Celebrating Diversity In The Entertainment Industry
MONTHLY
®
December 2019
THE YANFAN FOUNDATION
6th annual hollywood weekly film festival
SEYMOUR UBELL RETIREMENT IS NOT AN OPTION
KEITH LANDRUM, D.P.M, J.D.
Medical Malpractice Attorney
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 1
DT
D O O W Y L HOL TOURS
DT Hollywood Day Tour is a unique adventure with MC Tour Guide ~ David Horn, sharing his unlimited abundance of historical education and comedic specialities! Hollywood Hills, Beverly Hills, Laurel Canyon, West Hollywood and the Sunset Blvd historical locations are introduced with many surprises! Supportive Photoshoot stops are provided. All Celebrity residence info shared is updated for accuracy.
“YOU’LL NEVER KNOW UNTIL YOU GO” CONTACT US DIRECT FOR COMMUNITY TOUR QUOTES U.S: 310-738-7396 EMAIL: Info@DTHollywoodTours.com
BEST SCREENPLAY WINNER "FREE YOURSELF" BY KELLY LACOMBE BEST INTERNATIONAL SCREENPLAY “THE HUMAN BRIDE" BY LUCIA BRACCALENTI HW SPECIAL SCREENWRITER AWARD "LENA'S RULES" BY KEN COMER BEST ANIMATION “ANACRONTE” RAUL KOLER, EMILIANO SETTE, DIRECTORS BEST DOCUMENTARY “REAL TRUTH ABOUT” PAUL EFRON BEST DRAMATIC SHORT “TRADE” ALYCIA COOPER, DIRECTOR BEST ADAPTED SCREENPLAY “THE DOLL” DANTE JAMES, DIRECTOR HWMFF AWARD FOR INDUSTRIOUS EXCELLENCE GORGE GOODENOUGH BEST COMEDY “THE FIDDLING HORSE” DIRECTOR, CJ WALLIS HW AWARD FOR ARTISTIC BRILLIANCE "WHAT'S EATING RALPHIE MAY” JEREMY BONDS, DIRECTOR BEST FEATURE FILM “ROAD TO REDEMPTION” JETA AMATA, DIRECTOR MOST OUTSTANDING HUMANITARIAN CAUSE RENO OMOKRI MOST OUTSTANDING CHILD STAR OUTSIDE OF USA REGINA DANIELS MOST CREATIVE HUMANITARIAN CLERGYMAN APOSTLE CHIBUZOR GIFT CHINYERE HW SPECIAL HERO AWARD JIM ZULEY HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 3
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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 5
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
W
elcome readers to our Film Festival edition of Hollywood Weekly Magazine. This Issue of HWM is celebrating our 6th Annual HW Film Festival that took place on November 2nd at Warner Bros. Studio. With brilliant short films, animation and feature length masterpieces from Akon, Andy Kindler and Zachary Quinto, this year’s HWM Film Festival went down in Jackson Publishing history as our GREATEST Film Festival to date. We send out a Special Thank You to Warner Bros. Studio for their graciousness and hospitality in hosting our 6th Annual Film Festival.
But this Issue of Hollywood Weekly Magazine features one of our other favorite topics: Local Heroes. JIM ZULEY, father of Eric Zuley, founder of EZWay Network, is not just a “Local hero” -- at least, not anymore. Anyone who reads Jim Zuley’s autobiographical Love Letter to fatherhood will have a hard time not jumping over to “Team Jim Zuley.” Jim has battled and defeated cancer...and it has returned. So, Jim and his son, Eric Zuley, have put back on their Knight’s armor and are ready to kick cancer’s butt again -- but this time they have the power of Hollywood Weekly Magazine readers and supporters sending love and support their way. One of the most beautiful moments of our Film Festival came at the very end, when Eric Zuley was honoring his father, Jim Zuley. Everyone got out of their seats and approached the podium in front of the stage, trying to get near this great man. One of our esteemed guests, Nigerian Director Jeta Amata, our Film Festival Winner for Best Feature (“Road to Redemption”), threaded his way through a crowd of guests and landed right in front of the podium. Jeta Amata and Jim Zuley are from two different parts of the world, and they probably would have never come together if it hadn’t been for our HWM Film Festival. But Jeta and Jim Zuley were there together. And they discovered they have a lot of respect for each other. At the podium, Jeta reached out his hand to Jim Zuley. Seeing Jeta’s extended hand, Jim Zuley immediately moved toward Jeta, shaking his hand vigorously, and these two men shared an incredible moment of artistic support, compassion and humanity. I was in the projection booth when I witnessed this. I don’t know if one of our photographers captured this incredible encounter, but I wanted to make sure I shared this beautiful moment with you. We are so proud to have the handsome, distinguished and amazing Jim Zuley gracing our Cover. As always, we thank you, our readers, for your continuing support. We are who we are because of YOU. Wishing you all peace and happiness!
Anthony Ewart Associate Editor
@ANTHONYEWART @ALEXANDRINEPOET
CALL: (424)371-9900 EMAIL: HollywoodWeekly@gmail.com
PUBLISHER/EDITOR IN CHIEF Prather Jackson VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris Michael D. Coxson SENIOR BOOK CURATOR Jane Ubell-Meyer ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Ewart DIRECTOR OF CREATIVE SERVICES & ASST TO THE PUBLISHER Jordan O'Quinn-Campbell MARKETING & SALES Launy Rhem CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Barbara Burke Victor Migalchan Alex A. Kecskes Rebecca Miller ART DIRECTOR Damian Aragon GRAPHIC DESIGNER Clemmy Le Busque PRODUCTION DESIGNER Denise Chavez VIDEO EDITOR/ PRODUCER Israel Aleman CHINA OPERATIONS Victor Migalchan victor@hollywoodweeklymagazine.com (213) 220-3052 (424) 371-9900 INDIA OPERATION Ike Sinha Country Director Art4Peace Awards Hollywood Weekly Magazine B1/1565 Vasantkunj New Delhi-110 070 Mobile +919599068592 ASIA OPERATION Joyce Penas Pilarsky HWM Asia Ambassador Email: info@joycepilarsky.com Bench Bello HWM Asia Operations hollywoodmagazineusa@gmail.com Mobile +639273895559 DISTRIBUTORS CoMag MADER NEWS NEWS INFLIGHT, INC
NOVEMBER 2019
8 JIM ZULEY 14 ERIC ZULEY 18 GEORGE GOODENOUGH 22 SEYMOUR UBELL 28 ALYCIA COOPER 32 Ken Comer brings 38 “Reality” to Screenplay Lena’s rule KEITH LANDRUM Man of Intergrity
Like Father And Son
Trailblazer
Prolific Screenwriter
Retirement Is Not An Option
“TRADE” Is A Perfect Shakespearean Tragedy
Alycia Cooper
Keith Landrum Man of Integrity By Prather Jackson
Keith Landrum has a doctorate in podiatric medicine and is a practicing attorney in Beverly Hills, California. His journey in both the medical and legal fields has proven that he is not only wellskilled in his professions, but also a man of integrity. I had the opportunity of sitting down with Attorney Landrum and asked him some pointed questions as to how he managed to go from medicine to law and marry them into a prolific career that he is doing very well at. His response, “Everyone has drive…something that makes them strive to do more or better. The question is will they act on it?” Let’s take a look at what that meant for Keith Landrum. You started out as a doctor. How did that come about? I was born in East Chicago, Indiana. My grandparents had migrated there from Alabama for the steel mill jobs. My parents divorced when I was in middle school so I wound up being moved around and attended four different high schools. I finally graduated from Lompoc High School in Lompoc, California and I lived about one mile from the Lompoc Federal Prison, where several of the Watergate criminals were sentenced. I just knew that I wanted to make a difference in people’s lives, so at some point in high school, I realized that I wanted to become a doctor. I had good grades and qualified for admission to University of California, Santa Barbara where I entered in 1973 and majored in Biological Science. Four years later, I finished Pre-med.
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I recall that in 1976, there was a career day on the UCSB campus for all of the different medical specialties. There was a group from San Francisco representing the California College of Podiatric Medicine. We had a pretty amazing conversation about the extremely low number of existing Black podiatrists, and they encouraged me to pursue that career. That sparked my interest, so I did my research and found myself back in Chicago attending the Illinois College of Podiatric Medicine and obtained my doctorate in Podiatric Medicine in 1981. I was then selected as a surgical resident by Memorial Hospital of Hawthorne, and once again, I was back in California. I finished my surgical residency in 1982, was awarded a plaque of Surgical Excellence, and I started a private practice in Hawthorne, California specializing in podiatric medicine and foot surgery. I loved it!
