Christine Solomon's Official Blog

The Private Party: Choice is Yours

2011-12-27T21:36:00.004-05:00

I recently did this funny commercial for the upcoming event called The Private Party. This is another collaboration with actor Benz Antoine and producer Malik Shaheed.

Make sure to book your ticket at Robert@ThePrivateParty.ca

www.The PrivateParty.ca

The Making of The Private Party Promo Clip

2011-12-24T20:37:00.001-05:00

Vote For Larry Day

2011-12-11T00:48:00.015-05:00

This post goes out to all full members of Actra Montreal.

As all Actra members know, we all have received the election information by mail and it is time to vote and elect our Branch Council.

I believe established actor Larry Day is an excellent candidate. He has the knowledge, expertise and passion to bring in new ideas to the table, fight for our rights, make sure our voice is heard and hopefully bring in more work to Montreal.

Not only is Larry Day an established actor in Canada but he is also involved in the community; raising money for The Starlight Children Foundation every year which was an experience that qualified with the valuable virtues of reliability and responsibility. Not to forget mentioning he is very well respected in both industries. Moreover, his work experience can demonstrate his range of skills that would be beneficial for this position because it shows him to be a well-balanced candidate.

Hear it straight from him. Here's what Larry had to say:

"A most respected Montreal Actor whom I have had the pleasure of working with and admire greatly, Vlasta Vrana has suggested. "If there is to be an actual election, it would be nice to know who we're voting for and why". I agree 100 percent so I would like to tell you how I feel and why I am asking you to vote for me:

I have been in the entertainment business for over 30 years and have been an Actra member since 1994. I have also been involved in the Radio Industry in Montreal for over 23 years and have been fortunate enough to have worked as an Actor here and abroad for over 18. I decided that now would be a good time to give something back to the union that has been so good to me. I also noticed that we, as a union, are facing some critical times ahead and, being in the business from more than one side, I think that I can help insure that all our members are heard and correct decisions are made so that we have a powerful and dynamic industry in Montreal for years to come. I am independent in this election which, along with Adam, makes us even more of an asset on council. If this election is any indication of what the council meetings will be like, having people on council not affiliated with any one clique would be beneficial to all. Diversity on council is a good thing and should not be feared but embraced. Council should be formed by individuals and not groups... There has not been an election in 18 years for council. This situation was anything but healthy. I commend all participants who decided to run and caused a real election to be held. Now is finally the time to ELECT a council that will be up to the task of molding this union branch into the strongest in the country. I stand for making initiatives and concentrating on getting more work to Montreal. Why have we lost so many jobs to other jurisdictions? Why is it when I am in LA and am talking to people who make the decisions on where productions shoot I constantly have been hearing lately that our union is "hard to work with". I find that hard to believe and would propose that we tackle that false consensus as soon as possible. The fact that we have lost so much production since the glory days of the 90's is as much to do economically as anything else. The US dollar at parity is a big factor. We, as a union have to continue to work as closely with local and Provincial Government as well as other Industry Players such as Michel Trudel and other unions to insure that, as a district, we are as competitive if not more as any other place for locations, equipment, crew and services as well as acting talent. I would also like to insure that our medical and dental benefits are on the agenda. We, as a council should be doing something about the erosion of our benefits that has been happening since our union decided to go with a private firm some years ago. It seems no one is asking why, for instance, our maximum payout for dental if you are a Gold Member has dropped from 3000 to 2000 per year. There are many other examples of this benefit reduction. Have the premiums dropped accordingly? I'm not sure but I would venture to say probably not. As a council, I think it should be addressed to National and questions should be asked and answers given. It's great to do workshops and have information sessions and make videos as the previous councils have done but there, in my opinion, are more important issues we should be directing our energy towards. Information sessions should be with Producers and other decision making people who decide where a project will shoot. Symposiums should be on how to attract more productions to Montreal and what we can do, as a union and as members to keep from losing what we have. As a union, we have to give as much help as we can to the small independent film makers trying to get started on limited budgets even more than we are doing already. Meetings should be held on matters like these and not, for example, about making an information video focusing on diversity in our union and insight into the problems and needs of those members. Though well intentioned and needed, at this time the well being of all members should be the main concern. If we don't focus on the economics of the situation, there won't be an industry left to have a union for. The bottom line that members have to understand and especially people on council is that this "thing of ours" is a business in every sense of the word. The days when the council could just concentrate on social initiatives such as videos, information sessions for members and acting workshops are over. Unions are BIG business. I feel that we have to adjust the way we do things to reflect that fact. Our job as council members is to give our members a means to let our union exec know how they feel and to do things to make Montreal the best place we can to work as an Actor, Stunt Person, Background Performer, in Film, on TV or the Internet. We are NOT a defensive barrier between our members and the union which, sadly, is a consensus I have heard from more than a few of actors. That opinion has to be addressed and changed as well. The IPA negotiations are fast approaching. My question here is what happened to clauses like” Second highest paid must be a Canadian”? That disappeared awhile ago. I would like to know who decided that was good to give up to the producers. As far as casting directors are concerned, don’t you think it’s about time we addressed the “Phantom Casting” syndrome that seems to be coming common place even here in Montreal? In closing, I feel that things do have to change in the way business has been conducted on council to reflect the changes we have seen and are seeing in our industry. It's time to get down to the BUSINESS at hand. The choice is completely yours and yours alone. I am asking for your support and your vote for me to be on your next Montreal Branch Council." - Larry Day

