LISZTOMANIA ISSUE 002 © COPYRIGHT 2018
PHOTOGRAPHY: SARAH PARTAIN
PHOTOGRAPHY: JORDAN WILLIAMS EDITED BY: CAITLYN HASTINGS SKATERS: MCGWIRE NEWELL, DALTON DANIEL, PARKER RUIZ, HARRY BLAKE, BRENDAN NOETZEL, PETE ADAMS, TRISTAN HENDRICK, LUKE LEFFINGWELL
Christina Kirkman PHOTOGRAPHY: TALIA PASHEY WARDROBE STYLIST: KATIE BONE MAKEUP ARTIST: JADYN NGO HAIR STYLIST: MITCHELL CANTRELL INTERVIEW BY: MCKENNA NEWELL
How did you come about being casted for Ambitions in the first place? I self-taped for the role of Lori a month prior to being cast. By then, I had completely forgotten about the audition. I got a call on a Thursday that I was put on avail and when I didn’t hear back with a final word on Friday, I knew I hadn’t booked it. The weekend went by and I had a trip booked to Mexico for Dia De Los Muertos on Wednesday. Monday I got a call that I booked the role and the next day I was on a flight to Atlanta. Oprah still owes me a trip!!! How would you say relate to your character Lori? I think over the last 2 years I have really come into my own. I have always believed that I was a pretty confident person but it wasn’t until more recently that I really developed a strong self-awareness. I know this because had I been given this role 2 years ago, I would have struggled a lot more with it. Since Lori IS so confident, there was no room for nerves or self-doubt when playing her. It was challenging but I also believe that it made me more confident as a woman and as an actor. I relate to how guarded Lori is. Lori doesn’t like showing weakness and because of that she always has a wall up. When she does try to express emotions, you sort of see her reluctance in doing so. I relate to that. Lori is definitely on the wild side of things, how would you personally describe her personality. I don’t always agree with everything Lori does but I respect that she says what she feels and goes after what she wants. Sure, she knows how to get a rise out of people, but I think it’s empowering. She is unapologetic, but also incredibly smart and witty. She’s wild, but it’s always calculated. What’s something you miss the most from set? The people. Working on set is like going to Summer camp. You’re around these people for 16-hour days and they truly become family. Shooting Ambitions was the first time I had ever been to Atlanta and it was such a pleasure working there. Because of where Georgia is geographically located, the people there have this East Coast edge and sass mixed with this sincere level of Southern hospitality. I love it. Any funny stories from set you can share with us? Since there are so many different plots and families on Ambitions, most of us were working with the same characters throughout the season so everyone has their own stories. The “Lip Lick” scene that you saw between Kayla and me (Carly & Lori) was actually the first scene that was shot of the entire season. I had just met Kayla for the first time 2 days prior and we had a 3am calltime that day. Will Packer was there watching and I nearly wanted to crawl inside of my skin and hide. It was probably one of the most intimidating mornings of my life. But that was also something that I had to immediately recognize and shut off because my character Lori IS so confident that I knew I couldn’t show those nerves. It was very empowering to overcome that.
