Category: A Conversation With

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

PELT: A Conversation with Travis Goodman and Matthew Robinson

When a group of friends decides to go camping in the deep woods, it’s a decision they’ll forever regret.

There’s no better way to describe the story of “PELT”, a Richard Swindell horror film that pays homage to classic slasher films of the 80’s generation.

PELT re-lives the horrific events that took place in Caveland, Kentucky during the summer of 1991. The film is a guilty pleasure; complete with all the blood, promiscuity, recreational drug use and humor that had audiences flocking to theaters when hockey-masked malcontents were all the rage.

I had the chance to speak with Travis Goodman and Matthew Robinson; two of the stars of “PELT”, and get their thoughts on the making of the movie as what the future holds.

Travis Goodman as “Mark”

gJg: What’s the best way to describe “PELT” ?

TG: It’s the stereotypical 80’s slasher flick! That’s the part that was so fun about it. For me, it was like a throw back to my childhood.

gJg: What did you like most about your role as Mark?

TG: When I first started reading the script, I immediately found a lot of things that connected me with the character;  his playfulness was something that was very ME. Mark’s kind of the glue that holds everyone together.  He was the one constant between everyone else in the group, and I think that’s something that’s also very characteristic of myself; he really cared for his friends.

gJg: What was it like working on a horror film with a cast of relative new comers?

TG: I felt really fortunate to be a part of this project. It was low-budget, so I knew that the entire cast and crew were really doing it for the love of making a great movie. When you get people together in that kind of scenario, it always works out for the best. Everyone got along right off the bat.

Travis Goodman

gJg: The campfire scene with you, Ashley (Watkins) and Matthew was one of my favorites.

TG: You know, that was one of my favorite scenes to film. It was the time that I felt the most comfortable on set. A lot of my own personality really started to show through with Mark.

gJg: What’s your favorite horror film of all time?

TG:  That’s a tough category for me. My friend and I always used to watch movies like “Night of the Demons” and “Axe”. I think if I had to choose one, I’d say “Scream”  because I really like what it did for the genre.

gJg: What’s next for you?

TG: I’m continuing to audition. Also, my girlfriend and I are working on two different features right now.

We’re hoping those will start going through by the end of the year. I’m looking forward to that.

Matthew Robinson as “Mike”

Matthew Robinson

goJimmygo (gJg): Matthew, what’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of “PELT”?

Matthew Robinson (MR): It’s a guilty pleasure. It’s also a film that’s better to watch when you’re with friends!

gJg: If you had to describe the story of “PELT”, what’s would you say it’s about?

MR: It’s a story about a group of friends who have a bright idea and decide to go exploring and reap any consequences for it later. Unfortunately for us, there was no later… <laughs>

gJg: What did you like most about your role as Mike?

MR: I liked the fact that my character was the comic relief. I was the one who got to make everyone laugh and keep everything fresh and fun.

gJg: For me, one of the funniest scenes in the entire movie was the part where everything was falling apart and then you discover the porn magazine.

MR: You know, my friends still use that on me! I’ll call them up and they’ll answer the phone and say, “Porn? Gimme that!” <laughs>

gJg: In most of the movie you’re wearing pajamas with little ducks on them. What’s the story behind that?

MR: That actually wasn’t written in the original script. On the drive up to location, Brian Gork (Producer) mentioned about me wearing the duck pajamas in one of the scenes. Everyone was laughing and I said, “Let’s do it!” That was how it first got into the script.

Then later, Brian thought it would be even funnier if I wore the ducky pajamas the entire time I was running!”  I was down for it, and so that’s how the ducky pajamas came about. <laughs>

 

Travis Goodman & Matthew Robinson in “Pelt”

gJg: What did you like the most about this being your first feature film?

MR: I really liked the unity. Everyone in the cast got along so well together. For me, this being my first film, it made me feel comfortable.

gJg: Do you have any hobbies outside of acting?

MR: Recently, I’ve gotten into directing and I’ve done a few videos for up and coming artists, so we’ll see where that takes me.

gJg: Any film projects coming up?

MR: I’m working on an action short film and am also directing a few short films of my own as well. I’ve also just completed production on another feature. It’s a comedy called “The King of Hearts”.

gJg: What has the reception been like for Pelt?

It’s been great. I remember when the movie first hit Netflix, it was kind of a shock to me.  People started coming up and recognizing me. But it’s all been good. As an actor and artist that’s the best.

 Article first published as PELT: A Conversation with Travis Goodman and Matthew Robinson on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

Actor Tom Schanley Discusses Get The Gringo
Actor Tom Schanley

Super coolness runs deep. Just ask Tom Schanley.

The actor, known for his bad guy roles is excited to discuss his latest film project, “Get The Gringo”; the action thriller starring Mel Gibson which was recently released on DVD and Blu-Ray.

Gibson plays a convict, “Driver” sent to a Mexican prison for stealing money from a crime boss. While adjusting to life inside of the town-like confines and plotting his escape, he befriends a young boy with a rare blood type and fondness for cigarettes. It’s up to the “Gringo” to save the boy’s life and break out of prison.

Tom plays the role of “American Hitman”, one of many nefarious villains out to acquire the money stolen by the Gringo.

Schanley himself is no stranger to the entertainment medium. His accomplishments include credits on stage (“Getting Out”, “The Wager”, “Julius Caesar”), on television (“Dexter”, “Criminal Minds”) and in film (“A Better Life”, “Courage Under Fire”, “Conspiracy Theory”). In addition to his acting, Tom’s written several screenplays and also donates his time to various causes to help those less fortunate.

