Fashion Model Lera Levinski, a Tribute to Kobe Bryant & The Tiger King in Hollywood Weekly Magazine

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

® HW ORIGINAL

"TIGER KING SERIES" PART 1 OF 4

LERA LEVINSKI OCTAVIA SPENCER'S

PERSONAL CRUSADE

KOBE BRYANT

TRIBUTE

® LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson

W We are so honored to be featuring top-fashion model Lera Levinski.

SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer

Her beautiful four page layout filled with colorful, vibrant images will dazzle your senses. We're happy to have her grace our cover.

ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart

Now I'd like to share a very simple story. A true story. Please believe me when I tell you that you will only hear the truth of this story in Hollywood Weekly and Hollywood Monthly Magazine, because it is our story.

DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES & ASST TO THE PUBLISHER Jordan O'Quinn-Campbell

elcome readers to another wonderful issue of Hollywood Weekly.

In reflection, this is more of a cautionary tale than a story. A cautionary tale to corporate bullies who believe they can take intellectual property from other companies, in general, and prey on companies smaller than they are as standard operating procedure.

Here is my cautionary tale. In March of 2013 Hollywood Weekly Magazine published an article on a man named Joe Schrelbvogel. A small child had given him the last name of "Exotic" and that was the extent of Joe's "professional branding" and "public image" at the time. Our article on Mr. Schrelbvogel was entitled: JOE EXOTIC THE TIGER KING." This was the first of Hollywood Weekly's "Tiger King Series" that ended its run in 2018 with three HW Cover feature stories. My HW Cover story on Joe Exotic for our "Tiger King Series" was published in April of 2013.

HW Publisher and Owner Prather Jackson's HW Cover Story on Joe Exotic was published in 2016 when Joe was running for President (funny in today's political climate). The third and final HW Cover story on Joe Exotic for our "Tiger King Series" was in 2018 when Joe was running for Governor of Oklahoma. The entire HW Tiger King Series will eventually be released again for the public in the near future. We present to you in this HM issue the original HW article on Joe Exotic, and the beginning of our HW Tiger King Series.

Truth can never be hidden by money. Like a plant that breaks through a sidewalk, it will push through. Truth is Edgar Allen Poe's "The Tell-Tale Heart." Truth will always beat and it will always be heard.

As always we thank you, our readers.

We are who we are because of you...

Anthony Ewart Associate Editor

MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Anthony Ewart Alex A. Kecskes Jordan O’Quinn-Campbell ART DIRECTOR Damian Aragon 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 Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS

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® 4 Fashion KOBE BRYANT 8 “The Sun Rises in the East and Sets with Kobe Bryant” MOMENTS 10 KOBE Timeless Photos IMAGINE OUTSIDE A STUDIO BOX 14 Safety, Global Looks, Experience, Infrastructure, The Future DE LA TORRE 18 MAIRA Dependable Packaging and Safety JOE EXOTIC 20 The Tiger King READING 22 BEDSIDE HW's Favorite Authours 26 LAYRA HARMONY HOLLYWOOD SUMMER 32 Must-Haves SPENCER 34 OCTAVIA Calls for Increased and Authentic Casting of People with Disabilities LERA LEVINSKI

A Symphony of Fashion Makes Its Debut

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY MAGAZINE IS A MONTHLY PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED

BY PRATHER JACKSON HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS LERA LEVINSKI RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY IS A PUBLICATION WHOLLY OWNED BY PRATHER JACKSON HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY MAGAZINE LLC. © 2020 ALL RIGHTS TO: PRATHER@HOLLYWOODWEEKLYMAGAZINE.COM. 8345 RESEDA BLVD #117, RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OF ANY CONTENT WITHOUT WRITTEN PERMISSSION OF THE PUBLISHER IS EXPRESSLY PROHIBITED. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR MAY BE SENT NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324. FOR ADVERTISING INQUIRIES CALL: (424) 371-9900

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T

LeraFashion

oday I’m speaking with Lera Levinski.

I’ve wanted to connect with her for a long time. But, before we talk about her career, let’s take a look at the collaboration she’s here to represent.

Q: Lera, you’ve already been to LA fashion week, in October of this year, as part of the Farinaz Fz team. Today you are representing these guys again, but in an expanded format, and this time you are appearing in our magazine. If I understand correctly, you’ve been on good terms with Farinaz Fz ever since last October. So, this begs the question: is your current collaboration with them based on personal friendship, or is it a full-blown commercial project you are working on together? Tell us about what’s happening, that is if it’s not a secret.

A: There’s no secret. Of course it’s a commercial project, but one that would never have happened if were was no sympathy.

Luckily, I can afford not to represent people whose work I do not understand or whose work I don’t like.

I’ve had my eye on Adolfo Sanchez and Malina Fashion for quite a while now, and I really like what they do. So, when I found out they were going to work with Farinaz Fz, I volunteered to participate.

At the same time, I can’t really imagine saying no to Farinaz if she had asked me to be part of it (laughs), because our relationship really does transcend business, and she is not only a great designer, but also a wonderful friend. For some time now, we have been doing things for each other that would not fall under any collaboration, or purely business projects. I value her friendship very much, and I am simply in love with her work.

Q: When did you first notice her, and what about her stood out to you?

A: It was at LA fashion week. But I can’t say that she stood out to me because of the beauty of her collection alone, or because of any one thing: what caught my attention was precisely the overall effect she created.

You know without me telling you that no one gets into a fashion week by accident - whether it’s NY or LA, all the participants

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are incredibly talented, and they usually represent very interesting collections.

