Category Archives: Actress

Actress, Canadian Star, Entertainment, Film, International Actor, Uncategorized

THIS CANADIAN ACTRESS PROVES THAT HER ACTING AND DANCING ARE ON POINTE

December 24, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Lanie McAuley is a dancer, and she plays one on film. In real life, McAuley made the switch from concentrating on a dance career to choosing acting as her focus. However, she returned to dance with her role in Center Stage: On Pointe. It’s not often that one gets to appreciate who they were as a younger person and who they are just a few years later with such contrast. As a gifted young dancer from Canada, Lanie moved to New York when she won the audition for a production there. These days, as a successful actress she spends her days on film sets. Though she still pursues a creative life, the avenue which she pursues flexes different muscles, literally and figuratively. McAuley is a self-described practical person yet the vocations she has chosen to pursue seem to contradict that idea. A dreamer who began her professional career a little more than a week after high school graduation (with great success), it seems impossible to imagine her doing a job which involves a nine to five schedule and a 401K. Lanie’s view of herself is probably a product of her middle-class work ethic coupled with a desire to work her entire life at something which inspires passion in her. Even when she alters her path, Lanie McAuley always finds her way back to doing something creative…sometimes a number of things at the same time. It’s serendipitous that years after leaving dance for acting, Lanie’s acting career has brought her back to dance to star in the sequel to her all-time favorite dance film, the original Center Stage.

A young Lanie followed her sister’s footsteps into dance. At 18, McAuley attended a dance competition called New York City Dance Alliance, where auditions were being held for a tap/jazz show called Revolution. Her dance teacher suggested she go to the audition just for the experience; hundreds of female dancers were narrowed down to four and soon, Lanie was offered a spot in the show. She had just graduated from high school a week before. Suddenly she found herself moving into an apartment in Queens and taking the train to Manhattan every day for rehearsals. Literally overnight, she went from high school and living as her parents’ sheltered little girl to living alone in New York with a full time dance job. The hours were long and it was both physically and mentally exhausting. She was the youngest member in the cast and had to learn quickly. It was a quick and amazing kick off to adulthood and a professional career in dance. In addition to the achievement of being in a successful New York production, Lanie also made it into the finals of So You Think You Can Dance. Her focus changed from dance to acting as she became keenly aware of certain factors. She reveals, “I was clear on my love of dance but I started questioning how viable my career options were in that world. I’m a very practical person and the idea that an injury can blow your entire career seemed so frightening to me. I’d been acting since I was a toddler and acting had always been a part of my life. Though I still loved dance, I’d always wanted to make acting more of a focal point in my life rather than a side interest. I think my background in dance has been a huge asset in helping me gain roles as an actress. It made me very comfortable performing, whether on stage or in front of a camera. My dance training definitely gave me a posture and poise that I never would have had otherwise. I also think growing up in the dance world (particularly ballet) gave me a lot of discipline. Being an actor requires a lot of discipline, involving everything from memorizing sides, to committing to a scene, to taking care of yourself emotionally.”

It has often been said that nothing worth having comes easy. This can be true even if you have a head start. When McAuely’s agent called her about the audition for Center Stage: On Pointe, the actress was ecstatic. The original [Center Stage] is her favorite dance movie of all time and a highly motivated actress with a strong dance background was required for the role. Lanie’s character, Wendy, is meant to be a strong dancer who’s the measuring stick against which Bella (played by Nicole Munoz) is compared at the audition. The legendary Director X was involved in the production and ran a rigorous dance audition composed of ballet and modern dance styles. McAuley notes, “Auditioning for Director X was an intimidating experience. At the dance audition, I remember doing the ballet combo and him saying, ‘Again. Again. Again.’ I think he was testing my endurance. By the time I’d done it four or five times at 110%, I was exhausted. I had to hold my breath when they spoke with me afterward to hide how badly I was panting.” Lanie was awarded the role of Wendy in the film. Her costar, Nicole Munoz comments confirming the facets which made McAuley such a vital part of the film, “Captivating to watch, Lanie performed a contemporary dance solo. Her commitment and bright energy inspired the other dancers and raised morale on set. Multi-talented, Lanie was able to bring the character ‘Wendy’ to life by bringing an emotional depth that touched the cast and crew. We were filming on a tight schedule. Being a true professional, Lanie was able to bring a powerful energy to each take. Never once stumbling, she was always more than prepared. Lanie stands out from the crowd with her multiple talents, each and every one of them groomed and ready to go.”

