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volume one issue SIX
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS STAND OFF Winning at the IFFM 2013 Actors Shining Bright-Showcasing Their Skills OMFF Teaching Others How To Do It Astrology and Numerology Now
Tioday’s Fiilmmakerslmm LEFT TO RIGHT: ERIC BRANCO ALFONSO JOHNSON LYNDON McCRAY INSETS: SLICK THE MISFIT STACEY MUHAMMAD
Doing Whatever It Takes!
https://twitter.com/TUndetected https://www.facebook.com/theminiseries?ref=hl https://pro-labs.imdb.com/title/tt3258136/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1NKWh9PwUl0&feature=youtube_gdata_playernk
FROM THE EDITOR
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WINTER 2013 VOLUME ONE ISSUE SIX
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
STAR DAVIS CREATIVE
Star Davis
DIRECTOR
RANDELL PEARSON SOCIAL
We did it! We completed a full year of issues that show-
case some of today’s most ground-breaking and original artists in this business of show. We have lived up to, and will continue to keep, our mission of supporting and encouraging artists who choose to make the entertainment business their way of life. Special thank you to UCAN! Magazine’s Creative Director, Randell Pearson. He has dealt with my craziness to bring you the professional and polished look for which we are now known. Also special thanks to our Social Media Manager, Jacqueline Mari Alvarado for keeping our name in people’s minds throughout Twitter, our website, and our Facebook page. I am grateful to them and to all the contributing editors who have given their time and talents to share with readers some unique artists who have all had great accomplishments throughout their careers. We look forward to sharing more stories with you about people who face challenges and overcome odds in order to bring you quality entertainment. Happy Holidays! It is with profound gratitude that I appreciate your continued support. May you all have a very happy and prosperous 2014. #ByArtistsForEveryone.
MEDIA
MANAGER
JACQUELINE MARI ALVARADO CONTRIBUTING
EDITORS
DENISE THOMAS-KERSEY CHRISTOPHER GRISSOM MELISSA GOLDSTEIN zakKee starman editorial
p roduction
NAIMA SOLOMON ENTERTAINMENT
DIRECTOR
KAREN Y. BROWN RESEARCH
CENTER
DEIDRE GREGORY KEIDRA CAMERON MICHELLE DUBOIS ADVERTISING
DIRECTOR
KIMBERLY ANN RICHARDS
H A PP Y H O L I D A Y S F R O M U C A N !
RANDELL PEARSON DEIDRE GREGORY jackie ALVARADO ZAKKEE STARMAN
UCAN! MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED SIX TIMES ANNUALLY IN ENGLISH. UCAN! IS REGISTERED AS AN INTERNATIONAL TRADEMARK. COPYRIGHT © 2012 BY PINDARA STUDIOS LLC. COPYRIGHT UNDER UIVERSAL COPYRIGHT CONVENTION. FRONT COVER AND ENTIRE MAGAZINE DESIGN COPYRIGHT @ 2012 BY PEARSON DESIGNS, BROOKLYN NY, USA. REPRODUCTION OF ANY PARTS OF THIS PUBLICATION REQUIRES EXPRESS WRITTEN CONSENT OF THE PUBLISHER. UCAN! ACCEPTS NO RESPONSIBILITY FOR UNSOLICITED MANUSCRIPTS, PHOTOGRAPHY OR ARTWORK.
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slick misfit
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Our own Editor-in-Chief shares a laugh with Slick the writer/co-director of FULL CIRCLE along with Producer Tiandra Gayle and Rob Morgan, one of the film’s stars.