Chris ti na’s Tu nes Outside - George Michael Black & Gold - Sam Sparro New York Soul Pt. ii - Jon Bellion Shy - Leon Bridges Bamboleo - Gipsy Kings Get It Together - Seal Slowly - Giraffage Come With Me - Nora En Pure FU - Miley Cyrus Blem - Drake
What can you tell us about the rest of the season if anything? Every time I would read a new script this season, my head would spin. I would utter a lot of “Wait, isn’t he married?” and “I thought she was with the other guy.” and “So is she a good guy or a villain?” Each time I would try to wrap my brain around some mini plot, things would take a turn and I think that’s a good way to describe this season. Nothing is set in stone. These characters and these families are so layered that they aren’t always easy to read. You see the crazy lengths people go to for power and control. There’s an interesting psychology to it all because at the end of the day, we all operate on similar emotions. You may watch this show at first and feel like you’re so different from these people, but as the layers begin to peel back, you might realize that you aren’t as different as you first thought. What do you enjoy doing in your free time? I love to play! Living in California, I am lucky to have access to the desert, the ocean and the mountains and I try to take advantage of that at every chance I get. I really enjoy surfing, skateboarding, rock-climbing, yoga, hiking, snowboarding & martial arts. Anything that gets me outside. I also love Anime. Advice for up and coming people in the acting industry? In a industry that will give you 10000 “no’s,” you only need 1 “yes.” The odds of “making it” in Hollywood always seem unattainable until you remember that truth. You just need that 1 person to take a chance on you. It may take a while and you will have to put in the hours of hard work and determination but why not? With all of the resources and platforms we have today, there is no excuse to waste passion. Tell us how you came across acting in the first place? Growing up in a small town on the East Coast, I never understood that acting was even a career. Being a very ‘theatrical’ only child, I was always making up dance routines, writing songs and doing impersonations from a very young age. The only things I were sure about in life was that I liked to entertain, I loved SpongeBob, and gymnastics was life. When I was 10-years-old, I saw a commercial on Nickelodeon for a talent search called, “R U All That? The Search for the Funniest Kid in America.” The winner was to earn a spot on the sketch comedy show “All That.” I, of course, had to enter. I had to self-tape a few scenes and perform 3 original impersonations. I did Sandy Cheeks from SpongeBob (of course), Steve Erwin (R.I.P) and a rapping, break-dancing house DJ (we all still have some questions about this one). Long story short (and quite anti-climactic), I won the contest! My life drastically changed after that. I had never been to Hollywood, I had never met “celebrities” and I had never acted. Now, I was living in Hollywood as an actor woking with my idols. It was quite the ‘glow up’ (did I use that hip phrase correctly?). After shooting 2 seasons, I decided I wanted to return home to Boston. I attended high school and graduated Emerson College with a degree in Broadcast Journalism before retuning back to Los Angeles to pursue acting again, as an adult.
All That was where it all started for you, so how do you feel about the revamp of the show? I think it’s great! All That was such a big part of my generation. Since it was on the air for so long, it shaped a lot of childhoods. I talk to people all the time who tell me about the impact the show had on them, whether it helped them through the hard awkward years of growing up or gave them confidence to pursue acting and comedy. I think it’s awesome that this younger generation can have that now too. Do you still keep up with any of your cast members? I was the youngest cast member on the show so it’s crazy to see so many of them now getting married and having kids. We all follow each other on social media and talk when we can. It’s hard because everyone is all over the place doing different things. Jack De Sena, who was literally my big brother on the show, was someone I looked to when I moved back to Los Angeles. He gave me a lot of great advice and has always been such a great role model. I used to follow him around set like a sad puppy. Now, I am repped at the same voice over agency as him. See Jack, I will never stop following you!!! What are some of your best memories from that show? I went from being an only child to being raised by a pack of wolves! Since I was the youngest one on the show, I learned A LOT (maybe more than I should have). The cast really took me in and treated me as their younger sister. They were supportive and protective and really great leaders. I am so happy that I was able to have that experience in a pre-social media world. That set was where I learned how to prank people. We did a lot of pranking in our downtime. Since it was a sketch comedy show, the set was like a giant playground. We would take props and play hide and seek and steal all the pixie sticks from crafty when our parents weren’t looking. We had a good time. You were pretty young when you started acting, how did you handle education at that time? It’s funny because before working on the show I was a mediocre student. I had a difficult time concentrating and I only wanted to do gymnastics. As soon as I came back after shooting, I excelled in school. I think memorizing scripts every day in addition to having my first job improved my schoolwork. Since I was learning how to work in a professional environment and communicate with adults, I also learned real world skills that surpassed the actual classlroom If you could act in a movie with any 5 people, who’d you’d choose and why? Jim Carey & Adam Sandler- My first 2 favorite actors growing up. The Mask, Happy Gilmore and Billy Madison were my favorite movies. They have always been my comedy inspiration. Mark Wahlberg- Because, well, duh. #Boston Maya Rudolph- One of my favorite times in television was when SNL had the girl gang of all time: Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, Amy Poehler & Rachel Dratch. Literally, put me in a movie with all of them thank you. Meryl Streep (Oh! And Jane Fonda)- ICONS. And could we also add Margot Robbie? She’s just so freakin’ talented and pretty that I would just want to hang around her and stare at her. Not creepily or anything (totally creepy). Oh! And Kevin Hart. Am I past 5?? find Christina online INS T AG R AM: @christinakirkman T W I T T ER: ckirkman7
MODEL: MCKENNA NEWELL PHOTOGRAPHER/MUA: CAITLYN HASTINGS
MODEL: MCKENNA NEWELL MODEL: MCKENNA NEWELL PHOTOGRAPHER/MUA: CAITLYN HASTINGS PHOTOGRAPHER/MUA: CAITLYN HASTINGS
Lose your dream, you lose your mind. - The Rolling Stones
KAL AMA E P S T E IN PHOTOGRAPHY: DAIZON DILLON WARDROBE STYLIST: KATIE BONE GROOMING: LEXIE SOSAS INTERVIEW WRITTEN BY: MCKENNA NEWELL
What was your first reaction when you heard you landed the role of Jeremy on No Good Nick? I didn’t believe it! I felt disconnected from reality. I fought against every feeling of excitement because I wouldn’t believe it until I actually heard it from the show’s creators David Steinberg & Keetgi Kogan. But when they called, I was ecstatic!
