The National Entertainment Networking Publication ®
February 2019
®
VISITING
MILLENNIAL ARTIST SIMO LIU FAITH IN FILM BREAKFAST CLUB EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF
Jeffery Patterson & Once Upon a Dream Productions
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
This day has been 20 years in the making. We are a National Publication! Thank you to all of our current readers for your support -- YOU are responsible for our expansion. Welcome to ALL of our new readers across the country. Hollywood Weekly Magazine is a Publication committed to networking our readers to their interests in the entertainment industry -- and connecting the entertainment industry to our readers. We are now in 622 Barnes & Noble stores in the United States. Every major city in AmDe networking begin! Our February Cover, Filmmaker Jeffery Patterson, Founder of "Once Upon A Dream Productions," absolutely sets the tone for our first National issue. An Actor, Writer, Director, Producer and true storyteller. Jeffery Patterson, together with his multitalented twin daughters, Madeline Paige Patterson and Autumn Patterson (who own their own Production Company, "Take Two Productions"), are making m o v i e s that embrace the kind of family values we all yearn for. Now, if you've finally made your movie and you're looking for a buyer, or you've got a film budget but you need financing, you'll want to read our recap of the recent American Film Market event that took place in Santa Monica, California. "Event" is the operative word. 7,000 attendees. 400 films screened. Filmmakers and entertainment industry professionals go to this event for one purpose: to make deals. Our article on "The Rise of Faith in Film" illustrates the beautiful diversity of stories and talent in the film industry -- and acceptance. On a similar theme, Janel Parrish of "Pretty Little Liars" discusses the powerful message in her new film "Tiger," which also deals with cultural acceptance and tolerance. Our new Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, is showing how positive social change can be made on a grassroots level by simply interacting with people hungry for human connection and empathy. Catriona Gray is going to make a difference in this Universe. We're proud to share her story. Our entire staff at Hollywood Weekly Magazine wish all of you a healthy, happy and prosperous 2019. Thank you for joining us on our National Journey.
By Anthony Ewart, Associate Editor
On The Cover
® December 2018
VISITING
2018
HOLLYWOOD ICONS ROY CLARK FAITH IN FILM BREAKFAST CLUB EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS
Jeffery Patterson & Once Upon a Dream Productions
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Recap
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The Faith In Film Breakfast Club The Rise of Faith In Film
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2018 Miss Universe A celebration of the Sacred Feminine
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Multitasking Dreams
American Film Market
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Janel Parrish
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Jeffery Patterson
Jeffery Patterson Multitasking Dreams By Claire Malloy 4 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
A
few years ago I came across a narration of a holiday story titled “The Train.” I stumbled upon it one evening by accident, idly scrolling through social media, when I came across the image of a crackling fireplace and a man with bright blue eyes. His voice, I would soon discover, seemed most at home next to a campfire and as I clicked the link I quickly became completely transfixed. I found myself transported to the holidays and the crisp, cold weather the perfectly-sweetened-with-Southern voice described. The reader, I discovered, was Jeffery Patterson. So when I got the call to do an interview with a Mr. Jeffery Patterson I booked his first availability. I was to meet Jeffery at his home in Beverly Hills. By his address alone, you would expect Patterson to live in a perfectly curated designer home with an on-call interior decorator and a full house staff. His home, on Oak Pass Road, is within an exclusive gated neighborhood surrounded by Bentleys and Rolls Royces whose owners are some of the most well-known celebrities in Hollywood.
"Weʼre going to call Jeffery - eclectic"
I entered the first gate of the street, passing guard shacks and then the enormous inaccessible homes of the likes of Jessica Alba, Jon Voight, Channing Tatum, Demi Moore and the late Carrie Fisher. It would almost seem a minimum of blockbuster credits would be listed as a contingency clause to buy on the street. Passing many-a six digit priced automobile, Patterson’s choice of vehicle poses a whimsical surprise. Right in his driveway, mirroring a Rolls-Royce Phantom, rests a blacked-out Hummer H2 sitting atop 4 wheels that each compare to the size of a small 4 seater sedan. Taking a second glance at the address, I find that this is indeed, the place. Climbing several steps to the security gate of the house I am buzzed through to an additional flight of stairs before reaching the front door. The door is quick to open and Patterson, himself appears. Giving a large smile, his voice bellows through the house as he spins ripped up jeans and cowboy boots around and down the hallway. It is very clear to see that all of the furnishings in his home are according to his taste, and his taste only. Numerous hats of trailblazing eras litter a rack in the hall and just off the foyer is Patterson’s home office. Soaring ceilings, a wall to wall book case filled with trophies and awards and books from filmmaking to philosophy and religion, and a faint smell of cigars
Jeffery, Madeline Paige, Becky Kilmer, Tommy Kilmer, Autumn and Mara
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
Jeffery Patterson with Daughter Isabella Patterson
“We don’t really have many meals inside here,” he says motioning to the dining area. “We normally just eat in the kitchen or out on the deck but its been a good place to talk.” Outside the dining room is a large outdoor space containing a pool table, foosball table and a grill with a long dining table and fire pits. Opposite the dining area is the screening room. At the push of a button, a projector screen lowers that covers the entire wall in an instant theater. The space would make an incredible movie night spot, however Patterson’s purpose is much more pragmatic. He explains, “We do some of the post production work for our films in Vancouver. So to cut down my having to fly back and forth as often, we designed this room to screen our films to check color and sound. Although we have hosted a few dinner and movie nights here and there.”
make up the space. His desk is backed by a couple of unique club chairs, the surface completely engulfed by scripts and business plans. We walk through a hallway and into a large kitchen, with a wall of windows overlooking an enormous pool and some of the most expensive real estate in the country. He begins making us some coffee, confessing there probably aren’t two cups that match in the whole house, and definitely not any matching silverware but maybe a plate or two. In true routine, he pours two large mismatching cups of coffee and quickly turns and leads into the dining room. “We’re going to call Jeffery - eclectic,” a close friend of Patterson tells me. Another eclectic space, the dining room is filled with large rough-hewn wood seats with carved arms depicting horses, a rustic coffee table and large potted plants. Artwork by his daughters, and family photographs decorate all the walls of the room. “There are no Renoirs but there are Paiges and Autumns.” he says proudly, smiling at the paintings by his daughters. 6 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
He points to one of the wood chairs and tells the story of how he purchased it at Bob Hope’s estate, kick-starting his diverse motif he reveals he is well aware of. “Yeah we’re in Beverly Hills but I’m still just a good old boy,” he says, assuring me he is a Real Beverly Hillbilly. Jeffery Patterson is innately and to his core, the mythical cowboy Hollywood has long sought out. Lucky for them, he’s appeared all on his own. With Patterson you get the feeling there is not just a story, but stories. Patterson has the look and feel of a modern day Wild West warrior that many a boot-wearing, bearded hipster attempts to emulate – while unfortunately being impossible to mimic. To put it simply, he just is that cool. In fact at first glance, Jeffery Patterson simply appears to be forged in effortless success. Born and raised on an Alabama dairy farm, his apparent Midas touch seems to emanate from living many lives in one. As a young man Patterson traveled across various states and cultures, finding success in many avenues including working as a stock broker, an investment banker and then owning a successful real estate firm before trying his hand at Hollywood. Not
to mention his brief stint in politics when he ran for a seat in the House of Representatives – twice. Rooted in hard work and an unwavering artistic integrity he gives anyone who says “you can take a man out of the small town but you can’t take the small town out of the man” a run for their money.
Jeffery Patterson Taking the top two awards at International Family Film Festival for both "Finding Harmony" and "Hot Bath an a Stiff Drink"
Patterson initially scoped out the Hollywood scene in the early 1990’s, sizing up the city that would eventually become his home, however returned to the South to start a family. “My favorite role – my most important role is Dad. I’m a family guy.” The most important thing to Patterson is being a father to his four daughters, “I am super, super proud of them.” And with good reason. His oldest daughter, Mara Jesse owns her own marketing company. His younger daughters, identical twins Autumn and Madeline Paige, own their own production company Take 2 Productions and his youngest daughter Isabella Grace is a great student and a varsity cheerleader in her sophomore year of high school. Patterson officially moved to Los Angeles in 2008, ready to break into the entertainment scene. “Now let me tell you what I got myself into.” He says at this point, taking the last sip of his coffee. It’s clear he is looking for another cup. Beginning the way most actors do, Patterson went out for roles in short films and anything he could get his hands on, finding rejection to be an unfortunately close follower to the life of an actor. However, sitting back and waiting for something to happen is not a characteristic he possesses. He found a job working for a small production company and learned the business of the industry from the inside out. In typical ritual of the Old West, Patterson likes to call his own shots so it was only natural that Patterson take the reins on every aspect of filmmaking he could get his hands on. Not long after his move to Los Angeles, he launched his own company Once Upon a Dream Productions. The first film Patterson produced is the family forward multi-generational southern drama, Finding Harmony, starring Billy Zane and Alison Eastwood.
