Hollywood Weekly April 2010

Page 1

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 1


2 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 3


4 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


cOntEnts

COVER

APRIL

2010

08 Attorney Joni Salomon True Romance

E N T E R TA I N M E N T 14 Ross Bagdasarian Jr. And Alvin and the Chipmunks

19 First Lady of Cinema Honored on Stamp Katharine Hepburn

22 In High Demand And High Definition, HD Productions

24 Take Flight Gary Oldman & Juliet Landau

46 LA Theatre Beat Hollywood Weekly checks in with the local theatres

F E AT U R E D A R T I C L E S 27 Hollywood Weekly’s Spotlight 40 Attorney David Givot Quite Simply, A Man On A Mission

PUBLISHER, EdIToR In CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIdEnT Bernice Harris oPERATIonS Erskine d. McSwain (1991-2000) VP MARKETInG Michael d. Coxson ASSoCIATE EdIToR Anthony Calderon dIR. oF MARKETInG Launy Rhem LIFE & STYLE EdIToR niki Shadrow SEnIoR EdIToR Pamela Spyrs CREATIVE dIRECToR Autumn Hawarden dISTRIBUToR nEWSWAYS

Hollywood Weekly is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. ©2010 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the Editor may be sent to: Hollywood Weekly, 4221 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 290-06, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

STAFF WRITER Brea Tisdale ASSISTAnT EdIToR Jenny Werth WEBMASTER Autumn Hawarden GRAPHIC dESIGnER Whitney Martin CoPYWRITER Brea Tisdale PHoToGRAPHY Edgar A. Santacruz PRodUCTIon MAnAGER Hector Santacruz ConTRIBUToRS Anthony Calderon Leah Michele Yananton Sarah Klegman Adam Freeman Pockross Andy nguyen Rachel Stuhler Leah Yananton Rayne Sieling Steve Zall Sid Fish Jeffrey Jaggers Iman Lyons Stephanie Shadrow danielle Shadrow Michelle Kath Anna Yu Morgan Bethke Marjaneh Peyrovan Geri Shadrow Ilona Varo

Email: editor@jacksonpublishing.com. For Advertising inquiries call: (323) 934-6397, or Online at: www.hollywoodweekly.net

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 5


Photos: Jp Agustin, Model: Lykke Jeppesen with iModel Management, Makeup: Omar Arillen and Dominique Lerma, Hair: Omar Arillen, Wardrobe Styling: Reinaldo Irizarry

6 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Y R L E W E J


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 7


Cover Story

Family Law Attorney

Joni Salomon “True Romance”

By Anthony Calderon

In 1939 The Ink Spots sang these classic lyrics: “My prayer is to linger with you, at the end of the day, in a dream that’s divine. My prayer is a rapture in blue, with the world far away, and your lips close to mine...” Most people -- including myself -first heard The Platters’ cover of ”My Prayer,” but when this song was originally recorded by The Ink Spots, America was much more idealistic about the concept of love and romantic destiny... F. Scott Fitzgerald, for one, was still alive, and he more than anyone else successfully converted “The Jazz Age” into “The Age of Romance.” These are the kind of songs my mother exposed me to when I was growing up, so I hold her solely responsible for turning me into the hopeless romantic I eventually became... Case in point: I982 -- I’m 12 years old, in 7th grade, and completely in love...for the fourth time. And as ridiculous as it may sound for a kid in junior high, my girlfriend and I are going through a “temporary separation” due to “irreconcilable differences...” Now, if Family Law Attorney Joni Salomon had attended middle school with me, and seen me sitting alone in the cafeteria with an empty lunch tray in front of me -- excluding, of course, the quarantined clump of green string beans still on my plate -- she would immediately have detected my air of despondency... Young Joni Salomon would have sat down in front of me, watching me pathetically sip my chocolate milk through the chewed tip of my straw, and given me a reality check on love. Knowing Joni now, as a highly successful Family Law Attorney with an office in Beverly Hills, I know precisely the first thing she would say to me in that scenario: “Anthony,” she would begin, “ You have to accept that your girlfriend doesn’t want to ‘go’ with you anymore. So, stop shoving love letters in her locker, following her around during recess and dedicating

8 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


love songs to her on the radio. It’s over. But don’t give up hope, just move on... to 8th grade.” I joke, but love is really nothing to play around with. It is an energy unlike any other on our Planet... Love can inspire us, and motivate us to accomplish feats we never dreamed we could do... Love gives us strength and courage. It can redeem us through forgiveness, and empower us... And once love is “installed”, so to speak, in your chest, it can be summoned at will, with zero effort. A mere thought can unleash a tidal wave of emotions fuelled by pure love. With a force this strong, an energy so powerful, destroying it -- as in the dissolution of a marriage -- should be the equivalent of splitting an atom, or the explosion of a Supernova... Completely cataclysmic... And any person willing to stand in the middle of the obvious ensuing carnage from such a detonation would have to be an extremely courageous, fearless individual... For this role, Atty. Joni Salomon has been “cast.” There is no second choice... For my follow-up article on Joni (her original story ran in HW August 2007), we met in Joni’s conference room, where her smile was still as bright as the light pouring in through the enormous windows around us. But don’t be fooled by Joni’s genuinely sweet demeanor, and tall, slender physique -- Joni is a warrior. A heroine in the true Homeric sense of the word... When it comes to protecting her clients and looking out for their best interest, Joni’s dedication goes beyond the realm of a professional commitment -- it’s an unbreakable personal promise she makes to every person she represents... On my latest interview with Joni I got a better sense of who her clients actually are, and the situations and challenges they find themselves in... The one common denominator

that almost all of the potential clients share who walk through Joni’s door is “fear of the unknown.” What exactly is going to happen? Will they lose their children? Are they an unfit mother or father? What happens if their spouse wants to leave the country -- can they take the kids? Will they have to quit their job to get a better one? And what happens if their spouse starts lying about them, spreading rumors about drug use or infidelity to gain sole custody of their children? Will they lose their house to foreclosure if the bills get too high on one income? A lot of questions, and a lot of anxiety, so, the first ten to fifteen minutes of Joni’s initial consultation is spent calming down these individuals, and letting them know that one thing they can count on is her... The one constant in this new chapter of their lives will be Joni’s commitment to their case... The faces in Joni’s conference room are different, but the pain is always the same... Sometimes it’s a wife who has never worked a day in her life because her husband always supported the family, and now, in her early forties, her husband has decided to leave her and their children, saying, “Just get a job and fend for yourself!” This is where Joni spreads her protective wings and proves that, though most of

us sometimes forget this, the law is really here to protect us... It’s Joni’s job to show the court whatever unique variables require fair rulings to protect you and your children... You’ll never be left out in the cold, but fear of that worst possible scenario happening is what keeps many people in abusive marriages... Yes, a stellar explosion best describes the destruction of love, but this also apples to the destruction of love for ourselves, because only those who no longer love themselves would stay in a marriage where they are clearly being victimized, either emotionally, physically, or both.. If Joni

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 9


Family Law Attorney

Joni Salomon

“True Romance”

has a mantra, it would be to always love yourself, and empower yourself enough to never allow someone to mistreat you -- or those you love, like your children... Fear of the unknown can never outweigh fear of the known, as in a marriage where you or your children are not happy... Step one is coming to this realization, and step two is speaking with a Family Law Attorney, of which Joni Salomon comes highly recommended... Love can never be as perfect as lyrics in a song, but we still try for it, don’t we? Maybe the only “perfect love” can really be unrequited love, as personified in Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.” Few people can have a stronger love for another human being than Jay Gatsby’s love for Daisy Buchanan, but even for them, once they connected, tragedy soon followed... There is no such thing as perfect love, but one thing is certain, once you no longer love and respect yourself, your marriage is in danger, because when your spouse stops respecting you, the marriage is over... This was the most important point I realized in my conversation with Joni... And when you’re aware that your marriage is over, never be afraid of doing what you have to do to protect yourself and your children... Family Law Attorney Joni Salomon is probably the strongest supporter of love I’ve ever met, but with Joni, self-love must always be present in any other form of love. You cannot have one without the other, and so, though full of pain and confusion, the people who decide to meet with Joni for an initial consultation all have one thing in common: they’ve decided to love themselves and get out of a situation where they were not being respected... And they will soon discover -- as hundreds of Joni’s former clients have -- they will not find a more valiant champion of love... It’s only fitting that I end this story with lyrics from a song, since we opened with some… From the pen of an immensely talented songwriter, Linda Creed, I leave you with these immortal words: “The greatest love of all is easy to achieve, learning to love yourself, it is the greatest love of all…”

10 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 11


12 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 13


FILM / TV

Ross

Bagdasarian Jr.,

and Alvin and the Chipmunks by Jenny Werth

It all started with a daring chipmunk who didn’t nervously scurry out of the way when Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. saw him in front of his car while driving in Yosemite. An intrepid chipmunk who stood his ground and showed his strength when faced with a car in front of him. It’s not a stretch of the imagination to envision Alvin the Chipmunk doing something similar just to prove his fearlessness in the face of danger. The challenge of that single unwaveringly chipmunk gave birth to three lovable characters known as Alvin, Simon and Theodore along with their manager and human father, David Seville (Seville is actually named after Bagdasarian’s stage name.) And now over 50 years later, the world is still entranced by these animated chipmunks. With much anticipation, many awaited the sequel to the first Alvin and the Chipmunks movie that was released Christmas day. The movie is cleverly titled “Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel.” Many folks fondly remember the hit song “The Witch Doctor” that Ross Bagdasarian, Sr. released in 1958. It spent three weeks at number one on the Billboard Top 100. But, as Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. explained, his father was writing a Christmas song after the success of “The Witch Doctor,” and wanted a character for his song. Not long after, he came face to face with that life-changing chipmunk in the road. Soon after that, the chipmunks Alvin, Simon and Theodore made their singing

14 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

debut in the song, “The Chipmunk Song (Christmas Don’t Be Late), in the late fall of 1958. This song is a Christmas favorite that still plays on the radio during the holiday season and is also featured on some compilation albums.

support. Notably in 1982, Karman created the three female versions of the Chipmunks, The Chipettes. The Chipettes’ Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor also have their own human guardian, Miss Beatrice Miller.

Ross Bagdasarian, Jr. and his wife, Janice Karman, took over recording the voice of the chipmunks after his father’s untimely death in 1972.

