The Networking Magazine - Edition 9

NETWORKING THE Magazine

THE REEL DEAL

A space to promote new projects. A wish list area for directors, producers & writers. Editorials draw interest to your scripts, grab the attention of actors and assist with getting your film off the ground.

THE FOURTH WALL

A creative space for actors to scream about their journey: editorials that conform to SEO guidelines. Use a permalink on business cards, QR codes, Linktree and email signatures.

PODCAST CHANNEL

Interviews

Production - Networking Magazine Podcast series - Jibba Jabba

Editor - Sanj Saigal

We think that your story needs to be told.

ALL LINKS FLASH IN BLUE

EVENTS

ALL LINKS FLASH IN BLUE

PROPERTY

ALL LINKS FLASH IN BLUE

PHOTOGRAPHY

THE FOURTH WALL

MY WAY John Capodice

By Sanj Saigal

John Capodice needs no introduction. An unquestionable work ethic which sets a nonnegotiable standard. His professional career in television and film started back in the 1970s. He racked up an incredible portfolio of appearances. I have listed a few below.

Ryan's

Hope Knots Landing Hunter Law & Order Moonlighting Will & Grace CSI

Theatre was also a passion of his, winning two Outer Critics Circle awards. A gifted actor, he also turned his hand to notable film voice-over work.

As I scrolled through the list of movies under his belt, I began to realise that his face has appeared in all our lives in one way or another.

Movies The Doors See No Evil, Hear No Evil Ace Ventura Pet Detective Speed Independence Day Enemy Of The State

I managed to catch up with him for a quick interview. Hard work, determination and strong ambition define his career longevity.

In the theatre, I was on Broadway with “Requiem for a Heavyweight" and toured with Al Pacino in "American Buffalo". I also worked in numerous dinner theatres and regional theatres all over the country.

John Capodce

MY WAY

By Sanj Saigal

Why did you choose to become an actor?

One doesn't choose acting; it chooses you. I wish that I could be more specific, but after half a century of living this life, I'm still pursuing it. Hopefully, this provides a bit of insight into what it is to be an actor.

What were your initial reservations about your career choice?

I'm not so sure. I suppose it slowly came upon me, and it never stopped. I was at a film festival with a well-known character actor, and he said, "You will stop when you don't want it anymore.”

Did you meet with any resistance from friends or family at the point where you started your career?

Sure, all my friends thought I was nuts, but it didn't stop me. On the contrary, my mother

encouraged me the most in spite of not knowing much about the acting profession.

Do you believe that the key to a successful career in acting is never to say no? Why?

Absolutely. Each time they tell you no, you pick yourself up from the ground and say yes. Never ever accept no. Remember, it's not about rejection. The casting people are going a different way, and you'll get the next one.

What advice would you give if there was such a thing as a parallel universe and you met yourself at age nineteen? Why?

I would tell myself to pursue the fundamentals, i.e. agent, drama school, pictures and resumes. In fact, all, the business side of it which was not my strong point.

If I could turn back the clock at the precise moment you decided about your career choice, what other options did you have?

PHOTOGRAPHY

BYSANJ SAIGAL

THE REEL DEAL

DIRECTORS - PRODUCERS - WRITERS - MUSIC ARTISTS

A space to promote new projects. A wish list area for directors, producers & writers. Editorials draw interest to your scripts, grab the attention of actors and assist with getting your film off the ground.

All text is written in line with SEO guidelines so search engines can file your editorial correctly. Use the permalink on business cards, Linktree, QR codes or even email signatures.

Use your editorial as a business tool and generate international exposure for your work.

THE

ABOVE LINE

The Networking Magazine speaks to William Wayne, the director of the Seattle Film Festival.

The Seattle Film Festival

LIFE STORY WILLIAM WAYNE

FEATURING

ABOVE THE LINE

Igrew up on a farm in Illinois outside of Chicago. Growing up, my mother was an elementary school teacher and noticed I was interested in the violin. So when I was four, she started me on violin lessons which I loved. My father, a talented artist and art teacher taught me

how to paint. That is when I learned "even mistakes are beautiful" in art. While in school, I won several nationwide art contests, which later helped pay for part of my college tuition at the University of Washington.