But the kind of thing that was happening near her pavilion - I’ve never seen that anywhere. Literally every single person who approached it asked about all of her pieces. You know what I mean? Not just the collection as a whole, but each separate piece. Myself, included. Everything she had brought was just indescribably beautiful. If I hadn’t known that this was her first collection ever, I would never have believed it.

Q: I understand completely. I wouldn’t have believed it either, if I hadn’t seen it with my own eyes. What do you think will be remembered about the collaboration of Adolfo Sanches and Malina Fashion? They are very different styles, after all.

A: Yes, stylistically they are very different.

But what fundamentally unifies them is that they are inspired by the parties and events of Hollywood. Yes, they are all intended for completely different events - it couldn’t be any other way - but they are all very festive, and each outfit from these collections was just made to be worn on the red carpet. This is a fashion that was created for Hollywood.

Q: Alright, we’ll have a chance to look at the collaboration. Let’s talk a little bit about you now. I noticed you’re learning Spanish with an app on your phone. What is that for? Just for fun?

A: When I answer this question I’m usually kidding that when I was little girl, I loved the popular TV show “The Wild Angel”, so now I’m learning Spanish so I can watch it in the original language (laughs). But if seriously, though, I think communication is one of the most important aspects of our life. I live in LA, which has a huge number of Spanish-speaking people, and I think it’s essential to understand the people around me. Not just for my own comfort, but also out of respect for the culture I’m part of.

In the US I have established a rule for myself: if you want something, you have to ask for it; if there’s something you don’t know, you have to ask about it, too. Ask and you will almost always receive an enthusiastic answer. Communication opens all doors, and makes the world we live in more interesting. US is wonderful in that anyone can make it despite any of the circumstantial things that might interfere with their success somewhere else - things

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like gender, race, body type, or other physical characteristics; and this also extends to language. I love USA precisely for the fact that the main language in this country is the language of talent. It’s also very cool that there are people here like Valeria Manziuk - those who helps talented people from throughout the world make it in the fashion industry, get them into world level fashion weeks, and provide all kinds of consulting.

However, for myself, I have long ago realized that the fewer language barriers you have as an individual, the easier it is to move through the world and toward your goals. I would love to learn two or three more languages, but that takes a lot of time and effort. If I’ll have enough of both these things, I will continue to learn languages.

Q: So even in a business like modeling you can say with certainty that the main thing is communication?

A: I am absolutely certain of it. I became even more convinced of this when I started working with Thomas Zeumer. He never could have given the world so many superstars of the fashion industry, if his approach hadn’t been personal sympathy and mutual understanding of the people he works with.

Before I met him personally, I had imagined the secret of his success differently. Yes, he is definitely a person of extremely rare charisma and charm. Thomas never worries about things needlessly and is always able to remain easy-going himself, as well as in his communication with others. But his secret is in something else: he knows how to recognize talent on a deeper level, not only by what the person he’s working with shows of themselves, but also through communicating with them. He might see a person’s talent much more clearly and deeply than the person sees it themselves.

Q: So, apart from knowing how to communicate, is anything else important? I’m sure that there have been some other things in your, in my opinion, successful career, that have helped you.

A: Yes, I would say my acting skills, for which I trained in Moscow. Thomas was one of the people who noted that this is something that helps models. It’s one thing to just walk down a runway, but to truly be master over your own body and it’s micro-mimicry, as well as be “eloquently do not move” and expressively silent - that’s something acting classes can really help with. Everything else depends on desire and determination to succeed. Let me say it one more time: there are plenty of opportunities in the US for people who really wants to achieve something.

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Q: OK. I already understand why you do like US, but surely there are things you’ve noticed in the time you’ve been here, that you may still don’t understand.

A: The food. Here, everyone, everywhere is always talking about food. Since I’ve been in USA, I have gotten the impression that people here meet not only to spend time together, but to eat together. And when you say you don’t want to meet at restaurant or bar people don’t know what to do besides that. When I meet my friends I prefer to walk by the ocean, to go hiking, to visit spa, to do water activities or shopping, to visit some exhibitions or to visit tea rooms. But here people almost always talk about where they going to eat. And if you get recommendations from a friend to visit an exotic country, then in the first place, of

course, it will be recommendations where to go to eat abroad, but not what sites to visit (laughs). But then I understood that there is nothing strange about this, it’s just that I think differently about how to spend time, and it’s important to hang out with people who share your interests. So, that’s what I try to do.

Q: To finish off, what are your plans for the future?.

A: Photo shoots for online shoes, magazines, participation in shows at fashion weeks.

Q: wholeheartedly wish you success in your modeling career and in learning Spanish too. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us! See you at the New York fashion week!

LeraFashion

LeraFashion HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7

“

The Sun Rises In The East And Sets... with Kobe Bryant

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“

By Anthony Ewart

If only we could live our lives in sports. In the safety of sports. The safety of a game that can elicit the same kind of visceral emotions we experience in the “outside world.”

But unlike the outside world it is free of the challenges that come living with capitalism, materialism and narcissism. Of the poisonous trifecta created by these three variables only capitalism is neutral in its affect on society.

The metaphoric “tool” for good or bad. The many talents of Oprah Winfrey enabled her to flourish in a capitalistic society like butterflies in Ecuador’s Amazon Rainforest.

But there is an underbelly to capitalism. Sometimes it seeps into sports. There is nothing worse than seeing your sports hero undone by their own undoing because of the seduction of money.

But the Siren Song of capitalism, notwithstanding, sports is insulated from the harshness of life. I mean sports on the field. Or on the court -- all courts: either Laker Hot or L.A. Kings Cold. When athletes are competing against each other there is no outside world. When fans are screaming with excitement and frenzy in the Staples Center or arenas and stadiums around the globe there is no outside world. That is the insulation from our “reality” that sports provides.

