HW Sara Omran Issue by Hollywood Weekly Magazine, LLC

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

RUSSELL LEE OQUIST 10 THINGS TO DO TO BREAK INTO HOLLYWOOD

BEDSIDE READING

HW’S FAVORITE AUTHORS

SARA OMRAN NEW CREATIVE INNOVATIONS IN THE MOVIE TV INDUSTRY

LETTER FROM THE EDITOR

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

SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer

The pandemic has had a major impact on many industries, as well as, our day to day lives. One of the industries that has been affected in a major way has been the Movie and TV production industries. Initially movies were very difficult to shoot due to the quarantines and restrictions on the gathering of groups. This is starting to change and it is easier to start making movies and TV productions with some careful following of the various guidelines and restrictions.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Alex A. Kecskes Ike Sinha Carmelita Pittman Elyce Hastings

elcome readers to a very special issue of Hollywood Monthly. First of all, We are honored to have on our cover the talented actres Sara Omran.

This edition of Hollywood Monthly is filled with great stories.

“Diary of a Lunatic: Sylke’s Tale’s” written and directed by Greg Robbins is an amazing adventure. This story is available on Amazon Prime and follows a group of young adults trying to save their universe, one writing at a time. When Jacquelyn E. Stone was a young girl, growing up in then-segregated Williamsburg, Virginia, her mother shared the biography of an African American shopkeeper from Williamsburg who was so wealthy he loaned money to then-president of The College of William & Mary—a school that did not allow people of color to enroll until 1951. Growing up just steps away from the college, even as a child Stone was struck by the fact that a Black man was wealthy enough to grant a loan to the leader of William & Mary, yet would have been barred from attending as a student. Hollywood! The very name evokes visions of glamor, success and excitement. It is the dream of countless people to be able to have a career in the Movie and/or the TV industry. Most picture themselves being a famous movie star. Some are even drawn to the jobs which are behind the scenes; such as a writer, director, producer, director of photography, editor composer, etc. Whatever their individual goals and where they think that they will “fit in” they greatly desire to be in the entertainment industry. Everyday people are arriving in Hollywood with visions of a glamorous career. We would like to thank each of you, our readers, for your support. Please be sure a send a note letting us know which story you found most interesting. Best wishes,

Prather Jackson Publisher

Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry

RUSSELL LEE OQUIST

10 THINGS TO DO TO BREAK INTO HOLLYWOOD

BEDSIDE READING

HW’S FAVORITE AUTHORS

SARA OMRAN NEW CREATIVE INNOVATIONS IN THE MOVIE TV INDUSTRY

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HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 3

CREATIVE INNOVATIONS New

in the Movie and TV Industry By Russell Lee Oquist

he pandemic has had a major impact on many industries, as well as, our day to day lives. One of the industries that has been affected in a major way has been the Movie and TV production industries. Initially movies were very difficult to shoot due to the quarantines and restrictions on the gathering of groups. This is starting to change and it is easier to start making movies and TV productions with some careful following of the various guidelines and restrictions. However, the traditional ways to make this industry profitable have also taken a hit. The financial risks of making movies and TV series are greater than ever and some of the traditional revenue streams are no longer available. For instance, the box office took a gigantic hit as the theaters have been closed for over a year now. Many believe that they will never fully recover. For instance, sales and rentals of Videos and DVDs keep going down. OTT (Over the Top Delivery Services) like NETFLIX, AMAZON, HULU, etc. are becoming very popular. However many believe that fewer “gate keepers” puts the independent producer in a weaker position. Making movies is always a risk, but even when you have a successful movie the companies then need to move onto the next project and the risk factor starts all over again. Many production companies are looking to land a syndicated 4 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

TV Series. When successful, this is often the most rewarding and secure line of profit for a production company. However, there is a great deal competition for being able to fill one of the networks key slots. The company needs to take the original concept and pitch it to the network and attach a show runner. If they can convince the executives that the concept is good, then they need to produce a pilot and hope that the network likes it and is willing to take the risk to commit to an entire season. If they are successful, then they can move ahead. If the idea is rejected anywhere in the process, then a lot of time and money have been lost. As profitable as it has been to make a great movie (if it is successful, of course), a successful Syndicated TV Series is the gold standard for many producers. If you can produce a hit TV show you can have several years of profitable productions and residuals. Friends for example, a very successful sitcom that has developed a cult following in recent years is the 90’s. According LivingALot.com, the series brings in approximately $1 billion in residuals each year. The former stars of the show receive around two percent in residuals meaning the cast makes roughly $20 million just from the syndication. Even though several cast members, such as Jennifer Aniston and Lisa Kudrow, continue to work in film and TV, it’s safe to say they don’t need to.

Producer Frederico Lapenda If you create a great storyline with an intriguing set of characters and fill it all in with great writing and multiple twists in the storyline, you can have the consumer hooked and waiting for each new episode. Better still, when they can, they will “binge watch” the whole season as fast as possible. The Big Bang Theory for example, was able to receive one of the biggest syndication deals of all time. The network TBS paid CBS $1.5 million per episode to get it syndicated on their network. Fox broadcast paid $500,000 for each episode. This brought them a total of $2 million per episode back in 2010. While it is unclear how much the cast makes per episode, Jim Parson, who played Sheldon Cooper on the series, brings in about 10 million a year in residuals. You might say that a successful TV series is the Golden Goose.

Sara Omran HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 5

Producer Frederico Lapenda has some creative solutions to facilitate production and conquer the financial challenges of the time. This is not surprising as Frederico has long been an innovator and a very creative and productive person. He is one of the founding fathers of the sport of Mixed Martial Arts and has largely been credited with the globalization of the MMA. Lapenda has produced 40 films and documentaries, numerous MMA events, video games and music concerts. One of his most significant recent accomplishments was along with Marvel Comics Founder, Stan Lee, the creation of Allies of the Amazon, a children’s book about the importance of the Amazon rainforest.

(45 minutes each) for a complete season of a TV series. The movies already financed the making of the TV series and the entire season could be used in the pitch to the networks for the season, so that everyone knew what they were

So it is not surprising that Mr. Lapenda is thinking “outside the box” to revitalize his company’s production capabilities. I recently had an interview with Mr. Lapenda at Paradigm Pictures’ office along with producing partner, Alex Sulla. Frederico revealed that he has devised a plan to make a series of movies and ultimately a syndicated TV series, with each step of the process funding the next step. The working title is Lafayette and this plan, while not without its challenges, nevertheless lays out step by step process which could pay big dividends. Frederico outlined his plan as follows. He would set about making one movie every 3 months and selling it on the global market. The proceeds from the first movies would then provide the finances to make the subsequent films. The goal is to make a total of 13 90-minute movies (in a series of adventures). When these movies are completed, the production team would use the same materials trimmed down to make 13 episodes 6 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Producer Frederico Lapenda

getting. If this is successful, then the production team could soon start working on the 2nd season. The plan is to make the financial exposure covered as the project moves along, minimizing the financial risk and maximizing the

potential. The plan provides for a continual flow of financing to cover the costs step by step. I asked Frederico about the storyline and found that he was understandably vague about the details (after all, there is a lot

of competition out there – and storylines are the fuel of the industry). But he did say that the story would take place at a University in Louisiana and that it would present a series of mysteries with supernatural elements. Louisiana’s history, with it’s mysterious swamps and the stories of New Orleans voodoo provides a perfect setting for these stories. The four main characters with very different backgrounds, nationalities and races will be forced to deal with the challenges and apparent attacks from evil forces on their school and community. As they do they will discover things about themselves which enables them to deal with the evil assaults. He didn’t say much about the characters, just that there will be two young females and two young males (in the 20s to 30s). He did reveal that he was already convinced that he has found the right person to play one of the female leads, Sara Omran. Frederico told me, “I became aware of Sara Omran, due to her widely acclaimed performance in Mostafa Keshvari’s award-winning drama Unmasked (2018). She displayed an incredible depth and subtlety in how she conveyed her personality, character and the inner workings of the difficult choices she had to make as she faced incredibly difficult situations. Sara’s background (she is Iranian and Ukrainian), multi-lingual upbringing and immigrant status gives her a unique and insightful perspective on life. All of these elements will enrich her character in this TV series.

Alex Sulla

Lapenda’s producing partner Alex Sula did not tell me much about any of the other actors, only that they would likewise represent different cultures and ethnicities forming a cast of great diversity of excellent actors. He did not tell me about any of the other actors

being considered, only that every element of this project will feature excellence which would combine to propel these movies and the subsequent TV series into a great success. Lapenda and Sulla have chosen Louisiana as their film locations for very specific reasons. Louisiana has become an increasingly popular place to make movies. There is an abundance of professional people to man the crews, high quality equipment supply companies and virtually every type of support needed to make fully professional productions. There is another distinct benefit to making movies in Louisiana. The government will reimburse the movie producers 30% rebate of their expenses in the making of the films. So they told me that Louisiana was perfect for their production. Lapenda did not give me a specific date about when this project will begin, but if everything goes well, it would start summer of 2021. So we will be watching to see how this ambitious project unfolds. If it is successful, the overall plan could indeed set forth a new way to make both movies and syndicated TV series to entertain and to make a profit. Today’s reality of pandemics and fear of pandemics, where going out and doing things around the world has become increasingly uncertain; home entertainment has become increasingly important. The consumer has developed a virtually unsatiable appetite for entertainment and the vicarious excitement of other worlds and realities. The wise producer who can provide quality entertainment to fill this need can indeed survive these times and pave a lucrative path for the future. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 7

Diary Lunatic OF A

S Y L K E ’ S

“D

iary of a Lunatic: Sylke’s Tale’s” written and directed by Greg Robbins follows a group of young adults trying to save their universe, one writing at a time. I appreciated this short series for many of its unusual yet unique choices and elements. To start, the diversity in the cast of this show was remarkable. Recent stories have been flying in the media about lack of People of Color in top-ranking films and TV shows. I commend the writer for his choice of cast and non-stereotypical role choices. Many shows these days tend to take this tasteless road of stereotyping actors on how they should act based upon sexuality, skin color, etc. The storyline of this show can be hard to grasp at first so I urge all audiences to pay close attention to details such as symbols, language, and character development. The character MaHa is one of the main protagonists in this show. MaHas's character is very unique as she tends to be wise and also unsure of her greatness. I appreciated

