TOASTING AROUND THE WORLD
DECEMBER 2014
FOR THE NEW YEAR
EMOTIONAL
JUSTICE
FAMILY LAW FIRM PROTECTING THOSE IN NEED!
THE LAW OFFICES OF DONALD P. SCHWEITZER: CASEY MARTICORENA, PARTNER; DON SCHWEITZER, FOUNDING PARTNER; PATRICK BAGHDASERIANS, PARTNER
www.gabrielarigamonti.it 2 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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DECEMBER 2014, VOL. 20
A LETTER FROM
THE EDITOR
Dear Readers: With the holiday season upon us, I wanted to thank each of you for taking time out of your busy lives to read Hollywood Weekly Magazine. Also, feel free to reach out to our advertisers as they are always happy to hear from you. Feel free to let them know that you like their ads by sending an email or connect by using the “like” banner on Facebook or Twitter. Fortunately, today we live in a time where people of good will can find others with similar philosophies by using the Internet. I sincerely appreciate that many of you have chosen Hollywood Weekly as your social media outlet. Together, we truly showcase the “power of the press.” I hope that our publication continues to meet your expectations while discovering interesting articles that you are able to share with your family and friends. In this our December edition, we are pleased to continue our exclusive conversation series by featuring the law offices Donald P. Schweitzer. There’s no feeling on Earth like finding your purpose. It enables you to see the beauty of life – and makes you fight that much harder to protect it. In the case of Atty. Donald P. Schweitzer, his purpose in life is protecting life: specifically the lives of our families. I can think of no higher calling; unlike any other field of law, Family Law directly influence the future of our society because it deals with the psyche of children growing up and the kind of world they’re going to create as a result of decisions made now. This is not a job for the faint of heart... Atty. Schweitzer began his career in law enforcement, and came face to face quite often with a very sad, ugly aspect of our society: domestic violence. He saw the immediate and lasting effects this kind of violence had on children. Initially he wanted to switch careers and become a lawyer to work for the District Attorney and put away the perpetrators of violence against women and go after deadbeat dads who refused to take of their families...but he saw another way. So enjoy this edition and as always, thanks for your support.
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson OPERATIONS Erskine D. McSwain (1991-2000) MANAGING EDITOR Prather Jackson ASISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER Megan Sargent MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem ART DIRECTOR Karina Pacheco
ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart MUSIC EDITOR Dick Michaels LIFE & STYLE EDITOR Niki Shadrow-Snyder
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT Alberto Arellano PRODUCTION MANAGER Hector Santacruz
WEB DESIGNER Alexandra Yachmen GRAPHIC DESIGNER Karina Pacheco CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Mia Grazinsky Dhrumil Desai VP CORPORATE ACCOUNTS STRATEGY & PLANNING Rudy Germany DISTRIBUTORS DOMINION DISTRIBUTION GOLD KEY MEDIA NEWS INFLIGHT, INC
COVER CREDIT: Pacheco KEEP UP WITH HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY AT: www.hollywoodweeklymagazine.com FOLLOW US ON TWITTER: @hollywoodweeklymagazine PHOTO COURTESY OF Karina
P Jackson
PUBLISHER / EDITOR HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 5
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WEEKLY
JIMMY D. ROBINSON ART BROKER
DECEMBER 2014
EMOTIONAL
JUSTICE
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JIMMY D. ROBINSON
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PORTRAIT OF A MODERN DAY
BEAVER’S DEN ANTIQUES ANTIQUES, INC.
20 BARBARA BEAVER-CAVALERI
CELEBRITIES MUST HAVE
22 DREAMHOUSE MBG PREMIER SHOWROOM
A PASADENA LAW FIRM’S VOW TO PROTECT FAMILIES
MICHAEL ARTILES “SOLO” 24 A INSIDE LOOK ON MAYIMBE’S LIFE
MARIA VASCSAK AGENCY 26 WORLDWIDE TALENT MANAGEMENT
BRIDGET JOHN FAITH, 36 WITH AND GOD ON HER SIDE
38 TOASTING AROUND THE WORLD
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IT WAS INEVITABLE FROM THE VERY START THAT THE PASSION FOR PROTECTING FAMILIES WOULD BE TOO MUCH TO TACKLE AS A SOLE PRACTITIONER, SO SCHWEITZER DECIDED TO BUILD A LAW FIRM FROM THE GROUND UP WITH HANDPICKED ASSOCIATES THAT HE WOULD MENTOR TO BECOME COMPASSIONATE, PROTECTIVE, STRATEGIC AND ABOVE ALL, ETHICAL FAMILY LAWYERS.