The greatest social accomplishment Kobe Bryant gave the world is maintaining his childlike fascination and love for the game of basketball and for sports in general. That exuberance. That passion. It never left him. I remember seeing a clip of Kobe Bryant in attendance at the Olympics to witness Michael Phelps collect gold like an Egyptian Pharaoh. Kobe said he wanted to be there in person to witness this “cool moment.” Kobe was very aware of the impact a “cool moment” in sports can have around the world. The impact those “moments” have on fans.

Kobe Bryant was a student of sports. All sports. He loved the drama of the game -- the drama of fierce, athletic competition. That’s the kind of drama that captivates children and turns them into sports fans -- creating them like Stars forming in Nebulas. The safety of that Nebulous sports womb. That is where Kobe Bryant excelled. When the outside world tried to pull him away, as it does with all great athletes -- in one direction or another -- Kobe’s focus saved him. It was all about the game. His passion for the game. His sense of fun for the game.

Kobe Bryant may well be the Patron Saint of “Children everywhere who dream of becoming Sports Heroes.” Beard or no beard Kobe Bryant had a baby face and most people will always remember the excitement and buzz when he was “that new kid who could be the next Magic or Jordan!” And Kobe really was the Chosen One who fulfilled that promise. He was living our fantasy and we lived it vicariously through him. You could tell with Kobe, more than any other player, that he was living his childhood dream. The child in Kobe never left his heart. Always smiling. He even won his Academy Award for an animated film. It was impossible not to love Kobe Bryant. He represented the joy and fun of sports like no one else has done before or ever will. There will always only be One Kobe Bryant.

Los Angeles is “the place in the West the Sun sets,” and we’re known for our beautiful sunsets. Kobe Bryant has now attached himself and immortalized himself with both. Every California sunset, from this day forward, will be a time to remember the love and happiness Kobe Bryant brought this world.

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Photo: Terence Patrick ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13

AN INVITATION TO WRITERS AND PRODUCERS

IMAGINE OUTSIDE A STUDIO BOX Safety, Global Looks, Experience, Infrastructure, The Future

I

n response to Covid 19 safety protocols our three Film Commissions in the southern interior of British Columbia are working collectively to encourage producers and writers to look at alternatives to producing scripts to be written for stages. Our regions, the Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola and Columbia Shuswap, are where you can film safely in our wide open spaces.

We offer unique and distinctive locations, innovative funding incentives, experienced crews, great infrastructure and amenities, and years of experience. You will be filming in Canada’s renowned playgrounds and top international tourist destinations, safe and worry free, and being taken care of by people who have done this before and know what you need.

We are thinking proactively for when the film industry reopens. We invite you to create and design your future projects for our British Columbia regions, for outside in open spaces and fresh air locations. To film the world, consider exploring our extensive variety of global looks.

You can shoot international stories close to home.

We know that “the virus” is smart and here to stay for some time, so we are thinking to a future. We invite you to imagine your future here with us by creating and designing your projects for our vast open spaces.

Far from ordinary and closer than you think, our BC regions have thousands of square miles of cinematic landscapes. From arid to inland rainforest and everything in between, they offer mountains, grass and ranch lands, farms and vineyards, lush valleys, lakes, rivers, charming towns, and world class wine regions and tourism facilities.

And, the micro climates of each region have four distinct seasons.

These vast and extraordinary locations are easily accessible directly by air with an international airport in Kelowna, a regional airport in Kamloops, and via the Trans-Canada Highway system. All three regions are in the same time zone as California and even our remote areas have well serviced communications. Plus all our regions are known fortheir vibrant world-class tourism and hospitality sectors.

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Okanagan Film Commission, Kelowna www.okanaganfilm.com JSummerland@okanaganfilm.com 250-707-0087 / Jon Summerland Thompson-Nicola Film Commission, Kamloops www.FilmThompsonNicola.com / VWeller@tnrd.ca 250-377-8673 / Victoria Weller Columbia Shuswap Film Commission, Salmon Arm www.FilmColumbiaShuswap.com / sgoodey@csrd.bc.ca 250-833-5947 / Stephanie Goodey Additional Regional Tax Incentives for all three regions: www.creativebc.com/programs/tax-credits/

Thompson-Nicola Film Commission

FilmThompsonNicola.com • VWeller@tnrd.ca • 250-377-8673 • Victoria Weller

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Columbia Shuswap Film Commission

FilmColumbiaShuswap.com • sgoodey@csrd.bc.ca • 250-833-5947 • Stephanie Goodey

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MAIRA DE LA TORRE AND DEPENDABLE PACKAGING & SAFETY ALL IN FOR AMERICA

BY ANTHONY EWART

Rarely is there a Nationwide (life or death) need that can be FIXED with one company. A daring statement but it is the truth. Covid 19 supplies have been available with Dependable Packaging & Safety for almost a decade -before their was Covid 19. What Dependable Packaging & Safety does is PROTECT COMPANIES and EMPLOYEES with all manner of safety supplies. Whether Medical, Janitorial and basic 'human safety" Dependable Packaging & Safety is a Nationwide distributor 'healing our country' one mask or safety supply at a time.

Maira De La Torre, the owner of Dependable Packaging & Safety, was only nineteen years old when the idea for the company came to her.

A bright Latina raised by a single mother, Maira grew up watching her mother struggle. She vowed that she would "retire" her mother from her job one day. She didn't know how, but she knew she would do it.

Millennials out there looking for a way to start a successful business should really pay attention to these next few paragraphs. Essentially, Maira took hold of her 'Destiny' like a rope and 'lassoed' a future for herself and her mother.

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While working her first job Founder and CEO Maira De La Torre noticed all of the workers they sent out on jobs were provided with 'safety gear.' She knew her company needed to purchase a lot of safety apparel so it seemed like a lucrative business.

