Hollywood Daze

Malibu and Its Dogs

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 07:07:00 +0000

Malibu is well-known for its many beautiful beaches. However, dogs are not allowed on almost all of them, not even if the dogs are on leash! That’s because, according to one of our community police officers, people have been irresponsible about cleaning up after their dogs. As a result, dog policies in the city of Malibu have become very strict.

To me, a dog running on a beach is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. You can see how much they love being on the sand and in the water! If I want to see that now, I go to the Montecito/Santa Barbara area, which is much more dog-friendly than Malibu and is only about an hour north of where I live. I especially love Butterfly beach, which is directly across from the Biltmore Hotel in Montecito. Butterfly is a wonderful beach, where not only are dogs allowed but they’re also free to run. And this beautiful hotel even allows dogs to stay, although they charge a little extra for that.

However, this is not to say that Malibu is no place for dogs, not at all the case. There are many, many dog lovers in Malibu, and we often talk to one another about our dogs when we’re out walking. I love doing that, and of course, I love petting every dog I see.

Yesterday morning, for example, I saw a guy I’ve seen a number of times walking his two extremely smart Shelties. One was carrying a very large plush ball almost its own size, which the two Shelties began fighting over. Shelties fighting over a ball! That surprised me, because Shelties ordinarily wouldn’t be interested in a big ball like that. Their owner told me that, at heart, Shelties like to harass. He’s had Shelties for over thirty years, so I’d assume he knows what he’s talking about.

Then there are these two men with their bulldog. All three look as though someone pushed them out the door. They all walk so slowly, the dog usually out of breath, clearly not happy with this walking activity. Then there’s the couple who go on marches with their very well-behaved German Shepherd. A disciplined group! So early in the morning, and yet that whole little family is so alert. Then there’s the really big Husky, who looks so intimidating but who really is so sweet. She and her master walk very fast. Sometimes I get to pet her, but most of the time I can tell they’re on a mission.

Wonderful dogs, and so many different kinds. And regular folks just out walking them, no celebrities, as far as I can tell, although, I probably wouldn’t recognize a celebrity even if one were right in front of me.

ABOUT CHARLIE: A LOVE STORY

Charlie: A Love Story tells of the beautiful love between Charlie, a Golden Retriever, and the author, Barbara Lampert. It takes place in Malibu, California. When Charlie turned eleven years old and started having some health problems, a journal Barbara was keeping about her garden quickly became mostly about Charlie. Charlie: A Love Story is an intimate look at an incredible connection between a canine and a human. And as a psychotherapist who specializes in relationships, Barbara brings that sensibility and understanding to Charlie’s story as well. Charlie was Barbara’s loyal confidante and best friend. He was indomitable, had a zest for life and an uncanny emotional intelligence. Charlie: A Love Story is about devotion, joy, loss, and renewal, about never giving up or giving in. But mostly it’s about an extraordinary dog and an extraordinary relationship.

Barbara Lampert is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in relationships. She’s been in private practice in Brentwood, California for over twenty years. She considers her work a calling and loves what she does. She has a doctorate in medical sociology and two master’s degrees – one in psychology and one in sociology. Barbara has adored dogs her whole life. They’re her passion! She notes that for many people, their dogs are their best friends. She loves helping people know that’s ok – that a soul-satisfying relationship may be found with any being and needs to be treasured. Besides her love of dogs, Barbara is an avid gardener and finds herself gardening in much of her spare time. She sees her garden as a work of art. She loves being in nature – the miracle of growth, the ever-changing landscape, its beauty. Today Barbara lives happily in Malibu, California with her husband David (married twenty-eight years!) and their six-year-old Golden Retriever, Harry. Barbara hopes that Charlie: A Love Story will be a tribute not only to a magnificent dog but to all dogs everywhere. You can visit her website at www.charliealovestory.com.

The Muppets Get A Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 21 Mar 2012 05:25:00 +0000

On Hollywood Boulevard, just outside of El Capitan Theatre is the newest Hollywood star, that of the Muppets. Miss Piggy, Kermit, Gonzo, Animal, Fozzie and all the other famous furry Muppets received a star on the Walk of Fame, today, Tuesday, March 20, 2012. For more information about the Muppets, check out online puppetry courses to find classes that can teach you about the Muppet's long history and beginnings in 1954.

Today, also marks the release of the DVD and Blu-ray of the latest Muppets movie.

The Muppets came together under the idea of Jim Henson. Here's a great page for more information on the Muppets.


Miss Piggy and Kermit

David Grant: Charlie Sheen is a Super Hero

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 19:02:00 +0000

Is there anything Hollywood loves more than an actor who falls from grace and then redeems himself? Do you remember last year at this time when Charlie Sheen was being fired from his hit television show, "Two and Half Men?" It seems that he had super powers to keep us glue to the tv according to author David Grant. Read about it here at Hollywood Gossip, but be sure to come back and take a look around Hollywood Daze.

David Grant joined us earlier this week at Hollywood Daze with his guest and book excerpt.

Blood The New Red - Guest Post and Author Excerpt

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Today’s guest is David Grant, author of a number of books including Hollywood Ending and now his latest literary novel, Blood: The New Red, takes a look at the fashion industry in New York City. Reading this guest post and book excerpt, I felt, that even though I have never been to New York it sure feels eerily familiar to a place I know so well, that of Hollywood California. If you’re familiar with Hollywood see if you can pick up on the similarities and then let me know in the comments.

