Subject:CINEMA and Popcorn N Roses Present
THE 8TH ANNUAL POPCORN N ROSES RISING STARS HONORS JULY 4 2013
It’s that time of year again, folks! Time to roll up our sleeves, go through the huge lists we compile every year, and make the big decisions – as in who will make it to the top ten men and women on the annual Popcorn N Roses Rising Stars Honors list! We started the Rising Stars Honors list in 2006, shortly after launching our podcast “Subject:CINEMA”, and it almost immediately became one of our most listened-to shows each year. In 2008, we started doing the show as our annual Independence Day special, and in 2010 we officially began ranking the honorees. The process for making each year’s list is not easy either. Each year, Kim and I keep a short (or, in total truth, rather long) list of performers we want to keep an eye on, and possibly put under consideration for the list. As always, there are many more performers on our consideration list than we have room for on each years’ official list, so every year in late May, we sit down to discuss (and argue) about the contenders and why each performer should or should not be considered for that years’ list. Some performers remain on the considerations list for several years (including several of this year’s honorees) before we actually name them to the list – for example, Josh Hutcherson was under consideration for the list since 2007, but didn’t make the official list – and at #1 to boot – until 2010, when he was really beginning to break out thanks to his roles in “Journey To The Center To The Earth” and “The Kids Are All Right”. Others make the list almost immediately due to a huge impression they make on us (and sometimes on the general public as well). This year, 22 males and 17 females were on the considerations list, and those who didn’t make the top ten will remain under consideration for a future list. And we couldn’t decide on one position this year on the male side, so we gave #10 a tie – there are actually 21 people on this year’s list instead of just 20. We also have a considerable track record – we have spotted a number of young performers before they became household names, including Robert
Pattinson, Dakota & Elle Fanning, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Emile Hirsch, Elizabeth Olsen, Ezra Miller, Dane DeHaan, Quvenzhane Wallis, and others. Overall, we are lucky enough to have about a 85% accuracy rate with our picks. Sure, not everyone is going to be huge – but they ARE still working and doing what they want to do –and in some cases, that might mean they’re now out of the business… This year’s crop of Rising Stars – the Class of 2013 as it were – haveonce again make their mark in various places thus far – TV, Film, Music, and Internet – and on all of the performers, a film career appears to be beckoning to them. It is our hope that if you haven’t listened to the annual announcement show yet, that you will check it out, as well as our video announcement on our YouTube channel – and hopefully become a regular listener of Subject:CINEMA and a regular visitor to Popcorn N Roses and its sister sites that make up the PNR Networks family. We are at http://popcornnroses.com and http://subjectcinema.com! Without further ado, we are extremely pleased to announce the Eighth Annual Popcorn N Roses Rising Stars Honors List! Enjoy!
TC Kirkham July 2013
LIAM JAMES #10A MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Hitting a home run with “The Way Way Back” Has finally grown out of the obnoxious preteen roles Liam has been on our radar for several years, since his turn in the 2009 disaster epic “2012”, where he played John Cusack’s obnoxious son. Since then, the not quite 17 year old actor has blossomed, moving into roles that have had a great depth of character to them. His turn as “Duncan” in this summer’s critical comedy darling “The Way Way Back” is on the verge of turning him into a household name, and a face we’ll be seeing a lot more of in the future. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Killing” – now being seen on the third season of this cult AMC television hit
OSRIC CHAU #10B MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Popular with the CW’s “Supernatural” fanbase Can handle both drama and comedy with panache 26 year old Osric is one of those young actors you can miss if you’re not paying attention, and that’s perhaps the biggest compliment you can pay a budding character actor. Like his fellow honoree Liam James, he first came to our attention in the blockbuster disaster epic “2012”, but it was his hilarious turn as the inept, nerdy Peng, sidekick to 2011 RSH Alumnus Thomas Mann’s equally nerdy Roosevelt in the Nickelodeon comedy “Fun Size” that really got our attention and landed him on this year’s list. We know big things are waiting just around the corner for Chau. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Supernatural” - he continues to have a recurring role as Kevin Tran on this long running cult hit “Halo 4:Forward Until Dawn” – he can be seen in this television series playing Junjie Chen
ALONA TAL #10 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Oft-seen actress has finally gained some major recognition A staple of CW’s cult favorite “Cult” We’ve been keeping an eye on Alona for about four years now, waiting for her to have that role that should generate just enough buzz to bring her to everyone’s attention. She got that this year in the short-lived CW television series “Cult”, which earned, pardon the pun, a cult following in a very short time. She was quickly on the talk show circuit promoting the series, and every appearance she makes, she gets more buzz. She was also seen recently in the feature film “Broken City”, co-starring alongside Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Night Of The Living Dead: Origins 3D” – Alona is voicing Helen Cooper in this animated reimagining of the original feature film.