The film was written by Judy Norton, most famously known for her role as Mary Ellen Walton on TV series The Waltons. Norton and Patterson initially met in Los Angeles in the early 90’s on Patterson’s first journey to Hollywood. It was then they established a mutual love for family films that could be enjoyed by all ages – a theme that was quickly slipping away in modern entertainment. “I produced it and both Judy and I played supporting roles in the film. I made a lot of mistakes on my first film, I listened to too many people and I had issues with the music. But there were many things that were done right and it was a beautifully cast and shot film, so I stayed on it till I got everything corrected.” His critique is contradicted, however, by Allison Eastwood, daughter of Clint Eastwood and the actress who plays “Sam” in Finding Harmony. “I was really impressed with him,” Eastwood said. “I think he is off and running as far as his career. He’s definitely one of those maverick types that does what he wants to do. Similar to my dad, he’s a really intelligent guy and he knows what he wants and the projects he wants to do.” His perseverance and newly-learned lessons came to fruition in his second film, Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink, a film set in 1863 about identical twin brothers sepHOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 7
"My most important role is Dad. Iʼm a family guy."
Mara, Jeffery, Autumn & Paige 8 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Duff Images ©
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9
"Some people are actually bored sometimes…I donʼt understand that. I have so many things I want to do." arated at age 10. The two meet again 30 years later – one a US Marshal while the other is a wanted bandit with a bounty on his head. Both played by Patterson. “I did it because it was a script I loved. It was a period western and a story that had not been told.” Patterson says. “The atmosphere on set was a family atmosphere, which is rare.” Rex Linn, who plays the character of Agent Shane Welsh in Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink, “There was a sense of family from the top on down, starting with Jeffery…Jeffery made it clear from the get-go that he was a team player with the rest of us.” The film is quick in wit and adventure, and fun for all ages, prompting the well-deserved sequel Patterson also produced: Hot Bath, Stiff Drink an’ a Close Shave. The second film features the same well-loved characters and adds to the cast, Robert Patrick, Frankie Muniz and a second film teaming Jeffery and Allison Eastwood. Both films earned awards for Best Feature Drama at the International Family Film Festival. Between these films, Patterson also acted in Extraction, an action adventure film opposite Bruce Willis and Kellan Lutz, but says “I turn down way more roles than I accept because I either don’t like the character or the premise of the film itself.” In Extraction, Patterson plays a motorcycle club president, a role he took because he loved the character. At this point, Patterson’s twin daughters had played roles in all 3 previous films and wanted to pursue a film for themselves. Patterson called back to Judy Norton to discuss a concept they had been developing as a family and as a result, Another Day in Paradise came to life. The story is of 16-year-old twins, Brooke and Alexis, who have recently suffered the 10 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
loss of their mother. They are concerned about their father (played by Patterson) who is maintaining the family owned Water Park while coping with the loss of his wife and the raising of twin daughters alone. Teens being teens, Brooke and Alexis manage to test Jeremy's patience to the breaking point, and have all three of them questioning the right path for their future. “Producing, acting and directing at the same time on the same film is not something I would recommend,” Jeffery says about this film, laughing. “The long hours, we shoot 12 hour days, then you have going over the footage for that day with the director of photography for a couple of hours, then discussing the shot list for the next day, and of course learning my own lines along with everybody else’s turns everyday into around a 20-hour day –it doesn’t leave much time for sleep. Every film has its challenges and special moments, but I would have to say as grueling and challenging as this film was to make, holding that many positions, it was probably the most enjoyable. Directing my first feature film, but mainly being able to work with two of my daughters in the starring role was truly a dream come true.” The film also featured Emmy award nominee, Frankie Muniz (Malcolm in the Middle) who says Jeffery is, “just such an unbelievably nice, genuine guy.” He describes that while most sets are more quiet with actors tending to keep to themselves, Patterson is completely the opposite. “He actually came up and gave me a hug and made me feel like I was part of the family. That was really cool.” Jeffery took an opportunity at this point to be involved as Executive Producer and act opposite Rumer Willis in the film Woman on the Edge about an investigative journalist who discovers her sister’s suicide may be linked to a number of recent murders. The film is currently playing in foreign theaters and will be released in the US early 2019. At this point, he leads down a meandering stairwell with walls covered in his movie posters into the newly built state of the art studio, with fully-equipped editing suites surrounded by plush leather couches. “We work kind of crazy hours so I like having the editor in-house. Technically, there’s not much we can’t
Judy Norton, Alison Eastwood, Billy Zane and Jeffery Patterson on set of "Finding Harmony" HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 11
do in post production right here. But to get the best While many actors new and old to the industry detalent we do final color elsewhere –some local and scribe any job as a job, Patterson maintains an artistic some in Vancouver.” integrity not often matched. “There’s too many people in Hollywood who think somebody has to lose in He goes on to explain that the director normally gets order for somebody to win. That’s just not true.” a directors cut of the film, then as a producer Jeffery goes in and works with the editor to give notes or make As the meeting is coming to a close, I mention that any changes to the final film. Jeffery holds final edit on he does, indeed, stand out from his neighborhood. all of his films, as he has either been involved with the He laughs, and describes the essence of what anyone writer directly in the process of putting the film to- would deduce after an afternoon with Jeffery Patterson gether or he purchased the screenplay itself because and some strong coffee, in a matter of sentences. there was a story there that he wanted to tell. “I have no real desire to be rich or famous. I just love This leads into the recording studio. “Originally I the whole process of creating, and I want to do it forwanted to build this because we do dialogue replace- ever. But also that hopefully whatever I do will live on ment on films and it would be good to do it in house after I’m gone. So, I don’t want to put out a product instead of renting a studio elsewhere to send the ac- that I don’t feel is the best that I can do at that partictors to. But then I started thinking about how much I ular moment in time.” enjoy doing voice-over work and how great it would be to be able to do it when I wanted to. I also have a group With four films in post production set to release withof musicians that I do stories along to music with and in the next year, including a third film in his popular we can also record those here. And I’ve also got an al- “A Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink” trilogy which Patterson bum in my head that’s been percolating for a few years is writing himself – there is always more to come from and I’d like to record that one day too. So, it just kept Jeffery Patterson. In fact, this is just scratching the getting bigger and bigger. “ surface. It’s then that I mention The Train narration I had found online years earlier. He thanks me and says, “Some people are actually bored sometimes – did you know that?” with a twinkle in his eye, “I don’t understand that. I have so many things I want to do.” To some, the idea of having no downtime is enough to induce utter panic. Patterson, on the other hand, wouldn’t have it any other way. He is a full time actor, father, producer, artist and professional or as Billy Zane {Titanic 1997) once put it, “a producer slash actor slash bouncer slash troublemaker…a quadruple threat.” 12 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Frankie Muniz and Jeffery Patterson in Hot Bath an’ a Stiff Drink"
Jeffery Patterson Directing Frankie Muniz On Set Of Another Day In Paradise
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13
Jeffery Patterson & Robert Patrick On Set Of Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2
Robert Patrick, Jeffery Patterson On Set Of Hot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2
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Rumer Willis & Jeffery Patterson In "Woman On The Edge"
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 15
Duff Images ©
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"being able to work with two of my daughters in the starring role was truly a dream come true."
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 17
Photo courtesy of Michael Dausend / All other photos by: Dan Steinberg - AFM
American Film Market Recap
By Claire Malloy
E
very year the global film industry converges on a beautiful beachside campus in the city of Santa Monica, California. The American Film Market (AFM) is the largest event in the motion picture business world and provides an unrivaled destination to connect with the industry. Once a year, over 8,000 industry leaders come from all over the US to merge with more than 80 countries in the film capitol of the world. They come in search of not only new films, but new opportunities to collaborate. AFM is the place you will encounter every facet 18 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
of the industry including acquisition and development executives, agents, attorneys, directors, distributors, financiers, producers, writers, and more; all coming together to bring about films that will grace big screens, television, Video on Demand like Netflix and Amazon, and independent film festivals alike. Very basically, all genres of films are brought from all corners of the world to be viewed and purchased and scripts or even concepts are brought to pitch with the hopes to forge new relationships and artistic opportunities. It is Hollywood's global deal-making event where there is unparalleled access to film industry’s movers and shakers. More than 10,000 films are launched and over one billion dollars in deals are sealed on both completed films and those in every stage of development and production. “You will get one of the best educations of
your life coming to AFM,” said one attendee. This 2018 AFM began on a sunny Halloween in Santa Monica. The Film Market itself is the true core of the event, with eight floors of the Loews Hotel transformed from vacation destinations to deal-forging office spaces to properly accommodate the thousands traveling internationally to the market. Each of the rooms are taken over as temporary offices for distribution companies, sales agents and production companies. Participants are flooded with opportunities to attend Writers Workshops, Roundtable discussions, Networking Receptions and much more at neighboring Santa Monica hotels including the Le Merigot and The Fairmont, along with networking events at numerous restaurants and bars. The conference rooms are lined with film commissions exhibit tables covered with information from all over the world to answer film maker questions and ultimately insist they come and film in their state, city or country. Once the market closes each day, the AFM after dark experience comes alive with thousands of attendees flocking to parties at an eclectic mix of night time spots up and down the beach that only Santa Monica can offer. The gathering of artists and business persons alike fill the posh lobby bars at celebrated hotels restaurants, bars and industry parties. This year's AFM was more exclusive than ever before. Every participant was required to
Carousel Cocktails at Santa Monica Pier at AFM 2018
purchase an access badge, their ticket to new connections around the world, which can cost upwards of $1500, depending on what level of participation they prefer. Attendees were given 6 different options, each burgeoning on the level of participation and expertise. Newcomers might opt for the One-day Pass for $275 online or $295 onsite, which granted any single-day access to Spotlight Events, an invitation to Carousel Cocktails, access to Orientation with AFM Managing Director and access to the filmmakers lounge. Veterans, on the other hand, might go straight to Platinum, the badge that grants highest access in the event. At $1495 online and $1545 onsite, Platinum attendees receive seven days of full access to offices, booths and screenings, all Conferences, all Writer's Workshops, all Roundtables, all Spotlight Events, Carousel Cocktails, Orientation with AFM Managing Director, Filmmakers Lounge, Screening Privileges on AFM Screenings On Demand, one year membership to MYAFM, one year subscription to Cinando, Wi-Fi in Loews Hotel for two devices, one free Next Level Webinar from Stage 32, guaranteed lowest rate hotel discounts, official AFM poster and what they call The Platinum Experience which further featured an enhanced networking experience at your ultimate convenience. Between One-day and Platinum lies 4 additional packages in between: Industry, Industry Plus, Executive and Executive Plus, which all allow for a vast array of opportunities and benefits at your choosing. “There’s a lot of access to creators and financiers that you don’t usually find in international festivals and markets in Hollywood and you have access to those people as well,” says Brian O’Shea, CEO of The Exchange, "It is a hub of the global entertainment industry and you’re in this city.” One of the gems of AFM lies in the six, half-day conferences, Hollywoods largest international conference series, in which HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 19
top industry leaders, decision makers and experts shared their knowledge and expertise in everything from pitch to production. AFM laid out these conferences in likeness to the production of a film, beginning in the formative stages of pitching a film all the way to the distribution of a final product. These conferences offer an unmatched global classroom. In the first Conference, “The Global Perspective,” attendees began the day with a “View From The Top.” Hosted by
graced by the presence of Charles H. Rivkin is Chairman and CEO of the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Mr. Rivkin has an international scope in the managing of promoting policy to strengthen production and protect and nurture the creativity of filmmakers. MPAA’s member studios include the likes of Universal Studios, Warner Bros. Entertainment, Walt Disney Studios and many more. Following the talk from the top, Producer/ Financiers shared their strategies and input
Photo of AFM Distribution Conference
Erich Schwartzel, Film Industry Reporter for The Wall Street Journal, attendees heard from Jean M. Prewitt, President and Chief Executive Officer of Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA®) who has greatly enhanced the services provided to members of IFTA and is an instrumental lead in the work IFTA has done to advocate for the independents. The audience was additionally 20 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
moderated by Patrick Frater, Asia Editor of Variety. Among the panelists was Arianne Fraser, CEO, Highland Film Group. Joining Fraser, was John Friedberg, President of International Sales for STX Entertainment. The final Panelist was Milan Popelka, Chief Operating Officer, FilmNation Entertainment. Next on the roster was the final portion of Friday’s Conference, The Buyer’s Perspective.
Jeremy Kay, US Editor of Screen International moderated three Panelist, the first being, Sasha Bühler the Head of Acquisitions at Constantin Film. The second Panelist was Victor Hadida, co-president of Metropolitan FilmExport. The third Panelist being Syrinthia Studer a
(from left to right) Milan Popelka, COO of Film Nation Entertainment, & Arianne FraserCEO of Highland Film Group, & John Friedberg President of International Sales STX Entertainment
cinema and Tobin Armbrust, COO and President of Virgin Produced who said, “Bottom line, it is a business and it is about getting something sold. The dream doesn't matter if you don't hone it down to something someone wants to buy.” Thus leading to the
John Friedberg President International Sales at STX Entertainment
Milan Popelka, COO, FilmNation Entertainment
Panelists direction on “The 2-Minute Pitch” vanguard in Paramount’s achievements in showing what worked, what didn’t and why. international film partnerships. And that was Next up, AFM took note of the current in just Day one. currency with the Blockchain Conference. Day Two kicked off with a bang in the Moderator and Host, Nelson Granados, Starlight Ballroom of the Fairmont Hotel with Ph.D., Executive Director of The Institute of the Pitch Conference. The moderator Pilar Entertainment, Sports, Media, and Culture and Alessandra, writer of top-selling scriptwriting The Center for Applied Research and Forbes book, “The Coffee Break Screenwriter,” was Contributor, Pepperdine Graziadio Business joined by Cassian Elwes, Producer and School was joined by Irina Albita, Co-Founder spearhead of the industry of independent of FilmChain/Big Couch UK, Andrea Iervolino, CEO of AMBI Media Group/TaTaTu, Florian Glatz, Co-Founder of Cinemarket, Robert Binning, CEO of StreamSpace, Dr. Steven Nia, Chairman & Founder of Wardour Studios, Sam Klebanov, CEO of Cinezen Blockchained Entertainment AB, and Alan R. Milligan, CEO of White Rabbit. This well-equipped body of experts covered the entire range of Blockchain from start to finish and what effect it will have on the transformation of independent film. Sunday, attendees returned to the Starlight Ballroom for the Finance Conference where (from left to right) Sasha Bühler - Head everything budget was covered by moderator of Acquisitions at Constantin Film, Richard Botto the Founder & CEO of Stage Jeremy Kay U.S. Editor at Screen 32 the world’s largest online platform that International, Victor Hadida - President connects TV & digital creatives and executives at Metropolitan Filmexport, with across the globe. He was joined by Panelists Syrinthia Studer - EVP of Worldwide Acquisitions at Paramount Studios HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21
Ashok Amritraj, Chairman & CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment, Miranda Bailey, CEO of Cold Iron Pictures Jeffrey Greenstein, President of Millennium Media and Gary Michael Walters, CEO of Bold Films. It was here filmmakers learned how to stretch every dollar without stretching film quality or the story they are aiming to tell from the best in the industry. Bailey offered key advice regarding what it takes to create a great film: “If the goal is to make a great movie, you have to have belief in your own taste, which is the core of a good
Pilar Alessandra, Instructor & Consultantat On The Page
Cassian Elwes, Independent Producer/Agent, Elevated Film Sales at the Pitch Conference
producer.” Waters posed three big questions and responded with three simple answers: "How do you attract people to the cinema? Story, story, story. What's your quality assurance? A good director. How do you market the film? A talented cast.” Following this segment was “Film Finance Matrix: From Script to Screen” a study of five different film funding plans and a discussion of five solutions by 5 experts of the financial industry. The moderator was David Offenberg, Associate Professor of Entertainment Finance, Loyola Marymount and Panelists, Anthony B. Beaudoin, Managing Director, Union Bank, Tamara Birkemoe, President & COO, Foresight Unlimited, Ryan Broussard, VP of Sales & Production Incentives, Media Services and Scott Edel, Partner, Loeb & Loeb LLP. With the precursors covered, Monday began with the Production Conference, where attendees learned that financing is all in the “Pre-selling.” Everything from genres to talent to budgets was covered by 22 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Moderator Paul Hertzberg, President & CEO of CineTel Films, Inc. and Panelists, Paul Bales, Partner, The Asylum, Elisabeth Costa de Beauregard, President of Global Sales & Distribution, Storyboard Media, LLC, Robert Menzies, Producer, Zed.Film and Shawn Williamson, President, Brightlight Pictures. Participants learned about the state of the pre-sale market and helpful tools to navigate it. Costa de Beauregard puts it simply, "The smartest thing to do is get a great concept, find a nice, find a great script, bring in the
Tobin Armbrust, President, Worldwide Production & Acquisitions, Virgin Produced
talent, be smart about your budget, and execute it well. You can have all those elements and not execute the film well and it will inevitably tank.” Panelists described the importance of determining genre from the very start of the film and what elements are really needed to pre-sell a film domestically or internationally. Covering this range of elements, Robert Menzies put it simply in saying, “Financing a film is all about whether or not the script is awesome.” The second topic covered in the Production Conference was Casting. “If you want to continue in this busin ess, unless you hit a home run on your first film and you have extra funds to knock out a couple of films, you have to go into it thinking, ‘What’s your end game? What’s your exit strategy?’ And sometimes, as a creative person, you sort of have to take a back seat and be business-minded and say to yourself, ‘Okay, well, maybe I can’t do this action sequence for thirty grand over three
Jeffrey Greenstein, President, Millennium Media
Ashok Amritraj -Chairman & CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment with Miranda Bailey - CEO of Cold Iron Pictures
days, but I give this thirty grand to this great actor for two days so I can put his face on my DVD cover. Those are the kinds of things you learn at AFM; the business of it. And you learn it well when you’re over here, because everyone asks, ‘Who’s in the film? Who’s attached?” said Paul Sidhu, writer of 2307: Winter’s Dream, covering the exact directive of the Casting Conference. Casting Directors and Producers were brought on to get a direct input source on exactly how to attach the ideal talent to seal the deal on your project. This Panel brought moderator John Sloss, Founding Partner & President, Sloss Eckhouse LawCo. & Cinetic Media and Panelists Bradley M. Gallo, Chief Creative Officer, Amasia Entertainment, Heidi Levitt, Casting Director/Producer, Heidi Levitt Casting, Paul Ruddy, Casting, Director, Paul Ruddy Casting and Ben Stillman, Senior Vice President, Black Bear Pictures. The final Conference drove the purpose of AFM home with the topic of Distribution. Moderator Clay Epstein, President, Film Mode Entertainment and Panelists Lisa Gutberlet, EVP, International Sales & Acquisitions, Blue Fox Entertainment, Basil Iwanyk, Founder, Thunder Road Pictures and Cybill Lui, Producer, Anova Pictures discussed an independent’s best friend – their Sales Agent, and how to find and work with the right one. The grand finale of the Conference discussed The Future of Video on Demand. With a growing field of films, there also comes a growth in viewing avenues and video on demand is instrumental in the new
Gary Michael Walters - CEO of Bold Films
developments of the film industry. Moderator Bruce Eisen, President, Digital Advisors and Panelists Michael Berman, EVP, Programming & General Counsel, iN Demand Janet H.A. Brown, EVP, Distribution, Gunpowder & Sky Dave McIntosh, SVP Content Licensing & Strategy, Shout! Factory and John Orlando, Head of Content, Sony Crackle gave the attendees a look at what is to come and how to use the heads up to their advantage.
(from left to right) Sasha Bühler - Head of Acquisitions at Constantin Film, Jeremy Kay U.S. Editor at Screen International, Victor Hadida - President at Metropolitan Filmexport, with Syrinthia Studer - EVP of Worldwide Acquisitions at Paramount Studios
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23
Conferences were followed by an afternoon of invaluable direction in the Writers Workshops that covered the entire scope of scriptwriting; from working with a basic concept to arriving at the epitome of cinematic storytelling. In the evening, attendees were given access to the Roundtables; expertladen hubs for advice and Q&As in every spectrum of the production process. Meanwhile, the marketplace itself was in full swing. Big budget, art house, and genre screenings of more than 500 feature films; 29 new films every two hours, in more than 30 languages, the competitive bidding continued after hours on many films. Titles including Poms, starring Diane Keaton, George Miller’s Three Thousand Years of Longing, Film Constellation’s Breaking Habits, The Solution Group’s Honest Thief, and Tate Taylor’s noir comedy Breaking News in Yuba County sold in multi-million dollar international deals, forecasting a very successful year to come in the realm of film. “AFM is a place where anybody can come and in a matter of days or a night, even in an elevator, you could make something happen,” said a participant on the final day of market. As the space emptied out and the stillness of satisfaction seeped in after a hearty 2018 market, it became clear that AFM is the birthplace of opportunity. Simply put, AFM is the place to make something happen. Whether attending as a newcomer, wandering the halls gazing at the posters of the future looking back at you from the beams of the Loews hotel, or a veteran with a solid pitch and several deals under the belt, there is something to be learned by all.
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(from left to right) Ben Stillman - Senior Vice President of Black Bear Pictures, John Sloss -Founding Partner & President of Sloss Eckhouse LawCo. & Cinetic Media, Heidi Levitt - Casting Director & Producer of Heidi Levitt Casting, Paul Ruddy - Casting Director of Paul Ruddy Casting and Bradley M. Gallo, Chief Creative Officer, Amasia Entertainment
Michael Berman - EVP, Programming & General Counsel, iN Demand with John Orlando, Head of Content, Sony Crackle
Dave McIntosh, SVP Content Licensing & Strategy of Shout! Factory
Janet H.A. Brown, EVP, Distribution, Gunpowder & Sky
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25
The Faith In Film Breakfast Club:
I
The Rise Of Faith In Film By Madison Shanley
t is a beautiful morning in Century City, Los Angeles. I walk into the conference room at Century Park East as a guest at the Faith in Film breakfast. The energy is palpable as dozens of people from all around the country chat over coffee and pastries. I am greeted with smiling faces and warm hellos. There is a noticeable sense of excitement buzzing through the air as everyone highly anticipates another Faith in Film breakfast, hosted by founder Barry Landis, the President and CEO of Ribbow Media Group. The guest speaker has been announced. It is Lesley Burbridge, Executive Vice President of Rogers & Cowan, one of the largest public relations firms in the world. Everyone is anxious to hear her expert input on faith in the film industry. As Lesley and Barry politely invite everyone to take a seat in the sun-flooded conference room, they smile to one another and exchange affable interactions like a pair of childhood friends. The two have known each other since the early nineties. Lesley was working for Christian faith-based, Word Records at the time; and Barry was at Atlantic Records as the Vice President and General Manager of the Christian Music Division. Brimming with ambition, Lesley left Word Records to launch her own independent public relations firm in Nashville and Barry moved on to work with Warner Brothers Records as President of their Christian Division. Knowing Lesley’s flair for public relations, Barry hired her to take on the role as publicist for his music projects and the Warner Brothers record label. While they initially formed a kinship through business, the underlying element that has sustained their reciprocity to this day has been their faith in God. 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Leslie Burbridge (of Rogers & Cowan)
Barry Landis (of Ribbow Media Group) HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
Leslie Burbridge & Barry Landis (center)
Both Lesley and Barry shared a friendship with a man named Bob Briner, who wrote the book, Roaring Lambs, about living out your faith in both the world and in business. Bob passed away from abdominal cancer in 2009 shortly after finishing his final book, The Final Roar. To honor his legacy, Barry established The Briner Institute, a 501(c) (3) corporation in Nashville. Bob’s wife, Marty Briner, still a close friend of Lesley’s family, launched the Briner School of Business at Greenville University, a Christian University in Illinois where Lesley earned her degree. In 2008, an idea occurred to Barry that there should be a way for people in the entertainment industry who share a mutual connection in faith to network and learn from each other. Considering there were little to no opportunities to do so, he created his own club in Nashville, now known as Faith in Film. “Today there are over 4,000 members between all chapters.” Barry proudly states, “We are now in Nashville, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and New York and we just started the Birmingham, Alabama chapter this month.” Each chapter holds monthly and quarterly meetings and hosts influential guest speakers such as Cindy Bond; founder of Mission Pictures International and producer of the 2018 faith-based film, I Can Only Imagine, Dave Hollis; former President of Worldwide Distribution at the Walt Disney Studios, Rich Peluso; Executive Vice president of AFFIRM Films, a division of Sony Pictures Entertainment focused on the development, production, 28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
acquisition and marketing of faith-based and inspirational films, and Chris Bueno; CEO of Ocean Avenue Entertainment focusing on faith-based projects. It is no wonder believers from around the country gather together to exchange ideas, discuss passions, and collaboratively weave a patchwork sewed with the common thread of faith. Similar to the exponential growth Faith in Film has experienced in the last decade, Lesley has seen extraordinary success in the public relations world, from launching her own independent firm to currently serving as Executive Vice President at Rogers & Cowan. Lesley declares, “One of the important areas that I have spent most of my career focusing on is to grow the entertainment business through the faith and family genre … My team specializes in growing that part of our agency for Rogers & Cowan. ” Both Lesley and Barry see tremendous potential in the film industry for faith-based productions. To quote Devon Franklin at Fox, Barry states, “We all need to stop making the same movie. I am hopeful we develop better stories and a wider range in our storytelling.” Lesley has been hard at work with Rogers & Cowan to gather more seats at the table and capitalize on the potential to cultivate a more diverse range of storytelling in the industry. “The faith and family space in the last ten years has been a very robust, growing, and viable business. My team helps build Rogers & Cowan with different types of businesses, which is a uniquely specific growth model for the agency. I am grateful and it makes a lot of sense that Rog-
ers & Cowan branched out into that space.” Christian and faith-based films have been keeping up in the box office in the last five years as major studios are providing support for projects within the faith and family genre. For example, the 2014 film, Heaven is for Real, was bolstered by Sony Pictures, who acquired the rights of the book before moving on to produce the film with T.D. Jakes Entertainment, Roth Productions, and Screen Gems. To date, the movie has grossed over $100 million worldwide. Most recently, the film, I Can Only Imagine, released March of 2018, grossed over $17 million on its opening weekend alone. Lesley believes the expansion in popularity of this genre is primarily due to the high demand for not only quality productions but also a positive message. She states, “The world today wants hope and they also want great projects. A lot of these filmmakers are making great films and now, the good thing is major studios [are] helping to make them successful … They can now compete and keep up with everything else at the box office, but also the messages in them are giving people inspiration. In our world today, that’s needed and people are looking for that.” This concept stretches beyond the faith community into other audiences, who can understand and relate to the fundamental human need for hope, inspiration, and a positive message. Lesley goes on to explain, “These films have a great audience already but also people who might not be familiar with a faith-based message are drawn to these kinds of films because of the hope and positive message.” Once I had the chance to talk with other participants in the Faith in Film breakfast, I discovered even more evidence to support the idea that faith-based film is not solely dedicated to the Christian community but to any person who falls under the believer umbrella. Pat Patterson, a full time working actor, producer, content creator, and the Chairman of the New York City Faith in Film Club, demonstrates there are no qualifications or requirements to being a participant in the club. “I like the term faith ‘conscious’ … All of my children were raised Jewish. You can have a believer in film and not have to label them Christian. Just the joy of their love will make people curious. We are not just working in the church we are working in the market. We are trying to serve with the talents we’ve been given and we come together to support each other.” After discussing how the club unifies communities and believers of all kinds, I come to find out Pat has been involved with Faith in Film since its birth in Tennessee. Pat jokes, “I started going to Nashville for the meetings because there was nothing in New York. Then I finally
said to Barry after a couple of years, ‘it’s really expensive to come down here for breakfast and the bakers are better in New York.’” Whether it was the quality of the New York City bakers or the concept of the original club itself that ended up being the final catalyst in Pat’s decision to form the New York City Faith in Film Club, I cannot say with full confidence. However, Pat saw a need in her community with other independent producers and actors and fulfilled it almost two years ago. Pat is just one example of the 4,000+ members and participants in this burgeoning group working to amplify the connectivity that is cultivated through Faith in Film. While the film industry shifts and molds to the audience’s demands, people like Barry Landis and Lesley Burbridge are actively creating strategies to build bridges, while successfully engaging viewers by delivering relevant and significant content. It has been made clear Faith in Film has accrued considerable success due to satisfying the requisition of a means to bridge gaps, forge connections, and generate hope amongst communities across the United States. I walk away from my first Faith in Film breakfast experiencing the same buzz of excitement I sensed in the air when I first arrived. I identify the unequivocal elation I feel sparking at my core to be one thing: hope. As the Los Angeles sun reaches down from the sky, I cannot shake the notion that hope exists within the crux of everyone and therefore connects all of us in an integral way. The Faith in Film Club and the faith and family department at Rogers & Cowan are both evidence that the ever-evolving film industry is in process of pioneering new ways to cultivate networking opportunities, drive positive conversation, and connect us all in a more meaningful, substantive way. Links: More info on Ribbon Media Group: ribbowmediagroup.com More info on Rogers and Cowan: rogersandcowan.com - Faith in Film Breakfast Club Chapters Facebook Groups; - Nashville: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ faithinfilmNashville/ - Atlanta: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/887126608021306/ - Los Angeles: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/1700085816935221/ - New York City: https://www.facebook.com/ groups/323807561386019/ - Birmingham: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ birminghamfaithinfilm
Coverage
ARTIST
Nicki Minaj Wins Two PCA'S, for Female Artist of 2018 and Album of 2018, entitled "Queen" Rancel Lopez @rancelphotography
MISS UNIVERSE 2018 CATRIONA GRAY "A Celebration of the Sacred Feminine"
by Anthony Ewart Finally, we've reached the end of a very painful and tumultuous year. The #METOO Movement has provided a cathartic release for some, vindication for others, and across the board an understanding that, moving forward, America will have zero tolerance for sexism, chauvinism and misogyny. We are entering a renaissance of the Sacred Feminine. From the beginning of time artists have struggled to capture the essence of feminine beauty and femininity in sculptures, monuments, paintings and literature -- it has all been in vain, but it has been an enjoyable endeavor. It might be cliche to describe women as mysterious, but what in this world of beauty is not mysterious. The truth is the ancient civilizations got it right. Respect women, adore them, make them Goddesses (rightfully so), but don't waste your time trying to psychoanalyze them or ďŹ gure out what "makes them tick." James Cameron wrote in Titanic, "A Woman's Heart is an Ocean of Secrets." It's best to just leave it at that, and enjoy your time on this Earth with God's most wondrous creation: Woman. Ms. Philippines, Catriona Gray, is now Miss Universe. There are many adjectives one could use to describe Ms. Gray. There are two words you may not have heard in the news media, but those lucky enough to be in the inner circle of Catriona Gray probably use them to describe her every day. The words are 'Grounded' and 'Compassionate.'
30 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
TOP 3: Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
TOP 10: Miss Nepal Manita Devkota during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
TOP 10: Miss Thailand Sophida Kanchanarin during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
Here's an excerpt from Catriona Gray's "Crown-Winning" performance at the Miss Universe Pageant: Steve Harvey: “What is the most important lesson you’ve learned in your life, and how would you apply it to your time as Miss Universe?” Catriona Gray: “I work a lot in the slums of Tondo, Manila and the life there is very, it’s poor, and it’s very sad. And I’ve always taught myself to look for the beauty in it, to look in the beauty in the faces of the children, and to be grateful. And I would bring this aspect as a Miss Universe to see situations with a silver lining, and to assess where I could give something, where I could provide something as a spokesperson. And this I think, if I could teach also people to be grateful, we could have an amazing world where negativity could not grow and foster, and children would have a smile on their face. Thank you.” Grounded and Compassionate... And now we can add Intelligent, Strong, Talented, and, of course, Gorgeous. So, Thank YOU, Miss Universe 2018, Catriona Gray, for helping the World (and our Universe), say farewell to this year on such a high, beautiful note.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 31
Miss Philippines Catriona Gray during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
Miss South Africa Tamaryn Green during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
TOP 5: L-R: Miss Venezuela Sthefany Gutierrez, Miss South Africa Tamaryn, Miss Philippines Catriona Gray, Miss Vietnam H'Hen NiÍ and Miss Puerto Rico Kiara Ortega during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
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Miss Nepal Manita Devkota during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
TOP 10 contestants during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
TOP 10: Miss Curaรงao Akisha Albert during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
Miss Brazil Mayra Diaz during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
Miss Costa Rica Natalia Carvajal during the 2018 MISS UNIVERSE competition
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY โ ข 33
Artist The Imaginative World & Wonder of Simo Liu: A Millennial Artist
By Anthony Ewart
Millennials have changed our World. No one can deny that. Their businesses and technological inventions, their styles and fashions, their economic strength as a demographic cohort are on course to overtake the famed Baby Boomers. These are all important statistics -- but what is the most important aspect of Millennials? What truly distinguishes Millennials from Generation X or Baby Boomers? The answer is social and global awareness.
sense of "Wonder." Anything is possible in this new world where Science and Mathematics and Art actually influence each other -- and for Simo, sometimes her Art merges and blends the lines between these genres.