It doesn’t get much cooler than that.

Tom continues to exercise his theater chops; and will appear in an upcoming version of “Cat On A Hot Tin Roof” at the Center Stage Theater in Santa Barbara, California September 13-23, 2012

I had the opportunity to speak with Tom and get hit thoughts on “Get The Gringo” as well as some of his other acting roles, writing and charitable works.

gJg: How would you describe the story of “Get The Gringo”?

TS: Mel Gibson plays a bad guy who steals money from another bad guy and winds up getting his money taken by corrupt police and thrown into a Mexican prison. The story then follows his quest to try and get the money back. In the interim, he falls in love in the most unlikely of places as he tries to get back what he had lost.

 I like to say that it’s Mel Gibson going back to his old “Lethal Weapon” self.

gJg: How did this role come about for you?

TS: I liked the script and wanted to be a part of it. I’ve also known Mel for quite some time; we both shared the same agent for about 20 years. 

Initially, I was called in for the lawyer role; Peter Stormare’s character but the producers said that they really liked me for the role of the hit man.

I’ve always loved playing the bad guy so I said: “Hell, yeah!” <laughs>

gJg: What’s it like working with Mel Gibson?

TS: Mel’s always been a great guy to me. I worked with him before in the movie, “Conspiracy Theory”.  He has a great sense of humor and is just a great guy to be around. It was a nice shoot down in Mexico.

Even though Mel wasn’t directing, it was a light set and we were all just having fun knowing that we were making a great movie.

gJg: When did the acting bug first hit you?

TS: It was around the time when I was sixteen. I was just a kid in high school performing in the local community theater.  I grew up outside of Boston in a little conservative town called Manchester. It was New England and “the norm” there was pretty much finishing high-school, going off to college and then finding a job.

I remember I was driving home from the theater one night with a friend of mine and we were talking about what we were going to do once school was finished. I told her that I wasn’t sure about what I wanted to do and then she asked the question: “Well, how about acting?”

Honestly, I had never really given much thought about it before. To me, acting was so much fun; how could it possibly be my “job”.  But, it gave me something to think about and it wasn’t long before I said “Yeah, let’s try this on for size and see what happens!”

gJg: You’re also an accomplished writer!

TS: Yes, my writing partner Jon Lindstrom and I wrote a script a few years ago called “The Hard Easy” that was made into a feature film. It took quite a long time to write but we knew we had a good story. It was exciting.

At the time, my agent’s former assistant, Dan had left the agency to work for Joel Silver. So, I gave the script to him to read and critique. He wound up calling my agent and telling him that they wanted to buy it.  Jon and I decided to hold on to it for a while and eventually sold the rights a few years later. 

Now, I can add writer to my list of achievements. <laughs>

gJg: What do you find are the differences between filming a movie as opposed to doing series television?

TS: The time factor is really the big thing. A TV shoot is typically run on an eight-day shooting schedule. With feature film, you have the luxury of having more time to develop characters because they’re shot at a much slower pace.

gJg: Tell me a little about your charity work.

I work with the Los Angeles Mission.  The homelessness problem is a very big concern for me. It’s hard to believe that in this country there are so many homeless people. I like supporting the mission because I know the money goes to the right places. I’m also involved with various other causes as well.

gJg: What are you currently working on now?

TS: Right now, I’m working on a play that’s a labor of love. I play Brick in “Cat on a Hot Tin Roof”. It’s one of those rare Tennessee Williams pieces that you don’t get to do a lot. It’s great fun!

Keep up with Tom Schanley by checking out his Facebook page
and following him @TwitasaurusRex on Twitter!

Article first published as Actor Tom Schanley Discusses Get The Gringo on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Art, Interview, Movies and TV

Jessica Gahring Is Making Her Mark

Jessica Gahring has unleashed her full potential.

From the moment I first met her, I knew it was only a matter of time before the artist, actress, model and Mom put down the moniker of “Shop Manager” of NY INK, pick up her own tattoo machine and open Ms. Dixie’s Tattoo & Pin Up Parlour in Troy, New York.

With the unique shop layout that reflects the 1950′s and her love of pin-ups, Jessica is about to make her own mark on the business.

Her love of art began at a very young age and was nurtured by family and through education. On the television show, she may have been portrayed as a person with limited experience in the art of tattooing. In reality, quite the opposite is true. Jessica is already gaining notoriety for her work from people all over.

I had the chance to speak with Jessica as she prepares to open the doors to her shop for the very first time. She may have butted heads with Ami James for entertainment purposes, but in “real life” Jessica Gahring is making her dreams come true.

goJimmygo (gJg): Jessica, it’s so great speaking with you. Congratulations!

Jessica Gahring (JG): Thank you! This was definitely a long time coming.

gJg: How are you doing?

JG: I’m doing great. I’m tattooing full-time now, which was a given. I have people who want to travel and come see me!

gJg: Did you always have the dream of opening your own shop?

JG: That was always the plan. Even when I worked with my friend Lydia years ago we almost bought a studio together. It didn’t end up happening at the time, so we decided to wait. I went into banking to get more into the business side of things. I knew I wasn’t going to be there long.

gJg: Why did NY Ink choose not to showcase your talent?

JG:  The producers didn’t think it would make much of story. Even though I was already working with Lydia, they didn’t want to reveal that I had any sort of real background in the industry.

The truth is, we play characters in a “reality-type” show. The public wants confrontation and that’s what sells. But the person they showed in the first season is not who I really am as an individual.

gJg: What makes Ms. Dixie’s different from your typical tattoo shop?