EMOTIONAL
JUSTICE
A PASADENA LAW FIRM’S VOW TO PROTECT FAMILIES
There’s nothing more rewarding than discovering your purpose. In the case of Don Schweitzer, founding partner and certified family law specialist at the Law Offices of Donald P. Schweitzer, his purpose in life is protecting life: specifically the lives of families, which is no job for the faint of heart. Schweitzer began his career in law enforcement and came face-to-face quite often with a very sad, ugly aspect of our society: domestic violence. He saw the immediate and lasting effects this kind of violence has on families. These experiences prompted him to switch careers and become a criminal attorney goes after deadbeat dads who refuse to take responsibility to in hopes of making a difference. “During my days as a police officer in the 80s, when I would get a call to a domestic violence 8 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
scene, I was trained to ask the perpetrator to cool off at a friend’s house or spend the night in a hotel,” Schweitzer recalls. “Flash forward 30 years later, and I can tell you from experience as a family law practitioner that the penalties for domestic violence these days amount to much greater than a one-night cooling off period, from loss of child custody rights to termination of your job.” When people think of family law the first issue that comes to mind is divorce—splitting up two people who no longer want to be legally bound to each other. But it’s more than that. It’s complex. An experienced family lawyer knows that when you’re dealing with a multi-faceted divorce that includes children, abuse and finances you have to tread very carefully. A criminal charge can lead to loss of a job. Loss of a job can lead to the end of
THE LAW OFFICES OF DONALD P. SCHWEITZER: LUCY VARTANIAN, ASSOCIATE; ALEXANDRA SMYSER, ASSOCIATE; DON SCHWEITZER, FOUNDING PARTNER, CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST; CASEY MARTICORENA, PARTNER; NITASHA KHANNA, ASSOCIATE; DEBORAH SOLEYMANI, ASSOCIATE; PATRICK BAGHDASERIANS, PARTNER, CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT).
financial support from the person who was once the breadwinner. Every move you make has ramifications, and you’re responsibility as a family lawyer is to guide your client to the best possible outcome. Many domestic violence cases happen during a divorce process and Schweitzer has seen this happen to the most unsuspecting client profiles: at all income levels, men and women,
all ethnicities, age groups and religious affiliations. His portfolio of experiences is evidence that domestic violence knows no boundaries, and his partners can attest to this fact. According to Casey Marticorena, partner, most family law attorneys don’t have the expertise to handle domestic violence cases, as it requires both expertise in family law and the penal code, as the definitions of domestic HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 9
violence are different in each court. Marticorena, who also handles many family law domestic violence and child custody cases, says, “People whom you would never expect crack under the emotional pressure, which leads to regrettable circumstances of becoming violent towards the soon-to-be ex-spouse. In situations like these, you owe it to your client to keep your hands in both the family and criminal courts. And we have a unique advantage at our firm as our founding partner has such a criminal law background to do just that.”
THE FIRM’S COMMITMENT TO HELPING FAMILIES BRINGS OUT THEIR BEST STRATEGIC AND COMPETITIVE SPIRITS ALL IN THE NAME OF EMOTIONAL JUSTICE.
“Celebrities and high-level executives have a team covering up their client’s tracks, which in a way justifies the actions; and the wealthy thrive on the power,” adds Patrick Baghdaserians, partner and certified family law specialist, who handles many high-income clients. “Agents, business managers, publicists and personal assistants enable the perpetrator to continue to abuse the victim because if their client is prosecuted, the empire may collapse. Sometimes evidence is swept under the rug and third party witnesses become hard to find. When handling cases like these, you can’t let your client hold back out of fear. You have to be the braveheart for her, roll up your sleeves and get creative to bring forth the truth. You cannot be afraid to go into court and battle for your client, no matter what the odds!” Unlike many other family law attorneys, Schweitzer doesn’t shy away from the issue of domestic violence as he has experience from every legal angle – as a policy officer, a deputy D.A. and as a family law specialist. He’s written articles on the subject for law magazines. He’s discussed it in his blog. He’s appeared on news programs to discuss it, such as CNN, Court TV and Nancy Grace. He’s even taught classes on the subject to other family lawyers. It was inevitable from the very start that this kind of passion for protecting families would be too much to tackle as a sole practitioner, so Schweitzer decided to build a law firm from the ground up with handpicked associates that he would mentor to become compassionate, protective, strategic and above all, ethical family lawyers.
CASEY MARTICORENA, PARTNER; DON SCHWEITZER, FOUNDING PARTNER, CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST; PATRICK BAGHDASERIANS, PARTNER, CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST 10 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Once an attorney is selected to join the firm, there’s an understanding of the level of commitment to (a) the values of the firm, and (b) requirement to do the groundwork to become a certified Family Law specialist. The certification
process forces the attorney to dig deeper into family law, a rigorous process that the firm supports and invests in. Once the associate achieves certification, it is proof and a benefit to the client that the attorney has adhered to higher standards of excellence, experience, and education, and has been acknowledged by the State Bar of California’s Board of Legal Specialization. Don’s practice is also about making a difference and contributing to a better society, so he looks for young superstars that he can mold into that unique combination of family law and criminal defense. Over the last 10 years, Schweitzer has handpicked 6 attorneys out of law school that he has mentored. He is not only teaching his team to be top litigants, he’s teaching them how to serve and protect clients in the best and most ethical way possible. Patrick Baghdaserians and Casey Marticorena are two of these attorneys that have become amazing assets to the practice and were recently made partner. When you meet Baghdaserians and Marticorena it’s obvious they are two very different lawyers who have adapted their own style to embrace Don’s one-two family and criminal law combination to their practice. As a certified family law specialist who handles high-income earners, Baghdaserians is creative, resourceful and energetic, and leaves no stone unturned when handling cases. It’s no wonder why he was selected as a 2014 Super Lawyers Rising Star. Marticorena is strategic, competitive and compassionate when approaching child custody disputes, child/spousal support and domestic violence. She and Don share the same passion and natural instinct to protect clients. Schweitzer and his team encounter people who are going through the worst experiences of
DON SCHWEITZER, FOUNDING PARTNER, CERTIFIED FAMILY LAW SPECIALIST.
