NETWORKING THE Magazine THE STAGE
FILM FOCUS
James Sang Lee's impressive list of credits includes successful movies such as Lethal Weapon 4, Marvel's Blade, and the Lionsgate action thriller 'Plane', featuring Gerard Butler.
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We talk to music artists, influencers, actors, movie producers, and directors.
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SPOTLIGHT
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WE THINK THAT YOUR STORY NEEDS TO BE TOLD.
Read about real life professional journeys.
We think your story needs to be told!
James Sang Lee
James Sang Lee's impressive list of credits includes successful movies such as Lethal Weapon 4, Marvel's Blade, and the Lionsgate action thriller 'Plane', featuring Gerard Butler. 18
Michael.D.Douglas
A successful career in acting, the origins of which started with the Church. Earning a BA in performing arts and appearances in iconic big and smallscreen productions, his story is both inspiring and motivational.
Ashley Seal
Ashley Seal, a multifaceted performer, has taken the entertainment world by storm with her captivating presence and versatile talent. Hailing from the United States, Ashley has graced the stages of renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Chicago Theatre, Verizon Theatre in Dallas, TX, and Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, leaving audiences spellbound with her magnetic performances
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Ashley Seal, a multifaceted performer, has taken the entertainment world by storm with her captivating presence and versatile talent. Hailing from the United States, Ashley has graced the stages of renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Chicago Theatre, Verizon Theatre in Dallas, TX, and Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, leaving audiences spellbound with her magnetic performances Carly Zavala
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ASHLEY SEAL
Ashley Seal, a multifaceted performer, has taken the entertainment world by storm with her captivating presence and versatile talent. Hailing from the United States, Ashley has graced the stages of renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Chicago Theatre, Verizon Theatre in Dallas, TX, and Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, leaving audiences spellbound with her magnetic performances. In 2013, Ashley embarked on a new chapter in her career, making the bold decision to move to Hollywood to pursue her passion for acting in TV and film. This leap of faith proved to be a gamechanger as she quickly made waves in the industry. Her guest-starring roles in gripping crime dramas like "Ice Cold Killers" and "The Coroner, I Speak for the Dead" showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life with depth and authenticity.
Cover Photography By Alexsandr Kalinchenko
Quantum 5
An interview with James Sang Lee
By Sanj Saigal
James Sang Lee's diverse skills and experiences in the film industry are not just impressive, they are truly inspiring. His successful movies, such as Lethal Weapon 4, Marvel's Blade, and the Lionsgate action thriller 'Plane', featuring Gerard Butler, are a testament to his talent and the impact he has made. His work on popular television shows like MTV Made, Burn Notice, Mortal Kombat, and the upcoming Test Drive Live further solidifies his standing in the industry.
Alexsandr Kalinchenko
Looking Good - An Art Form
James Sang Lee's diverse skills and experiences in the film industry are not just impressive, they are truly inspiring. His successful movies, such as Lethal Weapon 4, Marvel's Blade, and the Lionsgate action thriller 'Plane', featuring Gerard Butler, are a testament to his talent and the impact he has made. His work on popular television shows like MTV Made, Burn Notice, Mortal Kombat, and the upcoming Test Drive Live further solidifies his standing in the industry.
The film industry has undergone significant transformations over the years. One key observation is that, despite the influx of technology in the action genre, the human touch remains a crucial element that keeps the scenes authentic. Professionals like James Sang Lee play a vital role in maintaining this authenticity, a fact that we, as audience members, deeply appreciate.
This editorial is aptly named the Quantum Five, a title that signifies the five critical aspects of James Sang Lee's professional journey that we will soon delve into. These aspects include his early influences, his training and skill development, his breakthrough roles, his impact on the industry, and his future aspirations. It ofers a candid conversation with James Sang Lee about his professional journey.
