Hollywood Weekly November 2008

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LIFESTYLE

November CONTENTS 2008

5) The Luxe Life 6) Seven Savvy Gadgets 9) Gift Lounge Glitz 10) Tweens and Cosmetics

FEATURES 12) Walking All Over Art With Ed Hardy Shoes 16) Dance Music Gets a Dose of Heart.

An Inteview With Jason Antone 18) The Parlapanides Brothers Their Success Story Revealed 20) Hollywood Weekly Hits the Small Screen

ARTS

22) LA Theatre Beat

BUSINESS

24) Wafa Hoballah Takes Her Cases to Heat 26) Raymond Feldman is the Light in Your Lamp 28) Barry G. Sands has Nerves of Steel and a Heart of Gold

MUSIC

30) Jimmy D. Robinson is ready to Rock the World

FILM 32) Director Liz Adams Has a Passion for Slashin’!

GIFTS 34) Games 4 Dummies 36) Boogie Superstar 38) The Economy of Scent

NEWS 39) The Battle Against Piracy

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Prather Jackson

FILM Iman Lyons

VICE PRESIDENT Bernice Harris

OPERATIONS Erskine D. McSwain (1991-2000)

VP MARKETING Michael D. Coxson DISTRIBUTOR NEWSWAYS ASSOCIATE EDITOR Anthony Calderon ASSISTANT EDITOR Lili Ramirez CREATIVE DIRECTOR Chelsea Patterson GRAPHIC DESIGN Erica Liu Chelsea Patterson PHOTOGRAPHY Bill Jones

PRODUCTION MANAGER Hector Santacruz CONTRIBUTORS Stefanie Farfan D’Castro Anthony Calderon Lili Ramirez Felicia Kamriani Jamie Latta James Gurrie Pamela Spyrs Adam Freeman Pockross Andy Nguyen Rachel Stuhler Josh Marks Molly Sullivan Leah Yananton Rayne Sieling Steve Zall Sid Fish

Hollywood Weekly is a monthly publication wholly owned by Jackson Publishing Company. © 2008 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of any content without written permission of the Publisher is expressly prohibited. Letters to the Editor may be sent to: Hollywood Weekly, 4221 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 290-14, Los Angeles, CA 90010.

Email: editor@jacksonpublishing.com. For Advertising inquiries call:

(323) 965-0555, or Online at: www.hollywoodweekly.net

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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Felicia Kamriani The Luxe Life or those who were seeking an escape from election fog- the rooftop penthouse suite at the Luxe Hotel in Beverly Hills offered more than a lucid panoramic distraction… it hosted Nathalie DuBois’s Emmy Gift Suite.

The offerings were as varied as the candidates…

Eva Varro made the biggest splash with an ultra-swanky line of Pucci-inspired, stretchy dresses, tops and pants.

The Hungarian designer brought Euro-chic to LA in a manner which replaced the “It” girl frenzy with a “That” girl elegance. A favorite designer of Desperate Housewives, Eva Varro is the best way to sizzle whether you’re naughty or nice.

Massage Express created a zen lounge to zap all the pent up stress that election coverage evokes. Therapists travel to homes, movie sets or offices, creating a spa mirage with it’s canopied, candle-infused, om-laced, massage beds. The wispy ambiance and expert maneuvers of Sarah and Courtney make you wonder, like with most political experiences- Was it real?

Mobile is the new IT movement. MetripoliTAN provided yet another interactive experience meant for the comfort of your home or office… spray tanning. Owner Miranda Lynné developed a mobile spray tanning system with Infinity Sun that gives the glow of a Tahitian getaway. The perfect remedy for stock doldrums.

Biotene gifted a bagful of goodies to freshen up even wise-cracking mouths; Umo offered its revolutionary 24 carat gold mini facials for those Angelinos not getting enough glitz; Daniel expertly lengthened on-site with Longmi Eyelash extensions- VIPs could do-it-themselves with a gift from Revitalash. For the Jetrosexuals, Sphatika presented travel packs, brimming with the most hydrating products imaginable, while Borghese huegorgeous make up palettes were ideal for any carry-on bag. Only for those seeking to be fabulous at 30,000 feet or just far enough away from political parties.

In a mere 7 hours, Emmy nominees can escape the debates! In Bora Bora, French Polynesia, guests will experience the tropical zen of Bora Bora Pearl Resort before being whisked off by helicopter to Le Tahaa Spa and Resort. A Tahitian escape offers tranquility, culture and nature certain to reset the inner self to its natural bliss.

What recession?

Toronto based Urban Tree Salvage made quite a presence with its recycled furniture and home décor. Ecoconscience celebs gravitated to its rustic yet modern designs- ideal for bringing natural elements indoors.

Mastermind, Melissa Neist, thought it was about time to do something useful with all of the trees being cut down in Toronto. Too bad Canadians can’t run from US President.

Why worry about Wall St. when Babychix has the most adorable, practical and useful gifts for expectant moms? Owner and philanthropist, Rochelle Drumm makes charitable donations from her baby shower gift line to HOPE (happiness, opportunity, peace and education) in order to help make the world a better place for kiddos. The cuddly clothes, snuggly blankies and signature diaper shaped candles, remind us all that a new crop of politicians is entering the world!

Mon Bijou, a French-inspired jewelry line also dedicates proceeds to help children in need by supporting Pablo’s Friends, a center devoted to orphan street kids. A new line is created every six months, is nickel and lead free and is made solely in the USA. Mon Bijou’s message of love and hope reminds all to concentrate on that which unites us all.

VIP guests also enjoyed: French waters, Volvic and Badoit, 3 Copas tequila, Lotus vodka and Steaz ice teas.

Contemporary designs by Madison West Interiors, carpets by Hart’s, furniture by Plush impressions and Caluco.

The most savory aspect of Nathalie’s lounge? Politicalfree art, of course. In the city of creativity, it is only natural that all art expression was honored. Painting treasures by Timree redefined gift giving; modernist photographic portraits from Italian master, Anyes Galleani created sensual and sultry one of a kind vibrancy; and contemporary painter, James Verbicky mesmerized with his custom provocative abstractions- its no surprise he has a showing at that chic gallery across the pond, Le Louvre.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

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1) Scorpion FX Folding

Bike Did you watch Tr a n s f o r m e r s and felt left out of the action? Now you can do your own transforming with the Scorpion FX Folding Bike.

Specially designed to fold into the boot (Euro for trunk) of a Smart micro car, the Scorpion is geared for long distance cyclists. It employs the most sophisticated components, including air-chamber rear shocks with adjustable hydraulic damping, a plush BodyLink seat, and a covered drivetrain to keep the mud off your spandex. http://www.hpvelotechnik.com/index_e.htm

2)Mobile Work Station You ever wanted a better view from your office window? How bout this idea: pick your view first, set your office up later? The new solar-powered mobile workstation, designed by Mathias Schnyder, can literally go anywhere. The circular segments, allow for group seating, either next to or across from one another. And if you’re low on juice, go ahead and plug into the center of the table and charge up. The sun will provide. http://www.yankodesign.com/2007/08/21/mobile-workspace-for-public-spaes/

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3) ElliptiGO Glide Bike If running around in circles isn’t covering enough ground for you, now you can run on your bike. The ElliptiGo is a bike powered by simulating the exact motion of jogging. Which begs the question: why not just run? Turns out, it’s hard on the knees. But while the ElliptiGo has virtually no impact, I’ll quote their website directly for the best part: “No genital numbness, pain, or increased risk of urological problems.” I’m sold.

http://www.elliptigo.com/

4) PowerGorilla While I can’t figure out what the name means exactly, I can easily see why the PowerGorilla would come in handy. Anyone who’s ever been on a six-hour flight can attest to the necessity of a portable charger for your portable electronics. The Gorilla gives you an extra 2 to 5 hours of pep for laptops and up to 20 hours on most other portable electronics. Also check out the SolarGorilla for true energy liberty. https://powertraveller.com/iwantsome/primatepower/powergorilla/

5) Citizen Eco-Drive Watches Citizen started the solar watch business, now they’ve revolutionized it. Powered solely by a solar conversion panel and energy cell, Citizen Eco-Drive watches can run for an astounding four years without ever needing an electrical charge. One reason is the watch uses light from any light source—natural or unnatural—to power its cell. Charge your watch by walking in the sun or by watching TV (though walking in the sun could also recharge your day.) http://www.citizenwatch.com/