Christine Solomon Behind The Scenes - David Giral Shoot

2011-12-06T20:50:00.002-05:00

A David Giral Shoot - Behind The Scene Photos

2011-12-05T16:25:00.008-05:00

Hey Guys! Just wanted to share a few pictures from my behind the scenes shoot with David Giral and Nathalie B. Studios. The video will becoming out soon.

xox

The Private Party Promo Clip Is Here!

2011-12-01T17:25:00.002-05:00

Being Featured On Actors-Headshots

2011-12-01T12:16:00.001-05:00

So photographer David Giral sent me his latest promo poster where I am being featured so as Muze Consultancy.

What do you guys think of the poster? :)

Behind The Scenes With Xe Energy

2011-11-25T14:03:00.009-05:00

Here's the behind the scenes video of my Xe Energy Drink campaign.

Both delicious and refreshing, XE’s long lasting energy will recharge your batteries for hours without the crash that follows other energy drinks due to their harsh stimulants and synthetic chemicals.

For more information , please visit http://xecocoa.com

Hope you guys enjoy the video! xox

Creative Photoshoot With David Giral

2011-11-23T22:45:00.005-05:00

I LOVED this shoot! I had a fab time working with photographer David Giral and makeup by Nathalie B. Studios. It's one of the best photoshoots I've ever had.

A few weeks ago, David approached me with his ideas and concept for this project and I am quite thrilled by the final results.

What do you guys think? :-)

Screen-Captures & Behind-The-Scenes "The Private Party" Shoot

2011-11-21T22:41:00.008-05:00

Here's some screen-captures from the behind-the-scene video. I very much like the concept of this photo shoot. We all looked so glammed up!

Come And Join Me À La Privée

2011-11-21T22:11:00.007-05:00

I am excited to annonce my collaboration with Benz Antoine and Malik Shaheed on their upcoming event "The Private Party". I had a blast on the shoot and can't wait to show you all the promo and behind the scenes video which should come out soon.

This year's new year is à la privée ;-) For more information contact robert@theprivateparty.ca

Dresses by Soucha

2011-11-19T23:09:00.007-05:00

I met Tunisian fashion designer Soucha in Egypt 06 and we instantly became really good friends. He was my inspiration and I was his muse. We had collaborated on several occasions. He was responsible of all my costumes in films, my red carpet looks and television/press interviews.