What inspired you to become an actor? Well, I already had a passion for film embedded in myself from a very young age. I always wanted to be a director/writer (I still do), and definitely a spark to begin acting.
What was it like growing up in Hawaii? It was basically drinking coconut milk and hunting wild boars until I came to modern civilization. Just kidding. It was both completely unique and absolutely normal in many ways. Growing up on an island in itself definitely gives you a greater appreciation for the ocean and then once you throw Hawaiian/local culture on top of that it becomes something entirely different. The love and respect for the ocean and the ‘āina that is instilled in you as a child is something I believe you truly cannot get anywhere else. It’s a beautiful place. It’s a cultural mixing pot, and an amazing place to grow up. I’m incredibly proud of my Hawaiian heritage.
If you could work with any actor in the world, who would it be and why? Tom Hardy. Just to see him perform in person is something I would kill (a figurative person) to see. The level of intensity/depth/emotion he can conjure with just his eyes is astonishing to me. Just getting to be background in a scene with him would be an honor. How has working with Netflix differed from working for other major platforms in the past? Working with Netflix has been incredible. They are incredibly generous & thoughtful, and it’s been an awesome experience. As for working with other major platforms, it’s hard to say because this is my first time as a series regular on a show, so the experience has differed drastically just because of that. From my perspective, Netflix has been incredibly supportive of the cast and crew throughout the whole process.
Would you rather be the actor or the director? It totally depends on the project. There are many cases where I would rather act in a project than direct. But there are also many projects where it would be the opposite. Also, this is all entirely hypothetical as I’ll need to prove myself with my own projects before I’d get that option to direct something else.
Are you currently living in LA? How would you compare that to the Hawaiian lifestyle? Yes, I’m currently in LA. It is very different. While Hawaii is a gorgeous place with a lot to offer, after living there for some time, there are limited things to do. I do find that living in LA offers much more freedom with activities and food considering it’s actually attached to a continent. Do you come from a background of actors or performers? Yes I do! Well, performers and entertainment professionals! My great grandmother was actually a vaudeville performer and was a high-wire act. My great grandfather had a circus! He traveled around the world with his circus, and even brought the first moving pictures to Hawaii. Pretty badass. What are some long term goals you have set for yourself in your career. I want to write and direct a feature film that I can be really proud of creating. I’d like to act in a variety of projects with really cool people and of course, be proud of all that work, as well. It’s important for me to be satisfied with my work. Would you say your personality in real life easily matches up with Jeremy’s? Not “easily” that’s for sure. We match in some ways and do not in others. I think we match in our more emotional and caring sides, and we don’t match in our external personalities. He’s very uptight, and I am not. He has everything planned to the second, and I am more of a “go with the flow” type of guy!
