HW August 2023

Letter From The Editor

WELCOME READERS to another issue of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. This is a special month because we're honored to welcome back Model/ Designer/Singer and Artist Joyce Pilarsky, showcasing her gorgeous, timeless fashion designs. We gave the stage to Joyce for her second cover, handing her the microphone so she can tell you in her own words the tenets of her beautifully organic design philosophy. We are so happy to have Joyce back with us again.

This issue also begins our HW VIP Series, showcasing the Best in L.A. and around the country. Rae Finn is a sensational new fashion designer taking over Nashville with her clothing line "Hogwash 'n Rhinestones," and she is set to be the new "It Girl" in the Fashion world.

From Beverly Hills we have Baren Business Management (Integrating your finances with peace of mind), and in L.A.'s "Miracle Mile" we have our local UPS heroes on the corner of Wilshire and Dunsmuir, near the historic La Brea Tar Pits. Straight from the world-famous Whiskey a Go Go on Sunset Blvd HW features three amazing performers. Two are high-energy bands from hit-makers Iron Gate Records: FRACTURED and SILVERSEL, these bands bring the heat to L.A.'s music scene. Finally, coming off of an incredible performance last Saturday night at the Whiskey a Go Go, singer/ musician Dylan Garcia. Dylan's performance was dedicated to his late brother, and the theme was mental health awareness. Dylan had guest speakers, beautiful music, and it was a fun, cathartic night of healing.

Thank you, readers, for once again supporting Hollywood Weekly Magazine. We are nothing without you.

PUBLISHER/EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

Prather Jackson

VICE PRESIDENT

Bernice Harris

BOOK EDITORS

Jane Ubell-Meyer

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Hailey Ashley

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Alex A. Kecskes

Carmelita Pittman

LIFE & STYLE EDITOR

Niki Shadrow Snyder niki@projectpopdrop.com

DESIGN & PRODUCTION RGS Media

AFRICA CORRESPONDENT & AMBASSADOR

Egor Kelly Egorefiok@gmail.com

BRAZIL OPERATIONS

Fabio Glingani Rico@lapenda.net (310) 567-3333

INDIA OPERATION

Ike Sinha Mobile +919599068592

LATIN AMERICA

Karla Silva Karla@monarks.Biz 818.254.5505

Anthony Ewart Associate Editor Hollywood Weekly Magazine

Jose Beltran wpsevents@gmail.com 562.546.2840

DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS

Anthony Ewart

IAN TIPTON - Guitar

TRAVIS ECHEVARRIA - Drums

ROBB RUSSO - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar/Keys

KEN ZIMMERMAN - Bass/Synth/Backing Vocals

Whisky a Go Go

8901 W Sunset Boulevard, West Hollywood, CA 90069 (310) 652-4202

THURSDAY, 09.28.23

DOORS 6PM

Are an Alt/Synth/Rock band. Post punk and new wave influences infiltrate their stadium sound, layering raw guitar riffs, intoxicating synth and a driving backbeat. A welcome dynamic blend of organic meets electronic. In a word, UNDENIABLE

ROUNDUP TV & FILM

THIRD ANNUAL ACADEMY MUSEUM GALA

THE ACADEMY MUSEUM GALA WILL CELEBRATE THE ACCLAIMED MUSEUM’S TWO-YEAR ANNIVERSARY AND WILL HONOR MERYL STREEP, MICHAEL B. JORDAN, OPRAH WINFREY, AND SOFIA COPPOLA ON OCTOBER 14, 2023

THE ACADEMY Museum of Motion Pictures today announced details of its third annual fundraising gala, to be held on October 14, 2023. The Academy Museum Gala will celebrate the acclaimed museum’s two-year anniversary and will honor three-time Academy Award-winner and 21-time Academy Award-nominated actor Meryl Streep, award-winning actor, producer and director Michael B. Jordan, Academy Award-nominated actress and producer, author, and global media leader Oprah Winfrey, and Academy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated filmmaker and actor Sofia Coppola.

As a fundraiser, the event has been greenlit to move forward by WGA and SAG-AFTRA. The evening will help raise vital funds to support museum exhibitions, education initiatives, and public programming, including screenings, K-12 programs, and access initiatives in service of the general public and the local community of Los Angeles. Supported by Rolex, the official watch partner and founding supporter of the Academy Museum, the Gala is being cochaired by Academy Award-nominated director Ava DuVernay, Academy Museum Trustee, physician, producer, philanthropist, and entrepreneur Dr. Eric Esrailian, Academy Award-winning actor and Academy Museum supporter Halle Berry, and Academy Museum Trustee and screenwriter, director, producer Ryan Murphy.

“We are excited to gather again at our third annual Academy Museum Gala to celebrate the power, global impact, and indelible importance of cinema. I am truly honored to recognize four artists, Meryl Streep, Michael B. Jordan, Oprah Winfrey and Sofia Coppola, whose creativity and passion have inspired and shaped our culture in such powerful ways,” said Jacqueline Stewart, Director and President of the Academy Museum. “We are truly grateful to our co-chairs Ava DuVernay, Dr. Eric Esrailian, Halle Berry and Ryan Murphy, for hosting this special evening and to Rolex for their continued support of the Museum and cinema worldwide.”

The four awards presented at the Academy Museum Gala reflect the museum’s continued mission to advance the understanding, celebration, and preservation of film and to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema. The awards presented at this year’s gala include:

• The Icon Award, presented to Meryl Streep, celebrating an artist whose career has had a significant global cultural impact.

• The Vantage Award, presented to Michael B. Jordan, honoring an emerging artist or scholar who is helping to contextualize and challenge dominant narratives around cinema.

• The Pillar Award, presented to Oprah Winfrey, which acknowledges exemplary leadership and support for the Academy Museum.