8 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

the variety of story lines that happened in this show because it provided a bit of realism. Grace is a character that I enjoyed as she was portrayed to be very young and innocent while still being the most powerful woman in the room. We have all seen the fairy tales where the princess needs the prince to save her but in Diary of a Lunatic, the people save themselves. This show gives a refreshing take on mystery and magic all while intertwining it into different worlds full of villains and darkness. There were many twists and turns in this show as each episode led into the next and almost all ended on a cliffhanger. I believe that this show had lots of great detail. Shows like this typically tend to lack big pieces of a plot line but for this series, that was not the case. I can tell by watching this that the director had a clear idea of what he wanted to see on the big screen. It was refreshing to be able to understand the details as a viewer because this show allowed me to not only question my ideas for the plots but also understand from other perspectives

T A L E

By Elyce Hastings

from the comfort of my own home. I have not seen many of the actors in this series anywhere else before so it was very interesting to see new acting styles unfold before my eyes. This show is unlike many others that I have seen. It was hard to relate it to multiple plot lines, even ones that may have shared similarities. I would highly suggest this series to anyone who enjoys the idea of fantasy over reality. I would love to see this series progress into more episodes that introduce new and intriguing characters. If you find yourself in hard times and need to escape for a bit, try out “Diary of a Lunatic: Sylke’s Tale’s.” After long research and studying of this marvelous series, I took it upon myself to interview some of the key characters and actors that helped develop the unique storyline and plot to this artistic, unique story. The first lovely woman I had the pleasure of interviewing is Melody Nardone who played the character “MAHA”

Q&A W I T H Melody Nardone

EH: Why did you want to be involved in this production? MN: It was truly divine intervention. I received a call from Larry Saunders asking if I was interested in doing a screen test for this series. I didn't even know what a screen test entailed. He went on to mention that Kimberly Eastwood who is Clint Eastwood's daughter is the executive producer. I was floored to know this and instantly wanted to be part of this TV series. It was even better when they asked if my daughter, Amber Vanderbush wanted to take part in this. How could I say, "no?" Greg Robbins, the director saw something in me that I didn't even know existed. I trusted in that.

MH: The experience alone was worth it. To work with this talented cast and crew, was worth it. To have it on Amazon Prime, is worth it. To be featured on the back of a bus, is worth it. To be here, doing this interview is worth it. To have worked with acting coach, Josie Divincenzo, worth it. For an opportunity to be a lead in a TV series, was worth it. Alongside MaHa, there were many other amazing actors and actresses that made the characters they played truly come alive. When speaking with Yancy Butler who played “Clarissa”(MAHA’s evil alter ego), I got to know a bit more about the true meaning behind this series. Yancy highlighted that this story is “unlike anything or any other story” that has been done. “This story is about different journeys and respecting each other’s choices”. When asked about the chemistry on screen between cast members, Yancy stated that they all were “nothing but welcoming, as we have all never worked together”. I found that this was a very interesting fact to know as the chemistry on screen is clearly very natural for everyone. This aspect made the tale just that much more desirable to watch.

EH: What made this role one worth having?

EH: Do you believe that you are similar to your character, if so, how? TW: Trew and I are similar in the way we want to support and cheer on other people. EH: What do you think people can walk away with after watching and understanding this story? TW: I think this story is much like life trying to figure it out as you go along. It's not always clear when you are going through it, but then you look back and it all makes sense. I also appreciate the themes of goodness, and the importance of helping each other out, sticking up for one another, and encouraging each other to be our best. EH: What’s going to surprise people about this show? TW: It's not all spelled out for you. You have to come along for the ride, and watch it unfold.

EH: What’s going to surprise people about this show? MH: It truly is a sci-fi/ fantasy mixed with some intense stunts. The stunts will surprise you! EH: What do you think people can walk away with after watching and understanding this story? MH: I truly feel like this film empowers you. You hold the pen to dictate your life. You always have a choice no matter what your situation is. Here's the pen, how will you write your story?

Q&A W I T H Tracy Wilson

Tracy Wilson who plays “Trew” in the series gave us some insight on the similarities between her and her character. Tracy also ex pressed her overall appreciation for the cast and crew that made this on-screen experience special.

Muse Watson gave us an insight to his character of “creator of all worlds”. It is important to note that this character was played by Watson as his first on screen character since his former well received performance as “Mike Franks” on the CBS television series NCIS. When asked about the benefits of playing his character, Watson answered “playing the creator of all worlds was very fun, when I read his opening monologue “I was hooked”. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 9

Q&A W I T H Cynthia Rothrock

I got the chance to speak with Cynthia Rothrock. Cynthia is best known as her character “Mrs. CLOUDOVER” Mrs. Cloudover plays the mother of one of the main characters whose evil alter ego takes EH: What’s the biggest challenge about taking on your role? CR: This role was a fun role for me to play. The biggest challenge was playing a dual role. The same thing is what attracted me to part. . EH: What made this role one worth having? CR: The role was fun for me to do. I always played a tough fighter and now I was playing a quirky mom possessed by a mean spirit. She was suppose to change looks from the crazy mom to the good mom, but we only see the crazy looking mom side...But it was worth it to play Mrs. Cloudover when the spirit left her body. 10 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

EH: Why did you want to be involved in this production? CR: When the director contacted me he said it would be a fun role...A sci-fi film... With quirky characters. My character played two parts... One bad/ and one good. I loved the thought of playing a dual role. Unfortunately, more of the bad side shows up...We ran out of time and had to cut the good character scenes out to just a shortened version. You never got to see me look like the good side...But it worked and that is the magic of filming. I thought it was totally different from the past roles and loved the idea of going back to NY. EH: What do you think people can walk away with after watching and understanding this story? CR: They will walk away being completely entertained, see some great fight actions, and as always good always wins over the bad. Along with Greg, Maha Guemei is one of the key elements to this project as she is not only the co- creator, but also the exec producer words. Talking” is his attitude, and who wouldn’t if that is all he asks in return? EH: Do you believe that you are similar to your character, if so, how? MG: I was meant to play myself in our first production TREW’S CALLING and again in this TV series SYLKE’S TALES, but each time personal issues and health issues prevented me from doing so. And both, Tracey B. Wilson as TREW and Melody Nardone as MAHA paint a perfect picture of me and my reactions to and the experiences of God talking to and teasing, testing and impressing an intelligent, independent, nonreligious woman who wants nothing to do with him. True to life is also that God never tries to shove TREW or MAHA into a religious belief corner, and that he is neither deterred by their cussing nor their disbelief in his words. “All is fine as long as we keep talking” is his attitude, and who wouldn’t if that is all he ask in return? Lastly, I got the amazing opportunity to interview the film's very own director himself, Greg Robbins. Greg Robbins spoke to me about the true creative process behind this detailed series and who exactly he pulls inspiration from when bringing the big stories, to your very own screens at home.

Q&A W I TH Greg Robbins

EH: What, in your opinion, is the most important quality in a film director? GR: Teaming up with actors to tell a story and bring emotions to the surface that take an audience on a journey. EH: Regarding the creative process, how did yours come about? How did you come up with this idea? GR: This is a collaboration between myself and Maha Guemei. We create ideas together and then I write dialogue and bring it back to her and we work from there. EH: Tell me a bit about how it was to work with the cast. GR: I have worked with most of the cast before as I like surrounding myself with good people. Being a good person is as important to me as having talent. EH: What do you hope to do in the new future with your talents? GR: To continue telling stories that enhance life EH: What audience do you believe that this series is targeted towards most? GR: We are learning that gamers, people that are into comic books and fantasy’s of all ages like this show EH: Who is your favorite film director and what inspires you most about them/ their work? GR: I love the work of Clint Eastwood, Frank Gapra and Peıer Berg, they are different styles of directors but they seem to pour the heart and soul into the stories they tell.

EH: I noticed on your IMDB, you quote “When you're a nobody making a living as a filmmaker is kind of like clawing on the inside of a coªm”. Can you please explain a little more about this concept of “clawing on the inside of a coªm” and how do you overcome it? GR: Everyday is a struggle when you are a nobody in this business, trying to get stories told without the proper tools starting with funding. I don’t care about how much money I make, I'm talking about being able to take our time and do things the correct way. You never overcome it, you just keep moving forward and learn to make solid products with what you have and you try and get better faster. I just want to tell stories that makes people feel good and maybe that feeling will help their day. Many of the actors in this series had nothing but raving compliments regarding production and overall outcome. Diary of a Lunatic: Sylke’s Tale is unlike anything you will ever watch. From cast, to crew, to themes, this show stands out. Fantasy, magic, and the ultimate truth of friendship is what this show is all about. Empowerment tends to be an ongoing theme within this series as the pen is what ultimately dictates people’s futures. Melody Nardone chimed in on this take with her stating “I truly feel like this TV series will empower you. You hold the pen to dictate your life. You always have a choice no matter what your situation is. Here's the pen, how will you write your story?”. I found this to be a very interesting aspect of the show as such a simple object, had the power to hold so much story and truth in many different ways, for many different characters. The color pallet of this show is notably something that stood out to me as a viewer. Many of the emotions from each character is translated through the use of colors that set the scene. The darker colors indicated fear, loss, and defeat. The brighter colors were used to help show enjoyment, happiness, and even admiration or love. I urge all audiences to be mindful of this special detail while watching. The character development was very clear while watching this show. “MAHA” is a character that I grew into finding herself above all else. It was fantastic to see how all characters including her, grew into finding their voice throughout each episode. Underlying themes such as this one make for excellent on-screen art. GREG ROBBINS is a very talented director who puts all of his energy into his work. Diary of a Lunatic: Sylke’s Tale is a perfect example of this. I would suggest this show to anyone who finds comfort in watching fantasy mixed with realistic challenges on screen. Each character is uniquely developed and therefore can relate to anyone watching. I would only hope that Greg Robbins continues to pursue his passion through film as his work is clearly one worth watching overtime. I look forward to having the pleasure of viewing many of his future projects as I believe that they will be just as special, if not more.