F IND KAL AMA ONL INE INS T AG R AM: @KAL AMA E P S T E IN
Jerry Maestas PHOTOGRAPHY: DERRICK FRESKE WARDROBE STYLIST: GUILIANA CRESCENTINI INTERVIEW WRITTEN BY: ABBIE MCCLENDON
What started your passion for photography? I’ve honestly always had a passion for photography. When I was young my mom used to give me disposable cameras and I’d take photos of my family and random things that I found interesting. It wasn’t until high school that I really dove into photography and realized that it was something that I wanted to pursue as a career. Most of your photos that you take have the vintage editing style. Why do you choose to take the vintage route of editing? I feel like the vintage route found me more than it was something that I decided to start doing. From a young age I’ve always been in love with the aesthetic of the 1950s. My grandma was always listening to Elvis or really any music from the 50s and my grandpa had a bunch of vintage cars. I spent a lot of time with them so I’ve always been surrounded by the past. In 2017 I did a decades themed photo series that focused on the aesthetic of the 1950s through the 1990s. It helped me realize that I absolutely loved the style and vibe of the 70s & 80s. Ever since then, my work has always had a vintage flare to it. Also, what editing software do you choose to use to get the vintage look that you prefer? I usually just use Lightroom to edit my photos but I’ve developed presets over time that I really love. I use those presets on pretty much every single photo as a base and then I go from there. I just recently released some of my favorite presets in my Vintage Preset Pack so now everyone can enjoy some retro colors, tones, and glow in their photos! You kept your relationship with Derrick private for a long time , why did you choose to do that ? And do you think it has positively impacted your relationship? We decided to keep our relationship a secret because we didn’t really feel the need to share it online. We didn’t think sharing it on social media was going to benefit our relationship in anyway so we didn’t really see the point of confirming that we were together. It wasn’t until almost all my of DMs and Q&A questions were asking if we were together that we decided to talk about it more. I didn’t think anyone would really be that interested honestly! I think it has positively impacted our relationship because we didn’t ever really have to deal with any outside opinions on our relationship in the beginning. We were just happily in love in our own little world. You take cover photos for many music albums. Do you pull inspiration from the song to decide on how you’re going to take and edit the photos? Typically the music artist will come to me with the concept for their cover and we’ll brainstorm together how we can make it happen. Sometimes I’ll pull inspiration from the song and pitch it the artist to see what their thoughts are but when it really comes down to it, it’s up to the artist I’m shooting for. I’ve looked through your Instagram photos and read your captions. They seem to have some kind of underlying meaning behind each one. How do you choose what you’re going to say ? Does it always correlate with the picture? Or is it something else? To be completely honest, I think 80% of my captions are Lana Del Rey lyrics and the other 20% are just random words that I come up with while staring at the photo. Coming up with captions for Instagram is so tough sometimes.
How do your first photo shoots differentiate from what you are doing now? I was actually just looking at some of my work from when I just started shooting regularly and a lot of it was photos of random things like flowers, my hands, silhouettes of people, etc. I only really had myself and my surroundings to use in photoshoots in the beginning. Now I focus mainly on fashion and portraits of people. I’ll rarely take photos of myself in the ways I use to when I first started. If you could go back and do anything different in your photography career , would you? I don’t think I would change anything if I could! Photography is something that you never stop learning about so I don’t think changing anything in my past would help me today or in the future. Has being a photographer changed the way you see people and things? Oh absolutely! You really start to see the details in everything when you’re a photographer. Before you shoot with someone are there certain aspects that you like to know about them? I usually ask them if there any of my photos that really stood out to them so I can understand what they like from me. That way we’re both happy with the photos in the end. Do you think you will always use vintage aesthetic or do you think you will change your style ? I think every photographers style changes over time so I’m sure I’ll eventually stray away from the vintage aesthetic I have. I think I’ll always be inspired by the past but maybe in the future I’ll be more inspired by times later than the 50s. What are your main inspirations in photography? Definitely fashion, the past, and lighting. When it comes to fashion I find so much inspiration behind the way designers use certain fabrics, textures, colors, and silhouettes. I usually base my shoots around the clothes I’m planning on styling my models in and then go from there. By this part in the interview I’m sure you understand why I’m inspired by the past so I’ll spare your eyes from reading more about it. As for lighting, I’m always so fascinated by using different types of lighting sources for shoots. My all time favorite type of lighting to shoot with is super intense sunset lighting. I love the warmth and colors that I can get from shooting at that time. As said before you post on YouTube regularly and are a photographer, is photography your main focus above YouTube ? Or do you enjoy balance both the same ? As of right now I definitely think that my photography career is my main focus but I’d love to get more involved with YouTube over time. I’m finally posting once a week again and it feels great so I can see myself doing a lot more with YouTube in the near future. Besides photography you also regularly post on your YouTube channel. Do you find a connection between the two ? I think so! I actually first started posting on YouTube before I shared my photography online. I’ve been on YouTube since like 2012. When I moved out to LA I originally moved because of YouTube but my photography career had other plans for me. I took about a two year break from YouTube and just recently started posting on there again. When I first started out, I used to post a lot about fashion and lifestyle. I still make a lot of videos about fashion but now I like to make video about my photography too! Behind the scenes videos are my favorite to post.