Soucha is known for his elegant/avant guard designs and for dressing Middle Eastern royalties. Just take a look at some of his fabulous pieces here:

http://www.modelmayhem.com/portfolio/880452/viewall

http://www.soucha-hc.com/

Here are three of my favourite dresses created by Soucha...including his jewelry designs ;-)

The Inspiration Behind My Photo Shoot

2011-11-14T18:08:00.007-05:00

I've teamed up with photographer Jeremy Bobrow and makeup artist Nathalie Audant for my Montreal photo shoot. I video blogged about the shoot a few weeks ago. If you didn't get the chance to see it, you can view it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aeuilpUUZx4

We went for an Adriana Lima inspired look. Fresh-looking skin is Adriana Lima's signature. Natalie used her own makeup line Nathalie B Studios to create that effect. We went for a light smokey look and a light pink lipstick. The goal and concept of the shoot was to create a "dreamy look". And dreamy it was! I am happy with the final results and excited to be sharing photos with you all.

Later this week, I’ll be blogging about the products Nathalie used to achieve this look.

Xe Energy Drink Video Coming Soon

2011-11-13T20:48:00.014-05:00

Xe Cocoa takes you to my behind-the-scene Xe Energy Drink campaign. The video will be launching soon! I must say the making of the Xe Energy Drink campaign was a success. I can't wait to share the video with you all.

In addition, Xe Cocoa's products display the Brunswick Labs certification seal. This independent laboratory specializes in the science of antioxidants and oxidative stress. The XE Energy drink tested at 41008 ORAC & 744 mg flavonoids per can (8.4 fl. oz.). And by containing no processed sugar, their products have a low-glycemic index.

If you would like to purchase Xe Energy Drink, please visit www.xecocoa.com or email the company at info@xecocoa.com

11th International Diaspora Film Festival

2011-10-26T23:47:00.011-04:00

My friend Lina Dhingra, known as the best publicist and event co-ordinator in Toronto, is currently working on the 11th International Diaspora Film Festival. It takes place in Toronto from November 1st until the 6th. The event is organized by Shahram Tabe and Paul deSilva. Lina is presently promoting the event and I believe it is worth attending.

Great event to network, meet new people and have great time!

The theme of the IDFF for 2011 is WAVE OF CHANGE , with films reflecting the political, social, and cultural changes the world has witnessed over the past year. The film program contains an exciting mix of genres, including comedy, drama, and documentary. Film screening locations are Innis Town Hall (2 Sussex Ave. at St. George St.) and Carlton Cinemas (20 Carlton St. at Yonge St.). Please check the IDFF website for more information:http://diasporafilmfest.com/

You can also find us on FaceBook (International Diaspora Film festival 2011) and follow us on Twitter @diasporafest.

Highlights of the 11th IDFF:

An Evening with Deepa Mehta: A two-part evening event is being presented by the University of Toronto Cinema Studies Institute in association with IDFF. Part one of the event (open by invitation only) includes screening of clips from Deepa Mehta’s upcoming project Midnight's Children , adapted from Salmon Rushdie’s novel, which will be followed by a Q&A session.

Part two of the event (a free event open to the public on a first come first served basis), will include Deepa Mehta presenting her acclaimed Bollywood-Hollywood followed by screening of the film.

Spotlight on Muslim and Arab Women's Stories : Thanks to a partnership with Ryerson University IDFF is able to offer free screenings of six films, short and feature, as well as a talk by the renowned scholar, Dr. Ella Shohat (Professor, Departments of Art & Public Policy and Middle Eastern & Islamic Studies at New York University) to follow the screening ofForget Baghdad . Do not miss the Canadian Premiere of Les Secrets by controversial Tunisian filmmaker Raja Amari (Satin Rouge ) .

Can Muslims and Jews Ever be Friends (Again)? : Three films will be screened in which this controversial subject is the underlying premise. David , a Toronto Premiere, is the story of a young Muslim boy who is mistaken as a Jew by the Jewish community of Brooklyn. A genuine friendship grows between Daoud (David) and Yoav (one of the Jewish boys) and Yoav’s family. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion. Playoff – also a Toronto Premiere – is the latest work by acclaimed Israeli filmmaker, Eran Riklis (Syrian Bride, Lemon Tree), about a friendship between an Israeli basketball coach and a Muslim Turkish woman in 1970s Germany (co-presented with Toronto Jewish Film Festival). InKaddish for a Friend , a Canadian Premiere, directed by Leo Khasin (Germany), a teenage Palestinian refugee in Berlin develops an unlikely friendship with a Holocaust survivor.