Within the film industry, the role of a martial artist is not limited to fight choreography. It encompasses a wide range of skills, from filmmaking to knife fighting, firearms instruction, and the art of fighting with sticks, swords, and sabres. This multifaceted nature of the profession is genuinely enlightening and commands respect.
James Sang Lee's journey is a testament to the multifaceted nature of this profession.
Personally, there was always the belief that action stars were born; this couldn't be further from the truth. They are shaped, moulded and trained to be the best versions of themselves.
If we wind the clock backwards to a time when action movies somehow locked a story around a
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hero, the audience had diferent expectations. Little did we know that movie stars such as Bruce Lee could greatly influence future generations with his groundbreaking martial arts skills and unique approach to action. His influence can be seen in the works of Jackie Chan, Jet Li, and even modern action stars like Donnie Yen.
A conceptual model of how a martial artist should carry out fight scenes, which involved a combination of physical prowess, technical skill, and a deep understanding of the art of combat, meant that they could really fight and handle weapons in a way that the camera could, in those days, portray authentic scenes to an everdemanding audience that was increasingly sophisticated and discerning in their expectations of action sequences.
It was not just about boasting muscle mass or an athletic build. The dedication of actors to their craft, their relentless eforts to strive towards perfection, set a non-negotiable standard in terms of physical fitness, technical skill, and commitment to their roles. This standard would mould and shape new action stars. Their unwavering commitment to their roles, often pushing their bodies and skills to the limit, earned the respect of the audience. Every action star has signature skills that help define their brand.
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Quantum 5
An interview with James Sang Lee
Photography By Alexsandr Kalinchenko
To hell with circumstances, I create opportunity.
- Bruce Lee
Press
Photography By Alexsandr Kalinchenko
God’s Plan LIFE STORY
A
conversation with Michael.D.Dugz.
A successful career in acting, the origins of which started with the Church. Earning a BA in performing arts and appearances in iconic big and small-screen productions, his story is both inspiring and motivational.
ACTOR, DANCER, SINGER & HOST. WHERE DID YOUR FIRST CHAPTER BEGIN?
Photo by Brendan Fraser photography
Asuccessful career in acting, the origins of which started with the Church.
Qualified to degree level and appearances in iconic big and small-screen productions, his story is both inspiring and motivational.
It was late on a Thursday night; I couldn't sleep, so I decided to flick through my phone. Scrolling through Instagram, Michael's account jumped out at me for some unknown reason.
Subconsciously I think it could have been his name that drew interest. With over 3.4K followers and an actor, I wanted to reach out.
When I first started this magazine in 2020, I had in mind that I wanted to interview people who could facilitate change, an influence that could impact lives and, on some level, set a standard that others would strive to reach.
There was no hesitation in piecing a message together; I have to admit that after the send button was pressed, I placed it on a table as there was little or no chance of a response. It was the following day, about 4 pm, when I received a
message from Michael. I was surprised and excited that he got in touch.
As this interview unfolds, I hope to take you on a journey to understand why his story needed to be told.
A HIGHER POWER
We all have faith, some more than others and in countless forms. The Church is where chapter one of his story begins.
How did acting find you?
Like so many, there was a powerful influence from artists like Prince and Michael Jackson. I saw acting as a profession when so many back in the day didn't. I had applied to drama school, but I was in a gap year and was away when the letter of acceptance arrived in the post. That was probably one of those moments that could have altered my timeline.
Missing that letter must have been fate, he was a true Londoner, and the irony was that he was away. As the interviewer, I could sense that this one fact played a big part in his life. It was a series of events that would see Michael fuse naturally with acting, dancing and singing.
Was your dream unusual?
In my case, it was natural; I had the backing of my parents, they both supported me when I attended drama club. There was no discussion, and they could see that I was taking it very seriously. That support mechanism was essential, and I feel blessed that I had it.
Is your industry based on luck or skill?
