volume one issue one
UCAN!
JANUARY FEBRUARY 2013
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PREMIER
ISSUE Slick the Misfit always keeping it honest and real Actors Ron Rivera, Nyle Lynn and TaĂna Elena set the stage for a sizzling 2013 Creative Community Goings On
Emelyn Stuart Ready for more!
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FROM THE EDITOR
UCAN! M
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JANUARY-FEBRUARY 2013 VOLUME ONE ISSUE ONE
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
STAR DAVIS CREATIVE
DIRECTOR
RANDELL PEARSON CONTRIBUTING
EDITORS
HEIDI LEIBOWITZ DENISE THOMAS-KERSEY G. C. WILLIAMS Throughout the years, I’ve lost count of the various things I have had to write. There were the college papers, recommendation letters, business plans, synopses, treatments, press releases, etc. I am always happy to write for others, but I yearned to design something of my own that served a real purpose. My ‘light bulb’ moment occurred when I realized just how many artists and content creators I know who really need a platform to talk about their work. I decided to create a publication dedicated to showcasing those who choose entertainment as their way of life. Upcoming issues will give readers an inside view of what’s happening in the creative community. UCAN! is here! We hope to inspire and encourage our readers –- and to convince you that it IS possible to succeed in the business of show. We will share the stories of real people and the obstacles they overcame to get to where they are. We will feature artists and content creators from film, television, music, and spoken word. If you ever have doubts or wonder if you can make it in this business, just remember UCAN!
Star Davis
CHRISTOPHER GRISSOM editorial
p roduction
NAIMA SOLOMON ENTERTAINMENT
DIRECTOR
KAREN Y. BROWN RESEARCH
CENTER
KEIDRA CAMERON MICHELLE DUBOIS PAMELA JONES ADVERTISING
DIRECTOR
KIMBERLY ANN RICHARDS
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.
coming summer 2013... see the trailer here: http://youtu.be/9FZhEhZFF80
SLICK F R O M
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MISFIT Brooklyn filmmaker Slick the Misfit is young, creative and multi-talented. With his feature length film FULL CIRCLE now in post production, Slick takes a few minutes to talk with UCAN! about the rewards and challenges during its making.
UCAN! WHAT WAS YOUR MOTIVATION FOR THE FULL CIRCLE SCRIPT? SLICK It all started from music. Four beats to be exact I was sent by a producer and the beats made me feel four different types of emotions and gave me four different stories and visuals. One was sad, one was revengeful, one was sexual, and one was just crazy energy and excitement. I started to write treatments for all four of them, but I wanted to connect them with a story so they all made sense together. I wanted to make a music video short film. As I wrote the script for it, it came out to about forty pages I believe. I pushed the script around and some industry people convinced me to turn it into a feature cause everybody like the script. I learned that there’s no money in short films and that the opportunity for features was much brighter. Only thing was I needed like another 40-50 pages which I really wasn’t trying to do. You know once you work so hard on something and feel like you finished, the worst thing is to go back to it and work harder on it. It’s like doing a big pile of dishes and right when you dry your hands, take a seat on the couch, and try to chill - an army of people come dropping more dishes on your sink. UCAN! WHAT WERE THE MOST REWARDING / FRUSTRATING ASPECTS OF MAKING FULL CIRCLE? SLICK Rewarding was finishing shooting it and having a wrap party to celebrate on my birthday. Frustrating by far was the tiny microscopic budget which made me have to wear way too many hats and cut all my regular sleep for three weeks. I started getting back pains and jaw pains that I’ve never had before. UCAN! WHY ARE YOU IN THIS BUSINESS, AND WHAT MADE YOU CHOOSE THE ACTING COMPONENT? SLICK I’m in this business because I consider myself an entertainer. If you have a talent to entertain and can actually make something entertaining, then there’s no reason why you should be in any other business. I hate nine-to-fives with a passion. I hate being an ant in a huge hamster wheel factory of doing the same stuff, taking orders, and not being able to do anything creative. I chose the acting simply to get my face and brand out there. UCAN! WHAT IS IT ABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT BUSINESS THAT YOU LOVE (AND THE SAME ABOUT WHAT YOU DISLIKE)? SLICK I love the reward of a finished product. I’d like to love the money, but I’m not getting enough of that yet! I don’t love people who say they’re going to do something and then never do— or act differently after the fact. Just people who can’t keep their word. This business is filled with them. UCAN! WHAT ARE YOUR HOBBIES OUTSIDE OF THE BUSINESS? SLICK Boxing; volunteering to help [Hurricane] Sandy victims; taking care of my family and friends. UCAN! HOW DO YOU HANDLE WORKING WITH DIFFICULT PEOPLE (DIRECTORS/PRODUCERS, ETC.)? CAN YOU GIVE AN EXAMPLE OR TWO? SLICK Well when you’re a director or producer you kind of have a small luxury of not needing to deal with
Far left: A painted mural in Bushwick, Brooklyn outside of a subway station. Left: Slick around the way. Right: Official poster for Full Circle, which also stars Rob Morgan and Celestine Rae. Far right: Slick’s appearance in 12 Steps to Recovery.
anybody who you really don’t like. But, I deal with them calmly at first just knowing that in the future I’ll never work with them again. No reason to get mad or crazy at somebody in the heat of the moment because that won’t help [while on set]. Just know you’ll need to replace them and don’t leave or fire somebody unless you got something else as a back up. During pre-production of Full Circle I dealt with two very difficult, disloyal, lying, bad attitude people. One was a guy, one was a girl. They both had pretty big roles in our production as well. They left the production a few days before our first shoot date and then went the extra mile and tried taking more people from the production with them! However, blessings come in disguises. The two people that replaced them were as good as its gets. I’m still friends and work with those people now. UCAN! WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER OVER THE NEXT YEAR? SLICK Ahh man. My goals are pretty extreme just know that. I look to become a successful award-wining rapper/director/actor. I want to be touring from music and when I’m not touring-shooting movies. That’s my main goal. UCAN! DOES SPIRITUALITY PLAY A ROLE IN YOUR BUSINESS DECISION MAKING? SLICK Well I pray every night, and I know that God has blessed me. Not just with a talent but with a family, a roof, food, and a healthy body. So I’m grateful for that first. I just pray the talent I have, I’m able to get the world to see and respect. UCAN! WHAT DOES BEING A LEADER MEAN TO YOU? SLICK Being a leader is knowing what you want and knowing nobody can stop you. Once you’re sure of that you’re already a leader. You don’t even need followers. UCAN! ANYTHING YOU CAN SAY TO ENCOURAGE FELLOW UP-AND-COMING YOUNG FILMMAKERS LIKE YOURSELF? SLICK Yeah. Never ever ever bank or rely on somebody else to make you famous or help you get to the top. Not unless your father is Will Smith or Jay-Z. Most of the time nobody is going to help you like you can help yourself. Nobody is going to go as hard as you on your own career. What took me so long to realize that is the fact that you’re the one who benefits the most. So why is someone else going to make you hot? Do as much as you can yourself, and if you put almost everything you got into it things will start to fall in place. Just remember I’ve got a looooong way to go, so don’t think I made it yet because I really haven’t. I still live in the ‘hood battling roaches and rats in Bushwick. I still got one of those bathrooms where if you flush the toilet the shower water gets boiling hot! I’m not even close to where I want to be actually, just closer than a lot of people that’s all. UCAN! Thank you for taking the time to speak with us. SLICK Thanks and love.
ACTORS S
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Ron Rivera is an actor, producer and the owner of Double R Films. He recently starred in the Off-Broadway play A Wound in Time by Stephanie Wilson which had a successful four-week run at the prestigious St. Lukes Theatre. He is currently producing and acting in the dramatic feature Te Adoro, from Stop and Watch Films. Ron looks forward to taking this film to many festivals in 2013.
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Nyle Lynn can be seen on the web as a young mom in Allstate’s Stories from the Heartland, and on CNN.com as an iReporter. She is hosting the new webisode called Paparazzi Perfect ® www.nylelynn.com
Taína Elena, Co-Founder of the Dedicated Actors Group, stars as Crista De Leon, a young spoken word artist who discovers her true identity in the upcoming film, Te Adoro. Next month she begins filming a webseries with the D.A.G. crew that is sure to provide lots of work opportunities for other actors. See the trailer @ http://youtu.be/-Hooalzd9S0
C A S T I N G
C O R N E R
tiandragayle After creating NightinGayle Casting in October 2010. Tiandra Gayle is quickly becoming a go-to in the casting world. She has an impressive range of work to her credit which includes having cast the acclaimed theatrical production BOX, an episode of Punch TV’s 12 Steps to Recovery, the entire cast of the feature film Full Circle (of which she was also a producer) and most recently The Challenger starring the late Michael Clarke Duncan. Six years ago she started casting projects for friends and fell in love with it. A self proclaimed movie, TV and theater buff, Tiandra really wanted to be involved in the creation stage of projects. “Choosing talent, and seeing the talent in others is very exciting to me,” she explains. “I love being a part of the opportunity giving process!” Most actors know that feeling of nervousness when he or she is called in to audition. It can be daunting and even paralyzing to the more timid. Tiandra knows those feelings all too well after having been on the other side of the table a few times herself. “I try to limit how many people sit at the table, because it can be intimidating and nerve-wracking. It’s important to have an environment in which one feels open to do the work to get the job.” Her auditions are known for being professional, while easygoing and welcoming at the same time. Another important facet of casting is being open-minded to actors who are good, but not what Tiandra originally had in mind. “I too have to remain open to the script as a whole, so that when I see something different, I can try things.” There are many things about the entertainment business that keep Tiandra going. “I love being involved in the process of creating stories and bringing them to life. I love discovering talent and inspiring actors to continue their journey. I absolutely love making that phone call to inform an actor that they got the part. This business can be a lot of fun and very rewarding.” With her love and enthusiasm for the world of casting, it is safe to say Tiandra Gayle’s star is just beginning to rise.
C O V E R
F E A T U R E
Living
a Life of
Faith &
Service The Trials, Tests and Miraculous Blessings along the Way B Y S TA R
D A VIS
P H O T O G R A P H Y B Y C H A R LES
D A VI D
NYC
Many times I have seen signs that faith is essential for living a prosperous life. Not just financially. Having faith improves your quality of life overall. You are happier, more healthy, and success comes from areas you least expected. By no means does faith cancel out the need for hard work. You will work very hard to see success. But faith is the thread that connects all of life’s aspects. I have been able to witness this phenomenon up close and in person. Producer Emelyn Stuart is a woman who embodies that exact principle. Her rise in the world of independent entertainment has left many industry veterans scratching their heads. Without any formal training in film or television, Emelyn has spearheaded several successful projects including Punch TV’s 12 Steps to Recovery, and the short film Heads or Tails which was broadcast on the CBS network in New York City. Her strong business sense, like her spiritual sense, is both innate and formally trained. Before graduating from Baruch College in New York City, Emelyn was surrounded by majors and concentrations in business. Yet, she chose to study social work. Her giving nature was apparent from early on. Such altruism is rare in this passion-driven business. To find someone who lives a life of giving and exemplifies that through cold, hard action is to find someone truly unique and ultimately very powerful. We meet up in Emelyn’s childhood neighborhood of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. After settling in at a lively restaurant, we get to talk about areas of belief that are seldom followed in the high stakes world of entertainment. “To see people grow and become more confident, because of something I did,” she says “is the greatest reward for me. To know that I had a hand in making them a better artist and a happier person….” For someone to get their biggest sense of satisfaction from others’ good fortune seems downright fake. But it’s real, and to see the results of it is mind-blowing. Following are specific tenets that Emelyn and I both believe will attract good fortune to many areas of your life. The Spirit of GENEROSITY Everyday thousands of people look to the Stuart Film Group page on Facebook and to Twitter to get the latest, most accurate information about business related topics. Articles ranging from lighting sets 101 to negotiating distribution contracts are regularly found on the Stuart Film Group’s timeline. This is one of the many, many ways Emelyn demonstrates her need to help others to more quickly reach their goals. At business meetings and appearances, Emelyn is frequently approached for advice and consultation. She freely gives of her time and of her knowledge. “At heart, I’m really a servant,” she says matter-of-fact like. Stating that would make most people cringe. For Emelyn, to live out this belief has broadened her experience much more than if she had gone straight from school to top management. Having a good business relationship with Emelyn Stuart and Stuart Films has also proven to be economically beneficial. In the five short years of its existence, Stuart Films has provided employment opportunities for literally hundreds of people. Dozens of actors have gotten to act, and many jobs are provided for crew members and outside businesses. HUMILITY Another principle by which Emelyn lives is one of humility. Many believe to humble themselves is to be submissive and vulnerable. Emelyn could not disagree any more strongly. “To humble yourself actually helps you in business. You’re able to not take things personally and think much more clearly.” Harboring feelings of fear, resentment, and selfishness are guaranteed ways of thwarting your own progress. “Those feelings cloud your judgment and make it so you only see a small glimpse of the whole picture. Not only is the glimpse a small one, it’s always distorted.” There were several instances where Emelyn would fund projects for creators who were less than considerate or appreciative of her good nature. Close associates and confidants insisted that she set these people straight and, if need be, kill the projects altogether. However Emelyn being humble and quick to forgive will never accept a person’s bad energy as meant for her directly. “You never know what people are going through in their lives. They may bring it to you, but most of the time it has nothing to do with you.”
HARD WORK “I realize that it may seem like I arrived here, where I am today, on some magic carpet but trust me...I got here by going straight through ‘Corporate America,’ then I made a left at the ‘Fast Talking Investor Lane,’ then I made a right at ‘I’m Going to Fund My Own Projects’ and finally I jumped off a cliff called ‘Producing,’ and VOILA....Here I am! Not easy.” Not having a technical background in this business has required Emelyn to study and learn at a break-neck speed. While working in “Corporate America,” she would often stay up all night reading articles and collecting information. Of course her work ethic required that both jobs be completed thoroughly and to a high standard - essential elements in “Fast Talking Investor Lane.” Emelyn believes wholeheartedly that living a life of generosity, humility, and hard work has propelled her forward much faster than what is considered normal. Industry old schoolers along with the newer companies often consult with her to help establish more effective career strategies. Requests come in from multiple film festivals and organizations for her to sit on their panels and participate in their development. She is now looking for ways to give and serve on a broader level. What could that possibly be? A global feature film or television show? A film school that educates for free? “I’m not sure how much longer I’ll be producing. I’m ready to serve in other areas beyond entertainment.” “Really? In what ways,” I ask. “Politics,” Emelyn says with a smile. So...does this mean that she will live out her beliefs of generosity, humility, and hard work and blaze the trails in politics-just as she is doing now in entertainment? Time will only tell. But so far genorsity, humility, and hard work have proven to be a winning combination for Emelyn Stuart.
“As I get ready to face the challenges and victories ahead of me, I’m anchored in the fact that for me being significant is much more important than being successful.” Stuart Film Group on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emelynstuart www.stuartfilmgroup.com
DENISE MICHEL
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Golden Boy Belasco Theatre 111 West 44th Street New York NY ph 212-239-6200 Cast includes: Seth Numrich, Tony Shalhoub, Danny Burstein, Yvonne Stradowski Director: Bartlett Sher Presented by: Lincoln Center Theatre What a delight to go to the theatre and see a production that is absolutely divine from the direction, to the set design, to the entire cast of actors! Everything comes together for this brilliant production of the Clifford Odets’ play Golden Boy, which is now playing at the very same theatre where it debuted seventy five years ago. Seth Numrich’s work portraying Joe Bonaparte is powerful and riveting. The gifted violinist Bonaporte is confronted with the choice of playing the violin for which his father had earnestly saved over a year, or pursuing the dazzle of being a prize fighter. Tortured Bonaparte chooses the latter with all the supposed trappings that come from being successful in that arena. Joe’s father is played to perfection by Tony Shalhoub with the tenderness and loving devotion of a genuinely caring parent. Mr. Shalhoub’s performance made me tear up as he helplessly watches his son unravel in a downward spiral. In this depression-era drama, the timeless conflict of “which road to choose” resonates well with the audience. The father, Mr. Bonaparte represents the way it’s done in the “old country,” and the younger Bonaparte’s nature is more thoughtless and uncontrolled. The supporting characters, from the wisecracking secretary to the fast talking manager, truly compliment Bartlett Sher’s superb direction. This three-act drama with two intermissions does not disappoint. This is a production worthy of seeing and runs until January 20.— G. C. Williams
GO I N G S ON
UCAN! Magazine had a great time at the BECOMING RICARDO PARTY - sponsored by Casa Capicu. We and lots of other industry professionals were delighted to be at this event in support of the wonderful TV show Becoming Ricardo. The show was created by Jesenia the Comedian and written by Jesenia the Comedian and Jenni Ruiza. Top left: Jesenia the Comedian in character as Ricardo with the beautiful Lisa Velez Mello (aka Lisa Lisa) who plays her mother on the show. Top right: Stuart Films in the house! Producers Keidra Cameron and Star Davis. Bottom left: The show’s director, Tony Clomax does some male bonding with Ricardo. Bottom right: Ricardo posing with the fellas.
A Reality Soul Series Coming Summer 2013 See the trailer here: http://youtu.be/WvezLdLDynQ