6) Citroen C-Cactus Like the car’s herbaceous namesake, the Citroen C-Cactus is highly efficient. Equipped with a diesel hybrid drivetrain, the Cactus has gotten rid of all the parts that don’t contribute to the running, safety, or comfort of the automobile. Parts like that pesky dashboard. Instead, the Cactus groups several functions into one. In place of a dashboard, all the buttons you used to find there are now attached to the steering wheel and the central console. http://www.citroen.com/CWW/en-US/CONCEPTCARS/CCACTUS/TEXT1/

7) Matra MS 1 Matra Manufacturing & Services, of Formula 1 and Le Mans fame, has come out with a line of Light Electric Vehicles. Their flagship, the MS1, starts by swiping a magnetic card, which also illuminates the LCD display on the handlebars, showing the speed and remaining mileage. If you should happen to power down beyond the 60 mile range (prolonged by the regenerative braking system) you can still get yourself home with good oldfashioned pedal power.

http://www.matrasports.com/

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HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Felicia Kamriani

Desperate Housewives, Marcia Cross with Koolaburra boots.

ackstage at the Nokia Theatre, the entrance for On3 Productions Presenter’s Gift Lounge for the 60th Primetime Emmy® Awards, was right next to Oprah’s dressing room. Needless to say, she created quite a buzz upon entering with Gayle King. Turns out, Oprah is a fan of Lierac Paris Skincare, the Stella McCartney designed LeSportsac bag and Truejeans.com, a website that matches customers with jeans for the perfect fit. Oprah chatted with friend, Robert Schienberg of Marchon Eyewear, as he fitted her in Michael Kors Trench Coat Frame sunglasses. Robert is proud to work with VSP - Vision Care for Life- a community program which offers comprehensive eye exams and fits donated frames with lenses for those who otherwise couldn’t afford glasses. Clearly, VSP is one of Oprah’s favorite things!

In turn, Oprah was star struck for a change… by the bling of a $1.5 million, 255 carat diamond necklace, earring, bracelet and ring collection from D’Annunzio Group International. “Seinfeld’ alum Julia Louis-Dreyfus scooped up a diamond cross-shaped pendant from D’Annunzio’s Corsage Collection to wear on her upcoming Letterman stint.

Jennifer Love Hewitt also swooned over D’Annunzio’s jewelry designs- especially the diamond Tweety Bird charm. That wasn’t the only bling she snagged: she also got grey Koolaburra boots emblazoned with a Swarovski crystal peace sign and a one-of-a-kind Swarovski encrusted Palm Centro phone

by Ed Harding icing.

Survivor Host, Jeff Probst, being fitted for Ultimate Ears

Ross Matthews, the comical Intern from “The Tonight Show With Jay Leno” promoted Bertolli Oven Bake Meals. He asked fellow celebs like Oprah and “My Life on the D-List” star Kathy Griffin to sign their own signature dishes with auction proceeds to be donated to the Dream Street Foundation and GirlsInc.org. Griffith remarked, “Oprah’s signed Bertolli dish will go for $14 million, while mine would likely fetch $3!”

Vanessa Williams wowed at all of the hair and skin products by Phyto along with the coffee served

by Nespresso; Ricky Gervais of “The Office” said the Nespresso LeCube was a “work of art – it’s like the Rolls Royce of coffee-making!”; Deal or No Deal host Howie Mandel and Emmy winning Survivor host, Jeff Probst both sat patiently in the perfect photo-op, while being fitted for Ultimate Ears, the coolest custom-made head phones ever; David Boreanaz became a fan of the Aquaswiss Metro line, chunky roman numeral time pieces; Lauren Conrad chose the python skin designed Carlos Falchi hand bag; and America Ferrera scooped up the AMC VIP pass for a year’s worth of free movies. “I go to the movies every weekend! This is going straight into my purse” Candice Bergen, Mary Tyler Moore, Betty White and Don Rickles were some of the Hollywood royalty who not only the made the rounds, but grand impressions as well.

Christina Applegate signing a Bertolli dish

Kristen Chenowith chatting on her new Palm Centro phone HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

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Tweens and

Cosmetics It’s Not Like it Used to Be irls of today between the ages of 9 and 12 are wearing makeup.

There was a time when cosmetics were a non-issue when dealing with children in the tween age group, now, however cosmetics are becoming not only popular but also almost a necessity amongst tweenage girls.

Marketing companies have found this to be a definite, and have brought out all the stops creating; manufacturing and selling products that are designed exclusively for use by young girls between the ages of 9-12.

Young girls use makeup as a form of expression of their individuality, independence and to also mimic their popular idols- women like Lindsay Lohan, Hillary Duff, and Miley

Cyrus. Girls have a strong desire to be accepted, and well liked. Cosmetics give them an opportunity to feel this way.

Makeup Artist Terry Akins said “Tweens and Teens today seem to focus on their individual style. Many tweens and teens are following the eco-natural trend. This set is wearing the lighter, barely there makeup. This is a trend that dates back to the retro (let-it -be resurgence). There is confusion over the safe cosmetics of yesteryear and the safe cosmetics that we are seeing now. Today, more cosmetics companies are focused on developing safer cosmetics, while still developing fun shades without toxic substances. In the past, we as consumers did not have the options. The more sophisticated set of tweens and teens will still go toward waterbase or mineral foundation because of skin issues but know that they do not have to compromise the fun when it comes to fashion. For the sophisticated fashion forward teen, it is bright eyeshadow and lots of eyeliner in many colors; they are fearless in their approach to fashion.”

The sale of makeup amongst the tween market is experience exponential rates of growth. Girls are beginning to purchase items such as eye shadow, lip gloss and shimmer. Tweens make the decision to purchase their products based solely on brand recognition. Tweens have a strong desire to fit in and be just “as good as” their peers. Marshal Cohen, NPD Group Chief Industry Analyst stated “Whereas the teen market uses style as their indicator of fashion acceptance, the tween market uses brands as their indicator

of fashion acceptance,” he continued to say that “Most tweens don’t have a lot of fashion sense, but they do have tremendous brand sense.”

Tina Wells, managing partner of Blue Fusion, a research and consultancy agency that develops proprietary market research to decode youth trends through a special network of over 9,000 “buzzSpotters”, “Brands are very important to tweens, again because of this idea that they aspire to be older”. Young girls are purchasing younger, more youthful products by companies that typically gear towards their teen counterparts. These companies include Stila, Mac, and even brands such as Dior and Urban Decay.

Tween cosmetic customers are always seeking out the next in thing, or the next hot item. They have no desire to be bored with the products you sell.

“Tweens are very fickle. One week they like something, the next week, they’re on to the next thing. They always want to one-up their friends.

They always want the coolest thing,” says Dana Siegel, marketing manager/ product developer/designer for the just-developed tween line, Hotsie Totsie, a division of Worldwide Cosmetics, based in North Hollywood, CA. If it is your desire to cater to and keep the attention of tween consumers then you’ll have to keep your products fresh, hip, young and fun.

Tweens have the desire to be nothing more than women just like their elder sisters, their mothers, and their good friends.

Walking All Over Art

Shoes can make a statement-

makes sure that its

the RIGHT one.

By Stefanie Farfan-D’Castro

“It’s always really cool when people tell me that they like my designs. It feels like validation and I can’t believe that they’re wearing something that came from my brain.”

Validation should be the least of Larry Nguyen’s concerns, as his designs for Ed Hardy Shoes has them flying off the shelves these days. It seems like people just can’t get enough of Ed Hardy Shoes – and for good reason. These shoes aren’t like any that you are likely to see anywhere else – their intricate designs twist and curve over the shoe, making the wearer feel like they’re walking in a work of art, not just a pair of sneakers.

As a self-described “sneakernerd”, Larry brings his own personal style of street-wear and graphic tees into his designs for Ed Hardy Shoes. He explains that more than anything, he always thinks of his customer and what they’re looking for in clothing. “They are the kind of people that wear shirts with original designs and like tattoo-style artwork. It’s really about what they want to see. They all have their own styles, so the shoes and designs have to fit seamlessly into that.”

After finishing design school and moving to Los Angeles, a P.R. agent for Ed Hardy recognized Larry’s talents and asked if he wanted a job with Ed Hardy Shoes –

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an opportunity that he jumped on and after an interview, he was hired on the spot. Now he finds himself as the design director for various lines, including Christian Audigier Shoes and Smet Shoes -- which, thanks to Larry’s help, has now launched their first men’s line.

“I feel really blessed and grateful that I am working in a place where I can be creative and ingenuity is not only respected but encouraged.” Nguyen explains about his work. It is clear to anyone talking to Larry that he is extremely passionate about his designs and really believes in what Ed Hardy Shoes is doing with their products.

“I think the reason we’re so successful is that we are constantly changing and evolving right along with popular culture, so we always find a way to surprise people and that’s a good feeling.”

So, what’s next for Larry Nguyen?