Photos courtesy of Greg Robbins, Jim Breidenstein and Monika Zanni

Diary OF A Lunatic Check it out now on Prime Video!

www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B08XJLP91D/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 11

21ST ANNUAL BEVERLY HILLS FILM FESTIVAL HONORS

ACTOR CARY HIROYUKI TAGAWA WITH LEGENDS AWARD IN FIRST-EVER VIRTUAL EDITION

BY RUS SE LL LEE OQ U IS T

Cary Tagawa

HE 21ST ANNUAL International Beverly Hills

Film Festival® (BHFF) just completed their first-ever virtual edition of the Festival. They had livestreamed 155 official selections globally via the fest’s site, beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com and powered by Eventive. The Festival itself was held on April 28 – May 2, 2021. There were many highlights as the best of the work from these independent film-makers from around the world. A very special feature of this year’s Festival was the presentation of the BHFF Legend’s Award to Actor Cary Hiroyuki Tagawa. Mr. Tagawa has been in over 140 films and TV shows, including “The Last Emperor,” “Man in the High Castle,” “Mortal Kombat,” “Rising Sun.” Hiroyuki expressed how much he appreciated receiving this award. He went on to say, “Its been a long career, 1986 with Bernardo Bertoluci and the Last Emperor. What a way to start a career. It made me spoiled, but it has kept me humble all these years.” Past recipients of the BHFF Legends Award include: producer Mike Medavoy; actor Jon Voight, actress Ann Archer, cinematographer Haskell Wexler, producer Frank Yablans, and “Rat Pack” photographer Phil Stern. This year’s line-up featured an incredible selection of impactful films across multiple genres, representing 25+ countries, including: “The Final Fix,” narrated by Ewan McGregor; “T&A: Love & Sex,” directed by and starring Thomas Jane and starring, written and produced by Anne Heche; “The Clown without a Mask” with Joseph Gordon-Levitt; “Hard Work,” directed by Julie Pacino; “Code Karim” from Italian director Federico Alotto; and “Forbidden to See Us Scream in Tehran” from Iranian director Farbod Ardebeli. There were many awards presented as filmmakers were vying for the Jury and Audience Awards including fest’s top honor, the Golden Palm Award. Some of the key winners were as follows:

2 12• •HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOODWEEKLY MONTHLY

2021 FILM AWARDS

Best Actor: Liu Zhen, from The Journey of Murder Best Actress: Mohadeseh Kharaman from Forbidden To See Us Scream in Tehran Best Director: Alexandre Singh from The Appointment Best Producer: Emmett James, Steve Einzig, Scott Rose for The Life and Larry Brown Best Cinematography: Carsten Rau for Nuclear Forever Best Edit: Rick Pagano for Ten Tricks Best Foreign Film: The Journey of Murder by Jun Wang

SPECIAL JURY AWARDS

Best Feature Film: Ten Tricks, director: Rick Pagano Best Short Film: Stalin Unlimited director: Yury Vorobev Best Documentary: Bloodless: The Path to Democracy director: Bared Maronian

THE GOLDEN PALM AWARD

Best Picture: Bloodless: the Path to Democracy director: Bared Maronian Best Screenplay: Winter Bird writer: Stephen Delos Treacy

There were numerous other awards which were presented. For a complete list you can go to their website, https://beverlyhillsfilmfestival.com/2021-winners/ The Festival was created 21 years ago, by actor, Nino Simone, whose main goal has been to keep the Festival independent from the major studio’s stronghold. This has allowed independent film makers a great platform to showcase their work, as well as, opportunities for distribution and representation. Festival president, Nino Simone, says, “It was heartbreaking to have last year’s momentous 20th Anniversary edition of the festival shut down due to the pandemic. We’ve always been proud to host an international event, hosting filmmakers from the four corners of the world. The upside with the new virtual platform is that we are able to screen our official selections to a global audience. We’ll also be offering virtual panels and networking events to bring our community together.” However, it is still better to have the Festival in an actual location, especially for the

networking possibilities with the film makers and potential distributors. Also, the fest for many years has been renowned for its annual onsite Opening Night Red Carpet Gala and 5-days of Premieres, Screenings, Panels, Parties and Closing Ceremony Awards Gala. Despite the shutdown and not being able to present Audience Awards, BHFF20 was still able to remotely bestow Jury Awards for last year’s official selections, including: director Cam Cowan’s “Opeka” (Golden Palm Award); director Derek Wayne Johnson for “Stallone: Frank, That Is,” starring Frank Stallone” (Best Documentary) and “40 Years of Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone (Best Short Documentary); William Baldwin for “Talk” (Best Actor); and “Josie & Jack” winning Best Director for Sarah Lancaster and Best Actress for the film’s star Olivia DeJonge. BHFF Jury members this year include: Jury president, the award-winning producer Frederico Lapenda; Oscar®-winning screenwriter & producer Nick Vallelonga (“Green Book”); Wonderfilm founding producer Kirk Shaw (“Moose,” starring John Travolta, “Primal,” starring Nic Cage); Roberta Augusto, Senior VP of Marketing, Distribution & Publicity at IDC, a Lionsgate Company (“LaLa Land,” “The Twilight Saga,” “The Hunger Games”); Emmy®-winning producer Nate Thomas (PBS’ “The Last of the One Night Stands,” “East of Hope Street”); film and music video director Brett Leonard (“Lawnmower Man,” IMAX’s “T-Rex,” “Virtuosity”); veteran actor John Posey (“Selena,” “Criminal Minds,” “Teen Wolf”); Australian actor Costas Mandylor (“Saw” franchise); talent and literary agent Amy Lord (partner, Eris); and marketing strategist Gary Shapiro (former senior VP marketing, Sony Pictures, and a member of The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences). Frederico Lapenda, the Jury President said, “I am very happy that technology allowed us to keep the momentum of presenting the work of these young filmmakers from around the world. This is helping to promote their careers in film.” Over the years, other VIPs that have attended the festival include: Gary Oldman, Danny Devito, Rhea Perlman, Jonathan Mayer, Bob Saget, John Stamos, Andie MacDowell, Martin Landau, Anne Heche, Djimon Honsou, Candace Cameron Bure, Seth Green, Angie Ever-

Top: Nick Villelonga; Middle: Costas Mendylor; Bottom: Nino Simone(Founder) Frederico Lapenda(President of the Jury) hart, Rutger Hauer, Billy Zane, Anton Yelchin, Steven R. McQueen, Kelli LeBrock, Hector Elizondo, Dash Mihok, Leslie Zemeckis, Laila Ali, and Dominique Swain, just to name a few. The Beverly Hills Film Festival team is hopeful that things will get back to normal for the 2022 edition and they will be able to host the Festival with the full ceremony and regalia. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY •• 13 3 HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

MAKING A WAY OUT OF NO WAY

Richmond, Virginia’s Ultimate Power Couple Exemplifies the Power of Love By E. Ce Miller

hen Jacquelyn E. Stone was a young girl, growing up in then-segregated Williamsburg, Virginia, her mother shared the biography of an African American shopkeeper from Williamsburg who was so wealthy he loaned money to then-president of The College of William & Mary—a school that did not allow people of color to enroll until 1951. Growing up just steps away from the college, even as a child Stone was struck by the fact that a Black man was wealthy enough to grant a loan to the leader of William & Mary, yet would have been barred from attending as a student. It’s a story that must have stuck with her. The Stone family valued education and taught their children to do the same. Jacquelyn, the only sister to her three brothers, remembers starring longingly out the window of her family’s home as a child, watching her older brother catch the bus to school. Stone was so eager to attend school herself that her mother set up a child’s-sized table in the family room of their home—Stone’s “school”—and let her pretend she was attending as well. When Jackie was finally old enough to enroll in school, her parents sent her to the private Walsingham Academy. It was the early 1960s and there were not many educational options for African American children—nor were there many other students of color at Walsingham. Stone spent her afternoons and school breaks surrounded by the children of color who lived on her street, and her school days immersed in a white student body. The dichotomy this presented for Stone left echoes that reverberated through her life years, even decades, later. This dichotomy taught her the power of diversity. Stone’s roots in Williamsburg run deep and read like a pedigree of mid-Atlantic royalty. Her maternal grandfather worked at an elite golf course and met stars like Perry Como and others. 14 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Her father, the Honorable William T. Stone, was the first Black lawyer in Williamsburg, the first Black judge in Virginia, and founded the first integrated law firm in the state. Judge Stone mentored Jackie and many other rising attorneys. He was mentored by Oliver Hill, Sr. one of the pioneering lawyers that won the Brown v. Board case that ultimately allowed students like Jackie to attend any public institution. So perhaps it is no wonder the Harvard Law School-educated daughter of Williamsburg grew up to become the first African American female partner at a major law firm in the state of Virginia, the first African American on the Board of Partners for the law firm of McGuireWoods, and the firm’s first African American hiring partner—a role she held for over two decades. Those early experiences at Walsingham must have left their mark as well: Stone both created and chaired McGuireWoods’ Diversity and Inclusion Committee for most of her career, making such an impact that the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Award is now called the Jacquelyn E. Stone Diversity and Inclusion Award. Most recently, Stone was named Best Mentor: Law Firm by The American Lawyer Industry Awards. This makes her the top law firm mentor in the nation. And that’s just her day job. When she’s not trailblazing in the legal profession, serving as Executive Vice President & Chief Legal Officer to film investment company Soulidifly Productions is a labor of love for Stone. Literally. In 2017 Soulidifly Productions was founded by Stone’s husband, former Verizon Communications executive, and current PGA film producer BK Fulton. Soulidifly produced or co-produced four feature-length films in its first year—a feat no other independent production company can claim to date. In his first act, Fulton was the first Black president of Verizon Virginia and first Black vice president of Verizon’s Mid-Atlantic

BK and Jackie at Home overlooking the ﬁnancial district in downtown Richmond, VA.