That's a good question; luck does have a lot to do with it. Being at the right place at the right time still plays its place. That said, you can influence this; you need to throw a lot up in the air. It's more of a numbers game. You need to increase the odds in order to experience success.
How would your peers describe you?
Loud!, extrovert, fearless and I love collaborating.
His personality would reinforce those qualities; you couldn't help but notice how those qualities were reflected in his work.
You have been blessed to feature in Fantastic beasts. Was this a milestone for you?
Every project was a masterclass; I was surrounded by talent. Being involved with projects like Tarzan and in the presence of stars like Jude law was a learning process for me.
I found a purpose in God’s plan. For me my faith played a huge influence.
“A diverse career that would see Michael evolving into the person he is today. He facilitated change and creates opportunities. He is a highly respected actor who considers that he is on a permanent learning curve. His want and need to be at the top of his game is inspiring”.
Like most in his profession, he initially followed a traditional path working as a waiter, bartender and barista. He saw this as good grounding and an excellent way to network.
Are you born with talent?
Everyone is talented, and some are better suited to a particular path. Te training helped me to nurture my talent and understand more about the diferent layers.
What motivates you?
My faith plays a significant path; I have always believed in a higher power. My mother and father are also strong motivators, and I'm blessed to have them both in my story.
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The pandemic had a profound impact on every sector. How would you describe the situation now?
Firstly, there is no going back to the way things were in the short term. This horrific time has shown my industry that you can have a remote presence. We could see this throughout every industry going forward. That said, there will always be a value in having a physical presence, so I think a hybrid between these two styles will be commonplace.
The theory is fused into everything that I do and influences the decisions I take, the approach I use, and I think it's something that is needed. It poses questions, provides direction and helps to identify.
Which is better, experience or education?
Society has to embrace change to move forward; my thoughts are with those families who have had to endure the pain of loss and adapt to a diferent way of working. But, unfortunately, it only compounds the pressures we have every day.
You have a BA in performing arts. How much of the theory do you apply in your career?
When you're young, you have very few responsibilities. That's the time you should take advantage of as there is not much to do and time is on your side.
One isn't better than the other, and some people don't have the luxury of studying due to their circumstances, but I would say that education ofers a plan B just in case something goes wrong. I will always have value for wanting to learn more, and these days information is free and accessible online, so keep current and keep learning new things all the time.
A FLAIR FOR LANGUAGES
I spent time in Senegal
You speak Japanese & French; do you have a natural flair for languages?
I spent time in Senegal and Japan, and I think you want to understand, so I did; I love languages.
What does your future look like?
I would love to write a book someday. I was only 16 years old when I helped young ofenders. It was a life-changing experience, and I have some excellent content to write about.
Your showreel shows depth; it's like a natural shift between diferent styles. How do you get into character?
I'm not method, but I try and picture the circumstances around the character. I try to think and behave like I was that person, and I question myself about every aspect. It helps me to be the best that I can be.
Has streaming opened up roads of opportunity, or does it create too much competition?
Competition is a good thing; it helps me be grounded and pushes me to be the best version of myself.
Do you have a credible organisation that young people can attend to follow the acting path?
You should consider that there is still a luck value of about 30% in my opinion, you can influence that. Use your Instagram platform as your business card.
Make sure to keep feeding it content so that it's always current and try to be consistent. It's a free tool, so you should learn how to use it to your advantage.
On a personal note, I would like to thank Michael for his belief in our magazine. We wish him every success in the future and hope to catch up with him again.
NOTABLE
The Legend of Tarzan Navi king of pop Stargazer (coming out this year)
No ordinary Man (coming out this year) Southside: Web series
WITH THANKS
My mother & father, sister, friends and of course God’s plan.
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CREATIVE SPACE
Blessed with the ability to capture our world through the eye of a lens, we have selected some notable photographers. Their curated collection depicts creativity. The compromise between light and shade is a skill that only experienced photographers can showcase.