Then how did you transfer from a medical field that you loved so much to Law? In a nutshell – Managed Health Care. After 8 years of a successful practice, “Managed Care” emerged and started dictating what services they will allow to be provided to the patient, when those services can be provided, if approved, and how the services will be provided. This system also dictated who they will allow to provide the services. “Managed Care” forced my regular and potential patients to have to get permission to see me from the “Gatekeepers,” as opposed to seeking the best doctor for their problem/issue, and often this resulted in delayed care or no care at all. Because of this, my practice suffered and also the patients. It was all becoming very clear as to what direction medicine was being pushed toward and that saving money instead of the healing of patients was the focus. It became more the business and economics of medicine as opposed to what is in the best interest of the patient. I was not into cutting corners when it came to the welfare of my patients…I ALWAYS looked out for their best interest, and that became a problem for me when I challenged what Managed Care was doing to the health and well-being of my patients and was going against the grain by advising my patients to pay for services out-of-pocket that Managed Care was denying them for. Managed Care always had a waiting period and wanted patients to wait for needed services. I would not advise my patients to wait for services that were of great concern in my professional medical opinion. This particular patient went to the insurance headquarters and complained that she wanted to perform a procedure that they would not allow me to do. They called me in for a meeting and wanted to know why I was telling patients to go outside of the plan and seek medical treatment. I gave them the honest answer, “you guys are not covering services,” and they responded that that was not the way things worked. Imagine that! The patient took my advice and did not wait. She got a biopsy done at her own expense and the findings revealed that she had a Squamous Cell Carcinoma, which is a very bad form of cancer. Had she waited the time period that Managed Care deemed she wait, it would have metastasized through her lymph nodes and she would have had to have her entire leg amputated. She made a complaint against Managed Care to the insurance Commissioner. Instead of me getting a thank you or job well done, Managed Care gave me a warning that if I ever did it again, my contract would not be renewed. That was it for me. I started considering another profession.
So why Law? Actually, College Professor was first on my list and lawyer was at the bottom of the list. With all of the science knowledge I had, I figured I could teach. I was looking for something that I could more readily transfer into. Lawyer was last on my list because I knew nothing about it, so once again, I did my research and found that I could help people more by being on that end of the professional spectrum. So I began law school, was admitted to the California Bar in 1993, and immediately started suing doctors and hospitals for negligence. Since I believed that medicine was heading in the wrong direction, I wanted to make sure that they would be held accountable for their choices. So since 1993, my practice has been focused on Patient Rights and advocating for those harmed by medical negligence. So is that how you got into Medical Malpractice? What exactly is Medical Malpractice? Medical Malpractice is a legal cause of action that occurs when a medical or health care professional deviates from standards in his or her profession, thereby causing injury to the patient. The negligence might be the result of errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare or health management. I take a medical malpractice case seriously and look at it from the eyes of the law. A negative treatment outcome does not mean that a health care provider has committed malpractice. Medical malpractice, in the eyes of the law, occurs when a health care provider deviates from the recognized “standard of care” in the treatment of a patient. “Standard of Care” is defined as what a reasonably prudent medical provider would or would not have done under the same or similar circumstances. If the doctor does not deviate from the standard of care and you still had a bad result, it is not medical malpractice. This is sometimes hard for a client to hear, but my job is to listen first to their side of the story and then review the medical records to substantiate their claim. From there, an Expert is sought out to either confirm or deny if the health care provider acted in a reasonable professional manner in their field, and if not, did their deviation cause the injuries. The Statute of Limitations for medical malpractice lawsuits in California is no later than three years after the date of injury or one year after the plaintiff discovers, or through the use of reasonable diligence should have discovered, the injury (whichever occurs first). HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 9
Sometimes a case starts out as medical malpractice and ends up being a Wrongful Death suit. I handle those as well and wrongful death cases as a result of negligence on the part of governmental agencies, corporations, and insurance companies. The Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death cases start at the time of death and the law states that any action resulting from the death of a person caused by the negligence or wrongful act of another part must be filed within two years. What further areas associated with the medical or professional aspect of law do you handle? VACCINE INJURIES AND PROFESSIONAL LICENSE DEFENSE.
of Health and Human Services to compensate individuals and families of persons injured by covered childhood vaccines. The VICP was established after lawsuits against vaccine manufacturers and healthcare providers threatened to cause vaccine shortages and reduce vaccinations rate. There is a three-year statute of limitations for filing a claim, timed from the first manifestation of the medical problem. Compensation covers medical and legal expenses, loss of future earning capacity, and up to $250,000.00 in pain and suffering; a death benefit of up to $250,000.00 is available. The burden of proof is the preponderance-of-the-evidence standard. To win an award, a claimant must have experienced an injury that is named as a vaccine injury in a table included in the law within the required time period or show a causal connection. Medical records for prenatal care birth records and pre-vaccination records, along with vaccination and post vaccination records needed.
Vaccine Injuries are real and a select small group of attorneys are privileged to be appointed to represent claimants before the Office of Special Masters of the U.S. Court of Federal Claims. I am one of them. StemPROFESSIONAL LICENSE DEFENSE ming from the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Pro- Many professionals have been the scapegoat for the misgram (VICP) was set up in 1988 by the U.S. Department take of others or play “fall guy” to corporate error and have found their professional licenses to be at jeopardy. My job is to defend their licenses so that they are able to keep what they have worked so hard to attain. I defend all professional licenses and am very successful in doing so. Medical licenses, Real Estate licenses, Attorney licenses, Insurance licenses, Teaching licenses, Contractor licenses…I have defended them all and many more.
For over a quarter of a century, Keith Landrum has been giving victims a voice in the legal system and providing them justice where justice is due. His successful law practice has a very high success rate for all cases that have gone to trial, and he has obtained substantial settlements for numerous others in his career. He is full of wisdom, strength, and know-how. His opposition respects him and his colleagues revere him. His clients adore and trust him, and his family and community stand by him. Most of all, everyone who knows him knows him to be a Man of Integrity.
LANDRUMLAWLLP.COM
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Keith Landrum, Esq.
“ Medical Malpractice is a
legal cause of action that occurs when a medical or health care professional deviates from standards in his or her profession”
”
Keith Landrum, Esq.
Attorney Keith Landrum with client.
LANDRUM LAW FIRM, LLP
8840 Wilshire Blvd Ste 321 Telephone: (323) 292-4262 Fax: (323) 443-3648 Beverly Hills, CA 90211 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 11
6 ANNUAL HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY FILM FESTIVAL STELLAR GALA TH
BY JORDAN O’QUINN-CAMPBELL On November 2, 2019 Hollywood Weekly Magazine hosted its 6th annual Film Festival at the historic Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. The event attracted people from around the world including Nigeria, the United Kingdom, and China. There were several foreign dignitaries and talented actors, producers, and screenwriters in attendance. Some of the special guests included: President Goodluck Jonathan, Zik Zulu Okafor, Ejike Asiegbu, Producer/Writer Egor Efiok, Director Jeta Amata, Vanessa Martini, Joan Brown McCarthy, Producer Tess Cacciatore, Akon, Reno Omokri (“Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cause” Award Recipient), Regina Daniels (“Most Outstanding Child Star Outside of the USA” Award Recipient”, and several other stars. Awards were given to the best shorts, features, screenplays, comedies, thrillers, dramas, and science fiction films. The festival was hosted by Eric Zuley and Dante. Eric Zuley, as you know now from our HWM Cover, is the son of Jim Zuley, who is featured on the Cover of
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this HWM edition. Jim and Eric created eZWay Promotions, which is a company that prides itself in being the top ten social media influencers in the world. They are well on their way to becoming major International Promoters. Our Hollywood Weekly Film Festival began with a red carpet and lunch at nearby Claim Jumpers in the TNT building, near Warner Bros. Studio in Burbank. Everyone arrived, chatting over lunch and drinks. Networking and business connections were the buzz of conversations; everyone talking about their upcoming film and television projects. People were also able to rub shoulders with foreign dignitaries and international stars. Everyone was in high anticipation for the award ceremony. Actors, producers, and screenwriters were interviewed about their films and photographed on our TWO Red Carpets! One red carpet and step-and-repeat was located at our pre-Award lunch and another Red Carpet and step-and-repeat continued at Warner Bros. Studios.
Once the red carpet and interviews were over everyone made their way into the lavish main theatre venue of Warner Bros. Studio. The theatre contained a huge screen with seating accommodations for over 200 guests -- and we SOLD OUT! There were 30-minute panels that included a Q&A by Film Festival Winners like Writer/Director Alycia Cooper and the cast for her Award-winning short film “Trade,” and Director Jeta Amata and Producers Egor Efiok and Tess Cacciatore for their Best Feature Film Winner “Road to Redemption.” The amazing night ended with Host Eric Zuley Honoring his father, Jim Zuley, with a Special Award from Hollywood Weekly for all the work he’s done in helping his son, Eric, build his eZWay Empire, and being the kind of Father we can all love and admire. This was a night of Film, Fun and Love, which was our goal at Hollywood Weekly Magazine right from the start. Mission Accomplished!
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 13 Photos By Daler Olimjanov
The Yanfan Foundation Title Sponsor 6th Annual Hollywood Weekly Fiilm Festival November 2, 2019
The first Westerner Branded at the Legendary Shaolin Temple of China in Henan Province, the main temple of the Shaolin school of Buddhism to this day and the birth place of Kung Fu. Born in the southern port town of Brindisi, Italy, Franco Testini, whose official title is His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan, acrossed the Mediterranean into the Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China, and became the Shaolin Temple’s first ever appointed Western Ambassador. Held by the Chinese government with the approval of the National Religious Affairs Administration and the China Buddhist Association, Shaolin Temple in Henan partially revived an ancient ceremony that had not been practiced for over 300 years. His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was at the helm of a long and grueling ceremony, after which he was officially anointed with the title of an Abbot. On May 24, 2007, many highly respected and honorary Abbots were called to witness this historical event. On the last day of the ceremony His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was chosen to become the first ever non-Asian to receive the ancient ceremonial branding signs that consisted of searing nine circles on the top of the head with sticks of incense - called the Jieba. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the 2,500 year old Shaolin Temple in Henan Province, China has unveiled its secrets that help promote natural self-healing of the body, increase inner strength, and reduce stress and pain. An unprecedented tribute to the most ancient martial arts and Eastern philosophy in the world. Today, in order to spread the legendary Shaolin Culture around the world His Majesty Abbot Shi Yanfan was commissioned to be the Cultural Ambassador of Songshan Shaolin Temple Henan Province, China’s to promote the understanding, the revival, and preservation of legendary Shaolin heritaDge on a global scale.