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AGE F FILMMAKERS Congratulations to writer/co-director Slick Misfit and producer Tiandra Gayle for FULL CIRCLE winning the Best Feature Film award at the Ocktober Music and Film Festival! We knew early on that this film was special, which is why Slick was featured in our very first issue. Read the article here: http://issuu.com/pindara.studios/docs/www.pindarastudios.com For more information on FULL CIRCLE – The Feature go to: http://www.fullcirclethefeature.com/
stephen hill AN AMBITIOUS ACTOR
AND PRODUCER
STEPHEN HILL is a talented actor who has appeared in many productions including USA Network’s POLITICAL ANIMALS, FX’s LOUIE, and the movie DEAD MAN DOWN. He is also a producer of the feature film STAY COLD, STAY HUNGRY in which he plays Manny – one of the film’s lead characters. It was Stephen’s portrayal of this hulking and deeply compassionate man, coupled with the responsibilities he had as a producer that convinced us to get to know him. UCAN! Was acting something you studied formally? If so, where? What made you want to be an actor? STEPHEN I studied acting at Black Nexxus Studio (now Susan Batson Studio) in NYC under the direction of Susan Batson and a
handful of other immensely talented instructors including one of my favorite instructors, Roberta Wallach (who played the role of Stevie in the film). In retrospect acting was something that just made sense for me to take on as a profession but I admit, I didn’t see it coming. UCAN! You’re also a producer on this project. How was that experience? Can you tell us some of your producing responsibili-
ties? Easier or more difficult than being an actor?
STEPHEN This is one of the first projects I’ve actually gotten credited for producing. At this level of my career I often don’t have
the luxury of just acting. I am used to taking on other responsibilities from casting, generating press, festival submissions, etc. For me it’s all about seeing a project through, beyond being on camera. If a healthy working relationship is present and all parties involved are truly dedicated to producing quality work, I too am very giving toward the entirety of the project. “Teamwork makes the dream work,” sounds cliché but it’s true. UCAN! How long did it take for you to develop your character? Did Manny ever “speak” to you? STEPHEN I read and re-read a great script, made specific choices, and
went to work. We had large chunks of time in between shooting that gave me ample time to prepare, but since I didn’t always know exactly when we were going to shoot, I had to keep a very depressed character close. That was difficult. The plus side to it all is that Eric used to work as a videographer at my acting school so he understands the language I speak as an actor and this helped us to bring my character to life. UCAN! What were some of the specific character traits you developed
for Manny? Did he change as filming progressed? How close were the final results to your original vision? STEPHEN I made a few changes in my physicality that informed my
character’s mannerisms. I also put on some weight and worked out very
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little, which for me is out of the norm. My characters always continue to grow closer to me as filming progresses. I’m always careful to make sure we maintain continuity but just as you learn more about who you are in real life on a daily basis, my characters do the same. Even now, when I watch the film, I see room for more layers and choices. UCAN! Challenges for you playing this character: What were the biggest ones? STEPHEN Putting on weight for Manny and not getting a haircut were pretty easy but the emotional turmoil that can bring forth
is the challenge. I’m ashamed to say it but Papa Johns and White Castle would sometimes comfort me after a night of shooting. In fact, I was a vegetarian when I first started shooting. Two years into it...”Where’s the beef?!” Yeah, I guess I’m still recovering from that particular residual effect of Manny. I’m thinking of going veg again soon though. UCAN! Rewards for you playing this charac-
ter: What were the biggest ones?