Geometry is the first visual-music/animated film Simo made. It is glorious narrative story telling and character-based animation. Geometry shows a red ball’s journey though a geometric abstract world, which uses images and motion to present the music visually. Simo describes the experience of watching Geometry Millennials "care." This is a demographic who care this way: "People use their ears to listen music, but with about recycling and biodegradable products, the 'Geometry,' people can 'watch' the music through environment, the rainforest, the ocean, the ozone, my film!" global warming, the extinction of animals and Geometry is inspired by Oskar Fischinger's visual music insects through human interference. They actually care enough to make financial choices pieces, especially his work on Disney's “Fantasia,” as well and decisions based on the attitude, beliefs and as John Whitney’s motion graphics pieces. "intentions" of the product manufacturer. If you care about the Planet, you have their vote of Geometry won the Best Animation of Los Angeles Film Awards in 2018, Best Experimental Short of Los Angeles confidence and their business. Independent Film Festival Award in 2018, as well as many So, what would a true Millennial Artist be like? other major film festivals and awards. So far, Geometry Everything Multimedia Artist Simo Liu is. Unique, has won 15 Awards and been selected in over 30 Major Film Festivals. bold and original, Simo embodies another defining characteristic of Millennials: her strong 34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
But what are Simo Liu's "intentions" as an Artist. Remember, Millennials are all about the "backstory." As successful as Simo has been in her career as an Artist, it hasn't shifted her focus on how she perceives art. The true function of Simo's journey as an Artist. It might not surprise you to learn that, through her art, Simo is pursuing peace, aesthetic freedom, happiness, and most interestingly, "healing." Her art is a medium to create a visceral response in viewers, allowing themselves to escape vicariously through the imaginative worlds she creates. In this space of wonder, excitement, intense beauty and escapism, a connection is made that enables personal growth and healing through entertainment.
preclude her from working with large animation production companies -- the two are not mutually exclusive. Simo worked at ILLUMINATION from 2013 to 2016 as a Motion Graphics Designer and Illustrator. She was part of the marketing team for the "Minions" movie. For someone who wanted a job bringing happiness and joy to people, the "Minions" was the perfect project and experience for Simo. Now, as a professional Artist, Simo has taken this attitude of 'connecting" with audiences through animation to an Award-Winning level. Simo is an Artist with something to say. Surrealism has become her preferred form of expression. In her Animated Short Illogical, Simo turns the world upside down; once again, reinforcing that sense of wonder when you finally look at things in a different way. A cat tries to catch a goldfish and ends up in the fishbowl, playing with a plastic fish on a string. Outside the fishbowl, real fish swim around the cat -- in the air! A woman looks in a full-length mirror and watches as her reflection takes on a life of its own. These are just two images from this fantastic short film. When it comes to surrealism, Simo is probably more Rene Magritte than Salvador Dali, but the goal is the same: inspire thought and conversation through images that challenge left and right brain comprehension and understanding.
Like Maurice Sendak ("Where The Wild Things Are"), Simo's protagonists are usually small children discovering themselves through amazing worlds of great fantasy. Simo's Animated Short Fireflies is a perfect example of "cathartic storytelling." A young girl wearing a red hat equipped with long, red bunny ears travels down a winding river on the back of a whale. She floats through a magical land of giant fireflies, tall violet mushrooms, swirling mountains and waves and giant bunnies. The young girl, whose name is MoMo (Simo's alter ego), finally emerges victoriously, now riding a magical fish of rainbow colors, which seems to be taking her into the upper atmosphere. She stands on the back of the fish, arms outstretched, surrounded by beautiful stars and planets, and innocence and wonder. Happy Simo's artistic exploration began in China, when she was six. She became a fan of Tim Burton's art, and his endings are important in the healing process. stop-motion, animated film "The Nightmare Before Christmas," as well as the animated films of PIXAR. When Simo's personal artistic vision and journey does not
Fireflies HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35
Simo became interested in expressing "feelings" through art. Simo's mother, who taught Literature her entire life, retired and begun painting. Change begins at home, and Simo's brave Artistic career in America has clearly had a ripple effect in her family. Art brings people/families/ friends together. Simo is currently considering creating a children's book. Needless to say, with her artistic integrity and talent combined with her commitment to bring happiness and joy to this world, her children's book (or books), should do very well. My last example of Simo's work comes from Simo herself. Here she describes her brilliant Animated Short Equipoise:
the Chinese elements of Yin and Yang, the two opposing principles in nature. The former feminine and negative, and the latter masculine and positive. The two principles are opposite but also unitive. Yin and Yang could be birth and death, male and female, or creation and destruction. In Equipoise, I used male and female, and creation and destruction, the two Yin and Yang elements to show their relationship to the unity of opposites." Simo Liu is the epitome of the modern, global Artist. A Millennial Artist guiding us to our inner little boys and girls through her incredible world of imagination and wonder. www.simoliu.com
"Equipoise is 'visual music animation.' It originated from
lLittle Wonder
Illogical 36 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
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New Year, New Books to Discover & Devour I am an optimist. I am always hopeful the new year will bring about amazing transformations. Whether it’s body, mind or soul I am hopeful. As fortunate as I am to discover new books that move me in a new direction, I am even more fortunate to get to engage with mindful, articulate and brilliant authors. Enjoy and read deeply! - Jane Ubell-Meyer, founder BedsideReading.com Enter to Win any of our books: BedsideReading.com/win
Consistency Selling by Weldon Long | What experience in your life triggered you to write this book? In the years from 1987 to 2003, I spent 13 of those years in prison. In January of 2003, I was released to a halfway house, and despite having nothing in a material way, I had a fierce determination to change the course of my life. When I was released I had a ten year-old son I only knew through letters and the occasional prison visit. I was driven by the desire to become the father he deserved. After six months of getting countless rejections, I got a job as a salesman in a small heating and air conditioning company. In my first month I sold $149,000 and earned over $13,000 in commissions. Over the following five years I opened my own company and grew that to Inc 5000 status in sixty months. I owe my life and prosperity to the sales industry, for it was the sales industry that picked me up, dusted me off and gave me a real shot at wealth and prosperity. How could I not write a book about the lessons that changed my life? How could I not share the information with others who are not experiencing the success they deserve? Maybe there is some other mother or father out there with a kid they need to support. What is the singular most important message you want the reader to come away with? “Yes" is best, but “No" is a perfectly acceptable answer. In the sales profession you are going to get plenty of “No’s”. But the “No’s” won’t kill you. It’s the “I don’t knows” and the “I’ll call you backs” that will destroy your career and your income-earning potential. The key to transformational success in sales is getting your prospect to make a final decision about you and your products or services with you still engaged with them. If you can get them to make a final decision with you on the phone or face to face the answer is far more likely to be “Yes.” People don’t like to say “No” to your face. They like to say “No” by not returning your calls or emails. Don’t let them get away with that. Take your best shot and get a final decision even if that final decision is a “No.” action in your life. Jane Recommends: As the new year begins we also recommend taking time to replenish and nuture yourself and take stock of your life and your business. Satish Kumar’s Elegant Simplicty is the art of living well! Ready to make the most out of your business? Tanya Hall’s Ideas, Influence and Income. And if you are a leader and an entrepreneur read, Lead Your Tribe, Love Your Work by Piyush Patel. Women this is for you! Judy Hoberman gets it right in Walking on the Glass Floor. Want your business decisions and actions to bring you to success? Dive deep with Jeffrey Magee’s Your Trajectory Code.