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JIM ZULEY LIKE FATHER AND SON 18 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
I have been given a task to write about myself and I will do my best to share with you my story. Whatever do I start, well I suppose somewhere around the beginning I suppose. I was blessed to have been raised by parents who allowed me to experience a good childhood which consisted of a Catholic education. I grew up with two older brothers and one younger. In my high school years which I really enjoyed, I had started a car club which I named “ The Coachmen.” Cars were a big part of our existence at that time ( 1965 to 1968 ) which consisted mainly of the big block Chevy’s, Ford’s and Dodge. While we cruised the radio would be playing the new released songs by Elvis, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Moody Blues, The Doors and many more. Yes I would say those were the days for sure. Moving along after graduation I decided to go to Wilber Wright Jr and Triton Jr college. While on my journey through college I did follow the news and the Vietnam war always had updates. Everyone had a draft number and mine was so high that I never would have been drafted. Another reason I would have not have been drafted was I was attending college full time which was the case of everyone in my neighborhood. I wanted in. I was old fashioned John Wayne, Henry Fonda Stars and Stripes -- where do I sign?
I went to enlist in the Marines which was the branch my two older brothers went in and I was ready to hit the beach. I waited for several hours for the Marine recruiting people and when I stepped out to get a Coke I met a Army recruiter. We talked for awhile and I wound up enlisting in the Army and was chosen for a Military Police MOS. After my service I returned home and went back to college. This time I had the GI Bill which helped with college expenses. While I was going to school I heard the fire department in my town had an opening for two firefighters. I decided to check into the position and I soon discovered so did many others. Well I gave it a shot and went thru the battery of test and in the end I wound up being one of the two chosen to be an official firefighter. It was a great experience but I had a dilemma: the hours on the fire department were conflicting with my college schedule. On the department you work twenty four hours and off for the next two days. It wasn’t working out so I had to make a choice and I chose college. It would mean leaving a secure position that paid well but I wanted to see what I could accomplish beyond what I had at the time. I left my position as a firefighter and moved to California. My strategy was I would not have the income I had while on the fire department, but I saw the potential of appreciation in the California housing market. I sold my home in Villa Park, Illinois and shorty after moving to Southern California I purchased a home in Mission Viejo, which is between LA and San Diego. My thought at the time ( 1976 ) was big cities grow; it would make sense to be in the middle especially in So Cal where the average temperature is seventy eight degrees with no humidity. I thought this is the place to settle. A town boarded by two cities seventy miles away, the mountains and the ocean. I finished my two year degree at Santa Ana JC then went on to Cal St Fullerton and studied special education and business communication. During and after college I had invested in small business so I could facilitate owning a home and other costs. I bought into a business that would enable me to attend college without time constraints. I bought several dairy routes which had early morning hours. I would purchase areas which were low in delivery numbers, build them up and move on. I had always been interested in real estate and that was my next venture. I realized the Baby Boomers were getting to retirement age and those on the east coast and midwestern areas will be making their move to the gulf area. I began purchasing homes in south Florida followed by properties on the North Gulf cost. All the properties were on a lake, golf course or on the beach. All rented and appreciating which should make a comfortable retirement. Well if you want to give God a laugh, tell him your plans. I thought I had pretty much covered all the bases regarding location, weather, appreciation, ect. What I did not take into account was Mother Nature. She introduced me to a lady named Katrina and Katrina had different plans for the Gulf Coast, so
Former director of American Cancer Society San Diego, Eric Zuley and James Zuley presenting the eZWay Cares award to Hollywood Walk Of Fame Star Young and the Restless Icon Kate Linder - Photo credit Doug Ferguson
James Zuley and eZWay Legends eZWay Awards Golden Gala James Zuley was given the James Zuley Faith Conquers All Award - Photo credit Doug Ferguson
James Zuley, Kitty, Frank Shankwitz, Eric Zuley Wishman Movie Premeire - Photo Credit eZWay Network HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 19
their went my homes in the Gulf and the Great Recession of 08 basically diminished the investment potential of the Florida properties. Well there I sat watching the news and years of investments disappearing. What can you do but move on. I remember my father saying “ You think you have troubles until you lose your health.” A year later I was diagnosed with what the doctor called a very aggressive form of lymphoma, very tough to beat. It was beat but came back eight years later, this time it was three types of lymphoma. All very aggressive. I wrapped up six hundred hours of chemo at the VA hospital in Long Beach and was given advice from numerous experts in the field of health and wellness, including Dr Dante Sears of Revisalife, Bob Gilpatric with Boomer Boost, My Shroom Immune Health, and once again God allowed me to move forward.
James Zuley with founder of Family Film Awards when he won the Parent of the year award
James Zuley in the hospital beating cancer
The main part of my life is the involvement I have had with my son, Eric Zuley. I have been alongside him while he built his EZWayBroadcast Network. I have always taught him that he needs hard work, determination, drive and resilience, but without faith, morals and ethics it’s a waste of time. When my father shared with me that you think you have trouble until you lose your health, I am replacing health with faith. What I have seen Eric build over the past fifteen years is beyond amazing. I have seen him change so many lives with his ability to promote an individual or their business. Individuals that own cooperations, studio heads, celebrities and so many have come to Eric for advice. They have all accomplished so much but did not have knowledge of the changing times in the world of online media. Eric has become an icon in this arena covering all the bases in the world of social media. He has become the portal of the transition between online media, radio and television. Of all his divisions of his EZWay Network, including EZWay TV, Radio, Awards, Events, and Promotions, his favorite division is his nonprofit EZWayCares. He has interviewed and knows personally hundreds of celebrities, has done hundreds of very interesting events and has had endless meetings with very interesting individuals from around the world. The cool thing is I get to meet them, a benefit being his dad. What is interesting is he often does not recognize the celebrities we meet with from the sixties and I don’t recognize celebrities we meet with from his era. It has been an amazing time working alongside my son. His skills with the transitioning of the past age of media to the new age of technology is like I have always said -- truly amazing! I love and am very proud of my son Eric ( EZ ) Zuley God Bless - James Zuley
DAV James Zuley is a member of 4 years military police 20 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Influencer 2 Income A c c el er a t e d P r o g r a m Eric Zuley, The “King of New Media,” and his Team, have combined forces with Steve Brossman, International Leader in Authority Marketing and Sales to create the Influencer to Income Blueprint Packages. If you are looking to create or expand your exposure and influence, monetize your knowledge & expertise & build a sustainable business- then this is for you! EZWayInfluencer.com
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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 21
ERIC ZULEY
TRAILBLAZER BY CARMELITA PITTMAN
Eric Zuley has remained steadfast on his fifteen year journey on the Golden path built from his dreams ,faith, determination, drive and resilience which has landed him top status as a social media influencer. Search ActorsReporter.com 2015/11/08 which listed him as 7 of the “Top Ten Most Influential People on Twitter” 2015. The article listed him amongst Steve Forbes, Sir Richard Branson, Mark Cuban, Taylor Swift, Anthony Robbins, and even the Dalai Lama. His familiar face has emerged on covers of numerous publications including Hollywood Weekly which named the “Digital Trailblazer” award after him. His ferocious presence on social media is still gaining a following of millions worldwide via his affiliates and his own growing social media empire. He aims to serve as a role model , consultant , to provide a conduit through the eZWay social media enabling others to launch and market their own brand to make a better difference in the world.
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Eric Zuley’s initials happen to be E Z. Eric shows you how to do it the eZWay. His modo is I do it my way and I don’t care what you have to say. The YouTube channel ushered in Eric’s What U Need TV,
which now has over 13 million views. Orange County has met Hollywood via Eric, The Selfie shot and video as well the name influencer was pretty much originated by Eric Zuley. He saw the need to provide family and wholesome entertainment via his creation GOD’S GOLDEN CARPET. His interviews of highly successful individuals have inspired and given guidance to people towards their goals. The eZWay promotions arm has produced 400 events ranging from celebrity award, speaker, and non-profit fund raisers. That transitioned into eZWay Broadcasting which is the combination of different branches. Like the mustard seed and the little train that could out of the fertile mind of Eric Zuley grew the eZWay brand , spreading its arms via its eZWayinfluencer.com, eZWay promotions.com, eZWay.tv, eZWaynetwork.tv, eZWay movies, eZWay music channel, eZWaycares. Some of these are basically sub channels operated via Roku, Amazon on the eZWay Network Channel. Clients such as James Dentley who mentored influencer giant Les Brown for 20 years is building JD3TV which consists of business, and sports. This can be found on the eZWay Network Mobile App a long with many other channels powered by eZWay Network development partner 1Studio. It is the aim of the eZWay experience to join the social media handshake across the globe, building marketing connections. A mobile app will have all of the channels on it as well as forming similarities to God’s Viacom for OTT. The eZWay Wall of Fame has emerged from the success of the eZWay network , forming a network of supportive clients. On the eZWay Wall of Fame is Frank Shankwitz, co-creator of the Make a Wish Foundation, Sharon Lector, co-author of Rich Dad, Poor Dad, Christopher Lloyd, noted actor who plays doc on Back to the Future, Kevin Sorbo who portrayed Hercules, God’s Not There, Bernie Dohrman who ranks number 1 in Business to Business conferences by Forbes and Inc magazine, Micah Fitzgerald actor in West World, Reatha Grey co-host of Radio Boomers Live with Eric’s dad Jim Zuley on Radio Boomers Live, Carmelita Pittman radio host of Carmelita’s Corner and many more. Out of this platform was born the first eZWay Awards Golden Gala, held August 2019 at the Center Club Orange County private club with a membership of individuals boasting 6 figure incomes or more. It rolled out a Golden carpet which welcomed guests who clustered there from around the world. In addition to the locals from Orange County, Hollywood, Beverly
Hills, San Diego, San Francisco, people flew in from Arizona, Utah, Texas, New York, United Kingdom , Australia, China. Selected individuals were ushered by beautiful hostesses onto the carpet where they were photographed and interviewed by a huge media presence. Amongst those present was Getty Images, Wire Image, AP ( Associated Press), Influential People Magazine, Bionic Buzz, JZtv Live, ezWaynetwork, eZWay magazine, and many others. The event went viral being picked up by at least 150 individuals who attended and posted on social media event NBC got into the action! Along with numerous others. The event was promoted on billboards through out California and in New York Times Square. It was also broadcast live and can still be seen via ezwaybroadcasting. com. So many were eager to attend that the event sold out nearly a month in advance before Labor Day weekend. The event itself was held in a tall brown sleek modern venue which held multiple levels of rooms with fine art and sculptures surrounded with lakes and fountains. The patio hosted a lively gathering of guests who could barely contain their enthusiasm throughout the evening, eager to network. Inside the ballroom guests were greeted by beautifully appointed tables in black and gold decor which awaited a sumptuous meal. Well groomed in evening attire, over 250 guests graced the atmosphere such as Dr. Dante Sears, whose beauty exuded over her elaborate feathered gown by MHC COLLECTION Eric Z. accompanied her also wearing a zuberint rose gold tuxedo by MHC. Also present in lovely attire was awardee Raquel Sanchez of Kiss the Monkeys. eZWay nominee Marlena Martin, Founder and National Director of Woman of Achievement pageant, Bichlien Nguyen Mrs Asia USA International who wore her crown and banner, Robert Clancy of Mindset Reset Show who flew in from Florida and many more. Reatha Grey was the MC for the event and who commanded the audience to come to attention for prayer before the meal. The event unfolded with speaker Ronald Coming and entertainment by magician Evan Disney, Sheldon Reynolds a former lead singer and guitarist for Earth, Wind & Fire who sang hit “September”, Grammy nominated Av!va whose tall beauty was matched with her talent singing and playing the sax. Before the Awards presentation international recording artist Carmelita Pittman sang God Bless America to a crowd which stood with her and joined in. Awardees received a trophy formed as a Golden handshake to promote “Unity” , as well as crystal trophies and elegant plaques sponsored by Gift Princess.com. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 23
Awardees included Frank Shankwitz of Make a Wish Foundation, who received the “Everyone can be a Heroe “ Award, John Shin, executive producer of the Think and Grow Rich legacy tour, Dr. Dante Sears of World Prosperity network who received the “Heartpreneur” Award, Jim Zuley recipient of ‘Faith Conquers All” Award, James Dently received the “Mentorship” Award, Jeffrey Stansfield “Production Engineer” Award, actress of the Young and Restless Kate Linder received the “Volunteer” Award, Brian Smith received “Top Brand’ Award. Sharon Lector “Top Author” Award, Eric Swanson, producer of Habitude Warrior Conference “Be Awesome” award, Shea Vaughn, Women of the year award, Theresa Ashby,”Business Solutions” award, Christoff Weihman received “Master Connector” award,Katherin Kovin Pacino and her husband Bill won the Power Couple of The Year Award, Prather Jackson publisher of Hollywood Weekly received “Exposure Hero of the Year” award accepted 24 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
on his behalf by Carmelita. Fred smith the Busienss Man of The Year Award. This is to just name a few! Presenters included Denise Millet-Burkhardt, Shellie Hunt, Robert Sun, Lauren Powers, The Millionaire Maker Loral Langemeier Altogether there were 68 nominees in 15 categories. The event raised funds for CHOC (Children’s Hospital of Orange County) with an auction hosted by Aristotle Karas and Eric Zuley. Premiums included an Craig Shelly $1,500 watch, $20,000 worth of eZWay services, New Life Clarity book package $10,000 value, $19,000 Speaking Empire speaking package, Parducci Wine package $3-5,000. Thousands were raised from the event. The event was broadcast live Via Advantage Video systems, eZWay.tv Sponsors included Bennett
Unlimited PR , IHP Global Inc.com, Fitsyn.com , AAPrintingLas Vegas.com, Halo Events, Bennett Unlimited PR, New Life Clarity Publishing, Eric wishes to acknowledge the eZWay family, especially the team which is the wind beneath his wings such as Jose Beltran WPS Events , his dad Jim Zuley, Sophia Alvarez, Dr. Dante Sears, Denise Millet-Burkhardt President of eZWayNetwork TV, Pattie Sadler, Angelique Marie, SJ Jones, Danella Burnett, Kelly Bennett, Aristotle Karas, Ian Glover, Saskia Van Buren, Fred Smith, Jeffrey Stansfield, Doug Ferguson, Piggy backing on this event is the upcoming Golden Stage Talent Show akin to America Idol benefiting Rock Against Trafficking Sept 21, 2019 in Mission Viejo. Twelve contestants will perform before host Annie McKnight. Distinguished judges include Michael Jackson’s music director Kevin Dorsey, Steve Resnik, a former executive of Capitol Records,
Sheldon Reynolds, Kenya Lucas with DASH RADIO, presenter A List music producer Gary Miller. For info contact eZWayevents.com 1-877-399-2929. This will mark the release of Eric Zuley’s “The Influence Effect” book which includes accounts and testimonies from over 30 successful individuals. Go to amazon or visit ezwayinfluencer.com, register and get the book via ericjzuley.com. Following the Golden Stage is an affiliation with Family Film Awards Eric Zuley will be presenting an award at with Founder Dr. Olympia Gellini and executive producer Roger Neal to be presented at the Universal Hilton Hotel Sept. 29. Also following is Rock Your Gift seminar with speakers Les Brown, Sean D. Stewart Eric Zuley, Lisa Sasevich and IHP Global founder Josh Liske , go to ezwayevents.com or email: ezwaynetwork@gmail.com Many doors is opening up for the eZWay Golden Carpet movement join it by texting the word “promote” to the # 55678 if you are a person with a good heart that wants to help others the eZWay Family welcomes you with open arms.
Photos by Doug Ferguson , James Zuley, EZWay Network, and Katerina Cozias
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 25
GEORGE G
eorge Goodenough is a prolific screenwriter, who has the potential to write the next multimillion-dollar Hollywood blockbuster. He has been writing screenplays for the majority of his life. George has written 7 movies and 29 episodes of his own television series called “The Road”. George began writing short stories when he was only nine years old, but he really discovered his passion for screenwriting when he was a teenager. He was a huge fan of Raiders of the Lost Ark and he felt “overwhelmed with excitement” the first time he saw the film. He watched the movie a countless amount of times. He felt deeply inspired by George Lucas and Steven Spielberg. George then went to the U.S. Navy and shortly after his service he decided to further pursue his passion for screenwriting. One day, George decided to pick up a copy of the Writer’s Digest and he flipped through it out of curiosity. Although he felt slightly intimidated by professional writing, he saw an ad for the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute and decided to give them a call. As a prerequisite for getting into the university, George had to go through a test, and he had to submit a story of 100 words to the university. The university was impressed by George’s storytelling skills and called them excellent, but they did note that he had some difficulties with grammar. Despite this, they decided to give George a chance if he brushed up on grammar. Once he conquered grammar, Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute gladly accepted George, so he could expand on his talent. 26 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
GOODENOUGH
George decided to write several assignments on a typewriter. Throughout his classes, it was becoming apparent that he was a natural born screenwriter. Despite the difficult curriculum, he received A’s on the majority of his assignments and classes.
Scriptwriting Institute.
George eventually graduated from the Hollywood Scriptwriting Institute and received his Scriptwriting Diploma. He was well versed in screenwriting and had acquired many skill s throughout his education. He was also professionally trained in narrative storytelling for television and film.
He often finds his inspiration for writing through music. He will often listen to country while writing his scripts. George describes his style as very old school. Everything he writes goes on his notebook first, then he types it up on a typewriter. Although he has been offered to use a computer to type up his scripts, he feels like his creativity peaks when he uses a typewriter. He likes the fact that it is more difficult to use the typewriter rather than a computer. “I like the struggle,” he tells Hollywood Weekly “it’s a part of being a writer”.
One touching moment that sticks out to George is when he spoke to his professor, Donna Lee, upon graduation. She was a talented screenwriting who worked on scripts for the popular 1970s show, “Love, American Style”. He asked her “Am I really a scriptwriter?” She quickly replied, “You are a Hollywood scriptwriter. Your scripts are phenomenal, and you have a style that I have never seen before”.
You can tell that George’s unique style has translated into his work. George’s stories are different than any Hollywood movie that has been put out for at least two decades. He does not write remakes of classics and books, which is what we often see in the film industry. “Every script I’ve written is something that keeps the audience glued to their seats,” says George.
To this day, George still regularly refers to his training and textbooks from the university whenever he has any questions or feels stuck writing. He also refers to the inspiring words of his mentor. George always keeps in mind is that “in Hollywood there was no such thing as a perfect script”. Often in his screenwriting process, George goes through his stories multiple times to ensure they are as accurate and polished as possible. He also has a proofreader go through his work and he asks for opinions from his colleagues. All his scripts are officially registered.
He has been heavily complimented on the way he writes dialogue. He writes his scripts with certain formula that he was taught by the school that is highly classified. This formula that creates his entertaining scripts could not even be told to Hollywood Weekly! Whatever formula he was taught was developed into a distinctive style that is all his own.
George’s writing process has significantly matured and evolved since his education at the Hollywood
It is often heard in screenwriting that the first 10 pages of the script can make it or break it. George says that he spends the most of his time making the beginning of the script captivating for readers. It can take weeks rewriting and rearranging the structure to get those first essential 10 pages to work. “Around the first 10 pages, you need to have the audience’s attention,” he explains, “After those 10
Prolifiic Screenwriter pages, you give the audience a breath”. He also tells us that a good script should have about 3 or 4 storylines that come together by the end of the film. When writing films, George goes for something that is realistic, but also beyond what the audience expects. He takes situations from everyday life and puts them in an interesting way into the script with unexpected twists. He describes his characters as “crisp, clear, and they keep the audience glued to the script”. George says that he still has 10 upcoming projects and scripts for his films. One of his best scripts is a comedy called “Billy and Tina”. The opening line of the script is “Drugs, Cops, Sex, and a Small Family, the road to Mexico couldn’t be any longer”. The film centers around a character named Billy, who lives in Nevada, and he is involved in the drug business. After a suspicious drug deal, Billy is tailed by officers that follow him back to his trailer, where he lives with his wife, Tina, and his small child. When Billy finds out that he is being followed by police, they make a quick getaway to Idaho and they meet up with a friend that works at a car dealership. They then switch from a station wagon to a Camaro, and they continue their escape from police and drug dealers. When Billy and his family finally meet up with the drug dealers, Billy gives the drug dealer flower instead of cocaine, which incites a gun fight. There is also a Billy and Tina Part 2 that George has completed. If you are interested in purchasing any of George Goodman’s scripts, contact him at numberonescriptwriter@gmail. com or his number (530) 925-0210.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 27
Books to Devour
Books to Devour by Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of Bedside Reading
by Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of Bedside Reading
Our 2nd annual gift guide is here. Books to gift and get during the holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
Our 2nd annual gift guide is here. Books to gift and get during the holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
2nd annual Holiday Gifts to Gift and Get!
Lost Tomorrows by Matt Coyle A widow and ex-FBI agent of hard-earned courage, Cody O'Brien is finally enjoying the quiet life, providing a good home for herself and her eight-year-old son, Ryan. Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder. Failed by the Witness Protection Tomorrows Program, she's Lost on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly toward a past thatby wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge. Matt Coyle
2ND ANNUAL HOLIDAY GIFTS TO GIFT AND GET!
The Pale-Faced by David Crow A widow and ex-FBILie agent of hard-earned courage, Cody In this rivetingO’Brien memoir,isDavid Crow presentsthe a searing account of his experience finally enjoying quiet life, providing a good growing up on the Navajohome Indianfor Reservation with her a mentally ill mother and herself and eight-year-old son,violent Ryan.father, Thenan ex-con from Ryangroomed is kidnapped daylight. AndWhen CodyDavid knows why. found the San Quentin who him to in bebroad his partner in crime. ultimately Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers re- him into a courage to change his life, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that forced sponsible for her husband’s murder. Failed by the Witness deadly showdown with his father. Raw and palpable, “The Pale-Faced Lie” is an unforgettable Protection Program, she’s on the run again, trusting only testament to the powertoofsave forgiveness the heading strength of the human spirit. herself her sonand while blindly toward a past that wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge.
Overture by Skye Warren Overture The world knows Samantha Brooks as the violin prodigy. She guards her secret truth—the by Skye Warren desire she harbors for her guardian. Liam North got custody of her six years ago. She’s all The Pale-Faced Lie grown up now, by but he still treats her like a child. No matter how much he wants her. No David Crow matter how bad he aches for one taste. Her sweet overtures break ex-soldier’s Thedown worldtheknows Samantha defenses, but there’s more at stake than her body. Every touch, every kiss, every night. The Brooks as the violin prodIn this riveting memoir, David Crow presents a searing acShe from guards her out secret gets, the more exposed secret. Indian She’s one igy. step away finding countcloser of hisshe experience growing up his ondarkest the Navajo truth—the desire she harwhat happened the nightill shemother lost herand family. Onefather, step away leaving him forever. Reservation with a mentally violent an from
ex-con from San Quentin who groomed him to be his part- bors for her guardian. Liam ner in crime. When David ultimately found the courage to North got custody of her six years ago. She’s all grown up changeThe his Thankful life, he unwittingly a plotMagic of revenge that Rose Unicorn: triggered Release Your by Hayley now, but he still treats her forcedThis himinnovative into a deadly with his father. Raw andprompts and showdown uplifting coloring book with gratitude is all about building selflike a child. No matter how palpable, “Thepromoting Pale-Faced Lie” is and an unforgettable testament esteem, positivity inspiring creativity. Gratitude is scientifically proven to to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human much he wants her. No matrewire the brain to make you happier. Benefits to happiness include: Stronger ter how bad heImmune aches for one spirit. System, Increased Productivity and Decision Making, and taste. Her sweet overtures Ability to Combat Stress. break down the ex-soldier’s defenses, but there’s more The Thankful Unicorn: Release Your Magic Captain No Beard by Carole P. Roman at stake than her body. Evby Hayley Rose Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcomeery touch, every kiss, every a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his littlenight. The closer she gets, This innovative and uplifting coloring book with gratitude sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a the more exposed his darkest prompts is all about building self-esteem, promoting positivsecret. She’s one step away distraction. Gratitude When facediswith danger, theproven captain must find a way to escape. While ity and inspiring creativity. scientifically from finding out what haplessons Benefits about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody pened the night she lost her to rewire the brainlearning to makevaluable you happier. to happiness include: Stronger Immune System, Increased Productivity and family. One step away from Decision Making, and Ability to Combat Stress. leaving him forever.
28 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Captain No Beard by Carole P. Roman Captain No Beard and the crew of the Flying Dragon welcome a new crew member, when Cabin Girl Cayla joins the ship. Responsible for his little sister, Captain No Beard is not very happy because he finds his newest charge a distraction. When faced with danger, the captain must find a way to escape. While learning valuable lessons about strangers, the crew realized not to judge somebody because they are young or small. Strength comes in all sizes!
Non Obvious Mega Trends by Rohit Bhargava The future belongs to non-obvious thinkers. This book is your guide to becoming one. For the past ten years, Rohit Bhargava’s signature annual Non-Obvious Trend Report has helped over a million readers discover more than 100 trends changing our culture and how business is done. Now for the first time after a decade of publishing more than 100 trend predictions, for the first time to identify ten revolutionary new Megatrends that are transforming how we work, play and live.
Vivid Vision by Cameron Herold Many corporations have slick, flashy mission statements that ultimately do little to motivate employees and less to impress customers, investors, and partners. But there is a way to share your excitement for the future of your company in a clear, compelling, and powerful way, and entrepreneur and business growth expert Cameron Herold can show you how. Vivid Vision is a revolutionary tool that will help owners, CEOs, and senior managers create inspirational, detailed, and actionable three-year mission statements for their companies. In this easy-to-follow guide, Herold walks organization leaders through the simple steps to creating their own Vivid Vision, from brainstorming to sharing the ideas to using the document to drive progress in the years to come.
Staying Bothered by Amelio Jamie Amelio describes what “being bothered” really means, a term she coined to explain the uncomfortable feeling we all get when we learn about a terrible wrong--maybe in our neighborhood, maybe across the world. But more importantly, Amelio emphasizes “staying bothered.” Because while that initial feeling might motivate us to get involved, finding a way to make it last is the key to making a difference. Staying Bothered tells the story of how Jamie overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles to positively change her world and the lives of thousands of children and in doing so sparked a movement!
Good Authority: How to Become the Leader Your Team Is Waiting For by Jonathan Raymond Creating a company culture like that is not a dream. Through personal stories and real-life conversations, Jonathan takes you into the room with managers and employees where real culture change happens, and shows you a new kind of employee mentoring where each person gets the real-time feedback, support, and clear boundaries we all need to get beyond the patterns that hold us back. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 29
Books to Devour by Labyrinth Jane Ubell-Meyer, Founder of The Influence: Bedside Reading
Awaken the Wisdom Within
Our 2nd annual gift guide isby here. to gift and get during the PJBooks Jackson holiday season. Treat yourself! Murder, memoirs, the Megatrands and more.
If just one step could change your life, would you take it?
2ndIn annual Holiday Gifts to Gift and Get! The Wisdom Within, The Labyrinth Influence: Awaken
we meet a woman searching for answers. After overcoming
Lost Tomorrows by MattinCoyle myriad challenges work and life—a round of layoffs, her A widow and ex-FBI agentillness, of hard-earned courage, O'Brien is husband’s serious and health issuesCody of her own—the herself at the mouth of home a labyrinth, unsure of finallyWoman enjoying finds the quiet life, providing a good for herself and her her nextson, move. eight-year-old Ryan. Then Ryan is kidnapped in broad daylight. And Cody knows why. Her life is a dangerous lie, easily exposed by the killers responsible for her husband's murder. Failed by the Witness Protection Program, she's on the run again, trusting only herself to save her son while heading blindly Bulwark toward a past that wants only one thing from her: cold-blooded revenge.
by Brit Lunden
The Pale-Faced Lie by David Crow
Clay Finnes the sheriff a small inaGeorgia In this is riveting memoir,of David Crowtown presents searing account of his experience growing up called Bulwark. Recently separated from his wife, all and violent father, an ex-con from on the Navajo Indian Reservation with a mentally ill mother he can think aboutwho is what went wrong, and will in Jenna San Quentin groomed him to be his partner crime. When David ultimately found the ever come back to him. He's troubled by a bothersome courage to change his life, he unwittingly triggered a plot of revenge that forced him into a reporter trying to build a story from what he thinks is a deadly showdown with his father. Raw and palpable, “The Pale-Faced Lie” is an unforgettable normal day in his life. Clay has to admit that the fantastestament to the power of forgiveness and the strength of the human spirit. tical stories, told by an accident victim as well as unusual sightings of wolves, things are getting a bit strange. Overture by Skye Warren A visit to the ominous Gingerbread House makes him The world knows Samantha Brooks as the violin prodigy. She guards her secret truth—the realize that his life as he knows it will never be the same.
desire she harbors for her guardian. Liam North got custody of her six years ago. She’s all Theher. Storm grown up now, but he still treats her like a child. No matter how much he wants No Beyond the Tides matter how bad he aches for one taste. Her sweet overtures break down the ex-soldier’s The Birth Mother defenses, but there’s more at stake than her body. Every touch, every kiss, every night. The Cullen by Jonathan closer she gets, the moreby exposed his darkest secret. She’s one step away from finding out Seymour Ubell what happened the night she lost her family. One step away from leaving him July forever. 1939. War is on the
On a business trip, a high-powered fifty-six-year-old Amer- horizon but on Monk Isican entrepreneur visits his partners in China. After their land, Maine life goes on as Asian Release mentor Your invites him by to Hayley an orphanage, The meeting, Thankful his Unicorn: Magic Rose a usual. As the daughter of a lobsterman, trip that will change the course of his family’s life forever. This innovative and uplifting coloring book with gratitude prompts is all about buildingEllie self- Ames’ future proven seems tolimited until a Without hesitation, heand andinspiring his wifecreativity. fall in love with Anglo/ esteem, promoting positivity Gratitude is scientifically mysterious German couple Asian twin girls and become their adoptive parents. The chilrewire the brain to make you happier. Benefits to happiness include: Stronger Immune dren grow up in a world of twists and turns with multiple comes off the ferry with their System, Increased Productivity and Decision Making, and coincidences and synchronicity. Their journey takes them nineteen-year-old son. From Ability to Combat Stress. from China to Europe to America and back to China where the moment she meets Karl their unusual birth mother enters their lives. This powerful Brink, the two become inCaptain Beardwith by Carole storyNo is filled dramaP.atRoman every turn as the daughters face separable and not everyone Captain No Beard and the crew of the Dragon welcome internal and external challenges.Flying The Birth Mother is a story approves because locals are a new crew member, whenfilled Cabin Girllove, Caylapathos, joins thetragedy, ship. Responsible for hisRead, little laugh, suspicious of outsiders. Ellie with and triumph. ignores their scorn, howeva tale he youfinds willhis never forget. sister, Captain No Beard iscry, notand verylearn. happyIt’s because newest charge a er, and the secret she learns distraction. When faced with danger, the captain *****must find a way to escape. While about Karl’s family makes learning about strangers, the crew realized not judge somebody Andvaluable not tolessons be missed: The Thankful Unicorn, ThetoLabyrinth Influence, her even more determined Staying Bothered, Captain No Beard to be with him. 30 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Cold Silence - Danielle Girard
Q: You’ve published 14 thrillers. What drew you to that genre? A: I didn’t set out to write a thriller when I started writing. But in the first pages of that very first manuscript, there was a murder, and it’s been that way ever since. I’m also drawn to the darkness of the genre because there are no greater stakes than life and death. The other piece of the genre that appeals to me is police and investigators. I have tremendous respect for law enforcement. To go out every day and know you may have to react in a split second and not make a mistake—because an error means a life… There’s so much controversy today over how the police manage engagements, and there’s no question that the mistakes and abuse in the system need to be addressed. At the same time, it’s such a demanding, stressful job. I feel like when you get down to why someone would choose police work as a career—in the vast majority of cases—it’s got to be to help people. I admire that. Q: Your 14th book is out next summer. How do you come up with new ideas and still keep it fresh? A: There are ideas everywhere. My first book came from a profile on a police officer who had lost the use of his hands and how that impacted him after years on the job. That man became FBI Profiler Casey McKinley in Savage Art who lost the use of her hands because of an attack by a serial killer. That said, a really strong book isn’t in every idea. For me, the trick is finding the right character to marry to a specific plot. For instance, you might have a teenager who shows up in a hospital, presenting with symptoms of heavy drug use and possible overdose. Maybe your point of view character might be the Emergency Department doctor who tries to save him. That is interesting … More interesting is if the doctor realizes that the teenage junkie is actually his straight-laced nephew who is supposed to be in boarding school across the country. Add in that the doctor can’t reach the boy’s mother (his sister) and then you’ve got a plot worth telling… in fact, I might go write that one down.
The Connector’s Advantage - Michelle Tillis Lederman 1. What does it mean to be a connector and what are the most important tools to keep in mind when connecting with others? A connector is relationship focused in their approach to business to life to everything. When they ask for something or make an introduction, it carries weight and people respond. Connectors get things easier, faster, and better whatever it is they are working on. If you think about the most common things people are working on whether it is a new job, a promotion, getting a client, or even their health and happiness, they will see an impact through the relationships. For example, you are 70 percent more likely to get a promotion if you have a mental relationship. When you have a close relationship at work, you are actually more productive and happier on the job. You’ll also have more longevity on that job. 2. The Connector’s Advantage talks about the Connector’s Spectrum. Do you believe anyone can become a connector? Yes anybody can become a connector. I always say that networking is something we do and a connector is who you are. It is a mindset, it is a way of behaving and interacting and it infuses into all the things that you do. It’s really about building habits and shifting our thinking. That is what the book is about, the 7 mindsets to be relationship-driven and relationship-focused. I always say that everyone has some level of the spectrum. As we recognize the value of relationships, we are climbing our way up the latter of the Connector Spectrum. The basic four levels of the Connector Spectrum are the non-connector, emerging, responsive and acting connector. When we are thinking about how to go up and be a bigger and greater connector, the first is the tendency to initiate or respond to a connector’s request for help. They become a responsive connector, and then once we move up a bit further is an acting connector. An acting connector is not just responding but they are also initiating. They see that there is value they can bring and offering assistance and suggesting those connection requests. Once we are acting connection, they next way to climb to the top is the breadth and depth of connecters. When you get breadth and depth you are a super connector. Bedside Reading places books by the bedsides in luxury hotels. For more info, visit BedsideReading.com HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 31
Retirement is not an option. A Conversation with Seymour Ubell, first time novelist at 88 years old. surrounded by a complex family environment. The story, both tragic and filled with joy, is filled with twists and turns throughout children’s young lives. Including Seymoer Ubell: A middle-aged the dramatic chance meeting by New York couple with a ten- the adoptive father with the actual year-old son, decide to adopt Chinese Birth Mother. twin girls, as a result of totally circumstantial events. Daryl and HW: Where does your inspiration foryour story come Maxine Landsman go through the complex labyrinth of adoption from in this book? in China. The couple brings the twins home. The children grow SU: The story tumbled into my lap from a personal experience up in New York between my wife and me. Very early in my career in China, one of my partners brought me to an orphanage. He was a benefactor at the institution. I saw the children and fell in love. As a result of the meeting, we had an opportunity to adopt the twins. We reluctantly decided not to. Because of a time in life when I was in my early sixties, just a bit too old to take on the responsibility of two infant children. As the years passed, my wife would mention, “The girls would have been five years old now Hollywood Weekly: The title of your book, The Birth Mother is intriguing. Tell us a little bit about the story.
and nursery school age.” Once again, eight years later, Marsha said, “it would have been time for their Bat-Mitzvah and years later my wife would remind me; “Our twins would have been off to go to college. At that moment I decided to write a novel that we did, in fact, adopt the children. What I learned from that experience is, women never forget anything. Men hardly remember anything. HW: Where does the theme God is a woman come from? SU: Let me begin by stating, I am an atheist. However, I do believe in kindness, caring and accepting all people into my life, regardless of religion, race or politics. My wife is a very wise and the kindest, most loving person I have ever been with. She is my partner; I trust her the most. For more than three decades, I learned that women are much smarter, more sensitive and more creative than man is. As I wrote, the story; the tale began to have a life of its own and it took over. It guided me down the path, that if, there is a God, that God must, without question, be a woman. And so, I argue, if God is a man; Why do women have the power to perpetuate the species? Why do women have the power to feed the species if there is no food? Adam never ate
the apple; he was nursed on Eve’s breast. Why do women have the power to give a man his most significant pleasure? Why do they call Earth, ‘Mother Earth”? Why is nature is called ‘Mother Nature or that beautiful statue welcoming emigrants, Miss Liberty? All good things are a “She” never a “He”. I recite biblical stories where women save the day and the lives of both Judeo and Christian
I discovered, I hated retirement. It was important for me to return to the business world. I decided to go to China. I envisioned the future; seeking a business opportunity Asia. The one place in the world I believed would be the future economic global competitor to the USA. When most people are retiring at the age of 64, I went back to work. I do not regret a single moment.
I enjoyed the creative experience very much. I wanted to continue writing. In truth, I needed to continue writing. moments in history. When reading this book you will discover the power and gifts that women, in all their sensitivity, intellect and caring, have. HW: Tell us about your early careers.
HW: What inspired you to write a novel?
mentioned in detail their feelings regarding descriptions of World War II days in Brooklyn. And all the firsts in my life; including sex, love, marriage, children, and money. Readers enjoyed my account of the old neighborhood, the stores, the trolley cars racing on the main streets of Brooklyn; including descriptions of the neighbors, their gossiping, the simple apartment buildings. Their response was a much-welcomed experience. It was most gratifying. A memoir is interestingly restrictive. You must be truthful. Truth has power and it works. My father died at the age of 44. I have little memory of him. All I have is my imagination and the feeling of my love for him. In my own life with the blessing of three especially talented children, whom I love totally, it was important for me to leave
SU: After I wrote my first book, a memoir. “A Life of Risks Taken”, I enjoyed the creative experience very much. I wanted to continue SU: I never went to college. My writing. In truth, I needed to father died when I seventeen. continue writing. I learned so It was vital that I go to work to much about myself and the earn money, helping the family. people in my life. When I write, We were very poor. We lived it’s a rare time in my life, I on a widow’s pension and the am not in charge. The story $42.50 a week I earned as a takes over. The computer stock clerk in a men’s clothing becomes the boss. company. At the age of nineteen, I was promoted to work in the HW: What did you learn while writing your company showroom. Shortly memoir? after, in my early twenties, the VP of Sales at the company gave me SU: Writing my memoir another promotion; to go “onwas an education. I the-road” as a salesman. At the learned, when telling the age of twenty-eight, I started my story of your life, the truth own printing brokerage company. always works. Many It was very successful. Shortly people who read my thereafter, I simultaneously started Seymour at 18 story, approache me, a messenger service company, a consistently sharing tennis racket company, and an the honesty they advertising agency. At the age of experienced.They sixty-two, I retired. Two years later,
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• 33
HW: What is a typical day like for you? SU: I awake early, 6:15 AM. By 7:00 AM, at the gym. A trainer works with me three days each week. I go to Equinox five, sometimes, often six days each week. I am on my Gym bicycle, riding three to four miles each day. From the gym, I take a cab to my office where my son Ed, who is the CEO is running the company. I just sign the checks. By 3:30 PM, I am at home. I take a nap and write for an hour or more. Often dinner with friends, or my children or just Marsha and me. By 9 pm I am in bed listening to both classical folk music I grew up with; including Sinatra. Simultaneously reading the NY Times or listening to my audiobooks. My children, Lynn, Jane, and Ed speak to me almost every day. A special blessing for any parent. Before my eyes close, I turn to my left and see the love of my life. We kiss and whisper, “Goodnight.” HW: What is next on your list? What are you planning to write about next? SU: I am working on two books at the same time. One is a fictionalized story about our family business that began in Europe with my grandfather and continued with my father here in America. The story includes their meetings with the Mafia families that existed in those days. My other book is about people who have another opportunity in life after the death of a wife or husband. And those couples who go through divorce and find a “second love”. And in most cases a happy life. But not always.
34 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Before my eyes close, I turn to my left and see the love of my life. We kiss and whisper, “Goodnight.” Earl, Alvin & Seymour Ubell
Seymour and his wife Marsha Tosk
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 35
OOPER
A LY C I A 36 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Alycia Cooper’s Short Film
Covers ‘6 Circles of Hell’ by Anthony Ewart
Lust (2nd Circle). Greed (4th Circle). Wrath (5th Circle). Violence (7th Circle). Fraud (8th Circle). Treachery (9th Circle). It’s hard to imagine a 30 minute short film containing all of these elements from Dante Alighieri’s 14th -century masterpiece, “The Divine Comedy,” but she does. Inferno (Hell) is the first part of Dante’s Divine Comedy, and it is the most recognized part of the epic poem. As writer and director of TRADE, Alycia Cooper is essentially our “guide” through this hellish scenario she has created, just
“Trade” just about
from “Dante’s Inferno” as the poet Virgil was Dante’s guide in the Divine Comedy. Maybe Alycia’s log line for TRADE should have echoed Dante’s as he passed through the gates of Hell: “Abandon all hope, ye who enter here.” But, Alycia Cooper is a comedian, right? We saw her on Last Comic Standing. We saw her on America’s Got Talent. Her comedy videos on Tru TV’s “Laff Mobb Presents Laff Tracks” are the highest rated videos they have. So, where did Alycia’s command of dramatic writing spring from? When did her comedy go gothic?
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 37
AlyciaCooper.com will tell you all you need to know about the whirlwind formation of this multitalented artist, which began at 5 when she “perfected knock-knock jokes and imitating drunk family members.”
B
ut nothing you read about Alycia Cooper’s comedic roots points to the emotional and psychological depth she exhibits in her first Short Film “Trade.” Alycia has essentially pulled a Jordan Peele. Everyone knew Jordan Peele was an incredibly talented comedic actor and writer, but the leap he made to “Get Out” and “Us” as a writer and director came from a far deeper pool of talent. It came from a depth of talent unseen and unknown by the public, and therefore it came as a surprise -THIS, is Alycia Cooper’s story.
The deepest part of the ocean is called “Challenger Deep.” It’s located in the Caroline Islands in the Pacific Ocean. It’s 6.856 miles down. That’s 36,200 feet. The closest patch of land to Challenger Deep is Fais Island. Fais Island is classified as a “raised coral island” if that gives you an idea of the scope of land in the middle of nowhere we’re talking about. And even this raised coral island is 180 miles away from Challenger Deep. 6.856 miles down into the depths of the ocean -- I believe that’s just about the distance from the smile on our face we show the public to what’s really going on in the core of our existence. The core of our existence. Six miles down into our emotional psyche. That’s where you’ll find Alycia Cooper fishing -- in the deepest part of our emotional ocean. But that’s where we find our true selves. Sigmund Freud said our 38 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Sallieu Sesay showing that he’s got levels.
personality is the tip of an iceberg, underneath the surface of the water (or under our conscious reality), was Freud’s psychological trifecta of the Id, Ego and Superego. Whatever this mysterious pool of knowledge and creativity and passion and raw talent deep inside our unconscious is called, clearly Alycia Cooper has tapped into it. Like drinking from a metaphorical sacred well of spiritual water within her unconscious, Alycia the comedian has been reborn Alycia Cooper, “The Filmmaker.”
“The filming of Trade was a great experience. There was a level of professionalism only matched by those bigger sets that I had been on previously.
Chastity Dotson
I remember the empathy and kindness that everyone showed. To give specific examples would be a problem only in that it would require pages and pages of shout outs and acknowledgements. I can say in short that everyone was nice and there was such a sense of family. The support was strong on set. I remember one particular shot when I was outside of the house and Alycia yelled, “cut”. The response from everyone on set provided me with an enormous amount of reinforcement. I look forward to more projects to come with Ms. Cooper.” Actor Sallieu Sesay, ‘Felonious Hinds’ from Alycia Cooper’s “Trade”
IRONIC TRAGEDY TRADE is a perfect Shakespearean tragedy because of the heartbreaking irony of the story. The impetus for the events that lead to the tragic ending echo the famous saying written centuries ago: “The road to hell is paved with good intentions.” Irony... John Travolta brought the irony of “Romeo and Juliet” into hilarious perspective in “Saturday Night Fever.” Travolta’s character “Tony Manero” reflects on the famous tragedy by stating, “I always thought Romeo should have just ‘waited a little longer.’” Yes, maybe Juliet would have woken up in time for him not to kill himself if he had “waited a little longer.” But he didn’t wait. And that’s why it’s a tragedy.
Actor Sallieu Sesay, who is a Writer/ Director himself, plays “Felonious Hinds” in TRADE. Sallieu does a masterful job in creating fear and intensity with just his eyes. Few can convey deep emotional subtext of rage and passion with their eyes. Sallieu can, frighteningly so. The intensity he brings to this role reminds me of a young Howard Rollins Jr. who set the world on cinema on fire with his performance in director Milos Forman’s “Ragtime.” As a writer himself, he was able to compartmentalize the demons of his character, and only give us glimpses into what could possibly lay lurking 6 miles down in his troubled emotional psyche. Actor Blue Kimble, who plays “Alonzo Harrison” in TRADE, is perfect as a man who is not exactly what he seems to be on the surface. Freud’s “iceberg theory” about our personalities must have been swirling through Cooper’s mind as she created this complex character of conflicting emotions. Blue, a former football player, does a fantastic job of keeping you guessing about his character. Do we sympathize with him? Can we empathize with him? Do we we feel sorry for him or hate him? Blue and I spoke about the “drama” inherent in all sports, and though acting is a different kind of drama, adrenaline can’t tell the difference. Concentration and focus are tools for an athlete, and a thespian. Blue has made his transition to film and television from football seamless, revealing that, just like Alycia Cooper, he was always in possession of hidden talents. Writer/Director Alycia Cooper has shown her talent in eliciting true, real performances from her actors, and Mr. Kimble was up for that challenge. It was just “Game Time,” for Blue. Actress Chastity Dotson has the challenging role of “Tempia Harrison,” the wife of Kimble’s “Alonzo Harrison.” Chastity is a seasoned theatre actress with seven one-woman shows under her belt, and 36 IMDB credits. She’s busy. But she loves what she does,
which is immersing herself in fictional characters. Becoming those characters. Living like those characters. It could be an emotionally draining career for some, but not Chastity. 7 one-woman shows, clearly Chastity has a ravenous appetite for acting. In TRADE she has 30 minutes to show us her integral part in Cooper’s raw, emotional vision of a sad truth of denial in our society. For Chastity, the role of Tempia Harrison was complex. Tempia’s feelings about the husband she knew before he went to jail, and the man that came back to her. This she must balance with a successful career and two kids. But home is where your heart is, and Chastity’s home life with Alonzo is...well... Let’s just say her female intuition is leading her beneath the frozen surface water of the iceberg that is Alonzo Harrison.
immediately after viewing, like Jane Campion’s amazing 1993 film “The Piano,” with Holly Hunter, Anna Paquin, Sam Neill and Harvey Keitel. TRADE is a disturbing film, but it is a necessary film. Alycia Cooper is concerned, at this point in her fil¬mmaking career, with peeling back the skin of uncomfortable and ugly situations, poking around in the flesh that lay underneath and then dramatically filming it. We may want to thank Alycia. Who knew the evil in Dante’s Inferno could be so close to our present lives? With people we know. With people we meet. With people we’re married to.
Alycia Cooper’s TRADE will be screened at Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s 6th Annual International Film Festival on November 2nd. It will be one of those films that have to be discussed
TRADE is a perfect Shakespearean tragedy because of the heartbreaking irony of the story.
Blue Kimble gets his “daddy on” with his Trade kids, Isaiah James and Celeste Clark. HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 39
Alycia Cooper puts out another fire with DP, Freeman White III
Interview with Alycia Cooper HW-How long have you wanted to be a filmmaker? Alycia Cooper- I believe a lot longer than I even realized. I’ve always loved Hollywood and cinema. When I was growing up in the 70’s, celebrities were insulated and almost mythical. They kept their private lives private. If you got a glimpse into their world, you drank it up like a thirsty person that walked through the desert, and is finally able to get a drink of water. They wouldn’t let you photograph their kids. There was such a mystique surrounding the entertainment business and entertainers, that a little girl like me never thought I could be a part of it. Nevertheless, I watched everything I gained exposure to, and had no idea that watching as much television and film that I did would lead me to this moment. HW- What were your favorite movies as a child? AC- Well, we had one cable channel in MD at the time, so you’d see the same few movies ad nauseam. I could recite the words to Cujo, Children of the Corn, and Carlito’s Way. 40 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY WEEKLY 32 •• HOLLYWOOD
Then, the big boom happened with Jaws and then E.T. The stories, acting and directing were so awesome that you were able to get lost in the story. People earned these spots with talent and hard work. There was no social media at the time, so people weren’t hired because of the number of followers they had. They got their positions on merit. Novel idea, huh? LOL! HW- Which directors did you gravitate towards? AC- Early on, it was Steven Spielberg. As I grew older, it became Spike Lee, John Singleton, Kasi Lemmons, The Hudlin and Hughes brothers. HW- Was there one film that resonated with you more than others? AC- Yes. “The Color Purple.” The movie was over three hours long, but you were so lost in the story that it felt like ninety minutes. The acting, the script, the music, the cinematography- this movie made you laugh, cry, it had every-
thing. It also introduced us to Whoopi Goldberg. To this day, it has to be the most quoted movie of all time, and anytime it comes on television I end up watching it again. With commercials that can become a six hour adventure. HW- Let’s talk about Trade. How did you come up with the title? AC- I’m not giving you any spoilers. Your readers will have to find out November 2nd at the film festival. HW- So, without giving away any spoilers, why this story? AC- Well, as you know, I’m an actor and a comic. I started my stand up career in 2000. In this world, the worst thing you can do is sound like someone else, which is why it always baffles me why someone would want to steal jokes, but I digress. I always strive to sound unique, which spilled over into my screenwriting. I decided that I wanted to tell a story in such a way that it feels extremely fresh and different. I took a theme that I believe is not discussed in the African-American community and brought it to the forefront. I’m a huge Jordan Peele fan, so I knew that I wanted to add a horror/
“W
suspense thriller aspect to the piece. I put all these things together and out came the story idea for “Trade.” HW- What do you want audiences to take away from this film? AC- I want to spark a dialogue. Some people will be on one side, some will be on the other. I purposely wrote it with nuances and dimensions so that no two people will experience this film the same way. It will all hinge upon the viewers individual upbringing, life experiences, and cultural assumptions. This is what makes Trade special. I’m proud of the work we all did on this. As a first time director, I couldn’t have asked for a better producing experience, team (in front of the camera and behind-the-scenes), and final product. This is my calling card to the industry. HW- What is your overall goal with Trade? AC- My goal is to direct Trade as a feature film. I’ve already written the script. I just need investors to take this to the next level, but don’t we all? Lol.
e had an amazing time on the production of “trade. The energy on the set was always positive and encouraging, those are the type of work environments that allow you to be your best on camera. Cooper is more than just a director, she wanted us to actually live on the camera, she wanted all of our emotions to be real. Because these are the things that capture the audience. Trade” taps into different dynamics that everybody will be able to relate to, but then the film also gives you a glimpse into worlds that you may have never seen before. From The prison culture, to the family relationships.. we wanted to make sure that everything was as genuine and realistic as possible. And I think Cooper and our award winning cast of actors were able to pull that off. We can’t wait to share this film with the world.” Actor Blue Kimble
W
hether Ernest Hemingway was
obsessed with the idea that writers had to experience life before they could write, or he just believed it as an artistic truth, that school of thought, unfortunately for young writers, is correct. The longer you live in this world, the more varied your interests and experiences are while you are here, makes you a better writer. It’s just a fact. Even the great, multitalented Steven Spielberg, who was a cinematic prodigy by anyone’s standards, famously admitted that if he made “Close Encounters of the
Third Kind” as a mature man, the ending may have been different. As a young man in his 20’s Spielberg felt no qualms about sending Richard Dreyfuss’ character “Roy Neary” off to space to live with aliens instead of staying on Earth with his family. But now, as a husband and a father, an artistic decision like that for Spielberg would require more thought... Life is the ultimate teacher. Mark Twain said never let school get in the way of your education. The school of life, where the worst that can happen won’t be suspension from school...though you will “exit the campus,” as it were.
Ken Comer is a twenty year
veteran of the New York City Police Department.A seasoned Detective who retired in 2005. Early in his career he was recognized as one of the top officers in his percent. Young Officer Comer was reassigned to the Organized Crime Control Bureau -- he became an undercover Narcotics Investigator. The operative word to sum up Mr. Comer’s life with the NYPD would be gritty -- and that is a pleasant way to describe the world Ken Comer worked in and somehow made it to the other side...but he didn’t come back to us empty-handed, he brought stories. Lots of them.
Screenwriter, Retired N.Y.P.D.
Detective Ken Comer, brings
“Reality” to his fictional Screenplay Masterpiece
“Lena’s Rules”
42 • HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY
Of course, Ken knew what to do with all those stories and the memories of all the characters he encountered in his 20 years with the NYPD. Life for came began with the dream of acting. He even did some modeling early in his career before he decided that he wanted to live the life of those famous
Detectives he read about in novels or saw in films. Reading Ken Comer’s screenplay “Lena’s Rules” was like reading a new novel by Michael Connely -- except, (and I love Michael Connely), Ken Comer has walked the walk. The things his characters say and the emotions and feelings and dire strait situations they find themselves in all come from an organic place of creative, artistic truth. I don’t know what kind of writer Ken Comer would have been had he not spent two decades working with the NYPD, but I do know that the screenplay “Lena’s Rules” could not have been written without the life experiences Ken Comer lived through.
Not surprisingly Ken Comer is now working as a full-time screenwriter. And, as an added benefit for all that life experience Hemingway loved writers to have, Ken has also found a new career as a law enforcement consultant in Hollywood. But it’s Ken’s characters. Ken’s words. The colorful, vivid, dangerous worlds that Ken Comer creates that is truly fascinating -- and where we, movie audiences, will benefit from his talent the most. KEN COMER SCREENWRITER, RETIRED N.Y.P.D. DETECTIVE com904@aol.com 917-734-5977
by Anthony Ewart
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RENO OMOKRI, EGOR EFIOK SHINE AT THE
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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY FILM FESTIVAL AWARDS By ONOME IDHE Reno Omokri was honoured with Hollywood Weekly Magazine’s “Most Outstanding Humanitarian Cause” Award at their recent HW Film Festival on 2nd November 2019, at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank – California. Flanked by Nollywood veterans Zik Zulu Okafor and Ejike Asiegbu, #TableShaker Reno, who couldn’t help taking a dig at President Buhari during his acceptance speech, was given a standing ovation as he passionately talked about his #FreeLeahSharibu campaign which he is taking around the world. Reno revealed to the audience that he has already been to 36 countries and has met with various world leaders including the British Prime minister. Reno dedicated his award to HE Goodluck Jonathan and HE Atiku Abubakar, who both sent representatives to witness this iconic moment. Abba Atiku was present to represent his father and also gave a speech. At the same event, the “Hollywood Meets Nollywood” film, “Road To Redemption,” directed by Jeta Amata and produced by Egor Efiok, Tess Cacciatore, Vanessa Martini and Joan McCarthy, won BEST FEATURE FILM 2019. The film teaches awareness about the dangers of Vesticovaginal fistula (VVF) and stars musician Akon, Brenda Strong (Desperate Housewives), Zack Amata, Fred Amata, Viva Bianca, Yvonne Nelson, Margaret Avery and many other top stars.
HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY • 45
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