Region. From the moment he “retired” Fulton’s second act was in full swing. As of this writing, Fulton and the Soulidifly team are on set with Bruce Willis, Leon Robinson and Frank Grillo working on their tenth film in four years—eight are currently in the marketplace (including the much-celebrated River Runs Red featuring Taye Diggs, Jon Cusack, Luke Hemsworth and George Lopez; Love Dot Com: The Social Experiment; and the award-winning 1 Angry Black Man). The ninth film, Freedom’s Path, is expected to release by summer 2021. He is also the author of eight children’s books— Shauna – about growing up with a disabled sibling; the seven book series Mr. Business: The Adventures of Little BK, based on Fulton’s own childhood; and one award-winning nonfiction title for young adults – The Tale of the Tee, which is a book about the power of simple acts to heal. BK is putting the finishing touches on a middle-school reader and Book 8 in his Mr. Business series along with a cartoon in collaboration with Lion Forge Animation, who won an Oscar in 2020 for their Hair Love cartoon short. Finally, BK has written and plans to release two novels about love, faith, and the power of knowing one’s roots. All of BK’s books are on Amazon and audible.com. To call Stone and Fulton a “Renaissance” couple just barely scratches the surface. What they’re really doing is building an empire. As the benefactors of Virginia Tech’s B. Keith Fulton and Jacquelyn E. Stone STEAM Endowed Scholarship and recent donors of over a million dollars in art to the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), it’s fitting that Stone and Fulton first met at a local charity event in Richmond. They briefly locked eyes across the room of a leadership meeting for the United Negro College Fund, hosted by the current chairman of the VMFA. At the end of their initial meeting, Stone—who, if you ask Fulton, is HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 15

the kind of person who has never met a stranger—introduced herself. The next meeting was on a chilly winter evening the following month. When they shook hands, he noticed hers were cold. He warmed them between his own. The rest is history. They were married on January 1, 2014—New Year’s Day, seven days after Christmas, six days before Stone’s birthday, and nine days before Fulton’s. It also happened to be the 151st anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation: a happy coincidence for the couple who has dedicated so much of their dynamic careers to diversity, inclusion, and equality. Their ceremony was deliberately small, but well attended—their seventy guests included the first Black governor of Virginia and a former majority leader of the US House of Representatives. They held it just around the corner from where Jackie grew up, at the Williamsburg Inn—a once-segregated venue that neither Stone nor Fulton would have been allowed inside of when they were growing up in Virginia, in the 1960s. It’s a centuries old, storied institution; one that Margaret Thatcher and Queen Elizabeth frequented when they were in the States. Fulton and Stone stayed in the Queen’s suite on the night before their wedding. They were married in front of the iconic spiral staircase leading into the East Lounge, where the Queen entertained when she was in the US. Judge Stone was the officiant. It was a moment that inarguably changed the history of a place the couple would have been barred from just decades before. It was an unforgettable affair, the significance of which was visible on the faces of everyone who witnessed it, from Fulton and Stone’s guests to the event staff who were present that day—the couple’s delight in one another palpable. But, like the very best love stories, their romance hasn’t always been all fairytale. 16 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

BK&J with Henry Lewis Gates, Jr. and Russell Wilson in RVA.

In the summer of 2017, Stone suffered two brain aneurysms. One of them had ruptured. Stone also was diagnosed with an anteriovenous malformation (AVM) and underwent a level 10 of 10 multi-hour brain surgery—a procedure with a disconcertingly low survival rate given the combination of Stone’s challenges. Of those who survive the intense procedure of removing the AVM and fixing the aneurysms, a significant percentage (almost 80%) return from surgery with severe disabilities. Stone’s doctors expected she had only a 1% chance of returning to her career as a high functioning lawyer. She was told to prepare for up to eight months of recovery and rehab. Together, the couple leapt into the unknown. BK moved into the hospital to be by his wife’s side. Their love and faith kept them steady. Two weeks following open brain surgery, Stone was released from the hospital. Two weeks after that, she returned to work. Within days of returning to work, she was able to drive again. It was a recovery the couple considers nothing less than a miracle. In 2017, only three years married, facing the possibility of Stone’s death taught the couple a critical lesson: tomorrow is not promised. They began to think about their lives differently.

That film became Il Sogno (“The Dream”, in Italian) a feature-length, non-narrative travelogue documenting a group of 122 people on an Italian vacation. They reenacted scenes from movies they loved: Roman Holiday, La Dolce Vita, Cleopatra, Gladiator, Death in Venice, Cinema Paradiso, Malèna, Il Postino, Life is Beautiful, The Godfather Part II, and an HBO limited series that aired shortly before their trip called The Young Pope. Often, the tourists they encountered on their travels willingly joined them in taking on the roles of actors in the various scenes. The trip was a movie buff’s fantasy. They loved every minute of it. Il Sogno culminates in the group of travelers attending a blacktie event hosted by the ERG Italian Oscars—the perfect way to celebrate everything they had done on their trip. BK was asked to MC the event and he even read an official letter from the Pope to the group of global travelers. This trip would become one of many to follow and it set the tone for what Stone and Fulton had settled on as their next act – to enjoy every moment they had together and to lift others as they climb.

When Fulton was 20 years old, he made a 60-year plan for his life. Following Stone’s brain surgery, he realized he had accomplished everything in his plan: comfortably retiring earlier than most of his peers, remaining active in the tech industry and philanthropy, and nourishing the important relationships in his life. But shortly after Stone’s recovery, the couple looked at one another and asked: What else can we do with our lives now? The first thing they did was take a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Italy. Ready to live every day as loud and full as they could, they decided to do something exciting, that neither one of them had ever done before. They travelled around the country recreating scenes from some of their favorite films, splicing them together to create a one-of-a-kind film of their own. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 17

BK&J in Soulidiﬂy Screening Room in Richmond.

After their trip, Stone and Fulton returned to Richmond and started their company. That film company is Soulidifly Productions—an investment house with nearly ten films completed and another two slated to wrap up by the end of this year. In addition to those listed above, the production company is also responsible for action features and dramas like Atone and Hell on the Border as well as the documentary The Unity Ride. Their film Joseph just won the African equivalent of the Oscars, taking home the 2020 Best Diaspora Film Feature award at the 16th annual African Movie Academy Awards. The film Freedom’s Path will be released this summer. This friendship film that takes place in the Antebellum South is already getting award buzz. It’s sure to become a fan favorite. But that’s just the beginning. Films on deck include From August with Love, a book and film package that includes never-before-seen love notes from American playwright August Wilson and Asira Awakens the directorial debut of the ever-talented Malik Yoba, written by Christy S. Coleman. Fulton is especially amped about Final Four: The Miracle Season, a sports lover’s dream film that tells the story of the 1983 NCAA Championship team from NC State. The film was co-written by Fulton and one of the men who lived that championship season, former basketball player Dereck Whittenburg. Not one to leave his calendar empty, Fulton continues to lead the other pillars of Soulidifly Productions as well: SoulVision Magazine and SoulVision.TV. As part of what the couple calls the “uplift cinema tradition,” they give away the magazine and the TV network programming as part of changing the narrative on what is possible when inclusion and diversity are a core value. BK is a major investor in seven companies, ranging from his ever-expanding media empire to the kind of emerging technology that has interested him since he was a kid: augmented reality, cybersecurity, movies and gaming exchanges. He serves on the board of private companies like TowneBank and MediaU.com, institutions and nonprofits like Norfolk State University, The Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation, Media Mentors, and the Joan Trumpauer Mulholland Foundation. Stone—who began her legal career at a time when there were 18 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

BK&J in Malibu with Steve and Candi McKeever. Steve is the founding CEO of Hidden Beach records.

not many partner positions available to women at U.S. law firms, and when diversity and inclusion weren’t topics on everyone’s mind—continues to help ensure attorneys of color are getting the same opportunities everyone else is getting, and that everyone is being acknowledged for the unique skills and perspectives they bring to the firm. As a partner and a mentor to young, emerging lawyers, she takes the extra effort to recognize as much diverse talent as possible. It’s an endeavor she doesn’t just rise to but exceeds. One thing Stone and Fulton have always done is live their lives out loud. They go into everything full-force, and don’t slow down. They do not accept mediocrity and at the same time they don’t push aside or delay their dreams. They don’t believe in leaving a single thing they want to achieve on the table. In other words, they go all in, on everything. “It’s the only way to give greatness and love a chance,” says Fulton. As a couple, they believe that there is no place to go except towards bigger dreams and smarter work. They are also working with friends to help get better elected leaders and ensure that everyone can freely exercise their right to vote. They trust that if they do their part, life will do its part for them. This is something they have experienced time and again. Fulton often says, “God blesses all of us to turn our dreams and ideas into their tangible equivalents. But you have to have the faith, be willing to do the work, and expect the outcomes.” This couple has the faith. They do the work. They expect the outcomes. And, if you ask them, they’re just getting started.

BK&J at Martha’s Vineyard Sunday service with the President of the University of Richmond Dr. Ron Crutcher and his wife Dr. Betty Crutcher; with Mrs. Reesa Reynolds and the late Charles Reynolds.

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HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 19

10 THINGS TO DO TO BREAK INTO

HOLLYWOOD By Russell Lee Oquist

Hollywood! The very name evokes visions of glamor, success and excitement. It is the dream of countless people to be able to have a career in the Movie and/or the TV industry. Most picture themselves being a famous movie star. Some are even drawn to the jobs which are behind the scenes; such as a writer, director, producer, director of photography, editor composer, etc. Whatever their individual goals and where they think that they will “fit in” they greatly desire to be in the entertainment industry. Everyday people are arriving in Hollywood with visions of a glamorous career. They are constantly looking for a way to break into show business. However, the competition is so great that even if you have considerable talent and are willing to dedicate yourself to this goal, making whatever sacrifices are needed to succeed, it sometimes

seems difficult, even impossible to make the dream come true. Everyone is looking for the “big break” and to “be discovered.” The trade magazines are full of opportunities to auditions for upcoming productions. But the things you have to do seem endless and frankly you start to wonder if it is worth it. I had the opportunity to meet up with Frederico Lapenda, a successful Hollywood Producer (producing numerous movies including the U.S.S. Indianapolis and Rage (Nicholas Cage, Danny Glover) and many other credits to his name. He is also the president of the Grand Jury for the Beverly Hills Film Festival and Tourism Ambassador to Brazil. I asked about how someone can get started in this exciting but difficult industry. The following is the result of this interview: R.L.O: Greetings, Frederico. Thank you for granting this interview. F.L: You are very welcome, Russ. It’s good to see you again. R.L.O. As you know, everyone wants to break into Hollywood, but it seems so difficult to do. But you started out to pursue your dream with a couple of extra obstacles. You were born in Recife, Brazil, about 11,000 miles from Hollywood. Yet you came to Southern California as a high schooler. Did you specifically come to the USA with the dream of making it in Hollywood?

Terry Dougas, Frederico Lapenda, Stan Lee, & Gabriel Chalita 20 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Frederico Lapenda(President of the Grand Jury) F.L: Yes, I did. R.L.O: That takes quite a bit of determination. People come from all over the USA with the same dream, but they grew up in the USA with many advantages of a fuller knowledge of English, the culture, etc. So, what did you do in your education to get caught up to speed? F.L. First of all, I was blessed to have a gracious American family who hosted me, named the Hansens. Billy, Michael, Carol and Bob were all wonderful to me. I studied in High School and college, and completed a degree in Cinema and T.V. from UCLA. R.L.O: Since then. you have quite a career: You have produced over 40 films and documentaries, MMA events on T.V including many PPV (Pay Per View) events, video games and music concerts/ One of your most

significant recent accomplishments was to produce a children’s book, along with Marvel Comics Founder, Stan Lee, the creation of Allies of the Amazon. This is a fascinating children’s book about the importance of the Amazon rainforest and teaches children many important moral lessons.

playing Scarface. “ Say Hello to My Little Friend” hahahah. In my case the passion was so great that I moved 11K Miles, work hard and got into the Entertainment Business.

