Author, Inspirational speaker, Host, Film Producer
Anyone who is interested in the entertainment business, or anyone you know who is interested in the entertainment business, direct them to Michelle Mackel and her Plug Star team -- they truly are a "Lifeline" for Artists to achieve their Dreams in all things Hollywood.
MICHELLE MACKEL Plug Star CEO
Personal email: michellemackel.plugstartv@plugstar.net Business inquiry: info@plugstar.net 5805834999 M The lifeline of entertainment - PlugStar Fb : plugstar social club IG: plugstar_socialclub
Moy Baun
Plugstar PR Client “Ana Baby one of the most promising high sought artist today in the industry since 2018“
Trina Mcgriff aka slim diamond Model /actress/ Plug Star Client & Model Kiyoko Amani celebrity host HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29
FEATURES FROM
ADAM LEIPZIG: THE MOVIE YODA
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Use your time on Earth wisely.
Adam Leipzig is a “solopreneur” who believes there is always room for improvement. This is an interesting self-assessment when you think about all he has achieved in his career. He is a former Disney executive who was instrumental in the production of one of Disney’s highest grossing live-action films, Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. As president of National Geographic Films, Adam was responsible for acquiring the international rights to March of the Penguins, releasing the U.S. version which garnered much deserved critical and commercial acclaim. Adam, with his degree in Literature from Yale University, has made a career out of what he loves—movies. In our interview with Adam, he discusses the people who inspire him, his wildly successful career and the keys to producing one’s very best work.
Where are you from and what was it like growing up there? I am from Los Angeles and I grew up in Reseda, which is in the San Fernando Valley. When I grew up, the street we lived on ended in a dead end, about a block away. All of the blocks surrounding us were orange groves and about a half-mile away was an actual dairy with cows and we used to go there to get milk and bottles. I know it sounds like we grew up in the 1860s but it was really the 1960s. Now, all of those orange groves are tract houses and shopping malls. The street is no longer a dead end. It cuts through into four lanes where the speed limit is 45 miles per hour. Things have changed a whole lot. Who or what was your biggest inspiration growing up? My parents were and are my biggest inspirations. My dad is no longer with us but my mom is. My parents were deeply in love and straightforward, upstanding people. Their word was their bond. They believed in fairness, equity, honesty, and hard work. In my formative years, I learned so much of who I am from them. What was the most important lesson you learned in the early phases of your career? Never give up, always keep going. I started in theater and moved into film. I’ve made 34 movies and the only reason I was able to make 34 films is because I tried to make 340. So, my batting average is not terribly good but you just keep getting back up and doing it again and again; keep pushing. There are projects I have worked on that took 10 years to get made. You just keep holding a candle for it and blowing on the embers. If you love it, never let the flames go completely out. I think so much of success is about persistence and when I say success, I don’t mean money. There are really smart people who don’t have success. There are really talented people who don’t have success. There are really beautiful people who don’t have success. But I think it’s all about persistence and not giving up because it just takes so long and you just have to keep going at it. Ask yourself, “do I love what I’m doing?” If the answer is yes, you have success. Very true. They always say “showing up is half the battle.” At what point in your career did you begin to feel like you had made it? I feel like I’m still “making it” or at least in the process of
making it. I feel that having amazing kids is making it. Being with an amazing woman and partner is making it. I feel like I have those things in my life. But in my career, I feel like I’m always a work in progress. What would you consider to be your greatest achievement? Anything from your body of work? The projects from my body of work that feel like great achievements are always the underdog projects that nobody thought were going to work but ended up working. Launching and opening the Los Angeles Theatre Center in the 1980s which is a four-theatre, 1200-seat performing arts complex was pretty cool. It was a gigantic and amazing achievement career-wise. I am proud of a little movie I did called Honey, I Shrunk the Kids that was supposed to be passed over but instead relaunched the Disney family brand in live-action movies. March of the Penguins, which everybody laughed at me for spending a million dollars to buy a movie about penguins, went on to great success and acclaim.
between watching a Marvel superhero blow something up which is a “good time” and a documentary called A Plastic Ocean which you kind of intuitively know is not going to be a “good time,” what do think most people would choose? Why would you go see A Plastic Ocean? We opened it on the right day which was the weekend Donald Trump was inaugurated as President. It opened as the number one documentary in the U.S., Canada and the U.K.! It also got picked up by Netflix. We had a theatrical release as well. It is now in 35 countries and in 25 languages. It has changed more than 100 laws, nationally and locally. The film is still having an impact. Right now it’s on a world tour at U.S. Embassies around the world, courtesy of our State Department. It’s really extraordinary to have something that is that impactful. I really did not expect it to have the impact it has had. It’s really gratifying. Are you still making documentaries?