JG: I’ve got a pin-up modeling theme; with a 1950′s, vintage feel to it. It looks like it belongs way back when.  It’s classy and something completely different from all other tattoo parlors. I’ll be tattooing full-time at one of three stations. I never wanted to have a huge studio. I wanted something that felt like home when people walk in and I think I’ve accomplished that. It’s very true to what I imagined it to be. 

gJg: Do you have anyone else helping you in this endeavor?

JG: Yes, my boyfriend Christian is my business partner and he’ll be scheduling and managing appointments for the shop. He’s the one that holds it all together.

gJg: Do you have any other artists lined up to work with you?

JG: I have an amazing artist, Jon Abbott, who will be working with me. He’s a traditional style artist. The third slot I’m going to leave open for guest artists until someone else comes along. I’m not sure what will happen down the road but I am really excited about where I am at right now!

gJg: Where did your love of art begin?

JG: I’ve always loved art even as a child. My Dad painted and drew pictures and even from a young age I was amazed that you could actually look at something and put what you saw down on paper.

I have art awards from elementary school and graduated high-school with a fine arts degree. Even when I went to college; I studied sociology but still took art classes. Art has always been a huge part of my life.

gJg: Where did your interest in tattooing begin?

I grew up in a very conservative family where tattoos were sort of taboo and something that was untouchable. I think because of that, it made me want to understand it more.

During high school and college, I would often design tattoos for other people. To me, tattooing is art on the ultimate canvas: the skin. I think that’s very cool!

gJg: What’s one thing everyone needs to know about getting tattoos?

JG: Be knowledgeable. My first tattoo was a butterfly on my upper back that I got right after high school. Unfortunately, it was done poorly and I ended up covering it up.

Most people between the ages of 18-21 usually either hate their first tattoo or end up covering it, so it’s really important to understand what makes a good tattoo and the health and safety aspects of getting one.

gJg: Which of your tattoos is your favorite?

JG: I really don’t have a personal favorite; all of them mean something to me. I have some that represent my daughter that are very special and the very first tattoo I ever did was on myself, so that has importance as well.

gJg: When is your official grand opening?

JG: We are open for business right now but we’re having our huge grand opening the week of Aug 11th. That’s where we’ll have the ribbon-cutting, balloons and prizes. I will be tattooing two radio DJs live on-air during the Grand Opening week: one from Jamz 96.3 and the other from our local country radio station, 104.9 The Cat.

I also happen to turn thirty on August 12th, so it’s perfect timing.

I figure, if I’m going to do thirty, what better way than by opening a tattoo shop?

For information on Ms Dixies Tattoo Pin-Up Parlour  Click Here

Article first published as Jessica Gahring Is Making Her Mark on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Album Reviews, Interview, Music

Daniel Powter Turns On The Lights
Daniel Powter – Turn On The Lights

Daniel Powter’s best days are ahead.

The man whose signature song, “Bad Day” became a #1 worldwide smash and was named Billboard song of the year in 2006; took an extended hiatus while dealing with his own personal struggles. With the weight finally lifted off his shoulders Daniel is now back, with a vengeance.

On August 14th, Daniel will unleash “Turn on the Lights”, a refreshing set of radio-ready songs that express universal feelings of life, love and the human emotion.

From the infectious grooves of  “Cupid” and “Crazy All My Life” to the emotional messages in songs like “Come Back Home”, “Except the Blue” and “Tell Them Who You Are“; Turn On The Lights showcases Daniel at his best!

I had the chance to speak with Daniel and get his thoughts on the new album as well as the genesis of his #1 hit, “Bad Day”.  As I quickly discovered, the optimism Daniel expresses when discussing “Turn On The Lights” is as infectious as the melodies themselves.

goJimmygo (gJg): Welcome back Daniel!

Daniel Powter (DP): Thanks so much!  It’s been a while hasn’t it? I’m so glad to be back.

gJg: Why did you take such a long break in between albums?

DP: After 2 1/2 years of touring the “Bad Day” record, I was really starting to get burnt out. Around the same time, I was also dealing with a divorce, substance abuse and a few other issues as well. I was becoming a bit discouraged. It wasn’t until a year or so ago that something changed for me.

I was sitting with my 9 year old daughter at the piano working out some melodies when she told me that she really wanted me to come back.  So, with her inspiration and some others encouraging me, I started writing a new record and am really glad that I did. I’m also extremely grateful to all of the fans, both here and internationally, who have welcomed me back. I’m looking forward to getting back on the road.

gJg: Why the title, “Turn On The Lights”?

DP: I think a lot of it had to do with the fact that I was in a pretty dark place. I got addicted to substances and alcohol when I got off the road; which really threw me into a spiral. I also became a bit secluded and the divorce was hard on me as well.

Then, one morning I woke up and said: “I’ve got to change my lifestyle!”  It was almost as if someone had just turned the lights on for me and I realized that my life didn’t have to look like this. So I got sober, went through the divorce and wrote this new album.

gJg: The songs on this album seem to reflect universal feelings.

DP:  I’ve always been about making sure that the songs I write aren’t just about me. With the time I had off, I was able to experience so many different things; things that carried through into my songwriting. I really wanted to write songs that other people can relate to. This record is for everyone.

Cupid:

DP: Cupid was the first song I wrote for the album and a song that I wrote to cheer myself up. Everyone wants to find someone to have fun and spend time with and after everything I had been through, I wanted to experience those feelings again too.