“We wanted to do something that revealed the characters really well,” Bagdasarian Jr. said. “(Janice) wrote all the key emotional scenes with the Chipmunks and The Chipettes..... when others write girl characters they have the inclination to make them bitchy. For Janice it was very important to not have (The Chipettes) portrayed as bitchy.”

“I wasn’t scared (to record) but the tricky thing of it was that I wanted to pay homage to my dad and in the beginning (I was) trying to copy his style,” Bagdasarian Jr. explained. But, with Karman’s support and encouragement, Bagdasarian, Jr. said he finally made the character’s his own. In fact, Bagdasarian Jr. said he and his wife have written 75 percent of the shows and specials for the last 30 years. He said they love working together and enjoy having each other as a sounding board along with constant

For example, Chipette Brittany can be ambitious but that doesn’t make her mean spirited. Bagdasarian Jr. explained the importance of putting the characters in new situations in a way that the audience understands. Part of the allure of the Chipmunks is their ability to relate to the audience in real life ways.


“We don’t talk down to kids and preach to them. We have characters that our (young audience) identify with, every kid out there is able to identify to the characters.... They’re not cookie-cutter characters or goodie-too shoes, they’re real.” And this concept makes a huge difference in how the audience connects to the

characters. The stories Bagdasarian Jr. and Karman create are emotionally real. They make their characters struggle with the same feelings and manners of solving daily life experiences that kids experience everyday. For example, Bagdasarian Jr. said, “when Alvin and Simon get into fights, they really fight.”

worthy of its unprecedented success. Part of that success is speaking to children in a way that they understand. “Somehow people think you need to speak to children in a demeaning and patronizing way.... (but when) an adult is speaking down to them, they totally cut you off and don’t hear a word. If you respect them and their intelligence, then they will listen,” he said.

ease with which they relate to multigenerational audiences comprised of not only children, but also many parents and grandparents. Bagdasarian Jr. said children make up a third of the audience.

Another telling equation of the Chipmunk’s popularity is the unusual

However, he also pointed out that the stories also include the heartbreak,

“I think there are ways of telling stories that are very universal and revolve around family,” he said.

It’s not some fantasy fight that is resolved within a minute and never discussed again. That’s why when Alvin and Simon do finally makeup, the reconciliation is earned just like in real life. He also explained that if at the end of the day the audience doesn’t find the characters appealing, you’re not going to do any real business. However, he’s made it a priority to be sure his business is one

drama and tragedy that families can experience. But they are sure to portray these experiences with characters that people can relate to. Both Chipmunks film adaptations are voiced by Justin Long, Matthew Gray Gubler and Jesse McCartney respectively. Bagdasarian Jr. said the three actors grew up with the Chipmunks’ shows and were very reverential to their voice recordings. Indeed, Bagdasarian Jr. and Karman were there every step of the

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 15


way to guide the stars during each recording process. He said the characters are so real for he and his wife that the actors’ voices had to be able to grab the characters as they really were. “We are absolute perfectionists, so if a thing doesn’t ring true, or if it’s lacking, we do it again and again and again.” Many a Chipmunk fan will tell you they’re thankful the Chipmunks act still is being done with such excitement and anticipation. And from the sounds of it, they have no intention to stop anytime soon. Naturally, these wonderful chipmunks must get in your blood! Bagdasarian Jr. said he did the voices of Alvin and Simon for a

16 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

long time and has parts of them both in his own personality. “I have that part of Alvin that is very confident and mischievous.... (And) I’m also very comfortable being Simon because he’s logical and reasonable.” We’ll just have to believe that if Bagdasarian Jr. has some of Simon’s logic coupled with spunky Alvin’s wit and mischief, Chipmunk fans worldwide will have many more fantastic performances by one of this world’s most lovable characters. “Our shows are made with all three generations in the audience and generations to come,” Bagdasarian Jr. said.

Ross Bagdasarian Jr.,

and Alvin and the Chipmunks


Links, Chains, Gems, Pearls, Plain Change the insert... change the look!

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 17


18 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


“First Lady of Cinema”

Honored on Stamp Katharine Hepburn

is 16th Inductee into Legends of Hollywood Series

OLD SAYBROOK, CT — The U.S. Postal Service immortalized one of America’s true cinematic treasures — the only recipient of four Academy Awards for Best Actress — on what would have been her 103rd birthday, May 12. The stamp issued today pays tribute to Katharine Houghton Hepburn, known to many as simply “Kate,” a great actress whose almost 50-year career made her an icon of the silver screen and a trailblazer for independent, progressive women. The dedication ceremony took place at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook, CT, and the 44-cent, First-Class Mail stamp goes on sale nationwide today. The stamp, designed by Derry Noyes of Washington, DC, captures the beauty and thespian brilliance Hepburn so distinctively personified. It is based on a publicity still from one of Hepburn’s Oscar-nominated movies, Woman of the Year (1942), photographed by Clarence S. Bull.

“With the Katharine Hepburn commemorative stamp as the newest in our Legends of Hollywood series, we continue our proud tradition of honoring the special people who epitomize our nation’s character and aspirations,” said Postmaster General John E. Potter. “Katharine Hepburn will be remembered for generations, for both her unparalleled acting ability and being a role model for women who chose to live life on their own terms.” Potter was joined in dedicating the stamp by Actor Sam Waterston, who served as master of ceremonies and starred with Hepburn in a 1973 TV movie adaptation of Tennessee Williams’ The Glass Menagerie; director Anthony Harvey, who directed her third Oscar-winning film, The Lion in Winter in 1968; and Chuck Still, executive director of the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. Hepburn’s nephew, Mundy Hepburn, was also in attendance. ”Katharine Hepburn filled the screen in real life just the

way she did in the movies. Meeting her and working with her was one of the best experiences of my professional life — it certainly made me a better actor; I hope it made me a better person. It was unforgettable fun,” said Waterston. Born May 12, 1907, in Hartford, Hepburn was the second child and oldest daughter of Dr. Thomas N. Hepburn, a surgeon, and Katharine Houghton, an advocate for women’s rights. Hepburn’s progressive and freethinking parents contributed greatly to the development of Hepburn’s bold and adventurous outlook on life. They encouraged her to take risks, speak her mind, and challenge convention: “I was taught,” she has said, “not to be afraid of anything.” Like her mother before her, Hepburn went to Bryn Mawr College near Philadelphia, and fell in love with acting. Soon after her graduation in 1928, she headed to Baltimore, MD, and then Manhattan to pursue a career on the stage. Her father was

“heartsick over the fact that I wanted to act,” she wrote many years later in her autobiography, Me: Stories of My Life. Nevertheless, she had made up her mind. With her freckles, mass of red hair, preference for wearing trousers and occasional quirkiness — such as draping a live gibbon around her neck — Hepburn stood out in Hollywood. She quickly found film success in Morning Glory (1933), for which she won her first Academy Award, and Little Women (1933), playing free-spirited Jo. Hepburn’s unconventional persona, both on and off the screen, occasionally drew detractors, and in the mid-1930s, several of her films flopped at the box office. In 1938, a poll of film exhibitors labeled her (along with Marlene Dietrich and several other stars) “box-office poison.” In 1939, Hepburn was back on the New York stage, taking bows for playing Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story. Writer Philip Barry, who had received direct input from his star while crafting the

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 19


play, had penned “Miss Hepburn’s ideal part,” wrote a reviewer for the New York Times. “It has whisked away the monotony and reserve that have kept her acting in the past within a very small compass.” With encouragement from her friend Howard Hughes, Hepburn made a shrewd business move and acquired the screen rights to the play. In relatively short order, filming got under way with Cary Grant and James Stewart. The movie proved to be a hit. It not only revived Hepburn’s career but

ensured she would take her place among the greats of filmdom. Over the course of her career, Hepburn made more than 40 motion pictures, including the comedy classic Bringing up Baby (1938) — with Hepburn as a leopard-owning heiress and Cary Grant as a paleontologist — and The African Queen (1951), in which she played a prim missionary spinster to Humphrey Bogart’s scruffy riverboat captain. She made nine

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses, and relies

How to Order the First-Day-of-Issue Postmark Customers have 60 days to obtain the first-day-ofissue postmark by mail. They may purchase new stamps at local Post Offices, at The Postal Store website at www.usps.com/shop, or by calling 800-STAMP-24 (800782-6724). They should affix the stamps to envelopes of their choice, address the envelopes (to themselves or others), and place them in a larger envelope addressed to:

Katharine Hepburn Stamp Postmaster 36 Main Street Old Saybrook, CT 06475-9998

How to Order First-Day Covers

on the sale

The Postal Service also offers first-day covers for new stamp issues and postal stationery items postmarked with the official first-day-ofissue cancellation. Each item has an individual catalog number and is offered in the quarterly USA Philatelic catalog. Customers may request a free catalog by calling 800-STAMP-24 or writing to:

products

Information Fulfillment Dept. 6270 U.S. Postal Service P.O. Box 219014 Kansas City, MO 64121-9014 Philatelic Products

There are six philatelic products available for this stamp issue:

465061, First-Day Cover, $0.82.

After applying the first-day-ofissue postmark, the Postal Service will return the envelopes through the mail. There is no charge for the postmark. All orders must be postmarked by July 12, 2010.

20 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

465062, First-Day Cover Full Pane, $11.30. 465065, Digital Color Postmark, $1.50. 465084, Uncut Press Sheet, $35.20. 465091, Ceremony Program, $6.95. 465099, Cancellation Keepsake, $10.95

of postage, and services to fund its operations.

pictures with her friend Spencer Tracy, starting with Woman of the Year. Hepburn received 12 Academy Award nominations for Best Actress and won four Oscars. In addition to her role as Eva Lovelace in Morning Glory, she was honored for playing Christina Drayton in Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner (1967), Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine in The Lion in Winter (1968) and Ethel Thayer in On Golden Pond (1981). She also received an Emmy for her performance as Jessica Medlicott in Love Among the Ruins (1975), a made-fortelevision movie. Hepburn left her indelible mark in the annals of American film history. She is ranked the number one female in the American Film Institute’s “50 Greatest Movie Legends.” In 2003, at the age of 96, Hepburn died at her home in Fenwick.


