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Musician Kurt Szul is father of modern 9-String Guitar

September 10, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

There are two types of people in the world: those that like to listen to music, and those that feel music. There is a distinct difference between the two, and only the latter will truly understand what that is. Kurt Szul is one of those people.

Originally from Calgary, Canada, Szul has become an international musical sensation in more ways than one. He has performed alongside some of the world’s most talented musicians, led bands, recorded on tracks that make their way to the top of the iTunes charts, taught students, composed music, scored films, and travelled the world sharing his talent. He is an iconic guitarist, with a passion for both music and his instrument that transcends into every note he plays.

“I appreciate that I am doing something that makes me happy daily. I love the freedom as I can create my own hours and do other things in life to create a good balance. I have also had the honor of playing with incredible, world-class musicians constantly. I play music on a high level which is fulfilling and I think touches the listener on a greater scale,” said Szul.

What is perhaps the most outstanding achievement of his extensive and esteemed career, however, does not come from actually playing the guitar, but rather, building one. Szul invented the 9-string-guitar, which later led to the creation of both the 7-string and 8-string guitars. All three are used around the world on a daily basis. He was 18-years-old at the time.

“Kurt’s skill on the 9-string-guitar has garnered interest at every show he performs with me. Great musicians have quizzed him on his style and the instrument, wondering how he plays with such ease and deftness. It’s always a treat to watch Kurt,” said Jay Jackson, the celebrated jazz vocalist and pianist.

Szul, recognized for his musicianship and contributions to the industry, was added as an artist to EMG’s huge list of product endorsers. He was given custom 9-string pickups and electronics, which were installed in his 9-string guitars, and giving an unbelievably amazing change in his tone and volume. Other artists include James Hetfield of Metallica, Steve Winwood, Lou Reed and Mike Inez of Alice in Chains.

At only 17, Szul began to become curious about different tunings that are possible on the guitar, which led to him becoming fascinated with symmetrical tunings, meaning that each string to string interval is the same going up. Such a fascination is not the norm for guitar players, and growing up in a small Canadian city, Szul had no knowledge of anyone ever experimenting in such a way.

“I just trusted myself and ran with it. The tuning I chose though had a limited range on a regular 6-string-guitar, so I went on a quest to see if building an extended range guitar was possible. I was met with a lot of resistance with purists along the way. I took the hard road and stuck to my guns. I ended up designing the prototype 9-string-guitar and built it,” said Szul.

Szul says took a leap of faith when he first started on this journey. Not many teenagers have the ambition or drive to create and develop a new instrument. He was aware that early guitars had a few variations. His invention was seen by other guitarists and musicians as an oddity, a revolutionary idea and a curiosity. He is consistently approached by others, wanting to understand his thought process and what he is doing. Originally, he was met with resistance, but now the musician community has accepted Szul’s unique design because of the high level that he brought it to. It is now a valid idea, and EMG recognized his hard work and dedication.

“Anything that is new and bold will encounter resistance at first. But times are definitely changing. I feel that over the years, my 9-strings and playing have received so much exposure that some of the big companies such as Ibanez and Schecter have started producing extended range guitars. These are mostly genre specific though and still use the standard tuning. Information, trading ideas and creation has never been so easy as it is now. People seem to be very open minded now to innovations. I feel that my invention helped pave the way to making the guitar world open up to new possibilities. I have only noticed this ripple effect taking place in the past five to ten years, from my idea decades ago,” he described.

While creating his instrument, the prototype needed constant modifications, ultimately getting rid of the kinks. Even now, years after he first created the 9-string, Szul is constantly tinkering with them to make them sound and play better. While doing this, he became an expert in string types and gauges, experimenting over the years with string gauge versus pitch, finding the optimal tension for each string based on his unique tuning.

“I have always felt that the standard tuning was great at some things but not at others. Experimenting on different tunings when I was a teenager gave me a glimpse of different possibilities. At the time, I wasn’t always sure where I was going with this but now that I have a long career between then and now, my risk paid off. The tuning makes perfect sense to me and has allowed me to play many things that are not possible with the conventional tuning.

Szul has also received an artist deal with Arturia, a major synthesizer and software company. Initially, he thought about patenting the 9-string, and was encouraged to do so throughout the years, but he wanted to share my experience and invention openly. He would encourage people to dream, plan, work and achieve like he did.

“I think that if we listened to the naysayers and our own inner voice (when it’s skeptical), we wouldn’t get what we all need to do to achieve happiness done,” he concluded.

The 9-string guitar far surpassed his expectations. Years ago, Szul read a statistic in Guitar Player Magazine that said only six per cent of musicians that start off in the field make a great career out of it. Now, he is in that top percentile, paving the way for new musicians to make it there as well.

Reviews, Interviews & Features!, Screenwriter, Theater

Writer Wendy Bain shows comedic flair in upcoming play ‘Old Frenemies’

September 6, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

When Wendy Bain was just a school girl, her favorite subjects were English and Literature. From a young age, she was immersed in reading, growing her vocabulary and discovering the most eloquent way to portray her feelings. As a child, this meant writing short stories and joining the drama club to delve into the arts. Now, however, she has emerged as a leading script writer, and her love of words is the foundation of her passion for what she does.

Despite working on many successful projects in many genres, Bain is known for her talents as a comedic writer. She perfectly captures the situational humor in real-life scenarios, and connects with her audience. Stephanie Laing, an eight-time Emmy nominated and two-time Emmy award winning producer/director known for her work on HBO’s Veep, Vice Principals, Eastbound & Down, and Divorce, says Bain’s work is crucial to the work she does with her production company, PYPO Inc. The two are currently working on the first of many projects together called Clean.

“Wendy is essential to this project as she created this television series. I’ve known Wendy for over a year now. She has a distinct voice that taps into the zeitgeist of American comedy,” said Laing.