F.L: Yes, I feel fortunate to see many of my dreams come true. I am also excited about what the future may bring.

F.L: Actually, it has never been easier to break into Hollywood than now. When I graduated from film school in 1993, things were very expensive: it was hard to get into the University and movies were shot in 35mm. Now it has become super cheap and democratic. You can make a movie using your cellphone with your friends and edit it on your laptop. Then you can send the movie digitally, compete in many film festivals around the world and promote your own film using social media. Now, if a person truly wants to get into the movie business, there is no excuse not to try.

R.L.O: What drove you to work so hard to bring all this about? F.L: There is no business like show business!!! Anywhere, that I have been around the world, I have always felt an incredible love and passion for the seventh art. I know you probably have friends who has memorized lines from different movies. We all have a friend who can impersonate Al Pacino

R.L.O: Yes, but it seems so hard to break into Hollywood.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 21

Frederico Lapenda, Don King and John Daly R.L.O: So then, I think that you are a good person to ask this question: Frederico, what are the top 10 things needed to break into Hollywood? FL:

LEARN YOUR CRAFT. I cannot stress enough how important it is to get proper training if you plan on getting in the business. You are talking about a business that attracts people from all corners of the world - they are full of drive and focus. And most of them have prepared themselves for many years. If you want to work in this business, you must go to school and learn the craft. The other great advantage of going to school is that you meet other people that are on the same path as you and you will likely work together in the future.

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MAKE SHORT FILMS Short films are a great way to sharpen your skills, network and participate in film festivals. In the beginning, try to keep the plot simple and use as few locations as possible. Every time you do a project you learn so much. if you were to redo this film, you would be able to do it better, faster and cheaper. Make as many movies as you can.

INTERN IN BOTH SMALL AND BIG PRODUCTION COMPANIES – Interning in a production company is a great way to elevate your game. You get to learn how to run a company, how to negotiate, and most importantly you get to hang out with people from the industry. I am a strong believer in networking. It is amazing how small this world really is. After working in the town for a few years you keep meeting the same people and you start to connect the dots.

It is very important to build a good reputation. Build bridges, don’t burn them. Your reputation is everything and remember that the ass you kick today, you might have to kiss tomorrow.

NETWORK BY GOING TO PLACES WHERE PEOPLE FROM THE INDUSTRY HANG OUT – If you are super focused on your career, then go to the places where the people in the industry hang out. If you are in the right place, you are surrounded by opportunities. You just need to reach out. One time I was in a meeting with a major Hollywood Mogul, and learned a valuable lesson. He felt that one person in the meeting was wasting his time, so he asked him. If I gave you 10 Billion Dollars, but by accepting the money you would be 100 years old, would you take the money? The man jumped up and said “NO” The Mogul then said, ”You

see how time is too important, so don’t waste mine.” I took this lesson to heart. So, make sure that you are spending your time with people with the same goals and work ethic, so you can be of benefit to each other. You can’t afford any distractions; because time passes so fast.

FIND A MENTOR - After college I worked a decade in TV, promoting MMA fights. But, my ultimate goal was to move to films and I was super lucky to find a mentor. An acquaintance introduced me to a man who introduced me to two time Oscar winner, John Daly (Terminator, Last Emperor). Mr. Daly was a great guy, who produced over 200 films. We had one thing in common - the love for the Fight Game. He had financed the famous Match between Mohamad Ali vs George Foreman, the Rumble in the Jungle. Hanging out with John taught me so much; the right mind set, approach, how to pitch a project, etc. Terry Dougas, a successful producer friend of mine, told me that early in his career he said to his mentor, a famous producer, “Treat me like I’m your partner, but I will treat you like your my Boss.”

GET A JOB THAT GIVES YOU FLEXIBILITY – Before you get your break and can support yourself, take a job that does not get in the way of your career; like Bartender, Doorman or Uber driver. You must be available during the day to work on your craft, go to meetings, do whatever is needed.

IT TAKES 10 YEARS TO SUCCEED – Be patient because it takes time for everything to fall in place. Sometimes we see younger people getting to higher places and it makes you feel that you are not moving fast enough. I learned that usually when you see an “overnight success,” they have actually been working on it for 10 years or more. Also, everybody’s fate is different.

NEVER STOP BELIEVING IN YOURSELF – This business is full of “naysayers.” it is very important that you don’t allow the outside force of negative people to destroy your faith in yourself. R.L.O: This is a great list. How would you summarize your advice? F.L: The business we chose is super fun and fulfilling, but remember that have to work hard and eat, breath and sleep the industry if you want to make it. R.L.O: Thank you for these valuable insights, Frederico. You are a talented man and you have worked hard, but I cannot help but believe that if you can make it, there are many other people out there who can as well. F.L: Absolutely!

WORK ON SETS NONE STOP – Repetition is the mother of skill. The more you work, the better you become. The more quality relationships you make, quicker you will get to your goal. In the beginning of your career and even later on it, be willing to work for free, if the project is worth it to you.

MAKE CONTENT – I had a valuable lesson in film school that shaped my career. I took a class from Producer, John Lenox (Splash). He told us that content was king and whoever owned content in the future would be in a great place. When I graduated, I started to produce and finance Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) events. The fact that I owned my content put me in the driver seat. So, my advice to you is to create your own content during your free time. Find something you enjoy talking about and produce your own content.

Frederico Lapenda and Danny Glover HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 23

The Guide to Not Starving Yourself Fat & Finding a Happier, Healthier You By Hailey Ashley

magine, relaxing in spa environment and losing fat effortlessly while taking a nap for 20 minutes as the fat melts away, stretchmarks fade, and your skin becomes more youthful. Sound like a Hollywood movie? Too good to be true? Well, it happens daily for the clients at Foskaris Wellness & the results speak for themselves. Some clients have lost 8 pounds of fat after a single session with the use of RedLight Sculpting™, and Penny Foskaris’ proprietary fat loss method. The combination of RedLight Sculpting™, and Penny’s various methods will help you shed those extra pounds of fat off of your body as if you’re turning back the hands of time. Whether you have 5 or 105 pounds of unwanted fat, this fat loss system will work for you along with eliminating any worries of saggy, excess skin, since it tightens your skin in the process.

The total body transformation and wellness center, owned and operated by Penny Foskaris is a unique facility that uses state-of the art technology to achieve accurate and precise measurements. She assesses each and every one of her clients individual, specialized and unique needs. 24 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Penny understands that although we may be looking for a solution faster than counting calories for months on end, most of us are not willing to risk our health, well-being, and sanity to drop those annoying love handles, and she agrees. In fact, what she promotes is just the opposite. Most people that come into the wellness center have been starving themselves fat. That’s right, you’ve heard correctly; Most people are starving themselves fat. With the focus of the office being on body composition and BMR (Basal Metabolic Rate), Penny is able to see whether or not her clients are eating enough food. Her clients understand how to not only lose the fat, but keep it off, and provide the tools we all need in our tool box to understand how to make easy changes to our lifestyle and remain in good health – without always having to skip dessert.

of your body, she also offers her wealth of knowledge to all those in need. Penny and her staff teach us the importance of stress reduction, sleep, daily activity, food sensitivities and healthy food choices, through her years of experience, and the next generation technology available to her. At Foskaris Wellness, we learn why Penny insists on using body composition to determine her clients BMR, instead of BMI (Body Mass Index) for her assessments. To quote Penny “BMI is Blind™” as BMI takes only weight and height into consideration. It cannot see how much muscle, fat, or water is in a person’s body. For example, a body builder that has lean body mass with muscle will look obese on the BMI chart. By using her state-of the art equipment to do her assessments, Penny is able to create a fool-proof plan to help her clients achieve their goals.

With the help of her innovative RedLight Sculpting™ Elite Pro System, manufactured in California, Penny hopes to help wellness centers and doctors’ offices everywhere be able to provide a safer, more effective way for people to lose weight, prevent diabetes, and overcome obesity, (just to name a few) without having to face the fear of going under the knife, or the reality of the scars that weight loss surgeries all too often leave in their path.

If you’re concerned about breaking the bank, fear not. Penny prides herself on creating affordable services for all potential clients, so anyone and everyone is welcome to stop by for a free consultation.

Not only has she found a way to make her RedLight Sculpting™ Elite Pro a better pad system than most, by having over 10,000 high intensity LEDs in the 6 pads that cover almost the entire span

You can walk into this Orange County wellness center for the cost of a few trips to Starbucks and get the full experience. People drive from all parts of California to experience what Penny has to offer.

She has hundreds of case studies to show potential clients the amazing results that can be achieved quickly with her methods.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 25

On-line nutrition consulting services are also available for those who are too far to experience her services in person. From the very first visit new clients can experience the RedLight Sculpting™ Pro Elite Pro system, spend time in the relaxation room and sit in the stress relieving near-infrared sauna, or lay on one of the PEMF crystal mats, while experiencing stress reduction and relaxation with use of the PSIO “space glasses”. Each client will find out the exact caloric intake needed for the day, and go home with the knowledge they need to finally create the lifestyle we are all trying to obtain.

Just ask her loyal customers what they think Laura 53, “Penny’s program is more than just weight loss. I came in for weight loss and got so much more than that. There was a lot of awakening about myself and learned what the core of my undereating at times was and overeating at others. It’s helped me stop struggling with weight loss. It’s made me an overall more positive person and you continue being good to yourself and it starts right here working with Penny at Foskaris Wellness.” The public has spoken, and they say we’ve found the fountain of youth, and its right in our backyard.