“We’re really excited about our Christian Audigier line, our Spring/Summer line is going to be fresh. We’re going in a whole new direction that’s really new and exciting. We’re using new shapes, new silhouettes and new materials that people are going to go really crazy for.”

Well, if past seasons are any indicator, we can be sure that anything Larry Nguyen and his creative team designs for Ed Hardy Shoes will be something that is edgy, hot and a “must-have” hit with celebrities and the public alike.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

13

The Vision of

Philip Chemla

CEO of PSDI USA sits down with Hol-

lwood Weekly to tell us a little bit about the man behind the idea.

By: Stefanie Farfan HW: What historical figure do you most identify with and why?

PC: The people that I relate with and admire most are self-made businessmen.

Francois Pinault, is not only self made, but he is French and arguably one of the most successful people in fashion.

HW: What is most inspiring for you right now?

PC: My life is always influenced by religion and the desire to help others.

HW: What is your greatest extravagance?

PC: Honestly, I am not extremely extravagant. I have cars because I need to get around and I have a house because my family needs a roof over their head.

I suppose my biggest extravagance is providing my family with what they need and want.

HW: If you could hire anyone of note from outside the footwear industry, who would it be and why?

PC: Even though this person is associated with the footwear industry, I would love to work with the owner of Nike. It would be an amazing experience to just listen and learn from him.

HW: What was your first-ever paying job?

PC: Actually, my first job was with shoes!

I was 18 and my father owned a retail store. I worked on the second floor as a shoe salesman.

HW: What is your motto?

PC: Try to be better everyday

HW: Why do you think the tattoo art/ cultural has entered the mainstream? What does it say about our society in general?

PC: Tattoos are fashionable, they have become almost an accessory. There not just for rockers or rebels, everyone has them. I think it just goes to show how open minded our culture has become. Something that was so taboo years ago is prevalent in mainstream culture today.

HW: Why is the art form so applicable to footwear?

PC: Tattoos and fashion are both great ways to express individuality and style, it only seems natural to combine the two.

HW: Tell us about PSDI’s development since it was founded in 2002.

PC: We started the first year by producing a private shoe label for TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Nordstroms Rack and Ross. I partnered with Christian when VonDutch was just starting to take off. PSDI exclusively produced Von Dutch shoes. After Christian left and began Ed Hardy, he asked me to do the license for Ed Hardy shoes. Eventually Christian Audigier Shoes, Elvis shoes and now Smet shoes followed. With the success of every line, we have added a new line.

HW: How is the Ed Hardy brand unique and relevant in the face of a lot of other ink hitting shoe designs now? How do plan to keep the brand’s uniqueness going forward?

PC: Our uniqueness stems from the fact that we were the first company to do this. Before Ed Hardy, no one was putting tattoos and graphics like this on shoes. We continue to be unique because we aren’t content with sitting back and producing the same shoes every season. My design team strives to come up with something original and new in every design. We like to stay ahead of fashion trends, we’ll always have the staple signature items, such as lowrise shoes with tattoo graphics, but were also doing new things, high heels, wedges, boots, etc…

HW:

Describe the basic

brand DNA of Ed Hardy, SMET and Christian Audigier and what makes them unique to each other. Are they distributed differently?

PC: Each of the three brands has a strong presence in its own unique niche market. Ed Hardy is such a wearable line of shoes. It is really made for everyone, very fashionable and reasonably priced but also it has a unique look that allows the consumer to be set apart from their peers. Everyone from Madonna to the cast of high school musical to Larry King wear Ed Hardy Shoes. Christian Audigier is highend, targeting consumers who are very fashionable but possess a street edge and like to express themselves through bold fashion statements that are inspired by themes like hot rod and tattoo. Smet, named after French pop star Jean-Philippe Smet , Johnny Halliday, is rock ‘n roll, with a gritty, garage band feel.

HW: What is it about Christian Audigier that makes his designs so unique? How do his approach to design make the shoes “it” worthy?

PC: Again, I think it all comes down to being the first line in the market to actually produce apparel with these types of graphics, colors and details; and then the commitment to keep the designs fresh and relevant.

HW: How important is adding freshness despite the increasing pressure on retailers to not take risks in a soft market?

PC: Freshness is the most important part of what we do. Taking risks is something that comes with any business, but it is especially true for apparel. If we put out the same shoe every season, why would anyone need to buy them? People buy shoes because they don’t have any shoes that look like them.

HW: As far as your various brand’s strong connection to rock music goes -- how important of a component is it to the overall positions of each brand? Why do rock music and fashion athletic styling go so well in hand?

PC: Music is like fashion, every couple years there is a new trend. Because music is such a great form of expression, it translates well into musician’s unique style, which makes them a great partner for fashion. Designers have now started turning to musicians for inspiration and musicians themselves are becoming designers.

HW: And finally, what do you love most about your job?

PC: Day to day, I love designing, I love being creative and collaborating with other creative types. Another thing that I love is when I see people around, at the grocery store, walking their dog, shopping and they are wearing my shoes.

I feel such a surge of pride and success.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

15

Dance Music

Gets A

Dose of 16 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

Love

Steely-eyed Jason Antone sets his sights on

conquering the music charts

By Stefanie Farfan D’Castro ith blazing blue eyes that could melt all of the snow in the arctic and a smile that would make any woman tremble, Jason Antone is standing on the launching pad to becoming the next big sensation. Armed with irresistible beats and a voice that is nothing short of striking, Jason Antone has already stormed the Billboard charts with his hit “Love’s Gonna Lead You Back” and he says that is just the beginning.

After graduating with a double bachelor degree in Vocal Studies and Music Management from DePaul University, Jason Antone decided that he wanted to start his own record label -- aptly naming it Chickie Records. “My family and close friends all call me Chickie,” he recalls, “when I was really young used to have long blonde curly hair.

My Dad looked at me one day and said ‘you look like a chickie’, so it kind of stuck.” That’s not the only influence that his family has had on him, however – they were also responsible for the beginning of something much more important in his life: his love for music.

“Music has always kind of been a part of my life. My grandfather had a band in Chicago and my dad played in it, so we were all a part of it. We each had to choose our own instruments. I picked the piano when I was three years old, then went to the violin, then a little saxophone but piano was always the one that stuck with me.” A little bit like the Partridge Family, right? “Yeah, exactly. Only no tambourines.” Jason laughs.

Multi-talented as he is, Jason admits that he is definitely looking to branch out more into the pop-dance genre, “I would love the opportunity to sing a lot more on my records – its really almost my first love so everything we’re doing right now is in that direction. It’s just challenging to book a gig singing at a night club.” Antone jokes. Even if he can’t belt out a ballad, nightclubs do manage to keep him on his toes, “people can get a little crazy and

you try to focus on what you’re doing but sometimes you can’t avoid it when they approach you, so you have to pretend like they’re just a part of the show.” It’s obvious that Jason has a very good head on his shoulders when it comes to the music industry and being a performer. He insists that the most important thing is to have fun with it, even though sometimes it can be very easy to get caught up in the business aspect of it particularly when you’re the label owner and the artist signed to the label. Perhaps that is what is so different about Jason and sets him so far apart from other artists like him that people can’t help but gravitate toward his music. Jason is a purist in the simplest of terms – “I’m a pretty honest person, I’m honest with my lyrics. It’s all about a good song and something that people can relate to. That’s why most of my music is about love; people are either in love or out of love, but they always understand love.”

The subtext of his words speak volumes about Jason Antone – his easy-going nature and simplistic personality is incredibly refreshing in the perpetual judgment that is everywhere in today’s entertainment industry. That same judgment is something that he tries to ignore when people make assumptions about his own life based on what his fan-base is like.

“Much of my fan-base is in the gay community, but I made a decision a long time ago to not care. Whoever likes my music, likes my music. I love my gay fans, I love my straight fans. I don’t look at it like that – in my opinion; music transcends all of those boundaries. I want everyone to be a part of my journey – and they can question anything they need to. Usually when people question anything, its always because they’re questioning themselves anyway.”

Now, Jason is working hard as he finishes up producing his full-length album that is going to be coming out February 2009, which he is extremely excited to be introducing to his audiences. “I’ve written every song except one which I wrote with my producer Willie Lewis. It’s a really honest album with all sorts of

different songs and sounds – I really tried to break the mold with something new.” And some good news for all you digital-music lovers, he will not only be releasing it on ITunes but also anywhere digital music is sold. “And if there are still any record stores open at that point, then it will be sold there too. Hell, I’ll sing it over the phone, whatever they want!” Jason jokes. “I know that many people love the freedom that downloading music gives them, so the songs on the album will be available for independent download, that way someone who’s never heard of me can sample it and then hopefully decide that they want to download it in its entirety.”