• The Visionary Award, presented to Sofia Coppola, honoring an artist or scholar whose innovations have advanced the art of cinema.

The 2023 Academy Gala Host Committee, also announced today, includes Adrien Brody, Aldis Hodge, Ariana DeBose, Ashley Park, Billie Lourd, Bryce Dallas Howard, Catherine Martin, Chloë Sevigny, Colin Farrell, Colman Domingo, Dakota Fanning, Danielle Deadwyler, Demi Moore, Don Cheadle, Eddie Redmayne, Elle Fanning, Eve Hewson, Gabrielle Union, Gina Prince-Bythewood, Goldie Hawn, Jared Leto, Jay Ellis, Jeff Goldblum, Jeffrey Wright, Jodie Turner Smith, Joel Kim Booster, John Travolta, Kate Hudson, Keke Palmer, Kirsten Dunst, Letitia Wright, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Matt Bomer, Meg Ryan, Michael Keaton, Naomi Scott, Natasha Lyonne, Nicole Kidman, Olivia Wilde, Questlove, Rachel Zegler, Rashida Jones, Regina Hall, Rian Johnson, Riley Keough, Rita Wilson, Selma Blair, Seth Rogen, Sharon Stone, Stephanie Hsu, Steven Yeun, Tom Hanks, Tracee Ellis Ross, Willem Dafoe, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Yorgos Lanthimos, Zoë Kravitz, and More among others.

The 2022 Academy Museum Gala honored Julia Roberts, Miky Lee, Sir Steve McQueen, and Tilda Swinton and the 2021 Academy Museum Opening Gala honored Haile Gerima and Sophia Loren as well as Academy Museum Campaign Leaders Annette Bening, Bob Iger, and Tom Hanks.

Images: Meryl Streep, photo by Brigitte Lacombe; Michael B. Jordan, photo by Juan Veloz; Oprah Winfrey, photo by Ruven Afanador; Sofia Coppola, photo by Melodie McDaniel

TNT to Tip Off 2023-24 NBA Regular Season

NBA ON TNT will feature a 65-game schedule during the 2023-24 NBA regular season, starting with a blockbuster Opening Night doubleheader featuring the NBA Champion Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic hosting the Los Angeles Lakers and LeBron James on Tuesday Oct. 24, at 7:30 p.m. ET. The night’s second game will feature a pair of new-look Western Conference teams with stars making their team debuts – the Golden State Warriors with Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and Chris Paul hosting the Phoenix Suns led by Kevin Durant, Devin Booker and Bradley Beal at 10 p.m.

This year’s doubleheader will lead off the company’s 40th consecutive year of NBA coverage and mark the 28th straight year in which TNT has tipped off the NBA regular season.

2023 Kia NBA Tip-Off Opening Week

coverage will continue with the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo hosting the Philadelphia 76ers and last season’s Kia NBA MVP Joel Embiid on Thursday, Oct. 26, at 7:30 p.m., followed by the Suns and Durant visiting the Lakers and James at 10 p.m.

The network’s second week will feature the San Antonio Spurs and 2023 NBA Draft top pick Victor Wembanyama visiting the Suns and Deandre Ayton on Tuesday, Oct. 31, at 10 p.m. Earlier in the night the New York Knicks and Jalen Brunson will visit the Cleveland Cavaliers and Donovan Mitchell at 7:30 p.m.

The network will also televise NBA AllStar 2024 from Indianapolis, Friday, Feb. 16 through Sunday, Feb. 18 and the most NBA Playoff games of any network, culminating with the exclusive presentation of the 2024 NBA Western Conference Finals.

DISNEY’S “THE LITTLE MERMAID” TO DEBUT ON DISNEY+

DISNEY’S LIVE-ACTION reimagining of the studio’s Oscar®-winning animated musical classic “The Little Mermaid,” which opened in theatres in May and went on to gross more than $542 million at the global box office, will premiere on Disney+ on 6th September, 2023.

Disney+ subscribers will be able to access special bonus content, including Oscar® winner Javier Bardem as King Triton performing the song “Impossible Child” with music by multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner Lin-Manuel Miranda, “Passing the Dinglehopper,” and “Under the Sea –Song Breakdown.”

“The Little Mermaid” is the beloved story of Ariel, a beautiful and spirited young mermaid with a thirst for adventure. The youngest of King Triton’s daughters and the most defiant, Ariel

longs to find out more about the world beyond the sea and, while visiting the surface, falls for the dashing Prince Eric. While mermaids are forbidden from interacting with humans, Ariel must follow her heart. She makes a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, which gives her a chance to experience life on land but ultimately places her life – and her father’s crown – in jeopardy.

The film stars singer and actress Halle

Bailey as Ariel; Jonah Hauer-King as Eric; Tony Award® winner Daveed Diggs as the voice of Sebastian; Awkwafina as the voice of Scuttle; Jacob Tremblay as the voice of Flounder; Noma Dumezweni as The Queen; Art Malik as Sir Grimsby; with Oscar® winner Javier Bardem as King Triton; and two-time Academy Award® nominee Melissa McCarthy as Ursula. “The Little Mermaid” is directed by Oscar® nominee Rob Marshall with a screenplay by two-time Oscar nominee David Magee. The songs feature music from multiple Academy Award® winner Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman, and new lyrics by three-time Tony Award® winner LinManuel Miranda. The film is produced by two-time Emmy® winner Marc Platt , Miranda, two-time Emmy winner John DeLuca, and Rob Marshall, with Jeffrey Silver serving as executive producer.

PAULA ANDREA PLACIDO

On The L Word, Hacks, Sugar, and her Visual Arts

By Alex A. Kecskes

An established visual artist and actor, Paula Andrea Placido joins the cast of Showtime’s The L Word: Generation Q and is set to star in the new Apple+ series Sugar alongside Colin Farrell. In L Word: Generation Q, Paula is Roxy, an adventurous, unpredictable girl who draws on her upscale background to make life one endless party.