Maira did something that would change her life forever -she inquired about what it would take to sell "Safety Equipment" to companies herself. That small step landed her on the "Yellow Brick Road" to success -- but the road was not paved, she had to do some of that, and she did.

Just like in the great Greek dramas when the Gods see you trying they always lend help, and when people saw the extraordinary effort Maira put into building her business they couldn't help but be won over by her enthusiasm and provided help and support where they could. Louis Depaz, Director of Business Development for Dependable Packaging & Safety provided that kind of support.

Dependable Packaging & Safety now supplies customers across the nation such as Government facilities, Hospitals, Medical facilities, Industrial facilities and big box chain stores. They have clients throughout California and here in L.A. Counties like Orange County, San Bernardino County, Monterey, Ca., San Diego and San Francisco to name a few.

The reach of Dependable Packaging & Safety extends, of course, beyond to cities like Houston, Dallas, Springfield, Illinois, Seattle, Washington, New Orleans, Brooklyn, NY, Manhattan, NY and Mexico City!

Saving America one mask and safety supply at a time. They are truly ALL IN FOR AMERICA. Dependable Packaging & Safety is here to make our lives better and healthier -- next stop: International wholesale distribution.

And one final thought to make this entire article come full circle in the sweetest way possible. Maira De La Torre officially retired her mother from working. How's that for a Happy Ending...

Interested in getting a quote on our Medical, Janitorial or Safety Supply's contact our Business Development Team: Corporate Office: 626-343-7086 Louis Depaz, Director of Business Development: LouisDepaz@Dependablepkgs.com Maira De La Torre, Founder and CEO: Maira@Dependablepkgs.com Website: Dependablepkgs.com HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 19

JOE EXOTIC

The Tiger King By: Effy Bergstein

tigers, and he has interesting reasoning behind it. "Animals of the world are proving to us that our view of how the world began is a little wrong," he says. Schrelbvogel's theory is that before the Ice Age, lions and tigers were one of the same. After the ice melted, the lions were stranded in Africa and the tigers were stranded in Asia, evolving into two separate species. "They're genetically the same animal otherwise they wouldn't breed. I've worked with several universities who've studied the science and DNA behind this. They're actually releasing a big article in January to prove they're the same species."

Many of the animals at GW Exotic, like the Alligators from Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch, are rescues from similar organizations that can no longer take care of them. Some are re-homed from private owners who can't keep up with little Simba once he transforms into Mufasa, king of the jungle.

W

ith a bleach-blonde mullet, a black mustache, and more tattoos and piercings than Tommy lee, out-spoken activist Joe Schrelbvogel might be my new favorite rockstar.

Schhrelbvogel is the owner of GW Exotic Animal Park, an animal sanctuary home to over a thousand exotic animals including miniature horses, wolves, camels and ligers. That's right, ligers -- Joe is breeding a mix of lions and 20 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Referred to in the press as a "literal Noah's arc in the middle of Oklahoma," Joe's forty-five acre land oasis would make for an incredible place to shoot a film. And at the center of it all is Joe himself, who appears to be a sort of modern day Mogli, (on Disney reference too many?), walking around the place and making sure the animals are happy on a daily basis. But just who is the charismatic man behind the GW Exotic Animal Park.

It all started at the tender age of nineteen, when Joe was crowned the youngest police chief in Texas history, and ready to dedicate his life to being a cop. But in 1985, his life was about to change: "My career ended one

night when a drunk driver hit me on a bridge. I moved to Florida to do my physical therapy and my neighbor was the manager of Lion Country Safari at the time. He brought home all the baby tigers and monkeys to bottle-feed and take care of," he said. Joe was hooked.

Just a few months later, he and his brother became owners of an exotic pet store themselves. And so began the transformation from GI Joe to Joe Exotic, all he needed now was a name change.

"My last name is horrible," he laughs. "I started doing magic shows years ago and none of the kids could pronounce it." I couldn't help but think Siegfried and Roy when I heard that, the famous duo who performed a big cat magic show in Vegas years ago. "I had a magic act with a spider monkey named Little Ricky, I trained him to hold a microphone and we had a voice recording for him so it looked like him talking and he would 'talk' to the kids. We were teaching these little kids not to make fun of other kids who look different." A pioneer for anti-bullying before Lady Gaga even knew what bullying was: I love a man who's ahead of the curve. "Anyway, one of the little kids couldn't pronounce my name and started calling me Joe Exotic." Today, Joe has a large tattoo of Little Ricky, commemorating his friend on his left arm.

Shortly after, Joe Exotic and his family sold the

pet store and bought property in Wynnewood, Oklahoma, which became the GW Exotic Animal Park. The park opened its doors to the public on October 14th, 1999.

People come from all over the country to tour the interactive zoo and meet the animals, but for some it's Joe Exotic's celebrity status that's the draw. After all, the country bumpkin's ability to handle even the biggest of cats kinda makes Cesar Milan and his Pitfalls look pale in comparison. A tiger whisperer who's sassier than Honey Boo Boo, I think I smell reality star in the making.

And speaking of reality stars, is it just me, or does Joe bare a striking similarity to the late Crocodile Hunter Steve Irwin? A fellow wildlife expert whose larger than life personality made him household name. Already profiled by PBS and National Geographic, to name a few, Joe's colorful persona seems to really resonate on camera in a similar way that Steve's did. As it turns out, the two were friends.

To commemorate his friend's death, Joe built a large indoor alligator complex inside the GW Park and named it The Steve Irwin Memorial. The complex currently holds eleven alligators and two crocodiles, Steve would have been proud.