I discovered my passion for acting during my senior year at the University of Washington. After graduating in Communication, I performed in the Seattle-based Fringe theatre, where I played a wide variety of characters. I loved acting in plays in the Northwest as I found it extremely rewarding and soon was cast in my very first role, a small one, in a feature film with Dana Ashbrook (Twin Peaks), Tisha Campbell (My Wife and Kids), Brock Peters (To Kill a Mockingbird) and Billy Dee Williams (Star Wars Trilogy). Later, I acted in several features, including one costarring Rosanna Arquette, which was nominated at the Tribeca Film Festival that spurred me on to study filmmaking and write a screenplay titled Lost Angelas. Since I didn't have much of a budget, I bartended at several locations in LA to help finance Lost Angelas.

Yes, I studied acting and worked as a bartender for years. I met so many people who became lifelong friends during this time, many who later acted or contributed their skills as crew members for my film. So when it came time for the premiere of Lost Angelas, it really meant a lot to me that they showed up in support, and we even filled a 400-seat theatre at the Method Fest Film Festival.

How did your story begin?

The Networking Magazine speaks to William Wayne, the director of the Seattle Film Festival.

“A story should have a beginning, a middle, and an end… but not necessarily in that order.”

- Jean-Luc Godard.

Your story is textbook, as you started as a bartender and up.

ABOVE THE LINE

How much was luck, and how much was skill?

The question of how much was luck and how much was skill is a good one. My luck improved when I decided to make my own film.

As my filmmaking skills progressed, I won several short film awards. Finally, I began to focus purely on directing my feature film screenplay, and I tried to cast an actor friend in the role I eventually played in Lost Angelas However, due to my indie budget, I realised I would have to film and edit the movie over several years. My friend wouldn't have that kind of availability, so I played the role myself, and I am glad I did, as I really loved acting in it.

During the filming and editing process of Lost Angelas, I continued working as a bartender to finance the production. This proved challenging as I would only have a few days off a week to work on my film, and it ended up taking me six years to finish the movie. However, I was very fortunate that my lead actors, Korrina Rico, Jon Jacobs and John Capodice, were committed to their roles in the film over the complete span of the production. During this time, we were also fortunate to include the exceptional talent of David Proval (The Sopranos), John Aprea (Godfather 2) and Charlotte Lewis (The Golden Child) to our cast.

“I think cinema, movies, and magic have always been closely associated. The very earliest people who made film were magicians.”

- Francis Ford Coppola.

“Don’t let anyone ever make you feel like you don’t deserve what you want.”

–Heath Ledger

I have always loved Film Noir as well as Neo-Noir, and I wanted to make something that would live in that genre. As I started to think about what I would like to watch, a plot outline jumped into my head: Angela Rose, a famous actress nominated for the upcoming awards season, goes missing, and the only lead to her ancé, a struggling screenwriter. Haunted by memories, he cannot explain, the screenwriter journeys through the underbelly of Hollywood and discovers a secret connection he has with a vanished movie star, also named Angela, who had

I wrote and rewrote the screenplay and had a couple of friends take a look at it, including Jen Zias. I liked her insight and thought we would work well together. Within a year, we brought the script to several notable veteran actors whom I admired, and they were

Six years to make a movie is testing. What

was originally to get it lm festivals and have its premiere in a movie theatre. I quickly found this would be more challenging than it sounded. What I learned when I was younger, practising the violin and learning to lm as I knew that the time ff. No one could give me a lm work because, ultimately, I had to learn it and earn it myself. For example, each time I went into the editing lming a scene, I had to start from scratch and build it. There was no shortcut to making a scene work; I had to continually

nd as the line between creativity

lm just come to you, or did nd it?

Planning out my creative vision was essential because once we were on set, I was busy problem-solving. The quicker I could solve each issue, the better the shoot turned out, and the more time I had for the artistic side of filmmaking. I often drew upon that lesson I learned as a kid from my father regarding art, "even the mistakes are beautiful." I tried to implement that concept while filming Lost Angelas after an accident or mistake happened. I saw it as an opportunity to turn this into something beautiful.

I learned in time that tenaciousness does pay off. Before long, the film started taking shape and began to interest friends to see my latest edit, many of whom would end up working with me on the post-production process.

We turned the corner when Lost Angelas was accepted to the Method Fest Film Festival. The Lost Angelas premiere at the festival was sold out and couldn't have gone better. I was particularly impressed at how great the festival directors treated all the filmmakers. Soon after that, we began to get accepted into additional festivals and won more awards. It all culminated when we were nominated at Film Threat's "Award This!" show and won Best Indie Film and Best Director.

I didn't know it yet, but the process I was learning by having Lost Angelas play in film festivals would be very beneficial.

How did you get involved with the Seattle Film Festival, and why?