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 21


In High Demand and High Definition, HD Productions

by Jenny Werth

Sunset Gower and Bronson Studio’s focus is now clearly in HD, thanks to the collaborative efforts of the gifted engineers and a brand new control room that provides a service and experience like none other in our high-tech society. The recent crossover of broadcasting signals from analog to HD has increased the demand for productions of high definition quality. From analog, digital to HD production, more control The new control room had a facelift worth over $5 million and has been fully remodeled from top to bottom. It has all the latest HD equipment including an HD deck and Sony stateof-the-art equipment. The new userfriendly wide touch screen TV system replaces its former control room’s array of many small TVs all appearing on a wide screen. And besides being a technical wonder, it’s also plush, comfortable and even has gorgeous cherry wood floors. Ray Carrion, an engineer with the studios since 2001, says, “Because of (the new control room) other productions want to come

22 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

rooms are becoming stateof-the-art. Just a quick glimpse at control room six in Bronson studios and you know it’s in control, ready to accommodate both HD and analog productions.

here.” He also says the engineers have a reputation around town of offering great technological support. “We cater and serve (our clients), that’s why they come to Bronson! (We have) state-ofthe-art equipment and support.” Plus what production team wouldn’t want to view their shows- such as the recent studio show addition of “Good Luck Charlie”- in a Hollywood location with so much history yet equipped with every modern amenity? Another studio engineer since 2001, Van Jordan, supports all of Carrions’ views about the stellar new control

room. He says it offers an exceptional visual experience of the pictures. “You don’t want to go back once you get into this,” he says. To Jordan it’s a simple concept: build the best control rooms and productions will insist on coming to the studio. For those of you who’d like a clear non-technical explanation of this whole HD scenario here it goes: HD stands for High Definition and essentially refers to the amount of pixels per inch. The more pixels, the clearer and shaper the picture quality. HD brings a theatre experience closer to home. In essence,


the picture of HD appears in such high detail that it’s like only having to use 25 words to describe something that used to take a minimum of 11 hundred. Or, just imagine how “grainy” an old black and white TV show appears compared to the sharp pictures we experience today. Manager of technology at the studios, Bobby White, explains that the high def control room is also backwards compatible. That means it’s similar to having a DVD machine

with a VCR player just incase you need it. It was more expensive to design it that way but it was important the new control room could offer everything for studio clients. Certainly for White the job is all about making the clients happy and keeping everything in precise functioning order. And after 23-years as an engineer, he certainly knows how. He says that you often don’t know the techs’ names because they are not producers of the show, they

are anonymous. “(If) you didn’t call us today, that’s our satisfaction,” because that means everything is working in perfect order! He explains that they are only behind the scenes, “If a show is the gear, then we’re the grease that lubricates the gears.” White says Sunset Gower and Bronson studios are always on par or in front of the other studios in technical advancements. “(We are) able to relieve (our clients) of the technical burden,” says White. “I like

the challenge of doing the impossible.” Luckily for us all, he and his talented team make the dream possible for the clients by delivering a level of care that exemplifies being responsible and reliable.

and phones. So, it’s no stretch of the imagination to believe that later in life one of his hobbies is putting things back together such as building furniture. He also delights in spending time in his recording studio at home with his son. He has five kids from ages 11 to 25, just became a grandfather for the first time and has been married for 18 years. All this and he still manages to reassemble and fix everything in sight. The man just does it all; he was

also in a semi-pro basketball summer league from the late 80s to 90s. Now he just plays (gently) in the backyard with his kids. So, what does he see happening next in our technical world? That’s hard to predict. But, just as people never imagined we would have color when TV first started, whose to say people and objects jumping off our home TV screens 3-D style in the future isn’t next? White wouldn’t put it past them.

White has always loved gadgets and gear. Almost an LA native (he’s been here since he was five) he was one of those kids who liked to take things apart such as TVs, toasters, radios

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 23


Here’s a question you don’t come across everyday: “What does esteemed actor/writer/ producer/director Gary Oldman, cell phones, a Jewish Hip Hop Group named Chutzpah, bikini clad women and a music video all have in common?” If you are Juliet Landau they are all elements of her funny, cutting-edge directorial debut called, “Take Flight”. But TF is far

Gary Oldman & Juliet Landau

“Take Flight”

more than just

They shamelessly coaxed him into directing a music video for them and it was agreed they would do it using cell phone cams. Gary asked Juliet to direct a “behind the scenes making of”. Using more evolved equipment she covered Gary, Chutzpah and a bevy of bikinied beauties from start to finish.

an entertaining short

subject

documentary… it’s a celebration of creativity. There are fascinating parallels between these collaborators. Like Oldman, Juliet Landau is accomplished on many levels. She is a respected actress, writer, producer, model, former ballerina and burgeoning director. They both have exceptional abilities to transform into other characters right down to many undetectable accents. In fact, Oldman’s American dialects (regional, no less) are so indelible that some are shocked to learn he is British. Conversely, American born Landau infused her tour de force Drusilla character from the series’ Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel with a British accent that has been praised on both sides of the pond…and by Mr. Oldman as well. Perhaps the common thread that best defines both of them is the pursuit of that “right moment when creativity takes flight”. Juliet and Gary spoke

24 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

of this as they worked and a title was born. So, how does cell phones and Jewish hip hop factor in? Oldman knew Chutzpah a bit beyond their music and liked what they do (it’s probably best described as party music with tongue ‘n cheek cultural references).

Soon after, as Juliet watched over 50 odd hours of footage 3 times over, she realized there was something far more important going on than just a “making of”. She had uncovered a portrait of a world renown artist at work… seen in a light he’s never been seen before. Oldman is funny, inventive, playful, even childlike in his exploration. His efforts weren’t to generate some misguided notion that cell cams would be the latest format claiming to be “the new film”. They were merely inexpensive, potentially artistic tools that could yield a creative result in the right hands and with the right crew. The images they capture are actually better than expected, but it isn’t the technical veracity that Juliet trained her own cameras on, it was the artist at work. Though he directs infrequently, Oldman knows his way around it. “Nil by Mouth”,


a British film written and directed by Gary won him a BAFTA for his writing and it was nominated for directing. It won numerous other awards including an Alexander Korda Award for excellence in a British film. So why would a guy with these credentials take on a directorial assignment like this? Well,

how about just for the art of it. That same creative spirit is exemplified by Juliet and it shines through in her work… it always has. Juliet was a newbie with only one movie under her belt when she auditioned for “Ed Wood”. Tim Burton, no stranger to that rare creative gene pool loved her audition, met with her

While Juliet comes from an entertainment industry dynasty (her mom is Barbara Bain and her sister is producer Susan Landau Finch), the fact is, the name has never provided much mileage. What Juliet accomplishes is the result of hard work and a driven need to create. “Take Flight” could have been a 3 minute “making of a music video”. Instead, a creative mind with a persistent vision said, “No, that’s not nearly enough”. Few actors have had an impact on modern cinema the way Gary Oldman has. We have his movies, but we’ve seldom glimpsed the artist behind them. Juliet’s creative instinct has brought us an intimate, one of a kind perspective. We are in the mind of Gary Oldman, seeing what he’s seeing, feeling what he’s feeling and loving the joy behind it every step of the way.

and knew he didn’t need to look any further to cast “Loretta”. Juliet beat out a lot of big names for the role and contrary to most assumptions she was cast before her father, Martin Landau, was signed on. He of course went on to win an Academy Award for an uncanny interpretation of Bela Lugosi.

Ms. Landau confesses to being a nervous wreck when taking her final cut of the film to Oldman’s house. They watched it together and when it was over he had a singular note about a sound cue…and that’s all… oh, except that he loved it and was thrilled to know that someone had captured the real him, the Gary seldom glimpsed. And that’s what can happen when something that would have been a frivolity in most hands gets the creative treatment from a couple of artists instead. Juliet Landau’s “Take Flight” will debut as a pay per view streamed entertainment beginning February 25th at http://www.julietlandaustakeflight.com/

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 25


26 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 27


Quit Being Thrown In The Garbage by Brea Tisdale Hollywood Weekly sat down with renowned headshot photographer Kevyn Major Howard. What we got was a candid interview, that I think will leave actors thinking and ultimately finding themselves staring at their current headshot!

are really interested in your look because your headshot does not inspire them. Coal does not sell folks, diamonds do! Advice: Remember your headshot is the evidence of what you do cinematically. It’s “one frame” of the movie the director is about to shoot. That’s how you get jobs with a headshot. Common sense, huh.’

‘Actors, let me introduce myself. I have been blessed as an actor having “If there is a better worked in film ‘You get a friend to photographer than Kevyn classics as Stanley shoot you, or you shoot Kubrick’s Full Metal yourselves with your cell Major Howard in the Jacket, privileged phone and then print entertainment industry I am it at Kinko’s. Wrong! to work with Clint Eastwood in Sudden Nope don’t do it! Stop unaware of him.” Impact, Charles fooling yourself! Bronson’s Death Wish Michael Levine 2, and worked with To sum that up: Do other important film you really believe that Michael Jackson’s Celebrity notables as Frank your headshot impresses Publicist Sinatra, James Caan, these talents? I mean, Lawrence Fishburne, really, ask yourself and Ron Howard. ‘ that question? Kevyn says the best advice he can give an actor is: “be He goes on in a passionate way…. the best you can be. Quit hoping. ‘What I am about to tell you and You say you’re an artist. Academy please don’t take offense, will be the Awards were never given to an actor truth. Some of you will hear it . . . who was mediocre. Take the hint. only . . . if your listening . . . not with Again it’s your career. I know you’re your ears . . . but with your common thinking, “Who is this guy” talking sense. Let’s begin by saying 99% of to us with such arrogance. Well it’s actors walk around with inferior, out of not arrogance . . . it’s really common focus, nasty headshots. Why do you sense. It frustrates me how many do that? You came to Hollywood with actors are led astray with mediocre a dream. In case no one has explained opinions and “let’s” save the actor a

this little detail; headshots are the critical tool and calling card that tells us you’re worth hiring for the cinematic big screen. Kevyn breaks down what the payoff is: ‘The payoff: your careers usually suffer because no agent or casting directors’

28 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

“dime” at the sake of his own career. Trust your instincts actors . . . you really know better. Don’t you? This is not about saving a dime? It’s about going to work, I think. Thirty years ago I reinvented the headshot industry across this country and internationally as well. I realized that