Despite such success and accolades, Bain considers the highlight of her career as writing the play Charlotte Davies Is to Blame for Everything. The play was selected for a new playing writing festival at the Rosemary Branch Theatre in Islington, London in 2012.

“Charlotte Davis is to blame for everything came from a very bad, wet week away in the midst of the Welsh countryside in the United Kingdom. My husband, Sam, had seen an article in the Telegraph newspaper about these luxury cottages in Wales and, knowing how much I love Wales and luxury, thought I’d like to stay there,” said Bain.

Similar to Bain’s experience, when her character Charlotte decides to go away with her husband, it does not go as planned. Charlotte’s wildlife documentary maker husband, Duncan takes Charlotte on a job with him to film the red squirrels in Wales. The cottage that is hired for them by the BBC is in the middle of nowhere, and unbeknownst to Charlotte, it is owned by her old nemesis, Lesley Irwin.

Things go from bad to worse when Charlotte sees that Lesley has married her ex-boyfriend Dewey. Meanwhile Lesley wants to sell the land the red squirrels live on to build more holiday cottages. Charlotte’s sure that Duncan’s still cheating on her. Dewey can’t believe the love of his life, Charlotte Davies, has returned after thirty years.

Severe flooding prevents Charlotte from leaving. The couples become trapped in the cottage together and all the truth comes out.

“It is a comedy based on my experience. I was horrified to find out the owner of the farm cottage we were staying in was my old frenemy from my teenage years that took my boyfriend off me,” Bain joked. “We just pretended not to know each other but the memories about her stealing my boyfriend, and how a close female friendship can flip into a vicious rivalry, came flooding back. I couldn’t wait to get out of cottage and back to London.”

Bain ended up injuring her knee, and like Charlotte, was trapped at the cottage and left to think about her old friend and the unresolved issues. The weekend, although displeasing at the time, provided Bain with the perfect inspiration for her play.

“When we got back to London I told my husband the real reason, as I had exaggerated my injury for us to leave sooner. He still finds it amusing. I found a great premise for a play and a way to process those old feelings,” she recalled.

The play was shown at The Rosemary Branch, Islington and Tristan Bates Theatre, Covent Garden in London. Upon its premiere, Bain was hailed as a ‘promising new playwright at a time when comedy wasn’t as popular as social issue lead drama in London.’ As Bain also has experience in acting, she played the lead of Charlotte Davies and the laughter from the play could be heard from corner of Shaftesbury Ave. Film critic Catherine Bray a follower of Wendy’s talent said on Twitter it had some of ‘the best one liners she heard in a while’.

“The script is laugh out loud funny and hits hard nail of truth with an anvil. Charlotte’s vain and witty has married the wrong man and that man has married the wrong sex. It’s a naturalistic comedy that leans towards farce at the end,” Bain described.

Bain is now bringing the acclaimed play to America. The name of play has changed to Old Frenemies, and will be put on at the Hollywood Fringe Festival next year. Although it is based in the countryside of Wales, Bain says it is more about an old friendship gone wrong. There’s also the added romance line of Charlotte and Geffen, who were childhood sweethearts and split apart by Lesley’s lies. Thirty years later they see the result of their choices from those teenage years. Charlotte also is dealing with the affairs of her closeted gay husband, portraying common marital and friendship issues on the stage.

“When Geffen says the sad line ‘The thing I loved the most about her was she reminded me of you’. It rings the end of a hollow marriage between him and thoroughly dislikeable Lesley,” Bain said.

In Old Frenemies, old and new secrets unravel about who did what to whom? Ending with some hilarious revelations and proving the old adage ‘it’s never too late’. Make sure to check it out at the Hollywood Fringe Festival 2018, and keep an eye out for more of Wendy Bain’s upcoming work.

Actor, Reviews, Interviews & Features!, Television

Actor Konstadinos Lahanas does own stunt work in popular TV show ‘The Disappearance’

September 5, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Performing has always been Konstadinos Lahanas passion. He feels as if he was meant to be an actor, and audiences around the world could not agree more. His versatility is consistently evident, seamlessly transitioning from dramatic to comedic roles throughout his career. He has emerged as one of Greece’s leading actors, and has no plans on slowing down.

Throughout his career, Lahanas has worked on a series of successful projects, whether it be film, television, commercials, or stage plays. His work in series like Family Stories (Oikogeneiakes Istories), and I Have a Secret (Eho Ena Mystiko), the film The Pilgrim (O Proskinitis), and a popular Yoplait commercial shown all over Europe has made him instantly identifiable. One of his most well-known performances was on the hit television show The Disappearance (I Exafanisi).

“I wanted to work on this hit series for many reasons. It was considered a big production for Greek standards and something that hadn’t been done before. The action sequences were one of a kind for this production and the director, Stratos Markidis, had a great reputation for the way he worked on set and he was on the top of my list of directors of whom I wished to work with,” said Lahanas.

The Disappearance was a popular two-season, drama-action television series distributed on Greek Television by Alpha TV. The series was directed by Stratos Markidis, starring with Natalia Dragoumi and Stavros Zalmas. The story describes the life of a happy couple, Fillipos and Alex, who are married for 17 years and have two children. When Fillipos gets promoted, the family decides to celebrate with a journey in Tinisia. In the airport there, Alex sees Mauro for the first time, a mysterious Greek-Italian doctor. After this meeting, the life of this triangle changes dramatically once Alex get lost in a local Bazaar. Then the adventure begins, as Fillipos tries desperately to find Alex in a foreign and hostile country.

“The show involves family matters, which we all hold close to our hearts. The anxiety and turmoil a family is put through when faced with such an incident is heartbreaking. Relationships and bonds within the family are tested in moments like these and often are a make it or break it factor. As humans, we can all relate to this and I feel this is what makes the story important,” said Lahanas.