Lost Angelas played theatrically for a week at the Laemmle Theater in Pasadena at the Playhouse 7. Next, I flew up to Seattle to have it played for a week at the Grand Illusion Cinema and at one of my screenings, I met the filmmakers who started the Seattle Film Festival back in 2013. They were re-launching their festival after a couple of years away and encouraged me to submit my film. Lost Angelas screened successfully at the Seattle Film Festival, and I had a great time.

In 2020 when the pandemic started, I moved from LA to Seattle and reconnected with the festival. I was given a chance to work as a festival judge. The following year turned out to be a busy year for me as I was hired to direct a music video, edit commercials, campaigns and a variety of other projects. In 2022 I was very happy to hear from the festival once again as they were going to screen movies back in the theatre for the first time since the pandemic began. At this time, I was offered the opportunity to organise the festival. I was very excited about the challenge and brought on my

co-producer of Lost Angelas, Michael Rey, to be a co-director with me.

I loved being a festival director as I had the opportunity to champion deserving films and filmmakers worldwide. This year the festival presented a large selection of films from talented student filmmakers to acclaimed visionary directors. I am in awe of the quality of storytelling and filmmaking which was exhibited to the audience at this year's festival.

Indie vs studio movies, what are your thoughts?

I identify with the stories and struggles of indie movies but also enjoy studio productions. In some cases, creativity is born out of a lack of budget, which is where some indie movies shine. For instance, when I couldn't film again at a location we used previously, I would paint the walls of my apartment and have it stand in for that location. Although I had to do this several times, no one was the wiser, including my assistant editors. An additional benefit of this compromise was that now I was able to take my time to set up complicated shots, which were necessary for my transitions in editing.

I think it is great how audiences have gotten behind studio films such as big-budget superhero movies. However, indie films often present different voices and raw storytelling that are rare in big-budget movies. Many studio movies may be more concerned about making their movie for global audiences where they can make more money internationally. Still, in doing so, the movie may lose quite a bit of character and uniqueness.

If you could turn back the clock, would you have done anything differently and why?

Most definitely. One thing I was surprised to find is that I didn't need the most expensive camera or the biggest crew to make the best version of my film. Some of the days when I had a cheaper camera and smaller crew due to budget restraints, I would come away with a more beautiful and better scene. This adds to the philosophy that if you have a script, go out and film it. You don't have to wait for a milliondollar budget to get permission to be a filmmaker.

minute time frame, rather than one 90-minute feature film.

I recently directed a music video for a song on an album nominated for a Grammy. I enjoyed how the film shoot had such a fast turnaround. The idea, the planning, the execution of the filming and the editing all happened within a week. That was very refreshing compared to my six-year journey making Lost Angelas.

Shorts are a great way of learning filmmaking. They take less time to make, and you can learn quicker and get faster feedback because of this. It also works well in this era where YouTube and social media are thriving with an audience that has a shorter attention span.

Another advantage of making a short film is that the odds are better of getting it into a film festival than it would be if you were submitting a feature film. Since a festival has reserved a limited amount of time in the theatre, they may often choose to play a variety of six or seven short films from different filmmakers in a 90-

With all that being said, I still love making feature films. I love the determination, persistence and creative exploration where a feature film can take you.

The industry has been changing so much. It wasn't long ago when making an indie feature film meant you needed a budget of at least half a million dollars. You would have also needed to shoot your film on a 35-millimetre film camera to have a chance to get into a film festival. The process of doing this would have been very expensive. Now, digital filmmaking can be done with consumer

Shorts, why are they proving to be so popular?

In the future, how do you think your industry will change?

cameras. As a result, budgets are drastically lower, and people who might not have had a chance to direct can now display their talent.

In addition, digital platforms allow filmmakers to show their work. Previously, films competed for the same few cable stations. I love indie films, but the biggest question for indie filmmakers is how to get a good return on their investment. If their movie is not being produced by a studio, is there a formula to make a profit? Many filmmakers I have spoken with discuss and explain how there is a huge audience for indie films, but their contracts with these distributors do not always show this. This is an area I wish to address on our panels at the festival next year.

I was very fortunate navigating these waters with Lost Angelas as I was guided by one of my actors, Jon Jacobs, who had previously produced and distributed many films. In the future, I would like to see distributors offering better deals to indie filmmakers that reflect the value of their films.