Come Back Home:

I wrote that song after I came back from a ten-hour training mission with the Navy on the USS Ashcroft; a nuclear submarine stationed in San Diego. I was amazed with just the attitude these young men have who were going away to be at sea for such a long time. It inspired me, and really put things into perspective. The song was written for them, and for them to come home safely. 

gJg: You know, I have to ask you about  “Bad Day”; a song I really love.

DP: Thank you! Some people might think that I get tired of performing that song, but the truth is, I still love it. Whenever I play it live, there’s a new audience participating in it with me and keeping it fresh!

gJg: How did you write it?

DP: I had written the melody for the song and was getting ready to drive to the studio to record. As I was walking downtown towards my car, I noticed a sign hanging outside of a travel agency. There was a picture of a huge cruise liner ship on it and a caption that read: “Having a Bad Day?” with the emphasis being on taking a cruise. I thought that was cool and that’s actually where the idea came from.

So, I wasn’t having a bad day or anything like that. I was just walking along, fit what I saw into the chorus, and the rest is history! <laughs>

gJg: Congrats again on the record and hope to catch you on the road.

DP: Thanks for your time!

Article first published as Daniel Powter Turns On The Lights on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Actress Sarah Zurell
Sarah Zurell

Louis Pasteur once said, “Let me tell you the secret that has led me to my goal. My strength lies solely in my tenacity”. You can find no better example of this than in Sarah Zurell.

The young actress, who once broke down during her first audition, quickly overcame her own fear and is now forging her own path in Hollywood.

How ironic that fear would be the subject of Sarah’s first feature film “Pelt”, a Richard Swindell film that pays homage to the classic horror slasher films of the 1980’s.

Sarah plays the role of Debbie, one of seven young friends who take a backpacking excursion deep into the woods and come face to face with ultimate evil.

I had the chance to speak with Sarah and get her thoughts on “Pelt” as well as why there’s no limit to how far she’ll go!

goJimmygo (gJg): What are your first thoughts when you think of Pelt?

Sarah Zurell (SZ): It was a fantastic experience. “Pelt” was actually the first feature film that I had ever worked on. I didn’t even actually live in LA when I was cast for it, but was so excited just to be a part of it.

We filmed for close to a month and stayed in a great cabin while we were filming. Everyone got to really bond closely with each other. It was awesome!

gJg: What attracted you most to the movie?

SZ: The thing that really attracted me was just how warm and awesome Richard and everyone else was in the audition room. It really made the whole experience amazing for me. “Pelt” is also an interesting story and Debbie was such a fun character to play for my first role.

What’s funny is that the story of “Pelt” is about a group of people who have been friends forever and I think over the course of filming, that’s what we all became. It’s one of the best projects I’ve ever worked on!

gJg: Were you always a big fan of horror movies?

SZ: Truth be told, I grew up in a very religious family and wasn’t allowed to watch many horror movies. They always gave me nightmares. It wasn’t until I watched this one all the way through and actually saw how they’re made that I discovered they weren’t really quite as scary as I thought. <laughs>

gJg: Did you always know you wanted to be an actress?

SZ: Entertaining is the only thing I’ve really ever wanted to do. I love performing and acting. I danced from the ages of  3-15 and also performed in school plays. When I was 14, I suffered a dance related injury which gave me the opportunity to audition for a spot in a local theater’s version of “Anne Frank and Me”.

I remember it was my first, really big time audition, but when they called my name I completely freaked out. I just started bawling my eyes out while doing the read; it was horrible. Needless to say, I didn’t get the role. <laughs> But, I didn’t give up.

The next show they had in the spring was “Snow White and The Seven Dwarfs”. I went back in, did a great job and was cast as part of the backup ensemble. From there, I began doing show after show and just working my way up.

Eventually, I won best actress of the year at the theater and shortly after college made the move here to LA to make this dream come true. I’m trying to change the world, one movie at a time. <laughs>

gJg: Are there any projects you’re working on right now?

SZ: I’m pitching a superhero show that I’ve been developing. It’s about a girl who grew up with privilege and decides that she wants to share her wealth and fix problems. So, she goes around town as a superhero trying to solve them. It’s a really cute script.

I’m also in the process of starting a fashion media/marketing company as well with a couple of friends. We’ve been helping our first designer get her dresses in stores and on celebrities for the red carpet. I love to design clothes so that will also be a great outlet for me once we begin to develop a rapport with outlets and designers.

gJg: It sounds like you’re really beginning to live the dream!

SZ: I am. I’m of the mindset of, if you don’t like what you’re doing, you should do something else!

gJg: Is there anything else you like to do outside of acting?

SZ: I love to bake. So much so, that as a child I was actually able to send myself to summer camp by selling cupcakes. My parents didn’t have the money to send us, so my sister and I baked cupcakes and made over $2000 that summer selling them.

I think if you want something you just have to work hard and you can get it. Dreams don’t come true by sitting around and waiting for your fairy godmother to come along. Perseverance and putting in hard work is what it takes!

You can keep up with Sarah Zurell by following her on Twitter: Click Here!

Article first published as A Conversation With Actress Sarah Zurell on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

A Conversation With Actress Ashley Watkins
Ashley Watkins

Ashley Watkins has arrived. The Hollywood newcomer has already made her mark in the horror genre by playing the lead role in the Richard Swindell film, “Pelt“; her first feature film.

Ashley plays the role of Jenny, a level-headed girl whose instincts are put to the ultimate test when a camping adventure goes horribly wrong.