Burmese Night : In celebration of the first anniversary of the release of Aung San Suu Kyi, the Nobel Laureate leader of Burmese people for democracy, IDFF has organized the event which will include a screening of two documentaries, both Canadian Premieres, Lady of No Fear and Burmese Dreaming . This event is hosted by award winning author Karen Connelly, creator of two bestsellers “Lizard Cage” and “Burmese Lessons, A Love Story”.

Gaza Women Film Festival : Two years ago, a group of Palestinian female filmmakers got together to organize a festival of themselves in a culture overtly dominated by men and in a city where no cinema exists! They rented a basketball field, sewed a white curtain for use as a screen, and presented their creations. The festival quickly became a world-wide sensation. In recognition of their courageous efforts, IDFF has partnered with GWFF to bring a selection of films from this festival to Toronto. Co-presented with Toronto Palestinian Film Festival.

Here or There? : The underlying theme of a few films at this year’s IDFF is that the characters are living between two worlds: their homeland and their new home! Almanya , winner of two German Oscars for Best Screenplay and Best Film, a Toronto Premiere, is a heartwarming comedy-drama that tells the story of three generations of Turkish immigrants in Germany. Multi-award winner Amin (by one of IDFF’s favorites – Montreal-based Iranian-Canadian Shahin Parhami), documents the life of Amin, a young and talented musician from Qashqai tribe in Iran who is studying music in Ukraine. Unforgettable scores! Shahin Parhami will be attending this Toronto Premiere screening for a Q/A session. David Dusa is probably the most diasporic filmmaker at this year’s IDFF! David was born in Hungry, grew up in South Africa, spent his adulthood in Sweden, currently lives in France, and has made his film about the Green Movement of Iran. Flowers of Eviltells the story of a romance between an affluent Iranian girl who has fled Iran after the 2009 election and an Algerian-French young man. IDFF’s Iranian connection this year continues with Golshifteh Farahani, the Iranian rising star of French cinema playing Siba, an Iraqi Kurdish girl in search of her fiancée in Paris in If You Die, I’ll Kill You .

Children of Violence : A few short and feature films visit the subject of children as the victims of conflict in their societies. Do not miss the excellent short Checkpoint by Ruben Amar and multi-award winning Before Your Eyes .

To reserve tickets please email info@diasporafilmfest.com

Full film descriptions and schedule available on our website www.diasporafilmfest.com

Please Vote For My Dog Gucci !!!

2011-10-22T18:29:00.003-04:00

The many looks of Gucci

Today, Gucci went for his first casting at Fido! So proud of him, he did such an amazing job. Gucci was meant to be in front of the camera. Just take a look at these amazing shots of him.

Please make sure to vote for him at the link below.

Let's make Gucci the next face of Fido!!!!

VOTE HERE: http://www.fidocastingcall.ca/dogs/13074

Christine Trend: Versace For H&M Collection!

2011-10-11T20:13:00.008-04:00

I just heard the news today! What took so long for Donatella Versace to partnered up with H&M!

I have been a fan of Versace since i was in elementary school. It's so hard to believe but i was first introduced to the designer when i got invited to my friend's friend sweet sixteen birthday party. She was wearing this black gorgeous Versace dress. So you can't imagine how ecstatic i am right now. Everyone is on pins and needles waiting for the highly anticipated Versace for H&M collection to launch Nov. 19!

Christine Trend: Shoes & Boots Fall/Winter Collection 2011-2012

2011-10-11T15:34:00.017-04:00

Collection by Christian Louboutin

As you guys may know this by now, I am in love with fashion and its history. I fell upon two amazing websites that I would like to share with you all:

BecomeGorgeous.com

ShoeRazzi.com

This season's Christian Dior and Christian Louboutin's fall collection is beyond perfect. Just look at these exquisite pieces.

Send me your feedback and let me know your favourite pieces.