STEPHEN The biggest reward for this char-
acter was the great opportunity to actually do the level of work I was trained for. Ask any student of acting and they will tell you their most brilliant work is displayed in class. After tireless hours of study and classes you often get hired for a few lines on a show or film if you’re lucky, and most of the people on set aren’t aware of what you’re capable of nor do they care. More often than not, you are right where you’re supposed to be. UCAN! Do Harley and Manny reflect your
view of race and/or class here in the U.S.? How does their relationship compare to your experiences or observations in real life? STEPHEN As my character states in the
film “it’s not about black or white...it’s about money.” I do think Harley and Manny’s relationship can easily fall within the confines of America’s race issues, but the film’s intention is to raise a mirror to the socio-economic differences between the two lead characters. We also built our story on the relationships our lead characters had/didn’t have with their respective families. UCAN! Say something to our readers that
will encourage them to stay in pursuit of their creative dreams – despite all the obstacles they will surely encounter. STEPHEN People are comfortable with
the belief that success is bestowed upon others at random, this lets them off the hook for being responsible for their own success. Don’t be one of these people; they will try and halt your progress because they see your hard work paying off. Give more of your attention to the people willing to help you. It is a law that you will attract that in which you diligently strive towards and that which you are in harmony with. Always remember your blessings can either flow through someone or around them but no matter how powerful a person may seem...the blessings don’t flow from them. Just make sure your cup is ready to receive. Stay on the path, don’t drop the water, and the Lost Dagger of Ajanti is all yours. Now turn on the got-damned lights! Twitter: @stephenhillacts for both twitter and Instagram: #stephenhillactor #scsh IMDb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm2309273/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
eric branco H is S tyle W ins Awards
Eric Branco is a man with great insight and patience. An accomplished cinematographer, his work has been shown at several festivals including Sundance, Cannes, TriBeCa, and SXSW. Conversely, Eric Branco is more than a cinematographer. He is the writer, executive producer, and the multi award winning director of the feature film STAY COLD, STAY HUNGRY. “The title was as much a message to myself throughout the making of this film as it was a message to Manny,” he explains. Manny is one of the film’s lead characters. “Much like Manny had to keep his head down and work toward getting home, I had to settle in and throw everything I had at this film in order to get it made.” Business savvy, in many areas, is essential to complete any production. Accomplishing all logistical tasks, while staying within budget, is always at the forefront of a producer’s mind. If the production is a feature length film on a tight budget, multiply that need for business innovation. Left: Jonny Marra, one of the film’s stars during the filming of STAY COLD, STAY HUNGRY. Top Right: Eric Branco with the two lead actors on the last day of filming. Bottom Right: Three years later right after the film won its first award at the Coney Island Film Festival.
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“The biggest challenge was just getting this thing in the can for very little money,” Eric says. Unless one is blessed with unlimited resources, every producer signs on knowing this momentous balancing act awaits them. However, the need to share a good story far outweighs the intimidation. ”Making this movie was the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. There’s no way to sugar coat it. It’s a long hard road. There will be nights where you stay up wondering how you’ll muster the strength to keep going and finish the film. You either want it, or you don’t. It’s that simple. If you want it, you’ll find a way,” he states as a matter of fact. To have also written the screenplay, and then tackle the work of directing - that is an undertaking few would dare to attempt. In addition to those significant responsibilities, Eric also made sure to consider the needs of the film’s actors. “I was wearing several hats throughout the making of the film, and so it was extremely challenging to let everything else fall away and get myself into a place where I would be emotionally available to the actors when we were on set,” Eric remembers. Three years after shooting the film, this director still maintains close relationships with his actors. He is the kind of filmmaker who values their opinions and makes them feel secure. “It has to be a collaboration. The actors need to not only have the freedom to bring ideas to the table, but also the knowledge that any idea will be met with respect. As a director, you need to create an environment of complete trust and safety. “ This formula seems to be working for Eric Branco. STAY COLD, STAY HUNGRY won the Best Feature category at the Coney Island Film Festival. Less than a month later, the film went on to win the Audience Favorite Award at the Ocktober Music and Film Festival. In one sold out screening, audience members were visibly affected. This film left them taking deep breaths and holding their hearts. “I’m so thankful that the film is out there and finally connecting with people,” Eric says humbly. So are we. This film should be seen by the masses. To find out about future screenings visit: www.staycoldstayhungry.com Twitter: @SCSHmovie Eric standing front and center of the cast and crew of the film BARBASOL, of which he was the Director of Photography.
new coons A JOLT TO THE SENSES
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The title alone ought to be a tip off. Upon looking at the award winning music video NEW COONS, viewers are immediately subjected to images of black people (particularly in America) that stir up uneasy feelings – to say the least. They know immediately that they’re in store to receive a strong message. Writer/co-director Lyndon McCray describes himself as a huge fan of satire. An experienced comedy writer, he loves to laugh and especially appreciates the combination of humor and dark messages. Ohene Cornelius, the video’s featured performer describes it like this, “The title NEW COONS comes from a joke in passing about the reference song New Slaves by Kanye West. We wanted to appropriate the meaning of the original song and add specifics in terms of demographics, race, and culture.” Mal Dougie, the video’s 2nd editor/co-director talks about his technical responsibility. ”My task was to shoot the video, pull the clips in B-Roll and assemble the first edit. To me, NEW COONS is a conversational piece, and I enjoy screening it and listening to what other people have to say about the images they’ve seen.” All three of the video’s creators hope to see it played in schools and universities – not just in the U.S. but worldwide. Based on audience reaction, there will be no shortage of discussion.