Center Stage: On Pointe premiered with great success on the Lifetime network. While Lanie feels fortunate to have been in the cast of this popular film as well as challenging herself to unearth her dance proficiency, she concedes that she feels a reaffirmation that she made the correct choice in acting. She declares, “I think the main similarity between a career as a dancer and as an actress is that both careers are based on art and passion. Most people don’t enter these careers for the money; they enter them because they love the work. There are definitely some big differences between the two. Truthfully, acting is more lucrative, if you’re able to find success in it. There just doesn’t seem to be the same kind of funding and opportunity in the dance world that it deserves. There are certainly people who are enterprising enough to have thriving careers in dance (I’m so impressed by their drive and initiative) but for me, my passion for dance didn’t run deep enough to create those opportunities for myself. That’s likely because my practical brain couldn’t rationalize the risk of injury and the deterioration of opportunity with age. One of the coolest things about acting is that you can act professionally at any age. Acting is the art form of life…and life is all ages. When you’re 75 years old, there’s still a role for you. That’s a big part of why I focused on acting as my career.”

Actress, Advertising, Commercials, New Zealand Talent, Uncategorized

NEW ZEALAND’S NATALIA GORELOVA ISN’T ALLERGIC TO FAME…OR THE HARD WORK NEEDED TO GET THERE.

December 14, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

What do the people on this list have in common: Angelina Jolie, Sofia Vergara, Cameron Diaz, Uma Thurman, Jennifer Connelly, and Amanda Seyfried? They all started their careers in modeling. In this day of YouTube stars, this and that Idol, and “Top (insert profession here )”, it’s easy to forget that there was a time when professionals in entertainment took the path of working slowly to gain the experience to make a career last for life. That’s not to say that there aren’t many highly talented individuals in the aforementioned productions, just that there is something to be gained through gradually experiencing the many opportunities and scenarios that a developing career bestows. Sometimes the factor which allows creative types to develop as an artist is the ability to learn from the challenges and inevitable mistakes that come their way in less obvious ways. Natalia Gorelova has been travelling this path and successfully making the move from magazine covers and the catwalk to the TV screen. The wide variety of situations she has been called upon to perform in have resulted with her becoming a model who understands all of the subtleties of using verbal and nonverbal communication to portray whatever her role requires. While you might previously have seen her on the cover of Idealog or Headwave magazine, you’d more likely see her these days on TV doing a spot for Jaguar or Green Giant. Taking risks, doing the hard work, and believing in herself is the MOD for Gorelova. She grew up in Russia, then moved to New Zealand and was discovered. Going to unfamiliar places and jumping in the deep end has always been an attribute well exercised by Natalia. It has served her well giving her new opportunities and granting her access to other professionals who empowered her vocational pursuits.

Most models have to learn to make peace with the idea of auditioning. It’s an essential part of the business that most people accept as necessary in order to gain access to the opportunities they desire. In strong contrast to shying away from this, Gorelova describes a recent international TV spot for Zyrtec stating, “I decided that I had to play it very confident and warm. In one scene I was a member of a couple so I just went for it. Spontaneous intimacy with a stranger in a room in front of a camera can be an awkward experience. The key is to make it look like this is real and commonplace; you are in love with this guy you’ve never met before but you’re happy cuddling. It has to happen instantly. I made the point of talking to my casting partner before we got inside the room to break the ice a little. It worked and the audition went well. We felt at ease with each other which made the casting director happy, of course. I got a callback right away.”

An important reason for Gorelova’s casting was the director on the project, Gregor Nicholas. Nicholas in an Emmy Award finalist with international awards (at Cannes Lions for example) with films in the Permanent Film Collection at the Museum of Modern Art in New York (Pacific 3-2-1-Zero) and was called “One of New Zealand’s hottest directors” by the Hollywood Reporter. He communicates, “Natalia demonstrates an extraordinary range, both comedic and dramatic. Her versatility as a performer allows her to handle any theme or attitude, whether in a movie, television, or a commercial. Rarely have I collaborated with an artist who has worked so consistently with so many leading commercial and fashion brands. It is clear that Natalia is a truly gifted model with exceptional abilities.” Gregor was in the room during the casting session and recognized her talent immediately. His praise was particularly poignant for Gorelova as she had been aware of his work since first moving to New Zealand. She reveals, “I remember the time when I just moved to New Zealand from Russia and I was watching a lot of TV to help me learn English more quickly and I saw a Telecom commercial about a guy who travels a lot while his wife is back home pregnant and missing him. The man scans his hand and emails the image to his wife. Upon receiving the email, his wife touches the screen with her palm against the image of her husband’s. It was so emotional and cinematic. From casting, to music, to lighting, to the idea; all of it was wonderfully detailed and elegantly filmed. I never got sick of watching that commercial. Later, when I started working in the commercial world, I hoped that I would get to make something that beautiful and cinematic. When I realized that Gregor was directing this Zyrtec project, I became very nervous because I wanted the part so bad!”

The commercial aired frequently to great response, making Zyrtec quite happy. Gorelova admits that although she should focus on this, it is hard for her to get past enjoying the work so much because she works alongside professionals whom she respects. Having made a successful career in and being well-received by brands and customers alike is an achievement she is quite happy about. Of course, the fact that the Zyrtec campaign and her performance was successful is a happy outcome. Natalia confirms, “Working with the entire cast and crew, and learning from Gregor was incredible; but also, working for a huge American brand was really exciting. To me, it meant that I am marketable in the U.S. and that started giving me hope that I could one day end up doing what I love in the country that I also love.”