In The Disappearance, Lahanas plays a young and ambitious police officer, actively participating in the chase of Mauro who had abducted Alex. The requirements of this role were demanding, requiring lots of running and combat skills, as well as successful expression of intense emotions during the scenes. The character is essential in the story development, as the police officer helps to solve the disappearance that the show is based off of.

“What I really liked about working on this project was how physically demanding the role was and how intense the emotions ran through my body, allowing me to commit to my character as needed. All of this allowed me to expand my horizons as an actor. Working on this production was extremely interesting as all the filming was done outdoors, and all the cast and crew were tested by the circumstances we had to work with, heat being a number one factor and of course all the stunts involved,” Lahanas described.

The role of the police officer required a lot of stunt work that Lahanas did himself. The character actively participated in chasing down the main suspect and finally resolving the case with success. This meant Lahanas needed to be trained in combat and stunt driving.

“Working on this production was an amazing experience. Acquiring such skills that I hadn’t had the chance to work on before and really enjoyed doing. There were times were my limits were tested on set as some shots were extremely dangerous and it was up to me to decide whether or not I wanted to take the risk. Being put in this situation helped me shape the character I wanted to portray,” he described.

These shots were risky. While filming one crucial scene in an abandoned house during the night, one of the floorboards where Lahanas was walking suddenly collapsed. Luckily, he was able to grab onto the remaining floor to prevent a serious injury, but he was still hurt. However, he did not let this interfere with his portrayal of the police officer, something that impressed all who he worked with.

“I worked with Konstadinos on The Disappearance and was immediately impressed by him. His acting skills during difficult and demanding action scenes were magnificent. I think that the biggest strengths of Konstadinos are his dedication to the needs of every role and also his ability to improvise,” said co-star Natalia Dragoumi.

Lahanas became a part of this project after the casting agent contacted him. They knew they needed someone talented that could also handle the physical demands of the role. Lahanas was the immediate choice, and once he read the script, he was hooked.

“I was immediately inspired by the high intensity of the role and all the stunts involved in the action sequences. Doing my own stunts was something I always wanted to experience as an actor,” he said.

There is little doubt as to why, with such extraordinary talent, Lahanas is such a successful and acclaimed actor, and audiences can expect to continue to see him on both their big and small screen for years to come.

Actor, Film, international Talent, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

SAKARAPANI PROVES HIMSELF AMONG THE GREATS IN SIVALINGA

September 5, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

When considering the industries that America is known for, the ones that originate here and which have preeminence in the world, filmmaking is the most noteworthy. While numerous companies and industries are famous for their contributions, Hollywood has spent more than a century as the world’s leader in the art form. One needs only to stand for a minute at the corner of Hollywood & Highland, near the famed Grauman’s Chinese Theater to witness the eclectic group of nationalities represented in the tourists that travel from all over the world to visit the city which has inspired dreamers and admirers of cinema. The films produced here inspire audience and other film industries across the planet. India is the number three ranked in volume of films produced each year (closely behind China and the US). The past decade has seen the inclusion of many more talented actors of this country than ever before in US productions. While these professionals are lauded household names in their own county, their aspirations to be part of the most established and most respected film production community in the world drives them to Hollywood. It’s an idea that has been in the mind of Indian actor Manoj Sakarapani. He has already starred in a number of Canadian productions (The Pill, Don’t Let Go, Show Cop, and others) but admits that Hollywood holds a special place in the hearts and minds of actor from every country. That statement carries a lot of weight when one considers that Sakarapani was in this year’s massively successful AP International (India) release Sivalinga. The actor delivered a riveting and emotional performance as the antagonist in this 2017 Horror film by legendary Indian Filmmaker P. Vasu.

Manoj plays Rahul in Sivalinga. The jealous boyfriend of leading lady Ritika Singh, Rahul discovers her talking to another man (Raheem) and approaches her father, who sends thugs to beat him up. Things go too far and the beating becomes a murder. The crux of the movie is when this murdered man returns as a ghost to haunt the other characters in the film. When police officer Shivalingesh is assigned to investigate the case, the ghost possesses the officer’s wife, leading him to the clues to crack the case.

Sakarapani was admittedly excited to be in this major feature film release, as well as being the film’s main villain. In his estimation, the primary “bad guy” in the film allows for a wider emotional palate as well as avoids the responsibility that comes with being the centerpiece of the story. For an actor who wants to act and be challenged while still avoiding the publicity game, it’s an ideal situation. Being the villain is something that Manoj is becoming somewhat known for and which he embraces. Rather than focusing on the title or categorization of the character, this actor prefers to find the character which he finds most exciting and interesting…which somehow lean towards the less amiable ones.

Vasu cast Sakarapani as Rahul based on the strength of his audition. Vasu has directed, written, and produced one hundred fourty-one motion pictures in India and worked with some of the biggest stars including Super Star Rajnikanth, K. Bhagyaraj, Sathyaraj, and others. All of this has honed his sense of charisma meets talent in an actor, which he applied to Manoj. Sivalinga saw Manoj working with some of the most established actors in the Indian film world, comparable to Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep, Octavia Spencer, etc. Because the character of Rahul was so integral to the story, the filmmaker and actor had intensive discussion about how he should be portrayed on film. Sakarapani explains, “Mr. P. Vasu didn’t want Rahul to be seen as a crazy villain, a brutal villain, or a notorious one. That was too dramatic and somewhat cartoonish. We discussed Rahul being a very normal type of person at first, one who doesn’t realize that he has the potential to do such harm. He is a college student and that’s where I meet my girl Satya whom I develop a crush on which turns into jealousy. Everything goes downhill from there. Rahul doesn’t see himself as murderous. I played him as an angry, mean, rude, and rich boyfriend who is immature and takes everything personal.”