From the film’s website: Sudden, gory, death, hides behind every bush. When beautiful Jennifer and her friends embark on a backpacking excursion deep into the woods, they come chest to chest with an evil as old as the trees. Listen…above the crackling of the campfire…is that the sound of a twig snapping or your best girlfriend’s neck? The interlopers discover that when the locals warn you not to trespass, it’s a warning you should heed.

I recently spoke with Ashley and discussed her character as well as what she enjoyed the most about her experiences filming “Pelt”.

goJimmygo (gJg): I love your role in this movie. Your character is so dramatic and level-headed.

Ashley Watkins (AW): Thank you! Jenny was the smart one. If they would have listened to her, they would have survived. <laughs>

gJg: How did the role come about for you?

AW: The casting director gave me a call and told me about the audition. She didn’t have much information and the audition was that very night. I almost didn’t go because it was so last minute. But I went in, auditioned and got a call back. To this day, it’s still one of the best shoots I’ve ever been on.

gJg: Did you originally audition for the role of Jenny?

AW: I originally auditioned for the role of Debbie and actually got a call back for that role. Sarah (Zurell) was the original choice for Jenny. During the table read, the two of us along with Richard (Swindell) decided that something just didn’t seem right. So, Sarah and I wound up switching roles and it worked out awesome for both of us.

gJg: What did you like most about playing the role of Jenny?

AW: It was a fantastic role to start off my feature film career with. I am a huge Wes Craven fan and “Scream” is one of my all-time favorite movies. Neve Campbell is one of my inspirations.

This was kind of like that role for me; the lead in a horror film. Jenny is smart and intelligent but she’s not being a superhero; she’s normal.

As a female actress starting out in Hollywood, it’s very rare to find good, strong female roles. Jenny was not only the latter, but intelligent as well. One thing that Richard did great was create all of Pelt’s characters as fighters, including the women.

Nobody just “accidentally” tripped over a log or instantly got killed. Every character went down with a fight!  So, it was great to experience that level of empowerment for the entire cast, and especially as a female. They didn’t just give up or give in!

gJg: What did you like most about making the movie?

AW: I remember how excited I was during pre-production when Richard was explaining his vision of Pelt to me.

Richard is a fan of Judd Apatow and I’m a big Wes Craven fan, so when he said he envisioned it to be a “Scream meets Superbad!” I smiled REALLY big! I knew right off the bat; this was going to be great! It’s a horror cake frosted with comedy!

I’m also a nature freak so for me, getting out of the city was a lot of fun. Then of course, we had such a great cast and crew. We were out in a remote area where there was limited cell phone service and contact with the outside world. 

The location scouting was also amazing. I remember the tower scene, it took us 45 minutes just to get there and pretty much everything you see inside was already there.

gJg: What’s the story of Pelt?

AW: Pelt is the story about seven young friends who go out exploring the uncharted territory of the woods and unfortunately, begin to get knocked off one by one. It quickly becomes the process of survival. For me, it was more of a mind game. It’s a horror story with over the top goriness but also has some funny moments mixed in as well.

gJg: Were you always involved in the arts while growing up?

AW: I figure skated competitively & danced here and there for many years during my childhood. I then transitioned fairly easily into dance during college because of my skating background. When I moved to LA, I started with a few small dancing gigs, which eventually lead into a full professional dance career. 

I have been blessed to make a living as a dancer for the past three years, while pursuing acting. I get paid to work out and enjoy losing myself in the moment to music!

gJg: You’ve also done some TV work as well. What would you say are the differences between filming a feature like “Pelt” as opposed to “Entourage”?

AW: It’s cool to be on set for television, but unless you’ve got a specific role, it’s only a one day taping. For Entourage, I was a featured dancer. As far as films go, you become more like a family when you make them. You develop as a character, as an actress and a person.  But most of all, as is the case with Pelt, you also make great friends for life!

Article first published as A Conversation With Actress Ashley Watkins on Technorati.


A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV

CUT! : A Conversation With Filmmaker David Banks
David Banks – Actor, Writer, Producer

David Banks is forging his own path. The actor, known mostly for his comedic side, isn’t one to sit idle and let opportunity pass by.

Instead of just waiting for roles and auditions to come along David, together with longtime friend David Rountree, decided to take a more “aggressive” approach. The team wrote and developed “CUT!”, an upcoming horror film with a unique storyline.

While indirectly paying homage to the original “The Hills Have Eyes” movie by casting Suze Lanier-Bramlett and Gabrielle Stone (the daughter of legendary actress Dee Wallace); Banks and Rountree have also created a horror film within a horror film.

With a release date of Halloween 2012, it seems likely that the stars are aligned for a new horror classic!

I had the chance to speak with David Banks and get his thoughts on the movie and why it’s so unique.

gJg: Is CUT! the first collaboration for you and David Rountree (Actor/Director)?

DB: David and I have actually been friends for a long time and we’ve written quite a lot of comedy based stories together. CUT! is the first time we’ve collaborated on a genre outside of comedy.

gJg: What’s the current status of the film?

DB: With the film near complete, we are beginning to shift our focus toward getting a trailer for the fans to see. Our film is tentatively scheduled for a Halloween release and we’re really excited about it!

We were looking for the ideal person to “cut” a trailer for us that would really convey our film best, and put it to life, and we found gold with Ryan Thompson from Britain! We were searching YouTube late one night for hours and came across this guy, wrote him and told him we were instantly a fan and could he work his magic. It was a real blessing to find him.

gJg: What made you decide to write a horror movie like CUT!?