So, would Joe ever consider following in his old buddy's footsteps and doing a show himself? "I'm in the process of trying to do that now, I've been offered several contracts. My dream is to have a zoo makeover type show, where you go around the world and help under privileged zoos."

"We successfully did this in Missouri last year and rebuilt their zoo because the government was going to take their animals away. After three days with us the government came for a checkup and they received perfect scores."

Kind of sounds like another peroxide loving' blonde who goes around doin' salon make-

"Steve and I never met in person, but became good colleagues over the phone,

overs: Tabatha' Salon, anyone? "In today's world they're interested in taking away animals from people and sanctuaries like ours that are being overrun by animals. Some people just need a helping hand."

he says. "When I first started in this industry my first rescue was an eleven foot alligator with a severe eye infection and vets in the US didn't know what antibiotics were ok for alligators to take. I figured I'd give it a shot and call Steve's zoo in Australia. Instantly, Steve and his vets got on the phone and helped out vets.

Soon after that I had another situation with a rescued Kangaroo who threw her pouch inside out. No vet in America knew what to do so I called Steve again and he was very helpful. His death was very heartbreaking me."

Most recently, a PBS documentary profiling Joe and his park featured footage from inside his home: a sanctuary for baby tigers to roam about freely, equipped with stuffed animals and chewing toys, (although they did seem to have an affinity for the furniture). At the center of it all was Joe, sitting on his living room couch, bottle-feeding one of the cubs.

calls, his "animal ambassadors." Like his spider monkey. And his ligers. Each animal has a story to tell. To appreciate their story can simply mean interacting with them, and if places like these didn't exist, kids and adults alike would not have any exposure to wild animals, hence a lack of appreciation for wildlife out there in the world and conserving it.

I wondered just how close Joe lives to the zoo in order to do what he does. "My home is in the middle of the park," he says. "I have a cage built around my house, inside the cage, which is my front yard, there are five tigers, a full grown lion and six wiener dogs." Weiner dogs, did you say Weiner dogs, Joe? "Oh yeah. It's amazing how well animals get along with other animals in a rescue situation. It's like they all know they're there due to similar circumstances, and they're grateful."

I told Joe about my own dog, the love of my life, a Yorkshire Terrier named Milo. And about how I put Animal Planet on for him whenever I leave the house. "I leave it on for my chimp, too, I even watch it with him sometimes," he told me. I told him it was good to hear I wasn't crazy, as my roommates are convinced I am, and we had a good laugh as he assured me I wasn't. I ended the call feeling inspired; he just has a certain way about him.

Perhaps that's why the animals are fans. From one interview, he managed to turn me into a fan as well. Whatever big or small screen project he ends up embarking on, I have a feeling the rest of America isn't far behind.

One day these big cats may grow up to roam the jungle, but for now they seem rather content in roaming the zoo's rather enormous enclosures, posing for pictures and working hard as what Exotic HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21

Hollywood Weekly - Books to Devour 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 woman falls hard for an impossibly perfect man before he disappears without a trace. The Lies that Bind is an emotionally resonant exploration of the never-ending search for love and truth-in our relationships, careers, and deep within our own hearts.

EmilyGiffin.com

Search Heartache by Carla Malden Maura Fielder looks like she has the perfect life: every expectation fulfilled. But under the illusory surface of perfection, Maura finds herself blindsided by what she discovers on her husband’s computer.

She has no emotional cubby hole into which she can shove this ghost from her husband’s past, so instead, Maura upends her life—thrashing her marriage, alienating her daughter, and eroding her own moral center. On the verge of sacrificing everything she holds dear to her own obsession, how does Maura manage to regain her equilibrium and reclaim her life?

CarlaMalden.com

“Eye of the Moon is a gothic mystery of the finest order, Eyes Wide Shut meets Agatha Christie.”

Wild Game: My Mother, Her Secret, and Me

by Adrienne Brodeur

“It’s gripping, intense, thorough.

Everything I wanted in a thriller and then some.”

“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 A daughter’s tale of living in the thrall of her magnetic, complicated mother, and the chilling consequences of her complicity.

AdrienneBrodeur.com 22 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Eye of the Moon

by Ivan Obolensky

“This was such a surprise. If you like big house mysteries, Downton Abbey and Cluedo ‘who done its’, you will love this.”

“Eye of the Moon kept me engaged from start to finish. I read it in three days.”

“This story held me spellbound throughout.”

“I could not stop reading as I was entangled in the many twists and turns, a fun and unforgettable read.”

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Sex, Love & Cops by Wendy Wilkins Following the true story of a naive young female cop as she joins the police force, and discovers many firsts, her first arrest, murder, dead body, love, sexual awakening, cop culture and a #metoo moment. A fast paced, entertaining read with some wonderful characters, who just happen to be real. Vignettes in style of Candace Bushnell's "Sex and The City" novella SexLoveAndCops.com

All Our Summers

by Holly Chamberlin

In at The Deep End

by Kate Davies

Against the picturesque coastal Maine setting that she evokes so well, bestselling author Holly Chamberlin creates a heartfelt story of family bonds and new beginnings.

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).

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ROMeANTICALLY CHALLENGED

by Marina Adair #1 nationally bestselling author Marina Adair’s ROMeANTICALLY CHALLENGED, is a humorous romantic comedy riff on Three Men and a Baby meets 27 Dresses, in which a newly single physician’s assistant who sets out on an exotic—and man-free— adventure gets stranded in a decidedly not exotic coastal Rhode Island town full of eccentric residents, nosy neighbors, and an infuriatingly sexy bunkmate who makes her question her anti-romance diet.

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BALLGOWNS TO YOGA PANTS: Entrepreneurial Secrets for Creating Your Dream Business and Brand

by Dr. Shellie Hipsky Now is the time to create your dream business and brand.