Actress, Canadian Star, Film, Film Festival

Actress Savannah Burton makes film My Wounded Head a success

November 16, 2016 Lorraine Wilder 1 Comment

When starring in My Wounded Head, Savannah Burton was there to tell the story. Like any good actress, committing to the role and giving a believable and memorable performance was the top priority. However, unlike most actresses starring in a film, Burton was the only performer. The success of the film and sharing the story was up to her. And she didn’t take the responsibility lightly.

My Wounded Head tells the tale of a transgender woman as she delicately puts on makeup while staring at her reflection in the mirror. Burton, a transgender actress herself, plays this woman. Her makeup is a metaphor for her transformation to uphold society’s perception of beauty, while addressing the transition that transgender people may go through. Digging even deeper, the makeup also acts as a form of armor, protecting her from the scrutiny that comes from the outside world.

“I chose to use extreme close-ups throughout the film, in an effort to magnify the expectations of society for a transgender woman, versus what she expects of herself,” said Stephen Chen, the director and writer of the film. “I needed an actor of the utmost quality that could convey the film’s deep messages without speaking one word; Savannah Burton was the one and only actor that could do just that. The success of the entire film rests on her shoulders, as she is the only performer in My Wounded Head.”

“Savannah does a remarkable job of bringing an authenticity to the role, taking the audience on a journey of discovery by creating a combination of comfort and uneasiness that makes the film both fascinating and enthralling,” continued Chen.

Burton’s talent is evident in the film, and brought the film great acclaim as an Official Selection at the esteemed Imperfectu (Tijuana) International Film Festival, Gender Reel Festival, and Sydney Transgender International Film Festival. Chen believes the many Official Selections My Wounded Head received wouldn’t have been possible without Burton in the starring role.

“It is always a thrill to have a film selected to be in a film festival. It’s recognition of the project a group of people worked on and gives you a positive feeling that people appreciate your work. This also gives the film a larger audience and a chance to have more feedback,” said Burton.

Burton worked closely with Chen to make the film exactly what they envisioned. She says the partnership was easy, and Chen was very prepared and knew exactly what he wanted, which makes her job as an actor much easier.

“When watching the film for the first time I was very proud of the work I did and felt Stephen did an amazing job telling the story he wanted to make,” said Burton.

Being without makeup for parts of the film was originally uncomfortable for the actress, but she quickly began to see the artistry of the project.

“I start the film without any makeup on and the camera follows me as I get ready to go out for the evening. Not wearing makeup made me feel very vulnerable but I feel stronger after for focusing and completing the work. I felt a little anxious about seeing it, but I was very happy with the end result, she said”

Burton has worked on many successful projects, including Syfy’s hit show Killjoys and the CW success Beauty and The Beast. She also is in the new LGBT period piece The Kiss.

This project, however, was an important piece of her career. Beyond anything, she took away a valuable realization while working on My Wounded Head. It was her first film after her transition.

“It felt amazing to finally be working as myself,” she concluded. “I learned that I can have a career as a trans actress”

Actress, Brazil, Film, Model

Gabriella Spacciari stars in Red appearing at New York Jazz Festival

November 15, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

gabriella-ff — Gabriella Spacciari at the New York Jazz Film Festival

Gabriella Spacciari was always fascinated with acting. Growing up in a small town in the south of Brazil, she used to imitate her idols and favorite characters she saw on the screen. Now, she is the one on the screen.

Spacciari has a starring role in the film Red (also known as Vermelho). The film, which originally premiered at the Madalena Festival de Cinema at São Paulo in June, is being shown at the New York Jazz Film Festival this month.

“It was an amazing surprise to go to the New York Jazz Film Festival, especially after one year of living in the United States. It’s like starting your career again. It is a gift to have a project that I did back home selected to a film festival in Manhattan. I’m going to New York for the first time to check it out. It’s going to be an unforgettable experience,” said Spacciari.

The film Red is about Ana, played by Spacciari. While under narcotic substances, Ana tries to commit suicide.

“The film is very poetic and I needed to go deep into the scenes to convey in just a few seconds all the pain that is to be cheated and the depression and self-destruction that lead us to make decisions that can bring us serious consequences,” she said.

The film was written and directed by Guilherme (Guily) Machovec Rahner. He had Spacciari in mind for the role while writing, and knew she would be able to portray Ana the way he envisioned. He describes her as very important to the success of the film.

“Gabriella is a very deep actress. Besides the fact that the camera loves her, the emotional range required to go into the circumstances of the scene made it easy to work with her. The scenes had a high emotional stake and her concentration kept uptake by take,” he said. “I loved working with her, she is a very committed and talented actress. It was a very demanding role, but it seemed effortless for her. I look forward to working with her again as soon as the opportunity arrives.”

Spacciari agrees that they make a good team. Machovec Rahner, who teaches and produces at Operahauss in São Paulo, met each Spacciari through another producer, and knew she was the right person for his film.