It always sparks my interest to see that something is “based upon true events.” That adds an immediate element of realism and credibility to a story. One of our biggest complaints; however, is that with traditional horror movies, they don’t quite grasp that natural element of being as raw as what the real thing may be. We’ve all seen those moments where we stop and say “Aww come on, that would never happen!”

For CUT!, we decided to play on that fact by having a horror movie within a horror movie. Two people actually decide to kill people for real and capture it on film, yet market it as a film with just great raw acting.

gJg: You and David both wear multiple hats in this movie (acting, producing, writing, directing). Why did you decide to go that route?

DB: A casting director once told me something very interesting. She said, actors can always wait around for the right role and audition to come along, but what better way to shine then to do your own thing. Write your own project that’s catered to you and do it as only you can do. For us, CUT! is the end result of that.

gJg: What was the casting process like?:

DB: The whole casting process wasn’t your typical one where we held auditions. We didn’t want to do that. What we did was find really great talent who can deliver. People like Sam Scarber, William McNamara and Dahlia Salem.

Gabrielle Stone & David Banks

We also found out about this “new” girl: Gabrielle Stone. We already knew about her Mom from “The Hills Have Eyes” and “ET” but when she sent her reel over we were completely blown away.

She was so good and I remember telling David right then and there: “We need to get her, RIGHT NOW!” She’s going to be huge someday!



gJg: You also have another “Hills Have Eyes” connection with Suze Lanier-Bramlett!

DB: Suze is amazing. We were always a big fan of hers and the original film. It just so happens that David and I both share the same manager (Eileen O’Farrell) as she does so it really worked out for us!

gJg: Tell me about you character, Lane Hayes and the CUT! story:

My character, Lane Hayes, is an ex con with an addiction to drugs and violent tendencies towards women. Rountree plays Travis Simon, a guy who spent years in film school trying to become a director, but has only managed to find work renting out equipment to other filmmakers.

With access to everything we need to make a movie, the idea is born to just scare people and capture the footage. However, something goes horribly wrong and the first person in this attempt is killed for real.

After reviewing the video to help cover our tracks, it is decided that we have such shock value in the real kill, that maybe that is what we need to do. The story takes off from that point as every gut wrenching authentic death “scene” is captured on film and I do all the dirty work.

gJg: What’s next for you?

DB: David and I have another project we wrote called “Mr. Reality”. That’s going to be a lot of fun and we’ve already got people in mind for casting.

When David and I get together and write, good things happen.

 

Article first published as CUT!: A Conversation With Filmmaker David Banks on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview

Inspirational People: Lisa Jey Davis

Every so often, fate has a funny way of introducing you to some really amazing people. Such was the case for me when I met Lisa Jey Davis.

Lisa is role model for people who want to live their dreams. After going through a rough divorce, she made the decision to travel to Los Angeles and start a career in the production end of the entertainment industry. Through hard work and perseverance she became talent coordinator on the production crew of The Billboard Bash, a pre-show for the Billboard Music Awards. She hasn’t looked back since.

Today, Lisa owns her own successful public relations firm, Jey Associates Marketing and PR. She’s also an award-winning writer, a fitness instructor and a regular blogger/vlogger, both as herself and as her “alter-ego”, Ms. Cheevious.

As a blogger, she regularly documents and videos the adventures of her life. From the satisfaction of trying out for the Lingerie Football League with girls half her age to having to make a difficult decision when diagnosed with the BRCA 2 genetic mutation; Lisa is truly an inspiration.

Her latest project, a book entitled: Ms. Cheevious In Hollywood – Adventures & Mishaps of an Accidental Hot Mamma promises to be a guilty pleasure for anyone interested in learning what really goes on behind the scenes in Hollywood. It’s also a must-read for women who’ve recently experienced life trauma, such as divorce, and want to regain the confidence and courage to change their lives for the better.

I had the pleasure of speaking with this amazing woman and find out what makes her tick.

goJimmygo (gJg): You are one busy lady. How do you find time to do all this?

LJD: Not sleeping.

Actually, it’s because I love what I do. But I must admit, as I get older I more often find myself thinking, “Hmm, that couch over there is looking kind of nice to sit on”. <laughs>

Lisa and the cast from her “show” and blog: Bear, M.C. Nugget, Fred the Wonder Chicken and Bear.

gJg: Tell me a little bit about your book.

LJD:  It’s the story about my post-divorce enlightenment. About jumping into the world with both feet and saying, “It’s my turn to do what I’ve always wanted to do”. For me, it was pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. It’s the story of the whole process from divorce to pursuing the dream and all of the funny things that happened along the way. There will also be some stories about the celebrities I’ve met. It will be fun.

gJg: Tell me a good Ms. Cheevious Story from the book:

LJD: In 2002, I was working for MTV on a show called ICON.  Aerosmith was picked as that year’s ICON. What MTV would do was bring other popular artists and bands in to perform the “ICON’s” songs.  I remember we had Train performing “Dream On” and Pink did “Janie’s Got A Gun”.  The members of Aerosmith were all part of the audience. It was similar to an awards show and my job was to work with the band’s wives and kids  – as the kids were participating in one of the numbers.  

I remember at one point where there were two guys I had to take somewhere. So I was taking them back to their seats via the front row when all of a sudden everyone stopped. I suddenly realized that I was standing right next to Pink. What I didn’t know was there was also film crew there filming her while she was dancing. So I literally just stood a foot away from Pink and stared at her while all of this was going on.

All of sudden, she realizes that I’m standing there staring at her and she looks at me a little nervously like ‘Who is this crazy girl and why is she staring at me?’