“The music industry is changing, and everyone has to learn to change and evolve with it.”

There is no doubt that Jason Antone will soon be residing in everyone’s iPod and that he will continue to surprise his fans and critics alike with edgy sounds that leave you no choice but to get up, dance and just let go.

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

17

A Brother Team hits

Hollywood

like Greek Warriors The Parlapanides

Brothers:

Their success story revealed

By Pamela Spyrs

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harley and Vlas Parlapanides, the brother team who penned the script for Universal’s 50 Cent vehicle “Live Bet,” sold their latest spec “War of Gods” to Relativity Media and “300” producers Mark Canton and Gianni Nunnari. The Greek mythology tale is set to begin production in early 2009 and will be directed by acclaimed commercial and music video director Tarsem Singh.

They write screenplays, make films, they’ve hit highs and lows and through it all they remain determined and passionate about what they have to offer to the entertainment industry and beyond. Some might ask how does a brother team do it? How can they write together and be successful at it? The Parlapanides brothers can and rapped with Pamela Spyrs about it to reveal their own story.

PS: Okay, so what is it with all the brother teams? The Coens, The Wachowski’s, The Farrelly’s and now the two of you.

VP: In many ways, writing is problem solving. And I think it helps to have two minds attacking any given problem. Being brothers is an added benefit because our sensibilities are very similar and we can be brutally honest with each other when it comes to assessing what we’ve written. We never sugar coat our criticism and sometimes that stings a bit because the feedback we give each other is unfiltered.

But being brothers, we just let each other have it and truth be told it almost always benefits the work at hand. And just on an aside here, we support brother (and sister) teams in general.

CP: I totally agree. It’s funny though because we often find ourselves saying, “I was just gonna say that.” Or we’ll read someone’s script and we’ll make similar comments or like or dislike the same things. Even though there are two of us you really only get one read. Our feedback is that similar. But it does help to be a brother team. To be honest, I don’t think I could write with anyone else or that anyone else would want to write with me.

PS: In this industry, everyone says that no one knows anything. So how do you two de-

cide what a good idea is? Do you “float” ideas to industry people to see if they like it or do you have to protect them like a state secret?

VP: William Goldman said “no one knows anything” and truer words have probably never been spoken. (We’re huge William Goldman fans, it just doesn’t get any better than BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE SUNDANCE KID.) We have found that people in this town who claim to know what people want don’t know what they’re talking about. That’s always a red flag. We’ve found that people that admit that they don’t know anything but just try and put out good work are generally smarter than most. With regards to big ideas, the best ones seem to be the ones where you say to yourself, “Oh my god, why didn’t I think of that?!” A young cop must save the passengers of a bus that has a bomb set to explode if the bus goes below 50 MPH. You get the idea? They’re usually pretty simple, clean and original. But they are very hard to come by in my opinion.

CP: We always say you are only as good as the idea you are writing. But like Vlas said a good big idea is hard to come by. You hope over the course of your career you can come up with a few truly great ones. Again, that’s why it helps that there are two of us. If we each think of four or five of them that will amount to eight to ten specs or about a solid fifteen to twenty year career when you mix in assignments and what not.

PS: As Greeks, you come from a long tradition of storytellers. Do you think 3000 years ago, people sat around, drank wine and talked about what myths they wanted to create?

VP: Funny you mention, “story tellers.” Our last name literally means “son of storyteller.”

“Parlapan” means to “talk, tell stories” and “ides” means “son of.” So we are sons of storyteller and if you ever met our dad you’d totally understand.

CP: Even though they greatly overlap each other to me myths and stories are two different things. You tell a story to entertain someone or help pass the time. Myths, on the other hand, are meant to be an explanation of the world around us. A way of interpreting things we don’t understand. So to me myths have great historical importance. I think it gives us great

insight into how people thought and felt about the world around them.

PS: You have hit with a few high concept scripts, but your first film was a straight up drama. Do you think you’ll ever go back to doing smaller more indie type fare?

VP: We love indie films and would most certainly go back and do something smaller if we loved the story. Story is what it always comes down to as far as I’m concerned. I’m always a sucker for a good story, regardless of how big or small.

And while we love indie films we also have a great affinity for popcorn films that are done well. I believe that people fall into the trap of trying to make every film appeal to the widest possible audience when, truth be told, there are certain projects that are better served to stay true to what they are, even if that means appealing to a smaller audience.

CP: Absolutely, we’ll eventually get back to writing smaller more intimate stories.

But the easiest way to write yourself into the business is to write something high concept.

PS: You guys moved to LA in 2003 from New York City. What do you miss the most?

VP: I miss not living in a one-industry town. It’s always refreshing to me to meet people that aren’t in the biz.

CP: I miss the pizza and the change of seasons. There was an awesome pizza place on the corner of Bleecker and Sixth Ave, right around the corner from our apartment. I would kill to be able to just walk out the door and grab a slice at 11 PM at night. That is why New York is so great. Plus, people don’t appreciate the summer out here like they do back east.

To us, the summer was always Memorial Day to Labor day; that was when everyone started hitting the shore.

PS: When’s the last time the two of you arm wrestled, and who won?

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

19

VP: We don’t arm wrestle anymore but we used to fight as kids all the time. Our dad would have to threaten us with his belt to get us to stop.

CP: Actually, our other brother, Trian, is the strongest of the three of us. He’s freakishly strong when he gets that Greek blood pumping. But I do remember Vlas putting him through a wall once when we were horsing around as kids. He went clear through the sheetrock… man was our dad pissed.

PS: If you could be a Greek god, who would you be?

VP: I’ve got to be honest with you I can’t say I’d want to be a Greek God and in fact I thank God for my mortality. I’m just not one of those guys that want to live forever. I’m very content dying when God will have me.

CP: I understand where my brother is coming from. Being in this business forces you to deal with a lot of adversity. You face it every day. The ups and downs are brutal. But to answer your question if I could be a God it would be Aries, the God of War. He’s always been my favorite.

He was Wolverine before there was a Wolverine. (from the X-Men)

Hollywood Weekly TV “Cleaning Up Pop Culture, One Celebrity at a Time”

hen the producers of Hollywood Weekly TV sat down with actor Steve O of ‘’JACKASS’’ fame there was no script for the interview, explained Publisher/Producer Prather Jackson.

Hollywood Weekly’s format allows celebrities to simply be themselves. The show encourages an open dialogue between its host and guest, and based upon the popularity of the magazine, it works. For a magazine known for its “No Gossip, Strictly Entertainment” editorial, expansion into broadcast TV simply makes sense. “There is such a fight for good content, and we’re hoping a network picks up the show. We feel HWTV is a perfect fit to compete with other ‘Late Night’ shows. Our demographics are 18-49 with a diversity of guest from up-and-coming stars like Brian Anthony to LL Cool J and include performances by the legendary Roy Ayers! One factor that really helps HWTV and unlike “tabloid shows,” is the fact that we give celebrities the opportunity to be themselves, enabling our audience to hear and see their true emotion without the “Gotcha” questions.” For more information, please email hollywoodweekly@gmail.com

PS: What’s up with the Roman’s stealing all the Greek Gods and renaming them?

VP: Well, if you’re going to steal – steal from the best!

CP: So true! We grew up with a lot of Italians back home and I used to always tell them that whatever their culture accomplished the Greeks did first. That used to drive them nuts but the great thing about history is that it’s absolute. You can’t change it. The Greeks will always come first.

NOW SHOWING!

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY TV ONLINE at 20 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

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“Experience the Difference”

The Sugar Bean Sisters

LA THEATRE BEAT BY

STEVE ZALL AND SID FISH The Sugar Bean Sisters

Cooking the turkey and preparing a sumptuous holiday feast for your family and friends may be the focus for this month, but be sure to reserve an ample helping of theatrical entertainment from the feast of new shows such as:

“The Sugar Bean Sisters” is about a pair of Spinster sisters in the Florida The Heiress

swamps who await the impending arrival of space aliens. Written by Nathan Sanders and directed by Kirk White, it runs through November 15 at the Sierra Madre Playhouse in Sierra Madre. For tickets call 626-256-3809 or visit www.sierramadreplayhouse.org.

“The Heiress”

is about a widower and his daughter living uneventful lives until a suitor arrives who awakens the daughter’s spirit and brightens her world.

Written by Ruth Goetz and Augustus Goetz and directed by Martin Benson, it runs through November 16 at the South Coast Repertory in Costa Mesa.

For tickets call 714-708-5555 or visit www.scr.org.