“Guily said he thought about me while writing the film,” said Spacciari. “It was a very special gift to play this role.”

Spacciari has a life full of experience. Also a model, she decided to get into acting at a young age when she enrolled in the theater group in her home town. She relocated to São Paulo when she was just sixteen to pursue my career further.

“The theater group was very small. The director used to write and produce. He emphasized the importance of the classics and had us read them,” described Spacciari. “It was very important to me to understand the work of the artist – not from the glamour, but from the stage work.”

Since that time, Spacciari has had a variety of roles that explore her versatility as an actress. She was in the film Julia that premiered at 8o. CineFantasy, and Aluga-se o Ponto, which was nominated for the Prize FICC for Audiovisual at Campinas .

“I think the most difficult thing about acting is to deal always hearing the word “no”. But you have to just keep practicing your technique, cultivating good friendships, communicating with other artists, and making art,” she said.

Spacciari also has a successful modelling career, and has appeared in a variety of successful commercial campaigns, including Cultura Inglesa and Quem Disse Berenice. She was also in a multi-national Pepsi commercial.

“Acting is the art that deals with the intricate and wonderful condition that is human nature,” she concluded. “I think nowadays we are so full of information that acting is a powerful way to combat this, through sensibility.”

You can view the trailer for Red here.

Actress, International Creative Talents, Spanish Actors, Television

Actress Amor Sanchez to star in superhero series Scorpion Girl

November 8, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Amor Sanchez wakes up every day knowing she is doing what she loves. While growing up in Madrid, she fell in love with art, and then acting. The bilingual actress takes roles that will offer her a challenge, and participates in projects that are important.

This is how she came to be in the upcoming television series Scorpion Girl. The show will introduce the first major Latina female superhero. The series follows a young girl named Suvanni, who is a sheltered, innocent young woman who abruptly departs from her small hometown in Mexico to track down her missing older sister, Alexandra. Her quest makes her a target of the most nefarious criminal, Hans Von Kruger; he is the man holding her sister captive as a slave in a sex trafficking ring. The scope of his demonic plans are limitless.

“I am very excited because the show will shatter two stereotypes. First, that women are weak and submissive, and second, that there isn’t a female Latin super hero,” said Sanchez. “I am very proud and I can’t wait to start. I think it will change the way the world sees the Hispanic people in general. “

Sanchez will play Endellion, who is Hans Von Krurger’s right hand. The casting was difficult and required martial arts experience.

“Endellion is on the bad side. She will act as a spy, following all of the protagonist’s moves. She is dangerous and you don’t see her coming, she acts from the shade,” described Sanchez.

Sanchez has lots of experience playing characters with depth. She has starred in over a dozen films, including the film Brando Unauthorized, which won the Best Director and Best Feature awards at New York International Independent Film and Video Festival. Damian Chapa, the director of the film, says he always wants to cast Sanchez in his films.

“I realized from the beginning that she is an extraordinary actress so I gave her one of the lead roles. Her performance embodied the character with such passion and such depth there was no point to keep the casting going. She stole the part and our hearts. Her work achieved outstanding results which made her an indispensable component of my films from then on,” said Chapa. “She always understands the roles right away, making them ‘alive’ and different from one another. Her eyes are so powerful that she is able to express deep feelings without even talking. My movies wouldn’t be the same without her.”

Chapa and Sanchez first started working together on the film Mexican Gangster. It was one of the first films Sanchez worked on, and led to the of a continuous artistic collaboration.

“Every time I decide to get involved in a new project, it is because I am very passionate about it. Every project is special,” said Sanchez. “Damian Chapa, David Carradine, Eric Roberts, Jeff Connaway, they all have something in common, hard workers. They are who they are and where they are because they are very professional and work hard. They are a role to follow. Watching them working definitely inspires you. They have a passion and they put it in all what they do.”

Amor Sanchez also has built a professional relationship with the Spanish producer Guillermo Escalona, one of the founders of the prestigious Spanish movie production company La Panda Productions and the sole proprietor of Quixote International Talent Management. They worked together on the film People You May Know, and are working on a adaptation of the film to a television series with the same name.

She is also set to star in two films by Rivera Films Studios The Curse of Manizales and The Curse of Manizales 2, the same production company for Scorpion Girl.

“I don’t like routine; some people do but is not for me. That is what I like about this job, not knowing what is going to happen tomorrow, the uncertainty. I am very thankful that I can do what I love as my profession,” she concluded.

Actress, International Actor, Interview, Model

Actress and model Jordan Claire Robbins talks upcoming projects and living her dream

November 8, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

mv5bmjaxmjiyntq4n15bml5banbnxkftztgwntgwodixnze-_v1_ — Jordan Claire Robbins has worked around the world as both a model and actress.

It’s amazing and rare for people to be able to know and identify what their passion and dreams are from childhood, and go on to follow through with these dreams. This is exactly the case for model and actress Jordan Claire Robbins. She knew she wanted to perform from a very young age, and since moving to Toronto she has taken advantage of every opportunity to realize these dreams. Not many can say this.