their lives. It takes a combination of thick skin and compassion to continue to thrive in the industry of family law. “Our clients are fragile when they come to us, and they’re looking for somebody who’s going to carry them through,” Schweitzer says. “Being the person who can help requires somebody who’s compassionate. It’s no different to me than when I was a police officer or deputy D.A. We have people’s lives in our hands, and we have an ethical duty to take care of them.” The merits of Family Law are personal to these attorneys. The firm’s commitment to helping families brings out their best strategic and competitive spirit all in the name of emotional justice. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 11
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Katie Hawkes 858-922-2226 khawkes@bhhscal.com | www.katiesells.com Rancho Santa Fe Properties, A Division of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
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Available Colors:
BEAVER’S DEN ANTIQUES, INC.
BARBARA BEAVER-CAVALERI 1. PLEASE BRIEFLY TELL ME ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR BUSINESS. I UNDERSTAND THAT YOU HAVE BEEN IN BUSINESS SINCE 1967. R: I am a California native, born in Hollywood! I guess you can also call me a “Valley Girl” since I have lived in the San Fernando Valley for all of my life! I am a college graduate of CSUN with a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre Arts with an emphasis in Costume Design. After graduation, I worked in the Studios, various costume houses and along with my husband, Talent Agent Ray Cavaleri, in our Equity Waiver Theatre Company, The Camille Ensemble for several years. When I decided to leave the Local 705 and concentrate on raising our family, I began working in the 1980’s alongside my mom, Sandra Beaver, who began Beaver’s Den in 1967 as a small business. When my twin sister, Ellen and I were old enough to be more independent of our Mom and Dad’s watchful eye, she opened this little business because their garage got too full of all the beautiful, “old” things shecollected! So, when there were almost no stores like Beaver’s Den around and the interest in “old” things started to take off in the 1960’s, Beaver’s Den opened in Sherman Oaks on Ventura Boulevard. As a young girl, I remember helping my mom after school and on weekends with the dusting and arranging of our wares. It was there I gained the passion and knowledge of “old” things. There we stayed until 1973 and then moved to Tarzana on Ventura Boulevard. In addition to furniture, decorative tabletop, home and personal accessories, we started to
SILVER HANDLE KEY RINGS OR PET ID TAGS CREATED FROM VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE FLATWARE PATTERNS.
SILVER HANDLE BLUSH BRUSHES CREATED FROM VINTAGE AND ANTIQUE FLATWARE PATTERNS. 20 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
specialize in silver. This included holloware as well as flatware. With great sadness and way too young, my mom passed away in 1997. In 2000, the store incorporated as Beaver’s Den Antiques under the watchful eye of myself and my sister. In 2006, she resigned and I have continued the passion and learning in this field. In 2013, I decided to close the “Brick and Mortar” store. Currently, I have discovered a new way of doing business as a “Pop-Up Trunk Show” at various locations. For over 47 years, we have met a tremendous amount of wonderful, interesting, customers from the local area as well as from around the world who have enjoyed shopping at Beaver’s Den Antiques with the knowledge that I will do the utmost I can to proudly serve my customers. I love to add new people to my email list to let them know where I can be found and I can send photos of specific requests of things one may be looking for. 2. YOU HAVE A NUMBER OF ANTIQUE ITEMS THAT ARE GENUINE SILVER. TELL OUR READERS ABOUT YOUR SELECTION OF ANTIQUE SILVER ITEMS. R: Because I am limited in my displays of my inventory and their “portablility”, the majority of the items are silver plate flatware, some sterling silver flatware, a bit of china and a little affordable jewelry. 3. THERE IS A LOT OF HISTORY ASSOCIATED WITH THE ITEMS THAT YOU CARRY. ARE MANY OF THESE ANTIQUES FROM YOUR PERSONAL COLLECTION? R: No, nothing is from my personal collection. Each item, whether it be a spoon, a cup and saucer or a lovely little brooch, have with it a story. The items have a past and with it a memory. Think of the delicious meals that were enjoyed with and the family history that accompany each item. In today’s mass produced and foreign places of industry, my inventory is mostly American made. There was a pride, love and creative force in their design of yesteryear. It is my hope that