“Quixotic” is about an office worker who believes he has become a knight and The Heiress Backseats & Bathroom Stalls

turns his office upside down and sends co-workers awry in his quest to rid the world of evil. Written by Kit Steinkellner and directed by Amanda Glaze, it runs through November 22 at The Powerhouse Theatre in Santa Monica.

For tickets call 310-396-3680 x3 or visit www.latensemble.com.

“Backseats & Bathroom Stalls” is about a gay man, his female roomHOLLYWOODWEEKLY WEEKLY 22 HOLLYWOOD 22

mate and her boyfriend, a hipster, a gypsy, a stud and a stockbroker, all searching for love in the wrong places. Written and directed by Rob Mersola, it runs through November 23 at the Lyric Hyperion Theatre Cafe in Silverlake.

For tickets call 323-960-7829 or visit www.plays411.com/backseats.

“

Desperate Writers”

is the story of two screenwriters who kidnap, incarcerate, and feed producers to force them to listen to their screenplay pitch. Written by Joshua Grenrock and Catherine Schreiber and directed by Kay Cole, it runs through November 23 at the Edgemar Center For The Arts in Santa Monica. For tickets call 800-595-4849 or visit www.tix.com.

“Good Bobby” is a biography based on the life and deeds of Robert Kennedy. Writ-

ten by Brian Lee Franklin and directed by Pierson Blaetz, it runs through November 23 at the Greenway Court Theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 323-6557679 or visit www.greenwayarts.org.

“By the Waters of Babylon”

tells of an immigrant hired as a gardener who falls in love with his unconventional employer widow. Written by Robert Schenkkan and directed by Richard Seyd, it runs November 5 through December 7 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-208-5454 or visit www. geffenplayhouse.com.

Good Bobby

“Song of Extinction” is the story of a high school student who is having prob-

lems until his biology teacher sends him on a magical journey to the Cambodian fields of his youth and the country beyond. Written by E.M. Lewis and directed by Heidi Helen Davis, it runs November 7 through December 14 at the [Inside] the Ford theatre in Hollywood. For tickets call 323-461-3673 or visit www.FordTheatres. org

“Woyzeck” is about a soldier driven by poverty to become a subject in medical

experiments that drive him mad and make him seek revenge against his unfaithful wife. Written by Georg Buchner and directed by Bob McDonald, it runs November 7 to December 14 at the Little Victory Theatre in Burbank. For tickets call 818-841-5422 or visit www.thevictorytheatrecenter.org.

“Leaving Iowa”

is a story about a journalist seeking a place for his father’s ashes who relives repressed childhood memories when he returns to his home. Written by Tim Clue and Spike Manton, it runs November 11 through December 14 at the Laguna Playhouse in Laguna Beach. For tickets call 949-497-2787 or visit www.LagunaPlayhouse.com

Quixotio

“The Real Thing” is a comedy about a witty playwright who is confronted with betrayal and starts to blur the boundaries of life and art as he learns a tough lesson about true love. Written by Tom Stoppard and directed by Rosalind Ayres, it runs November 12 through November 16 at the Skirball Cultural Center in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-827-0889 or visit www.latw.org.

“A Mulholland Christmas Carol” is a musical comedy with set in 1920’s

LA where DWP political corruption results when a major dam breaks. Written by Bill Robens and directed by Kiff Scholl it runs November 21 through December 21 at the Sacred Fools theatre in Los Angeles. For tickets call 310-281-8337 or visit www.sacredfools.org.

Great food goes best with a great show so make sure you have a hearty helping of live theatre from the bounty of entertainment delicacies that cropped up this month.

Desperate Writers Leaving Iowa

HOLLYWOOD HOLLYWOODWEEKLY WEEKLY

23 23

fWafa

Wafa Hoballah

I

I

Hoballah “I take my cases to heart”

By Anthony Calderon

A

ttorney Wafa Hoballah is more than a Lawyer, she’s a move movement. A force of nature whose presence extends past our state lines, stretching into New York and Washington D.C., where she also has offices set up, and further still, across the Atlantic Ocean, where the International Business Transactions element of her Law Practice reaches across Africa and into the Middle East, gathering loyal clients every step of the way.

I sat with Atty. Hoballah in the high-rise Century City office she’s called home for the last 15 years, acutely aware that here was a woman whose good works are so documented on the internet there should be a “Wafa Hoballah Search Engine” just for her.

You name the Foundation or Committee trying to make our World a little better and I wouldn’t be surprised to find Atty. Hoballah’s name on the list of Board Members. Or Google the latest Charity Event dealing with Human Rights and you’re bound to see a photo of Atty. Hoballah’s warm, radiant smile lighting up a table, surrounded by kindred spirits.

With poise and an intrinsic elegance, Atty. Hoballah explained her 20 years – and still counting – journey through Law, and why becoming an Attorney was the best thing she could have ever done for herself, because it allowed her to do the one thing she cares about most: helping people.

ATTORNEY WAFA HOBALLAH: “What’s life if you don’t help others?

Money? Money’s in the bank, you’re not going to take it with you when you die.”

HW: “What first attracted you to the law?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “The law was always intriguing to me, its dryness, but I recognized that law was really a way to reach out to

24 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

people, and by being an Attorney I would have an opportunity to bring something different to the law.”

HW: And what did you bring?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “I brought my own sensibilities. I mean, the legal system, whether here in the U.S., in Europe, the Middle East or Africa brings a certain equation to society. To be effective as an Attorney, you have to be creative with that equation.”

HW: “So, what field of law did you begin in?”

ATTY.HOBALLAH: “I began working in the criminal system, and I was on a quest to help all the kids. I just wanted to see justice. Then I did Business Law and Immigration and more of a combination of private and public law?”

HW: Now, you’ve been an Attorney for over 20 years; how have things changed?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “Well, certainly the practice of law today is not what I saw 20 years ago.”

HW: “Are things better or worse now?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “It’s not about things being better or worse, life is what you make of it. When I first started I had a different idea of what I wanted to do, and now, by default, I do two different things. I came to the U.S. to specialize in International Business Law, and now, in addition to that, I do Immigration Law and also comparative U.S./ Lebanese Law, focusing on issues of Islamic Law, dealing with child abductions and kidnapping.”

HW: “That sounds complex.”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “It definitely wasn’t something I ever anticipated I would be doing, but I filled in a gap of something that was needed.”

HW: “One of those wonderful cases of serendipity. How did it all come about?”

Law Offices Of Wafa J. Hoballah, LL.M. California, Washington, D.C.

310-277-6953

www.middleeastlaw.com ATTY. HOBALLAH: “Well, I studied law in Lebanon, and part of the Civil Law system I studied was Islamic Law. So, in the late 90’s, there was a case in New York where a child had been abducted and taken to Lebanon. The court needed someone who understood the differences between U.S./New York laws and Lebanese laws, so I was brought in as a Special Advisor.”

HW: “What drives you as a lawyer?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “I’m very passionate about making people’s lives better. I take all my cases to heart. And with Immigration, I know what it’s like to have someone ruin your case. When I graduated my first job was working in Washington D.C., so I was changing my status from an F1 Visa to a H1B. My Attorney at the time didn’t do a very good job for me, so I not only received a denial letter from the Government, but a deportation notice, as well.”

HW: “So, you know first hand what that feels like.”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “Yes, I do, and my clients will never feel that.”

HW: “What makes you successful as a litigator?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “I’m always prepared. I never go to court unprepared. I prepare my client, I prepare my witnesses. I take my cases very seriously.”

HW: “I read on-line that you also do Political Asylum cases.”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “We do. Some of our clients from the African continent opened up a whole new world for me, particularly those clients

who were victims of torture. It’s very emotional. People from places like Uganda, Burundi and Sierra Leone who come here, fighting for asylum, have told us stories that are truly heartheartbreaking. So, we’re very passionate about these cases.”

HW: “Do you share that passion with your International BusiBusiness Transaction cases?”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “Of course, because that’s a big part of who I am. I enjoy putting things together, taking other things and changing them so they come out as something different.”

HW: It’s clear that you love what you do. You obviously made the right career choice – we should all be so lucky.”

ATTY. HOBALLAH: “How you make your money is very important.

We make money, it doesn’t make us.”

attorney spotlight

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

25

Criminal Defense/ Personal Injury Attorney

RAYMOND FEldman

Y

“Truth” is a mythical beast in a Police Station, for no one there believes it to exist.

You may find the odd white-haired officer with Mark Twain eyebrows and mustache who claims to have actually had a “Truth” sighting once or twice in his long, law enforcement career, but these stories are dismissed as the folklore of a Grandparent testing out tall tales for their grandchildren… From the person taking your fingerprinting you, to the photographer of your mug shot, most of the people you will encounter during your booking believe that “dishonesty” is literally a religion with congregation members starting out as young as elementary students lying to their parents, to elderly politicians lying to the public – and there need be any archaic religious conversion tactics here; proponents of the Church of Dishonesty won’t be passing out fliers, knocking on your door or doing any missionary work: dishonesty, as any cop will tell you, is an intrinsic quality to all human beings.