6000 headshots were sitting on every casting desk everyday and haven’t we all seen the mediocrity of those headshots. I decided that being better than “mediocrity” would be noticed and hence my headshots have been seen on Oprah and the Discovery Channel who did a documentary featuring my work as the “King Of The Hollywood Headshot” hosted by John Cleese, Elizabeth Hurley and casting director Mali Finn. Any of you can have anything you want in this industry. But first you will have to sit back and take responsibility for what you are not accomplishing. Is your headshot something you’re absolutely convinced someone would spend a 100k to make a billboard on Sunset Blvd? If your answer is no, then perhaps today is the day, you should change direction and really go after your dream. Get a headshot that is worthy of 5 million people’s attention and be proud to show it. Cinema is cinematic. ‘ ‘Hey listen . . . you can lead a horse to water?’ Kevyn tells me, ‘I hope you understand I am on your side. I get tired of actors being mistreated. Sick of it really. You deserve better and now its up to you. Be the best you

can be and damn well go to work.’ Enough Said! Kevyn Major Howard Studios 323. 664. 9564 to make your appointment. www.KevynMajorHoward.com


Beyond the Lens by Brea Tisdale What’s it like to take headshots with someone who has done it all; someone who understands not only the in’s and out’s of acting, but has won awards proving she knows what it takes to grab attention? Meet Kristi Lynes of Coconut Photo. At the age of 16, she was a working actress, performing in CATS in Los Angeles, appearing in over 70 television commercials, 3 other Broadway shows and concerts. After becoming a National Spokesperson and then a Marketing Director for successful software company, she’s garnered over 20 trophies for corporate film production. When it comes to understanding creative types and “solving business problems”, Kristi gets it and created CoconutPhoto.com. Think Like a Marketer: “Actors need to make it easy for casting directors to say yes,” says Kristi. “Headshots should be nimble marketing tools designed to solve a business problem. Casting directors simply don’t have time to imagine what you might look like in a business suit to play a young executive if you have submitted your mussed hair and hoody shot.” Kristi believes in a set of commercial shots and theatrical shots, e.g. if you are a woman, midthirties, you may need the following theatrical looks: “Disney Mom,” “Cop/ Detective”, “Business/ Dr./ Lawyer”, “Sexy Mom”, “Down to Earth, No Frills Mom”(obviously not suggested through

costumes or props but through subtle wardrobe elements and the essence of each shot.) She’s emphatic that headshots need to bring confidence to the casting table; communicating that you are the exact person/character production is looking for to solve their “business problem”.

Client Audrey Wasilewski (recurring on Mad Men and Big Love) reports Kristi is affordable, affable and savvy. “Having one’s headshots done typically instills dread and a sense of commitment one might feel getting a tattoo...not so at Coconut. I can call Kristi and tell her that I need an updated look - and whammo, we’ve completed a shoot, had a good laugh and my agents have the new tool they need to do their job.” Kristi also believes color is KING. “You must find a way to create ‘visual pull’ with your online thumbnails. We are drawn to inviting color when searching or browsing online.” She works with saturated backgrounds, wardrobe colors and skin tone to create an engaging and vibrant impression designed to get your shots clicked on. Lastly, Kristi’s a stickler for getting the right “catch lights” in your eyes and achieving a soulful, confident look. Bad headshots usually demonstrate “dead eyes”, poor color choices, off lighting, wrong wardrobe selections or restricted composition. Watch out for those elements – because all are necessary for a shot that will work, according to Kristi.

Parting Words: her best piece of advice? “Knowing when it’s time to get new shots. Actors can get to feeling helpless. Much of the business is out of their hands. The tough question is are you effectively managing one of the few components that is totally in your control. I have clients who’ve

waited for over 5 years to get new shots, clients who come to me with sub-optimal results after dropping a lot of money on another photographer, and then I have clients who just love their current shots – but they aren’t getting called in for anything. Sometimes the hardest thing to do is make a faster decision about getting new shots. In this digital age, in this economy and in Los Angeles, headshot prices can be reasonable. Your headshot set is your number one marketing tool – it needs to be invested in regularly to keep pace with TV/film trends and to keep up with you.” Kristi continues to stay focused on providing the best service for her clients. Actors must run their own business of selling a product – themselves. It’s easy to lose sight of business operations in a creative field, but Kristi says it’s possible to wear

both hats – with support from a good photographer looking out to find the best you in the lens. Kristi Lynes www.CoconutPhoto.com Kristi@CoconutPhoto.com 818.370.6691

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 29


DISCOVER THE WARRIOR WITHIN by Brea Tisdale hen it comes to Stage Combat or W “Film Fighting” Robert Goodwin is someone who knows what he is talking

about. He has been coordinating fights for theatre for 30 years and film for 18 years. Robert’s studio is a professional (martial) arts studio with working (actors) and stunt (performers). Robert’s studio is (Film Fighting LA) (FFLA), which is an elite performance team skilled in contemporary and traditional weaponry and (fighting systems). They perform for film, television, theater, corporate, and special events. Their techniques are based on movement and fighting styles throughout the history of martial arts,

including Asian(:) Chinese, Japanese, Filipino, Okinawan, and European(:) Medieval, Elizabethan and Restoration periods. FFLA members are working, trained professionals with oncamera experience, who adapt readily to directors’ requests. Robert and his team are going to be having an upcoming workshop, “Film Fighting Weekend” March (20th) and (21th). Saturday will be a four-hour session and Sunday will be two fourhour sessions. Saturday training will consist of a “Pirates Intensive” which is preparing people for the new Pirates movie, by learning the fighting styles and weapons used in the film, sword

more contemporary. (If you would like to take classes on a more regular basis you can participate in the (next set of introductory classes on) Sunday Evening(s) Class(es) from 4:30 to 5:30, which is European Sword Training. Or the 5:30 to 7:30 class in (Hong Kong Fighting), knifes, sticks and found weapons training. Starting on Wednesday March 3rd you can take (Hong Kong Fighting – Level 1 & 2) from 10 – 11:30 am.) Robert Goodwin has been around for many years in the Stunt world (and most recently worked on SHERLOCK HOLMES. He trained Christian Bale for BATMAN BEGINS, was sword master for Ron Perlman, trained The Original Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, and was the movement consultant for Robert Downy Jr., Jamie Foxx and the entire cast for the SOLOIST. He has worked as (a) fight Director for theatres from The Mark Taper Forum and Off Broadway, was the fight captain for The LA Opera’s production of “Tristan und Isolde” as well as the motion capture cinematographer of Smackdown vs Raw 2010 and 2011.) (Goodwin also worked on The Military Channels, (Lock “N” Load with Gunny Ermry and was the Stunt Coordinator for The history Channels “Andrew Jackson,” plus many many more. Achievement, Character & Teamwork, is that “Something Extra” that makes Robert and his team truly unique.

30 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

work, boarding knifes, (axes) and dirty fighting. Sunday from 10 am till 2 pm will consist of training in stunt falls. (Tim Storms will be teaching the Sunday morning, falls, workshop. He has worked on such films as; Spiderman II and III, The Matrix, Sword Fish, Cradle 2 and The Grave.) (After a two-hour break the next Sunday workshop will be) from 4 pm to 8 pm. Training will be in Hong Kong Fighting and knife fighting in the style of the (“Bourne”) Films. (This) second half (of Film Fighting) will be

If you want more information on the workshops and classes you can go to: stuntfightingworkout.com Roberts Studio is located at: 2238 Purdue Ave at Olympic Blvd., 90025 You can also IMDB: (Robert G. Goodwin)


SAFE GREAT ACTION by Brea Tisdale

E

ntertainment is just that, entertainment. Situations and scenarios solely created to provide the audience with amusement and the chance to escape. There are so many films out there that we love to watch because of the thrilling action scenes or intense fighting sequences. Movies like these make us feel empowered, capable and strong (or we just like to cheer on the good guy kicking butt). The trick however is making “violence” look violent with out actually being violent. How does one do that? Turn to a professional with years of experience.

Wally Crowder has been working in the entertainment business for 35 years. By starting to working as a stunt coordinator wally was able to join the Directors Guild of America. This and his passion for driving eventually lead

him to be the Founder and President of the Professional Drivers Association. Wally’s team provides some of the finest stunt drivers to the commercial, film and television industry. Before the film business, Wally was a schoolteacher at the junior high level teaching speech and racing stock cars on the weekends. Which led him to start doing commercial driving. Wally started out as a commercial driver with the famous Tom Anthony Precision Driving Team, over 25 years ago. He logged over 2000 car commercials and thousands of hours behind the wheel in front of camera. Wally doubled for the industries finest racecar drivers, (AJ Foyt and Johnny Rutherford to name a couple). Working with such talented drivers taught him a wealth of knowledge that enabled him the ability to teach stunt driving to thousands. His speaking ability takes him all over the country giving public speeches to corporations, schools, and youth groups on Hollywood Magic and Driving Safety.

Wally is constantly trying to enrich those around him. Every year Wally & his wife Lori publish the Stunt Players Directory and Internet site. Which is the only stunt database in the world that is updated on daily basis. With this database at hand, Wally has no trouble finding your project the very best stunt man or woman in the world. Creating the Stunt Players Directory led him to the development of the Stunt Players Memorial web site. This database is in honor of stunt performers who have past away.

If you want more information you can go to: www.wallycrowder.com Or contact Wally at: Wally@Stuntplayers.com You can also IMDB: Wally Crowder

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 31


Appropriate Tension by Brea Tisdale

W

hat if I told you there was a way to combine your trip to the therapist and yoga class, by learning one method? What if I told you that this method would teach you how to get rid of harmful tension in your body and your mind? If I am going to be making such promises, I need to send you in the right direction, send you to someone that can guide you on path of discovery and enlightenment. Someone that will provide you with the tools and knowledge you need to discover and grow. This person is June Chadwick and the method is the Alexander Technique. The Alexander Technique is a method that works to change (movement) habits in our everyday activities. It is a simple and practical method for improving ease and freedom of movement, balance, support and coordination. It is not a series of treatments or exercises, but rather a reeducation of the mind and body. Frederick Matthias Alexander discovered his remarkable technique in response to solving vocal problems he had as an actor. Since no doctors were able to help him, he embarked upon a journey of observation, finding that his voice was related to the use of his entire body. Over time he found a way to ‘redirect’ his reactions, his brain to body responses, not only curing his vocal problems but affecting his whole health and well being June Chadwick is a certified member of the American Society of Alexander Technique Teachers, but she wasn’t always a teacher of the Technique. In fact she was an actress, singer and dancer who went to the Royal