the youth of today learn to appreciate this. Additionally, not be afraid to “save” these things and to use these things to create their own unique style. Learn that “these things are more than just things”. They will also be appreciated as gifts way beyond a gift of a bottle of wine or a bouquet of flowers because they are lasting and come with the memory of the gift giver. Yes, the dishwasher is my friend too! 4. IT STATES ON YOUR BUSINESS CARD THAT YOU SPECIALIZE IN SILVER PATTERN MATCHING. WHAT IS SILVER PATTERN MATCHING? R: Silver Pattern Matching is a term used to add to one’s collection of a particular flatware pattern. However, way before Martha Stewart, we have always encouraged “mixing and matching” patterns. Nothing has to be the same! There are way too many beautiful patterns that can compliment each other, and, at the same time, create a unique personal style. This also encompasses china (dishes), crystal (glassware) and home décor. 5. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF YOUR COMPANY’S NAME? The origin of the name Beaver’s Den Antiques comes from my family’s last name, Beaver. Of course, growing up as “Barbara Beaver” had it’s issues! 6. YOU HAVE A BEAUTIFUL SELECTION OF ITEMS THAT YOU CARRY. BASED UPON THE ITEMS THAT YOU RECENTLY BROUGHT-IN FOR THE PHOTO SHOOT, PLEASE DESCRIBE EACH ITEM THAT ARE YOUR FAVORITES. R: I chose the variety of patterns to showcase a variety of designs that have been produced. This is just a minute selection that range from the late 19th century to mid 20th century. One can see the differences in the ornate patterns of the Victorian era (late 19th century), the flowing lines of the Art Nouveau era (1900 - 1912), the angular lines of the Art Deco era (circa 1915’s) and then into the mid-century era (1950’s) of a cleaner and sleeker look. I have always loved and collected the Victorian and Art Nouveau era.
CALL OR VISIT US ON THE WEB
(818) 881-0690 www.beaversdenantiques.com beaversdenantiques@hotmail.com
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Sólo MICHAEL ARTILES
Michael Artiles born on January 25, 1991 in New York City and raised in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. He is a director & producer, known for Nothing to Something (2012). Michael Artiles has been on the front line with his immaculate, educative short movies. His short film Nothing to Something has received a number of positive reviews for its creativity and not leaving out the majestic nature of education it passes to its viewers. Michael has always taken interest in learning more about filming art. He strives to achieve the best out of what he does, with an attitude of never tolerating failure. If failure catches him, he still has the desire to get back on his feet and fight for his ambition.
SÓLO (2013)
SYNOPSIS A inside look on ‘Mayimbe’s’ life in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Mayimbe, a self-given name has gained his popularity by word of mouth, for being a hard-worker, and having ‘a lot of money’. Living a life that is no longer comfortable Mayimbe is on the edge and realizes that drugs have been constantly deteriorating his life. Mayimbe has a chance to change his habits and live a better life, but it is up to him to decide.
SWEDEN
MARIA Vascsak Agency WORLDWIDE TALENT MANAGEMENT
Maria Vascsak is a Talent Manager and founder of Maria Vascsak Agency -Talent Management Worldwide. An International and Bicoastal Agency based in Stockholm, Sweden. Working closely with the Entertainment Industry for several years and with an experienced business background Maria Vascsak, in the fall of 2012, was approached by Actor and Script consultant Said William Legue and asked to represent him. As a result Maria Vascsak Agency was founded. With a BSBA from International University of Monaco, IUM, and earned diploma in 1995, majoring in Marketing, Management, Finance and Accounting and with more than 14 years in different managerial positions and areas gives Maria a solid and profound base. Maria has years of experience of comprehensive consulting and negotiations, building trust and long-time relationship. All within the areas that The Agency provides e.g. Marketing, Communication, PR, Brand Awareness / Building, Legal. This background and experience gives her great knowledge and understanding in representing her clients in the best possible way and create long term added value, economic and financial security. In addition, her international background living, studying and working abroad has given her profound experience from international environments as well taught her to collaborate with people from other cul-
tures and backgrounds and last but not least resulted in a great network nationally and internationally. Maria Vascsak Agency is an International and Bicoastal full-service Talent Management Company professionally engaged in advising and counselling talents in every aspects of the Entertainment and Literary industry. The Agency provides professional representation to a select roster of Actors, Directors, Producers, Writers and Authors. The Agency operations relate to, through comprehensive consulting and marketing, creating economic value for their Clients. The Agency has developed specialized expertise in areas such as contract We continuously search for opportunities for our clients on an international scale and with focus on the American market
Maria Vascsak Agency - Sveav채gen 83B - 113 50 - Stockholm Sweden www.mariavascsakagency.com 26 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
PHOTOS: FRANK.S.ROSENQVIST
MARIA VASCSAK
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MARIA VASCSAK Talent Manager Maria Vascsak Agency Phone: +46 739 10 59 02 maria@vascsak.com www.mariavascsakagency.com PHOTO: FRANK.S.ROSENQVIST