Born in San Francisco de Macrois in the Dominican Republic to an Argentine-Italian father and Colombian mother, Paula grew up in West Palm Beach, Florida before moving to Los Angeles to pursue her acting career. Paula is best known for her role in the 2nd season of the Emmy-winning HBO comedy series Hacks, where she played Rian, Ava’s hot subletter/tenant who she ended up hooking up with. Paula then appeared on Shameless’ last season, where she played Calista, a lesbian bartender, who opens up a new queer bar in Gallagher’s neighborhood. Paula has also appeared in The Resident, Never Have I Ever, All Rise, The Shrink Next Door, and Star Trek: Picard. In her free time, Paula enjoys riding her motorcycle, painting, and staying fit.

You started as an artist. Was there an actor, TV show, or film that inspired you to pursue acting?

Paula Placido: I Always wanted to be an actor but art was definitely my foot in the door. That’s how I got into art school. But If I had to point to a specific film that drew me into acting, it would be Harry Potter. I was about the same age as Daniel Radcliffe when the first movie came out. I remember seeing those clips on the screen and saying, I want to do that. So I bugged my mom enough to get me into art school and then segued into performing that way.

My father was an artist and he said the hardest thing to draw was hands. But you’re really good at it.

Paula: Thank you. I was in the fifth grade and I fell in love with The Creation of Adam by Michelangelo. I just started tracing the hands and got so used to the lines that I was able to draw them freehand later on. I love it. It’s also therapeutic because there are so many tiny details in the hand.

Okay. Your first acting gig. Was it nerve-wracking, terrifying, exciting?

Paula: Nerve wracking. Whether it’s

commercial acting or theatrical, you still have the same feeling of impostor syndrome, that the casting director made a mistake. There’s this voice in your head that’s constantly betraying you, and you have to learn to dominate that. There’s a lot of fear but with practice, repetition, and understanding what you’re going to do, the bigger picture, that fear goes away. If you concentrate on why you’re there, to create something, and dispel those negative thoughts—like what is everyone thinking about you, you’ll have a lot more fun.

You’ve had so many roles. Is there a particular type of role you enjoy more than others?

Paula: I thought it would be dramatic roles, that the more dramatic the scene, the better actor I would appear. But I realized that I love comedy. It’s so much more fun and lighthearted to go to work and not have to search for my deep emotions, which can be really draining. Doing comedy is such a joy because it goes by so much faster. There’s laughter, everyone’s having a good time, and the pacing and improv are so much fun.

What drew you to The L Word and the role of Roxy in particular?

Paula: For me, growing up, the L Word felt like a bucket list. I always wanted to be part of the show. I was so excited when I got to audition for it. I think I auditioned two or three times for different characters. I had no idea who I was auditioning for since they gave me dummy sides to read. So I tried to interpret each character the best way I knew how. But it feels really special to be on the show, to be part of the LBGT community. I would have taken any character they offered me. It just felt like such a milestone for me.

Most actors have a love-hate relationship with auditions.

Paula: I really enjoy the self-tape auditions because all the other variables are taken out. The appointment time, rushing through traffic, sitting in a waiting room with a bunch of people that are dressed like you. You sometimes hear others auditioning in the other room and you’re making choices since they’re getting in your head. Self-taped auditions are so much more relaxing. I can review my work and say ok, I can do better. I think I’ve learned a lot from that process.

Roxy and Dani have an interesting relationship. There’s passion and conflict. What makes their relationship work?

Paula: They’re such good friends. There’s that bond with a friendship that develops over the years—you speak the same language and you’re on the same beat. I think that’s the situation with Dani and Roxy. I have friendships where we’ve gone for years without hanging out or even connecting but when we get together, it’s like we never missed a beat. We’re right back where we put a pause on it. I think ultimately, Roxy cares so much about Dani, more than intimately. There’s that bond and the friendship matters so much to Roxy that they’re willing to put their feelings aside to help each other.

Behind every party girl, there’s usually some painful secret. Will we see more of Roxy’s backstory?

Paula: I’m hoping we will. I don’t know but I think it would be very cool if saw Roxy’s and Dani’s story a bit more, their history, and why their stories went their separate ways.

Do you have a favorite scene in The L Word this season?

Paula: Yes. It should be coming out very soon. Roxy does something really naughty and it causes Dani to have a really fun time. It’s a pretty hilarious scene. We don’t see that side of Dani very often but it will be a real treat for the fans.

Will you continue as Rian in Hacks?

Paula: I have no idea. Who knows what they’re getting into? In the second season, they were on a tour bus. I think it would be very cool if Rian can make some sort of amends or Ava can make amends so that the miscommunication of sleeping till one o’clock and kicking her out is smoothed out. Personally, it was a bit harsh but I love the scene. It was so well written. It was one of the episodes that I’d watched before auditioning for the show so I was already a huge fan. I would love to come back.

What can you tell us about Sugar? Can you describe your character, Charlie?

Paula: Charlie is smart and incredibly loyal. She has a history with Sugar played by Colin Farrell. She has Sugar’s back, helping him do some detective work and

surveillance, sort of a technical expert. It takes place in L.A. as a genre-bending detective drama. It has a Hollywood aspect to it, a filmmaking family. I love stories that take place in L.A. I think Colin’s a brilliant actor and I feel lucky to work with him.

Will Charlie have a love interest?

Paula: I was pitching it. But, no, I don’t think so.

What have you learned about this business that surprised you?

Paula: How fast it goes. Which is why it’s so important to be prepared, to do your work. Because when you’re on set, there’s no time for anything. When I was in class, they’d say you don’t have to worry, we’ll fix this or that. But on set, there’s no time, you have to be on top of it. Everyone’s

a professional, they have a job to do and they all want to go home at a decent hour.