LONDON - HOLLYWOOD
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
By Sanj Saigal
Ashley Seal, a multifaceted performer, has taken the entertainment world by storm with her captivating presence and versatile talent. Hailing from the United States, Ashley has graced the stages of renowned venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Chicago Theatre, Verizon Theatre in Dallas, TX, and Microsoft Theatre in Los Angeles, CA, leaving audiences spellbound with her magnetic performances. In 2013, Ashley embarked on a new chapter in her career, making the bold decision to move to Hollywood to pursue her passion for acting in TV and film. This leap of faith proved to be a game-changer as she quickly made waves in the industry. Her guest-starring roles in gripping crime dramas like "Ice Cold Killers" and "The Coroner, I Speak for the Dead" showcased her ability to bring complex characters to life with depth and authenticity.
FROM STAGE TO SCREEN
Ashley Seal
Ashley Seal, a versatile performer, has significantly impacted the entertainment industry with her captivating presence and diverse talent. Originally from the United States, Ashley has graced the stages of prestigious venues such as the Grand Ole Opry, Chicago Theater, Verizon Theater in Dallas, TX, and Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, CA, leaving audiences enchanted with her magnetic performances.
In 2013, Ashley took a bold step in her career by moving to Hollywood to pursue her passion for acting in TV and film. This decision proved to be pivotal as she quickly gained recognition in the industry. Her gueststarring roles in compelling crime dramas such as "Ice Cold Killers" and "The Coroner, I Speak for the Dead" showcased her ability to portray complex characters with depth and authenticity.
A New Dimension
Beyond on-screen acting, Ashley expanded her repertoire by lending her voice to various characters in popular video games, adding a new dimension to her artistry. Additionally, she became a familiar face on Twitch TV, captivating audiences as a series regular in the engaging fantasy show "Dragons & Things" for over 80 episodes.
Ashley's talent extends to her leading role in the 2020 Skycraft Studios movie "Under a Dead Sky," where she delivered a performance that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. Her versatility as a performer was further highlighted during her U.S. National Tour of the beloved musical "Peppa Pig Live," bringing joy and laughter to nationwide audiences.
Resilience
Despite the challenges brought by the Covid shutdowns, Ashley's determination and resilience remained unwavering, and she continues to navigate the ever-changing landscape with grace and determination.
Aside from her remarkable professional achievements, Ashley is a staunch advocate for inclusivity and diversity in the industry. Drawing from her own experiences, she inspires and empowers aspiring actors to fearlessly pursue their dreams.
In her personal life, Ashley finds balance and cherishes moments with loved ones amid the demands of her career. Her genuine love for her craft and unwavering dedication keep her inspired to push boundaries and explore new horizons.
The Entertainment Industry
As Ashley Seal's career continues to flourish, she leaves an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. She embodies the true essence of a performer who seamlessly transitions from stage to screen. With each role and character she embraces, Ashley leaves a legacy of excellence and a commitment to storytelling that resonates with audiences worldwide.
Photography By: Patricia Beauchamp
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In the past year, Ashley has been nominated multiple times for "best actress" around the globe for her role in a short film called "Kielia," which is currently in the film festival circuit. She is set to film a movie in September called "Blue Moon Rising," and recently performed at 54 Below in New York City in a new musical called "Boy On Billboard," which is hopefully headed to Broadway. Last year, she became a published author in a book titled "Chosen to Live," in which she shared a healing story. Currently, Ashley is co-writing a TV series and a rom-com, and she hopes to act in them as well. These projects are expected to be streaming by next year. When she's not acting, she works at a safe house with survivors of sex trafcking, supporting them on their healing journeys and helping them to rebuild their lives.