tigious and international background, all bilingual. The Agency presently represents a handful of clients in EuOUR FLEXIBILITY, STRONG COMMITMENT AND rope and USA. DEDICATION TO ALL OF OUR CLIENTS THAT As we believe that the best result is reached when you together with your client find your way forward tailorWE REPRESENT. OUR GOAL IS TO CONTINUE made we offer high quality services and are certain TO STICK TO OUR CORE VALUES AND GROW to promote each of our client’s uniqueness in a perBY BRINGING IN TALENTS WITH DIVERSITY sonalized manner. Our approach is therefore to work close and personalized with our clients in every facet AND FIND THE RIGHT MATCH, CREATE A of their career and act in conjunction with our client’s PLATFORM FOR THEM TO MEET AND INTERACT agents, publicists, attorneys and all others in order for IN ORDER FOR THEM TO FIND NEW WAYS AND their clients to reach and achieve their goals and also to create long term added value and financial security POSSIBILITIES AND CO-CREATE. for their clients. We support clients in navigating the industry through or knowledge and background as negotiation, public relations, information / communicawell as our relationship in the field. tion, promotion and sponsorship. Beside this, The Agency, Our success and uniqueness is due to our flexibility, strong through an established network of specialist also add sercommitment and dedication to all of our clients that we vices in form of qualified international advisory services in represent. Our goal is to continue to stick to our core valareas such as tax matters, asset management, insurance and ues and grow by bringing in talents with diversity and find business law. the right match, create a platform for them to meet and interact in order for them to find new ways and possibiliBeing a Boutique Agency our client list is short and selected ties and co-create. thoroughly in order for us to be able to be committed to our We continuously search for opportunities for our clients goal of developing high quality talents. Our clear approach on an international scale and with focus on the American in a flexible, close and personal relationship when working market. They all have a prestigious and international backwith our talents allow us to give our clients a tailored handsground, all bilingual giving them great advantage to succeed on guidance. Clients that the Agency represents have a presin an international environment. OUR SUCCESS AND UNIQUENESS IS DUE TO
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ACTOR SCRIPT CONSULTANT
Said William Legue Said William Legue, born in Sweden with Moroccan heritage, a former high profile soccer player who by an incident “slipped” into an acting career. Since his first appearance on screen in 2003 his versatility has been evidenced by the varied of films and roles he has undertaken, in e.g. “Kniven i Hjärtat”, “The Tunnel” (Bron), “Hamilton 2”, “The Fat & The Angry” (Ettor och Nollor). His mixed background as well as mastering Arabic, French, Swedish and English enables him to take on a vast variety of roles. Said has featured in over 14 feature films, a handful of short films and 3 larger theatre sets. The passion Said has for film and theatre is shown in his role interpretations and also his work on the side as a script consultant. His stories has influenced script writers as well as directors and has been shown when working as a script consultant for, e.g in the Swedish TV series “Kniven i Hjärtat” directed by Agneta Fagerström as well as for the Swedish TV production “Ettor och After a great career in Europe with a strong resume AND his extraordinary charisma, appearance and diversity he is more than ready to take on the USA
FACT: Ht: 6’1” Eyes: Brown Hair: Dark Brown Languages: Swedish, English, French, Arabic Location: Stockholm, Sweden Willing to travel / move Web page: www.saidlegue.com Photo: Ted Olsson
Nollor” / The Fat and The Angry written by Oskar Söderlun and directed by Johan Renck where Said also landed one of the leading roles. “Ettor och Nollor” / The Fat and The Angry won Silver at the TV gala in Seoul, South Korea. During spring Said featured in two short films, Malik directed by Ömer Dogan, where Said played Samir a criminal gangster and Vaskduellen produced by Crazy Pictures AB where Said featured as President Barack Obama. Said is at the side of his acting very active within FC Ibra, a team in the sport of futsal indoor soccer. A team he is also co-founder of. FC Ibra is an association that aims to inspire, motivate and develop kids and teenagers in Sweden. One important name for FC Ibra is Zlatan Ibrahimovic who lent his name to the association and also supports it. Said is not only active on the field but also off as he continuously visit schools and meet youngsters to spread hope and dreams. Said is for many youngsters a role model and give the hope that anything is possible if you just believe in yourself. With his pride and passion both for his career and countries Said is deeply involved as an ambassador representing both Sweden and Morocco and travels frequently around the world doing so. After a great career in Europe with a strong resume AND his extraordinary charisma, appearance and diversity he is more than ready to take on the USA. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 29
DIRECTOR
Markus Stromqvist Markus has dedicated his life to film, showing off his 8 millimeter shorts to the class as early as in fifth grade. After five years as a promotions producer and director at Kanal 5, one of Swedens first commercial TV-stations, Markus decided to build on his experience of working fast and cost-effective and started his own company Film Fatale in 1999. Film Fatale has since then served as a vehicle for his commercials, documentaries, industrials, short films and other productions. With a truly wide experience ranging from professional 16 and 35mm cinematography to Avid editing and post production, Markus is nowadays confident in focusing on getting the best possible performance from his actors. Markus Strömqvist is currently in development of two TV-series. Features are the next step.