Standing on set acting with the most acclaimed veteran actors of his country was intimidating for Manoj. He credits P. Vasu with assisting him in navigating the situation. At one point early in the filming, the director pulled him aside and informed him that he was very talented and this role was a blessing, he could choose to relax and perform with the talent he already possessed or allow the experience to overwhelm him. The actor recalls that the minute Vasu yelled “Action” he followed his instinct, finding himself going toe to toe with the actors and actresses he had grown up watching; it was truly an empowering and inspirational occurrence for him. Sivalinga’s co-director Krishnan states, “Manoj found himself in a very difficult situation for this film. Most of our cast members were highly recognized and celebrated actors while he was the ‘new face.’ This can be a very uncomfortable place for an actor to exist in and can lead to making a character too big. Manoj did none of this though. His portrayal of Rahul, the impetus for the tragedy in the film, was performed with great restraint. The performance Manoj gave belied his youth. Rather, he acted as a veteran, a complete and actualized professional. I couldn’t be happier with what he brought to our film; it truly made the story much more compelling and believable.”

Sivalinga was a huge success in India at the box office and with fans. While stating that the greatest benefit of his involvement was the chance to work closely with so many accomplished actors and use the knowledge of this experience in his approach towards other roles, he concedes that the attention he received from the public was both unexpected and something he had to learn to react to gracefully. He recalls, “Seeing this on the screen for the first time with the public was an odd situation. I was sweating and hiding my face because people started noticing me and pointing in my direction in the theatre. After the movie they came running to me saying, ‘Hey look, it’s Rahul! They came and took selfies and got autographs from me and wished me well. They told me even though I am a star now, I don’t act like one. They told me that I’m very down to earth like their next door neighbor.” It sounds like Manoj Sakarapani would fit into Hollywood very well.

Behind the Scenes, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

AMERICAN & CHINESE FILM GROWS CLOSER WITH A LITTLE HELP FROM XIN GONG

September 5, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

While there are many things that separate the peoples of the world, the Arts have always been something that brings us all together. It can be the Beatles singing “I Wanna Hold Your Hand” or a Monet painting…any number of creative expressions that allow different cultures to intuitively feel our unifying threads rather than discord. When a new facet of an art form is developed it also allows for a possible harmonious cooperation amongst those of different backgrounds. Hollywood filmmaking is cresting a century of creating world renowned films. China has a much more blossoming film industry but is bringing its own identity and talent to the acclaim of a great deal of critics, audiences, and peers. Technological advancements have changed both the look of movies and the way they are made. One of the newest careers in film is that of Digital Imaging Technician or DIT. Xin Gong is a DIT who hails from China but has worked with a number of American productions. Her talent as a DIT as well as her ease in communicating and working with both US and Chinese cultures has allowed her to become a bridge between these two film centers. Helping these differing professionals cooperate while using her knowledge of both industry’s strengths is what she did as DIT for the film Devil and Angel. This 2015 comedy feature was made in China but employed a number of professionals from both America and China. Xin found that more than her DIT skills made her valuable on this production as well as taught her about the people from both areas.

DIT is a fairly new job in filmmaking. As technology quickly advances, DIT’s are becoming responsible for more and more things. In the United States, crew members are familiar with the most modern duties of a DIT, as opposed to the more traditional view of Chinese filmmakers that the DIT is primarily concerned with keeping the footage safe. Gong worked on this specific film because it afforded her the opportunity to change this perception. Xin wanted this predominantly Chinese crew to be aware of her ability to provide options for the directors and DPs, to let them know there are many things that the DIT can do to make the production process a lot more convenient. Gong seized many an opportunity to exhibit how she could help to set data of both cameras and footage and make all the digitalized imaging devices work, such as: monitors, sound devices and the Teradek. Communicating extensively with the DP, Director, and post-production to help these different sects of the team make adjustments and fine tune the field production process. In truth, the DIT is the gate keeper of the film. No one on the set can take a look at the story until Xin decodes and color correct the raw footage.

Cooperating within the nucleus of the camera team and director was not the limitation of this for Devil and Angel. While the film was shot in China, the production recognized and respected the talent of US film professionals. Employing such professionals would not only increase the quality of the final product but would serve as a learning process for those not familiar with the Hollywood way of doing things. As a native of China but with a strong command of the English language as well as extensive knowledge of the American filmmaking process, Gong often acted as a verbal and professional conduit between members of the crew. While there was an obvious language barrier, there was also a difference in opinion about how to approach certain aspects of the filming process. Once again, being proficient in both cultures film process, Xin was able to correlate a process which resulted in both sides finding positivity in the results.

The talented professionals behind the camera need to coordinate and communicate in order to enable the professionals in front of the camera to portray the story. Devil and Angel is a romance which begins with a car crash. The two main characters, Xiaodao Zha & Feili Mo, are combative and somewhat self-centered early in the movie but they get to know each other through a series of cooperative circumstances. Eventually they fall in love as they let down the protective walls that separate them. The film’s story contains the universal theme of love but also vividly expresses some cultural differences. US films tend towards everyday realism while those of China focus on mind and spirit. China prefers a group working together for success while most American films focus on a single hero. The production of this film proves that the borders which separate the two country’s film industries are not as separate as they used to be.

Along with the rest of the production team, it was Gong’s goal that Devil & Angel be well received, which it was. Even more than this, Xin wanted to prove that as things evolve it can be beneficial for all involved parties. Through her exceptional work, she convinced her fellow professionals that a DIT can assist the film in a number of ways. Through her positive attitude and comfortability with different languages and cultures, she helped them to see that we can all become better through cooperation.

Chinese Filmmaker, Director, Television

Jing Wen talks becoming a web phenomenon

August 30, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

When Jing Wen sits to envision how to begin working on a new project, every fibre of her being comes to life. She is addicted to the power she experiences when she witnesses her audience feeling her story. From the very first take, she knows what she wants them to see and she commits herself to ensuring that every single step is taken with care to do her ideas justice. For the renowned director, her work allows her to be free to express herself and her opinions before the world in a way few other professions allow. It is a job unlike any other and her passion for her work is unprecedented.