Photography By: Patricia Beauchamp
Poster credit: Witt and Wittier Films
Poster credit: SkyCraft Studios
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Poster credit: SkyCraft Studios
Poster credit: SkyCraft Studios
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Photography By: Joanna Degeneres
Where Ar Meets Te Lens
Carly Zavala
By Sanj Saigal
PHOTOGRAPHER
The award-winning photographer Carly Zavala, who has built a brand and a legacy, creating a unique interplay of light and shade that has drawn the attention of celebrities and media.
Where Ar Meets Te Lens Carly Zavala
This article delves into the life of an iconic photographer who deviated from a traditional professional path and developed a successful alternative career in photography. Carly Zavala talks to us about her journey and the hurdles she had to endure along the way.
The Evolution Of Photography
In the 1990s, the photography landscape experienced a notable shift. The introduction of afordable digital cameras, such as the Apple QuickTake and the Kodak DC series, democratised photography, making it more accessible to the average person. This shift empowered individuals to participate in this evolving art form, blurring the lines between amateur and professional photographers.
The 2000s witnessed the rise of social media platforms, transforming how images were shared and consumed. The advent of smartphones with high-quality cameras further democratised photography, allowing everyone to try their hand at capturing the world around them.
By Sanj Saigal
Social Media Platforms
During the 2010s, social media platforms like Instagram and Snapchat popularised the use of filters and editing tools, shaping photography styles and trends. These platforms introduced new visual storytelling techniques, such as the ‘selfie’ and ‘food photography’, while encouraging the use of specific filters to create a consistent aesthetic. Influencers emerged as new visual storytellers, leveraging photography to build brands and engage with audiences.
Today, photographers are exploring virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and artificial intelligence (AI), ushering in a new era for photography. AI-powered tools are altering how we edit and curate images, automating processes and enhancing creativity. The potential of these emerging technologies in photography is not just exciting but also opens up a world of new possibilities for the art form. For example, VR could enable viewers to step into a photograph and experience it from various angles, while AI could assist in creating unique compositions or recommend creative edits.
Technology
Looking ahead, the role of photography will continue to evolve. The line between professional and amateur photographers will continue to blur as technology makes it easier for anyone to create high-quality images. With the ongoing development of new technologies, the possibilities are endless.
Since the 1980s, photography has transformed dramatically from film to digital and individual prints to shared feeds. It has become an integral part of our culture, shaping how we communicate and express ourselves. As we continue to innovate and push the boundaries of this art form, one thing is certain: photography will remain a vital and evolving medium, capturing the essence of our shared human experience and connecting us through visual storytelling.
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Vibrant Imagery
Carly Zavala is a passionate photographer known for her evocative and vibrant imagery that captures the essence of her subjects. Based in Brooklyn, Carly has spent over a decade honing her skills in various photography styles, including portrait, landscape, and lifestyle photography. Her keen eye for detail and ability to connect with her subjects allows her to create stunning visuals that tell a story and evoke emotion.
Carly’s work has been featured in several prominent magazines and exhibitions, earning her recognition in the photography community. She believes every photograph should reflect a moment, a feeling, or a unique perspective. Her approach combines technical expertise with a genuine love for her craft, making her a sought-after photographer for both personal and commercial projects.
Carly Zavala Beyond The Camera
When she’s not behind the lens, you can find her exploring the great outdoors, seeking inspiration in nature, or sharing her knowledge with aspiring photographers through workshops and online tutorials. With a commitment to excellence and a passion for storytelling, Carly Zavala continues to inspire others through her captivating photography. Her professional journey would see her step away from the security of an ER nurse position that would span 13 years
and find an alternative path as a professional photographer. Carly Zavala, who has built a brand and a legacy, creates a unique interplay of light and shade that has drawn the attention of celebrities and the media.
Her signature style of telling a story through an image while conveying a stunning capture of emotional content is truly unique. Taking advantage of the tonal spectrum, Carly experiments with hue, saturation, exposure, and contrast, creating mesmerising efects.
Carly’s signature photographic style eventually led her to capture the likes of Kamala Harris and Elon Musk for articles published in The New York Times.
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