Any advice for young actors just starting out?

Paula: Study. Put in the work. And really understand your characters and the scene. The partying and fame can wait if you’re really serious about your career. There are a lot of people trying to get in so it’s really competitive. For me, it was being one hundred percent committed.

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

Paula: Mmm. Most likely to be drawing in class when I’m supposed to be paying attention to the teacher (laughs). I went to art school as a visual arts major and I minored in drama. I auditioned for the theater program but I didn’t get in.

Spotlight On Amelia

By Hailey Ashley

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

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

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

Al has three screenplays that are Amazon #1 best sellers: ‘Transgressions’, ‘Angel City’ and ‘Thank you, Amelia Earhart.’

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

He tells us, “I always try to keep in mind that for every cut and dried ‘rule,’ there are many people who are fabulously successful doing 180 degrees the opposite. My intense but loose style of creating has resulted in many future years of feature films currently ready for production, the result of nothing more than a ferocious need for expression.” He continues by sharing with us, “My personal motto is, ‘Blessings accrue to the bold, and time doesn’t wait’.”

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

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

two women learn from each other leave both of them forever changed.

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

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

Earhart

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

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

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

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

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

Photo credit: Fran Kozakowski

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

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

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

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

When we asked Al about his goals for the future, his response was refreshing to hear and only further validates his devotion to what he does. When it comes to the question of ‘What’s next?’ he shares with us, “For me it’s all about the art. I’m living

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mary Buss

Merhawit Tsegay

Oliva Buss

Josiah Overstreet

Michael Gibbons

Jacob Dever

Adam Hampton

Erica Jordan

Brett Bower

AVERY KONRAD

By Alex A. Kecskes

On the series FROM, complex characters, and dancing roles

Hailing from British Columbia, Avery Konrad studied at Vancouver Film School and landed her first role as Gina Sarland in R.L Stein's The Haunting Hour series. Konrad later co-starred in Paramount+ Honor Society, about a high school senior who stops at nothing to get into Harvard. Konrad also played Chance Sinclair in Amazon's horror-thriller Broil. And she portrayed Roan Harper, Juliette Lewis’ sister in the acclaimed Facebook Watch series, Sacred Lies: The Singing Bones Additional credits include recurring roles in ABC's The Good Doctor, Netflix's Van Helsing, and CBC's Unspeakable

Currently, Konrad stars in Epix's contemporary sci-fi horror/drama, FROM. The series unravels the mystery of a nightmarish town in middle America that traps all those who enter. As the unwilling residents fight to keep a sense of normalcy and search for a way out,

they must also survive the threats of the surrounding forest—including the terrifying creatures that come out when the sun goes down. As Sara Myers, Konrad is a wild card among the town's residents: some think her mind was simply fractured by the residents of the town; others wonder if, in her madness, she is closer to the secrets of the town than anyone else.

Besides her work in film and television, Konrad is an accomplished dancer. She

has worked on several music videos and performances with her dance career. When her childhood friends opened Legacy Dance Productions in her hometown, she began teaching dance to children, which has grown into a huge passion for her to this day.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. FROM is a real nail bitter about survival. What drew you to the role of Sara Myers?

The overall storyline and her character were very interesting because she has so many layers. She's such a wild card in the town. Also, the team behind the series was a huge draw. And to bring her character to life was a dream come true.

What did you draw from to play such a mysterious character in a nightmarish town?

I had lots of help from my acting coach, Deb Podowski, who coached me for all episodes. When I’m in the depths of playing Sara, it’s hard to see the things that are popping up on the page, things you don’t see when you’re glancing over it. So to have Deb point those things out was really helpful in keeping Sara’s humanity alive, which I felt was really important.

What did you find most challenging about being in this series and playing Sara?

I think all of the content she deals with— the darkness—can kind of bleed into your life a little bit. But having practiced with season one and coming into season two,

No matter how hard it gets, you have to be your own cheerleader and believe in yourself more than anything

I kind of knew what I was getting into. So that was very helpful but to keep that alive, the consequences of maintaining that can be challenging. But it's all worth it because I get to do what I love.

Do you have a favorite scene or scenes?

There’s one scene with Chloe (Van Landschoot), who plays Kristi in the clinic, which was a lot of fun to shoot. I love the scenes in season one with Harold (Perrineau). Those were awesome. Also the scene in season one, episode five, where Sarah kills Nathan (Paul Zinno). It was difficult but rewarding.

Yeah, the neck-stabbing scene. Are you sometimes put off by all the blood and gore?

When I’m there, no; but seeing it on screen, it’s different. But because I was there in the scene, I kind of know where everything was coming from.

You’re an accomplished dancer. If you were offered a role in Footloose or Black Swan, which would you take?

Oh, that’s really difficult. There’s a lot of darkness in Black Swan. If I was coming off of FROM, I’d probably go for Footloose because it’s more lighthearted. But both would be incredible projects to be part of.

You've played a variety of roles in TV and film. What have you learned about this business that surprised you?

That's a really good question. I think finding people who you can trust is really important. But sometimes, unfortunately, the cliches are true. And thankfully, falling into FROM, the creators, producers, and cast are all caring people. And to be able to create this series with them has been very rewarding. I'm grateful to be part of it.

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

Taking classes. And if it's something you really want to do, don't give up, keep going. No matter how hard it gets, you have to be your own cheerleader and believe in yourself more than anything.

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

Be the class clown, always trying to make people laugh. I was always goofing around making people feel better.

On Wearing Two Hats on One Ranger

JESSE V. JOHNSON WRITER/DIRECTOR

Born in Winchester, England, writer/ director Jesse V. Johnson is best known for the action crime drama Avengement, the action war epic Hell Hath No Fury, and the action comedy Debt Collectors. In the white-knuckle action-thriller, One Ranger, a gunslinging Texas ranger (Thomas Jane) tracks an international terrorist (Dean Jagger) set on detonating a bomb in the heart of London. When the lawman's partner is killed, he is drawn into partnership with a British intelligence agent (Dominique Tipper) and her boss (John Malkovich) to bring the outlaw to justice -- dead or alive.