For as long as Wen can remember, storytelling has been her calling and she has done so for the better of every project she has ever embarked on. In her work on films like Blossoming Flowers and Golden Eagle Festival, Wen has taken the inner workings of her mind and shared them with her audience in the most raw, authentic way possible. She is a natural connector, knowing all of the intricate roles involved in bringing a film to life and ensuring that each and every person she works with knows exactly what they need to do to help carry the film to greatness. When a problem arises, she knows exactly what to do and she makes sure that her co-workers are at ease and confident in their roles at all times.

Wen’s leadership skills are unparalleled and they have been instrumental to her success as a director. In 2016, she was tasked with re-vamping the Chinese reality show, Mom is Superman 1. The show’s producer, Baili Yuan, sought Wen’s help in the midst of a struggle to change the direction of the show after its first season. Yuan knew that the script needed the perspective of a director like Wen. Someone who had the creative edge to keep their audience fully engaged and eagerly anticipating each new episode. Yuan also knew that it needed a natural born leader. It required a skilled director who could talk the stars through their roles and establish attainable targets. To Yuan’s satisfaction, Wen agreed to share her talents with Yuan’s team and presented her vision for Mom is Superman 2.

The result was astounding. Wen far exceeded any expectations that Yuan had for her. The wildly successful web series received 1.4 million viewers online and became a Topic Discussion online over 3.2 billion times. Unsurprisingly, Mom is Superman 2 won Macau International Advertising Festival’s “2016-17 Best Program of China” award and Wen is without a doubt the reason why.

Wen’s satisfaction, however, came from the chance she seized to use her talents for the better of her viewers. She got to do what she loves more than anything else. She got to tell stories. “What I love about directing is story telling. It is the most essential part of any film. As a director, the way in which you choose to tell your story is crucial. I want my audience to feel amazed when they watch my films. More importantly, I want them to find meaning in the stories I tell,” said Wen.

Mom is superman 2 poster 2 — *Mom is Superman 2* poster

The challenge, for Wen, is that making her films often involves the assistance of a sponsor. She knows how difficult it can be when a sponsor pushes her to accept their advice and their suggestions. Her vast experience in the industry, however, allows her to overcome this obstacle each time she is presented with it. She is passionate about her work and she understands the need to stay true to her original ideas. In order to do so, she has grasped the ability to liaise effortlessly with her sponsors and ensure that any compromises she makes wont jeopardize the integrity of the film. Her professionalism is one of the many reasons that sponsors and producers are eager to work with her at any chance they get. Mom is Superman 2’s producer, Yuan is a prime example. Having worked with Wen on several occasions, Yuan continues to return to her whenever she is looking for a high quality director who can help take her projects to the next level.

“I first met Jing when she was a graduate but I haven’t forgotten her since. She is so full of curiosity and she thrives in a variety of situations. She is such a creative director and her experience makes her an asset on any project. She knows how to handle any emergency we encounter on set,” told Yuan.

After achieving such acclaim for Mom is Superman 2, Wen has already set her sights on an even bigger, brighter outcome for Mom is Superman 3. Every time she finishes a project, she is already thinking about the next best thing she can bring to the screen. This is because directing is a lifestyle for Wen and storytelling is her artistry. It isn’t something she can shut off, and why would she? She is fortunate enough to be able to do what she loves and to be great at what she does. She lives every artist’s dream on a daily basis and she does not plan on stopping any time soon.

Television

Television Host Dan Babic strives to be in the one percent

August 25, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

ce3bd4_df340a97e5394f55aad74e917fab9f0d — Dan Babic on set

Working in a field as gruelling as the entertainment industry is no small feat. Where most individuals see a daunting career path, plagued by unstable income and fierce competition, Australian entertainer Dan Babic has only ever seen a breadth of opportunity. It has never been about a steady pay check, or a permanent “nine to five,” but rather about embracing the unknown and the diversity of challenges that entertaining unveils. When most parents ask their child about what they’d like to be when they grow up, they often expect to hear answers like “famous entertainer” and simply hope that the novelty will wear off with age. This, however, was not the case for Babic’s mother and father, as his unwavering desire to entertain has only grown stronger over the years.

“Less than one per cent of the world’s entire population are at the top of the entertainment industry. So, if you want to be part of the one per cent, you have to be prepared to do what only one per cent of people can do,” notes Babic. Unsurprisingly, he is prepared to do just that and more. His relentless desire to share his talents with the world push him to test his own limits and to bring the unique elements of his personality to the industry in ways that other television personalities haven’t before. The result is a seemingly effortless combination of humour and realism that flavour his work in a unique way that one can only truly understand by witnessing him in action. The success that this up-and-coming entertainer has achieved so early on in his career is a result of his natural affinity for entertainment and his drive to showcase himself as an authentic television personality.

In 2016, when Babic was approached to host Fashion One’s Design Genius, Babic couldn’t resist accepting. The series centres around a “fashion-packed” competition that challenges fashion designers to create original and inventive clothing and accessories. A show of this nature requires an effective host. A host who isn’t afraid to challenge its competitors, but who also has the capacity to empathize with the designers and capitalize on the genuine moments that a testing competition orchestrates.

“I wanted to work on Design Genius, as the success the show relied entirely on the host’s ability to captivate, engage and connect a culturally diverse audience of over 400 million people from 173 countries. I wanted to showcase my ability of to unifying individuals of all different backgrounds. The show sought a distinctive, unique personality to host and I knew this is something I have to offer. I knew that I would be an asset to the project. It required a host with the rare skill set needed to take the audience on a journey from beginning, through the middle, to the end in an improvisational, yet precise fashion. This isn’t something that every television personality is able to do, but it is the exact hosting style that I thrive in and so I knew from the start that I was the only person for the job. What’s more, is that I had always dreamed of working with the show’s producer, Tone Innset,” tells Babic.