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I am Yours by Reema Zaman | What was the pivotal moment in your life that propelled you to raise your voice to be heard? I believe that to speak is a revolution, and this can manifest in various ways. The most definitivemoment was a quiet one that transpired within myself, because it set and reinforced the foundation for every other moment: When I was 23, I was raped, and my inner voice had to rise up and speak clearly and loudly enough to override the chaos, loneliness, confusion, and trauma circling my mind. It was the kind of speaking up that happens within. It was a quiet revolution, my inner voice stoically refusing to let me die, deciding that not only would I survive, I would use my story to become a conduit of healing, love, empowerment, and justice for others. What is the one small action women can take to free themselves from being silenced? The voice is a muscle. The more you use it, the more time, care, love, and respect you give it, the stronger it will grow. If speaking up publicly or speaking back to a person in your life feels too daunting, begin by voicing your truth on paper. Using a journal, laptop, or cell phone, give your voice the space to speak. By giving your voice the permission and a safe space to speak, you’ll exercise this muscle. Soon enough, your words and thoughts will become more clear, precise, and articulate, you’ll gain deeper knowledge of yourself, your life, the characters in it, and the change you desire, and this will fill you with the necessary confidence to take bigger
Jane also recommends: (Above) Ben Felder’s journey is riveting in Take Off Your Shoes. When it time to reflect indulge the senses with The Telling Image. I was captivated by this page turner, The Truth: My Journey to the Other Side (book 1) by Dee Delaney. Wrap yourself around Jill D. Block’s The Truth About Parallel Lines (the story of friendship, love and loss). And Weather Woman by Cai Emmons is a joy to read! (Below) For historical romance pair up with Gary Dickson’s, An Improbable Pairing. We love award-winner, Helaine Mario’s mystery thriller, Dark Rhapsody. For our audiobook lovers, The New York Times bestselling Longmire series, by Craig Johnson, Depth of Winter. Fans of Lee Childs will love Bestselling author, Diane Capri’s Fatal Dawn. And if you care to go on a daring and suspenseful ride we recommend, New York Times bestselling author, Meredith Wild’s The Red Ledger Reborn.Enter to Win any of these books: Bedside Reading.com/Win
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 39
The One Thing by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan What inspired you to write this book? The ONE Thing came to life in 2008. Gary and I were working on a class and he took it home for the weekend to write an introduction. The introduction was called “The Power of One” and I remember saying, “Gary, I think this is a book.” He agreed and that started a journey that took us almost five years to complete. Gary has lived the fundamental ideas of the book for a long time and, rereading our earlier books, one can find lots of alignment around the ideas of focus and prioritization. What is the one core transformative message in your book? We live in an age of distraction and we have a choice. We can do fewer things for more effect or attempt everything with side effects. The ONE Thing is all about more of your time an effort at the things, maybe even the one thing, that matters most. People who do have better results, less stress and regain control of their busy lives. We also recommend: Business leaders who want to keep up with today’s world. check out Iterate: Run a Fast, Flexible, Focused Management Team by Ed Muzio. Fiction lovers will love New York Times bestselling author, Tracey Garvis Graves’ The Girl He Used To Know. Larry Stuart‘s 40-year career in hospitality shows us how to be in The Spirit of Hospitality. Fiction fans just dive into New York Times bestselling author, Ellery Adams newest novel, The Whispered Word. Love Michael Connelly? You’ll soon add award-wining novelist, Matt Coyle to your “must read” list. Pick up his new novel Wrong Light.
(Below) Historical novelist Carrie Callaghan creates sheer art with A light of Her Own. Don’t be shy and slide into an entertaining adventure in Jon Etter’s A Dreadful Fairy Book. Author Hal Price is on a mission to touch children in a way that transforms the heart. A Heart Journey’s Home The Adventures of Eli Benjamin Bear. Award-winning One by Kathryn Otoshi touches colors in a new way. Roya Sands and the Bridge Between Worlds by Sayron Michael White is the new YA novel sure to keep you turning the pages.
With so many independent publishers making their mark in the publishing industry I am thrilled be one of their champions. Amazing authors to discover. It’s time to unplug, unwind and dissolve into a page-turner. Jane Ubell-Meyer, Senior Book Curator for Hollywood Weekly is the founder BedsideReading.com Enter to Win any of our books: BedsideReading.com/win 40 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
The “Pretty Little Liars” star talks about her role as a sports attorney in “Tiger”
Janel Parrish By Alex A. Kecskes
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K
nown for her role as Mona Vanderwaal in “Pretty Little Liars,” Hawaiian born Janel Parrish won four Teen Choice Awards for her performance in that series. At age 6, she began piano lessons, and within a year was also studying acting, singing, tap dance and jazz dance. Parrish began her acting career in 1996 with the role of Young Cosette in "Les Misérables," first performing in the U.S. national tour and then transferring to the Broadway production. She later guest starred in various television series before landing her breakthrough role as Jade in “Bratz.” She subsequently competed in Dancing with the Stars and released her first single as a singer-songwriter in 2007. In “Tiger,” Parrish is Charlotte, an attorney representing Pardeep Nagra, a practicing Sikh who was banned by the boxing commission for refusing to back down from his religious beliefs. Hollywood Weekly: Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What drew you to the role of Charlotte? Janel Parrish: I read it during a flight to L.A. and was so moved by Pardeep’s passion and the fact that it was a true story that needed to be told. It was just so inspiring about this man who stood up to the system and for his rights, saying this is unfair. He just never gives up. As for Charlotte’s story, I love that she changes when she hears Pardeep’s story. She starts out a bit hardened and you get the feeling that she’s had a tough upbringing. His passion and his strength soften her and bring out a different side of her. And toward the end of the film, it becomes not just his fight but her fight for him and for herself. I loved playing with that transition. HW: Did you audition for the role? If so, what was that like? Parrish: I did not. They sent me the script and asked
me to read it. They said if I like this character, would I be willing to fly in during the next couple of days and film with them in Ohio. So I read the script, loved it and when I got back to L.A., I called them and said, when do I need to be in Ohio? HW: You play a sports attorney in this film. Did you have to catch up on all the jargon used by lawyers and boxing? Parrish: I had to Google Charlotte’s every word (laughs). I looked things up in the encyclopedia and practiced the enunciation a million times so I would sound like I knew what I was doing. In my real life, all this stuff just goes over of my head. So hopefully, I pulled it off. But it didn’t come without a lot of practice. HW: This film speaks to a number of issues. What do you see as its core message? Parrish: I think the core message is that everyone has a right to their religious beliefs. No matter your religion or sexual preference or whatever you strongly believe in, you have a right to fight for what you believe. And Pardeep never gives up against all odds. He fought against discrimination and being told that you can’t practice your religion. HW: What was the one aspect of this film that challenged you as an actor? Parrish: I would say the lawyer jargon. It was a challenge for me because I wanted to make sure I did that justice, that my performance was believable in the courtroom. But on further thought, I would say the biggest challenge was making sure that I really got across to the audience just how much Pardeep’s story inspired and changed Charlotte. HW: How are you like Charlotte and how are you different?
“No matter your religion or sexual preference…you have a right to fight for what you believe in.” HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 43
Parrish: I think I’m like Charlotte in her fierceness. She’s feisty and she’s not afraid to say what she’s thinking. She has a soft vulnerable side that she brings out. How am I not like her? Well, she’s a really smart cookie and I can’t say I’m as smart as she is. “I would love to do a musical film, where I can sing, dance and act. That would be just a dream for me.” HW: You cut your first single as a singer/songwriter and competed in Dancing with the Stars. Is there a part of you that yearns to be in a dance film like “Step Up” or a musical like “La La Land”? Parrish: Yes. That is absolutely a major goal I’ve set for my self. I would love to do a musical film, where I can sing, dance and act. That would be just a dream for me. Musical theater is the first thing I ever did, my first love and it still is. Whenever I’m not doing TV or film, I go back to the stage. I just finished a run in Toronto at the Wintergarden where I played Sandy in “Grease.” It was amazing and something I never thought I could do as an American actor. I never thought anyone would see me as Sandy. But this is 2018, so why can’t I be Sandy? It just shows that things are changing for the better. That six-month run was so much fun. I go back to the stage whenever I can. So if I can combine my true love of stage and film, I’d be very, very happy. HW: What do you like about being in “Pretty Little Liars”? Parrish: It’s such a fun world to be a part of. It’s dramatic and juicy and sexy and fun. You get to wear all these amazing clothes. It’s like living in a guilty pleasure every single day. I’ve been a part of that family for almost ten years now. HW: You’ve done films, TV, stage work. What’s next for you? Parrish: I would love to do a musical film. That’s definitely on my radar. I would also love to go back to Broadway and do a musical there. We’re currently filming our first season of the spinoff, “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists,” which will air early next year.
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“I would love to do a musical film, where I can sing, dance and act. That would be just a dream for me.”