alfonsojohnson Overcoming Obstacles to Turn a Boring Saturday Night into a Work of Art
A truly dedicated filmmaker, one with real passion, will do whatever it takes to complete the project. Alfonso Johnson knows that all too well. Faced with challenges that would sidetrack the most motivated of artists, Alfonso pushed through. The result is his award winning short film, A SATURDAY IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE, which also stars Terron Jones and Charlie Murphy. Alfonso was bored one Saturday night. He signed on to Facebook and posted what would later become the film’s title. “I posted it because it was a Saturday, I was bored, no girls around, no buddies to kick it with,” he says thinking back. “After hearing the ring the title had, I wrote it down and said, ‘I’ve gotta use that.’” With no formal training, Alfonso not only wrote, directed, and starred in the film. He produced it as well. This was not quite the process he intended, but Alfonso did what he had to do. “You need a strong collaborative team on your side, and I just didn’t have that with Saturday,” he says. “So me writing, directing, producing, and starring in it plus paying everyone was arduous, but it was the best learning experience I’ve ever had. No amount of formal education could have taught me the crash course lessons I picked up over the course of finishing this film.” And if that wasn’t challenging enough, Alfonso pressed through preproduction while getting up every day at four o’clock in the morning to accompany his grandfather to radiation treatments. He became obsessed with finishing the film in time so that his beloved family patriarch could see it. Sadly, Alfonso lost his grandfather two days after filming commenced. “Artice Hopkins was and is the reason I’m able to create with no fear.” In honor of his grandfather, and being conscious of his introduction to the world as a filmmaker, Alfonso wanted to make sure all aspects of his production were tight. Everything from the sound, to the distinct music was closely supervised. Finding the right editor was key.
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”I didn’t finish college nor come from money. I wasn’t supposed to live to eighteen.”
Left: Alfonso Johnson with Terron Jones, one of the film’s co-stars. Above: Alfonso in director mode, explaining his desired set up for an upcoming shot.
“Post was a beast to tackle,” is how Alfonso sums it up. “You get one chance to make a grand entrance, otherwise you’re just shouting from the kitchen.” And make a grand entrance he did! Viewers at the Ocktober Music and Film Festival were heard laughing from outside the theater. A SATURDAY IS A TERRIBLE THING TO WASTE went on to win the BEST SHORT award of the festival. What Alfonso should do is to make a film about overcoming challenges and not letting obstacles (which include an inoperable brain aneurysm) get the better of him. ”I didn’t finish college nor come from money. I wasn’t supposed to live to eighteen,” he says. “If you really want something, you will sacrifice whatever it takes to attain it. Some may say I’m a fool because I’ve lost my car and apartment paying for this film. But I see it as pittances given up for my goals.” Alfonso also credits the loving support of his girlfriend as another essential ingredient in helping him to complete his film. “If I didn’t have her, I’d be writing from a nice cold, snug, rat infested corner underneath the 59th Street Bridge,” he jokes – seriously. Alfonso Johnson has created a work that audience members rated very highly. We look forward to seeing what else he creates.
stacey muhammad ENTERTAINING AND EDUCATING
Stacey Muhammad is breaking new ground with her award winning web series, FOR COLORED BOYS – REDEMPTION. The series premiered in August of this year to an overwhelming response. When someone hears the story of a black man having just been released from prison, there are many stereotypes that are immediately associated: gangs, lack of education, poverty, no family system. The idea itself along with those qualities, sadly, can almost be considered routine. Yet, Stacey’s creation is unique. These facets of life, typical in so many prison scenarios, do not apply here. While the subject matter is difficult, this project is indeed refreshing to watch. Viewers are pulled in with superb storytelling and equally masterful acting. This compelling show explores the complex circumstances that have landed its lead character into and out of the prison system. It deserves to be seen by far and wide. UCAN! There are so few women directors, especially
black women directors, whose names really get out there. What inspired you to direct? From where does your passion come? STACEY I’ve always loved film, and I’ve always been a sto-
ryteller and an artist in one way or another. It was a natural progression that feels so organic that I’m sure I was born to do exactly what I’m doing.
UCAN! For how long has the story idea been in your mind? It certainly doesn’t seem as if it was a quick and sudden inspiration. STACEY The concept of For Colored Boys, which was to create a series that explored the lives of black men and all of the sys-
temic issues that affect their lives is an idea I’ve been exploring for many years; initially as a documentary web series concept and later as what it became, a narrative series. I wrote the script for the pilot episode in 2011. After releasing the pilot in September of that year, and touring with it, we decided to release the pilot online. The response was so overwhelmingly positive, that I decided to complete the script for the entire series of the project, which we filmed in May 2013.
UCAN! From where did the storyline come? Is it something you experienced in your own upbringing? Unfortunately too many
African Americans can relate to what you’re saying.
STACEY The storyline was born from exploring the issues that plague black communities, across the country at disproportionate
rates. Mass incarceration and the prison crisis has decimated many of our communities and destroyed many of our families. My intention was to get inside of that issue and talk about the real, tangible ways in which lives are affected by this crisis. Mass incarceration affects our families, friends, neighbors and so many people who look like us who are targets of this privatized industry. UCAN! Being a woman, why did you feel so drawn to tell this story from Benjamin’s point of view? You also concentrate a lot on
Eric. You could have easily told the story through Lisa’s eyes – or Sidney’s. What made you go with Benjamin as the protagonist?
STACEY I am just as committed to the healing and restoring of black men as I am to that of black women. As an activist and an
artist that means creating space where we can have meaningful dialogue about all of the issues that hinder our existence as people of color and what we need to do about it. I don’t feel like that happens enough around men, masculinity and male related issues. My intention with the For Colored Boys series is to explore the experiences of black men and construct stories that explore their humanity and the ways in which being black and male and in America affects their every day lives. UCAN! Audiences are surprised by the idea of Benjamin Sr. being an educated man and coming from an educated family. Sev-
eral times his “degrees” are mentioned, as well as his father being a prominent attorney. Whose idea was that?
opposite page: Stacey posing for a photo shoot in her Brooklyn neighborhood. RIGHT: Actors Rob Morgan and Julito McCullum who play father and son in the series.
STACEY As writer, I thought long and hard about what Benjamin, Sr. “did” to be sent to prison. At some point, I realized that it
was important to me to construct this character as a “professional, educated” man but probably not for the reasons that most people watching the series would imagine. My point was to illustrate that it doesn’t matter what one’s professional or educational level is when it comes to being targeted because of the color of your skin. It dispels the myth that education or career success protects us from the realities of the environment in which we’re embedded. By doing so, we get to examine the system and who it seeks to incarcerate and punish. UCAN! The tenderness between Lisa and Benjamin was palpable through the screen. That is also atypical of what is usually
portrayed in similar circumstances. Tell us some more about your direction with that.
STACEY The intention in every scene is the showcase the broad range of emotions and human experiences that people of Afri-
can descent experience every day. Many of us know this to be true, but the media portrayal of our experiences is very narrowly defined and stereotypic. The tenderness between the characters, although something rarely seen between black characters on screen, is absolutely believable and realistic. They are reflections of the people I know and interact with in my every day life. UCAN! What is the character, “D” about? It’s difficult to tell if he’s a bad guy or not. STACEY We’ll find out much more about the character “D” in Season 2. Yes, thus far he’s been presented in a very ambiguous
way so it’s quite difficult to pinpoint what his intention is. He’s a complex character with a unique backstory that I’m anxious to reveal in Season 2 of the series. UCAN! Who did the music score? It was fantastic. STACEY The soundtrack / score was produced by General Steele of Bucktown USA, one half of the legendary Hip Hop group, Smif
N Wessun. He’s the Music Supervisor of the For Colored Boys series. UCAN! Who does the rapping in the show?