Robbins has appeared in a variety of successful campaigns and worked worldwide as a model. She has shot music videos for The Midway State and Down With Webster. She is in the upcoming film Anon with an all-star cast including Clive Owen and Amanda Seyfried, and she was in the television series 12 Monkeys and Man Seeking Woman. That being said, she still sometimes thinks back to her childhood in Bermuda, and fantasizing of one day having the career she has now.

“I remember playing alone in my backyard acting out different characters and making up stories. I would choreograph dances and write plays, then make my family watch me perform them” she said.

Despite a passion for singing and doing musical theatre throughout school, the process of film always fascinated Robbins. Upon graduating high school, she decided she wanted to seriously pursue acting abroad and moved to Toronto.

“I love the storytelling aspect of acting,” she said. “The investigative angle you must take to understand your character’s motivations and experiences, why they are the way they are. It’s an opportunity to walk in the shoes of someone who has led a very different life from the one you may have led so far.”

Robbins has shot commercials for companies such as Rogers, Mini Cooper, Open Wines, Air Canada, Reitmans, Engage Diamonds, the German clothing company Ernsting’s Family, Canadian shopping mall Shops at Don Mills, and French cable company Canal Sat. She worked with Jonathan Popalis, a supervising producer/director at the Bell Media Agency, on a TV commercial for CP24, one of Bell Media’s biggest news brands and the most watched news channels in Canada.

“Jordan was fantastic to work with and a bright, positive person to have on set during a fast-paced and hectic day of shooting,” said Popalis. “She took direction wonderfully and gave a nuanced and elevated performance to bring a very high concept idea to reality. Jordan can effortlessly bring a character to life while also being able to make changes on a dime when it’s needed. She has a stunning star quality look and backs this up with a fearlessness and willingness to create and do great things.”

She also worked with director Anton Josef on a commercial for Engage Diamonds The ad was featured on numerous media outlets around the world including ‘Best Ads on TV’ and won a 2014 AICE Award in Chicago. He describes Robbins as committed, passionate, hardworking and easily adaptable no matter how difficult the situation can become.

“When you work with Jordan, you have a sense that she’s not only a complete professional, but someone who genuinely loves her art form, bringing a contagious enthusiasm to every frame that inspires everyone around her. Our film would never had been so successful without her and everything she poured into it,” said Josef. “Jordan is that very rare blend of natural beauty, charisma and sublime talent. Having worked around the world for many years with some incredibly talented artists, Jordan easily comes to mind as one of the very best with the brightest futures, gleaming with potential. She has that special ability to roll with loosely scripted ideas and be captivating to watch as she naturally and effortlessly molds the role into her own. It’s a highly demanding and competitive field no doubt – but it wouldn’t surprise me in the least to see her landing even more ambitious projects among the best in the industry.”

Despite the pursuit of an acting career being Robbins’ main motivator, she also jumped into the modelling industry after being approached on the street. She sees modeling as beneficial to her acting career, because both involve playing a character to her.

“I’m pretty goofy and I never felt particularly attractive when I was growing up, so when I started shooting things such as sexy lingerie and high fashion, I learned to tap into parts of myself I don’t generally show on a day-to-day basis,” she described. “This was good preparation for taking on characters in my acting work that aren’t very similar to me.”

Needless to say, all of the experience in front of a camera combined with a passion for what she does has led to a successful career.

“I am so grateful to be able to do something I’m passionate about – that I can be 14 hours into a day of shooting and still not want the day to end,” she concluded. “I love that film and TV can transport an audience, provide an escape and change their perspective. It’s amazing to have a hand in that.”

Actress, Film, International Actor

Gioya Tuma-Waku talks importance of diversity in film Bloggers

November 8, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Gioya Tuma-Waku says being African is important to her.

Gioya Tuma-Waku was born in the Congo and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, something that she is proud of. During her career as an actress, not many roles have allowed her to explore this side of her. However, that changed when she was cast in the film Bloggers.

Bloggers tells the story of six young multinational blogging entrepreneurs who come together in Los Angeles to launch a blogging business. The main cast are all from different countries, including from Sweden, Canada, Brazil, Mexico, Peru, America, South Africa and the Congo.

“It was such a diverse and multi-cultured group. And that was one of the best parts of Bloggers, was the ability to show how diversity is possible we can all work together and create art,” said Tuma-Waku. “Which was cemented with the use of different languages spoken in the film. Especially with the issues of diversity that Hollywood is facing right now, I knew that this was a project that could break down those barriers and provide a template for where this industry could go in terms of casting and opportunities provided.”

Tuma-Waku plays the role of Destiny, a strong woman but sweet woman who dislikes confrontation and who always tried to see the good in people. She is a lover of life but is going through something major that has dimmed her light. She blogs about health and that often helps as a distraction from her personal life.