Fortunately, the reputation that Babic has established for himself presents him as a top tier television host and personality. When producers or directors are searching for a host, his name comes to mind almost instantaneously. Innset’s knowledge of Babic’s talents made her eager to work with the entertainer and Design Genuis’ viewers reaped the benefits.

“Mr. Babic performed the leading role of host for the series Design Genius, where he garnered a substantial amount of praise for himself and the series. In his leading role, his responsibilities required him to complete a number of tasks, including introducing the series, the contestants, and their projects for each and every episode. His larger than life personality allowed him to attract audiences to the show simply by listening to him or watching him, as his exciting interactions with his co-hosts and contestants were often unconventional in the approach, confronting aggressive contestants, or heartily joking and laughing with his fellow hosts and judges. It is imperative for a host to have such a personality, and to utilize their skillsets as a performer to convey this to the audience. In addition to the typical duties of a host, he was also responsible for leading the show as a judge, and he decided which contestants advanced to the subsequent rounds, which contestants were eliminated, and which contestants broke the rules and must be disqualified. Dan has a unique ability to command attention from his audience and the other contestants, as well as his other judges, highlighting his domineering on screen personality, which translates into increased viewership for the series as a whole,” says Innset.

The show’s wide reach is a testament to Babic’s mastery of television hosting and flawless ability to captivate his audience. What’s most impressive, however, is Babic’s ability to remain humble in his rise of fame. In the wake of praise, Babic remains true to himself. “What I like most about being an on-camera personality is that it feels like home. It completely lights me up in every way possible. When I’m hosting a television show, I feel an overwhelming sense of comfort in knowing that I am doing exactly what I am meant to do. The pure joy it brings me extends to all aspects of my life and helps me become the best version of myself that I can be. Words cannot describe how much I love and live for what I do and I am beyond grateful that I get to experience that every single day with my work. It is such a rare thing and I never forget that but I know that my success comes from my persistence, my fearlessness, my hard work and by simply trusting my intuition,” Babic states.

Babic’s talents as an entertainer are unparalleled. Television show creators would be hard-pressed to find a host more dynamic and at ease in front of the camera than him. He was born to be on screen and anyone who has seen his work knows that great things are in store for his future audiences.

Cinematographers, Film, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

Andre Chesini tackles Alzheimer’s in moving film

August 24, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Andre Chesini measuring light on Chocolate — Andre Chesini behind the scenes for “Chocolate”

Ask any cinematographer what they love about film and you’re likely to get a different answer. For some, it’s about having an outlet; a way to channel the vast array of emotions, thoughts, and experiences that life has to offer. For others, it’s a platform to showcase an artist’s creativity and to entertain audiences of all sizes. It is both gruelling and competitive; however, most cinematographers will tell you that above all else, it’s about the indescribable feeling of getting to see your work come to life on screen. Filmmaking is an ever-evolving art form and over time, it has broken barriers, tested limits, and motivated human beings to see the world in different lights. For award-winning cinematographer, Andre Chesini, it is about all of this and more.

“Cinematography is a dynamic process, borrowing from different art forms to create an art form of its own. It drives me to evolve not only as an artist, but as a human being and it has helped me to learn so much about the world that we live in. It is an endless process of discovery and it has given me the opportunity to travel to new places and meet new people. It’s in those places that ideas flourish and new projects come to life,” says Chesini.

At a young age, Chesini began to work with 3D CAD modelling at a SolidWorks reseller. It was here that he earned himself various positions working for prominent companies like Alston and Embraer Suppliers as a 3D modelling designer, using mechanics to help pre-visualize ideas and concepts. In those days, Chesini thought he might eventually work toward becoming an engineer; however, he was always hungry for more. His unrelenting desire and creative insight, paired with his technical skills, drew him toward cinematography and from there, he has never looked back.

As he continued to pursue his dreams, Chesini moved to the south of Brazil to lend his talents toward projects like the award-winning, A Fábrica; a film which won over 60 awards and went on to secure a nomination at the 85th annual Oscars Awards. Another of his works was a viral music video called Oração. If not for Chesini, it is unlikely that the video would have reached three-million views in less than three days. Achieving such success so early on in one’s career can often have a negative impact on his or her ego; however, this was never the case for Chesini. He is simply grateful for the recognition and motivated to continue to produce even greater work.

With a decorated career like Chesini’s, it comes as no surprise that director Thiago Dadalt was determined to work with him. Dadalt’s familiarity with Chesini’s work on A Fábrica solidified this desire. The two worked together for the first time on the wildly hilarious television series, Life on a Leash. When Chesini was approached about the possibility of working with Dadalt again for the film Chocolate, he found himself instantly intrigued. The film portrays the beautiful tale about the power of family and hope when a suburban housewife and mother finds herself homeless in Skid Row, Los Angeles as a result of her Alzheimer’s Disease.

“I feel a strong impulse to jump on board with projects grounded in a social issue. For Chocolate, we had the opportunity to portray the life of a house-wife who finds herself homeless as a result of her early-onset Alzheimer’s, a disease that degenerates the mind. I was born in Brazil, where homelessness is a prevalent social issue and I really wanted to portray it as close to reality as we could,” tells Chesini.

The reality that often goes unseen with cinematography, however, are the challenges that filmmakers must overcome to produce high-quality content for their viewers. By the time the ensemble hits the screen, a cinematographer’s work typically appears seamless. In the case of Chocolate, Chesini, Dadalt and their entire team encountered several obstacles along the way. It is in situations like these, however, where Chesini’s natural affinity for filmmaking comes to light.