So, now you sit in the interrogation room with judgmental eyes watching you. Regardless of what you say everyone around you believes you’re lying…until you confess; and even then they think you might be holding back. You called your brother who called his girlfriend who asked her BFF if she knew of a good Criminal Defense Attorney, and just as the “Good Cop/Bad Cop” vaudeville act is about to begin, Atty. Ray Feldman enters the room with his trademark “KCET-Mister Rogers” smile. You think, “This guy looks 26 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

The selfprofessed “Light in your lamp”

by Anthony Calderon

way too nice to help me – I’m up for armed robbery!” But kindness is not a weakness, and as any Taoist will tell you, strength and weakness is subjective and relative. Believe it or not, this optimistic, idealistic man sitting across the table smiling at you and listening to your story is the best chance you have if you’re able to do the one thing nobody around you thinks you’re capable of: speak the truth.

My Mister Rogers comparison isn’t very far off the mark, because Atty. Ray Feldman is also a man who loves to sing, but you won’t find him singing “It’s a wonderful day in the courthouse” to the jury. You can listen to his compositions at www.rayfeldman.com. There’s one song Ray has written that epitomizes his commitment to his clients: I’ll Be The Light In Your Lamp. The lines in the third verse of this song couldn’t illustrate this more: “When all the odds seem to be against you/And you are there fighting the champ/Just know I’ll always be one who defends you/I’ll Be the Light in Your Lamp.”

HW: “Where did you get your musical sensibilities?”

ATTORNEY RAY FELDMAN: “Both my parents were lovers of music. I attribute the lyrical part of myself to my father, who was a poet, a voracious reader and a librarian. I learned the art of melody from my mother, who plays the piano, so I was raised listening to all those great Broadway songs from the great American songbook.”

HW: “Did you play the piano growing up?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “No, both my older brother and I played violin, and I also played the cello.”

HW: “Now, I know your younger brother, Gene, is a comedian, an actor and a writer. What was it like growing up in your home with all these performers?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: It was very fun. We were always putting on shows for each other and the family.”

HW: “And on the phone you said your first exposure to being a lawyer came from watching Perry Mason with your brothers.”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “Yes, we loved watching those shows. And my music has always grown parallel with my career, because I learned how to play the guitar in law school.”

HW: “On your own?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “Essentially. I think had about four lessons, or so.”

HW: “So, after graduating from law school and starting to take real cases, did the Perry Mason romance hold up?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: Well, it was tough at first. I worked as a Public Defender for awhile, before going on my own. I’ve had my own practice for 20 years now. I also do a lot of Civil cases and Personal Injury.”

HW: “What attracts you to a case?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “I fight for people I believe in. If you trust me, and you’re honest with me, I’ll do everything I can to help you. Anyone can make a mistake, and if it’s a situation where you’ve made a mistake, it’s my job to make sure that you’re sentencing is fair and accurate, and to do that I have to present the most favorable aspects about your case to the judge. But to answer your initial question, I’ve always identified with the underdog.”

HW: “You’ve been very successful in your career; what do you attribute your longevity as an attorney to?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “Well, I’m very attentive to details my clients tell me, and I also conduct my own thorough investigation, so I’m very knowledgeable about my case before I step into court. I’m also very sensitive to any given situation, and I carefully choose different tactics for various scenarios. Sometimes a little levity and humor is exactly what’s needed, and other times I may need to be firm in my stance. The key is the ability to be flexible.”

HW: “What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your life and career?”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “Have passion in whatever you do, because it truly makes a difference. Whether I’m singing a song, or talking to a jury about my client’s life, people can feel if I really believe in what I’m saying.”

HW: “Or singing.”

ATTY. FELDMAN: “That’s right… Or singing…”

310.447.3260 www.rayfeldmanlaw.com

HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

27

BARRY G. SANDS

NERVES OF STEEL

HEART

OF GOLD

28 HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

[

[

CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY

A limbo just shy of death. Possession of cocaine found by some eager cop who was looking to meet his quota for the night. He pulled you over because you’re eyes shifted nervously when he pulled up next to you. You wore your emotions on your sleeve. See you’d just been informed via cell phone from your best friend that he left some coke in a sandwich baggie in your glove compartment, so every shadow of a cop had you jumping out of your skin.

But just as the cop is shoving you on the back of your head into the backseat of his squad car like you’ve seen on every cop show in your entire life, you remember a detail from out of nowhere. You were at some Hollywood party – a friend of a friend of a friend invited you to crash it with him.

Anyway, while you were there you noticed a tall figure in a suit who a lot of recognizable musicians seemed to be gathering around. He was handing out his cards and people were grabbing them like kids trick-or-treating, so you walked over to get your share.

It was a black card with the name Barry Sands printed on it, with a number and an address – but it was the back of the card that was unique: it had a sort of mini script composed to be read to an arresting officer, informing him that you wanted “Barry Sands” to be called immediately.

From the back of the police car you tell the cop your plans, and the first chance you get you call Barry and tell him your plight. Odds are the first thing Barry’s going to do is calm you down.

He’ll listen patiently to your story while the wheels are spinning in his head and even though he might not tell you at that moment, he’s already found a glitch in the Constitutional protocol that’s supposed to be followed every time an arrest is made… In simple terms, he knows how to get you freed…

But in that scenario you were innocent – what if the coke was yours, and you really had an addiction? Most Attorneys wouldn’t want to touch a case like that, because they’ve already judged you. Barry’s different. He’s been there. He overcame his alcohol addiction and has been sober for years. He’s a licensed Drug and Alcohol addiction Counselor, and had even used hi expertise on “Celebrity Rehab.” Barry doesn’t want to just get his clients out of jail, but, forgive the heavyhanded poetry here, he wants to free them from their addiction. I know it sounds a little much for an Attorney. Most people think Lawyers belong to the Church of Capitalism and care very little about their clients. In some cases that might be true, but believe me when I say you’ve never met an Attorney like Barry Sands.

Most of the camera people for shows like TMZ know him by name, because they’re used to seeing him escorting his celebrity clients from their court cases, usually with an arm around their shoulder. He’s almost like the “Jerry Maguire” of Attorneys with his clients. He actually cares. Go visit his website and read and listen to the testimonials by the famous and the not-so-famous.

Anytime you have an Attorney who mixes spirituality, ethics and morality into the “Mission Statement” of their Law Firm, you know you’re in good hands. With Barry Sands you’ve got a Tiger fighting for you in court, and the best friend you could ever hope for…

by Anthony Calderon

You’d almost have to imagine the worst scenario possible.

877.247.2746 .com w a l s d n sa www.b HOLLYWOOD WEEKLY

29

American Poet, Lyricist and Record Producer

Jimmy D. Robinson

is Ready to ROCK THE WORLD

By James Gurrie

n a remarkable story of true personal transformation and triumph, Jimmy D. Robinson stands poised to unleash an influential media and entertainment career.

With an internationally renowned body of work that includes modern poetry books, spoken word CDs and pop/dance club singles, Robinson is clearly becoming the Andy Warhol of our day. Having weathered many storms, Robinson emerges as a true artistic genius.

After the release of thirteen contemporary poetry books, celebrated American poet and lyricist Jimmy D. Robinson releases his fourteenth work entitled ‘Rock the World.’ In Robinson’s latest collection of modern poems, readers will be uplifted and filled with delight as the words and phrases reach out with a positive new world consciousness. Through Robinson’s enlightening word artistry, he inspires gratitude and appreciation for the earth, which is so abundant and giving to all of its inhabitants.

“In ‘Rock the World’ as in life, hope does

spring eternal. As long as there is hope, there is life,” states Robinson. “No matter how bad one’s circumstance or station in life, hope is what sets us free. It is only through hope that we can rise above the pain and find love, music, and freedom” “Rock the World” touches the reader’s heart and encourages an appreciation of the human spirit.

The rich poetic phrasing and deep awareness reflects the spirituality of Jimmy D. Robinson and his lust for life, happiness and love. The book’s poems delve into the celebration of success. “Rock the World” heartens those with heavy burdens who must overcome great hardships.

Full of despair, destitute, and homeless, Jimmy D. Robinson began creating descriptive sentences in his mind and then penning them on scraps of paper or anything he could find. Much of the poetry in his books was written during these times. Gazing at the moon, the stars, the clouds, the sun, searching for anything that would give him hope—hope to live, to overcome, and to triumph. It can be said that poetry saved Mr. Robinson’s life for when he

began writing, he was overwhelmed with feelings that he hadn’t experienced in a long time.