Whether you want to be leading rocking high heels or comfy yoga pants, you need this book! Author and CEO, Dr. Shellie Hipsky rose from tenured professor to award-winning “Best Business Woman” and “Entrepreneur of the Year”. Inside are Dr. Shellie’s Success Secrets, research on multimillionaire business boss strategies, and questions to guide you as you monetize your passion!

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Evvie Drake Starts Over

by Linda Holmes “Everything a romantic comedy should be: witty, relatable, and a little complicated.”—People #ReadWithJenna Book Club Pick as Featured on Today Now in paperback, this instant New York Times bestseller centers around the unlikely relationship between a young woman who’s lost her husband and a major league pitcher who’s lost his game.

ThisIsLindaHolmes.com HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23

OUTSOURCE YOUR BOOK: Your Guide to Getting Your Business Book Ghostwritten, Published and Launched

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!

Breakfast at the Honey Creek Café

by Jodi Thomas.

From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jodi Thomas, a romantic, heartwarming new romance set in Honey Creek, Texas—a little town nestled in the rolling hills bordering the Brazos River, where family bonds and legends run deep, and friendship and love are always close at hand. Filled with Jodi’s characteristic warmth, endearing characters, and authentic Texan flair, the town of Honey Creek is about to become your favorite place to visit.

Girls of Summer

by Nancy Thayer One life-changing summer on Nantucket brings about exhilarating revelations for a single mother and her two grown children in this sensational novel from New York Times bestselling author Nancy Thayer.

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WHITE OUT (Badlands Thriller Book 1) by Danielle Girard From the bestselling author of the Annabelle Schwartzman series comes a chilling story of a woman with a forgotten past and a town with dark secrets.

After surviving a car accident on an icy road in Hagen, North Dakota, Lily Baker regains consciousness with no idea where or who she is. Scattered Bible verses and the image of a man lying in a pool of blood haunt her memory.

The same night of the accident, a young woman is murdered and tossed in a dumpster. Kylie Milliard, Hagen’s only detective, doesn’t immediately recognize the victim, but Kylie soon discovers that Lily and the dead woman share a dark past…if only Lily could remember what it was.

Lily and Kylie both want answers. But Kylie has to play by the book. Lily has to play it safe. And the more Lily learns about her identity, the more she fears the truth.

DanielleGirard.com 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

A Vanishing in Greenwich Village

by Elisabeth Amaral In this multi-layered romance novel, real estate agent Ellie is fed up with her husband's infidelity and strikes up a passionate relationship with a handsome retired detective. At the same time she begins an ill-fated friendship with the mysterious Valeria and gets drawn into the web of her friend's troubled past. This novel reads like a real-life conversation between two friends and is a must read to the finish.

A Conversation with an Author NEVER SAY GOODBYE

by Kim Sakwa An electrifying contemporary romance with a time travel twist. Stunning and talented, Amanda Marceau has lost her memory of the time she spent in 18th-century Britain. Royal Navy Admiral Alexander Montgomery has followed her into the present, intent on restoring it.

Q; You’ve now written two books, the bestseller The Prophecy and now Never Say Goodbye. How was your experience writing your second book versus your first?

Q: We hear you love linking music to what you are writing. What were the top three songs that formed the “soundtrack” to your novel Never Say Goodbye?

A: Writing Never Say Goodbye was a completely different experience. I had a new business (being an author and cultivating my brand), a team I was working with, a deadline looming, and a slew of obstacles that were hard to navigate and ultimately overcome.

Through the process however, I found myself again and realized where home and heart is.

A: The books’ characters Amanda, Alexander, and Callie had been with me for years, which is why I have three soundtracks related to the book on my website not to mention the countless playlists I created while working through the final iteration. If pressed, however—like now—I’ll pick one for each of them. “Dream On” by Aerosmith (Alexander), “Secrets” by One Republic (Amanda), and “The Climb” by Miley Cyrus (Callie).

Q: Who are your go-to authors?

A: Julie Garwood, Sherrilyn Kenyon, Cherry Adair, Karen Marie Moning, Lori Foster, Lynn Kurland. Seriously, I could go on!

Q; When you need a break from writing, what do you do?

A: I’m smiling just thinking of it. I go for a walk and listen to music.

AuthorKimSakwa.com

Q: You got to visit New York’s Hamptons for the first time this February. What’s your favorite memory of your visit?

A: Pinch me, I’m attending an author weekend in the Hamptons!

I was instantly embraced within the folds of Bedside Reading founder Jane Ubell-Meyer, my fellow authors, and their families which was a life-changing experience of its own, so it’s hard to pinpoint a favorite.

The entire weekend was incredible, from the kickoff at the Topping Rose House to our final event at The Maidstone. But if pressed, I’d have to say sitting within the spectator 1650 Baker House—enveloped in warmth and exceptional hospitality (thank you, Antonella!)—while author Hank Phillippi Ryan mesmerized the crowd (me included). Our late-night intimate dinners at local spots happened to be off the charts too. It was extraordinary and an experience I would repeat in a heartbeat.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25

A SYMPHONY OF FASHION makes

ITS DEBUT

BY JENNY WERTH Layra Harmony is the predominant conductor of her own life symphony. With a quartet comprised of fashion stylist, photo shoot producer, creative director and brand consultant, Layra harmonizes to create stunning masterpieces including fashion editorial layouts, commercials, front covers and advertorials. And like a maestro of an orchestra, Layra ensures each instrument plays in melody with one another to create the final effect of a symphony. She finds inspiration in a myriad of places. She is as much part of a production team as she is a soloist who serenades with an endless variety of colors, fabrics and flair. It’s no surprise the enterprising Layra finds herself climbing toward the pinnacle of a creative empire. As a fashion stylist she uses the grace of a harp to create impressionable editorials that have graced that pages of magazines such as “Marie Claire” and “L ‘Officiel.” As a creative director she incorporates the dynamics of the flute and guitar to create impressionable platforms of memorable results.

While in her role as a photo shoot producer she commands both the drums and piano to produce each detail of what happens behind-the-scenes into a seamless success story of photographic heroism. “It’s amazing what we achieve as a team. I wouldn’t be able to do any of these images without the whole team.” Layra says she knows that each of her team players makes up the whole of any production. With that in mind, she often returns to a capable and reliable team that is often comprised of photographers, makeup artists, assistants, dancers, musicians, hair stylists and models to create each piece of photographic art.

Naturally, together they are all visual artists.

Creatively, each of them comprises one piece of an artistic puzzle that makes the entire mosaic fit together as a whole.

Indeed, she had a keen eye for fashion even as a youth. In fact, at ten-years-old, 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

the future fashionista lived in picturesque Northern Caucasus designing clothing for her doll. “In the area where we lived, we didn’t have variety (of fabrics) and my sister and I had two dolls and we began sewing for the dolls.” Without realizing, it was the beginning of her career in fashion.

“When I was ten or eleven, I saw a fashion magazine for the first time with paper patterns that allowed my sister and I to sew patterns for ourselves and so we began to sew… a suit for my sister and a dress for me.” It was the diversity of the ethnic region in Northern Caucasus that Layra

attributes to her multifaceted interests in aesthetics. “I think the fact that I grew up (in Northern Caucasus) had a big impact on my personality, because there is such a great variety in everything. This is the most diverse ethnic region in the world.”

The desire simmered silently, but the passion faded until Layra found herself in the United Kingdom. Then, in 2010 she was invited to participate as a model in a photo shoot for a magazine from the United States that needed a professional dancer. Layra danced professionally, so

“

I always had my own vision and my own future. I wasn’t influenced by someone else’s ideas. I am my own influence. I am happy with my unique journey and all its ups and downs.

“

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27

she waltzed directly into the spotlight. “I was so lucky to be part of a professional photo shoot. It was a concept story and was so interesting. I was impressed with the fashion stylist who created eclectic fabrics (to decorate) my head.” Not surprisingly, the next day her passion for fashion had been reawakened and she began to get clothes out of her closet to create some looks for what would become her first portfolio. The little girl had come full circle and the initial flames of the young fashion stylist had exploded into a fire.

From then on, London found Layra knocking on doors and conducting test photo shoots that step by step improved her portfolio. However, she realized there was something missing. So in 2011, she applied for a BA (Hons) Creative Direction For Fashion at the University Of The Arts London. However, the staff noticed her sample portfolio far exceeded the experience their courses could offer. They asked her to be patient while the other students caught up to her level of proficiency. But, Layra took this as a sign to keep on her own path without the influence of other’s. She ultimately decided to continue knocking on doors and negotiating her talent which has served her brilliantly without the assistance of anyone else. The irony of this decision is that in 2016 she was invited to be a Senior Lecturer for Art Direction at the London College of Style. It goes without saying that Layra defied the odds and ended up teaching concepts that were never formally taught to her. “I always had my own vision and my own future. I wasn’t influenced by someone else’s ideas. I am my own influence. I am happy with my unique journey and all its ups and downs.” She is her own muse.

Her newest inspiration is to become involved in the filming industry. “Earlier this month I was invited for a podcast interview about creative women in the entertainment industry. The director made a suggestion to use my services for styling and photo shoots for independent films they are involved with. I like the idea. I enjoy creating a cinematic feel to my fashion editorials.” For Layra, a “James Bond” movie would be a good start. And given her 007 direction, it shouldn’t be long before we find the self-taught inspiration behind the camera of a worldwide box office success. Harmony. Layra Harmony.

LayraHarmony.com

@creativecherries

28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 31

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OSCAR-WINNING ACTRESS OCTAVIA SPENCER CALLS FOR INCREASED AND AUTHENTIC CASTING OF PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES Photo Credit: Getty Images

“CASTING ABLE-BODIED ACTORS IN ROLES FOR CHARACTERS WITH DISABILITIES IS OFFENSIVE, UNJUST, AND DEPRIVES AN ENTIRE COMMUNITY OF PEOPLE FROM OPPORTUNITIES,” OCTAVIA SPENCER SAYS IN A NEW PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT WITH THE RUDERMAN FAMILY FOUNDATION Academy Award-winning actress Octavia Spencer today joined the

Ruderman Family Foundation in calling on the entertainment industry to increase the casting of people with disabilities, including in on-screen roles that portray characters with disabilities.

Appearing in a newly released public service announcement, Spencer recounts Hollywood’s long history of inauthentic representation and exclusion of marginalized populations — from men playing women until 1660; to white actors playing black, Asian, and Native American characters; to LGBTQ stories getting left out of film and television until the last two decades.

“All of these communities of people had to endure not only their stories being told inauthentically, but also seeing themselves portrayed inauthentically,” says Spencer in a message filmed for the Ruderman Family Foundation. “But nothing can replace lived experience and authentic representation. That’s why it’s imperative that we cast the appropriate actor for the appropriate role, and that means people with disabilities as well. Casting able-bodied actors in roles for characters with disabilities is offensive, unjust, and deprives an entire community of people from opportunities.”

She continues, “I am joining with the Ruderman Family Foundation to call on the entertainment industry to increase casting of people with disabilities. There is no reason that we should continue to repeat the same mistakes of the past. Together, we should and can do better.”