26 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

With her family tree successfully working in the restaurant industry, Penny was inspired to go in a different direction, and come up with a better solution for the way we consume our daily meals. Whether eating out, dining in, or going to a BBQ, our problems have been solved. According to her Fast Food Diet Cook Book we are still allowed to enjoy the foods we love, without our stomach grumbling. In fact, according to Penny, if you’re hungry you’re doing it wrong. She offers her Fast Food Diet Cook Book for reference, and helps us make sure our groceries don’t end up in the trash. Her solutions are endless, and they can work for anyone, no chefs needed here. In 2018 Penny made guest appearances on NBC, CBS and FOX teaching her methods of preparing recipes out of her cookbook. Making the right choices seems to be half the battle for most of us, and with the understanding that not everyone’s body functions in the same way, Penny provides each client with accurate information to help them succeed months, and even years, after walking out of her wellness center. With the use Penny’s patent pending formula, an individualized program is created in a personal journal, unique to each client, and taken home so that we don’t have to worry about guessing what will work. As the summer sun is fast approaching, we are all regretting not sticking to our ‘new year, new me’ New Year’s resolutions. Many of

us may still be considering what we believe to be a quick fix, with lipo-suction, tummy tucks, face lifts and the list goes on. But as Penny has seen – those options are not a one stop shop, or quick fix. In fact, they’re far from it. An unfortunate situation Penny sees all too often are the (sometimes scary) side effects of these surgical solutions. Spanning from body scars, loose skin, stretch marks and unflattering body indents, these side effects are not only permanent, but sometimes harder to deal with than the extras few pounds we put on in the first place. According to Penny Foskaris, be weary if you go under the knife, you might take home some unwanted consequences that can easily be avoided. If you fall into this category, no need to worry, Penny is here to make it right. Although we can’t offer a time machine at Foskaris Wellness, there are many ways she helps people who end up wishing they had found her sooner. She provides the solutions many may need to be able to recover from a less then successful surgical experience. Now imagine, you’ve made it through your consultation, as well as your first treatment. And hey – it was easier than you thought. You feel lighter, more educated, and ready to take on lunch time loaded with tools and tricks that seem so easy to achieve. There’s no recovery time, or pharmacy trips, and you feel better than you have in months, maybe even years. Those are the results we can all achieve by calling Penny or stopping by Foskaris Wellness. It’s simple, yet we tend to make it so difficult on ourselves. I urge you to keep it simple, and use Penny as your resource, she is here to help us in so many ways. Penny is also an ambassador for the World Wide Youth Congress and is part of the Children Uniting Nations Charity. She believes in mentoring our youth to help them get ready for their future. Her innovation, caring spirit and general need to make a positive impact in this world can provide us all with what we’ve been yearning for, what our friends and family wish for us, and what we wish for them – a peace of mind that you are in good health.

Now, how much is that worth to you? FR

If you're someone who has been struggling with your weight, Penny is offering a free consultation and a free gift to all Hollywood Weekly readers (subscribers)

Go to www.foskariswellness.com or www.redlightsculpting. com to reserve your spot and receive your free gift.

HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 27

Hollywood Weekly - Page Turners BedsideReading.com

We’re gathering our beach reads, one by one and we’re patiently waiting to dive in. But you don’t have to! Our beach reading begins here:

Don't Lie to Me by Willow Rose Every parent's nightmare! When twelve-yearold Sophie Williams went on a Girl Scout summer camp, she never returned home. Three months later, her body is found inside her sleeping bag in the most frequented area of Cocoa Beach, and the town is outraged. The girl isn't just any child. She's the town's most beloved surf idol, and it was believed that she could be the next Kelly Slater. As another child, the son of a well-known senator is kidnapped, and the parents receive a disturbing video, FBI profiler Eva Rae Thomas — who has just returned to her hometown, divorced and out of a job — plunges into the investigation, breaking her promise to her children not to do police work again. Local law enforcement, with her old flame Matt Miller in charge, are the ones who ask for her help in a case so unsettling that only she can solve it. But the deeper they dig, the deadlier it becomes for Matt and Eva Rae. Soon, everyone she holds dear is in grave danger as this case hits a little too close to home. DON’T LIE TO ME is the first book in the Eva Rae Thomas Mystery Series and can be read as a standalone.

Brilliant Burnout by Nisha Jackson In Brilliant Burnout, Nisha Jackson reveals proven and successful testing and treatment strategies, with step-bystep instructions for optimal hormone, brain, and body balance and compelling insights that have helped women all around the world change their lives and step up their game. Learn and use the very tactics explained in this book to beat the big snooze of burning out!

"ABSOLUTE PERFECTION." "I just could not put it down and read it in one sitting. Excellent!" "I loved it and can’t wait for the next one in this series. Don’t miss this one!! "

Little Sister by Patricia Chadwick Imagine an eighteen-year-old American girl who has never read a newspaper, watched television, or made a phone call. An eighteen-year-old-girl who has never danced—and this in the 1960s. It is in Cambridge, Massachusetts where Leonard Feeney, a controversial (soon to be excommunicated) Catholic priest, has founded a religious community called the Slaves of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Center's members—many of them educated at Harvard and Radcliffe—surrender all earthly possessions and aspects of their life, including their children, to him. Patricia Chadwick was one of those children, and Little Sister is her account of growing up in the Feeney sect. Separated from her parents and forbidden to speak to them, Patricia bristles against the community’s draconian rules, yearning for another life. When, at seventeen, she is banished from the Center, her home, she faces the world alone, without skills, family, or money but empowered with faith and a fierce determination to succeed on her own, which she does, rising eventually to the upper echelons of the world of finance and investing. A tale of resilience and grace, Little Sister chronicles, in riveting prose, a surreal childhood and does so without rancor or self-pity. 28 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

_____

both the discomfort and the throes of grief after ldren around the world he rest of her family, the iew (they visit a temple ng tarantulas, after all). vel writing, what really ds her way, after nearly ompassion. Square Up is love of self, family, and,

When a surprise job offer from her house-flipping sister reacquaints Lilly with handsome, free-spirited Wenniway Island transplant Matt Eastman, Lilly wonders if she’s ready for a new romance. Then she meets Hollywood heartthrob Jayden Pierce, who is filming a movie on the island, and she’s certain of it—but with whom? She’s caught the attention of both men, and both men have caught hers. So what’s a girl to do? Earnest Matt shares her love of the close-knit island community, while surprisingly down-to-earth Jayden encourages her to live life outside her comfort zone. As the flirtatious triangle sets the town talking, Lilly must choose: Does she want to plant forever roots in Trillium Bay with Matt? Or follow a man who makes love stories for a living? Two very different men. Two very different futures. But deep down, Lilly knows that only one holds the promise of her kind of perfect.

A Perfect Nightmare: My Glittering Marriage and How It Almost Cost Me My Life by Karen Gosbee Karen Gosbee had it all: a successful husband, three beautiful children, the homes, the cars, the jewelry, the A-list invitations. Her life looked perfect and as her husband, George, liked to say, appearances are everything. But at the height of his success as an owner of a major American sports franchise, cracks appeared in George’s carefully constructed façade. Karen could not ignore his increasingly erratic and self-destructive behavior, which spiraled from affairs and hard-drinking to prostitutes and drug abuse. Nor could she escape his abuse as emotional bullying escalated into dangerous beatings. A Perfect Nightmare is the story of a woman’s awakening to the realities of her failing marriage and her desperate struggle - one that would end in headlines and tragedy - to bring herself and her children to safety.

The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones From “the Jordan Peele of horror literature” comes a psychological thriller about revenge, breaking tradition, and the American Indian experience, perfect for fans of Stephen King. The Only Good Indians tells the story of four American Indian men and their families, as they are haunted by a disturbing, deadly event that took place in their youth. Years later, they find themselves tracked by an entity bent on revenge, helpless as the culture and traditions they left behind catch up to them in a violent, vengeful way.

Lisa Dailey

urney around the world merciful, compassionate tive, and healing. As a who has struggled with sion, not self-pity, with loved Cheryl Strayed’s

After her scandalous May-December romance comes to an end, baby of the family Lilly Callaghan returns home to Trillium Bay braced for the torrent of “I told you sos” from her sisters and the rest of the tiny island community. Floundering both personally and professionally, she’s at an emotional crossroads but determined to figure out her next best steps.

SQUARE UP

ehind? Born on the “Day nderlust. Although she he-world adventure, she after losing seven family helps us understand and d wisdom, heal from our

My Kind Of Perfect by Tracy Brogan

Square Up by Lisa A Dailey

SQUARE 50,000 m

iles in se

ife Quest to Run Seven

Lisa Dailey

arch of a way hom e

Have you ever wished you could run away and leave your life behind? Born on the "Day of the Wanderer," Lisa Dailey has always been filled with wanderlust. Although she and her husband had planned to take their family on a 'round-the-world adventure, she didn't expect their plans to come together on the heels of grief, after losing seven family members in five years. Square Up shows us that travel not only helps us understand and appreciate other cultures, but invites us to find compassion and wisdom, heal from our losses, and discover our capacity for forgiveness, as well as joy.

Raphael, Painter In Rome by Stephanie Storey Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling is one of the most iconic masterpieces of the Renaissance. Here, in Raphael, Painter in Rome, Storey tells of its creation as never before: through the eyes of Michelangelo’s fiercest rival—the young, beautiful, brilliant painter of perfection, Raphael. Orphaned at age eleven, Raphael is determined to keep the deathbed promise he made to his father: become the greatest artist in history. But to be the best, he must beat the best, the legendary sculptor of the David, Michelangelo Buonarroti. When Pope Julius II calls both artists down to Rome, they are pitted against each other: Michelangelo painting the Sistine Ceiling, while Raphael decorates the pope's private apartments. As Raphael strives toward perfection in paint, he battles internal demons: his desperate ambition, crippling fear of imperfection, and unshakable loneliness. Along the way, he conspires with cardinals, scrambles through the ruins of ancient Rome, and falls in love with a baker’s-daughter -turned-prostitute who becomes his muse. With its gorgeous writing, rich settings, endearing characters, and riveting plot, Raphael, Painter in Rome brings to vivid life these two Renaissance masters going head to head in the deadly halls of the Vatican. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 29

Conversations With Our Authors The Contract by Sheila Grinell Joanna and Ev have been partners for ten years--in business and in love--when one of the only women in government in the Middle East invites their firm to design a children's museum in Riyadh. Jo sees a chance to solidify her name in the design world in the venture; Ev has no desire to work in a vigorously policed society, preferring to remain in his workshop fashioning displays. But Ev accedes to Jo's wishes. The process of bidding on the job soon throws their home office into chaos and challenges their long-held assumptions about the value of their work--and marriage. If they get the job, will their partnership survive the strain? Q&A WITH SHEILA GRINELL Q. What inspired you to write the book? A. I overheard a friend, a woman I knew to be kind and generous, talking to her sister with absolute contempt. I thought to myself, shouldn’t she have learned to tolerate her sister by now? We live in such fractious times—people all over the world are having problems tolerating one another. In a flash, I realized I could use my experience as a consultant in Saudi Arabia to explore the dimensions of tolerance through fiction. I could send a married couple of Californians to Riyadh on a mission, and there’d be plenty of dramatic tension.