“I liked playing her because of her layers and vulnerability. And although she is facing something that frightens her, she also a strong person being able to carry this burden but at the same time, no matter is going on in her life, she is still there to comfort and be there for her friends. At the end of the day she is a reliable person because she does what needs to be done with a smile on her face despite what she is going through,” described Tuma-Waku.

The role of Destiny was written specifically for Tuma-Waku by the writer and producer Anele Morris. Morris has seen Tuma-Waku’s work and knew instantly that she wanted her to be involved in the project.

“Gioya is one of the most talented actresses I have ever met. She knows when to be centered and focused on the story being told, which is what I find sometimes lacks in young actors. Gioya is an exception, she is not easily distracted and delivers when she has to. She really knows how to execute her job as an actress because she asks questions, important questions and she takes the time to get to know the character. Her performances are always from the heart of who she believes the character is, but she is always open to direction and respects the individual roles of the production crew,” said Morris.

Morris also acts in the production, as many of the stories revolve around the female characters, something that Tuma-Waku thinks is a vital part of the production.

“This is a piece of filmmaking written by a woman telling a story about women, but without diminishing the importance of the male sex. And it’s always great to be part of a project that allows women and minorities to tell a story. Especially when it’s a story that’s not clichéd. It’s just a simple story about daily struggles that people go through while highlighting the strength in women,” said Tuma-Waku.

The film still features male leads, including Tony Beguez, who plays Destiny’s boyfriend Fred. Beguez and Tuma-Waku worked alongside each other throughout the film. Destiny’s storyline involves heartbreak and vulnerability, and Fred is a big part of that.

“I believe that in order to get better in any profession you need to surround yourself with people better than yourself, and I was given that opportunity in working with Gioya,” said Beguez. Her work ethic is incomparable.”

Bloggers is currently set to be screened at a variety of film festivals. However, for Tuma-Waku, that is not what is important, it is sharing the story that she thinks needs to be told.

“I want to tell stories that don’t always get told or manage to get told in a different way and have it mean something to someone, even if it’s in the smallest way possible. If even one person finds meaning, inspiration or gets affected by any story I’m in, then I know I’m on the right path,” she concluded. “And I feel like this could be one of those stories.”

actor profile, Actress, Uncategorized

Australia’s Amanda Mitchell Displays Unparalleled Diversity

October 16, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Actress Amanda Mitchell shot by Nik Williamson

Multi-talented Australian actress Amanda Mitchell has proven herself to be a performer with unlimited range. After more than a decade of landing lead roles in award-winning films and highly watched television shows, it’s clear that the caliber of her gift for performing will keep her on our radar for years to come.

Originally from Sandringham, Victoria, Mitchell spent several years honing her skills on the stages of Australia where she starred in a long list of high-profile productions in roles that include Clara Eynsford Hill in the Peridot Theatre Company’s presentation of “Pygmalion,” Adelaide Adams in the Hampton Theatre Company’s presentation of “Calamity Jane,” Nora in “The Mouse that Roared” and others.

While her stage presence captivated audiences across the country, Mitchell was destined for the screen and in 2010 she landed the starring role of Twila Busby on the Investigation Discovery crime series “Facing Evil.”

Amanda Mitchell as Twila Busby in “Facing Evil”

She went on to star in several more television series taking on roles such as Pia & Rena in the 10-episode fantasy series “Atomic Kingdom” directed by James Peniata (“Silent Eyes,” “Dead Moon Circus”), Catherine in “Nameless: Blood and Chains” alongside Gary Boulter from “Silent Majority” and “Bedlam,” and the villainous Tracey Grissman in “Deadly Women.”

Mitchell admits, “I am passionate about working as an actor because it is constantly changing and always challenging. I am allowed to breathe life into different roles, develop new characters and work with different people. No one day is ever the same.”

With such a diverse range of characters already under her belt, Mitchell’s passion for challenging her craft with roles that are completely different from those she’s taken on in the past is easy to see.

Through her dramatic roles in films such as Sage Benishay’s “About A Husband,” which earned recognition at the Colortape International Film Festival, and “Torn Devotion” where she acts alongside Sontaan Hopson (“The Newtown Girls,” “Dark Temptations”) and Richard Cotter (“Dog’s Breakfast,” “All Saints”), Amanda Mitchell has left an indelible mark in the minds of viewers as an actress who masterfully takes on deeply layered characters.

When asked about her favorite genre to work in, Mitchell admits, “If you would’ve asked me this question five years ago, I probably would’ve said drama, because I relish giving justice to a person’s story so that people learn something about themselves or humanity when watching it, whether it be a TV series or feature film.”

In recent years though, Mitchell has been landing more and more lead roles in comedy series and films, a genre where she has carved out a place for herself as the kind of actress who seems to effortlessly make us laugh out loud. Some of her recent comedies include the film “The Tail Job,” which was nominated for Best Narrative Feature at the 2016 Slamdance Film Festival and chosen as an Official Selection of the CATE Film Festival in Los Angeles, and the series “It’s A Dole Life” where she played the critical role of Megan, a quirky manager who runs the government benefits office.