Thank you for taking the time for this interview. What prompted you to write this film? Was it based on reallife Texas Ranger Joaquin Jackson?

I did read his book, One Ranger, which was

fascinating but my film takes a completely different direction and has nothing to do with the Texas riot. When I first came to Los Angeles, I worked on the TV show, Walker, Texas Ranger. We'd fly into Dallas and they had a statue dedicated to Captain McDonald, the most prominent of the “Four Great Captains” of Texas Ranger history. There’s a famous quote from McDonald, who was called in to quell a riot. When he got off the train, the townsfolk asked where the rest of the Rangers were and he replied, “One riot, one Ranger.” I found the Texas Rangers wonderfully fascinating and historically romantic. Because here’s this up-to-date 21st-century law enforcement agency that still wears the 1860s uniform with a white Stetson hat, gun belt, and boots. It keeps them and us in touch with the great frontier of the American West.

By Alex A. Kecskes

As writer and director, you wore two hats in bringing One Ranger to life. What was that like?

It's wonderful because I don't offend anyone when I make last-minute changes. I do whatever works in the year-and-a-half it takes to develop it, finance it, produce and direct it. I have to consider the budget and stunts and other things when I’m writing it. But it’s a bit more fun when it’s your script.

Did you storyboard any of the shots?

I work from a very detailed shot list, which I generate the night before. Because I know how much time we have, what limitations I’ll encounter, where people are, and the locations I'm dealing with. I can have a seven-page shot list. For action scenes and special effects, where there are a lot of moving parts, I will storyboard. If you're dealing with 30 or 100 people, a storyboard

can be very useful. I started storyboarding at a very young age. My uncle was a second-unit director and my crash course was storyboarding his action scenes.

You teamed a gunslinging down-toearth Texas Ranger with a smart and sassy British intelligence agent. What was your thinking there?

I've had a lot of luck with interesting buddy movies. It allows you to have one character who may behave one way in a particular situation and another who is completely different. So the audience gets the benefit of two perspectives. This is why audiences like buddy movies. They're more interesting. You get more bang for your buck. Dominique was absolutely wonderful. Thomas was quite intimidating and a force of nature in his own right. Had his sidekick been the slightest bit nervous around him, it wouldn’t have worked. But Dominique was utterly fearless and very good with guns, silencers, explosives, and props. She’d watch how to handle them once then use them like a pro. I loved the way she dressed and wore her hair, everything worked. She was totally against type.

Are there different rules for shooting in London as opposed to the US?

I was quite surprised by how similar things in the US and Britain have become. Twenty years ago, it was different—they had breaks for tea where we had to stop for half an hour twice daily. But now it’s more like a modern American film set. I thought we’d have trouble with the guns because England is a very anti-gun country. The first day we had this enormous shootout

with machine guns and real heavy ordnance. I told the crew to do one take because the police would be coming to shut us down. But as it turned out, after all the shooting, there wasn’t a single complaint.

Can you go into the challenges you faced in that wild off-road desert chase at the beginning?

OMG, that was hair-raising. We had this incredible car that was capable of hitting 140 mph over rough desert terrain. Dean Jagger who plays McBride got into this car going about 100 mph. When he came back, all the blood had gone out of his face. He looked at me with this expression of horror and we burst out laughing. When you’re hitting 100 mph, the road disappears very quickly so we had to plan our run carefully.

The boy singing an Irish song was an interesting touch. What were you going for there?

It was a heartbreaking moment. I was trying to show that these men were not your classic bad guys, that at some point, they had been freedom fighters. And I wanted to do it with not a lot of dialog.

Jane and Dominique take quite a beating in those brutal, realistic fight scenes. Who choreographed them and did anyone get hurt?

Those were choreographed by Dan Styles. He’s very good with actors. The actors did most of the stunts but there were times when we used doubles. Dominique didn’t want to have anyone step in for her. We had to twist her arm to let the double do one or two scenes. Most people don’t realize that fight scenes take a lot of stamina. It’s not like a real fight; movie fights are really exhausting. You have to throw everything into it to make it look as realistic as possible. Thomas Jane portrayed a character that simply wouldn’t give up so he did a great job. I wanted each character to fight with whatever they had--knives, forks, guns, dishes. I wanted to show them beating people up as well as getting beat up. I didn’t want the sort of clean, polished martial arts stuff you sometimes see in action films.

You’ve been in the film industry for many years. What have you learned about filmmaking that surprised you?

I was surprised at how much joy and satisfaction I get out of this business. Every film, every set is different. And every actor is unique and a pleasure to work with. Each film is a surprise and presents something new. To be honest, I was surprised at how little I know. And that it’s possible to keep learning. Because the moment you get cocky and think you know everything, that’s when you’re rudely awakened. Each film sets the bar a little higher.

What advice would you give young, aspiring filmmakers trying to break in or just starting out?

Write and read. Don’t occupy your time with large amounts of social media. Read about how the guys did it 20 years ago. The business really started in 1919. Read about the challenges they faced. What the film was about—the storylines. And be receptive because it’s all been done. So you need to know what’s been done before you. A real filmmaker will have a deep understanding of what went before and their films show it. You should also read short stories by Hemingway, Jack London, and other great storytellers. Educate yourself and then write. Your first script will be awful, but that’s okay. Just keep trying and you’ll get the hang of it eventually.