STACEY Julito McCullum, who plays the character “E” is an aspiring MC in the series, as well as real life. UCAN! You’ve got accomplished actors Tim Reid and Isaiah Washington attached to the project (as well as Marc Lamont Hill)
Please tell our readers how you accomplished that wonderful feat.
STACEY Connecting with Tim Reid is a testament to the role social media plays in connecting independent artists to a multitude
of resources. Tim actually reached out to me on Facebook some time ago in reference to my I Am Sean Bell documentary film and asked if I’d visit his Legacy Media Institute in Petersburg, VA to speak with his students about independent filmmaking. Needless to say, I was honored. While there I was able to take a tour of New Millennium Studios, the independent film studio Tim and his team opened in 1997. I realized that having the opportunity to sit and speak with him about many things is the type of support many younger artists need from those who came before us and have done much of what we’re attempting to do now. I left Virginia with a commitment from him to come on board as an actor in the For Colored Boys series. While preparing to release our first episode, I sent Isaiah Washington an instant message with a link to the pilot episode of For Colored Boys with no expectation that he’d pay attention to it, let alone respond. Not only did he respond favorably to the pilot, he asked to see more. He has been extremely hands on and available to speak with me about his hopes and plans for the series and I’m really excited about the direction in which he’s taking the project for Season 2. My publicist, April R. Silver of Akila Worksongs is responsible for securing Marc Lamont Hill as an executive producer. After a Twitter chat and many conversations, Marc’s interest went from supporter to executive producer and for Season 2. He was supportive of our project through the fundraising stages and he remains committed to doing much to advance the project creatively. UCAN! Tell us what your long-term goals are for this story! STACEY To keep telling this story, expanding these characters and ad-
dressing these issues, hopefully for at least five seasons to come. http://www.forcoloredboysseries.com http://www.staceymuhammad.com
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ACTORS Terrence Glenn Thomas True Acting Excellence There aren’t too many contests for actors that include an audience of leading producers, working directors, and casting directors in attendance. At film festivals, all the fuss is about the films – as the event names suggest. This year, the Ocktober Music and Film Festival decided to include a component just for actors to give them an opportunity to be seen by those who can help advance their careers. The winner of the first actors contest is Terrence Glenn Thomas. His monologue was thoughtful and intense. The audience chose him as the winner, and he walked away with a $500 cash prize and a session with an acting coach. We salute Terrence for his brilliance and dedication to the craft of acting. Be sure to be on the lookout for this talented actor. He is a true star in the making.
Check out his IMDb page here: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm5406189/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
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SHUKURA began pursuing a professional career in acting by performing in various theater productions. She then gained recognition in numerous national and international television commercials. She has also worked in various national radio commercials as well as looping for HBO’s, The Wire and Warner Brothers Pictures’, Liberty Heights. She is a cast member of the award winning Stuart Films web series, 12 STEPS TO RECOVERY. Currently SHukura is screening her work in the feature film the Stop and Watch Films production, POCKET FULL OF NICKELS - TE ADORO which is screening right now at the International Puerto Rican Heritage Film Festival.
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SALLY CONNORS is an actress who lives in Brooklyn. She has worked extensively in Off Off Broadway and a few independent films. Her one-acts have been produced by ARTGROUP, the 42nd Street Project, and Collaborative Artists Ensemble.
CHRISTOPHER SCOTT is a talented actor who blew judges away with his audition for the first ever actors competition at the Ocktober Music and Film Festival. He was chosen as a finalist out of dozens of actors who submitted for a chance to compete. His monologue from A SOLDIERS STORY moved audience members and was talked about throughout the rest of the festival. We look forward to seeing what good roles are surely in store for this gifted thespian.
ABFF INDEPENDENT MONDAYS 8 & 11PM ET ASPIRE Network
lomax
Richard
Beauty
“Be flawless in all aspects.”