Q. Is the story based on your life as a museum developer? A. I spent forty years creating science museums before I started writing novels. Yes, the story takes off from my experience in museums around the world, but it’s fiction. The characters are amalgams of people I’ve known, but they’re their own, unique people. My former field features quite a few wife-husband design teams. In the book, the protagonist’s husband is also her business partner. In real life, I’d kill my Tom if I had to work with him.

The Rancher In Stilettos by Marcia Williams Cromer The Rancher in Stilettos is a romance novel based on a group of six black women whose relationship spans their entire lives. They met as children in the small Texas town where they grew up and forged a bond that would last a lifetime. Though not biological, "The Dreamers" are sisters in every sense of the word, and when life struggles present themselves, the women form their "Dreamers Circle" of protection against outside forces. You can't stereotype Zaide Grace and her friends. Try to put "The Dreamers" in a box and they will decorate it with every color and invite the world in for a tour. The main character, Zaide Grace is a black woman who is a beautiful, smart, powerful marketing professional preparing to leave her life in New York after a recent divorce. She is also in a flailing relationship with Lane, a tall, handsome, black co-worker at Banger and Stroud. Leaving New York and her dream job will be difficult, especially since she is heading back to live on the ranch she inherited and grew up on in Texas. Zaide prepares for her next adventure by embarking on a business with “The Dreamers.” “Big Dream Threads” is a high-end boutique that the women plan to open in Dallas, New York and Paris. To jump start the business, Zaide reaches out to venture capital friends that can help them raise money. One of the VCs is a former client, Corey Helms, a young, handsome, tall, recently single white man who has long been in love with Zaide. Corey couldn’t previously act on those feelings as he was also married when they first met. The Rancher in Stilettos is a funny, sexy, internationally set ride with characters that you will root for and love. Q&A WITH MARCIA WILLIAMS CROMER Q. What was the inspiration for the book? A. I have been wanting to write this book for several years. The title came from my own experiences growing up on a ranch and finding myself doing ranch work or hanging out with my dad in my professional clothes. When COVID prevented me from traveling, I decided to write the book with the extra time and come out of this pandemic with something positive. 30 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Q. How does the book seek to empower women of all cultures? A. "The Dreamers" are all ambitious women with powerful jobs and huge aspirations. They love and appreciate the men in their lives, but rarely acquiesce their own desires or intelligence. Because they have known each other all of their lives, they know what motivates each other. The support they provide each other comes from a place of unconditional love- no strings attached.

The Twelve Gifts of Birt by Charlene Costanzo There is no more magical moment than when a newborn baby is laid in a mother's arms. What was for many months a dream and a mystery is now a miraculous new person at the threshold of a life filled with possibilities. Through a tender, inspiring tale, The Twelve Gifts of Birth reveals the birthright inheritance that all children receive at this moment. Wise women, otherwise known as fairy godmothers, announce the twelve gifts in the form of blessings and show how to use them to enrich one's life. This keepsake book encourages new parents to nurture and protect the wondrous qualities that have been bestowed on their tiny miracles. When shared with young children, this message helps form within them a strong foundation of values and self-respect. For teens and adults, this story offers healing and hope during times of diminished self-esteem and uncertain transition. It reminds all readers to see the dignity that is inherent in themselves and others. Q&A WITH CHARLENE COSTANZO Q. What’s the story behind The Twelve Gifts of Birth? Readers like to hear how a rejected manuscript became a bestseller and grew into a collection of titles. How did this begin? A. You know the expression, “The days are long but the years are short?” One afternoon when my daughters were teenagers, I had a wake up experience. I felt as if I was hit with a tidal wave of understanding that expression. I was simply unloading the dishwasher when I suddenly saw, in my mind, scenes from their childhood. It was like a film running in high speed. When I saw times they were little girls chattering excitedly and I half listened because I was busy juggling tasks, I ached for those precious opportunities to give them my full attention. “Have I been a good mom?” I asked myself. Though my answer was “Yes,” there was a “but.” “Yes, but,” because I knew so much more about parenting after 17 years of on-the-job training. Besides learning that time passes quickly, I understood that unconditional love is the most important thing we can give children. Also, we are to help guide

each child to become fully herself. I realized I would have done some things differently. I knew I couldn’t change the past. But I wanted to give them something meaningful for the rest of their lives. Q. What is the story of The Twelve Gifts of Birth? A. It begins with a “Once upon a time” fable about how fairy godmothers rushed to the castle whenever a new prince or princess came into the world. The godmothers would pronounce 12 noble gifts upon the royal baby. As time went on, the godmothers understood that the 12 noble gifts of birth belong to every child. They wanted to announce this to all children but the customs of the land did not allow them. The godmothers predict that someday all children will know about their gifts. And when that happens, a miracle will unfold on Earth. Feeling hopeful that someday is near, the godmothers share a secret with the reader. It’s about the moment you were born. The gifts are then pronounced to the reader with a “May you” prayerful wish about how to use each gift to live well.

Winter’s Mourn by Mary Stone A killer is watching…Thirteen years ago, Winter Black came home early from a sleepover to find her parents brutally murdered and her little brother gone—taken by a serial killer called The Preacher. Now a rookie FBI agent assigned to her first murder case, Winter has returned to the small Virginia town where she grew up. But when bones found by a hunter lead to the discovery of a secret burial ground containing the remains of children, the investigation suddenly hits close to home as the past and future collide with each new shocking discovery. Will they find her brother’s bones in the makeshift graveyard next? Only The Preacher knows, and he’ll do anything to keep the past—and its secrets—buried until he’s ready to make his final move. A masterfully conceived psychological thriller reminiscent of Lee Child, Winter’s Mourn will keep readers turning the pages—and watching the window—long past midnight. Q&A WITH MARY STONE Q. How did you come up with the idea for this book? What inspired it? A. I was watching a show on scientists working on creating “designer” babies, where parents could choose sex, eye color and other physical traits to make the “perfect” child. I began thinking past the physical, and how some people might want to create perfect behavior in children (kind of like Stepford Wives, but as babies). These children could be easily molded and manipulated

into following orders, and as they age, take over the world. The cult leader in this book attempts to create perfect followers, with little success. Q. How is it different than others in the series? A. This book investigates the death of multiple children found in shallow graves. Instead of the normal serial killer trope, who kills for the love of killing, this killer is attempting to make perfect children, then getting rid of those children who his manipulations disfigure. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 31

Film Festival Review

Reviewed by Anthony Ewart

The Little Chapel

Alaskan Long Hunters

Writer/Director Richard Schertzer

Writer/Director Marc Rose

Writer/Director/Editor Richard Schertzer is a triple threat. To put this in perspective, Steven Spielberg has only direction one script that he wrote. That was of course "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" (1977). Scherttzer's "The Little Chapel" is also about encounters. Paranormal encounters.

Writer/Director Marc Rose is an aviator and former Alaskan hunter. In his short film "Alaska Long Hunters" based on his book "Last Of The Long Hunters," is a fascinating journey into Alaska pre-1980s, before the natural landscape of Alaska was reshaped into family-friendly parks devoid of wild animals.

"The Little Chapel," Schertzer's short film submission to our film festival, is an engrossing nightmare in just under 5 minutes. A nightmare because Schertzer sets his story in the one place we think is safe. A church.

with beautiful images of Alaska Rose shares harrowing stories of hunting life (by plane for caribou) in that early wild Alaska. This is definitely a pilot's movie or a film for anyone who loves aviation.

One actress, Jessica Cinquemani, holds our attention as unknown spirits vie for hers... Scary stuff. The film is beautifully shot, however. The eerie blue light of Schertzer's chapel has stayed with me...as have the scares. Richard Schertzer is a Writer/Director/Editor on the rise.

But at its core this is a movie about great storytelling, since reenactments aside, this is a colorful narration about meaningful events and moments that happened to people in a land far, far away, yet they emotionally and universally connect us. And... Rose has signed a pre-production agreement to turn this one hour movie into a feature film. Congratulations to you, Marc.

“I have worked in this field for a while and I’ve noticed that the industry looks like it’s run out of ideas with remakes and reboots. But it’s really run out of creative ambition where directors don’t make movies that they want to make. They make movies based on how big studios want them made.”

Little French Fish Writer/Director Eva Lanska Filmmaker Eva Lanska is a graduate of the London Film Academy, majoring in cinematography. Her first film ended up in the Cannes Film Festival. I can tell you after watching Lanska's short film submission "Little French Fish," that Lanska is a filmmaker concerned with revealing the inner thoughts and emotions of her characters onscreen. Lanska's two leads, Britain's Jonas Khan and Devora Wilde with intoxicating intimacy. I can feel air as Devora exhales -- and I want to. Lanska takes me where I want to be: with these characters. The colors in this film are gorgeous, as Lanska shows us Paris as only she knows it. "Little French Fish" is a believable, intimate, passionate cinematic portrait of two people struggling to protect the love they've created. A love that is threatened to be torn apart by cultures and dogma and just plain ignorance. Eva Lanska is the author of five novels and it is abundantly clear that her goal is to give film audiences the same satisfaction one gets from reading a great novel. Mission accomplished, Mademoiselle Lanska, mission accomplished. Expect big things from Writer/Director Eva Lanska. “The year 2020 has placed us in a new reality, and now I would like to see more films and books that leave the reader thinking about True values. I’m talking about the values of family and spirituality. I believe that an invisible thread connects all people in this world. To overcome difficulties, we have to unite by creating films, writing articles, and publishing books that teach us to accept and love each other.“ 32 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

Used and Borrowed Time Writer/Director Sophia Romma Dr. Sophia Romma is a fascinatingWriter/Director. She has more in common with David Lynch and Salvador Dali than most filmmakers. She's an accomplished playwright and has won numerous awards and is known for infusing surrealism and mysticism in her films. "Used and Borrowed Time" is her feature length submission to our film festival and clocks in at over 3 hours. The reason for this is at her heart, Dr. Sophia Romma is a dramatist and playwright, so her character s must speak...about themselves. They must reveal who they are...through words. This is the trap that many novelists and playwrights fall victim to when writing screenplays. But Romma is more like a David Mamet when it comes to transitioning to film, except she's much more visual. A camera may hold on a leaf, or beautiful colors in nature. Bold colors. An explosion of colors. So Dr. Romma allows us to hear who these characters are while being stimulated and entertained by her creative camera angles and shots. "Used and Borrowed Time" is a story about time travel. She has a unique twist to the cinematic flashback in that her main character actually travels back into her own timeline. It is the story of a blind jewish girl who falls in love with an African-American man in the south during the 60s. They were relentlessly persecuted by a southern racist family who also include incest in their bag of sins. This film is a statement about inequality, hatred and bigotry which is of course very relevant today. Dr. Romma wants to turn her characters inside out and show their motivations, regardless of how disgusting it may sound. This is an adult movie made for adults who are capable of change. The horrors and pathos of this film is a road to change.