Poetry made him reflect and look inward and gradually, he found the more he wrote, the better he felt. It was never his intention to be a poet, he just did what came naturally. By publishing his books, Jimmy Robinson wants his readers to know that no matter what depths one can sink to, there is always a chance for change. His came in the form of the written word, for others it may be another creative force, but be assured that in every living human being there is always a chance to hope and to change.

Robinson’s works have earned him a sterling reputation in the world of publishing and music.

Widely recognized as one of today’s most prolific writers, Robinson’s poems, musical stories, and lyrics reflect the hardships he has endured and the triumphs overcoming them. Penning his words with stark reality—writing of the human condition—loneliness, love, desperation, and hope, Robinson uses his craft to convey his celebration of life. For several years, Robinson’s highly praised poetry books have been gifted

to presenters and nominees at the Grammy Awards, the Radio Music Awards, the American Music Awards, and the Latin Grammy Awards.

Robinson’s book and music collection is often distributed to children in U.S. school systems as well as those in high crime areas, prisons and shelters. His works have been donated to many people as far as Africa and across the continent of South America.

On August 15, following in the footsteps of Mikhail Gorbachev, Michael Jackson and actor Christopher Lambert, Robinson visited Rocinha, the largest favela (ranch) in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. Robinson received a “rock star” welcome from Radio Brisa and thousands of local fans, as he generously handed out a truckload of his new MIND JUICE CDs. The inspirational and uplifting MIND JUICE CD is a timeless collection of modern poems penned by Robinson, narrated by actor James Randolph and set to music by Grammy nominated Bruno Linares. The MIND JUICE spoken word/music CD emanates from the first book of Robinson’s sixteen-book poetry collection of the same title.

“I wrote the MIND JUICE poetry book when I was young, homeless and going through many tough times,” states Robinson. “As I handed out MIND JUICE CDs to the great Brazilian people in Rocinha, I realized, as always, that giving art and music is the greatest gift on earth. Nothing pleases me more than to express gratitude to the people of Brazil and their beautiful land, which has inspired so much of my poetic art throughout the years.”

Robinson’s lead poetry track titled “A Tiny Shoe” on MIND JUICE, has been reproduced into a dance floor remix package with world-renowned producers DJ Tracy Young, DJ Paulo, Josh Harris, Twisted Dee, Rafael M. and Bruno Linares. These musical geniuses have been instrumental in producing and remixing for the biggest names in the music business including Madonna, Stevie Nicks, Gloria & Emilio Estefan, Alannis Morrisette and Cyndi Lauper. The “A Tiny Shoe” dance remix package is currently playing in clubs everywhere. “Mind Juice” and the “A Tiny Shoe” remix project is available at Masterbeat.com and at Best Buy as well as other online and retail outlets.

Look for more poetry books, spoken word CDs and dance remix projects from Robinson soon. In the making are two more extraordinary Robinson dance clubs singles emanating from his poetry: “In the Night” featuring Cee Vox and “Shelter is Heaven” featuring Gioia Bruno of Exposé. Both projects are due out in early 2009 with worldwide promotions.

“Rock the World” will be included in The 2008 White Party VIP gift bag, which benefits aids patients in South Florida and will also be included The 51st Annual GRAMMY® AWARDS gift bag. This is the fourth year running where Jimmy D. Robinson’s books of poetry have been part of the Grammy’s and other related events. “Rock the World” is currently available at Barnes and Noble and will soon be found online everywhere books are sold including Amazon.com and BN.com.

For more on Jimmy D. Robinson please visit www.jimmydrobinson.com and www.atlasbooks.com/jimmyland

Pills, Chills and Thrills Director Liz Adams has a

Passion for Slashin!

hen writer/director Liz Adams says she loves horror she means it. Her respect for the genre’s storytelling power is apparent with the care she puts into her films. “I just want to give the horror fans what they crave, with a twist.” she smiles. “The genre can be so incredibly shocking, yet so fascinating and compelling at the same time,” explains Adams.

Adams was one of only eight selected for AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, where she promptly made the thirty-four year old program’s first horror movie. Her desire to please the fans has obviously paid off as her newest film, Side Effect, won Best Short Film at Oldenburg International Film Festival in Germany as well as picking up a Chainsaw Award at Dead by Dawn Film Festival’s Cutting Edge Competition in Edinburgh Scotland.

Side Effect showcases Adams’ intense combination of psychological horror, suspense and gore. “I’m fascinated by the way horror embodies our collective nightmares” she explains, “I hope that my perspective will provoke deep emotion and alarm viewers with an innovative and unexpected approach.”

Adams’ Side Effect is a blood-curdling tale set in a pill-popping culture where a young babysitters’ new medications prove to be much more deadly than her disease. With plenty of gore, the film has evoked visceral reactions from viewers, yet its tale of science gone horribly wrong and a lurking distrust of supposed pharmaceutical advances stimulates conversations that go on well after the lights come up.

While Side Effect hits hard for its 13 minutes, the short film is only the beginning. The rest of the story picks up in Adams’ feature length script Blood Level.

Not content to let the viewer recover, Adams admits to amping up the intensity in Blood Level, “Of course good horror has to have plenty of gore, but if you care about the characters as well, that’s what makes it truly terrifying.” she giggles.

Side Effect has been praised for the way its carefully woven tale fully draws in the viewer, even if they are not a horror fan. “...terrifying little work of art ...bold statement on the pharmaceutical addiction our culture is currently facing.”

--Heidi Martinuzzi, www.pretty-scary.net “...a perfect movie for horror fans...” Adele Hartley, Dead by Dawn Film Festival “Adams rethinks the meaning of “drugs” and quite brilliantly adapts it to the modern day” --Dr. Mikel J. Koven author of Film, Folklore and Urban Legends (Scarecrow Books, 2007) “A film with impact! SIDE EFFECT is a beautiful marriage of gore, implied terror, and a powerful story.” – Jonny Cage www. cagedmoviereviews.com Former Vice President of Development for Independent Filmmaker’s Alliance in Los Angeles, Adams’ work started with a horror film short called Red Upholstery, a sharp commentary and ultimately, dark comedic horror that was selected to play in several festivals. Adams’ influence from the horror greats like Kubrick, Carpenter and Romero make Adams’ film homage to the genre a new and exciting voice For more information on Liz Adams and SIDE EFFECT please visit: http://www.sideeffectthemovie.net

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A fresh way to learn exciting new games and activities emerges today as the Casual Entertainment Label of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:ERTS) announces a series of For Dummies® games for the PC and the Nintendo DS™ inspired by the world famous For Dummies brand. In collaboration with developer Beanbag Studios, under license from Wiley Publishing, Inc., the publisher that has printed more than 200 million copies of For Dummies books, EA will launch For Dummies PC games in US, Canada and the UK, and a Nintendo DS game will follow in the fall in North America and select countries across Europe. To get the fun started immediately, the first game in the series, Poker For Dummies featuring Texas Hold’Em, is available now for download on EA’s online gaming destination, Pogo™, at www.pogo.com!

Through an easy to navigate interface, the For Dummies titles teach players the skills to master a variety of exciting games and activities, from Poker and Solitaire to brain training and Sudoku. Poker For Dummies features tutorials and game play for Texas Hold’Em, Omaha and Seven-Card Stud, and is sure to entertain and educate poker novices and enthusiasts alike. In the coming months, other For Dummies titles will become available via PC download including Solitaire For Dummies in September, Brain Training For Dummies in October, Sudoku For Dummies in November, and more into 2009. Poker For Dummies and Brain Training For Dummies will also be available for PC at retail stores in October 2008.

In November 2008, casual gamers will be able to learn, practice and play on the go when EA launches Travel Games For Dummies for the Nintendo DS. Travel Games For Dummies will feature tutorials and game play for three popular pastimes: Solitaire, Sudoku and crossword puzzles, all in one game.

“For Dummies offers an entirely fresh take on the world’s most popular games,” said Robert Nashak, vice president of EA Casual Studios. “By teaming up with the most recognized name in the area of self-improvement, we can provide not only fun games, but also everything it takes to learn and master them.”

The For Dummies series of games allows casual gamers to comfortably and easily learn how to play, improve, or find better ways to play their favorite games. Players begin learning the basics, such as rules and vocabulary, through a simple tutorial mode. Then, they participate in practice mode where a coach guides them along offering tips and advice. Finally, when they are ready, players engage in game play on their own, putting their new skills to use!