IN ME

Laurita Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

LIFE STORY

Winner of TOP MODEL UK Classic 2021

THE

MODEL IN ME

Laurita Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

Designer - @saminamughal_fashiondesigner Photo - @laurentrosemain

Laurita GruodytėŽilė was the winner of Top Model UK Classic 2021. We talk to Laurita about the industry and her career.

Modelling Origins

The origins of this industry date back to when people posed for portraits and paintings. The invention of the camera in the early 1800s divided it into many micro sectors. These include fashion, beauty and accessories, to name a few. Although a career path, the pay was historically poorly paid and known to be highly competitive. However, decades later, modelling is evolving from the sidelines and presenting opportunity. Needless to say that now pay is in line with other industries. Social media has influenced how models are perceived, so, in many cases, influencers are now wearing the same badge.

“A rose can never be a sunflower, and a sunflower can never be a rose. All flowers are beautiful in their own way, and that’s like women too. I want to encourage women to embrace their own uniqueness.”

— Miranda Kerr

Winner of Top Model UK Classic 2021, we talk to Laurita about the industry and her career.

The Journey

A constantly evolving passion for carving out a niche. We caught up with Laurita Gruodytė-Žilė. Winner of Top Model UK Classic 2021, we talk to Laurita about the modelling industry and her career. Moving to the UK in 2005, she felt that she needed change. Participating in local modelling competitions from age 15, she instinctively knew modelling was of interest to her as a career path.

Where

I was born in Lithuania.

How would your friends describe you?

My friends would describe me as happy and jolly with a strong sense of personality who loves to socialise and create a positive, loving and welcoming environment with everyone I encounter. Who was the first person

She had a strong bond with apparel, often putting different outfits together, and a love for everything in fashion. Seamlessly experimenting with fashion accessories and colour options, she continues experimenting with colours, fabrics and design options even today. So, on some level, I personally think that these traits complement her passion for modelling.

Everyone in my family always encouraged me to get involved in competitions and photoshoots. I met no resistance, and I'm proud to say that it helped me to achieve. So, personally and professionally, family support is very important, and I'm very thankful for that. In contrast, I know that not all models have that support mechanism, so I feel very fortunate.

Is the modelling path very competitive?

Why?

It is pretty competitive because everyone's always trying to make themselves known, especially in competitions. After all, everyone wants to win. Moreover, models have to conform to a particular look in the past in contrast to today, where there is a step towards a realistic look.

It's still competitive; however, compared to the past, models now have tools like social media to give them a competitive edge. Ultimately, we are all competing to win contracts, and I don't think that will ever change.

ė-Žilė

were you born?

who told you that you should be a model?

"Always surround yourself with positive people".

- Laurita Gruodyt

THE MODEL IN ME

Photography by - Amir.phgraphy

Laurita Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

THE MODEL IN ME

Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

Is the world of modelling glamorous?

Yes, it's definitely glamorous. But, in addition, there's lots of beauty and excitement. The ambience of fashion shows and your relationship with the designers impacts how a model feels. Some reasons models love this industry are red carpet events, parties, and photo shoots.

Who would you love to model for?

My ultimate dream would be to model for luxury clothing brands such as Chanel, Burberry and Gucci. I think that it would be such a fantastic experience. Those brands were and still are iconic. Furthermore, they still influence fashion trends.

What was it like to win the TOP MODEL

UK Classic 2021?

It was absolutely unreal. The competition was huge with so many beautiful people. I never expected it. I felt extremely happy and honoured.

Laurita's first competition was the: Southern Elegance modelling event in 2017. It was a launch pad for her career as following that; she had offers from designers, photo shoot opportunities and fashion show invitations. She told me that the experience was glamorous, exciting and inspiring.

What would you say if you had to summarise your life in one paragraph?

My life is full of good and creative energy, so I've always found it interesting. I've constantly found new opportunities to be myself everywhere I have been. I always felt I was in the right place at the right time. No matter how hard it can get, I've always told myself that you need to do what makes you happy, and I've always stayed true to that.

What advice would you give anyone who has an interest in modelling?

Firstly, it's good to have a high level of self-belief. Secondly, dare to confront your fears and gain experience. Finally, the more you network, the more you gain self-confidence, which will open doors. Furthermore, you need a high level of confidence to distance yourself from the competition.