With a full schedule trying to balance photography and YouTube , how do you find time for yourself ? I’m not going to lie, it’s been pretty hard to find time for myself but when it comes down to it some days I’ll wake up and force myself not to do anything. These are the days Derrick and I will do things to relax like go to the beach or go see a movie we’ve been meaning to see. What advice would you give to any aspiring photographers ? And or youtubers? Photographers, never stop shooting! I always say thing whenever I’m asked to give advice because it’s truly how I’ve gotten to where I am today. I’ve taken photos at least once a week for the last 5-7 years and it’s helped me learn SO much. Youtubers, don’t get discouraged in the beginning and don’t feel like you need a “YouTube friend group” to do well on YouTube. If you do your own thing and you really enjoy what you’re creating people will be able to notice it. The most authentic people are the ones that do the best on YouTube. As said before you post on YouTube regularly and are a photographer, is photography your main focus above YouTube ? Or do you enjoy balance both the same ? As of right now I definitely think that my photography career is my main focus but I’d love to get more involved with YouTube over time. I’m finally posting once a week again and it feels great so I can see myself doing a lot more with YouTube in the near future.
FIND JERRY ONLINE INSTAGRAM: @JERRYMAESTAS TWITTER: @JERRYMAESTAS YOUTUBE: JERRY MAESTAS
savannah may
photography: Krissy Saleh wardrobe stylist: fairfaxCOPENHAGEN h/mua: Paul Blanch interview written by: Mckenna Newell
How old were you when you first started acting? I started acting in musical theater when I was 11 but I was always very interested in the entertainment industry. I actually began dancing when I was 3 1/2 and always loved performing on the stage so when the opportunity came up to audition for a musical theater academy in downtown Houston, I decided to go for it. What is your dream role? Honestly, there are so many different roles I would love to portray throughout my career but one project I would love to do is a musical movie. Since musical Theater has played such a major role in my life, getting to be in a musical movie would be a dream come true. Who is your celebrity crush? 100% Shawn Mendes. Haha! I’ve been a fan of his since the beginning and I just recently got to see him in concert. It was probably the best concert I’ve ever been to! He has such a natural performance quality and his music is outstanding. In every interview I’ve seen him in, he seems like such a kind person. If you could work with anyone in the industry who would it be and why? There are a lot of people in this business that I would be honored to work with but if I had to choose it would be Steve Carell or Adam Sandler. Anyone who knows me knows how obsessed I am with The Office, I’ve rewatched it 22 times & counting. My mom and dad watched the show while it was on the air so it was always on in our house, I’m sure that’s where my obsession began. His character Michael Scott, in my opinion, is one of the most iconic characters in television history. Then with Adam Sandler, I was pretty much raised on his movies. My dad is one of the biggest Adam Sandler fans and for our movie nights we would usually end up watching one of his films. I’ve looked up to both of them my entire life so I would be thrilled if I got the chance to work with them. Where are you originally from? I’m originally from a small town called Katy right outside of Houston, Texas!
What inspired you to become an actress? Growing up watching different shows & movies, I loved being able to just get lost in someone’s performance on the screen. You are completely transported into someone else’s world, whether they make you laugh or cry and I wanted to be able to give other people that same feeling. Do you have a preference of TV shows verses movies? They’re both so different. Being on a multi cam tv show, your energy always has to be turned up to the max and you want everything to be at a quicker pace; But with movies, it’s a totally different speed. You want it to come across more natural and real. Personally, I really love doing both so no, I don’t think I have a preference. Would you say the industry has changed your outlook on life, if yes, how? If anything, I think it’s made me appreciate everything that’s happened even more! You can get a million no ‘s in this business but you only need that one yes to completely change your life. So I know that as long as I give it my all and continue to keep a positive outlook, everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.