But I swear to you, I am not a Pink stalker. Honest! <laughs>

gJg: Another dream you followed was trying out for The Lingerie Football League. How did that come about?

LJD: When the Saints went to the Superbowl a few years ago, my boyfriend (who is a huge Saints fan) and I bought tickets to Miami. At the time, we didn’t know if we would even be able to get into the game (we didn’t) but we went for the experience and had a great time. While we were there, I was able to get us into the Lingerie Football League’s Superbowl (the eve of Superbowl), as well as the after-party.

Initially, I thought it might have just been girls running around in g-strings but they were actually playing in bra tops, workout shorts and pads, and I loved it! It inspired me. I felt I was in pretty good shape so I thought I would try it. When I found out that they were holding tryouts here in LA the following year,  I signed up and it was so much fun.

Ms. Cheevious Does Lingerie…. Football, That Is

In 2011, Lisa had to make a very difficult decision when diagnosed with the BRCA 2 genetic mutation.

From her blog: In 2010, my beloved, beautiful sister Mimi lost her battle with Ovarian Cancer. Her illness prompted my gynecologist to begin a personal campaign to get me to the genetic specialists at Cedars Sinai in Los Angeles. And when she passed away, my doc turned up the heat. She REALLY wanted me to be screened for Ovarian / Breast Cancer (they are related) gene mutations. So I succumbed. I went in for the screening, and more to the shock of the genetics counselors than to myself, I tested positive for the BRCA2 Gene Mutation.

There were a few choices available but having already had children and seen what my sister had gone through, I opted for the most aggressive approach to eradicating my elevated risks. I underwent a double prophylactic mastectomy (with breast reconstruction and implants) and at the same time, had them remove my ovaries and tubes.  

Click Here For The Full Story * Click Here For Video

I am so glad that I connected with Lisa and her “multiple personalities”. She is one of the most fun and inspirational people I’ve ever met. Someday I hope I get to tell her that in person. In the meantime though, here are some of Lisa’s / Ms. Cheevious’s Greatest Hits:

Fun Ms. Cheevious Blog Posts:

Ms. Cheevious Videos
Goofy Ms. Cheevious * Delve into Twelve * Pretty Folded Thongs * Mammoth Mountain Moments I

Lisa Jey Davis Vlog videos:

Thoughts for the Day:
Never Give Up * Be Magnificent
Article first published as Inspirational People: Lisa Jey Davis on Technorati
A Conversation With, Interview, Music

A Conversation With Artist and Choreographer Bobby Newberry
Bobby Newberry

As an in-demand choreography powerhouse, Bobby Newberry has spent years crafting innovative stage material for the likes of Missy Elliot, The Pussycat Dolls and Eminem. His work has been featured on such show as X-Factor, America’s Got Talent and Dancing With The Stars to name just a few.

He’s also been impressing audiences with his seductively soothing vocals on an acoustic rendition of La Roux’s “Bulletproof” , a duet with former Pussycat Doll, Melody Thornton.

Now, combining his love for dance and passion for music, Newberry takes center stage for the very first time with his debut single and music video: “Dirrty Up”, featuring Jessie & The Toy Boys.

In my interview with Bobby, we’ll discuss the making of Dirrty Up, his collaboration with the amazing Melody Thornton and how, through hard work and never losing sight of his goal to inspire others, is making his dreams come true.

goJimmygo (gJg):Bobby, congratulations on your video and all of your success so far.

Bobby Newberry (BN): Thank you so much! I really appreciate that!

gJg: The video for “Dirrty Up” is amazing. How tough was it to make?

BN: It was intense. I’ve done a lot of videos before but this was the first video with me as an artist. It was an eighteen hour shoot day, throwing ourselves on the concrete floor over and over again.. <laughs>

gJg: Is “Dirrty Up” a song you had written?

BN: It’s a song that I co-wrote with The Invaders. We’ve just released it on i-Tunes!

gJg: How did the “Bulletproof” collaboration come about with Melody Thornton?

BN: That was interesting. I had originally recorded a version of that song a while ago. After I played Melody my version of it, she came up with the idea of re-recording it as a duet!

Afterwards, she wanted to put it on her mix-tape. It’s gotten a lot of great exposure.

gJg; What was it like working with Melody? She’s phenomenal!

BN: I’ve known Melody from working with The Pussycat Dolls. We’ve been great friends for a long time. I’ve always known she was an incredible singer and was honored that she wanted to work with me on this song.

gJg: What’s the message of the video?

BN: We wanted the video to have a very cold, stoic feeling but yet be beautiful at the same time. The finished product really captures the desperation.

gJg: Where was it filmed?

BN: The middle of the Mojave desert! <laughs>

It was definitely interesting dealing with the elements but, it was worth it in the end.

gJg: Was singing and dancing a big part of your life growing up as well?

BN: Yes, I started singing and dancing at a very young age. I grew up watching Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna videos and teaching myself the choreography. Then, I’d invite my family over and put on shows for them in the living room.

From there, I started entering myself in talent shows and choirs. Eventually I received a scholarship from The Edge, one of the biggest dance studios in LA, and really started seriously training. I still sang in the choir but made dance my priority because it’s really difficult and takes years of training to be a strong dancer.

gJg: Tell me something most people don’t know about you.

BN: I love to eat! I secretly love eating more than anything. I love going to restaurants and trying everything. Sometimes I’ll even order three desserts. <laughs>

gJg: What’s next for you?

BN: To keep growing as a choreographer and artist. I also want to keep releasing new music. The plan is to release a new song and video every six weeks. I start shooting again at the end of July.

gJg: Where do you see yourself a few years from now?