Amanda also appeared in comedic roles in the series “Skit Box” alongside the creators of the viral “ActiveWear” video which amassed 17 million views and was featured on Perez Hilton’s website. Other comedy roles include the lead character Evelyn in the series “Greg,” Hazel in “Aging Gracefully,” Julie in “Love That Car” and Mariah in “The Final Year.”

When it comes to working on a comedy project, she says, “I’ve always been asked to employ my own unique personality into the role, and that’s what audiences and critics respond to, being me! It’s funny how easy it might sound but it’s very difficult being yourself, being loyal to the script and making it all work together so that people laugh.”

Her work as a commercial actress is another area where ‘just being herself’ has contributed to Mitchell’s success. Over the years she’s amassed an astonishing list of credits as a featured actress in commercials for Coles, Commonwealth Bank, Eurobed, Shark Sonic Duo, Pack & Send, Smart Cleanse, Dollars Direct, Ruby Radar and more. She is also featured in the music video for D-Block & S-te-Fan & Isaac’s hit song “Alive” feat. Chris Madin, which has garnered more than three million views on YouTube. The music video paints the story of a dying teenage girl in the hospital with Mitchell taking on the role of her heartbroken mother. Even without speaking, Mitchell’s emotional expressions in the video are palpable. Check it out below.

Actress, Canadian Star, Television

Actress Tara Yelland to appear in CTV’s Saving Hope

September 6, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Canadian actress Tara Yelland will be gracing small screens in the fall.

Yelland has been cast in CTV’s hit medical drama Saving Hope. Yelland will play Summer, the nanny, a role that allows Yelland to show off her comedic side.

“She gets into trouble constantly! She’s inappropriate, wild, and generally just a total mess” said Yelland.

Initially brought in to audition for a smaller role, Yelland impressed right away. During the casting session the director suggested she read for another character. They sent her out into the hall with the sides where she had to quickly familiarize herself with the script.

“I came back in and just had fun with it, and I guess it worked,” she recalled. “They liked what I did with the character, so they kept her around.”

The role required Yelland work primarily with Erica Durance (Smallville) and Michael Shanks (Stargate).

“They’re total pros and the fact that they’re genuinely nice people and giving scene partners is definitely a bonus,” said Yelland.

The two play a recently divorced couple trying to co-parent, and Summer, the nanny, is there to help. However, it turns out she’s not very helpful.

“I don’t think I’ve had this much fun with a role in a long time. She’s so over the top that it really gives me a kind of freedom to be big and outrageous. Summer lives in a world where consequences aren’t a real thing, so she doesn’t really have any fear. I kind of admire that,” she said. “Summer is a bit out of control, and there are plenty of opportunities for comedy, and physical comedy, in particular.”

Yelland also worked alongside actor Greg Bryk for the role, who describes her as a “special actor.”

“Tara is beautiful, charming and sensitive. She is also gifted with a fierce intelligence. She is very serious about her craft and has grown immensely as a performer in the time that I have known her,” said Greg Bryk. “She brings together a whimsical sense of humor with the emotional depth to fully realize more dramatic roles. That combination is incredibly rare and makes Tara one of the most unique people I have ever met. It would not surprise me if she became a star.”

The role allowed Yelland to experiment with challenges she had not frequently encountered in her acting career.

“I don’t have a lot of experience with children, so working with a set of twin babies was definitely a challenge! But an exciting one. I was so nervous about holding a baby, but it was actually kind of great, I was so focused on carrying this baby and not dropping him and trying to stop him from crying that it kept me very present during the scenes. You never knew how they were going to react during a take, whether it will be laughter or tears,” she said. “It kept things fresh.”

Playing Summer gave Yelland the opportunity to play around with a character that was extremely different than what she was used to.

“The fun thing about acting is that you get to keep a part of all the people you become with you, and I guess what I took away from Summer, and my time on Saving Hope, is her sense of risk and freedom. I mean, imagine being a person who just follows their impulses and does whatever they want, whenever they want…I kind of liked it. Summer is irresponsible. I am way too much of a control-freak to ever even show up late for work, let alone the kind of shenanigans Summer gets herself into.”

However, they have their similarities.

“We can both be a bit impulsive, but luckily, I’m far less self-destructive than she is,” Yelland concluded. “We’re also both very fond of big floppy hats.”