Thomas Jane and Dominique Tipper on the set of One Ranger

DESIGNER

Joyce Penas Pilarsky

HAIR & MAKEUP

Bambi Fuentes

Onin Penales

Eric de los Santos

MODELS

Peter Mendijar

BA de Guzman

Marc Cubales

Revien del Rosario

Joyce Pilarsky

PHOTOGRAPHER

Jonas Yu

JOYCE PILARSKY

JOYCE PENAS-PILARSKY IS AN INTERNATIONAL FASHION AND JEWELRY DESIGNER CURRENTLY BASED IN MANILA, PHILIPPINES.

GLITTERING WITH AWARDS AND ACCOLADES, JOYCE'S RECENT ENDEAVOURS INCLUDE THE THAILAND FASHION WEEK AND BRITAIN'S TOP DESIGNER AMONG OTHERS.

Joyce Pilarsky is such a multitalented woman. She has already appeared on the Cover of Hollywood Weekly Magazine once before, showcasing her incredible, glorious evening gown designs, but people want to know more about Joyce. Where does her creativity come from? It's true that we are all the sum our very different, unique parts, so it's only fair that readers are curious what other talents and hobbies Joyce has that merge into her fantastic designs. In short, what are the variables to Joyce Pilarsky's success, and the source of her creative synergy? To answer this question completely we are giving Ms. Pilarsky the floor to speak. To tell you in her own words who she is, what she loves, and what she wants to accomplish as a fashion designer. This is a Master Class from a talented, loving, gentle soul, Ms. Joyce Pilarsky.

JOYCE PILARSKY

My name is Joyce Penas Pilarsky, and I'm a Fashion Designer, Singer and Doctor of Naturopathy and alternative medicine. I started as a fashion model and behind all my shows is Marc Cubales Marc is the person behind all of my successful shows. I am forever thankful to him and his great team for all the dedication, love and support they gave me. I chose to study health along with my artistic endeavors because it is my number one concern in life. I believe if we're healthy we can do a lot of great things. I wrote a book entitled YSG (Young, Sexy and Gorgeous). I talk about my experiences and other tips on how

to have a good balanced life and diet. I also added some of my favorite recipes in YSG. I've included simple exercises anyone can follow, and tips on how to take care of ourselves better to stay young, sexy and gorgeous for years.

Apart from writing books I also write songs. I love writing music. In Germany I participated in performances of Verdi's "Nabucco and Aida," as well as Bizet's "Carmen" with a 50 piece orchestra from Bulgaria. I've also participated in Summer jazz concerts. Here in the Philippines I recently held a performance at the University of Manila and I'm planning on doing more concerts there this year.

My big inspiration is my parents because they taught me to fear God and they taught me all the virtues that I needed to be a good example of a person who has integrity and is hard working. But humble and compassionate and loving and somebody who can touch other people's lives with the use of the talents God has given me.

I also love to cook when I have time, and join cooking lessons with different chefs. With all the things I'm working on right now, fashion designing is my primary focus. Though, I'm still going to make time to sing this year.

I'm a visually creative person, which is why I can imagine beautiful images of fashion designs in my mind, and occasionally I like to paint these ideas out fully as expressions of art. I love famous impressionistic painters like Vincent van Gogh and Camille Pissarro. I've taken courses in Germany at ZKM (Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe) under Professor Schuster. I take art very seriously. I've studied ceramics, specifically the "majolica style", and I've designed and made several plates, wine glasses and vases.

My creations are mostly evening and wedding gowns. However, big part of my business are custom designs. When clients comes to see me, I ask what is the occasion or theme. Then I ask for their color preferences. Everything is professionaly discussed beforehand, from the shape of the gown to type of fabrics used. The showpiece for gowns are the embroidery. Are we using Swarovski crystals and beads and how much do they want. For me, a great fashion designer is the one who brings out the best in their client. Whatever your perceived flaws are, they'll be hidden when I flaunt your assets and embellish your natural beauty. I want all my clients to feel beautiful, confident and proud

when they wear my designs.

I create clothes for all genders and sizes. I was inspired by great fashion legends like, Dolce & Gabbana, Versace, Dior, Chanel and Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Their designs are timeless and beautiful and that's what I always strive when I work on my creations creations.

CONTACT

EMAIL: Ysexyg@gmail.com

FACEBOOK: JOYCE PENAS PILARSKY

INSTAGRAM: JPILARSKY

TWITTER: JPILATSKY

TIKTOK: AGELESS JOYCE

I believe that talent is not enough. It is the love and the passion and the tenacity and patience and determination to reach whatever goals you have that make a person achieve more in life. And remember that whatever obstacles you face just never give up until you reach your dream.

CARMELITA PiTtman'S BIG 0 BIRTHDAY GALA

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY

falls on March 8, the date of Carmelita Pittman's birthday, a multi-dimensional artist and socialite. She is also known as simply Carmelita. She also hosts a weekly podcast Monday mornings, Carmelita's Corner on eZWay Broadcasting network www.ezwayradio.com. Amongst her prominent guests has been Carol Connors, two time Oscar nominated singer songwriter, 5 time Emmy nominated, Grammy nominated, Golden Globe nominated. As a good friend of Carmelita, she supported Carmelita's Big 0 Birthday show at Catalina jazz club in Hollywood by her attendance and the showing of the trailer of her upcoming documentary, "Elvis, Rocky and Me." She is known for her many hits, especially her cocomposition of "Gonna Fly Now", the theme song for Sylvester Stallone's hit film "Rocky". As a special touch she sang Happy Birthday ala Marilyn Monroe style on stage to Carmelita and pierced the ears of an amused audience with her famous Dolphin call.