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Fact: Languages: Swedish, English Location: Stockholm, Sweden Web page: www.filmfatale.com Photo: G. Ström
TRIVIA • Markus Strömqvist is an approved voiceover artist for Dreamworks Animation and has produced (as well as provided the voiceover to) trailers and TV-spots for Madagascar, Shrek and Over the Hedge. • Fellow director Anders Rune’s first feature, “Aerobics”, produced by Markus Strömqvist, was awarded “1st Place Grand Jury Winner U. S. International Award Best Dramatic Feature” in Orlando Urban Film Festival 2014.
ACTOR
Nicolas Fagerberg Actor Nicolas Fagerberg was born in southern Sweden. Hi his love for acting began as a child when he would re-enact films with his siblings. His favourite role.... Simba from The Lion King. Fast forward until 2012 when he travelled far and wide, ending up in the land of America and subsequently graduating from the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in 2013. Since washing ashore on the sandy beaches of California, Nicolas has been in a myriad of plays including “Terra Nova” in which he shined as the legendary Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen, as well as a world premiere of “The Relationship Play” for the 2012 Fringe Festival. Since embarking on his film career in 2013, he has been in over seven short films, two television pilots and a web series. One of his firs on-screen performances as Dr. William Wanger for the short comedy film “The Wanger Files” produced by television writers Terri Treas and Michael Zand. Nicolas also starred as Tom Baxer in the comedy “To Be Delivered” directed by Pierre Amstutz Roch. Thus far it has been selected for the California International Film
Fact: Ht: 6’21/2” Eyes: Blue Hair: Blond Languages: Swedish, English and French SAG Eligible Location: Los Angeles, USA and Sweden / Willing to travel Web page:
Festival, California Independent Film Festival, Off Courts in Trouville, Canada, Fenêtre Sur www.nicolasfagerberg.com Courts Festival in Dijon, Photo : France and Festival Charlotte Nobel Européen du Film Court in Brest, France. At Los Angeles Movie award in September it won “Best International Film”. Shortly thereafter, Nicolas went on to land the lead role of depressed alcoholic writer Jack Perdu in the 2014 Bare Bones Film Festival nominated for best dramatic short, “Sad Writers” written and directed by Ryland Swartz. Nicolas’ wide acting range and trilinguist ability (English, Swedish and French) has allowed him to be cast as a variety of fascinating characters. Nicolas is also a prolific musician and songwriter and grew up playing in several multi-genre bands. Nicolas has a very close working relationship with his acting coaches Sharon Chatten, Peter Budevski and Michele Gossett. Not knowing where his next role might take him, he´s enjoying the challenges life’s throwing at him. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 31
ACTRESS
Elise Rovinsky After spending her first years in Austin, Texas (USA) Elise moved to Sweden with her family where she was actually born. There she spent a lot of time being miserable in school and wanting something different, something more interesting to happen. In order to make that something interesting to happen, she used to take it up on herself, every Friday afternoon, to make up some kind of performance for the other kids in her class. Sometimes her seemingly never ending improvisational plays would spill over into the halls where rest of the school would have a look-see. After high school she attended the University of Gothenburg. She was given the opportunity to move to New York City (USA) and shortly after was accepted into the Stella Adler Conservatory of Acting, one of the most prestigious and well respected acting schools in the county, where she completed their Graduate program.
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Fact: Ht: 5´4” Eyes: Brown Languages: English, Swedish SAG Eligible Location: New York, USA Willing to travel Web page: www.eliserovinsky.com Photo: Jeffrey Mosier
Since graduating Elise has done all kinds of theatre, film and print work in New York City (USA). One of the features recently shot in Arkansas, “Come Morning”, premiered at the Austin Film Festival and now has distribution. Being bilingual, thanks to having one parent of each, she has been able to work in Sweden as well. A short Elise shot in Sweden called “Vila” (Rest) played on American TV. It is a black ad white thriller set in the Swedish countryside. Elise is also a core member of the NYC based sketch comedy group The Shorts Show. Recent stage work includes “The Tender Trap” which garnered her several wonderful reviews and an off-Broadway staged reading of “Women and War”. Elise Rovinsky lives in New York but travels to Sweden quite a bit to visit family and to work. TRIVIA • Grand niece of writer/producer Michael “Mickey” Ross. Known for All in the Family, Three’s Company and the Jeffersons.