Saving Hope returns for its fifth season this fall.

actor profile, Actress, Film, International Actor

THIS ACTRESS IS OUT FOR BLOOD

September 2, 2016 Lorraine Wilder Leave a comment

Here’s a statement you won’t often read; this woman is really happy about becoming a vampire. Well…okay, actress Ana Roza Cimperman is quite happy about her role in Nympho’s Diary and all of the attention and praise the film is receiving. The title may be slightly misleading about this bad girl turned into a completely different type of bad girl, but the film has many unexpected turns; such as leading the audience into rooting for a cold blooded killer. Filmmakers and fans alike are always searching for a new twist or angle in the tried and true vampire formula; Savvas Christou has successfully achieved it in Nympho’s Diary. This film is a modern day yarn which introduces us to Amy and the pitfalls of romance, promiscuity, and the Nosferatu lineage. Many of the recent tales of vampires and their social interaction with humanity border on the ridiculous; often using excessive gore to make an impact. Nympho’s Diary takes a personal view of a vampire’s victim, addressing the mental and physical partition between mankind and the walking undead. The result is a film much more about how the transformation from human into vampire affects someone at the core of their being, in multiple ways. Cimperman’s performance in the lead role of Amy requires a level of physical movements and contortions that escalate throughout the course of the film, partnered with the emotionally agonizing process her psyche undergoes.

Nympho’s Diary has already accomplished a major achievement. Within less than three months of being released, the film has been accepted into 6 festivals including; the Roma Cinema DOC, Hellfire Film Festival, Arctic Monthly LIVE, Cyprus Comic Con Film Fest, Los Angeles CineFest, and the Fright Night Film fest. The good reactions of industry insiders who have viewed the film has led to a great deal of excitement surrounding Nympho’s Diary. Ana Roza Cimperman is particularly pleased as Nympho’s Diary is only her third US film and her very first filming experience in Los Angeles. It seems like a quick ascension for this Slovenian actress who only recently made up her mind to roll the dice and take the gamble on a career in Hollywood. Ana states, “I have been thinking about it for years but could never make that final decision because there were just so many things involved, including leaving behind people I care deeply about. Just before my birthday, I realized it was now or never and within two months I managed to sort out everything including finding a place in Hollywood, renting out my apartment in Ljubljana and getting the paperwork to transport my dog whom I just couldn’t leave behind.” Her entry into Nympho’s Diary was anything but normal for Hollywood films as she recalls, “I was invited to audition for the role. It was an audition with no dialogue but with very specific instructions so I was immediately intrigued. I had to prepare a one-minute performance of the character of Amy waking up and realizing she has a bite on her neck and then slowly starting to turn into a vampire-like monster.” Nympho Diary’s writer and director Savvas Christou was immediately taken with Cimperman’s interpretation and quick implementation of his specific directions. He confirms, “Not only is Ana a talented, inspiring, and passionate actress but she is one of the easiest to work with…even when situations are less than ideal. We had an overnight shoot in the cold and it was raining. Rather than complaining, she delivered the same high level performance with the attitude an approach of a consummate professional, which is exactly what she is. Any director would hope for such an actress in the lead role.”

Nympho’s Diary is the story of Amy wakes up in the middle of a parking lot with a strange mark on her back. She can’t remember what happened the previous night. She soon starts feeling sick. Her body starts changing and within minutes she is transformed into a vampire. Amy is not in control of her body and some unknown force compels her to go to her boyfriend’s house where she attacks and kills him. For the remainder of the night she walks around aimlessly. While eating her next victim, the memory comes back of the tall stranger that she brought home the night before and she suddenly remembers that it is he who made her into the creature she has become. Ana found Amy to be very intriguing and multidimensional rather than simplistic. The arc of this character allowed Ana to investigate and emote a discovery into an individual’s motivations and social interaction through Amy’s journey. Cimperman concludes, “Amy is a nymphomaniac who picks up men in bars and takes them home even though she is in a committed relationship. She is selfish and reckless. She keeps a diary of her conquests which later turns into a diary of her victims. She’s a very sexual person who enjoys being admired and wanted. Her transformation strips her of this and we see her as the lost, scared girl she really is. I wanted to show different layers of her personality and what is underneath it all – the basic human need to survive. I liked how free she was in pursuing her desires and her independence but she sometimes treats people like objects, simply there to satisfy her needs. Portraying Amy as vapid would be too simplistic; she is much more interesting if the audience finds a way to care about her. This film reminded me how we shouldn’t judge people but instead, try to think what it would take for us to end up in their place. That is what I took away from Amy and I feel it is also what the viewer can take away from it. In the beginning Amy is the antagonist but by the end of the movie we are all rooting for her.”

Even though Nympho’s Diary is a horror movie which focuses on character development, this genre always involves experiences during filming which actors don’t get anywhere else. Ana Roza lauds praise upon the crew and cast members she worked closely with (Kartik Garimella, Kevin Gordon – Dave the vampire who turns Amy), but tells of a uniquely horror movie experience with Onur Tekin who played Josh/Amy’s boyfriend. Cimperman reveals, “Onur is the Turkish actor who plays my boyfriend, whom I unintentionally end up killing and eating. He was very professional and patient as the scene where I am eating his face (in the form of jello and hard boiled eggs) took more than an hour to shoot because we could not get the perspective right as it had to look like I was leaning over him and tearing out his brains…not a common set experience for either of us.” Ana Roza Cimperman’s portrayal in Nympho’s Diary is far from common place as well. This Slovenian actress can also be seen in Eight and a Half Circles, Jefferson, Perception of Art, as well as numerous TV productions.