UCAN! MAGAZINE TRACEY MOORE
— R ichard L oma x
BEFORE+AFTER: LINDSAY CORRINE BEFORE+AFTER: ALEXIS BROWN
Richard Lomax is a NYC based make-up artist to The Stars. Lomax’s 8-year career includes recent projects for the Tamia Hill Tour (NYC) with celebrity make-up artist Demetress Valentine and Sean Paul’s video How Deep Is Your Love featuring Kelly Rowland. He has worked with Robin Givens for the Women Who Care luncheon, with international designers, The DPiper Twins (twice appearing in Sister2Sister Magazine) and for the past 4 years with Iman Cosmetics. He has collaborated with the industry’s top artists, such as Valente Frazier and Byron Barnes. Lomax believes there’s 2 ways to do makeup...your way and the correct way. “When it comes to make-up, hair and fashion...I do it my way.” Please visit the website and blog page for more information.
richardlomaxbeauty www.RichardLomaxBeauty.com . sirr.lomax@gmail.com
STANDOFF
Best Feature Film at the IFFM IMDB Link: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1814865/combined Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StandOffMovie www.blinky-productions.com
Congratulations to filmmaker Chris Notarile and producer Ralph Henriquez on winning the Best Feature Film award at the International Film Festival Manhattan for their film STAND OFF. STAND OFF is about a Mexican stand off, and includes a bank heist, a police raid, and people getting shot. Sounds like a thrilling ride for viewers. And it doesn’t begin to tell the story of what went on behind the scenes when the filmmakers were faced with the challenges of getting this project made. Like a majority of production leaders, Chris and Ralph had to handle the very stressful circumstances of filming with a limited budget. IndieGoGo was their primary method of funding. “It was very stressful because three quarters into our campaign, we weren’t receiving any contributions until the final days after our co-producer, Andrew Singer, contributed a large sum toward the movie. And then money started rolling in,” Ralph remembers. “It’s quite taxing to constantly solicit people for money,” Chris adds. Most independent films are shot guerilla style, just being ready to get the needed shots wherever and whenever possible. ”Ninety percent of the film was shot on private property, so we didn’t need permits since we had permission. But for those brief exterior shots…. We ran into some trouble with the authorities. Long story short: permits! Always get a permit,” Chris stresses. Ralph is in total agreement. “The riskiest part was shooting footage with fake weapons running out of a van onto the street. Many residents in the area got startled.” The next step for STAND OFF is getting domestic distribution. Chris and Ralph are open to different possibilities, whether it’s on DVD, On Demand, iTunes, Netflix, Amazon, Cable, etc. The film already has foreign distribution, but it’s important to them that STAND OFF reaches a mass market on the domestic front. Making a film can be a daunting task. Only a few are up to the challenge. Ralph makes it sound almost easy...maybe easy for those who are technologically inclined. “You have the necessary equipment right at your fingertips. All you need is your cell phone. You can go out and shoot a movie utilizing the filmmaking apps offered and actually make something quite impressive. It’s very possible with the new technology today. Just stick with it,” he says. Chris is more to the point. “Life is not worth living without a passion. But the road to fulfill that passion is one hell of a trek, though the end result will be more satisfying than anything you can ever imagine. And for me, I will gladly venture on that trail ‘til the day I die.”
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It is impossible to count the number of film festival within the business. There are the famous ones like Cannes and TriBeCa. And there are also some that shouldn’t even exist. The Ocktober Music and Film Festival has set a new precedent. Attracting such notables as civil rights leader Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis; music legend and Hip Hop pioneer DJ Kool Herc; mega
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producer Warrington Hudlin, and music and AIDS activist Maria Davis, this festival succeeded in looking out for the interests of everyone in the industry – not just filmmakers. Held at the state-of-the-art theater facility MIST Harlem, the OMFF directors Ant Jones and Emelyn Stuart made sure this festival was all inclusive and had something beneficial for everyone.