BN: I see myself as an artist that continues to grow and one that people can find inspiration from. For me, the best feeling in the world is when people tell me they’ve been inspired by listening to my music or watching my videos.

Article first published as A Conversation With Artist and Choreographer Bobby Newberry on Technorati.

A Conversation With, Interview, Movies and TV, Music

A Conversation With Multi-Talented Singer and Actress Elly Stefanko

Multi-talented singer/songwriter Elly Stefanko is making her mark in the music world. A true, natural singer since the age of eight, she’s been working hard performing in theater and releasing her own music without the need of auto-tuning or robotic accents.

Elly’s also begun to forge her own path as an actress as well and if the results of her first endeavor are any indication, the future looks bright indeed.

Elly’s first major film role is “HUFF“,  a twisted take on the story of “The Three Little Pigs” and a film that’s already generating a lot of buzz at festival screenings throughout the US prior to its official release this fall.

In “HUFF“, Elly plays the role of Shay, the youngest of three step-daughters who must escape the wrath of their brutal stepfather, HUFF (Charlie O’Connell) when one of his drug deals goes awry. The film also stars scream queen Elina Madison as the matriarch, Lorelei and Marie Bollinger (Pelt) and Jenna Stone (A Haunting in Salem) as Shay’s sisters Brixi and Styx respectively.

Elly recently attended The Texas Frightmare Convention along with the rest of the cast and crew to view the completed film for the very first time.

With her first film now under her belt, Elly has begun work on a brand new blues-inspired album of original music.

I had the opportunity to speak with Elly and get her thoughts on “HUFF” as well as her music career.

gJg: What was your experience like seeing “HUFF” for the first time?

ES: It was very cool! I remember feeling nervous right before the screening because I hadn’t seen it and no one else was really talking about it. But, having now seen it freshly for the very first time, it’s awesome! I love scary movies and the fact that this is a thriller on top of it makes it even more appealing!

There were a few moments during the film where I originally questioned what audiences might think of some of the biblical elements. It was a big risk to take but Cort Howell (Writer, Producer) took a leap of faith and it really turned out amazing!

gJg: When is “HUFF” going to be released?

ES: We’re all hearing September and I’m looking forward to it.

gJg: “HUFF” is actually your very first movie right?

ES: Yes it is.

gJg: How did the role of Shay come about?

ES: I initially had read for the role of Styx and afterwards was asked to also read for the part of Shay. The producers felt that the role of Shay would suit me better and I thought so too! Even though Shay is only 15-16 years old, she knows how to handle herself in certain situations because shes kind of been through a lot and she’s also seen her sisters go through a lot of bad stuff as well!

gJg: What are some of the things you like most about the movie?

ES: There were quite a few things that I thought were cool. I liked the way HUFF was testing the daughters but in different ways. I also remember that at one point, Brixi (Marie Bollinger) quotes a bible verse and to me, seeing that she still had faith after everything everyone had gone through was amazing. I loved the little moments like that.

gJg: What was the chemistry like?

ES: It was amazing. Even on my first day on set I remember asking: “Are all movies this easy?” <laughs>

It was a great first experience.

gJg: You were also able to work with Clint Howard as well, a real acting legend!

ES: He definitely is. Clint and I became good friends. He’s actually a musician as well. He saw my You Tube videos and called me up to tell me that I was doing the right thing with my music. That was very encouraging!

gJg: What was it working with Charlie (O’Connell)?

ES: Charlie is such a cool dude. He’s inspiring. I love meeting actors like him who are just so down to Earth.

gJg: What’s your favorite horror movie of all time?

ES: “The Devil’s Rejects”. I like the whole vibe of it and I’m a big Rob Zombie fan. He has his own little niche. I really like the comedy elements in that film. It’s so hard to add in little things like that but it worked. “HUFF” has a lot of those kinds of elements too!

gJg: What is the one thing you’d like everyone to know about “HUFF”?

ES: “HUFF” is not at all what you would expect to see from a typical horror movie. It’s something different and it’s a breath of fresh air!

gJg: Let’s talk about your music! How long have you been writing and performing?

ES: I’ve been singing since I was eight and I’ve been writing since 18. I also play piano and have released a few EPs.

gJg: Was music always a big part of your life growing up?

ES: It was. When I was nine I recorded a lullabies album called “Sing Me To Sleep” which was classical music with a huge fifty-piece orchestra.

I went to school at the Crystal Cathedral and did quite a bit of work with them as well. I met a lot of amazing people including the Schullers and Michael Crawford, an opera singer who performed as the original “Phantom of the Opera”. They needed a girl to sing a duet with him for a big Christmas event and I was chosen to sing with him!

gJg: Did you have formal training?

ES: Yes, I did have a lot of training. I was doing quite a bit of theater too at the time and learned how to protect my voice.

gJg: What kind of music do you strive to make?

I really love music where I can hear the purity of the voice. Where there’s no tampering and it doesn’t sound like a robot. I was so happy when Adele won all of those Grammys.

gJg: What projects are you working on now?

ES: I’ve been focusing a lot on writing songs for a new album. It has elements of blues, pop, jazz, a little bit of everything! Once I’m finished writing, I’m going to find a producer to deliver it. I really want to go into a studio and record it “old school”. That’s where all of the musicians are set up in one room and I’ll be in another. Then we’ll all record together at exactly the same time.

That’s the only way to capture the true essence of the moment and that’s my goal!

Article first published as A Conversation With Multi-Talented Singer and Actress Elly Stefanko on Technorati.