“We are very pleased to have partnered with EA and Beanbag Studios to help develop a great line of games and bring the trusted For Dummies brand to the PC and Nintendo DS gaming space,” said John Hislop, Associate Director, Brand Licensing of Wiley Publishing, Inc. “For years, people around the world have turned to For Dummies books and products to learn new skills, acquire knowledge efficiently with an accessible and fun format, and to improve their way of life. We hope the For Dummies games will reach new users and provide existing users with an exciting new way to learn.”

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For any girl who has ever dreamed of being a star, EA Casual Entertainment brings you one step closer with Boogie™ SuperStar. Combining the hottest music hits from around the world with the coolest dance moves and total character customization, Boogie SuperStar provides the ultimate gaming experience: to sing and dance your way to superstardom!

Boogie SuperStar features nearly 40 songs made famous by popular artists such as Natasha Bedingfield, Rihanna, Fergie, Katy Perry, Maroon 5, Leona Lewis, Alicia Keys, Good Charlotte, Britney Spears, Kanye West, and more. Bedingfield, who has topped the Billboard charts with number one singles and albums in both the US and the UK, has joined forces with EA as featured spokesperson for the game. Additional songs are available on an International version of Boogie SuperStar, allowing players to also perform songs made famous by local European artists.

In Boogie SuperStar, you don’t just play along, you are the show. Be “discovered” and whisked away to a secret, tropical island where you learn what it takes to be a star. Customize your character and build your singing and dancing skills, performing in posh environments fit for a star. Have a blast playing with or against your friends, belting your favorite tunes into the microphone, and performing real dance moves that are captured on screen using the Wii’s motion-sensing technology.

Once your skills are perfected, perform for the judges in the ultimate competition, the Boogie Star Show!

Only the best and the brightest will be able to outshine the competition to become a Boogie SuperStar!

© 2008 Electronic Arts Inc. All Rights Reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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KEY KEY FEATURES FEATURES

Design Your Character Choose from millions of posible combinations to create a stylish character as unique as you are.

Sing Your Favorite Tracks Perform your favorite songs made famous by today’s most popular artists. Featuring nearly 40 popular tracks, you won’t find a hotter playlist anywhere.

Show Off Your Dance Moves Learn the coolest dance moves in pop, urban and techno music. You can even use these moves to create your own choreography.

Perform with Your Friends Sing or dance with a friend in two-player mode, or compete against one another with up to four players!

Compete in the Boogie Star Show Make your way to the Boogie Star Show and compete to become the next Boogie SuperStar!

Singer Natasha Bedingfield tests her Boogie SuperStar skills.

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Scent The Economy of

ur economy is slowing steadily, but the fragrance industry is proving its resilience. Susan Sexton one of the owners of Blend Custom Parfum a distributor for Galimard, the oldest perfumery in France est. 1747. BLEND offers the individual consumer, bridal parties, groups and corporations the opportunity to create their own signature line of fragrance or sensory brands in their quaint European boutique. Susan stated, “We have found that the luxury fragrance category remains constant in times of economic downturn.

People still feel the need to take care of themselves, their family and their friends.

That’s why with our proprietary system of making your own custom perfume our sales remain steady. Custom fragrance is a way of expressing individuality. In trying times, making your own signature line is a true luxury experience that consumers find to be a realistic choice. With travel and other luxury items being downsized, our custom fragrance concept is in even more demand.”

Companies like Coty have also seen great success in the fragrance industry. The celebrity fragrance venue has become a huge phenomenon with Coty paving the way for other companies. Coty has more than doubled in size in the past six years.

They have grown from a $1.4 billion to a $3.5 billion company.

From her high end perfume company Miller Harris, which is located in London, Lyn Harris tells me of her decision to not follow the mass marketing route that other perfumers have fallen into. “We had no choice; we just didn’t have enough money.” Following the opening of her shop

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in 2000 Harris launched Nouvelles Editions, a limited edition product line including eaux de parfums. Packaged in beautifully designed and crafted bottles and updated yearly according to trends these bottles are sold in her shops for 95 (€132) per 100ml, £30 more than her other perfumes. “It was frustrating that it was so costly having to produce new concepts and packaging with each new launch,” states Harris. “[The new product line] was a turning point for the brand. Now the sky is the limit.”

The ability to create new, fresh, and popular product lines is a necessary part of the job for perfumers such as Lyn, who have been classically trained.

Popular products allow for their global expansion. Companies are able to sell to small, private boutiques and stores in shopping havens such as Paris, New York, Moscow, and London. Miller Harris offers a limited edition collection of fragrances, as well as a service (equipped with a one year waiting list) for products that have been individually designed for the customer that retails at £6,000 a bottle.

Avoiding a slump in the economy does not have to be difficult for perfumeries. You cannot be gluttonous in this industry. You must keep your fragrances and the way in which you conduct business on a tight leash, mass production is not always a prime method of sales. Selling your fragrances to the right clientele is key to keeping your perfumery afloat in the economy of today.

Perfume is one of those thing that women will always have a desire to buy, the trick to surviving in the market is to position your product in the greatest possible manner so that the highest level of consumer results can be achieved.

THE

BattleAgainst Against Piracy

Sunset Gower Studios welcomes the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce to discuss the detrimental impact that piracy is having on the global community By: Stefanie Farfan-D’Castro o you’ve downloaded that one song from the radio that you can’t seem to get out of your head – what’s wrong with that? Who cares that your friend burned you a copy of that movie that you’ve been dying to see? So Britney Spears will have to wait a few more months before she gets that Ferrari – and Lars Ulrich, well he can throw as many temper tantrums as he likes – big deal, you’re not doing anything wrong. Right?

Leron Gubler, President of the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and Dick Castner, Executive Director of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce beg to differ. “The problem goes beyond that of just one copied DVD here or one downloaded song there.” Castner explains. “Illicit activity such as piracy has become such a huge issue not only for the entertainment industry, but also for the pharmaceutical industry, the fashion industry and has even been a factor for increase in human trafficking.” Castner continues. “Actually, even though we both work with very different fields, this is such a problem that the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has decided to work together to solve this issue. It is definitely very sobering” Gubler mentions.

As the film Illicit – chosen to be show at an exclusive screening hosted by Sunset Gower – flickers on the screen, it becomes painfully clear that the word “sobering” is a serious understatement. Piracy, known to most as simply the act of illegally downloading music or movies, goes far beyond the privacy of your office space. There are many kinds of piracy – and in the world of counterfeiting and illicit activities, there are no limits and no boundaries. “At the click of a mouse, you can find kidneys, illegal weaponry, bogus pharmaceutical drugs – anything your imagination can come up with.

And that is a scary thing.” Castner weighs in. The 90’s brought in much more than just Seattle grunge and flannel; it brought in a political and technical revolution. In less than twenty years, technology like the internet has connected the entire globe through an infrastructure of computers and IP addresses. Counterfeiting has been facilitated to an umpteenth degree and now it is much easier to organize an entire counterfeiting corporation than ever before. For example, 6% of non-farmers in China are in the counter-

feit business – whether it’s the ones who make the rules or the men toting around fake Gucci purses on the street. It is not fake designer jeans that are most alarming, but the other more dangerous activities it leads to such as money laundering, arms trade and illegal drug trafficking.

Consider the people that are trafficked in from other parts of the world – doctors, teachers, lawyers – all modern-day slaves, attempting to work off a debt to their bosses that they will never be free of. Or perhaps the counterfeit pharmaceutical drugs that are sold to unsuspecting consumers on the internet; “most people recognize Canada as a great place to get cheap pharmacy drugs, so if they go on a website and see that maple leaf on the page, then they instantly assume that they’re getting a great price on the medicine they need to survive.” Castner says, shaking his head. Pharmaceutical drugs that may look just like the real thing, but instead of medicine are made of highway paint, glue and boric acid – you know, that stuff that pesticide is made of. “These are pills that not only do nothing for whatever illness the consumer has, but they are something that can very likely kill you.” Castner continues, his eyes expressing the urgency of his words.

And as far as Hollywood goes? “We’ve already seen what happened to the recording industry – their entire corporate structure has almost gone up in smoke. The motion picture industry could be next, so we’re doing everything we can to fight it. Jobs can be lost, revenue lost, huge damages to our economy.” Gubler reveals. “We will continue to cooperate with the U.S. Chamber, they have an entire department now on this issue of piracy – the Global Intellectual Property Senate – so we will continue to work with them, as they have the expertise.”

Unfortunately the grand scope of this issue is only recently seeing the light, but thanks to Leron Gubler and Dick Castner perhaps as more of the public finds out how far out the damage really ripples out, they will think twice before they support a dark underground network by buying those knockoff denim jeans.

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