Laurita

Photography by - @mansoor7443 London Fashion week / Perfume - @crystaldaiva

THE MODEL IN ME

Laurita Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

Designer: @louiserousecouture Photo: @colinchau

-

Laurita gave me the impression that, on the one hand, someone can have a distinct look and a love for fashion. However, they still need to use available tools such as social media to create opportunities. On the other hand, there is a degree of being at the right place, at the right time. Furthermore, you must create opportunities for yourself and maintain a strong work ethic—a lasting impression from a model who continues to forge her way forward in her career. So, newbies must keep motivated and active on social media to enter this industry. Also, believe in yourself to develop your confidence, which can give you a competitive edge.

"Don't let anything hold you back. Keep going".

Laurita Gruodytė-Žilė

Photography by@elwira_posiak_wansorra Perfume: @crystaldaiva

THE MODEL IN ME

Laurita Gruodyt ė - Ž il ė

Photography

This section is dedicated to notable photographers from around the world.

THE PROPERTY PAGES

Commercial Unit

If you would like more information about this property, please contact the magazine and we will put you in touch with the agent.

Beach

Part of a beachfront location, there is a storeroom and a full-size garage included in the sale. An international market, the oldest bakery, bars and restaurants surround the commercial unit.

Ideal Model

Ideal businesses that would suit this 33 M2 commercial unit would be a hairdresser, property management agent or retailer.

VIDEO LINK

Photography by - Sanj Saigal

Events

The Networking Magazine attended the launch of a charity art exhibition held at Coal Drops Yard in Kings Cross, London.

By Sanj Saigal

Charity L

ights camera action, Coal Drops Yard, is the venue for a very unique charity fundraising event. The prequel takes place just a few doors down from unit 76. Joao Bosco, a timeserved tattoo artist and a property client, created an idea that has rocked the charity landscape with a firm goal to eradicate homelessness.

Firstly, it has to be said that Tattoos date back to Neolithic times. For readers unfamiliar with that time marker, that’s a time when mummified

preserved skin displayed this ancient art form. Winding the clock that far back in history is relevant as this resilient form of expression fell in and out of love with decades past.

Social media platforms have propelled tattoo artists into stardom, with many held in the same limelight as celebrities. I can vouch for that myself bearing witness to their posts across the virtual landscape. As a result, tattoos are now considered a credible and acceptable form of mapping a personal and expressive story.

Coal

Drops

Yard sets the scene for the launch of a charity art exhibition in London. Raising money for the homeless, I caught up with the organisers.

Society once shunned these artists, and their work only had negative connotations. Thankfully this didn’t last long, as celebrities endorsed designs and pushed them into the limelight.

Homelessness is a national problem in the UK, and it seems that age has no bearing. On a personal note, when I was contacted by one of the exhibitors, my smile spoke a thousand words as I wanted to get involved.

Coal Drops Yard

Kings Cross in London boasts a regeneration project that is now a pinnacle of perfection. The balance between housing and commercial properties can’t be rivalled. As I exited the station, there was an overwhelming feeling of excitement for an area that was once only a commuter hub.

Tattoo artists helping to raise money for the homeless. Ann was one of the many guests supporting the Land aid charity. )

problems, just like these unsung artists. Ironic that now, people boast about their work. Approaching the site made me feel as if I was part of something. The tattoos that map my story somehow formed a connection with the room. Each of the artworks on display told a story of expression, black and white, many with rich colour tones. Potential buyers circled them, curious to know the artist behind the canvass. A new concept was born from the need to help the homeless, particularly the young age group of 16 to 21-year-olds. Not taking the limelight away from the other charities, this exhibition will run till the 27th of November, so if you’re scrolling your way through this between now and then, you still have time.

“Uniting global talent to showcase and celebrate this unique form of artistic expression, whilst also raising valuable funds for a very worthwhile cause – this has been such a refreshing and heartwarming project to work on. The brainchild of Joao, it’s been a pleasure working with such a talented artist who’s as passionate about his own craft as he is about supporting others creatives –and crucially, those in need.

–Zoë Allen, Founder of Artistic Statements

Event

This sets the scene for an charity art exhibition perfectly, as it has similar tones that resonate with this story. The underdog rises above its

The appeal of this event is not just the relevance of what Land Aid stands for in terms of a charity but the sheer power of the artistic designs. In addition, the overwhelming sense of a collective tells a story of uniting for a common cause.

Tattoo Artists Against Homelessness is free to attend and will be open from 18 November – 27 November in Coal Drops Yard, King’s Cross.

Zoë Allen from Artistic Statements

Alice Lamb, Deputy CEO at LandAid

Joao Bosco – Exhibitor

Tim Hudson – Head of communications and engagement

David Partridge – Chairman at Related Argent

With thanks to: