AL MERTENS,THANK YOU, AMELIA EARHART

Photo Credit: Denni Christopherson

Letter From The Editor

Hello Readers,

Welcome to another exciting issue of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. This is an issue of Celebration, beginning with our HW Cover Star, filmmaker Al Mertens. Al has a trifecta of talents at his disposal: Writer, Director and Producer. He has three top rated shows on Netflix right now, and his latest, “Thank You, Amelia Earhart,” may be his best. HW writer Hailey

Ashley explores the expansive reservoir of creativity Al so frequently taps into and shares with the world through his films. “Thank You, Amelia Earhart,” is an entertaining character study about two women that achieves what Aristotle predicted great theater provides — emotional catharsis. We hope you enjoy Al’s inspiring story.

This HW issue also celebrates Vin Diesel and the 10th installment of the phenomenally successful franchise he’s led for three decades: “FAST X.” Accompanying Vin on this cinematic swan song is Michelle Rodriguez, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson and Aquaman himself, Jason Momoa.

Finally, we celebrate the life of the late, great Queen of Rock and Roll, Ms. Tina Turner. Books can and have been written about the strength and beautiful spirit of Tina Turner. She proved we can be whoever we want to become despite the situation and circumstances we’re born into. Everything about Tina Turner was unique. Her voice, her personality, her stage presence and her amazing hair. We love you, Tina Turner, and we miss you.

As always, Dear Readers, we thank you for your continuing support.

Anthony Ewart

Associate Editor

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Prather Jackson

VICE PRESIDENT

Bernice Harris

BOOK EDITORS

Jane Ubell-Meyer

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Hailey Ashley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alex A. Kecskes

Carmelita Pittman

LIFE & STYLE EDITOR

Niki Shadrow Snyder niki@projectpopdrop.com

AFRICA CORRESPONDENT & AMBASSADOR

Egor Kelly Egorefiok@gmail.com

BRAZIL OPERATIONS

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BEN AFFLECK'S

From award-winning director Ben Affleck, AIR reveals the unbelievable game-changing partnership between a then-rookie Michael Jordan and Nike’s fledgling basketball division which revolutionized the world of sports and contemporary culture with the Air Jordan brand. This moving story follows the career-defining gamble of an unconventional team with everything on the line, the uncompromising vision of a mother who knows the worth of her son’s immense talent, and the basketball phenom who would become the greatest of all time.

Matt Damon plays maverick Nike executive Sonny Vaccaro and Affleck plays Nike co-founder Phil Knight with Viola Davis as Deloris Jordan, Julius Tennon as James Jordan, Chris Tucker as Howard White, Jason Bateman as Rob Strasser, Chris Messina as David Falk, Marlon Wayans as George Raveling, and Matthew Maher as Peter Moore – among others.

Directed by Ben Affleck • Written by Alex Convery • Produced by David Ellison, Jesse Sisgold, Jon Weinbach, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Madison Ainley, Jeff Robinov, Peter Guber, and Jason Michael Berman Starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman, Chris Messina, Matthew Maher, Marlon Wayans, Jay Mohr, Julius Tennon, with Chris Tucker & Viola Davis

THE VOICE: SEASON 23

THE FOUR-TIME Emmy Award-winning musical competition series "The Voice" returns with the strongest vocalists from across the country invited to compete in the show's newest season, which premieres March 6.

Grammy Award-winning hip-hop star Chance the Rapper and platinum-selling singer-songwriter Niall Horan claim their red chairs alongside returning coaches Kelly Clarkson and Blake Shelton as they vie to discover and coach the next singing phenomenon. The competition is tougher than ever as Shelton goes for the win in his final season.

The show's innovative format features five stages of competition: Blind Auditions, Battle Rounds, Knockouts, Playoffs and Live Performance Shows.

TED LASSO

I N THIS NEW COMEDY from executive producers Jason Sudeikis and Bill Lawrence (Scrubs, Whiskey Cavalier, Cougar Town), Sudeikis (Saturday Night Live, We're the Millers, Horrible Bosses films) stars as Ted Lasso, an idealistic all-American football coach hired to manage an English football club - despite having no soccer coaching experience at all. Based on the beloved character Sudeikis made famous online, Ted Lasso is the first television series that Sudeikis has signed on to star as a series regular since Saturday Night Live. Produced by Doozer Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television, the comedy series is also executive produced by Jeff Ingold.

MRS. DAVIS

AN EXPLORATION of faith versus technology and an epic battle of biblical and binary proportions. The series "has a dark satirical edge and focuses on a world where almost all decisions are made via algorithm. Containing secrets within secrets, each season will center on a particular mystery or dilemma, that will be resolved by the end of the cycle."

THE WINCHESTERS

SUPERNATURAL star Jensen Ackles and Danneel Ackles team up with Supernatural writer Robbie Thompson for this thrilling prequel to the long-running hit series. Before Sam and Dean, there were their parents, John and Mary. Told from the perspective of narrator Dean Winchester

(Ackles), THE WINCHESTERS is the epic, untold love story of how John Winchester met Mary Campbell and put it all on the line to not only save their love, but the entire world. When John returns home from fighting in Vietnam, a mysterious encounter sparks a new mission to trace his father's past. In his journey, he crosses paths with 19-year-old demon hunter Mary, who is also searching for answers after the disappearance of her own father. Together, the two join forces with young hunter-in-training Latika and easygoing hunter Carlos to uncover the hidden truths about both their families. Their investigation leads them to a rare book emporium, whose owner Ada takes an interest to the occult and could provide the missing pieces to their puzzle. But secrets run deep for both the Winchesters and Campbells, and despite the best efforts of John's mother Millie to protect her son from pursuing a dangerous life of demon hunting, John and Mary are both determined to work together to uphold their families' legacies while beginning to form a family of their own.

VELMA

VELMA is an adult animated comedy series telling the origin story of Velma Dinkley, the unsung and underappreciated brains of the ScoobyDoo Mystery Inc. gang. An original and humorous spin that unmasks the complex and colorful past of one of America's most beloved mystery solvers, executive producer Mindy Kaling will voice the titular character. Charlie Grandy, Howard Klein and Sam Register also serve as executive producers. VELMA is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.

THE BACHELOR SEASON 27

AFTER a heartbreaking departure from Gabby and Rachel’s season of The Bachelorette, Zach Shallcross’ journey to find love will continue when he steps in as leading man for the upcoming 27th season of The Bachelor. Following an emotional realization about his future with Rachel, Shallcross made the difficult decision to end his journey on The Bachelorette. An endearing 26-yearold tech executive from Anaheim Hills, California, Shallcross stole Bachelor Nation’s heart with his quiet charm, wit, and openness to finding lasting love. A family man at heart, Shallcross splits time between Texas and Orange County, and with the Bachelor mansion not too far away, Shallcross is eager to begin his journey back home in Southern California. The charismatic California native will begin handing out roses when the new season premieres.

PARIS IN LOVE

PARIS HILTON, fashion icon, entrepreneur, and global DJ phenom, prepares to add a new title to her collection… bride. Finding love with Carter Reum, a successful venture capitalist, has brought Paris into the next phase of her life. However, Paris is about to discover the road to the altar has a few unexpected twists and turns along the way. With the help of her family and friends, the former "Simple Life" songstress hopes to find her own brand of "happily ever after," in an unforgettable fairy-tale, PARIS IN LOVE.

PARIS IN LOVE gives fans direct access to an authentically real side of Paris that only her closest friends and family have so far seen, all while navigating and balancing the struggles of adulthood, including a demanding work schedule and plans for her future. In the midst of the preparation and planning for quite possibly the hottest wedding of the year (no pressure), Paris's mother Kathy Hilton, of recent "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" fame and her socialite turned entrepreneur sister Nicky Hilton Rothschild will support her as she experiences a rollercoaster of emotions, including pre-wedding jitters.

The docuseries will follow Paris through all the major milestones and highlights of planning a wedding. From her engagement party in New York, to bridal dress shopping, hunting for the perfect venues for the three-day celebration, the joint bachelor-bachelorette party in Las Vegas and the bridal shower hosted by Kathy Hilton – viewers get a first-hand look at all the details that go into planning the most high-profile party of the year.

MANIFEST

In this character-driven mystery-drama from executive producers Jeff Rake, Robert Zemeckis and Jack Rapke, a commercial plane inexplicably disappears on a trans-oceanic flight and, more mysteriously, returns five years later after being presumed lost at sea. While no time has passed for those on the flight, years have gone by for their loved ones at home who have learned to live with their loss. Both a high-concept event mystery and a relationship drama about interrupted lives, MANIFEST centers on the supernaturally fractured Stone family: On the flight are Michaela, a guilt-ridden police officer considering

SHRINKING

JASON SEGEL (How I Met Your Mother) and Harrison Ford star in SHRINKING, a comedy about a grieving therapist who starts to break the rules and tells his clients exactly what he thinks. Ignoring his training and ethics, he finds himself making huge, tumultuous changes to people’s lives…including his own.

her engagement; her brother, Ben, a Type-A father struggling with what he can't control; and Cal, Ben's terminally ill 10-year-old son with months to live. Landing five years later (but only five hours later for the travelers), they're reunited with Jared Vasquez, Michaela's onetime fiancé, now a married detective; Grace Stone, Ben's wife tentatively embracing the miracle of her family's return; and Olive, Cal's twin sister who's now five years older, but still shares a bond with him. As the story unfolds through the lens of these and other passengers and flight crew wrestling with their interrupted lives and relationships, the government continues to investigate how and why this anomaly happened.

I KNEEL

DAMON ELLIOTT & DIONNE WARWICK

Timing perfection as producer son earns Oscar nomination after winning a 2023 Grammy and legendary mother is working on a brand new album having sold 100 million worldwide

DAMON ELLIOTT & MOM DIONNE WARWICK have collaborated on one of the most exciting gospel songs coming out this spring, I KNEEL, with the added caveat of a Mothers Day 2023 release on May 14th on the Kind Music label.

In fact, Elliott, an accomplished seasoned producer, won a Grammy in February producing White Sun’s “Mystic Mirror” record of the year, also helmed is putting the finishing touches on icons DIONNE WARWICK and DOLLY PARTON first-ever collaboration, “Peace Like a River,” which came out late February, was featured on Good Morning America, Entertainment Tonight, a slew of other outlets and featured on release day on Times Square’s Jumbotron: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=AlWWmCKrTu4

In fact, son Damon has gone from hit to hit the first three months of 2023 culminating with the title song of the hit movie, 80 for Brady, as well as an 2023 Oscar nomination producing “Applause,” written by lauded Diane Warren and sung by Sofia Carson which earned a standing ovation at this year’s Academy Awards. And together, Damon and Dionne are just finishing up their coproduction of the current sold-out tour starring the best and brightest in live performance, the national arena tour, HITS! THE MUSICAL (release/details after signature). Let’s set something up today with both DAMON and DIONNE to make mid-May deadlines!

By Hailey Ashley

THIS MONTH we had the pleasure of putting the spotlight on film writer, director, producer, and Oklahoma Native, Al Mertens. A proud “Okie,” Al was born and raised in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, after having been adopted into a home filled with communication and a love for the arts.

After attending Jewish and Catholic schools, he served in the U.S. Army, and obtained his primary degree in Business Finance from Oklahoma City University. Years after graduating, he took several semesters of film classes at South Oklahoma City Community College.

Although he comes from humble beginnings and has a personality that seems to lean to the shy side, Al’s combination of artistic passion and legendary work ethic have resulted in what could be considered wild success in the film industry. He has won major international awards for his movies that tend to swirl with dark humor while vividly exploring the underside of human nature within society.

Al has three screenplays that are Amazon #1 best sellers: ‘Transgressions’, ‘Angel City’ and ‘Thank You, Amelia Earhart,’ which he not only wrote and directed (as he has all of his films), but also produced.

We asked Al how he continues to cultivate success while he also creates waves and refuses to stay on the straight line that so many in the film industry think they must walk.

He tells us, “I always try to keep in mind that for every cut and dried ‘rule,’ there are many people who are fabulously successful doing 180 degrees the opposite. My intense but loose style of creating has resulted in many future years of feature films currently ready for production, the result of nothing more than a ferocious need for expression.” He continues by sharing with us, “My

personal motto is, ‘Blessings accrue to the bold, and time doesn’t wait’.”

His most recent project, ‘Thank you, Amelia Earhart,’ recently won the prestigious Gold Remi Award for Theatrical Feature Film at its worldwide premiere at WorldFest in Houston, TX.

The film takes us on a journey of foul-mouthed, bigoted Myrtle, an elderly woman whose health issues are getting the best of her. Her latest caregiver, Season, ends up being more than

Myrtle bargains for, and the truths the two women learn from each other leave both of them forever changed.

Featuring archival footage from the 20th century and inspired Americana score, the film has a very nostalgic feel, and the underlying themes of love, and loss ring true throughout the film.

The culmination of the film is beautifully executed, generating an emotional grasp on the audience in the last moments leaving viewers on a high.

Earhart

With excellent acting, the film gives viewers much to ponder regarding the process of aging, the presence of love and the pain of loss.

Al explains, “’Thank You, Amelia Earhart’ was born of two family members who died within months of each other, my mother and a relative who lived to age one-hundred and seven! Very loving ladies who had hearts of angels but who could also

be extremely tough customers. The protagonist in the film, Myrtle, is a composite of these two strong women for unrestrained interactions. More than any other project so far, my vision most fully translated to screen. From conceiving the idea of the screenplay through producing and directing the film, I’ve remained quite enamored with this literate character study, and I hope viewers feel the same.”

The jury spokesperson at WorldFest Houston shares, “Thank you, Ameila Earhart is an unflinching look at a woman whose heart takes her on a dark and conflicted journey which ultimately teaches her that love never dies.”

Al also shares with us that none of this would have been possible without his wife, Brandi Mertens. A glance at the film’s IMDb page reveals a fairly inconceivable list of her responsibilities

Photo credit: Fran Kozakowski

on the film. Al and Brandi are quite the filmmaking team, and when they put their minds together, they can create something incredibly special, as evidenced by their first film together.

The film is dedicated to CoProducer David Jurney, a dear friend and co-creator, who passed away unexpectedly earlier this year.

Al has had many great influences in his life, including a story-telling father and book-worm mother; his high school teachers, Nina Smith, and Mary Lee Gill; Oscar winning Hollywood producer Gary Frederickson; directors Alfred Hitchcock, Martin Scorsese, Alexander Payne, fellow local director Mickey Reece; and many others.

With so many incredible influences, it is no wonder Al’s love of film blossomed into something much more. He gives us a glimpse into his true passion and shares with us, “I have an overwhelming desire to create works that capture the intensities of life: beauty, sadness, and hope. That’s what I strive to do - create a space of shared emotional humanity where we can rest together for a while.”

When we asked Al about his goals for the future, his response was refreshing to hear and only further validates his devotion to what he does. When asked, “What’s next?” he replies, “For me it’s all about the art. I’m living my end game right now - making art

with my beautiful wife and friends in my hometown and loving every minute of it. The M. Night Shayamalan model of work/life balance in his hometown of Philadelphia, trucked down to Oklahoma City. ‘What’s next?’ as far as a film, is one that couldn't be further from this one, as it’s a lightning-paced political thriller. I like to think of Stanley Kubrick, whose lifetime filmography contains no duplicates.”

With so many things clearly setting Al Mertens apart from the rest, what sticks out to me personally is when he says, “Introversion is critical in practicing the solitude needed as a writer.”

He goes on to say, “The only concrete advice I would offer anyone in the making of movies would be to perpetually ask yourself, ‘Am I doing this with enough love?’ Love for the art form, love for everyone creating the art, love for everyone the art may eventually touch, and especially love for myself.”

Al leaves us with, “I try to always believe that everyone with whom I come into contact can end up being helpful in some way—and wants to be. And that I can be the same for them.” With such an outlook, success was surely inevitable.

It is no wonder ‘Thank you, Amelia Earhart’ has hit the ground running with an award-winning worldwide premiere. Between the dynamic duo filmmaking team of Al and Brandi, the deeply personal nature of the material, along with Al’s genuine artistic vision and willingness to take risks, the film succeeds in doing what few films do: it leaves a lasting impression.

For more information on ‘Thank you, Amelia Earhart,’ and to discuss distribution opportunities, please reach out to Al’s team via the ‘Thank you, Amelia Earhart’ Facebook page.

Mary Buss

Merhawit Tsegay

Oliva Buss

Josiah Overstreet

Michael Gibbons

Jacob Dever

Adam Hampton

Erica Jordan

Brett Bower

2023 CORONATION OF

KING CHARLES III

How Being The Biographer Of An African Queen Inadvertently Led Me To Cover This Iconic Event

By Egor Kelly

THE CORONATION of King Charles III in London today, May 6, 2023, was celebrated with great pomp and ceremony.

Queen Camilla, who initially took on the title of Queen Consort, was also crowned Queen, alongside King Charles. This is a huge deal because unlike a queen regnant who possesses and exercises sovereign powers, a queen consort or queen regent, a title usually given to the spouse of a monarch, does not have any real authority; she only shares her spouse's and/or child's ranks or titles, but does not share in their sovereignty.

The Duke of Sussex, Prince Harry, flew into England from America, to attend his father, the King's coronation. He arrived at Westminster Abbey, just as his father, King Charles III, was officially crowned. It was the first time the 38-year-old sat in public with his family since he criticised his father, King Charles III, his grandmother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, his brother, Prince William (the Prince of Wales) and his brother's wife, the Princess of

Wales, in his memoir, Spare.

Prince Harry sat in the third row of today's ceremony and did not have any formal role at the event. He was seated alongside Princess Eugenie's husband, Jack Brooksbank, together with Eugenie, Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi.

Prince Harry's wife, American actress, Meghan Markle, stayed back at home in Montecito, California, with their two children, Archie and Lili.

The monarchy in England plays an important role in British culture. The Royal Family is all about serious responsibilities like pomp and circumstance, figureheads for the land of hope and glory. It was a nostalgic moment for me, as I witnessed a great display of all these responsibilities today.

I was born in the UK and have witnessed the pageantry and tradition of the Royal Family from the wedding of Prince Charles (now King Charles) and the late Lady Diana Spencer (the beautiful Princess of Wales) in 1981, to the births of their sons, Prince William and Prince Harry, respectively, to the Golden,

Diamond, Sapphire and Platinum Jubilees of Queen Elizabeth II (of blessed memory).

Having witnessed all of the above, I am no stranger to the Royal Family events, but I must confess that this particular coronation of King Charles III was my own personal pièce de résistance and my soppy self actually shed a tear when the crown was placed on his head (video on Hollywood Weekly TV). In typical British fashion, I shouted along with the crowd, "God save the King"! Oh, how I missed seeing our lovely Queen Elizabeth and Prince Phillip. This was my first time not seeing them together at a royal event. Prince Philip had already passed on when Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her Platinum Jubilee last year and it was a sad and solemn day not seeing him standing beside her, as usual. She passed on herself a few months after. May their gentle souls find rest.

Back to the tale of how I inadvertently got to cover this iconic event. I received a phone call from Queen Barbara James, a Nigerian (Efik) queen, at 6am this morning.

She informed me that she had just arrived in London to attend King Charles's coronation and she wanted me to meet her at her hotel, The Dorchester, in an hour. I am her biographer, so although this was an impromptu meeting, it wasn't unusual.

I arrived at her hotel in record time, only to be ushered into a waiting black cab. Queen Barbara joined me a few minutes later and informed me that I was accompanying her to Westminster Abbey for the coronation and she wanted me to take photos for her book. I was initially alarmed, as I was underdressed. I just had on jeans and trainers. However, like a true professional, I took it in my stride and rose to the occasion.

We arrived at a private wing of Westminster Abbey where Queen Barbara met with some other VIPs. I captured photos of her with Baroness Wilcox of Newport, Simon Davenport KC and Royal Perfumer, Anastasia Brozler. I also captured trails of the now viral Red Arrows display which trailed red, white and blue smoke, as they flew over Westminster Abbey.

Everyone gasped in awe. It was such a breathtaking sight to behold.

Looking very beautiful and regal in her yellow Oscar De La Renta dress, Queen Barbara James aptly represented Nigeria as she celebrated the coronation with friends. As someone who lived in London for 20 years, it is no wonder that Queen Barbara loves the tradition of the Royal Family. Despite

being an Efik Queen, she will always be a Londoner, in the true sense of the word, itself.

I know how much Americans love reading about the British Royal Family, so I have gone all out to make Hollywood Weekly readers have a feel of the coronation from start to finish. Read excerpts below by Chris Clayton. The ceremony was held at Westminster Abbey, with the King becoming the 40th reigning monarch to be crowned there since 1066. Queen Camilla was crowned alongside him before a huge parade back to Buckingham Palace.

The formal celebrations started with a procession from Buckingham Palace to Westminster Abbey at 10:20 BST.

The procession moved along The Mall to Trafalgar Square, then down Whitehall and Parliament Street before turning into Parliament Square and Broad Sanctuary to reach the Great West Door of Westminster Abbey.

Outside the palace gates, there was a Guard of Honour, comprising about 160 members of the three armed services, with another 1,000 personnel lining the route.

Almost 4,000 invited guests, including armed forces veterans and NHS and social care staff, were in stands outside Buckingham Palace, with thousands more people in viewing areas along the route and official screening sites nearby.

King Charles III with his first son, Prince William (the Prince of Wales).

Queen Barbara James With Bill Clinton and Cherie Blair

More than 2,200 people from 203 countries were in Westminster Abbey, with processions there before the King arrived involving faith leaders and representatives from some Commonwealth countries.

The King arrived at the abbey wearing a red velvet robe of state. Underneath he was wearing trousers rather than the more traditional breeches and silk stockings worn by kings before him.

The ceremony began at 11:00 and was punctuated with music selected by the King, with 12 newly commissioned pieces, including one by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and Greek Orthodox music in memory of the King's father, Prince Philip.

The King's grandson, Prince George, was among the pages, alongside Camilla's grandchildren, Lola, Eliza, Gus, Louis and Freddy.

There were several stages to the service, which lasted a little under two hours, with female clergy and religious leaders from other faiths playing an active part for the first time.

STAGE 1: THE RECOGNITION

King Charles was presented to "the people" - a tradition dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. Standing beside the 700-year-old Coronation Chair, the King turned to face the four sides of the abbey and be proclaimed the "undoubted King" before the congregation was asked to show their homage and service.

Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby made the first declaration and the congregation shouted "God Save the King!" and trumpets sounded after each recognition.

STAGE 2: THE OATH

The Archbishop of Canterbury acknowledged the multiple faiths observed in the UK by saying the Church of England would "seek to foster an environment in which people of all faiths may live freely" and then administered the Coronation Oath - a legal requirement.

He asked King Charles to confirm that he would uphold the law and the Church of England during his reign, and the King placed his hand on the Holy Gospel and pledged to "perform and keep" those promises.

The King also took the Accession Declaration Oath stating that he was a "faithful Protestant".

STAGE 3: THE ANOINTING

The King's ceremonial robe was removed and he sat in the Coronation Chair to be anointed, emphasising the spiritual status of the sovereign who is also the head of the Church of England.

The archbishop poured special oil from the Ampulla - a gold flask - on to the Coronation Spoon before anointing the King in the form of a cross on his head, breast and hands.

The Ampulla was made for Charles II's coronation, but its shape harks back to an earlier version and a legend that the Virgin Mary appeared to St Thomas a Becket in the 12th Century and gave him a golden eagle from which future kings of England would be anointed.

The Coronation Spoon is much older, having survived Oliver Cromwell's destruction of the regalia after the English Civil War.

The oil itself was produced for the coronation using olives harvested from two groves from the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, and consecrated at a special ceremony at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the city.

A screen concealed the King from view while he was anointed, because this is considered to be the most sacred part of the service.

STAGE 4: THE INVESTITURE

Literally the crowning momentand the only time King Charles will wear St Edward's Crown in his life.

The crown is named after a much earlier version made for the AngloSaxon king and saint, Edward the

Queen Barbara At Westminster Abbey At The Private Seating For Guests

King Charles III and Queen Camilla

Confessor, and said to have been used at coronations after 1220 until Cromwell had it melted down.

It was made for King Charles II, who wanted a crown similar to the one worn by Edward but even grander.

King Charles III was only the seventh monarch to wear it after Charles II, James II, William III, George V, George VI and Elizabeth II - who last wore it at her own coronation in 1953.

First the King was given a shimmering golden coat to wear called the Supertunica, and presented with items including the Sovereign's Orb, the Coronation Ring, the Sovereign's Sceptre with Cross and the Sovereign's Sceptre with Dove.

Then at 12:01 the archbishop placed St Edward's Crown on the King's head and the abbey bells rang for two minutes, trumpets sounded and gun salutes were fired across the UK.

A 62-round salute fired at the Tower of London, with a six-gun salvo at Horse Guards Parade. Twentyone rounds were fired at a further

11 locations around the UK, including Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast, and on deployed Royal Navy ships.

STAGE 5: THE ENTHRONEMENT

The King then moved to his throne where, traditionally, a succession of royals and peers would have paid homage - but the Prince of Wales was the only person to do so this time. Instead, the archbishop invited people in the abbey, and those watching and listening at home, to pledge allegiance by saying the words: "I swear that I will pay true allegiance to Your Majesty, and to your heirs and successors according to law. So help me God."

CROWNING THE QUEEN

After the homage, Queen Camilla was also crowned and enthronedalthough she did not have to take an oath.

He was crowned with Queen Mary's Crown - originally made for Queen Mary's coronation alongside George V - but it was modified to remove some of the arches and reset with the Cullinan III, IV and V diamonds.

COMMUNION

In the final part of the service the King and Queen took Holy Communion - the principal act of worship of the Christian church.

THE DEPARTURE

They then left their thrones and entered St Edward's Chapel behind the high altar - there Charles removed St Edward's Crown and put on the Imperial State Crown before joining the procession out of the abbey as the national anthem was played.

CORONATION PROCESSION TO THE PALACE

The King and Queen returned to Buckingham Palace along the reverse of the route by which they came, this time travelling in the 260-year-old Gold State Coach that has been used in every coronation since William IV's.

The Princess Royal was among those riding behind the coach, while the Prince and Princess of Wales and their three children, princes George and Louis and Princess Charlotte, were among the royals in the three carriages and first car following.

The coronation of King Charles III

Nearly 4,000 members of the UK's armed forces took part in what the Ministry of Defence has called the largest military ceremonial operation of its kind for a generation.

They were joined by representatives from 39 Commonwealth countries and the British Overseas Territories. Most marched ahead of the King along the 1.42 miles (2.29km) route and, as the front of the procession reached the palace, the back was still at Downing Street.

The King and Queen arrived at the palace shortly after 13:30 and received a Royal Salute and three cheers from the military personnel who had been on parade.

BUCKINGHAM PALACE FLY-PAST

It has become customary since the coronation of Edward VII in 1902 for the new monarch to greet the crowds in The Mall from the Buckingham Palace balcony - King Charles and Queen Camilla continued the tradition and appeared shortly before 14:30 with the royals who had taken part in the procession.

The day ended with a fly-past, although unsuitable weather conditions meant it was be limited to helicopters and the Red Arrows display team.

I'd like to say a big thank you to Queen Barbara James for the opportunity to witness and cover this iconic event. Thank you too, Queen Barbara, for allowing me "news bomb" and "photo bomb" this opportunity for Hollywood Weekly. I know Mr. Prather Jackson would be laughing out loud now reading this. I am laughing myself.

Congratulations to King Charles III and as we, the British, would say, "Long live the King"!!!

King Charles III with his first son, Prince William (the Prince of Wales).

King Charles III's second son, Prince Harry (the Duke of Sussex), arriving for his father's coronation ceremony.

Queen Barbara James With Baroness Wilcox of Newport.

Queen Barbara James With Royal Perfumer, Anastasia Brozler.

SOME FILMS stay with you; they are an arrow straight to the heart that, even if you try to pull it out, always leaves a trace, and that's The Journey of Murder for you, this is a feature film directed by JUN WANG and starring Feifei Yu and Zhen Liu.

As a director, screenwriter, and producer, Jun Wang's films always contain cruel truths, but they still

THE

JOURNEY

OF MURDER (CHINA)

evoke warmth in people's hearts. The unique film aesthetics, exquisite camera language, and poetic expression are the perfect fusion of experiential realism and transcendental poetry.

Jun Wang 's The Journey of Murder also received lots of praise at the film festivals. In April 2020, the film won the Best Non-European Independent Drama Feature Award at the European Independent Film Festival, and in May 2021, it won the Best Foreign Film Award at the 21st Beverly Hills Film Festival. And won the Brooklyn Film Festival Award for Best Original Score. A total of 16 awards, including Best Picture, Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Photography, and more than 20 nominated awards

Jun Wang chains us by the hand to take us on this surreal socio-geographical odyssey across China to uncover its grittiest, most remote, and rundown provinces, whilst also its underground criminal world of human trafficking; in this instance, the wife selling-purchasing for ghost marriage. Jun Wang makes a "mental girl," and his "husband kidnapper" endearingly undramatic character, Sha Tao's burden-free childlike

innocence and Ma Saike's ironically sluggish problem gambler make a bewitching duo to watch at the hands of Feifei Yu and Zhen Liu. this story manages to convey that sense of anguish through what I dare say is the performance of the year from the brilliant Feifei Yu. But the best thing about this story is that not only does it have a good account and brilliant performances, but it also exhibits a rare masterclass in directing given, the talented Jun Wang; who gives us with each scene a delicate hand-painted picture where everything we see is placed in a certain way to transmit at each moment what he is looking for. The Journey of Murder's repleted with avant-garde minutiae, from phantasmagorical dream sequences (get ready for that dance scene!) to surrealist cinematic compositions and exquisite overall auteur archaeology—a final climatic long take will see Sha Tao's tic go away at the glance that she's no longer anyone's property, horror and hysteria deepen in her eyes, whilst a profound socio-cultural critique and philosophical commentary creep into our psyche.

WOMEN

By Alex A. Kecskes

ADAPTED BY SARAH POLLEY from Miriam Toews’s eponymous novel and inspired by true events, Women Talking portrays a fight for freedom against tyrannical odds. Set in 2010, on a Canadian Mennonite farm, men have taken advantage of the colony’s cult-like confines to prey on women. Under the cloud of spiritual obedience, males have enslaved the opposite sex, keeping them uneducated and subjugated.

Through their tears, pain, and anguish, we discover the violent acts many women have suffered. Some have been drugged with cow tranquilizers and raped, only to be later accused of lying or of succumbing to delusions and evil spirits. We later learn that the attacks are sometimes incestuous—father/daughter and brother/sister.

When a little girl is raped, her mother attacks the rapist, who is quickly taken to a nearby city to keep him from “harm.” While bailing out the rapist, the men command the women to forgive the accused under pain of hellish damnation. Outraged, the women hold a vote to choose one of three options: stay and do nothing, stay and fight, or leave the colony. With a tied vote for leaving or fighting, three families of women are forced to decide.

The group’s singular male entity, August (Ben Whishaw), who received an academic education outside of the colony, has returned to take minutes of the meetings. His role gives rise to how the women have been contemplating the fate of their male children and where they hope to steer this misguided colony.

Perhaps most aggrieved is Agata (Judith Ivey). Her eldest unmarried daughter, Ona (Rooney Mara), is pregnant after being raped. And her other daughter, Salome must come to grips with her four-year-old, who was raped and infected with a sexually transmitted disease. As the women continue talking, we learn that Greta’s (Sheila McCarthy) older daughter Mariche (Jessie Buckley), is married and suffers the abuse of her dangerously violent husband. And yes, her younger daughter, Mejal (Michelle McLeod), also survived an attack.

Mariche’s sixteen-year-old daughter, Autje (Kate Hallett), provides somber voice-over advice to Ona’s unborn child. These insightful soliloquies underscore the hopelessness and rage harbored by many women in this dysfunctional colony. And yet, it is through Autje that we learn how many of these women feel about their plight. What’s

TALKING

An exploration of violence, forgiveness, and human nature

compelling here is the tragic weight of words so painfully uttered. Dramatically, intellectually, dispassionately, sometimes harrowingly, the verbal fencing and outbursts are always emotionally arresting in expression and nuance. So often, much of the film centers on how the three families wrestle with the demons of repression. At one point, the film foreshadows the course the women ultimately take. A move that, for some, may seem acquiescent and, for others, inevitable.

Indeed, these ‘women talking’ delve deep into the underlying morality of violence, the burden of forgiveness, and the very nature of what it is to be masculine. Arising out of these are perhaps the most important and inescapable truths—the responsibility of men in the colony who have failed to deal with the attackers in their midst. And, of course, beneath this lies the sense of guilt and shame borne by many women who remained mute. It is this death of self, this abandonment of one’s spiritual core that is most visible in the faces of these women. And it is here where the conflict arises as they each come to terms with their

ingrained faith, which, in some ways, has tethered them to the very horrors they have endured. Thankfully, Ona has gone beyond the boundaries imposed so unjustly by the colony. She regards leaving as less heretical and more liberating to create a society free of male influence.

The soundtrack amplifies and underscores not so much the words but the feelings one extracts from each argumentative exchange. It moves lyrically from character to scene and back to character, accenting poignant moments. But perhaps, most notably, no more talented cast could have been assigned to this film. With sentiment and acute insight, every emotion, every outburst is displayed with power and bravura. Supporting these fine performances is the poignant lighting and cinematography, which often telegraph each character’s emotions as they moved through scene after devastating scene.

All told, Women Talking strikes a high note in revealing the transformative power of language. Its ability to clarify, to assuage, and to educate. But perhaps most importantly, to heal.

VanCamp Emily

On Miranda’s Victim and working in TV/Film

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Miranda’s Victim is an immensely powerful film. What drew you to the role of Ann Weir?

go through those very difficult scenes, which she handled incredibly well. It was beautiful to watch how she performed those scenes.

Health Australia

By Alex A. Kecskes

Known for her lead roles on the WB series Everwood, the ABC dramas Brothers & Sisters, and Revenge, Canadian-born Emily VanCamp also starred in the hospital drama, The Resident. She later starred as Sharon Carter/Agent 13 in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War.

VanCamp is the third of four daughters born to Cindy and Robert VanCamp. Her father is an animal nutritionist and her first job was working for her father, delivering food to clients in and around her hometown. VanCamp started studying dance at age three, and at 11, attended a summer training program in Montreal. A year later, she was accepted at the l’École supérieure de ballet du Québec, the training program of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and moved in with a local French Canadian family. In 1998, VanCamp took acting classes, found an agent and, after working on a few commercials, was cast in the Canadian children’s horror anthology television series Are You Afraid of the Dark?

In the gripping historical crime drama Miranda’s Victim, VanCamp is Ann Weir, sister to Trish Weir who was kidnapped and raped by Ernesto Miranda. Trish endured the gauntlet of two trials where her attacker was initially set free for evidence gained without first being ‘Mirandized’—the Miranda Rights Law, which grants specific rights to any arrestee being questioned by police.

Emily VanCamp: Well, first of all, I’m one of four girls in my family. I just can’t believe this story has never been told. You hear about the Miranda Rights law and most people have no idea where it all stems from. For me, it was a very powerful story, one that was bravely told. Abigail (Breslin) did such an exceptional job portraying Trish. It felt like such an important story to tell and the Miranda Law was such an important element of the story. It was just something I wanted to be a part of and a wonderful experience all around. You look at the incredible cast they assembled and Michelle (Danner), who is such a wonderful director to work with. It was quite difficult on Abigail but Michelle created such a safe space to tell this story. We were all very grateful for that.

What did you draw from to play the sister of a rape victim? Do you know someone who was a victim of sexual assault?

VanCamp: Unfortunately, we all know someone that was assaulted in some way. I drew from stories and hearing experiences of tragedies. You draw from the bonding experience with families, which is something that I know very well.

What did you find most challenging about the role and being in this important film? VanCamp: I looked at it as being there for Trish (Abigail) and Michelle. Abigail did all the heavy lifting and I just wanted to be there to support her. It was not an easy role to play for her and I wanted to support her if it all became too much. But she got through it and she really shines.

Do you believe the judicial system still places an excessive burden on the victims of sexual assault?

VanCamp: I think there are many flaws to the judicial system, even to this day. But hopefully, a film like this can shed some light on that. Through art and film, we can create reform and change.

Aside from some of the life and death scenes in The Resident, was acting in Miranda’s Victim as emotionally draining for you as it was for viewers to watch?

VanCamp: I wouldn’t say for me, but it was difficult for Abigail. It was really remarkable to watch her

In the film, both Trish’s husband and her mother fell far short of supporting Trish’s courageous act to come forward. Do you feel this is a societal problem? That shaming is still an issue for some people?

VanCamp: I do. Back then, it was deeply controversial, especially for Trish’s mom. She was just so cruel to her daughter. It was also a journey for Ann in that she was the one in the family supporting her journey. And having Trish go through her story twice in her life. Those were really hard scenes to watch. And Josh (Bowman) who played her husband Charles—and who is actually my husband—was a strange thing to see, doing those scenes with Abigail. That was challenging and hard to watch.

What do you see as the core message in Miranda’s Victim?

VanCamp: OMG, there’s so many. But more than anything to support in every way possible those who suffer assaults and abuse. At its core, the film is about survival, strength, and courage. Those were the feelings I was really drawn to.

You’ve amassed an impressive and varied body of work. What have you learned about this business that surprised you?

VanCamp: Oh my. It’s so many things (laughs). It’s a really funny business. And it can be an incredibly difficult one. It’s all about working hard and at the end of the day, not taking it too seriously. You have to enjoy the work. That’s’ really what it comes down to, for me anyway. A lot of it is managing people. It’s certainly my passion and my great love.

I have to ask you about Revenge. What was that series like for you?

VanCamp: Oh, I became so close to the cast. It was a very special time. We were all young and without families. I have very fond memories of it. And, obviously, I met my husband on that show.

Any advice for young actors eager to make it in this business?

VanCamp: First of all, you really have to love it because it’s not an easy business to navigate. Keep your head on your shoulders. Stay strong and make sure you love it.

Photo by Women’s

Emily VanCamp photo by Walter Thomson

Tina Turner

By Anthony Ewart

TINA TURNER NEVER wanted to be an icon, she only wanted a better life. The path Tina took to enhance her life, and the sacrifices she made for her children is an iconic testimony to self-preservation and survival. In her song "Two People," Tina sings that you need "Two People who love each other to provide shelter for a rainy day." The reality is Tina Turner had to learn to provide protection for herself and her four children, two of whom she adopted from Ike Turner. In 1976 Tina Turner was a world renown star, yet on July 1st of that year in Dallas she was hiding from Ike Turner in a Ramada Inn, with 36 cents and a Mobil gas card to her name. This was a milestone in Tina's life, and the beginning of her true destiny towards her iconic status.

LIFE OF AN ICON

There's a reason Mattel's BARBIE franchise chose to honor Tina Turner with her own "What's Love Got To Do With It" Barbie Doll, she is a true example of a woman who fought for her personal and artistic freedom. Tina's remarkable accomplishments are forgotten today, but in November 1967, she was the first female artist and black woman to appear on the cover of Rolling Stone magazine. "Nutbush City Limits," a song Tina composed herself, earned her and Ike Turner a Golden European Record Award, which was the first ever bestowed for selling more than one million records in Europe.

Tina Turner has sold approximately 100 to 150 million records worldwide, with certified RIAA album sales of 10 million. She's been inducted into the

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame twice, once with Ike Turner in 1991 and again in 2021 for her achievements as a solo performer. She's won 12 Grammy Awards, including eight categorized as competitive wins, and yet with all of these accolades, the greatest accomplishment Tina Turner made in this world is proving that none of us are victims of the circumstances we are born into. In addition, perhaps more importantly, we are not held prisoners by the mistakes we make in our past. The drama and anxiety of escaping Ike Turner was already made into a movie called "What's Love Got To Do With It," it's what happened after Tina left Ike that firmly established her as an iconic individual. Tina Turner continued to produce and be creative and involved in the world, despite the pain of her personal past.

Oprah Winfrey was quoted saying this about Tina Turner: "We don't need another hero. We need more heroines like you, Tina. You make me proud to spell my name w-o-m-a-n. Thousands of women and men who pay tribute to Tina's star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame respect and admire her the way Oprah and Mariah Carey do, as a survivor of unprecedented strength and resilience. Tina Turner made a decision to take care of herself before the #metoo movement, before second-wave feminism and even before racial integration. Tina Turner's passion and love of life could never be thwarted or stifled and suppressed. Regardless of whatever cultural and social restrictions were placed on Tina Turner she broke free of those chains and created a better life for herself.

Tina Turner is an iconic singer, performer, humanitarian and human. Cliche as it may sound, Tina was "Simply The Best."

When royalty met Queen, Elizabeth and Tina Turner

Director/Filmmaker

By Alex A. Kecskes

Founder of the Creative Center for the Arts and the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, Michelle Danner is wellestablished as a film director and acting coach/mentor.

MICHELLE DANNER

Her current coming-of-age action thriller, The Runner stars Cameron Douglas, Elisabeth Röhm, Eric Balfour, and newcomer Edouard Philipponnat as a troubled teen forced to go undercover to expose a drug kingpin. The film screened at 28 festivals around the world winning countless awards.

Danner is currently in post-production on the courtroom drama Miranda’s Victim, which tells the true story of Trish Weir (played by Abigail Breslin) who was kidnapped and brutally raped by Ernesto Miranda (played by Sebastian Quinn). The subsequent trials went all the way to the Supreme Court and led to the creation of Miranda Rights.

A dedicated mom of two (one is an aspiring filmmaker), Danner still has her “day job” – overseeing the faculty of the Los Angeles Acting Conservatory, and conducting her weekly acting class. A longtime student of legendary acting teachers like Stella Adler and Uta Hagen, Danner’s eclectic approach (which she calls “The Golden ToolBox”) allows actors the freedom to employ a wide variety of techniques.

Raised in a show business family, Danner also continues to run the boutique Cinema at the Edge film festival. She is currently preparing to direct a new one-person play--Bonnie Culver’s Norris--starring Anne Archer, which is based on the memoirs of Norman Mailer’s widow.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. Was there a film or director that inspired you to become a director?

Michelle Danner: I’ve always liked film, starting at a young age. Mostly, it’s the storytelling, the power of words, and literature. And it inspired me to be a storyteller. I grew up in Paris. My father was the first president of the William Morris Agency in Paris in 1964. So I grew up playing under his desk and watching all these actors, singers, and entertainers come in. They’d talk about their careers. My passion for literature made me read a lot and want to tell stories. In terms of who inspired me. There was Mike Lee, Nancy Myers, Martin Scorsese, Sam Mendes, and Todd Phillips.

In directing, you wear many hats. Which hat do you like the most?

Danner: For me, it all goes hand-in-hand because the director is the captain of the ship. They sign the painting. So you look at the painting and you see all the elements come together. I like all of it.

Can you talk about your eclectic approach using the “Golden Toolbox”?

Danner: I studied with many talented

actors—Stella Adler, Uta Hagen, Herbert Berghof, and others. Everyone taught a different philosophy about acting. So I believe that whatever is valuable and helpful for an actor, they have to decide which tools work best for their instrument, their sensitivity. As opposed to ‘I’m a method actor so I’ll just do this and that.’ Today’s actors have to learn all the different techniques and what speaks to them the most. And what tool will be most valuable to put into their personalized toolbox—which becomes their “Golden Toolbox.” It’s not one thing. You try things and you explore and it’s a process.

What do you look for in a script?

Danner: Compelling, powerful characters, and a story that really grabs you. Like Miranda’s Victim. When I was approached to direct that, I knew immediately that it was a story I wanted to tell. No one really knew how Miranda Rights came to be and who it happened to.

In terms of an acting career, what’s the first step a student should take and the last step they should take?

Danner: The first step they should take is to really study the craft. Then I would say really live the life around you

On directing, acting, and the “Golden Toolbox”

because life offers you a lot of clues on how to move forward. And nothing is clean-cut or cookie-cutter. And success is not automatic. Some people call it luck; I say, you create your own path. I know that filmmakers and actors should read a lot. Reading feeds your soul, your imagination, and your instincts. It connects you to an inner life. I’m a great believer in watching, reading, and doing.

What surprised you the most about teaching acting?

Danner: Great question. No one’s ever asked me that. It’s so rewarding. It’s about the process. Every time you work with actors, you see them grow, and you see the light bulbs go on. It’s incredibly rewarding to feel that you’re giving something. To pass on the knowledge that I have feels like I’m contributing.

The Runner is an action-packed thriller. What drew you to the script?

Danner: I was watching a film late one night about children forced to go undercover all wired up. It moved me a lot, so at two o’clock in the morning, a three-page treatment just poured out of me. I called a writer friend and asked if they could write the script for me. I felt it was an important story to tell.

Okay, biggest challenge in filming/ directing Miranda’s Victim?

Danner: It was a period piece—back in 1962. It’s difficult to shoot periods. But the biggest challenge that comes to mind was shooting the film during the covid restrictions.

How do you approach casting? Do you look for internal driv e or external talent?

Danner: I cast instinctively. I just know. I follow my gut. I work with casting director Nancy Bishop. I have relationships with a lot of actors.

David Lynch says all film is entering into someone else’s dreams. What’s your take on the art of filmmaking?

Danner: I love that. I think that we’re all so much more alike than not. So stories and humanity are universal. People are moved by the same thing. What’s important for me about storytelling is that it reminds people about humanity.

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

Danner: The girl most likely to cast you in a play (laughs). I love this question. No one’s ever asked me this. I grew up in Paris and the kids used to call

me the little American girl and pull my hair. But I started to write and I adapted The Queen’s Necklace--the novel by Alexandre Dumas--to a home play and I cast everyone from the school. It was a huge theatric event and it went very well. So I went from the bullied girl in school to the popular girl because everyone wanted to be in my production. Teachers loved me but I also turned the school upside down because I’d cast every one in my plays, which called for rehearsals and performing.