32 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Academy of Music in London. It was here that she was introduced to the technique. The lessons helped her through scoliosis, curing her back pain and helping her through stage fright. June has been taking lessons ever since. Chadwick was a working successful actress for many years, traveling to Africa and all around the world performing in Television shows and Films (“V” and “This is Spinal Tap”, to name a few). Another passion of hers is athletics, where balance and strength are required. Without her practice and lessons of the technique, she wouldn’t be able to perform at peak levels. All of this really inspired June and she decided that her 40 years of experience with the technique was something that needed to be shared and explored so she gave up a 30year career as an actress, singer and dancer to teach and help others. June says we need to have tension in our bodies otherwise they would “collapse”, the key however she informs me is that we need to have “appropriate” tension. She tells me how connected the mind and the body are, something that happens to you mentally, will happen to you physically and visa versa. Depression and fear pulls us in and down, we need to learn to recognize when our bodies are reacting and have the tools to guide us out of it. When you walk into a room one of the first things people see is how you move. Ease and confidence manifest physically. June goes on to say that the technique teaches us to be in the moment, being present in where you are right

now. She says this is hard for actors especially because they are always trying to be someone else and always feeling a need to get it right. She goes on to say how important lessons are because they give us the ‘hands on’ help that we need, the hands give us a message telling us “not to go there, no need for tension.” Without the hands and touch, we’re unaware of much of the stress we’re holding onto or what to do about it. Chadwick believes the Technique is the most powerful tool for voice training since it teaches us to connect our mind and body and realize the inappropriate tension so we can breathe. June teaches at her home in the west of Los Angeles, with breathtaking, sweeping views and also in her peaceful home in Montecito. In LA she is conveniently located off the 405 and Mullholand. She is a guest teacher for the drama and dance departments at Westmont College and has also taught for the drama, dance and music departments at the California Institute of the Arts. Chadwick also teaches Polo Players, Tennis Players, actors and chiropractic patients. June says she couldn’t be happier than she is right now, living in the moment and providing the knowledge and gift of the Alexander Technique to others. So let June help you to begin your journey. To contact June Chadwick send an email to june. chadwick@gmail.com.


Achieving Peak Performance by Brea Tisdale

C

ameramen do it. Producers do it. Editors do it. People every where slouch, creating tension and collapse as they sit at the computer, stand in line, walk through the mall, drive their cars, and move through life. They compress their entire spine, triggering neck and hip pain, interfering with respiratory functioning, and adding undue stress on their entire body. When dealing with situations that demand peak performance, directors, business executives, lawyers, doctors, writers, actors and musicians, tighten their neck and shoulder muscles, hold their breath, clench their jaw, and “stress out”. They diminish their ability to make creative decisions and interfere with their success.

TESTIMonAIL

Alexander Technique (AT) addresses these harmful habits. Students come for a lesson slouched, stressed, and exhausted. After a lesson, which is about an hour, they feel light, calm, and are smiling. during a series of AT lessons, students learn how to identify and release tension patterns that negatively affect their functioning. For example, when they are stressed, anxious, and worried, they hold their breath, tighten their musculature, and pull down on their entire structural framework. Through hands-on guidance and instruction, Sharon teaches how to undo the tension patterns that are

so detrimental to performance. Students can allow their bodies to move with their breath and release to a balanced homeostasis. They feel light, calm and pain-free. Training in AT gives high-level entertainers “tools” to produce more fluid performances. They learn to quiet and still themselves so that they are creative, spontaneous, and dynamic under pressure. They can manage stress more effectively. Knowing how to release unnecessary tension instills a sense of confidence and ease when auditioning, rehearsing, and shooting. They have a more grounded voice, a taller stature, and a more open body language. Using less muscular effort gives actors, writers, or directors more overall energy to accomplish their dreams. Many renowned performers including Ben Kingsley, William Hurt, Jeremy Irons, James Earl Jones, Sting, Paul McCartney, Robin Williams, Kevin Kline, Paul newman, Hugh Jackman, Patrick Stewart, Juliette Binoche, Kenneth Branaugh, Michael Caine, and Hillary Swank have used the Alexander Technique as their “secret weapon” on stage and on

screen. Sharon Jakubecy began studying the Alexander Technique 12 years ago because it relieved chronic and debilitating hip pain. However, she decided to train to become an AT teacher when she recognized how she was much calmer and better able to deal with stress. She is an AmSAT (American Society for the Alexander Technique) certified teacher since 2003. She helps writers, doctors, teachers, singers, actors, cellists, and business executives achieve peak performance. She is also on the faculty at Stella Adler Academy of Acting, American Academy of dramatic Arts, and X Repertory Theatre Company in Los Angeles. The LA opera, Women in Theater, The dating Coach, Vox Humana, and Children’s Hospital have sought her to teach workshops for their organizations. Sharon Jakubecy has the knowledge, compassion and experience to help you achieve your peak performance with poise, ease and confidence! To contact her, visit www. AlexanderTechniqueLA.com.

“I was first introduced to Alexander Technique and to Sharon in acting school. The course was so fascinating to me because it gave me tools for awareness of my instrument. during a class performance I experienced a connectedness of my voice, breath and body; a freedom that I had never encountered before. Since graduating I have continued lessons, endlessly discovering not only as an actor but also as a human body in motion in my day-to-day life. Sharon offers incredible insight and process in relearning how to move, speak and breathe, without tension.” -dana Salah, Actor

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 33


A Thousand Words by Brea Tisdale

T

hey say a picture is worth a thousand words, however a “bad” picture can say nothing at all. So what makes a picture worth words and what makes a picture worth nothing? Some would say the answer to that is technical knowledge of lighting, composition, and exposure. I think however, it’s the ability of the photographer to see into the moments, the ability to understand what is real and what is not. When I met Philip Holbrook I could see that he was a ‘real’ person, with real emotions, understandings and thoughts. He wasn’t nervous or caught up in trying to “impress” me or act a certain way. He was genuine, passionate, talented and funny as hell. I instantly felt at ease and comfortable. He was just a photographer who was simply there to “freeze frame” moments as they are. Holbrook has been shooting photos from a very young age. Anything from family photos to professional ones, he has always had that passion in him to capture life.

Philip attended the University of Mary Washington graduating Cum Laude in 2007 with a BA in Sociology and a focus on Film. Philip is experienced in working with “moving” camera operations. This skill has provided him with the deep understanding

34 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

of imagery, which is exactly why he takes such stunning photographs. Philip has been in Los Angeles for a little over two years now. This change he described to me was something inspiring to him. As you all may know the East coast and the West coast are very different places. As most people who recently move to the city of angels, you have to adjust to the “sunshine” (which let’s face it, is a positive adjustment to make) the traffic, the diversity and the rat race. Philip however, is raw and real, a good guy. He hasn’t let the traffic get to him so to say, hasn’t let the town change him. He is still himself - talented, humorous and friendly (which in this town can be hard to find). Philip takes time to get to know the person he is working with and adjusts every shoot to fit their needs and personality. He chooses to work cooperatively towards capturing his shots rather than being the “allknowing photographer” who makes every decision on his own. He is always open to input from his clients, which he believes is the key to his success. This personal touch allows

him to see the “truths” in each photograph. His process combined with his technical experience give him the balance that most photographers frankly fall short of.

Philip Holbrook www.holbrookphotos.com holbrookphotos@gmail.com 323.448.0747


FIND YOUR RHYTHM by Brea Tisdale

S

ome of us are blessed with the gift of movement and some of us are rhythmically challenged. You see people all the time in Movies and TV making it look effortless and spontaneous. Well like much of the entertainment industry, it’s not as easy as it looks, there is someone that has worked long and hard to choreograph, teach and execute those moves. I discovered Hollywood’s hidden secret; Fred Tallaksen, an award winning choreographer who’s work can be recognized all over the world of entertainment.

fredtallaksen.com

the Middle, which he was the staff choreographer, for which he was nominated for 2 Emmy Awards, won an American Choreography Lending his talents to film, television, commercials, Award as well as a Choreography stage, music videos and the corporate entertainment Media Honors Award. Fred has field, Fred has not only choreographed dancers, also choreographed episodes of singers, actors and musicians, Modern Family, True but also skaters, drummers, Jackson VP, The “I can pretty much BMX & skateboarders, aerial 120th Rose Parade, artists, cheerleaders, gymnasts guarantee that Arrested Development, and all kinds of specialty you have seen Miss Guided, Rules performers. He has become of Engagement, Blue Fred’s work at some known for his signature Collar TV, Living with point, perhaps “everything but the kitchen sink” Fran Drescher, the in ‘Madonna’s spectacle style worldwide. Hollywood Christmas Confessons World Parade, 7 years on I can pretty much guarantee Days of Our Lives, Tour” that you have seen Fred’s Mad TV, Boy Meets work at some point or another. World, Monk, Two Perhaps it was in Madonna’s Guys and a Girl and Nickelodeon’s “Sorry” music video that he choreographed or Kids’ Choice Awards. The title the finale of her “Confessions World Tour.” Which sequence Fred choreographed for led him to receive a Choreography Media Award. Sid the Science Kid won an Emmy However if you are not a Madonna fan then maybe in 2008 for best title sequence. you have seen his work in music videos that he Fred has choreographed multiple did for Weezer episodes of this animated PBS (Pork and Beans), children’s show and has become James Blunt an expert for choreography using (1973) and motion capture technology. Enrique Iglasias (Can You Hear Or maybe you’re that rare person Me.) The music out there that loves watching video Fred Commercials. If so then his work choreographed includes: Mountain Dew Busby for Juanes (Me Berkeley Spot, Washington Mutual, Enamora) won 7 spots for Goodyear Tires, a Latin Grammy Mitsubishi, Dirt Devil, 2 spots for Award for best Round Table Pizza, Domino’s Pizza, video of 2008. plus many more. If you are more of a TV person then you might notice his work on any of the seven seasons of Malcolm in

Fred doesn’t stop there he is very involved in theatre. Choreographing large shows such as: Damn Yankees, Music Man, Songs for a New World, Music of the Night and Miss Desmond Behind Bars which earned him an Ovation and Robby

Award nomination. For Universal Studio’s Summer Movie Drive Inn, Fred choreographed Grease, West Side Story, Footloose, Xanadu, the Wizard of Oz, Happy Feet, Mama Mia, Little Shop of Horrors and Dirty Dancing. Fred fuels his inner child by working regularly with Disney. His credits include the amazing spectacle entitled The Legend of Mythica for Tokyo Disney Seas (THEA award for best show), Dance Time at Disneyland Paris and the Pixar Play! Parade, at California Adventure. (Fred is also show Director for this spectacle) Fred has worked on events all over the world for major corporations. His percussion group Rhythm Extreme has performed at over 400 corporate events worldwide. (www.rhythmextreme. com) You might be thinking to yourself “I think I have seen Fred on TV?” You have, he currently plays the role of the eccentric choreographer “Mr. X” on the Nickelodeon hit show “Big Time Rush.” Being a talented and eclectic choreographer, who is prepared, organized, professional and easy to get along with, puts Fred in demand with top Directors and Producers worldwide. He is well versed in many styles and disciplines and is super creative. It’s no wonder he’s Hollywood’s “Go to man”

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 35


Melrose Gallery & Antiques Chandeliers Furniture Mirrors Custom Designs Rentals Sales

www.melrosegallery.net

5635 Melrose Ave

323.460.7777 Corner of Melrose and Larchmont 36 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


Hater Hater Hater

By Maya Angelou

Haters can’t stand to see you happy.