SUBMIT YOUR FILM GET REVIEWED (424) 371-9900 HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com

“It is the duty of righteous men to make war on all undeserved privilege, but one must not forget that this is a war without end.” --Primo Levi

Gravel Wounds Director Demarcus Brown Not since Billy Wilder's "The Lost Weekend" (1945) have I seen a film that tackles alcoholism in as realistic a way as Brown handles this material from a script by Jessica Waters. This is just great writing and directing, but most importantly, great actors. This movie just pops. The pacing is perfect to sustain the tension of the film. We are witnessing the destruction of a family due to alcoholism. The fallout is mesmerizing in its emotional intensity. Demarcus Brown has made a tiny masterpiece in just over ten minutes. The good news is that Demarcus and Jessica Waters will be teaming up for several more projects, one of which is a feature film. Demarcus and Jessica Waters are a filmmaking duo to keep on your radar. HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 33

Community RENOVATION By Hailey Ashley

ow do you turn a house into a home? With the belief, and determination of non-profit founder and musician Lauren Stalnecker, we are diving into how community renovation can do that for people all over the country.

Normally, that would seem like the ultimate end for a home rehab. Instead, Lauren dug deep, and kept pushing forward, determined to save this home. His original song ‘Believe’ was inspired and written through the trials and tribulations he faced during this time.

It seems as if Lauren was born to make the world a better place. Beginning his non-profit organization in 1989, he started out preforming live concerts for public schools with no available funding all over the country. Hosting audiences with thousands of children who had little access to music, and were in need of a sense of community. When the Columbine tragedy struck our nation Lauren was left thinking, what’s next?

The water from Irma came all the way up to the porch of the house, but no further. Now, Lauren faced the challenge of finding sponsors to donate material such as wood and shingles, when there was an unbelievable supply and labor shortage. But one phone call changed everything, when Lauren found a roofing company that was willing to do the labor, and their supplier was willing to donate the shingles. With those first glimpses of hope, the energy behind this miracle project became unstoppable.

That’s when he wrote a letter to Wells Fargo, and was able to get a home in Jacksonville, FL donated to his non-profit organization. This home was to be demolished, and was declared unsalvageable. But with Lauren, hope was not lost. He began with the garage, working to turn it into an on-site office for deliveries, and meetings. And that’s when Hurricane Irma devastated the community. 34 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

It seemed like this home rehab was meant to be, and would ultimately turn out to be the first stepping stone in changing communities throughout the country with the help of Lauren’s non-profit organization, Lauren International Inc. Lauren began filming the project, similar to Fixer Upper or Flip or

Flop, with a twist of non-profit accomplishment being the end goal. Lauren’s show, Community Renovation, can be seen on Tubi by searching for Community Renovation. On all Roku TVs and devices, the new Apple TV box and Firesticks, by searching and adding the free channel Lii (abbreviation for Lauren International Inc.). The series follows the incredible and inspirational story that was created by a community coming together. With over 20 sponsors and volunteer construction professionals, the Wells Fargo donated house that was once to be torn down, has been turned into a beautiful Air B&B donation stay destination. People come from all over the country to stay in the new home, and all funds generated from the stay are put back into the non-profit to keep the home in pristine condition, and eventually for many more homes that can be saved with a little love, belief, and community. This model, created by Lauren, re-establishes blight neighborhoods and can be duplicated in cities nationwide.

GENRE: Home rehab EPISODES: 6 Before & & After Before After Community Renovation Home Rehab Show Before

After

E: Community Renovation

TITLE: Community Renovation TITLE: Community Renovation RE: Home rehab EPISODES: 6-8 AUDIENCE: All GENRE: Home rehab EPISODES: AUDIENCE: GENRE: Home rehab EPISODES: 6-8 6-8 AUDIENCE: All All TITLE: Community Renovation GENRE: Home rehab EPISODES: 6-8 AUDIENCE: All

If you want to be a part of this amazing story, the opportunity is right at your fingertips. Along with staying at the Air B&B donation destination, you can also make any purchase on Amazon, E-Bay or payment on PayPal and choose to “round-up” your purchase donating your leftover change, (normally about 12 cents) to Lauren International Inc. on Amazon Smile, E-Bay ‘For Charity’ or directly on PayPal by searching Lauren International Inc. These are just small ways we can all be a part of a bigger change we all wish to see in our communities. Through Laurens story, we can all be inspired to keep the sense of community alive, and never give up hope that there is a way we can all come together to make the world a better place.

See what happens when musician & non-profit founder Lauren Stalnecker takes on See what happens when musician & non-profit founder Lauren Stalnecker takes on a donated home renovation and begins rehab on the hearts of the community. A donated home renovation and begins rehab on the hearts of the community. A series about being the change you want to see, where the Stars of the show are the series about being the change you want to see, where the Stars of the show are the See what happens when musician & non-profit founder Lauren Stalnecker takes on community who help rebuild the house while making a difference in the community who help rebuild the house while making a difference in the donated home renovation and begins rehab on the hearts of the community. A infrastructure of our country, one neighborhood at a time. infrastructure of our country, one neighborhood at a time. series about being the change you want to see, where the Stars of the show are the community who help rebuild the house while making a difference in the infrastructure of our country, one neighborhood at a time.

See what happens when musician & no donated home renovation and begins r series about being the change you wan community who help rebuild the hous infrastructure of our country, one neig See what happens when musician & non-profit founder Lauren

Stalnecker takes on a donated home renovation and begins rehab what happens when musician & non-profit founder Lauren Stalnecker So, how do you turn a house into on the hearts of the community. A series about being the change a home? As Lauren teaches us you want to see, where the Stars of the show are the community ted home renovation and begins rehab on the hearts of the communit through his journey – You gotta who help rebuild the house while making a difference in the believe. s about being the change you want to see, where the Stars of the show infrastructure of our country, one neighborhood at a time. munity who help rebuild the house while making a difference in the HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY • 35

Columbia Shuswap Film Commission

FilmColumbiaShuswap.com • film@csfilm.ca • 250-833-5947

36 • HOLLYWOOD MONTHLY

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*Not valid on prior sales. May not be combined with any other promotional offer. Products not available in all areas. Trade Licenses for Transform SR Home Improvement Products LLC (in certain states d/b/a Sears Home Improvement Products) at https://transformhomepro.com/license/ Offer Subject to change without notice. Offer Expires 7/31/2021. Sears Home Services is a TransformCo business. This is an advertisement. TransformCo shall not be held liable for any errors or omissions in pricing. TransformCo reserves the right to make adjustments to pricing and products offerings for reasons including but not limited to changing market conditions. ©2021 Transform SR Brands LLC, PO Box 522290, Longwood, FL 32752-9963. All Rights Reserved

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Best of Live TV & On Demand

No annual contract required

Stream Friends F exclusively on HBO Max. Our Exclusive Streaming Device sold separately.

CHOICE ™ Package

The price you see is the price you pay. No hidden fees.

+ Tax.

Stream on 20 devices at once in your home—including your TVs, tablets, smartphones and other connected devices.2

NOW get unlimited hours of Cloud DVR recordings for $10/mo.1

Seebelow fordetails.

Data connection req’d. Recordings expire after 90 days. In a series recording, max 30 episodes stored (oldest deleted first which may be in less than 90 days). Restr’s apply. 2AT&T recommends a minimum Internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing. All 20 AT&T streams must be on the same home network and a compatible router is required. Certain channels are excluded. Limit 3 concurrent out-of-home AT&T streams. Restrictions apply. See att.com/20streams for details.

Get HBO Max™ included for one year with CHOICE™ or above. Subject to change. With CHOICE or ULTIMATE Package (min. $84.99/mo.). HBO Max auto-renews after 12 months at then prevailing rate (currently $14.99/mo.), unless you change or cancel. Req’s you to select offer. Access HBO Max only through HBO Max app or hbomax.com. HBO Max also includes HBO channels and HBO On Demand on AT&T TV. Data rates may apply for app download/usage. New approved residential customers only, excluding DIRECTV and U-verse TV customers. Add’l fees and restr’s apply.

Call your AT&T Dealer today! Iv Support Holdings LLC

(877) 351-8753 AT&T TV requires high-speed Internet. AT&T recommends a minimum Internet speed of 8Mbps per stream for optimal viewing. AT&T TV: Compatible device req’d. Residential U.S. customers only (excludes Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands). Your AT&T TV service renews monthly at the prevailing rate, charged to your payment method on file unless you cancel. Once you’ve canceled, you can access AT&T TV through the remaining monthly period. New customers who cancel service in the first 14 days will receive a full refund. Otherwise, no refunds or credits for any partial-month periods or unwatched content. AT&T TV Device: AT&T TV device for well-qualified customers $5/mo. each for 24 mos. on 0% APR installment agreement; otherwise $120 each. Non-qualified customers must purchase devices up front. Purchased devices may be returned within 14 days for a full refund. Devices purchased on installment agreement subject to additional terms and conditions. See cancellation policy at att.com/help/cancellation-policy-att-tv.html for more details. Limits: Offers may not be available through all channels and in select areas. Programming subject to blackout restrictions. Subject to AT&T TV terms and conditions (see att.com/legal/att-tv.html). Pricing, channels, features, and terms are subject to change & may be modified or discontinued at any time without notice. See att.com/tv for details. HBO Max: Access HBO Max through HBO Max app or hbomax.com with your AT&T log-in credentials. Compatible device or browser required. Use of HBO Max is subject to its own terms and conditions, see hbomax.com/terms-of-use for details. Programming and content subj. to change. Upon cancellation of your video service you may lose access to HBO Max. Limits: Access to one HBO Max account per AT&T account holder. May not be stackable w/other offers, credits or discounts. To learn more, visit att.com/hbomax. HBO Max is only accessible in the U.S. and certain U.S. territories where a high-speed broadband connection is available. Minimum 3G connection is required for viewing on mobile devices. HBO MAX is used under license. ©2021 AT&T Intellectual Property. All Rights Reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other AT&T marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. 086739

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HW Sara Omran Issue

Articles inside

Frederico Lapenda

Sara Omran