AT CANNES FILM FESTIVALGuzal DESIGNER

Cannes Film Festival is about to start. Every year it welcomes celebrities, actors, international stars and influencers on the red carpet. Who is going to have the best look this year? Designer GUZAL, is going to present her 2023 red carpet gown in Cannes. She is a member of UNESCO, celebrities, red carpets designer, and shows her latest collections in Milan & Paris Fashion Weeks.

01

Is fashion a passion for you?

Fashion is my life. I love to dress to Impress.

02

How did you get started? How did you become a designer?

I consider myself a very lucky person to have chosen the fashion industry. At the age of fifteen I started learning to sew. And at the age ofsixteen, I got a job in an atelier, where they sewed high-quality clothes. I studied and at the same time worked as a student in this atelier. I understood all the clients, what they wanted and fulfilled their requirements. Later fate directed me along this path of life.

03

How did you become aware of fashion?

A professional in this field requires deep and systematic knowledge.

04

Who do you think is the most stylish celebrity?

I used to love Jennifer Lopez's style. But over the years, I became interested in the style of Sheikha Moza. My style and view on fashion has changed dramatically. I stopped creating very revealing outfits and began to look at fashion in a different way. It must always have something special imagined behind it.

05

What is the craziest thing you would like to do in Hollywood? Dress up everyone. I always wanted women to wear my clothes and feel happy. This was and is my purpose in life.

06

Who do you design your outfits for?

I create a collection for women who love themselves.

07

What should the most stylish lady look like this summer of 2023?

A woman should look in summer, and all year round happy. Then the woman is always in trend, because her eyes are shining.

08

What fashion weeks do you attend?

I present my collections in Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks, red carpets in Cannes Film Festival, Venice Film Festival, Zurich Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival.

09

What are your special fashion tips for our readers?

My most important advice: every woman should feel what suits her best in terms of character and charisma.

10

What are the latest fashion trends?

Elegant hoods, various bows, slits on the sleeves, knee socks and much more are in fashion. Classic suits in different and even bright colors.

11

What are the most fashionable colors for the upcoming season?

This season all bright colors are in trend.

12

How can we be more stylish this summer of 2023? Fashion is a changeable phenomenon. This is a certain taste in clothing and other industries that is popular at a particular time. Cut, color, style and even details can become fashionable. It's how you choose to wear your style. The most important thing is make yourself happy.

Credits for pictures

Designer: Guzal @guzaljon

Photo: Michel PERIE Photographie • @michel.perie.photographie

Model: Miss Europe Continental Switzerland @queenissima

Model: Samantha Mpiana @mpianaaaa

Model: Rachel Berry @paris_rachel

Makeup: Larisa Abramovich @larisa_Abramovich_life

Hair: Naumenka Natallia @naumenka_hairstyles

Retoucher: Regina Morozova • @regina.morozova.retoucher

What do you get when you mix Silicon Valley, big money, and magic? You get Dan Chan – The Millionaires’ Mentalist and a whole lot of corporate entertainment!

Based dually in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles, Daniel Chan and his family of magicians have been thrilling audiences for years with their baffling illusions and mind-reading tricks. With over 7500 shows under his belt, Dan Chan has been in high demand by corporate clients worldwide looking for something unique and memorable for their events. Chan got his start in the entertainment industry, billing himself as “Dan Chan The Magic Man,” but later pivoted to “Dan Chan, Master Magician.”

He’s performed over 500 virtual shows since 2020 and received media attention from publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Hustle, CNBC twice, and Business Insider four times. Buzzfeed even dubbed him “Silicon Valley’s Favorite Magician.”

So, how did this magic man get started?

THE MILLIONAIRES’ MENTALIST

DAN CHAN

PERFORMS FOR CORPORATE CLIENTS WORLDWIDE ON ZOOM!

DAN CHAN HAS PERFORMED FOR CORPORATE CLIENTS SUCH AS AMAZON, APPLE, FACEBOOK, GOOGLE, AND MANY OTHERS.

DAN CHAN’S BEGINNINGS

Chan started his career at PayPal in 1999, which later merged with X.com, a company founded by Elon Musk. “So technically, I was at PayPal before Elon Musk,” Dan reminisces. He worked at PayPal before it became the multi-billion dollar company it is today and before his coworkers were dubbed the Paypal mafia; before they founded Yelp, YouTube, LinkedIn, and many other recognizable global brands. “I worked at PayPal so early that I was granted stock options for joining so early. I stayed 13 months and vested ¼ of my options, if I had stayed and held, I would have been worth 5 million dollars. Instead, I sold very early on,” he lamented.

After leaving PayPal, he became one of the top corporate entertainers worldwide, performing for corporate clients worldwide. In fact, he takes great pride in the fact that he has performed for a client list from A to Z, including Amazon, Apple, Bank of America, Buzzfeed, Charles Schwab, Disney, eBay, Facebook, Golden State Warriors, Goldman Sachs, Google, Grammarly, HP, Intel, Kaiser Permanente, LinkedIn, Merrill Lynch, Netflix, Nike, Oracle, PayPal, Quora, Ritz Carlton, SalesForce, Twitter, Uber, USCG, VISA, Walmart, Yelp, and Zillow. Google alone has hired him over 60 times!

His wife Kat’s client list reads very similarly.

THE CHAN

FAMILY

Chan met his wife Kat while he was already several years into his performing career. When asking Kat how she got into the business, she says, “I got tricked into it!”

Kat fondly recalls their chance meeting when Dan performed a card trick in order to get her to sign her name and number.

“I can’t believe I fell for that,” she said, to which Dan chimed in, “I swear, I only did that trick for her!”

Dan invited her to watch a magic show - his own - and later began to teach Kat magic and balloons. Kat excelled at balloon twisting and went from creating simple dogs to incredibly intricate balloon creations such as airplanes, motorcycles, and even an 8’ tall dragon for the Nelson Atkin’s Museum of Art. Dan proposed to Kat in 2005 at an event they were performing – The annual Allen and Company Conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. After entertaining the tech titans, media moguls, and their families at the event, Dan got down on one knee and popped the question.

The couple has since welcomed the birth of their son James in 2007 and their daughter Grace in 2009. Both kids began learning to follow in their parent’s footsteps – James as a magician and Grace as a balloon artist.

Grace recently returned from the Family and Variety Entertainers Convention in Las Vegas. She swept all the categories she competed in, winning 1st place for small, medium, and large balloon sculptures.

James started juggling at 5 years old and has already been featured on ABC7 News, Kids Say the Darndest Things, and Access Daily with Penn & Teller. Most recently, he was featured in the Netflix feature ‘ME TIME’ starring Jimmy O. Yang, Kevin Hart & Mark Wahlberg. At only 13 years old, James auditioned and got into the Magic Castle’s Junior program – the most prestigious magic society in the world. James now performs solo magic shows for families, schools, and corporate events. While he still needs his mom to drive him to events, he’s excited to be making up to $1000 per appearance.

“The shows are a lot of fun, I get to save for college, and it totally beats working at McDonald’s,” James jokes.

THE PANDEMIC PIVOT

Dan and Kat began homeschooling both James and Grace in 2019, even before the pandemic. The family was performing so much that they pulled the kids out of school as clients requested them for their unique talents. James even jokes, “I was getting work burned out, and I was only in fourth grade!”

Homeschooling allowed the kids to have a flexible schedule and to take events with Dan and Kat in New York, Las Vegas, and Chicago.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit and Zoom became the new normal, Dan and James quickly pivoted to performing Zoom shows for their corporate clients. The two have performed over 550 virtual shows since the beginning of the pandemic. In December of 2020, they even set a record of 52 shows in a week and 12 shows in a day all because of embracing the medium of virtual.

Now attending American High School as a freshman, James has decided to scale back on performances during the 20222023 school year to return to traditional schooling but still fill his weekends and evenings with as many shows as possible.