A hater is someone who is jealous and envious and spends all their time trying to make you look small so they can look tall. They are very negative people to say the least. Nothing is ever good enough! When you make your mark, you will always attract some haters... That’s why you have to be careful with whom you share your blessings and your dreams, because some people can’t handle seeing you blessed... It’s dangerous to be like somebody else... If God wanted you to be like somebody else, He would have given you what He gave them!! Right?

Haters will never want to see you succeed. Most of our haters are people who are supposed to be on our side.

How do you handle your undercover haters? You can handle these haters by:

1. Knowing who you are & who your true friends are *(VERY IMPORTANT!!) 2. Having a purpose to your life: Purpose does not mean having a job. You can have a job and still be unfulfilled. A purpose is having a clear sense of what God has called you to be. Your purpose is not defined by what others think about you. 3. By remembering what you have is by divine prerogative and not human manipulation. Fulfill your dreams! You only have one life to live... when it’s your time to leave this earth, you ‘want’ to be able to say, ‘I’ve lived my life and fulfilled ‘my’ dreams... Now I’m ready to go HOME! When God gives you favor, you can tell your haters, ‘Don’t look at me...Look at Who is in charge of me...’

You never know what people have gone through to get what they have... The problem I have with haters is that they see my glory, but they don’t know my story... If the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, you can rest assured that the water bill is higher there too! We’ve all got some haters among us! Some people envy you because you can: a) Have a relationship with God b) Light up a room when you walk in c) Start your own business d) Tell a man / woman to hit the curb

(if he / she isn’t about the right thing)

e) Raise your children without both parents being in the home

Pass this to all of your family & friends who you know are not hating on you including the person who sent it to you.

If

you don’t get it back, maybe you called somebody out!

Don’t

worry about it, it’s not your problem, it’s theirs...

Just

pray for them, that their life can be as fulfilled as yours! Watch out for Haters... BUT most of all don’t become a HATER!

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 37


A place safe enough for Couture By: Brea Tisdale

I pride myself on being someone that is always finding really unique “one of kind” vintage pieces of clothing. The thing about buying these “unique” pieces is that you don’t always/can’t really wear them without having them cleaned first, because honestly who knows where they have been…(Really who wants to know)? But, I get really nervous about taking my stuff to the cleaners…who hasn’t had your favorite one-of-a-kind coat ruined or misplaced…. I sure have! Recently however, I found a place that is different then all the rest…. Beverly Crest Cleaners.

“Joe- blow” service. Beverly Crest caters to upper estate/ celebrity clientele as well as studios. Which I know you are thinking so what, who cares…? Well I do and so should you frankly. As you may or may not know, most celebrities don’t have time to be fooling around with their clothes. They are often expected to be wearing certain things at certain times or they might even be wearing something that is on loan to them… so they can’t afford costly mistakes. In fact, a good friend of mine owns a high-end boutique on Third Street and someone had

You can find Beverly Crest Cleaners at: 10301 Santa Monica Blvd. West Los Angeles, CA 90025 or online at: www.beverlycrestcleaners.com They have been around since 1927. The current owners Harry and david have owned the place since 1978. They are brother- inlaws that are both engineers, electrical and mechanical. They saw an opportunity for a unique business and jumped on it. The thing I quickly discovered about what makes the way Harry runs his business different than the average “Joe-blow” cleaners you see out there, is that with “Joe-blow” cleaners you get

38 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

come in to pull clothing for a photo shoot. Before returning it to the store they had it cleaned and the random “Joe-blow” cleaners ruined the clothing…which is a loss of merchandise. My friend then started having everyone take the borrowed merchandise from her store to Beverly Crest and it’s as if the items never left. Something else I witnessed while in Beverly Crest was a woman whose clothing had been around


a lot of smoke from the fires and her clothing reflected that. At Beverly Crest they offer smoke damage cleaning which gets that ever lingering smell of smoke out of your clothes, so they don’t have to be replaced. Another convenient thing I saw, is that they offer pick up and delivery service of your items. They will come to your house or office to pick up what you need to be cleaned and drop it off. Also for the environmentally friendly person out there, they offer what they call “wet cleaning” where they don’t use any chemicals on your clothing… but if you are a germ-a-fob and really want to make sure to get the junk out of that jacket you brought in… you can rest assured they only use the best products out there. The reason I think this business works so well, is because they are

solid from the inside out. Most of the employees have been with the company for 10 plus years. In fact, a man who had worked for the company 9 years when Harry and david took over, continued working with them for another 20 years before he retired. The reason for this is because what I noticed from just being in there, you can see it’s a friendly lowpressure environment, where they are more about the quality than the quantity. What I mean by that is most cleaners have their employees doing 25 or 30 presses an hour where at Beverly Crest they do 7 or 8. This is because

each garment is inspected before the cleaning and then inspected after the cleaning by a separate department to make sure there aren’t any tears/ discoloration or any damage. Volume doesn’t matter here, it’s quality.

So, if you have a couture piece or are a production studio or someone like myself who really cares about your unique piece - this is the place to go. Every garment is treated and cared for as if it were their own personal treasure. And don’t worry about them losing anything because every item has a computer tag on it that allows them to track every movement of your piece, so they know where everything is at all times. Just ask James, who has been going there for 75 years…. obviously they are doing something right!

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 39


PROFESSIONALS

C r i m i n a l D e f e n s e At t o r n e y

David Givot “Quite Simply, A Man On A Mission” By Anthony Calderon

George Orwell wrote in 1946 that “Political language is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind…”

If this is true – which, we know it is – of our elected Government, what then can be said about our other officials further down the rung in charge of maintaining the justice of our society? In the end it will always come down to one thing: anyone can say anything about their intentions, but where is their proof to back it up? I had spoken with Criminal Defense Attorney David Givot on the phone prior to our crew meeting him in Hollywood for his photo shoot… I was impressed with his back-story, which in Hollywood screenwriting, will absolutely make or break your fictional characters… Here was a man who took a rather unconventional route to becoming an Attorney, and in a way, it clearly validated his decision for entering the legal field… Ponder these phrases for a moment, and think of which profession it best suits: “Emergency on-scene treatment, crisis intervention, and potentially life-saving stabilization.”

40 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Now, before you blurt out “Paramedic,” imagine this scene: a friend at your job drives you to a Hollywood party and drinks too much, so, when leaving the gathering, you decide to drive. On the way home you’re involved in an accident, and when the police arrive on the scene, they notice, unbeknownst to you, that there is a handgun and cocaine under the driver’s seat you are sitting in. Surprise! You’ve just discovered your coworker is Scarface… Of course you tell the Officers you had no idea that you

were chauffeuring Tony Montana home, but it looks pretty bad… So, you, your friend, the gun and the “yayo” all go back to the police station… You’re allowed one phone call, so you call an Attorney you read an article on: David Givot… And what does Atty. Givot do when he arrives at the police station? (1) He gives you “Emergency on-scene treatment” by understanding and explaining to you exactly what is going on, what you are being charged with, and what happens next; (2) Atty. Givot provides “Crisis Intervention” by agreeing to represent you and immediately enforcing your rights by alerting the police that you are his client and setting your Defense in motion; and (3) by doing all of this, Atty. Givot has now given you, literally and figuratively, potentially Life-Saving Stabilization…” Now, could this all be simply coincidence, or is there something in Attorney Givot’s past that enables him to see his Law Practice through the filter of a Paramedic helping victims in need… Okay, I don’t think we really need a “Spoiler Alert” at this juncture to figure out that Atty. Givot, was, indeed, a Paramedic for many years, and so when he described to me in our phone interview how his approach to his clients is always “helping people in need, fighting for those who cannot fight for themselves,” I understood that this was not merely the “lip service” George Orwell was referring to, but an actual fact… Attorney Givot has experience making life or death decisions on the fly and without hesitation and, dare I say,


dramatically and poignantly as one could write, while in a hospital waiting room with his brothers, while his father was in surgery… The idea that his father was walking distance from them fighting for his life, gave Atty. Givot a sense of just how fragile our lives really are… He and his brothers all promised, in that charged atmosphere of waiting for their father’s surgery to finish, that they would make a change in their lives to contribute to society in another way… Atty. Givot’s father pulled through the operation, and Paramedic David, decided to become Attorney Givot…as if literally saving people from death as a Paramedic wasn’t enough, but as my illustration above pointed out, when you’re

arrested and charged with a crime you didn’t commit, a figurative death can be just as real as a literal one… All these little nuances made Atty. Givot very interesting to me…but the biggest surprise was his sense of humor… You would think a man in who’s worked as a Paramedic and now as a Criminal Defense Attorney would be a little numb and edgy by all the tragedy he’s witnessed firsthand… Just look at Martin Scorsese’s 1999 film about Paramedics “Bringing Out The Dead,” with Nicholas Cage as a burned-out Paramedic with insomnia… I asked Atty. Givot about this portrayal of his former career, and suffice it to say this was not his

he actually “cares” about his clients, and genuinely wants to help them in the same way he helped his patients as a Paramedic in his former career…

This actually brings up another astounding fact about Atty. Givot – he had a “former career.” How many people do we know in our lives who can barely get one successful career off the ground, let alone two… The decision for this was made, as

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 41


Criminal DeFenSe attorney

DaviD givot experience in the medical field…but he still loves Scorsese… In Court, Atty. Givot who seemed as jovial and quick to form a joke as Robin Williams or Steve Martin, is all business; to him, each client’s future is no laughing matter and, like a paramedic, he moves quickly and confidently to defend each client’s life. Still, I was struck by just how “against the grain” this man really is… Just when you think you’ve got a handle on who he is, Atty. Givot will surprise you… The photos he provided me were so full of life and love and hope, surely this couldn’t be a man working in the Criminal Justice System…but maybe that’s been the key to his success: taking his work seriously without bringing it home with him… In “Cadillac Records” (2008), Adrien Brody,