find savannah online instagram: @savannahleemay twitter: @savannahleemay
Cody Lovaas
PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SAVANNA MORALES INTERVIEW WRITTEN BY: MCKENNA NEWELL
How old were you when you first started singing? I was seven! I was in the car with my mom and I asked if I could start playing the drums. She quickly suggested the guitar. Who are some of your music icons? I have so many, but John Mayer has always been the largest influence to my music. Also, people like Mac Miller, The 1975, Anderson .Paak, Queen... there are so many What inspires you most when you create music? I’m always grabbing from my bag of personal life stories and feelings, but now that I have more hands in the production side of my own music, I am always very inspired by the different instruments and elements I here for the song. If you could go on tour in any country in the world where would it be and why? I think I’d want to go back to Europe. I did a tour in Norway and the way that people consume and listen to music out there is incredible. So respectful, engaged and honest. Would you say your fans effect the music you write? My fans definitely affect the music I play live. There have been many times I’ve talked to a fan before the show and they asked me to play a song I didn’t plan on playing, but then threw it in the setlist. Can you play any instruments? I mainly play guitar, but also dabble with piano, bass, etc. Where are you originally from? I was born in Dallas, but raised in San Diego. Now I’m living in LA! Who would you say is your biggest support system? Definitely my parents. They have been so incredible and supportive throughout my entire career. I love em. Do you currently have any new music in the works? Of course! Always! I have another EP coming out st the top of the year, but we have some remixes and a duet version of a few songs from my most recently released EP, “Honestly,”. What do you consider to be your biggest success thus far? I am very proud of my upcoming EP. Can’t wait to share it with y’all.
find cody online INSTAGRAM: @CODYLOVAAS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY DONATA ST HILAIRE
PXTN
FIND PXTN ONLINE INSTAGRAM: @PXTN TWITTER: @ITSPAXTON SPOTIFY: PXTN
Gavin Casalegno PHOTOGRAPHY: JERRY MAESTAS WARDROBE STYLING: KATIE BONE GROOMING: DOLLIE ANDERSON
When did you first start out in the acting industry? I started around 6-7 years old, I went on my first commercial audition and I was hooked! I began acting classes with Cathryn Sullivan in Texas, and never looked back.
What inspired you to become a model? I originally began my career as a model at age 5. It has been a natural progression since then. Once I hit 6’, I was signed with top agencies on the East and West coasts. It’s been a blast every step of the way!
Who in the industry, would you say is your biggest role model? My biggest role model in the industry would be Keanu Reeves or Chris Pratt. Besides their incredible talent, I admire their values and that they treat everyone with respect. Love their projects too.
Where are you originally from? I am from a super small town in Texas, near Dallas. I was raised in the country with small town values, but big city dreams.
How do you think living in LA has affected your career? Living in LA is a blessing and a curse. It tests your patience, friendships, and mindset. But also, LA has so many opportunities that Texas just doesn’t have.
Where is the coolest place you have gotten to travel for modeling? One of the coolest places I’ve been for modeling was Prague. I love exploring new cultures. Prague is so rich in culture and was absolutely beautiful.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the industry, whether it be for acting or modeling, who would it be with and why? I think just musicians in general. I connect with music so much. With my acting and modeling background I think it’d be fun make music videos. What are some of your long term career goals? My long-term career goals would be to have ongoing campaigns, to continue growing my brand, and I’ve always wanted to be part of a super hero movie franchise! How long have you lived in LA? I have lived in LA for 3 years now. I’ve met some of the coolest and craziest people! It’s been an adventure lol. What is your dream gig? / If you could be the face of any brand in the world what would it be and why? For acting I’d love to be part of the Marvel Universe. I’m all about action movies! For modeling I’d love to be the face of Off White! That would be incredible. I love their style. It’s always on the cutting edge of fashion and it would be cool to rep them.
Find Gavin Online INS T AG R AM: @gavincasalegno T W I T T ER: @gavincasalegno
INSTAGRAM: @MALSWIM
PHOTOGRAPHY/WARDROBE STYLING/H/MUA BY CAITLYN HASTINGS MODEL DANIELA SEVILLA | AGENCY: WALLFLOWER MANAGEMENT