Silent Master of Ceremonies Audrey Ruttan as Charlie Chaplin got everyone's attention with the popping of the pink balloons to open the show. Carmelita's Godson actor Shaun Baker, a co-star of Pamela Anderson's V.I.P. TV series, cast member of Queen Latifah's "Living Single" and more, hosted. The line-up included a special tribute to Motown icon Sir William Mickey Stevenson, First A & R man whose discoveries and promotions has made household names for talents such as Smokey Robinson, Marvin Gaye, Four Tops, Diana Ross, Isley Brothers and more, was honored with the playing of one of his favorite hits by Martha and the Vandellas, "Dancing in the Streets" and receipt of a Lifetime Achievement award from The Rose Breast Cancer Society presented to him by Audrey Ruttan as Charlie Chaplin, Carmelita, Shaun Baker. The legendary

H.B. Barnum was surprised with a Lifetime Achievement award after he backed up the performance on piano by Carmelita with their original compositions. A former child star, H.B. Barnum's credits include being musical conductor for Aretha Franklyn, arranger for Frank Sinatra and more. Wanda Ray Willis stunned the audience with her electrifying rendition of "I Am Woman", backed on piano by the amazing Dennis Hughes. Grammy nominated Harriet Schock and honoree sang her hit also covered by Helen Reddy, "Ain't No Way to Treat a Lady" , backed

by Andrea Ross-Greene. Country singer and Dolly Parton tribute artist Wendy Lynn Adams graced the stage with her amusing accounts of her friendship with Dolly Parton as she stood on stage alongside Carmelita who sang one of her own original country songs. Carmelita also sang her signature song, "La Vie en Rose" which always captures the warm reception of an audience with demands for an encore. She dedicated that to all the ladies and birthday people as Audrey Ruttan as Charlie Chaplin passed out more roses.

Mike "Majik" Boyd also born on March 8

sang an original birthday song he composed and produced dedicated to Carmelita. He is known as an Sam Cooke tribute artist with performances in Las Vegas. in the famous Legends show. Viorica Elena Onut of Romania and her band all wore costumes representing their culture. Their performance demanded an encore.

Musical director Charlie Harrison on piano, inventor Two-Drum Jimmie James on percussion, Jerrell Ballard on drums, Budi Winarto on sax backed Carmelita on vocals. Chili Willie Groove, noted percussionist, known for backing up such recording artists as George Benson, Angela Bofill, gave a rousing solo. Howard Rice's rich baritone voice wrapped up the event with "Love Train". Howard Rice , who formerly worked at Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" has been recognized and complimented for his singing by Luther Van Dross and Berry Gordy.

A highlight near the end of the show was a presentation by Jim Zuley on stage representing EZ Cares and Better Vision for Children of $2,000 to The Rose Breast Cancer Society, a 501.c3 non-profit organization and "Living Memorial" for Juanita Zara Espinosa Uddin , Carmelita Pittman's mom which she founded 1998. Folks ventured in from near and far to attend the celebration. Dr. Brar ventured

in from Las Vegas, others came in from Lake Forest, Victorville, Fresno, San Diego, Rialto, Beverly Hills.

Amongst the attendees of the fully packed house was former Temptation lead singer Louis Price and his wife actress Fay Hauser whose performance in "Lillies of the Fields" with Sidney Poitier is one of her greatest film credits, Sir William "Mickey" Stevenson's spouse Michelle Stevenson, record producer and Carmelita's husband Jerry Pittman, Norman Carter official lead singer of the Delfonics, Sherrie Payne of the Supremes, Deborah DuCre aka Momma Dee of Motown aka "Delightful Debbie DuCre", Denise Cook aka the "Oracle", DeBorah Sharp-Taylor Broadway star, Honorable Diane E. Watson, Madame President MC Townsend of RBCC, TV producer Billy Riback, Reatha Grey co-star with the late Betty White's comedy series "Off their Rockers", Jacqueline "Angel" Helm, Dr. Brar daughter of Carmen McCrae, entertainer and entrepreneur, Cleo "Twin Star" Jackson, Yolanda Pulakis publisher of Awareness Magazine, Annette Rios,

niece of prominent realtor Gloria Berlin who sold Neverland to Michael Jackson, Azeeta Abiola Amusat fashion designer of Nigeria whose designs embellished a recent Beyonce video, former L.A U.S.D. educator and Inglewood administrator and singer Jerome Richardson, Rene Ifum, Hollywood personality Louise aka Cheezy Weezy, Lydia Bader and her daughter Cindy, producer Natalya Korol and Lana Gutman of the Ukraine, fine artist Sandra Cooper and many more prominent guests. Notable stage manager Sir Anthony Kinniebrew maintained the production. Al Limo service transported Carol Connors from Beverly Hills to the event.

RAE FINN’S HOGWASH ‘N RHINESTONES: WHERE REBEL

SOUL MEETS ROCKSTAR COWGIRL

ByAnthonyEwart

be added is “and every girl and woman between that beautiful spectrum!"

Rae never forgot her childhood experiences and how hard it was to withstand criticism when she knew how fabulous she looked. What a brave little Cinderella she was, with Southern soulful determination — even if she’s from Boston!

Yes, the plot thickens! Rae is from the East coast, that means a Southern Woman is a state of mind. Rae grew up a small girl in Boston with the heart of a Sassy, Southern Rockstar, and she found a way to let her loose in the world. Now it’s your turn! All of Rae’s designs are 100% original and unique because the source material always changes. The point is no matter where you live, Rae Finn's Hogwash ‘n Rhinestones will unleash your inner Cowgirl!

Rae Finn grew up the youngest of five girls. At fist I thought Louisa May Alcott’s “Little Women,” a masterpiece written and directed by Greta Gerwig, but her story sounded more like Cinderella. Rae was always drawn to abandoned, discarded objects. In her mind she was saving them. Rae collected vintage clothes as a girl with her Dad. They used to visit neighbored selling curbside gold from their garage sales. Rae developed her mantra “No thread gets left behind!”

Rae’s sisters, being teen girls, used to tease her. Whenever they were at events

they would look at Rae’s “assemblage art” ensemble and ask her, “Is it Halloween again?”