AUTHOR
Nina Larsdotter Nina Larsdotter a former teacher who became a crime author. She is presently working on her second book, “I lagens mening oskyldig” in the series. Writer, publisher, entrepreneur Nina once read that the difference between a dream and a goal in life is a deadline. Perhaps she took the quote literally since her writing deals with the line between good and bad, life and death. Whenever Nina is asked why she started to write, she always laughs. She can´t remember a life without a pen, and later on a laptop, nearby. But, she often emphasizes, there is more to writing a book than having a pen and an idea. You have to see it through. And that she does. She is a very determined woman. Nina never once hesitated when she had written her first novel to publish it herself. In 2013 she founded a new independent publishing house, “LITET förlag”. Her belief was, and remains, that there are several stories that never reach out, not only referring to her own book. Since the fall of 2013 she has published seven other writers and has just signed with two more. Besides all this she is also a publisher of Audio books from writers as John Steinbeck, Alister MacLean, Oscar Wild, Erica Jong and Jack London. After having laid the foundation in Sweden, Nina now is ready to take on the rest of the world with her writing.
The first crime novel Nina’s debut is the first in a series about guilt, a story that came out of her first writing assignment at “Ordfront “, a course in “writing crime”. There they were asked to choose a crime and write a scene – out of any perspective. Nina’s choice was the Stureby murder. A fifteen year old boy murdered a a fifteen year old girl, because of a kiss. In all newspapers that summer of 2009, an image was created where jealousy obscured the view of love and betrayal which was compensated with murder. Nina chose to write it from the boy’s perspective. How she imagined it could have been. Neither now or then did she, however, claim that her story was their story. But it is inspired by it among other things. Scandinavian Crime with a twist Also being a dedicated sports fan, Nina is now planning to bring this into her writing. So, after her first two books she has decided to take a new twist into the already famous genre of Scandinavian Crime. She is planning for a new series of Sports Crime. The first book in that series is planned to be published next fall/winter (2015). Children’s writer As a former teacher - and a parent – She feels passionate about children’s and young people’s reading. So alongside her Crime Novels she also plans to write for children. Find collaborations with others who, like her, want more children and young people to read, be read to, and continue to read themselves. After having laid the foundation in Sweden, Nina now is ready to take on the rest of the world with her writing.
Fact: Language: Swedish and English Location: Stockholm, Sweden / willing to travel Web page: www. ninalarsdotter.se Foto : Robin Berglund
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NIGERIA
Bridget John
WITH FAITH, AND GOD ON HER SIDE Many have the misconception that Bridget John is a ‘new kid on the block’ following her recent award winning sprees and her wave making film, Adora which has placed her among the league of great actors. The truth is that, this dexterous actor has been around for a while and has paid her dues. Garnering these prestigious awards is just a validation of her persistent and focused drive towards attaining the current status which she has rightly earned. Acting for John is inborn. Growing up as a child in Nigeria, West Africa, she had always loved acting with her siblings, constantly playing ‘pretend-house’ and acting out scenes on their own based on their little imaginary world. Little did she know that the imaginary world would become a path to her success in the real world. In college, Bridget took 3 years of drama classes and was involved in various productions. Her pluralistic tendencies and love for creativity drew her into the world of fashion designing. Having run a successful fashion designing business for 14 years she decided, barely 7 years ago, to re-channel her career path in order to fulfill her dream of becoming a professional actor. As Bridget John acknowledges, talent and looks just were not enough to get her to where she wanted to be as an actor so she made the wise decision of honing her God-given skills professionally. John began attending Professional Actors Studio, under the tutorship of Nick Conti and, moved on to training with Hollywood’s acting coach, Jamie Morgan Brown. The quest for more landed her at the University of North Georgia to pursue a degree in Theater Arts and becoming part of the GTA (Georgia Theatre Alliance) family. The journey has not all been without setbacks. However, knowing what she wanted and, more importantly, how to get it are what set her apart from some of her peers. She says, “Acting is fun but also hard work. According to Sanford Meisner, acting is “Living truthfully under imaginary circumstances”. The multiple award winning actor admits that she derives fun being someone else while it is required and is able to be come back to being herself when alI is done. 36 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
ACTING IS FUN BUT ALSO HARD WORK
According to Bridget, it is being ‘bi-polar.’ Nonetheless, this process, she states, helps her appreciate life the more, even though it takes a lot out of her. But, it’s worth it. It is important to note here that, one of this gifted artiste’s strongest selling points is her ability to know when to express emotions rather than being emotional. She is very emotionally available on any set. Having worked in various capacities from actor, production manager, to producer in both Nollywood and independent movies, Bridget felt she was not getting the gratification desired. This hunger led her to plunging herself into produc-
ing her own film. Soon as she was able to save up enough funds, she decided to produce her own film where she could showcase her talent; and she did. She was investing in herself. With faith, and God on her side, Adora was produced with the help of her friend and mentor, Austeen Eboka, a Nollywood Veteran and a certified Hollywood director. Both their experience and artistry put Adora in the league of Award winning films. In May of 2014, Bridget John won the award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role in a stage performance at the Festival of Arts and Cultural Exposition/FACE Awards in Atlanta Georgia. Unknowingly, this was just the beginning. When Adora was nominated for 5 Awards at the African Oscars, little did she know that her film would win the Award for Best Film in the Diaspora. Another feather was added to this actor’s hat when she won the Award for Best Actress at the Hollywood Weekly Film Festival. These prestigious awards were bestowed upon her amongst other Hollywood greats and with such profound honor. “Winning these awards have raised the bar for me and placed the stakes much higher”, Bridget enthused. The humble Bridget expressed that she feels honored as this is a sign of better things to come. Achieving these feats only gives credence to the fact that hard work really pays off, a testament to the truth that investing in oneself ultimately yields good fruits. Adora has definitely opened the door for Bridget to showcase her acting prowess. Furthermore, John has been casted in a Nollywood film being produced and directed by one of Nollywood’s finest producers/directors, Ralph Nwadike. She offers her willingness to work with other great Hollywood actors and directors. Bridget John is an Ambassador for the Greater Tomorrow Children’s Fund, a non-profit organization that caters to the educational needs of the less privileged children here in the United States and in Nigeria. She mentors upcoming actors, encouraging and pointing them in the right direction on how to make the best of one’s talents. She also advices that, “Being a minority or having an accent should not be a hindrance to your success; instead it makes you unique. Take that uniqueness as an advantage. In life, people play god over your life. They tell you how you can’t be who you want to be, or that you are wasting your time. Many others think you have to compromise your ethics and ideals; I disagree. Rather, work hard and believe in yourself. Follow the path of those who have succeeded and with God you shall surely succeed.” Currently, Bridget John is working on a reality TV show, “The Nigerian House Wives of Atlanta” which focuses on how she succeeds in her career, business and being a mother to two wonderful children. It will be airing soon in Nigeria.
As Bridget John acknowledges, talent and looks just were not enough to get her to where she wanted to be as an actor so she made the wise decision of honing her God-given skills professionally HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY 37
ACME HOSPITALITY GROUP STRADDLES NEW YEAR’S EVE WITH ARISTOCRATS & ALLEY CATS IN DOWNTOWN LA LOS ANGELES- Fun fact: for each reveler raising a glass of champagne in a sequin dress, there’s another that prefers to toss back flutes of Miller High Life in shredded jeans. On December 31st, ACME Hospitality Group is a bar family divided into Aristocrats & Alley Cats for its New Year’s Eve celebration in Downtown LA. The sophisticates will class up the Financial District in spectacular fashion at Sixth Street Tavern and Library Bar with Perrier-Jouet champagne and sparkling bar-banter. A few blocks east in the Historic Core, the misfits will rally to Beelman’s Pub, Spring St. Bar, and King Eddy Saloon to cheers with “the champagne of beers” and bring down the neighborhood. Aside from being the largest no-cover NYE bar-banger in Los Angeles, Aristocrats & Alley Cats is the only party that begins in Sweden and ends in Alaska. From 3:00pm - 1:00am PST, downtown’s dashing and derelict will toast the New Year in seven countries as midnight makes its revolution. Don’t miss this spirited opportunity to raise Jameson Black Barrel with the Irish, white whiskey with Greenlanders, or cachaça with Brazilians. Whatever the allegiance or attire, all bars are open to everyone and exist within a few downtown blocks of each other. Aristocrats & Alley Cats are encouraged to roam and see how the other half parties NO RSVP REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE ARISTOCRATS & ALLEY CATS EVENTBRITE SITE.
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TOASTING AROUND THE WORLD: 3:00 pm Sweden - Spring St. Bar toasts Abosolut Vodka 4:00 pm Ireland - Beelman’s Pub toasts Jameson Black Barrel 5:00 pm Greenland - Sixth Street Tavern toasts Slow Hand White Whiskey
6:00 pm International Waters - Library Bar toasts Bacardi Cuba Libres
7:00 pm Argentina - Spring St. Bar toasts Campari 8:00 pm Brazil - Beelman’s Pub toasts Avua Cachaca 9:00 pm New York - King Eddy Saloon toasts Wild Turkey 10:00 pm Mexico - Library Bar toasts Altos Tequila 11:00 pm Denver - Sixth Street Tavern toasts Epic Brewery 12:00 am Los Angeles - Spring St. Bar, Beelman’s Pub and King Eddy Saloon toast Miller High Life
12:00 am Los Angeles - Sixth Street Tavern and Library Bar toast Champagne
1:00 am Alaska - King Eddy Saloon toasts Benesin Mezcal
ARISTOCRATS AND ALLEY CATS NEW YEARS EVE BAR CRAWL - LA’S LARGEST, CASUAL, NO COVER NEW YEARS PARTY ACME HOSPITALITY GROUP
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2014 AT 3:00 PM - THURSDAY, JANUARY 1, 2015 AT 1:30 AM (PST) LOS ANGELES, CA NO RSVP REQUIRED. FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT THE ARISTOCRATS & ALLEY CATS EVENTBRITE SITE.