Lu Ning
“Golden Angel” Lu Ning shining at the Chinese American TV& Film Festival
C
hinese-American Hollywood actress and film producer, Lu Ning, with her gentle eastern charm, shined on the red carpet of the 14th Chinese American TV&Film Festival (CAFF). In 2017, she produced the American Film “Ten Thousand Miles” and won the “Golden Angel” Award of the 13th CAFF. Many celebrities from the Chinese and American entertainment industries showed up in CAFF. The chairman of the CAFF Su Yantao and his wife, Chinese actress Li Bingbing, Chinese actor Ji Dong, Hollywood Actress Kelsey Scott, Hollywood actor Byron Mann, Smart Cinema's Dr. Jack Gao, CEO of Warner Bros. China Zhao Fang, Chairman of Bona Film Group Yu Dong, Chairman of Datang Brilliant Media Wang Hui, Producer of “A Warriors of Tragedy” Liu Xiaolin, Producer of “Titanic” “Hacksaw Ridge” Bill Mechanic, Producer of “Crazy Rich Asians” John Penotti, Producer of “The Meg” Randy Greenberg, Producer of “Batman” Series Michael Uslan, Hollywood director of “Prison Break” Bobby Roth, Director of “Warrior fearless” Xu Xiaoming, Chairman of China Film International and director of “Police Story” Tang Jili, they all showed up at the red carpet ceremony and celebrated this magnificent festival together.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 45
ing by engaging the entire body as opposed to looking at one part or another is a relief. She did give me my confidence back. It is also lovely to talk to her; she is very engaging, which truly makes you feel at home. And, that is what we all want. She is just a phone call away: 1-800-826-5366 or icbr.com Editor’s Choice, Best of the Best, America’s Most Promising Companies and Practitionerss By Adrienne Papp
Judi Smith, ICBR
Co-Founder
of
The International Clinic of Biological Regeneration Rolling Back Time Since 1981. Modern medicine has given us many miracles, but sometimes it’s alternative thinking that can lead to remedies and curatives not included in the sphere of traditional medical techniques. Case in point: When medical student C. Tom Smith was bombarded with what should have been a lethal dose of ionizing radiation in the fifties, he immediately began researching possible remedies in the hope that he could help what was considered a hopeless situation. His research 46 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
took him to Europe, studying alternative therapies and nutritional remedies, which helped not only save his life, but also added more than 50 years to what should have been a death sentence. In 1981 Dr. C. Tom Smith and his wife Judi started a clinic based on cell therapies using embryonic tissue and were determined to make the treatments affordable to a wide variety of patients at clinics close to the U.S. (cell therapies are not currently approved in the U.S.) “We started with a little office in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico and soon outgrew that and moved our practice to Matamoros,” says Judi Smith, co-founder and Director of the International Clinic of Biological Regeneration (ICBR). “We now have thirty-seven years of experience in boosting the health of the immune and endocrine systems, helping to reverse the aging process and fending off chronic disease.” The International Clinic of Biological Regeneration currently offers clinics in Tijuana and Cancun, Mexico and Nassau, Bahamas. “We can provide relief for a host of maladies,” says Smith, “including weakened immune system, adrenal fatigue, low libido, chronic fatigue and metabolic syndromes involving high blood pressure, high cholesterol and high blood sugar levels.” Meeting Judi made a difference in my life. Just the sheer knowledge that she provides a comprehensive approach to heal-
Dr. Kristy Van Kirk The Most Passionate Doctor I Have Ever Met Former beauty queen Dr. Kristy Van Kirk has a well-established medical reputation in her hometown of Cheyenne, Wyoming, and is continuing to expand the services she can offer her patients. After graduating from the University of Wyoming she attended the University of Washington School of Medicine and completed her OB/GYN residency at the University of Iowa Hospital and Clinics, where she was selected to be Chief Resident. Returning to her hometown, Van Kirk began her practice at the Cheyenne Woman’s Clinic, dedicated to assisting women at various stages of their lives, whether it be pregnancy, advising on surgery or helping with graceful aging. “I feel it’s important to relate to my patients on an emotional, as well
as a clinical level,” Van Kirk says, “being supportive and teaching them how to listen to their bodies, to be in tune with it, and able to heal themselves is key to me. My work in OB/GYN also taught me about the mind/body relationship. Making the right lifestyle choices, optimizing one’s health for the best possible outcome through exercise, diet, sleep and stress control are all important factors in a woman’s health.” 2019 promises to be a big year for Van Kirk, with plans for an alternative therapy clinic near the Woman’s Clinic, in Cheyenne, WY, which is near the world famous Lodge & Spa at Brush Creek Ranch, a convenient stop for people traveling from the Denver International Airport to Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, WY. “As I continue my education and research I see an opportunity to combine the strengths of traditional medical treatments and pharmaceuticals with other health and wellness therapies,” Van Kirk explains. “I’ve also recently joined the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine, and will be offering hormone therapies, nutritional plans and other integrative resources to my patients as part of an overall health program. In my view, health is either a ‘pay now or pay later’ proposition. My business logo is a Tree of Life with a DNA base, representing the lifestyle we choose to lead through nutrition, exercise, stress management, relationships, spirituality, love (of self and others), gratitude, supplements, sleep, work, environment, nature exposure, and so many other things that nurture our Tree of Life to flourish.” Tel: 307-823-2968 / Dr. Kristy Van Kirk
Dr. Donald Zone Single Handedly Changing How We Look at Health on a Biochemical Level Through Education From Cardiology to an Anti-Aging Zone For many years Dr. Donald Zone had a prominent career as a cardiologist in Erie, PA, treating heart disease congenital heart defects, rhythm disorders and heart failure. “If you had a heart attack and they wheeled you in through the emergency room doors, I was the person you saw waiting for you,” Dr. Zone says. Early in his career Dr. Zone had an epiphany while attending Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, where he observed advanced medical techniques like angioplasty that inspired Dr. Zone in his approach to heart health, and even encouraged him to explore more preventative therapies as he retired from cardiology. “It’s was just fascinating to see how far the technology had come and over the years I was able to see the tremendous explosion of medical knowledge, but now my mission is more of an educational one, hoping to let people know they can take responsibility, through lifestyle choices, for their own health,” Dr. Zone says. “Things like diet, stress reduction techniques like meditation and exercise are so important from an
early age, to maintaining healthy cellular activity and therefore overall health. That was the other explosion I’ve been able to witness more recently, the emphasis on biochemistry and the understanding of disease at the metabolic level and the workings of RNA and DNA. All of those things contribute to who we are and what our health is likely to be.” In addition to training other doctors in ways to help prevent hear disease, Dr. Zone has embarked on a program called “Heart Healthy Today” that involves a blog with lots of preventative lifestyle information and a book by the same title. “The field of heart health has come such a long way over my career, and now people have access to many advanced procedures and the pharmaceuticals that can help maintain cardiovascular health, but what we can do for ourselves can also be equally effective, especially in the long term, for maintaining heart health. It’s a very simple principle, and in short, I refer to this health advice as ‘starting on the inside’. By offering this information and the book, it’s my attempt at providing what I consider to be a modern day house call.” h t t p : / / w w w. H e a r t H e a l t h To d a y. com
FEATURED WRITER ANTI AGING EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Adrienne Papp HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 47
Best Selling Author Natalie Banks Visit www.NatalieBanks.net and find out more... The Water is Wide:
Sarah Avery had spent years carefully re-constructing her broken life back together, after her husband Thomas, the love of her life, drowned 14 years earlier. When suddenly she comes face to face with a man named Collin, who is Thomas’ exact look-alike, on the streets of Wilmington, NC. She convinces herself that he is somehow, actually Thomas, come back to her. Yet in response, he has no recognition of her or their life together. However, the attraction between the two of them is powerful and immediate. But, even as Sarah finds herself falling in love with Collin, she is still haunted by questions about his true identity and the secret guilt she carries over Thomas’ death. And little does she know, Collin himself, holds some secrets of his own, that threaten to destroy everything they have together.
The Dark Room:
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pher Alec Prentice. He’s irresistible, drawing her into his world of sex and seduction. But soon, his bad boy ways and her guilty conscious consume her and push her to end the affair abruptly. Not long after ending the affair, she frighteningly realizes she is being stalked. As she desperately continues her attempt to keep the affair a secret, the stalking escalates. Even when it begins to jeopardize her safety, she refuses to get help for fear of her secret being exposed. Forcing her to take matters into her own hands, leading her down a path of deception and violence. As a hurrifor her life and for everything that ever mattered.
The Canary’s Song:
What was left of Juliette Bennett’s life was in shambles. Losing her young son to a tragic accident had nearly driven her to the point of madness and now she was on the verge of losing her husband too. In a last ditch effort to save their marriage, she decided to book a romantic cabin vacation for just the two of them up in the mountains of North Carolina. She thought she had experienced the worst life could throw at her. Little did she know that the wilderness had in something else in store for her, when she finds herself left alone and fighting for her life.
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