Spencer’s call amplifies the Foundation’s series of initiatives to foster greater inclusion in the entertainment industry.

34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Last December, the organization circulated an open letter calling on studio, production, and network executives to pledge to create more opportunities for people with disabilities, and to make more inclusive casting decisions. Among those who signed the pledge were Oscar winners George Clooney and Joaquin Phoenix, Oscar nominees Ed Norton, Bryan Cranston and Mark Ruffalo, Golden Globe winner Glenn Close, Oscar-winning director Peter Farrelly, accomplished actress Eva Longoria, and acclaimed filmmaker Bobby Farrelly.

A separate Foundation-initiated pledge to commit to auditioning more actors with disabilities was signed by CBS, while the BBC pledged to implement more authentic and distinctive representation of people with disabilities on screen. The Foundation also released a white paper showing that half of U.S. households want accurate portrayals of characters with disabilities, and despite that only 22% of characters with disabilities are authentically portrayed on television.

“As an Oscar-winning actor, Octavia Spencer embodies Hollywood’s vast potential to serve as a powerful catalyst for positive social change if studio, production, and network executives commit to more inclusive and authentic representation,” said Jay Ruderman, President of the Ruderman Family Foundation. “We are gratified that Ms. Spencer has joined our call and we look forward to have other actors and actresses, filmmakers, producers and studios to continue to create unprecedented momentum that brings about greater casting of people with disabilities.”

To view Octavia Spencer's video message in full, please see here: Youtube.com/watch?v=RYcKlnIc63M

Photo Credit: Getty Images HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35

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36 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 37

SCOTTIE THOMPSON

On Limbo and Saving Souls from Damnation

By Alex A. Kecskes

Did you audition for the role? If so, what was that like?

S

cottie Thompson grew up as a ballet dancer and later performed in the Richmond Ballet. After graduating from Harvard University with a degree in Performance Studies, Thompson landed recurring roles in a wide range of TV series, including Brotherhood, Trauma, Graceland, Blacklist, NCIS, 12 Monkeys, and MacGyver. She was cast in the leading role of Elaine in the Brothers Strause alien-apocalypse thriller Skyline. Thompson has also appeared in several music videos, including the Counting Crows single You Can’t Count on Me and Bon Jovi’s What Do You Got? In the comedy/horror/drama Limbo, Thompson is Cassiel, an inexperienced defense attorney sent from heaven to defend a deceased murderer from going to Hell.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What attracted you to this film and the role of Cassiel?

Scottie Thompson: Her arc was interesting to explore. I felt so much for her naiveté, passion, and compassion. She had a very hopeful vision of things and this rather eye-opening journey she followed in the course of the trial.

38 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Thompson: Surprisingly, this was not one I had to audition for. It’s funny in this business, you audition for a hundred things and maybe you land one. But sometimes, instead of getting what you auditioned for, you get an offer for something else. I was thrilled when I read the script. And Mark Young, the writer/director is super talented and a force of nature. He really knew what he wanted and I responded to his vision. I also knew the director of photography because he and I had worked together on NCIS. So I knew I was in good hands in that regard.

In terms of auditions, I go through phases where I love them and hate them. It’s like interviewing for a job at least once a week and not getting the job most of the time. But if you hype yourself up and say this is the one chance you get to play this person, if you can just stay in that state of being, it’s a much more enjoyable process.

There were so many great scenes in Limbo—from humorous to soul searching.

Can you go into your favorite scene and why you liked it?

Thompson: The interesting structure of this film is that you always had four main characters in the room. And the scenes with Phil (Richard Riehle) were great. He’s so funny. But you’d have people come in like a procedural TV show where they’d tell their story and leave. So it felt like a couple of different guest stars were coming in. When Lucifer (James Purefoy) came in, he was funny and interesting in his choices. And then when Belial (Peter Jacobson) came in, he was funny and so fast-paced. Everyone came in for like one day of work. We filmed this on a very tight TV-like schedule. In the scenes with Jimmy (Lew Temple) and Balthazar (Lucian Charles Collier), we developed a rapport. When Balthazar and Cassiel kind of made peace at the end, they sort of surrendered to what was going on with an understanding that this is the way things are on the human plane. But the redemption of Balthazar’s journey was really a fun moment to play with.

Limbo mixes it up quite a bit, alternating from humor to gut wrenching. What do you see as the film’s core message?

Thompson: Good question. I feel there’s an aspect of redemption. You think Limbo’s about a trial for one thing but it turns out to be something else. And I think that’s the way life is. You think you’re going through a struggle or difficult time, but then you realize at the end that it wasn’t even the issue you were working through or learning from. It was something else entirely. So it’s that process that makes the experience worthwhile. And that was something I really related to in the story.

If you were in Limbo with a checkered past, who would you want to defend you?

Thompson: Oh, I’d totally want Cassiel. You have to have this belief in innocence until proven guilty when you’re staring down the face of non-innocence.

Can you go into any challenges you faced in bringing Cassiel to life?

Thompson: Technically, I think the film’s fast pace and working with lots of legal dialog was a challenge. Then balancing Cassiel’s innocence with her intelligence and passion.

Making sure I stayed connected to that innocence while portraying emotional responses to the inequalities she was witnessing. Like how do you stay hopeful and retain your innocence and belief in someone when you see their debased nature?

You performed in the Richmond Ballet. Do you ever think about accepting a dancing role?

Thompson: Oh, I would love to. It was kind of a lifetime ago when I was with the Richmond Ballet.

What were you like in high school? The girl most likely to…?

Thompson: I was very motivated and worked really hard. I enjoyed high school and was into dance. I got the acting bug in college, where I discovered I could get into more layered characters and also incorporate the writing aspect.

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