“Chocolate had its production challenges. We were going to shoot in the midst of a hot summer in Los Angeles and our ideas involved several locations, as well as various moving parts. I decided to choose handheld and steadicam given our locations and hard placements to set tracks and cranes. I felt that it created a more intimate connection with the characters since the camera position was closer to the action. I also recognized that it was an emotional film for the actors, so Thiago and I decided we would use longer shots to help the actors delve deeper into their characters. Even with all of our production challenges, Thiago managed to pull a 29-minute cut. He didn’t need to re-shoot any of the material or film additional shots. The result was a consistent film that draws the audience into a tale of survival and love in the midst of the devastating reality of forgetting and losing yourself,” states Chesini.

Prior to completing the film in November 2016, Chocolate was already nominated for the London International Film Festival where it received the award for Best Supporting Actress. Following this early success, the film went on to be an Official Selection for the Hollywood and Hollyshorts Film Festivals in 2017. It later won Best Drama and Actress at the Firstglance Film Festival Los Angeles and Marché du Film at Le Festival de Cannes 2017 and continued to win awards thereafter.

So, what makes a short-film like Chocolate so successful? Naturally, it comes down to talent like Chesini. When asked about working with the cinematographer, Dadalt comments that “Andre is an outstanding professional that I feel extremely fortunate to have come across. We’re both Brazilian, so we share a mutual understanding of the unique challenge that it brings to establishing a career in Los Angeles. He is a very talented cinematographer with a keen eye for capturing the perfect moment. His input and his work ethic are a delight when filming.”

With a cinematographer like Chesini on the scene, one can only imagine the calibre of content that he will continue to bring to the industry.

Check out some behind-the-scenes footage of Chocolate here.

Interviews & Features!, Producer, Television

Britain’s Rosie Kinane-Adams is not just a producer, but a true storyteller

August 17, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Rosie Kinane-Adams has always been aware of the power of storytelling. She understands the connection one can feel with someone they have never met, simply by hearing their story. She has felt this obsession since she was a child. She wanted to know everything about everyone that ever existed. She became fascinated with television and its ability to share the story of a child her age going through much different circumstances; from her house in London, England, she was able to see far beyond her city, and into the happenings around the world.

It was only natural for Kinane-Adams to want to do her part to tell people’s stories, and the answer was simple. She would be a producer. She would spend her life showing people who overcome all obstacles, whether it be the story of a dancer who overcame a disability to perform on the biggest stage in the world, or a couple trying to overcome their lifestyle differences and fall in love.

“I wanted to be responsible for inspiring people around the world and showing them what’s out there and what people are capable of,” she said.

Kinane-Adams has worked on many successful projects throughout her career. She produced Married at First Sight Australia, which has been nominated for Best Factual Program Silver at the Logie Awards. She also produced two seasons of Simon Cowell’s hit show America’s Got Talent, impressing audiences and colleagues across the globe.

“The simplest way to describe working with Rosie would be like a ‘breath of fresh air.’ That is why she stands out among other producers I worked with. Her approach to the job, her attitude, and her overall presence are something all producers need to strive for. She brings excitement, positivity, and new ideas in every situation she is in. She is the best producer I have ever worked with; and hopefully will again in the near future,” said Chase Marbumrung, Line Producer of America’s Got Talent. “Rosie is so amazing at what she does because she is dynamic. She is full of energy and new ideas; and she adapts to any situation without sacrificing her character. Everyone I know who worked with her can vouch for this. Every production would be lucky to have to her.”

Earlier this year, Kinane-Adams once again put her touch on a popular television show, this time being for the ninth season of Masterchef Australia. The Masterchef franchise is one of the most successful cooking shows in the world, with a presence in 52 countries, and on every continent. The Australian version differs slightly from the original British version. The initial round of the show consists of a large number of hopeful contestants from across Australia individually “auditioning” by presenting a food dish before the three judges in order to gain one of 50 semi-final places. The semi-finalists then compete in several challenges which test their food knowledge and preparation skills. The contestants will then be whittled down through a number of individual and team-based cooking challenges and weekly elimination rounds until a winning MasterChef is crowned. The winner plays for a prize that includes chef training from leading professional chefs, the chance to have their own cookbook published, and $250,000 in cash. Working on the show has been a mission point of Kinane-Adams’ career.

“Masterchef is the most successful cooking show format in the world, and a lot of that comes down to story. People at home love to see home cooks like themselves succeed and achieve their dream. It’s about good people wanting to follow their dream and learn from the best in their business. It’s a feel-good show, and they never go out of style,” said Kinane Adams.

After her success with Married at First Sight, the Endomol Shine Group recruited Kinane-Adams to work on Masterchef. They were looking for the best, and Kinane-Adams’ results from Married at First Sight showed she was just that. Her episodes did incredibly well in the ratings up against tough competition. Her episodes came in at number one in the ratings the night they aired, and were up 98 per cent year on year from the timeslot the year before. She continued a similar pattern on Masterchef.

“Having an internationally renowned producer like Rosie on the team brought an invaluable source of knowledge and creativity to the show. Working with her inspired creativity for myself and the rest of the team. Rosie’s unique approach to storytelling is what makes her one of the best in the business,” said Kelly Maycock, Senior Producer of Masterchef Australia.

Kinane-Adams edit produced two 60-minute episodes of Masterchef Australia. To do this, she took the raw content from the field and crafted it into a clear, concise and compelling episode for the viewers at home. She would watch through over a hundred hours of footage and create a clear timeline and story from the many stories that existed within the episode. From there, she would work with her editor to polish it into an episode that met the high standard that Masterchef has the reputation for. She was vital to the success of her episodes, and the season as a whole.