It always feels great when you have something that not only works creatively and financially but becomes a part of the popular culture. Throughout your career, you were able to release films like March of the Penguins, Arctic Tale, and A Plastic Ocean that subtly and not so subtly dealt with climate change. Did you create these films because of your position at National Geographic or did you just feel the story needed to be told? Both. I did not start making documentaries until I came to National Geographic. Previously, everything I made was scripted, live-action feature films. But when I came to National Geographic, I became really interested in documentaries. It rather coincided with the renaissance documentary phase that we are currently still in. Documentaries are so much a part of National Geographic’s DNA that it was only logical that we moved there. So we pivoted in that direction with terrific success. I think I have a certain skill with documentaries. I have a way of approaching them, of putting them together. A Plastic Ocean is also a signature achievement for me and the team behind it because it was a movie that no one should have watched. Think about it, if you have a choice 32 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Yes, I have one that we are selling now and another that is almost wrapped through post-production. After these, I need to slow myself down a bit because I’m launching MediaU, a new film school, and I’m focusing myself entirely on that. You’re the Founder and CEO of two media companies (MediaU, Entertainment Media Partners), Publisher and Editor of Culture Weekly, and an educator at UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business. How do you manage all of your passions without feeling burned out? I never really get burned out. But I do get overwhelmed. I’ll completely admit to getting overwhelmed on certain days when I look at the long list of things to do. Largely, I’m a “solopreneur.” I don’t have the big staff, the big team, or a giant office. Largely, each one of these projects runs off of my energy and then the energy of a select few people doing very specific tasks very well. All of them are really solopreneurs too and usually doing their own things in addition to collaborations with me. So I do get overwhelmed, sometimes at the scale of tasks in these different areas. But I think I am pretty good at critical path and triage and knowing what has to be done before other things can happen. I’m also pretty good at prioritizing what needs to be done today and knowing what can wait until tomorrow. I think that helps me a lot.
How do you relax when you’re not working? Believe it or not, I watch TV and my very favorite channel is the Movie Trailer Channel! I just watch movie trailer after movie trailer. I can sit and watch 30 movie trailers in one go. I love that. What advice would you give to the next generation of filmmakers/producers who would like to get their start in the movie industry? That whole question is really at the core of what we’re doing at our new film school, MediaU. It is in collaboration with the University of California so when people enroll, they’ll get University of California credits. It is also in collaboration with Slamdance Film Festival. We’re building an ecosystem where learners of all ages, all backgrounds and all levels of resources and experience can learn from each other, and from those who have come before and who might be a few steps ahead on the road ahead and can point out the pitfalls and the cul-de-sacs and the good things you should look out for. The advice I’m going to give is the whole philosophy of MediaU, which is “do it by doing it.” Don’t make meetings,
make movies. Don’t make plans just go do it. Right now, you have in your hand the capacity to make a movie, edit it and upload it to the world. Whether it’s a long movie or a short video, you can do it. You will learn so much by just doing it and you’ll learn so much by just getting the mentoring advice of people who have come before you and also of your peers and other learners. Sometimes people ask me what they should make, what’s going to be commercial, what’s going to really work. That question is a blind alley because if you’re making something for other people just because you think it’s going to work, you’re probably wrong. If I have had success in my career, it is because I have opted to work with good people on projects I care about. Sometimes they’ve been commercial and sometimes they haven’t been commercial, but I feel good about every one of them. I feel as though every one of them, was a good use of my time. Time is the only resource that is truly limited in our existence on this planet. There is always more money, there is always another something to do, but we only have the time that we have. So, make good use of your time by being only with good people and only working on things that are the best use of your energies.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 33
Putting the “Real” Back Into Real Estate
For Los Angeles-based realtor extraordinaire Natalie Blancardi, leading the burgeoning L.A. housing market, overcoming formidable family-related challenges and continuing to grow a proven sales record is all in a day’s work.