As for Dan, in the last twelve months, he has done university, private and corporate shows in the Bay Area, New York, Chicago, Orlando, and Las Vegas - four times!

THE FUTURE OF MAGIC

So, what’s next for The Millionaires’ Mentalist?

Dan is constantly innovating. One of his newest illusions involves a spectator feeling his heartbeat in a most magical

way. He explains, “I’ve always wanted to do things that other performers aren’t doing, and this illusion is just one of those things.”

Today, Dan is reaping the benefits of his innovation and pivot. He’s in high demand by corporate clients worldwide looking for something unique and different to entertain their audience.

The reason for this demand is Dan’s differentiation. His magic is sophisticated and geared toward an intelligent audience. When you watch one of his mentalist acts, it’s purely about reading minds and connecting. It’s for this reason, he’s recently rebranded himself to “The Millionaires’ Mentalist” to reflect his unique brand of magic better.

Dan’s commitment to excellence has recently led to a successful partnership with Californios, a Michelin-starred restaurant in San Francisco. With this collaboration, Dan is looking to the future and exploring more opportunities to partner with renowned restaurants and venues. With these shows to his credit, the collaboration will dazzle and delight the guests. He hopes more of these collaborations will also establish his reputation with foodies.

And with a recent performance for Elon Musk in Bel Air, Dan’s come full circle from his Paypal days – proving that anything is possible with a little bit of magic!

Ready to be amazed? Check out Dan Chan’s website for more information on his upcoming shows. And if you can’t make it to one of his in-person performances, how about some Zoom magic?

THE END OF THE ROAD BEGINS.

Fast X, the tenth film in the Fast & Furious Saga, launches the final chapters of one of cinema’s most storied and popular global franchises, now in its third decade and still going strong with the same core cast and characters as when it began.

Over many missions and against impossible odds, Dom Toretto (Vin Diesel) and his family have outsmarted, outnerved and outdriven every foe in their path. Now, they confront the most lethal opponent they’ve ever faced: A terrifying threat emerging from the shadows of the past who’s fueled by blood revenge, and who is determined to shatter this family and destroy everything—and everyone— that Dom loves, forever.

In 2011’s Fast Five, Dom and his crew took out nefarious Brazilian drug kingpin Hernan Reyes and decapitated his empire on a bridge in Rio De Janeiro. What they didn’t know was that Reyes’ son, Dante (Aquaman’s Jason Momoa), witnessed it all and has spent the last 12 years masterminding a plan to make Dom pay the ultimate price.

FAST X

Dante’s plot will scatter Dom’s family from Los Angeles to the catacombs of Rome, from Brazil to London and from Portugal to Antarctica. New allies will be forged and old enemies will resurface. But everything changes when Dom discovers that his own 8-year-old son (Leo Abelo Perry, Black-ish) is the ultimate target of Dante’s vengeance.

Directed by Louis Leterrier (Clash of the Titans, The Incredible Hulk), Fast X stars returning cast members Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, Sung Kang, Jason Statham, John Cena and Scott Eastwood, with Oscar® winner Helen Mirren and Oscar® winner Charlize Theron.

The film also features an extraordinary new cast including Oscar® winner Brie Larson as Tess, a rogue representative from the Agency; Alan Richtson (Reacher) as Aimes, the new head of the Agency who doesn’t hold the same fondness for Dom’s crew as his predecessor, Mr. Nobody; Daniela Melchior (The Suicide Squad) as a Brazilian street racer with a powerful tie to Dom’s past; and legendary Oscar® winner Rita Moreno as Dom and Mia’s Abuelita Toretto.

Fast X is produced by Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeff Kirschenbaum and Samantha Vincent. The executive producers are Joseph M. Caracciolo, Jr., David Cain, Chris Morgan, Amanda Lewis and Mark Bomback. www.thefastsaga.com

Genre: Action Thriller

Cast: Vin Diesel, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Jason Momoa, Nathalie Emmanuel, Jordana Brewster, John Cena, Jason Statham, Sung Kang, Alan Ritchson, Daniela Melchior, Scott Eastwood, with Helen Mirren, Charlize Theron, Brie Larson and Rita Moreno

Directed by: Louis Leterrier

Screenplay by: Justin Lin, Zach Dean, Dan Mazeau

Based on Characters Created By: Gary Scott Thompson

Producers: Neal H. Moritz, Vin Diesel, Justin Lin, Jeff Kirschenbaum, Samantha Vincent

Executive Producers: Joseph M. Caracciolo, Jr., David Cain, Chris Morgan, Amanda Lewis, Mark Bomback

WILLIE NELSON 90

THE STAR-STUDDED, TWO-NIGHT CONCERT CELEBRATED WILLIE NELSON’S 90TH BIRTHDAY AT THE HOLLYWOOD BOWL

APRIL 29 AND 30, a sold-out crowd of ecstatic fans enjoyed eight hours of all-star performances during Long Story Short: Willie Nelson 90, A Star-Studded Concert Celebrating Willie’s 90th Birthday at the Hollywood Bowl, with a celebration “headed for the concert history books” according to USA Today. Honoring the legacy of 12-time GRAMMY Awardwinning country music giant Willie Nelson, the scene at the Hollywood Bowl transcended genres, with Associated Press remarking “The parade of partners illustrated one of the night’s themes: Willie brings people together.”

Nelson was joined by an incredible lineup of performing artists including Allison Russell, Beck, Billy Strings, Bob Weir, Booker T. Jones, Buddy Cannon, Charley Crockett, Chris Stapleton, Daniel Lanois, Dave Matthews, Dwight Yoakam, Edie Brickell, Emmylou Harris, Gary Clark Jr., George Strait, Jack Johnson, Jamey Johnson, Kris Kristofferson, Leon Bridges, Lily Meola, Lukas Nelson, Lyle Lovett, Margo Price, Miranda Lambert, Nathaniel Rateliff, Neil Young, Norah Jones, Orville Peck, Particle Kid, Rodney Crowell, Rosanne Cash, Sheryl Crow, Shooter Jennings, Snoop Dogg, Stephen Stills, Sturgill Simpson, The Avett Brothers, The Chicks, The Lumineers, Tom Jones, Tyler Childers, Warren Haynes, Waylon Payne, Ziggy Marley and surprise guest, Keith Richards.

The event, promoted by Live Nation-Hewitt Silva and produced by Blackbird Presents, featured spectacular once-in-a-lifetime performances and unforgettable collaborations, in a night hailed by Variety for its “savvily assembled mixture of talent and song choices… that paid tribute to a songwriting mastery that began in the Eisenhower era and will end well into the legal weed era.”

Some of the weekend’s highlights included welcoming Kris Kristofferson back to the stage; Stephen Stills reuniting onstage with Neil Young to perform "Long May You Run;” Chris Stapleton’s rendition of “Always On My Mind;” Willie and Snoop Dogg’s "Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die;” Jamey Johnson, Lukas & Micah Nelson, Shooter Jennings and Roseanne Cash performing “The Highwaymen;” Willie and Keith Richards’ duet for “We Had It All” and “Live Forever;” and so much more.

The star-studded celebration also featured special tributes and presentations by comedians Chelsea Handler and Gabriel Iglesias, as well as actors Ethan Hawke, Helen Mirren, Jennifer Garner, Owen Wilson and Woody Harrelson. The house band was led each night by GRAMMY Award-winning Music Director Don Was, and also featured Audley Freed, Benmont Tench, Gabe Witcher, Greg Leisz, Mickey Raphael, Terence Higgins, Tom Bukovac, Alfreda McCrary, Ann McCrary and Regina McCrary.

Photo Credit: Creidt Randall Michelson

Photo Credit: Randall Michelson/Hewitt Silva-Live Nation

Photo Credit: Joshua Timmermans

Photo Credit: Randall Michelson/Hewitt Silva-Live Nation