Collection by Christian Louboutin

Collection by Christian Dior

Christine Trend: Essie's Fall 2011/2012 Collection

2011-10-10T23:20:00.008-04:00

I am in love with Essie 's new fall collection. I am raving about these two colours: Glamour Purse and Carry On. If you haven't tried Essie before you are surely missing out on a really amazing nail polish. The texture and ingredients of their products cannot be compared to any other nail polishes.

Christine Video Blog: Christine Solomon Talks Photo Shoot

2011-09-29T14:19:00.001-04:00

Hey Guys! I recently had an amazing photo shoot with Montreal photographer Jeremy Bobrow. To see the photos, make sure to follow me at these three links below where I will be posting them soon!

Christine Video Blog: Hello To You All

2011-08-17T14:00:00.005-04:00

Writing, Writing And Writing!

2011-07-27T21:34:00.005-04:00

Here I am sitting at a coffee shop writing. I have been writing intensively for the past couple of months. As some of you know I am writing a book on how to develop an acting career. I cannot reveal too much at the moment but I have a few exciting guests that will be part of my book. You will have to wait and see!

I have been getting several emails in regards to the book's release date. Rest assure everyone, I shall update you as soon as I have finished it.

In the meantime make sure to follow me on Twitter @kikisolomon and @MuzeConsultancy where I will be tweeting about acting.

Total Verrückt!

2011-07-07T10:39:00.005-04:00

The Toronto Fringe is here everyone! I am so happy to announce that my dear friend Joanna Caplan will be joining this year's Fringe Festival. Come out everyone and see her performance in Total Verrückt!

Photo Jon Bremner

A play created by & starring Joanna Caplan

Developed in association with Double Edge Theatre Residency Program

Premiering at the Toronto Fringe Festival at The Annex Theatre

Opening - Friday, July 8 - 8:45pm - for 7 nights!

Have you heard the old story about the German diseuse? The one where she wanders around the camp singing her arias in order to try to escape the gas chamber? Total Verrückt! tells her story. In this ghostly cabaret, watch this imprisoned actress sing and dance to prove that she exists.

Joanna Caplan has been developing Total Verrückt! over the past six months while based at Double Edge Theatre’s Farm Center, in Ashfield Massachusetts. Her process combines an exploration of Double Edge’s movement-based improvisation methodology as well as a journey into the ancestral memory of her cultural heritage and rich legacy of Jewish artists. Total Verrückt! weaves together Jewish myth and memory, asking questions about the necessity of art as a means of survival and an act of resistance.

www.joannacaplan.ca

The Annex Theatre - 730 Bathurst Street, Toronto, Ontario

Friday, July 8 - 8:45pm - 9:45pm

Saturday, July 9 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm

Sunday, July 10 - 10:30pm - 11:30pm

Tuesday, July 12 - 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Wednesday, July 13 - 1:45pm - 2:45pm

Thursday, July 14 - 7:30pm - 8:30pm

Saturday, July 16 - 9:45pm - 10:45pm

Advance tickets are $10, available online: www.fringetoronto.com, by phone 416.966.1062 or in person at the Box Office Tent located in the parking lot behind Honest Ed's (34 Lennox Ave.)

For media information please contact:

XOPS PR – Piera Savage - 647-880-1091 - piera@xops.ca

My Look At The Alexandria Film Festival

2011-06-25T17:33:00.008-04:00

Remember the post i had published earlier last week? The makeup session i had with Waleed was to prep me for the Alexandria Film Festival. How do you guys like the look?

I was wearing a dress made by the one and only Soucha! It was a fab night!

A Night Out In Toronto

2011-06-24T23:51:00.006-04:00

With Romeo and Pascal

Karl Wolf invited me to attend his special performance in Toronto. He has an incredibly loving team, I had a great time getting to know them all.

Karl happens to be an unbelievably talented singer full of ambitions, creativity and humbleness which only enhances his sensibilities as an artist.

Karl, you make the crowd go BOOM BOOM BOOM!

Make sure to check out his new single "Ghetto Love"! Gotta love that song!

B, Karl Wolf and Romeo

I bumped into one of the Far East Movement members