“Working on such a respected format within my industry, and one that has been around in one form or another since I was born, is an incredible milestone for me. To have such final creative control on such a successful and complex show is a wonderful feeling. With just myself and an editor working on it gives you a real sense of ownership over the episode. The success of that episode is, in a large part, down to storytelling,” Kinane-Adams said. “The show has a lot of integrity. It’s all about encouraging growth for the everyday man, proving that anyone can follow their dreams and achieve them. It has a really positive vibe to it, and that’s a wonderful thing to be a part of.”

Masterchef is known in the industry for being one of the hardest shows to post-produce and edit. It is said if you can do Masterchef, you can do it all in the reality world, and Kinane-Adams can truly do everything in the reality world. She is one of Britain’s best, and there is no doubt that we can continue to expect great work from this storyteller for quite some time.

Actor, Canadian Talent, international Talent, Reviews, Interviews & Features!

PACKING A PUNCH ON SCREEN WITH ALYSSA VENIECE

August 16, 2017 pressva Leave a comment

Female action heroes; yes, the time has officially arrived. Between Gal Gadot’s Wonder Woman and Charlize Theron in Atomic Blonde, the age of lead action female star is upon us. There have doubtlessly been those who have preceded them but these two hit films prove that women in these roles are not only equal to their male counterparts but are currently exceeding them in popularity (to say nothing of revenue generating). Assuredly, a host of productions which offer these female alpha types and actress Alyssa Veniece is ready. She’s not just interested in pursuing these types of opportunities, they are her goal. She espouses her love of action films, especially the ones in which the females overcome emotional weaknesses and matters of the heart. As with the aforementioned actions stars, Veniece possesses not only the aesthetic beauty of a lead actress but also the athleticism which is a necessity. It’s the reason that the filmmakers of “My Ex-Ex” cast her in the role of Tina Phung for the film.

In contrast to actresses who prepare a part once they are cast, Alyssa had literally been training for years when she was serendipitously offered the role of Tina. She had been working out at Tommy Chang’s Black Belt World Taekwondo school for a year and a half prior to being offered the role and training in kickboxing and muay thai for seven years before that. Heeding her father’s advice that “success happens when preparation meets opportunity” Veniece has always been driven to make the best of use of time varying her skill set. “My Ex-Ex” was her first project as a stunt actress and first opportunity to play a character who spoke and could also use her fight technique. Tina Phung is fearless and brimming with self-confidence. Reinforcing her father’s words, her work on this film allowed Alyssa to experience what it was like to work as a professional using all the skills she’d developed specifically to land jobs in entertainment, which includes years of acting training. Mirroring the mental state of her character, the experience gave Veniece the confidence to know that she was on the right path and capable of achieving her dreams.

“My Ex-Ex” is not the typical vehicle for an action role. It’s the tale of a recently-jilted woman (Mary) who has to decide whether to take back the man who dumped her or return to her college boyfriend. When Mary’s boyfriend Ted invites her out to a fancy restaurant she’s convinced he’s going to pop the question but instead of getting hitched, Mary gets dumped. To cheer her up, Mary’s friends take her to see a psychic who casts a spell to reconnect Mary with her ex-boyfriend. The only problem is that Mary didn’t say which one. She bumps into her college boyfriend Patrick, and despite feeling he’s completely wrong for her, she slowly falls for him again. Ted soon realizes his mistake and wants Mary back. Mary is torn between her two exes: Mr. Right on paper, and Mr. Right for her.

Alyssa appears as Tina Phung; a young, fearless, actress and skilled fighter. She is the contrast to the main character when they are both auditioning for a role, however he was not so skilled and definitely more nervous. In one of the most hilarious scenes of the film, these two characters audition for a casting director who asks for a glimpse of the character’s ninja skills. Phung rips off her Adidas tearaways and begins her (actual) fight routine: a mix of punches, spin kicks, and roundhouses. The casting director praises her and then requests the other auditionee to perform the same, which is less than extraordinary. The entire group watches him in disbelief and, in the end, the director awards Tina Phung the role, which she happily accepts while still popping her bubble gum.

Alyssa describes the charismatic Tina Phung as being part herself and part the self she aspires to become. Veniece relates, “I created Tina to be a girl who takes every moment as it comes, every challenge as it comes. She was super confident, uncomplicated, and self-assured in her talents and capabilities. I believed she came from a close-knit family who supported her and had faith that she was a star, so when she entered the audition rooms she already believed she would come out the winner. I’d describe her as a totally un-phased, free-spirit with pretty bad ass martial arts skills. Tina and I are alike in our fearlessness and sense of adventure. We like to push our boundaries and challenge ourselves without worrying about who wants to take our spot. I’d say our style is different. She’s pretty bubbly and a bit unaware of her surroundings, almost in her own happy bubble. Me on the other hand, I’m always aware of who is around me and the vibes they give off. I probably wouldn’t be the one obnoxiously popping my bubble gum in an audition room. Her confidence is quite loudly displayed, and mine is simply internal.”

There’s no danger of Alyssa being a one trick pony/action film based actor. Veniece got her start early on as a bikini model and purposely avoided music video work after she had been cast one too many times as the “hot girl.” These days she has numerous Hollywood blockbusters, commercials, and stunt actor roles to her credits. She readily admits that it’s like a secret hidden power when she is sized up as “just another pretty face” and then demonstrates her agility and fighting skills. She reveals, “It’s show business and you have to let people know all the abilities you bring to the table. If you’ve got it, flaunt it. When I first enrolled at Black Belt World taekwondo school, the owner took note of my skills and was dong fight coordination on the Pacific Rim production filming in Toronto. At the time I had no stunt demo reel, nothing to show for my technique, only modelling photos. He brought me to the set to meet the stunt coordinator, who took one look at the shots and said “Well, she knows how to wear a bikini.” You can imagine my disdain. I never let that happen again.”

So what’s the most unexpected secret weapon in her arsenal that she exhibited on “My Ex-Ex”? Veniece declares without hesitation, “I can rip off my tear-away pants like any pro now. It’s pretty impressive.”