BY SCOTT A. ARUTI Mention the term “real estate” to most people and immediately images of “For Sale” signs, infinite rows of tract housing as far as the eye can see, endless freshly-manicured yards and white picket fences are immediately conjured up, and for good reason – after all, these elements have been baked into our subconscious as a prerequisite for achieving “the American dream.” But for Natalie Blancardi, a professional real estate consultant with Coldwell Banker Quality Properties in Porter Ranch, the idea of putting the “real” back into real estate isn’t just a clever moniker designed to attract new clients – it is a passion-fueled effort to change the public’s perception about what it means to buy and sell real estate. “The primary lesson I have learned in my nearly 20 years of being a realtor is that what clients see, and who the agent helping them buy or sell a home really is, are two very different things,” Blancardi explains. “But regardless of the façade some people believe the real estate profession naturally exudes, I have made the conscious decision to continue giving it everything I have…looking the part through a professional, polished appearance and taking a unique approach when it comes to real estate. To me, helping someone find his or her perfect home – where memories are made, families are created and new life is born – is truly investing in the American dream.” 34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
And that’s merely scratching the surface of this multitalented businesswoman’s extraordinary life experiences story. As a realtor for Coldwell Banker Quality Properties, Blancardi brings an overt friendliness and professionalism to the Los Angeles area realty circuit not commonly seen anymore – especially in the cutthroat Southern California market. Fluent in Italian and highly proficient in Spanish, French and Arabic, she has stretched her geographical expertise to encompass the representation of homes in Antelope Valley, San Fernando Valley, Santa Clarita Valley and as far as Malibu, having just finished her second term on the coveted Stonehurst Historical Preservation Board, and nominated by none other than the Mayor of Los Angeles. Because of her impeccable history of cementing approvals, Blancardi has been dubbed the “Short Sale Queen” by those in the know amidst L.A.’s uber-competitive scene, a testament to the myriad of short sale clients she has been able to assist by restoring their credit and finding their new forever homes. Still, it’s her reputation for placing clients’ needs, goals and objectives at the forefront of every transaction, as well as her uncanny ability to fuse proficient communication, negotiation and management skills, that has placed her within the rankings of some of the most respected real estate professionals in Los Angeles today.
What’s more, her achievements and accomplishments in the real estate sector read like a proverbial who’s who of accolades, ranging from being a “Top Producer” since 2012 and “Multi-Million-Dollar Producer” since 2002 to being a respected member of the California Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors and more. She is also heavily invested in the local art community, consulting and representing notable neighborhood artists such as Shlomo Tuvia. Transcending the Glamour Beyond the chic hairstyles, stylish suits and stilettos and the luxurious cars – to say nothing of the thousands of dollars spent on advertising and marketing as demanded by LA’s realty scene – Blancardi enthusiastically describes herself as a real person with real life challenges, citing a recent particular hardship that pushed her endurance and life-balancing abilities to the extreme. “My life took a turn for the worse when my daughter, Mitch, succumbed to addiction,” she explains. “Needless to say, my life as I thought I knew it had stopped, turning into an existence of sleepless nights and wondering what the morning would bring. Between calls, listing presentations, showing properties and handling open houses, I was balancing these responsibilities with taking my daughter to doctor’s appointments and countless rehab centers. As parents we have dreams for our kids, which are suddenly shattered when drugs walk into our home and are replaced with prayers that our child lives to see another day. Unreal, yet so very real!” After 3 long years and several attempts here in LA, Mitch is now finally working on her sobriety in San Patrigano, a world-renowned recovery community in Italy. Blancardi has found the time to reflect on this entire experience and how it has changed her from within. “The stigma alone”, she says, “Of coping with a child with an addiction can be crushing, toppled with the judgement of others coming in heavy doses. If only a mother’s love could cure addiction, it would have been eradicated a long time ago!” Now getting to a point where she understands that she, as a mom, has genuinely given everything to the situation, and is eager to pass on what she has learned to other parents who may find themselves on a similar dark journey to let them know they are
SHLOMO TUVIA
ROME - ITALY “Hands and Soul” Opens, March 12th, at 18:30
not alone. Other Inspirational Ventures In the shadow of these personal challenges, Blancardi has managed to branch out into other inspirational ventures, beginning with her Serata Italiana program, operated in conjunction with the Oksana Management Group of Los Angeles. Every Monday evening, she invites eager participants into her home for two hours of Italian language instruction, adding delicious food and wine to the equation for a funfilled foray into one of the most romantic dialects in the world. Additionally, she has begun preparations for an art show in Rome for her aforementioned LA-based client, Shlomo Tuvia, scheduled to take place in March. A video featuring Blancardi’s interview with the artist is now up on YouTube. “All of these additional endeavors are an attempt to fill the void of not having my daughter close by, and to try to make every single day count!” says Blancardi. “I am very much looking forward to seeing all my friends in the art community in Rome come March, and especially excited to see my daughter!” In the meanwhile, those parties interested in buying or selling a Southern California property are encouraged to call or email Blancardi, as they will not find a more dedicated “real” realtor that her.
For more information about Natalie Blancardi and her philosophies, experience and approach,, visit www.ReSellingLA.com. Natalie can be reached by calling (818) 445-9848, or by emailing NatalieBlancardi@gmail.com. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35
Natalie Blancardi Real Estate Consultant Coldwell Banker Quality Properties 11280 Corbin Avenue Porter Ranch CA 91326 Cell (818) 445-9848 Direct (661) 388-4407 Main (844) 333-5444 Fax (818) 890-5950 email: natalieblancardi@gmail.com www.resellingla.com CalDre # 01348295 | CallDre #00491433
22325 S Summit Ridge Circle Chatsworth CA 91311– sold at $2,150,000 – 6 bed 7 bathrooms
103174 _ QUALITY PROPERTIES
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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
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