TY SIMPKINS #9 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Not nearly as “Insidious” as his character More than holds his own as Robert Downey Jr’s pint-sized sidekick in “Iron Man 3” Despite his young age – at 12, Ty is the youngest member of the RSH Class of 2013 – he is already a seasoned pro in the business, and a face you might recognize, having spent a number of years on the daytime drama circuit and doing commercials. In the past two years, however, he has hitched his career to some stellar projects. Audiences have come to know him as the young boy trapped in a netherworld after a head injury in the terrifying thriller “Insidious” and as the street-smart, far-too-wise-for-his-age smart aleck sidekick to Robert Downey Jr in this spring’s blockbuster “Iron Man 3”. On our short list last year and just missing the cut, his turn in the latter film convinced us that Ty’s time is HERE…and it’s only a matter of time before his career really flies into the stratosphere. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Insidious: Chapter Two” – Ty is reprising his role from the original film in the hotly anticipated sequel, due out on Friday, September 13th 2013 “Conversations With Andy” – Ty is starring in this family fantasy about a ten year old getting advice on how to prevent his parents from divorcing from family friend Andy Warhol…oh, yeah, THIS should be interesting…
ERIN MORIARTY #9 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Has done her turn on the soap circuit The “Queen” to the “Kings Of Summer” She’s barely eighteen, she’s beautiful, and she’s super talented – what ISN’T there to love about Erin? Recently seen in the short-lived ABC thriller “Red Widow” and now on movie screens everywhere in the critically-acclaimed, Sundance favorite “The Kings Of Summer”, Erin shows in that film that she can just pick up a part and walk away with the entire film. She’s got stardom written all over her work, and who knows – maybe she can play her namesake CBS journalist in a biopic someday…heh heh heh… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Philosophers” – Erin joins an international cast of young performers including Bonnie Wright (“Harry Potter” series) and Daryl Sabara (“Spy Kids”) in this fantasy about how to reboot the human race after an apocalypse.
ISRAEL BROUSSARD #8 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Hits it right over the wall in his first lead role Completely comfortable with his role in the real life drama “The Bling Ring” Israel is one of those performers who manages to charm everyone the second they see him on screen, and has made him one of those young actors who made the RSH in their first year of being considered. His debut lead role as a somewhat-lackluster gay teen fashionista in Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring” is off the chart fantastic, and a big role like this should lead to better and better success in LaLa Land. His manner of carrying his character on-screen reminded me a lot of another young actor I think he bears a passing resemblance to, 2007 RSH alumnus Patrick Fugit. UPCOMING PROJECTS: Israel is presently sifting through a variety of projects, and it won’t be long before he lands another big role on his road to stardom.
TAISSA FARMIGA #8 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Talent runs in her genes and veins thanks to mom Vera Handles terrified and vapid very well (in two different roles, of course) Taissa made her mark last year on the FX smash series “American Horror Story” and now this summer, takes on a role that’s a complete opposite – as a vapid, celebrity-obsessed high-schooler in Sofia Coppola’s “The Bling Ring”. But Taissa is no stranger to acting – her mom Vera is one of the most popular character actresses of all time, and it’s absolutely clear Taissa got her looks and her talent passed down the gene pool to her. If her talent pushes her to be as versatile as her mom, there are HUGE things waiting for her in the near future… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Jamseyboy” – this teen gang film has Taissa in a large featured role costarring with James Woods and Mary-Louise Parker “Middleton” – a “what if” romantic comedy co-starring with mom Vera, as well as Andy Garcia and Nicholas Braun “Mindscape” – The story of a troubled 16 year old and trying to decipher whether she’s really a victim or a sociopath, co-starring Mark Strong
C.J. ADAMS #7 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Can already shoulder a whole film of his own, and has… Not ashamed to push his way to the front of veteran co-stars like Jennifer Garner and Joel Edgerton At just 13, CJ is already having casting agents beat a path to his door. The title star of “The Odd Life Of Timothy Green” last year, CJ carried 70 percent of the movie, and stood alongside a host of veterans, able to make his mark without a problem; it was a bravura performance from someone so young, able to make you laugh so hard you could barely breathe, and also cry so hard you think you’ll never stop, and it earned him TC’s yearend Poppy Award for Best Juvenile Performance of 2012. And also earned him a spot on this year’s RSH, because we know if he can do all that at 12, there’s a LOT more to be seen from this young man… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Against The Wild” – CJ recently wrapped on this story of survival when two kids are stranded with their Alaskan malamute dog after a plane crash, co starring Natasha Henstridge and Erin Pitt
LYNDSY FONSECA #7 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: “Nikita” puts her front and center this year Returning to her best-known film role this summer in “KickAss 2”
Lyndsy has been on our radar for several years, but never really pushed it over the top until now. Visible on television shows from daytime drama “The Young and The Restless” to primetime’s “Desperate Housewives” , it was her turn as a regular on the CW’s hit “Nikita” that finally moved her up and onto the RSH list. In addition to television work, Lyndsy will reprise her role as Dave’s loyal girlfriend Katie (opposite 2010 RSH alumnus Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in “KickAss 2” next month. And with “Nikita” ending after its upcoming season, the time is ripe for her to make the full-time leap to film stardom. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “KickAss 2 “ – as noted above, Lyndsy will be back on the big screen in August reprising her role as Katie, girlfriend to the self-made superhero KickAss, played by Aaron Taylor-Johnson “Nikita” – as the show enters it’s fourth and final season on the CW, look for Lyndsy to play a pivotal role in the show’s final episodes..
GABRIEL BASSO #6 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: 2011’s “Super 8” first put him on our radar His role in “The Kings of Summer” moves him onto the list in a big way We first noticed Gabriel in the 2011 JJ Abrams-directed family film “Super 8” playing the nerdy Martin. But it was his run on the cable series “The Big C” and his role in this summer’s off-the-wall comedy “The Kings Of Summer” that proved he belongs on this year’s RSH list. He has a certain style of charm that he brings to every role he plays, and no matter what kind of character it is, he manages to let that charm shine through. I have a feeling Gabriel could easily play a charming psychopath and get away with it…and that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? He’s got the chops to go a long way… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Big C” - Gabriel has just wrapped up the final season of the acclaimed Showtime series
ODEYA RUSH #6 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Jumps out of a relatively small role and makes us care about her character Beauty, grace, charm, and talent rolled into one package Acting is just part of her palette - Odeya has been turning heads as a model in both print and in commercials since she was in her preteens. Since she made the move into acting several years ago, she’s been racking up quite an impressive list of credits, not the least of which was the role of Joni, the girl who knows Timothy’s true secrets, in “The Odd Life Of Timothy Green”. Although clearly older than Timothy, she treated him as an equal and a friend; she took what could have been an obnoxious, one-note role and turned Joni into one of the memorable character of last summer. If she can do that with every role, there’s not a chance of stopping her rising star… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “We Are What We Are” – Odeya has a featured role in this horror film due out in October. “Mary Mother of Christ” – Odeya has been pegged for the title role in this already much anticipated film scheduled to start production late this year for a Christmas 2014 release
ALEX CARDILLO #5 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: A regular on Canadian television, he’s about to break worldwide on the big screen He has proven to know exactly what he’s doing whether playing comedy and drama Alex might be a total unknown to most of our readers and listeners, unless you’re from Canada, but he won’t be for long. Already a popular performer in his native land thanks to long-running roles on TV series like “Durham County” and “The Yard”, he’s making a major move to films with one of last year’s most critically acclaimed, awardwinning festival circuit films. In “I Declare War”, hitting US theaters in August from Drafthouse Films, Alex plays “Frost”, an intensely sweet and hilariously imaginative kid who probably shouldn’t be involved in war games with his friends. While the entire young cast is excellent, Alex shines just ever so slightly above all of them and his antics onscreen – filled with comedy and also a bit of angst - command your attention. And we think it’s going to lead to bigger and brighter career opportunities for him throughout the film and television world… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “I Declare War” – as noted above, this hilarious and poignant teen drama features Alex in the role that put him on this list, and hits theaters August 30 2013 from Drafthouse Films “Tell The World” – Alex is presently filming this 1800’s period piece due out next year.
HALEY RAMM #5 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Breakout performances in three films over the past two years Off and on the short list for the longest period of time in RSH History Of all the young performers who have made our short list for a year or two before making the list, Haley has been on it off and on for the longest period of time – almost SEVEN YEARS! We first noticed Haley in the critically-acclaimed film “Into The Wild” back in 2007, and since that time, she’s built up a steady string of unbelievable performances. And after almost making the cut in 2011 and 2012, fantastic performances in the films “Skateland”, “Red State” and “Disconnect” have combined to make 2013 her year. With her track record, we know Haley has what it takes to push even further up the list of in-demand young actresses, and we know she’s going to do it, too… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Chasing Life” – Haley is appearing in this upcoming ABC Family drama about a young lady dealing with a terminal illness “Dakota’s Summer” – Haley has the lead in this story of a summer of life on the young rodeo circuit
JOEY LUTHMAN #4 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Multi-talented performer and a proven expert at every aspect Has racked up an incredible string of Young Artist awards nominations Joey first made the short list in 2010, and we’ve been keeping an eye on his budding career since. Although presently best known for roles on TV series “Kickin’ It” (which won him a 2013 Young Artist award for featured performer, one of SIX nominations he landed this year) and “How To Rock”, as well as his off-the-wall cable and internet talk show “The Joey and Elise Show”, co-hosted by sister Elise, he is also actively involved in a variety of short films and feature films. Throw in the fact that he’s also a musician and a stand up comedian, and Joey’s got the full package. And seeing as how talent runs in the family, it’s probably only a matter of time before sister Elise graces this list in future years as well… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Tough Guy” and “Burn Brightly” – Joey has wrapped filming on these two short films that will no doubt be making the festival circuit over the next year or so
KATIE CHANG #4 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Performance in “The Bling Ring” puts her front and center Charm and grace, and a sense of what she wants puts her in the forefront Since landing her debut film role in “The Bling Ring” as the thieving, celebrity-obsessed ringleader Rebecca Ahn, Katie is not sitting idly by; she’s had parts in a couple of other projects since then. Katie, who plans to attend Columbia University this fall, does not intend to give up acting while in college. In fact, she’s been training in her native Chicago for a number of years already, and will likely be hitting the auditions in NYC between classes. Katie is a young performer we’re going to greatly enjoy watching the progress of over the next several years, because if she’s THAT good in her debut, I have a feeling we probably haven’t even scratched the surface of her talent.. UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Birder’s Guide To Everything” – Katie will next be seen in this indie comedy co-starring alongside Kodi Smit-McPhee and Sir Ben Kingsley; it is due out later this year
THOMAS BRODIESANGSTER #3 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Plying his trade for years waiting for the right role A child performer moving into more mature roles with great conviction Thomas has been one of those kids you see in virtually every film or TV project needing someone his age made in the UK over the last decade – he appeared in “Nanny McPhee” and “Love Actually” on the big screen and did his stint as a “Doctor Who” guest star as well. He first got noticed by us in a big way playing the teenaged Paul McCartney (opposite 2010 RSH alumnus Aaron Taylor-Johnson) in the sadly-underseen John Lennon biopic “Nowhere Boy” in 2010, and now has hitched his rising star to the monster HBO hit “Game of Thrones” where he plays Jojen Reed. Looks like biding his time doing the kid actor turn is really starting to pay off for Thomas, and we know there’s even more yet to come… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Maze Runner” – Thomas appears in this sci-fi thriller that brings to mind a cross between “The Running Man” and the novel “House Of Stairs” “Phineas and Ferb” - Thomas has supplied the voice of Ferb since the very beginning on this top-rated Disney TV cartoon, and is finishing up work on the new season of crazy adventures scheduled to premiere later this year, as well as a feature film hitting theaters next summer.
LAKE BELL #3 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: One of those actresses you’re sure you know but you don’t know why… She’s Queen of the Sundance world as the writer, director, and star of her latest project As the oldest member of the RSH Class of 2013 at 33, Lake is poised to become Hollywood’s breakout girl of the next year or so. Already very visible in various projects from 2009’s “It’s Complicated”, where she plays Alec Baldwin’s wife, to her role on the Adult Swim cult hit “Children’s Hospital”, she’s known to quite a few fans. But this year, Lake took the Sundance Film Festival by storm, winning a screenwriting award for her debut film as a writer, director, producer, and star. “In A World…” is set in the world of movie voiceovers, and was one of this year’s favorites at the festival. Having already seen this hilarious film co-starring Demetri Martin, we know this film is going to catapult Lake onto the “It” list as an actress, as well as a director and writer, and you’ll know it too when the film hits theaters and OnDemand next month… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “In A World…” – Lake’s debut as writer/producer/director/star hits theater and OnDemand in August, and trust us – if you like showbiz comedies, you’re gonna love this one… hey, Sundance KNOWS what it’s doing…heh heh