Well, the best revenge is success. Rae started her up cycled clothing line “Hogwash ‘n Rhinestones” in 2011 and she’s still going strong! Upcycled means raising the value of vintage pieces of clothes by reconfiguring them into a brand new design encompassing all the elements. The Sum of Rae’s designs are much greater than their parts.

Hogwash ‘n Rhinestones has been described as “Rebel Soul meets Rockstar Cowgirl,” and what should

Photo by Melissa Core of Dead Horse Branding

Each piece of clothing produced by Rae tells its own story, blending vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities. By repurposing materials that would otherwise go to waste, the brand champions sustainability while offering fashionforward pieces, one stitch at a time.

Hogwash ‘n Rhinestones defines the art of revamping, deconstructing, and bedazzling clothing. Each piece is one-of-a-kind and is sure to make a true fashion statement.

As the company was founded in 2011, Rae’s creative vision emerged as she embarked on celebrating uniqueness and blending vintage aesthetics with modern sensibilities.

Each piece is handcrafted and deconstructed to salvage discarded treasures.

With a deep appreciation for vintage clothing and a determination to salvage discarded treasures, Rae embarked on a transformative journey that would redefine sustainable fashion. Digging for curbside gold with her dad in Holliston, Massachusetts, Rae developed a keen eye for hidden potential in discarded items. She discovered that nothing should go to waste, and her passion for upcycling was ignited.

Lolovivi Jewelry has a mission of promoting love and inclusion. In fact, the brand does its part to help create a world that is United in Love, by routinely giving 5% from sales to organizations working for inclusion and equality.

Lolovivi Jewelry is currently available at select retailers across the country, as well as online at www.lolovivijewelry.com and retails for between $175 and $22,395. The 287-piece collection includes necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. The brand’s materials include: 18k gold, 14k gold, sterling silver, black platinum, black and white diamonds, black and white sapphires and other gems.

Crooning with a Cause

Popular singer Dylan Garcia and friends host mental health awareness concert in Hollywood

By Rodric J. Hurdle-Bradford

HEALTH IN HOLLYWOOD

On Aug. 5 popular southern California singer Dylan Garcia hosted his Second Annual Mental Health Awareness benefit concert at Whisky A Go-Go, a night that featured a collaboration of charity causes and entertainment.

The night featured a variety of entertainers, including popular band Quetzalcoatl Band, Joey Miceli, Dis Chord, Ricky Rebel, Nichele, Kalahari, GrigsB and DJ Marco.

Garcia’s younger brother Frank was a firefighter at the time the event originated in December 2021 in Ventura. The event began as a toy drive in collaboration with the Salvation Army and expanded into a mental health awareness theme.

“With this opportunity at the Whisky, I wanted to dedicate the event to him,” said Dylan Garcia. “I was already booked to headline the Whisky A Go-Go and I wanted to make an impact not only musically, but touch on a sensitive topic while in Hollywood, bring awareness, erase the stigma and save some lives.”

POWER OF PARTNERSHIPS

The event was about increasing awareness of charity partners

that focus on veterans, mental health awareness and suicide prevention overall.

“I met Melissa and Jessie as a guest on their ‘The Nameless Podcast’ back in 2021,” said Garcia. “They formed their Facebook Group, ‘The Dirty Sisters’ into a non-profit group, ‘The Dirty Sisters Organization,’ and I am proud they could join us at the concert to spread their message to the community.”

It is no secret that the veteran community suffers from issues of mental health and increased suicides, so it was important for Garcia that veterans were represented by James Espinoza and his Veteran Mentor Project.

“He was a guest speaker for the First Annual Mental Health Awareness event I held in 2021,” said Garcia. “His organization specializes in helping veterans transition to civilian life once they are done with the service.”

Also in attendance was Expressions n2 Creations, another regional organization dedicated to mental health awareness and suicide prevention.

“We both have a mutual friend in Angel Baby of The Cruisin’ Oldies Show,” said Garcia. “It has been great getting to know more about the organization and see their passion about taking the stigma away from discussing mental health awareness and getting it out into the public.”

Angelina Pena of Expressions n2 Creations is hosting her Second Annual Melanie Rose Suicide Prevention Awareness event in San Bernadino on Aug. 20.

For more information about Garcia’s charity causes and performances contact 213.842.2152.

VanCamp Emily

On Miranda’s Victim and working in TV/Film

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

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

Health Australia

By Alex A. Kecskes

Known for her lead roles on the WB series Everwood, the ABC dramas Brothers & Sisters, and Revenge, Canadian-born Emily VanCamp also starred in the hospital drama, The Resident. She later starred as Sharon Carter/Agent 13 in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and Captain America: Civil War. VanCamp is the third of four daughters born to Cindy and Robert VanCamp. Her father is an animal nutritionist and her first job was working for her father, delivering food to clients in and around her hometown. VanCamp started studying dance at age three, and at 11, attended a summer training program in Montreal. A year later, she was accepted at the l’École supérieure de ballet du Québec, the training program of Les Grands Ballets Canadiens, and moved in with a local French Canadian family. In 1998, VanCamp took acting classes, found an agent and, after working on a few commercials, was cast in the Canadian children’s horror anthology television series Are You Afraid of the Dark?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo by Women’s

Emily VanCamp photo by Walter Thomson

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

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

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

So, how did this magic man get started?

THE MILLIONAIRES’ MENTALIST

DAN CHAN

PERFORMS FOR CORPORATE CLIENTS WORLDWIDE ON ZOOM!

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

DAN CHAN’S BEGINNINGS

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

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

His wife Kat’s client list reads very similarly.

THE CHAN

FAMILY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE PANDEMIC PIVOT

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

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

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

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

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

THE FUTURE OF MAGIC

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WOMEN

By Alex A. Kecskes

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

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

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

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

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

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

TALKING

An exploration of violence, forgiveness, and human nature

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

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

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

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

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

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