42 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

who portrayed Music Producer Leonard Chess, said this about the legendary Muddy Waters: “Muddy sings the Blues, he doesn’t live it…” This is the only plausible reason why Atty. Givot has maintained such a positive, healthy zest for life: his objectivity about his work keeps him sharp and focused, and his love for his work keeps him committed…and he loves to laugh, even if he’s underwater, as one of his photos demonstrates… But I’m a simple man, and I believe that the essence of a person can be captured in quiet moments, without much fanfare… In the same way that many times a small, independent movie can touch your heart in ways a huge, studio blockbuster never will, I’m always

looking for unadorned moments of truth… And so after our big Hollywood Weekly photo shoot I returned to my office and opened up my e-mail. I found a picture Atty. Givot sent me which he thought might be nice for the article, because it meant a lot to him: it was an old, grainy, black and white photo of Atty. Givot as a Paramedic talking with a small child… The photo has been printed here with this article, and if you want to understand what makes Atty. Givot “tick,” all answers can be found in this photo… he does not care because he gets paid, he gets paid because he cares. Quite simply, he’s a man on a mission to help in any way he can…


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 43


DEBT SOLUTIONS Call us toll-free at 888-639-4080

www.NewEraDebtSolutions.com New Era Debt Solutions wants to help you become Debt Free. • Call today for your Free Confidential Consultation with the industry leader in Debt Settlement. • We want to improve your life and improve your financial knowledge. • We have made a special arrangement with Hollywood Weekly to offer readers a FREE Copy of Gerri Detweiler’s book Reduce Debt, Reduce Stress. Real life solutions for solving your credit crisis. • Offer valid for first 100 callers.

44 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 45


ThEATER

LA THEATRE BEAT BY STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH

Don’t let the Easter Bunny distract you from the horde of new shows to see this month, such as: “The Blvd” a struggling actor gets caught in a drag queen’s web of deceit and desire as she attempts a comeback in a screen bio of drag legend, until he gets a part in the movie and she gets the boot, then he falls for the screenwriter, while the German valet takes to drinking and dressing up as Baby Jane Hudson. Written by Danny De La Paz and Joseph Castel, and directed by Danny De La Paz, it runs through April 18 at the Macha Theatre in West Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-1055 or visit www. plays411.com/theblvd.

“An American Tract” a nurse’s assistant moves with her two boys into an inherited home in an exclusive all-white planned community where she feels pressure to keep up with her wealthy neighbors, while they are planning ways to undermine her attempts. Written by Barbara White Morgan and directed by Richard Elkins, it runs through April 25 at Theatre Theater in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.brownpapertickets.com.

“Liberty Inn: The Musical” is a full-length musical comedy about a Hessian Captain who hates women, and a wily landlady who tries to tame him, set in postcolonial America and featuring 22 original songs. Written by Dakin Matthews and directed by Anne McNaughton, it runs through April 25 at the NewPlace Studio Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 866-811-4111 or visit www.Andak.org.

46 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

“Sweet Sue” a greeting card artist questions her future and her talent, until her son’s roommate drops in on her and they start a relationship. Written by A.R. Gurney and directed by Ernest A. Figueroa, it runs through April 25 at the Lonny Chapman Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-700-4878 or visit www.thegrouprep.com. “The Charm of Making” examines the conflict of religion vs. human nature through the eyes of the last living members of an old Southern family, as they struggle with the past of their dead relatives and their present as family and individuals. Written By Timothy Mcneil and directed by Milton Justice, it runs through April 25 at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7735 or visit www.Plays411.com/thecharm.

“The Language Archive” a brilliant linguist has a communication problem with his wife, who is about to leave him, and with his assistant, who can’t bring herself to leave him. Written by Julia Cho and directed by Mark Brokaw, it runs through April 25 at the Folino Theatre Center in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Buffalo Hole” from his outpost 30 miles from nowhere in Foxholm, North Dakota, a man waits the arrival of his family to say their last goodbyes to a father, who has been a little less than “fatherly,” but between vicious


dog bites, a mother who arrives 60 and pregnant, a sissy brother who won’t leave and a sister who’s road hard and put away wet, his secret is about to be revealed. Written by Robert Riechel Jr. and directed by zeke Rettman, it runs through May 1 at the Arena Stage Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-4443 or visit www.plays411.com/ buffalohole.

“Langston & Nicolas” is a dramatic recreation of the extraordinary friendship between literary figures Langston Hughes, the originator of jazz poetry, and Nicolas Guillen, the poet laureate of Cuba. Written by Bernardo Solano and directed by Nancy Cheryll Davis, it runs April 9 through May 2 at the Stella Adler Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 213-624-4796 or visit www.townestreet.org. “The Unserious Chekhov” the cast and crew of a failing and critically-panned production of The Cherry Orchard hope to exorcise the all-too serious ghost of Stanislavski from their show by performing an evening of Chekhov’s most wickedly comedic works and satires, including The Bear, Before the Eclipse, Dirty Tragedians and Leprous Playwrights and two world premieres of the translations for On the Main Road and the unfinished The Night Before the Trial. Translated by George Malko and directed by Erin Scott, Andrew Moore, Pamela Moore and Gregory Crafts, it runs April 9 through May 8 at The Sherry Theatre in North Hollywood. For tickets call 818-849-4039 or visit www.theatreunleashed.com.

“The Blue Room” sexual encounters within serious drama to farce-like fantasies tease the senses with expectations of fulfillment as each episode offers a kaleidoscope of searing passion in sex, love, and heartbreak in a daisy chain of relationships which seems to scrutinize morals and class ideology of the human mating rituals. Written by David Hare and directed by Elina de Santos, it runs through May 2 at the Odyssey Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-477-2055 or visit www.plays411.net/ blueroom. “Survival Exercise” a successful older executive struggles for position with the new kid on the block, while an older female office worker competes against a younger woman for what they think they need in order to live a “a real life,” and to top it off, all of them are or have been romantically entangled with one another. Written by Dan Ponturo and directed by Duane Daniels, it runs April 2 through May 2 at The Elephant Space Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-960-7776 or visit www. plays411.com/survival.

“Acting: The First Six Lessons” depicts dialogues between a wise, experienced acting teacher and a pretty but raw young actress at the start of her career, starting out with more enthusiasm than skill but finally taking possession of her true gifts, in command of her craft and poised to succeed in acting and in life. Adapted by Beau Bridges and Emily Bridges, written by Richard Boleslavsky and directed by Charlie Mount, it runs April 9 through May 16 at Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org. “Bizzzy!” is a musical about a mother with two children whose husband died a year ago in a plane crash, trying to deal with raising two teenagers on her own, who is forced to move out of her house and into the apartment building she manages, then receives a notice from the IRS that she owes thousands of dollars in back taxes, but finally runs into an old high school sweetheart. Written by Rolland Jacks and directed by John Lewis, it runs April 9 through May 16 at the Whitefire Theatre in Sherman Oaks. For tickets call 323-960-7612 or visit www.plays411. com/bizzzy.

“Pot! The Musical” our heroine has some brownies to take to her church gathering, but her boyfriend and his pal have a plate of their own agriculturally enhanced brownies that they plan to take to the Pot Fest in the park, and the plates get switched. Written by Diane Shinozaki and directed by Keith Wright, it runs April 2 through May 8 at The Electric Lodge in Venice. For tickets call 800-8383006 or visit www.potthemusical.com.

“Turkey Day” on Thanksgiving a gathered family discovers that Mom and Dad actually split up long ago, a young boy’s true parentage is called into question, the house nearly burns down, one of them grabs a knife and begins to wield it, another is possessed with prophecies of destruction, while another appears to die, resurrect and embark upon a reign of terror. Written by Jeff Folschinsky and directed by Taylor Ashbrook, it runs April 9 through May 16 at The Eclectic Company Theatre in Valley Village. For tickets call 818-508-3003 or visit www.eclecticcompanytheatre.org.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 47


LA THEATRE BEAT “Alter Ego” is a fresh, candidly funny and sometimes poignant look at relationships, fidelity, monogamy, addiction and everything else that takes place between the upper thighs and the lower waist. Written by Jimmy Lyons and directed by Audrey Moore and Leila Vatan, it runs April 10 through April 25 at The Beverly Hills Playhouse in Beverly Hills. For tickets call 310-358-9936 or visit www.katselastheatre.org.

“The Life And Times Of A. Einstein” is about a day in the life of the famous scientist, as seen through the eyes of his secretary, chauffeur and bodyguard, who shields him from the press, keeps him on time for appointments, runs his household, and tries unsuccessfully to hide her passion and feelings for him. Written by Kres Mersky and directed by Paul Gersten, it runs April 10 through May 16 at Theatre West in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-851-7977 or visit www.theatrewest.org. “Doctor Cerberus” Doctor Cerberus rises from the mist in “Nightmare Theatre,” but a 13-year-old boy emerges as the season’s most appealing anti-hero. Written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and directed by Bart DeLorenzo, it runs April 11 through May 2 at the Julianne Argyros Stage at the Folino Theatre Center in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-708-5555. “$trip” Is about a naïve young girl fresh off the bus from the Midwest who comes to Hollywood to seek fame and fortune but has to support herself in the meantime and so she takes a job as an erotic dancer where she meets an array of characters who work there. Written and directed by George Damian, it runs April 12 through May 18 at The Good Hurt in Los Angeles. For tickets call 800-838-3006 or visit www.striptheplay.com. “How I Learned to Drive” focuses on a young girl between the ages of 11 and 18 as she becomes a young woman of considerable potential, who learns how to drive with the help of her uncle, but develops romantic feelings for him in the process. Written by Paula Vogel and directed by Steve Jarrard, it runs April 16 through May 9 at The Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood. For tickets call 323-860-6569 or visit www.collaborativeartistsensemble.com. “The Marvelous Wonderettes” four girls with hopes and dreams as big as their crinoline skirts sing together at the 1958 Springfield High School prom, featuring classic song favorites “Lollipop,” “Dream Lover,”

48 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

“Lipstick on Your Collar,” “Secret Love,” “Mr. Sandman,” and many more. Conceived and directed by Roger Bean, it runs April 17 through May 2 at the Carpenter Center in Long Beach. For tickets call 562-856-1999 or visit www. musical.org. “Cannibals” a support group of 40-somethings struggling to find love, acceptance and callbacks, hatches a plan to jump-start their careers, and learn the true meaning of hopes, dreams, fear, and cute shoes. Written by R. J. Colleary and directed by Kathleen Rubin, it runs April 17 through May 23 at the zephyr Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-960-7745 or visit www. plays411.com/cannibals.