THOMAS MCDONELL #2 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Whether he’s playing a teenager or an adult, Thomas is charming all the ladies He easily transitions between comedy and drama
An actor, model, musician, and visual (performance) artist, Thomas has been working hard at his career for almost a decade. After years of modeling, he made the transition to acting in a small role in the martial arts flick “The Forbidden Kingdom” and hasn’t looked back. Lead roles in the teen comedies “Prom” and “Fun Size” has also made Thomas a very bankable commody with the ladies as well. Next to be seen as one of the leads in the CW’s upcoming midseason science fiction series “The 100”, and continuing his film career as well, there is no doubt that with each role he lands, Thomas’ star is getting brighter and brighter… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The 100” (aka “The Hundred”) – Thomas is part of this midseason ensemble piece on The CW, and it’s already got a ton of buzz around it… “Where The Devil Hides” - Thomas co-stars with Rufus Sewell and Colm Meaney in this horror film about young girls disappearing from within a cult religion; scheduled to hit theatres (and OnDemand) on October 11 2013
AMY SEIMETZ #2 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Already a superstar on the indie film circuit She’s the total package - actress, writer, producer, and director
Amy is already a superstar on the indie film circuit. She’s been around for the better part of the last decade, and has plied her stock and trade as a versatile actress, as well as a director, writer, and producer of many projects. She won Kim’s year-end Rosie award for Best Actress in the horror thriller “A Horrible Way To Die” (also nabbing TC’s runner up in that category). And in the last two years, she’s moved behind the camera in features as well, directing and writing the critically acclaimed fest favorite “Sun Don’t Shine”. Whether she’s in front of the camera acting, or doing double duty in front of and behind the camera, or when she’s out of sight and strictly behind the scenes, Amy is that rarest of rare bird in Hollywood - successful with ALL hats she wears… UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Unicorns” – Amy co-stars in this fantasy piece about a teenager who turns to fantasy when her romance turns violent “The Killing” – Amy is back on the small screen (along with this year’s #10a Male Liam James) on AMC’s cult followed hit that was saved from premature cancellation late last year
TYE SHERIDAN #1 MALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Spot-on parts have made for a meteoric rise The perfect teen actor to play imperfect teens In the short span of just two years, and with just two perfect parts, Tye has proved he is going to be one of the top young actors of his generation. He has the natural ability to take on any role and make it work. And obviously there’s something just “right” about him, since it was famed director Terrance Malick that gave him the role in “The Tree Of Life” that shot him to fame almost overnight. Now with another critically acclaimed role in the 2012 Cannes Film Festival favorite “Mud” putting him in the lead and allowing him to shine in ways most young actors who have to play opposite Matthew McConaghy would have a difficult time doing, the film world is at his feet. With two more highly anticipated films in the can and awaiting release, Tye is about to explode, and we can’t wait to see what fireworks he creates…and it’s what makes Tye Sheridan 2013’s #1 Male Rising Star! UPCOMING PROJECTS: “Joe” –the latest film from director David Gordon Green puts Tye opposite the formidable Nicolas Cage in a role that was much coveted before filming began by all young actors – the film is expected to premiere on the fall festival circuit (probably Toronto) with a late 2012 Oscar-bait release date for Cage…
MAMIE GUMMER #1 FEMALE RISING STAR 2013 HOT POINTS: Bloodlines might help, but talent is everything Finally stepping into the lead and out of her legendary mother’s shadow It cannot be easy being Meryl Streep’s daughter when you’re following in her almost-now legendary footsteps. But Mamie is proving she can do it and make it work. Even though mom initially discouraged both Mamie and sister Grace from trying acting full time because of how hard it can be to break in, Mamie is now starting to find the same kind of roles now that 30 years ago turned her mom into the superstar she is now. A lot of her early experience came from working with Mom in her movies, but once she started moving beyond that, with featured parts in films like “Stop-Loss”, “Taking Woodstock”, on television shows like “The Good Wife” and the short-lived “Emily Owens MD”, where she played the title character, and on stage as well, it’s easy to see she’s inherited her mother’s gifts. With a real star-making turn coming soon in the Sundance favorite “The Lifeguard” opposite Kristen Bell, Mamie is poised for big things, and like her mother before her, she will shine..and that’s why she is 2013’s #1 Female Rising Star! UPCOMING PROJECTS: “The Lifeguard” – Mamie more than holds her own as Kristen Bell’s best friend, also co-starring with David Lambert, and 2011 RSH alumnus Alex Shaffer in this dramedy that was a favorite at Sundance this past January
SPECIAL THANKS FOR ALL HELP AND ASSISTANCE RENDERED FOR THE COMPILATION AND PRODUCTION OF THE 2013 RISING STARS LIST AND “SUBJECT:CINEMA” EPISODE TO THESE GREAT PEOPLE! Larry Richman from “Indie Film Spotlight” Eric Lyon Gillian Cardillo Tess Luthman REALLY SPECIAL THANKS! Alex Cardillo Joey Luthman
SEE YOU IN 2014 WITH THE NINTH ANNUAL PNR RISING STARS HONORS LIST!
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