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Additional Photo Credits:
Brian Everett Francis Cashin Design Jeff Smith and Reflections Philippe Bocquet Photography
ASTROLOGY NUMEROLOGY NOW NOVEMBER DECEMBER 2013
By Z . S TA R M A N
NOVEMBER 2013 Highlights November 2013 is an EIGHT Universal Month. Add 11 (November is the 11th month) + the Universal year of 6 (2+0-1+3 =6). 11+ 6 = 17. 1+7 = 8 In an 8 universal month the emphasis is money, finances and business. As 2013 comes to a close and 2014 begins, they’ll be major planetary retrogrades and directs in the constellations of Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces and Capricorn. A Retrograde (Rx) is when planets appear to be from Earth’s view moving backwards. Appear is the key word here, because, technically speaking, no planet actually moves backwards in their orbits around the Sun. In fact, they don’t even slow down. First and foremost remember that retrogrades are optical illusions. That result from our point of view from Earth, simply because the Earth is also orbiting the Sun at a different speed than the other planets. At times these illusions or retrogrades can be so strong they’ll force us to act positively or negatively on the areas of our lives or “the twelve houses” they affect. All retrogrades are cosmic timeouts. A time to rethink, readjust, replant reschedule or any word beginning with the prefix “RE” you can think of. The First of the major retrogrades ending 2013 is the Mercury Retrograde in the sign of Scorpio that started on October 21st and ends on November 10th. This retrograde in Scorpio will ask of us to rethink matters of death, legacies inheritances, estates and those of banks and lending institutions. If you have a great credit apply for that personal or business loan after the retrograde. On November 7th at 12:03am ET the planet of abundance and expansion, Jupiter, will retrograde in the sign of Cancer until March 4, 2014. It will be a period of readjustments for Sun Sign Sagittarians and those with Sagittarius ascendants. Cancer rules home and family. Reach out and nurture family members during the holidays especially women. On November 13th for Pisces sun and rising signs its “on your mark get set go!” as your ruling planet Neptune goes direct (moves forward after retrograding) after being retrograde since June 2013. Neptune rules actors and the film industry. Actors dust off your headshots and resumes and get ready to work. November 21st at 10:48pm ET 7:48pm PT the Sun enters the constellation of Sagittarius. Marking the start of the holiday season. Happy bEARTHday Sagittarians! November Celebrity Birthdays: Leonardo DiCaprio, November 11. Whoopi Goldberg, November 13. Miley Cyrus, November 23. Robin Roberts, November 23. Berry Gordy Jr., November 28. Don Cheadle, November 29. DECEMBER 2013 Highlights December 2013 is a NINE Universal Month. December is the 12th month. 1+2+ 2+0+1+3 = 9. A month of completions, ending, and a time when you are apt to take inventory of the many factors in your life. In December 2013 the last major planetary retrograde of the year occurs when Venus the planet of affection, artistic taste, love, possessions, and happiness goes retrograde in the constellation of Capricorn from December 21 –January 31, 2014. Venus is Retrograde every 18 months for approximately 40-43 days. When Venus’s retrograde happens major changes in areas of love, romance and finances will occur especially for Capricorns. Venus is the ruler of Taurus and Libra so it is important for these sun and rising signs to remember their lives will be challenged during this retrograde. Be on guard against overspending during the holiday season and manage money wisely. Buy all holiday presents and gifts before December 21st Avoid buying big ticket items. First time exclusive relationships especially intimate ones should be placed on hold until after the retrograde. On December 2nd at 7:22pm ET Mercury enters Sagittarius and December 4th at 9:42pm Mars enters Libra. The energies of both planets will be detriment or weaken in these signs. Be on guard against mental and physical exhaustion. Full Moon in Gemini occurs December 17th at 4:28am ET. Expect a “spiritual revelation” during this time. Also on December 21st the winter solstice begins in earnest as the sun enters the constellation of Capricorn at 12:11pm ET. Happy bEARTHday Capricorns! Happy Holidays and a Prosperous 2014! December Celebrity Birthdays: Britney Spears, December 2. NeNe Leaks, December 13. Samuel L. Jackson, December 21. Denzel Washington, December 28. Laila Ali, December 30. Contact Z. STARMAN @ 646 389-1311 Email: zstarmannyc@yahoo.com Facebook.com/astrologynumerologynow Facebook.com/zstarman Twitter.com/zstarman
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