“Chicago” is the story of a housewife and nightclub dancer who maliciously murders her on-the-side lover after he threatens to walk out on her, and to avoid conviction, she dupes the public, the media and her rival cellmate, by hiring Chicago’s slickest criminal lawyer to transform her malicious crime into a barrage of sensational headlines, the likes of which might just as easily be ripped from today’s tabloids. Written by Fred Ebb and Bob Fosse and directed by Walter Bobbie, it runs April 20 through May 9 at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 800-982-2787 or visit www.broadwayla.org.

“Dreamgirls” tells the rags-to-riches story of a 1960s Motown girl group and the triumphs and tribulations that come with fame and fortune, and features the unforgettable hits “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “One Night Only” and “Listen.” Written by Tom Eyen, it runs April 21 through May 2 at the Segerstrom Hall in the Orange County Performing Arts Center in Costa Mesa. For tickets call 714-556-2787 or visit www.ocpac.org.

So get your easter bonnet, with all the trimmings on it, and go to see a show right now before it’s too late!


HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 49


50 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


SPECIAL EASTER OFFER FROM

Celebrate Easter and decorate your home or office with these colorful flowers!

Either Bouquet is only

19

Supplies are limited. Not valid with any other offer.

$

99 +s/h

Elegant GlassVase Offer ONLY available at

proflowers.com/bunny

Easter Celebration Tulips

or call 1.866.398.9275

100 Blooms of Easter Cheer

Help Protect Yourself With LifeLock. Identity theft is one of the fastest growing crimes in the nation. Over 11 million Americans fell victim to the crime in 2009, at a cost of over $54 billion. (Source: Javelin Strategy & Research. “2010 Identity Fraud Survey Report.” February 2010.)

ictims Over 11 Mefilt liLaostnYV ear. of Identity Th Source: Javelin Strategy &

ENROLL TODAY AND GET:

d Survey Report.” February

Research. “2010 Identity Frau

30 DAY RISK-FREE* TRIAL

2010.

USE PROMO CODE:

LifeLock, the leader in identity theft protection, helps protect your identity – even if your information falls into the wrong hands. As a LifeLock member, if you become a victim of identity theft because of a failure in our service, we’ll help you fix it at our expense, up to $1,000,000. (Restrictions apply. Call for details. Due to New York State law restrictions, the LifeLock $1 Million Total Service Guarantee cannot be offered to the residents of New York.) Call 1-866-856-4691 and use promo code ‘ID’ to try LifeLock risk-free* for 30 days.

ID

CALL NOW: 1-866-856-4691 *At the end of the 30-day free period your card will be billed automatically ($10.00 monthly/$110.00 annually) unless you cancel within the 30-day period. You can cancel anytime without penalty by calling 1-800-LifeLock. Offer is for new LifeLock members only.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 51


ADT Monitored Home Security System With only a $99 Installation Fee and the purchase of a 36-Month Alarm Monitoring Agreement at $35.99 per month.

Terms and conditions below

$

9A9 LLED

INST

Our state-of-the-art system includes:

n Front and Back Doors Protected n Infrared Interior Motion Detector n Digital Keypad for Police, Fire, and Medical Emergency n Interior Siren n Control Panel with Battery Back-up n Lawn Sign and Window Decals Your home security system is monitored by ADT professionals 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. As an added benefit, installing a Security System may qualify you for a Homeowners Insurance discount.

Act Now and Receive a

Wireless Remote Control

$99 Value! To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-10-FL

Act Now and Receive a

Medical & Fire Panic Alert

1-866-858-3189 toll-free

To take advantage of this promotion, you must call no later than 30 days from the postmark of this advertisement. Not valid with any other offers or discounts. Must mention this coupon.

Reservation Code: DF-MBIDS-10-FL

Hours: Mon-Fri 8am-Midnight EST • Sat-Sun 8am-8pm EST $99.00 Customer Installation Charge. 36-Month Monitoring Agreement required at $35.99 per month ($1,295.64). Form of payment must be by credit card or electronic charge to your checking or savings account. Offer applies to homeowners only. Local permit fees may be required. Satisfactory credit history required. Certain restrictions may apply. 3 Day Cancellation Applies. Offer valid for new ADT Authorized Dealer customers only and not on purchases from ADT Security Services, Inc. Other rate plans available. Cannot be combined with any other offer. Licenses: AL-10-1104, AK-35221, AZ-ROC217517, CA-ACO6320, CT-ELC.0193944-L5, DE: 07-212, FL- EC13003401,EC13003427, GA-LVA205395, IA- AC-0036, ID: 39131, IL-127.001042, KY-City of Louisville: 483, LA-F1082, MA: 1355-C, MD:107-1375, MI- 3601205773., MN- TS01807, MO-City of St. Louis CC354, MS-15007958, MT-247,NC- 25310-SP-LV,1622-CSA, NE-14451, NJ- 34BF00021800, NM-353366, NV-68518, City of Las Vegas: B14-00075-6-121756, C1111262-L-121756, NY-Licensed by the N.Y.S. Department of State UID# 12000286451, OH- 53 89 1446, OK-1048, OR- 170997, Pennsylvania Home Improvement Contractor Registration Number: PA22999,RI-3428, SC- BAC 5630, TN- C-1164, C-1520, TX-B13734, UT-6422596-6501, VA-115120, VT-ES-2382 WA- 602 588 694/PROTEYH934RS, WI- City of Milwaukee M-0001599, WV- WV042433, WY-LV-G-21499. For full list of licenses visit our website www.protectyourhome.com. Protect Your Home – 3750 Priority Way South Dr., Ste 200, Indianapolis, IN 46240

SAVE 20% *

ON CUSTOM WINDOW COVERINGS

Schedule Your Free In-Home Design Consultation

Blinds, Shades, Shutters and More.

877-553-1008

*For showroom or in-home design consultation orders, this ad must be presented at the time of purchase. For online orders, enter offer code. Offer valid on 3 Day Blinds brand products only. Offer excludes ViewPointe™ window coverings, product upgrades, installation, sales tax, shipping and handling. Not valid on previous purchase or with any other offer or discount. One purchase per household during this promotion. Offer Code: TGBB Offer Expires: 5/31/10. AZ State Contractor’s License ROC 130652, ROC 130653. CA State Contractor’s License #659590. OR State Contractor’s License #90559. WA State Contractor’s License #THREEDB070K7. © 2010 3 Day Blinds Corporation.

52 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


hannels

BEST OFFER EVER!

Over 120 C

H u n d re d s M o re le ! C h a n n e ls Av a il a b

$400 New Customer Bonus!

1-877-547-1589

The Most HD Available! Over 150 HD Channels!

FREE System with DVR - Up to 6 Rooms

MB74

Digital Home Advantage offer requires 24-month commitment and credit qualification. If service is terminated before the end of commitment, a cancellation fee of $17.50/month remaining will apply. Programming credits will apply during the first 12 months. All equipment is leased and must be returned to DISH Network upon cancellation or unreturned equipment fees apply. Limit 6 leased tuners per account; lease upgrade fees will apply for select receivers; monthly fees may apply based on type and number of receivers. HD programming requires HD television. All prices, packages and programming subject to change without notice. Local channels only available in certain areas. Offer is subject to the terms of applicable Promotional and Residential Customer Agreements. Additional restrictions and fees may apply. First-time DISH Network customers only. Offer ends 5/31/10. HBO/Showtime: Programming credits will apply during the first 3 months. Customer must downgrade or then-current price will apply. HBO® and related channels and service marks are the property of Home Box Office, Inc. SHOWTIME and related marks are trademarks of Showtime Networks Inc., a CBS company. All new customers are subject to a one time S&H fee. Platinum HD is free with qualifying HD add-on packages until 5/31/2010. Breakdown of $400 sign up bonus as follows: 3 Months of movie channels including HBO and Showtime: $86.94 + $15 credit per month for 12 months: $180 (requires qualifying programming, credit amount varies based on selections) + Free DHA-24 Activation $99.00 + 6 months of Digital Home Protection Plan $36 = $401.94

Eat Great, Lose Weight! Victoria lost 75 lbs.*

BEFORE

“I lost the weight and got my life back!”

Rated #1 best-tasting by epicurious.com “Best bang for your buck!” - Redbook FREE online diet tools to boost results FREE unlimited expert support FREE week of delicious meals

Jennifer lost lbs.*

Justin lost lbs.*

BEFORE

BEFORE

20

65

Connie lost lbs.*

136

BEFORE

Call 1-888-436-3805 and get a FREE WEEK of meals plus a BONUS $25 GIFT!

*Victoria lost 75lbs. in 18 mos. using eDiets Glycemic Impact & Meal Delivery Plans. Connie lost 136lbs. in 17 months following the Heart Smart Plan. Jennifer lost 20lbs. in 8 wks. on the Meal Delivery Plan. Justin lost 65lbs. in 21 mos. on the Glycemic Impact Plan. Generally expected weight loss for active eDiets members is 2lbs/wk during the first 5 weeks of the program. Promotional discounts were received. Your 8th week of meals is free after the purchase of 7 weeks of meals. See complete terms and conditions at www.ediets.com. © 2009 eDiets.com, Inc. All rights reserved. epicurious is a trademark of Conde Nast Digital. Redbook is a trademark of Hearst Communication, Inc.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 53


54 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


Aloha, meet 10-yearold Shaun Twiddy from Hawaii

Hair color: black Eye color: brown Height: 4’ 6” Weight: 62 lbs

He is an actor, model, singer, ukulele player, bowler and aspiring director. By the first grade, he had already gotten a role as an extra on “Lost.” Shaun was very curious about how television shows are produced, and how the cameramen and director work.

New Talent

Shaun Twiddy

Shaun’s agent believes Shaun will be the next Ron Howard because of this. He also likes being in front of the camera and meeting new friends.

Cell: (808) 368-7993 jntwiddy@hawaii.rr.com

email: LRUEM@Yahoo.com (310) 836-2446 Beverly Hills (773) 973-1251 Chicago

ADVERTISE WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY! (32 3 ) 9 6 5 - 0 5 5 5 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 55


56 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook
Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.