New York, A City of Inspirational Characters

By David Grant

New York City has always been an inspiration for literature. Jack Kerouac, Don DeLillo, and Norman Mailer are only a small sample of famous writers that have used New York to produce timeless prose.

When someone says “Baltimore” you have an image in your head, same for “Portland”, or any city. For me “New York” brings images of compact streets, cobblestones, and non-descript store fronts. For many, this “view” may bring words and motivation; however, if you’re really looking for inspiration, you need to look at what is going on inside. Here you will find the three D’s: determination, debauchery, and desperation; this is where you will find New York City. Diversity breeds stories you can’t ignore.

Walking through the city you come in contact with nuns, teachers, and felons, often all in the same block. Here’s a question, which of the following New Yorkers are more dangerous? A) Drama Queen Fashionista B) Nervous Homeless Man C)Coked out Marketing/Ad Man or D) Wall Street Broker? A true New Yorker knows (answer at the end.)

About Blood: The New Red

My new book, BLOOD: The New Red takes a look at the fashion industry running along Seventh Avenue and therapist offices across the city.

Blood: The new Red begins at an after party where Mickey, and ex-adult movie star turned supermodel, is aligning himself with one of top Designers of Seventh Avenue. While trying to land a job on the runway Mickey is thrown into the center of a scene where sex is often the motivation, the wine is served by year, and cocaine is back in full force. Juanita, Mickey’s girlfriend is having difficulties staying sober, fully clothed, and off of her famous boyfriend.

Mickey goes to work for Fashion icon Paul Johnson, one of the two top Designers in NYC. The other is Sandy Johnson, another Designer who will stop at nothing including murder to guarantee victory. A runway exhibition has been scheduled for the two to compete in and find out who truly is the best Johnson. Mickey will be Paul’s top model, and Sandy has found a homeless person nicknamed Kung Fu Master to show his line.

In addition to getting his new line in place, Paul Johnson is also buying chain saws, the louder the better, to put the special in this special event.

Did you know that you can’t be sentenced to prison if actively seeking help at a mental facility? Paul Johnson knows this.

Somewhere between the girls, counting Vicodin pills, and show preparation Mickey has grown a conscience and no longer likes what he sees. He believes (and his psychiatrist agrees) that he has the power to change what’s happening around him.

Days before the show Kung Fu Master turns up dead and there is an attempt on Mickey’s life. After a brief period of unconsciousness Mickey is back, is told that Juanita and brother Cheeks are now also dead and that he must continue with the show. After all, what would Steven Tyler do?

The night of the show is laced with celebrities and models on the runway as well as one particular popular day-time talk show host that may or may not be murdered on the runway.

In the end only one Johnson will walk away, although this is temporary as Mickey has the last word.

Right before he pops his last Vicodin.

New Yorkers feed off the creativity and energy that fuels the streets. There is a guy who has a “Love Truck” on Wall Street, blasting music from the sixties while serving coffee and smiles all day long. Just steps away a doorman for a luxury apartment building is chatting it up with a tenant about his new motorcycle and how much “ass he pulls in” from his new ride, and two doors down, a pizza deli where they only speak Italian and serve the incredible slices. All of this occurs within one block of New York City. My point is, you don’t have to look far to find characters, they are part of the moment.

Answer: D) The Wall Street Broker, they are always more stressed out and coked up than the average New Yorker.

About David S. Grant

David S. Grant is the author of ten books including “Corporate Porn”, “Bleach|Blackout”, “Hollywood Ending”, and “Rock Stars”. His latest novel, “Blood: The New Red”, is now available. David lives and writes his weekly rock, travel, and NBA columns from New York City. For more information go to http://www.davidsgrant.com Twitter: @david_s_grant

BLOOD: The New Red in Paperback: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-New-David-S-Grant/dp/0984173854/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1327246788&sr=8-2

BLOOD: The New Red via Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/Blood-The-New-Red-ebook/dp/B006NZRWLG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1327246788&sr=8-3

BOOK EXCERPT

Always look like a rock star. This is the number one secret on how to be famous. I’m wearing chains, lots of chains. Eye shadow, lots of eye shadow. I wouldn’t say my pants are tight, but then again, my balls might disagree with you at the moment.

I’m standing on the second level of the Grand Hotel, overlooking the bar area. My manager tells me this is where I need to be standing. In five minutes I will move across the room and stand next to a long mirror where one of the Hiltons will walk by and notice my reflection. A photographer will be close by and be sure to get the picture. This mirror has been placed here for this sole purpose. My manager tells me not to stare at the mirror. If you asked me to list my weaknesses, this may be my number one fault.

DJ Shingles, the newest (which means hottest) DJ, is playing on a middle level between the first and second floors. There is barely enough room for him let alone the overflowing ashtray and oversized stocking cap. Rumor has it this is his last show, despite this being his first. There is talk that he is moving into production and will be working with a major player in the hip hop industry, depending on who is hot at the time. DJ Shingles is wearing an Armani black button-down shirt with the sleeves ripped off. Very last year, but this is more a statement than a miscalculation on his part. Last season is the new season.

My manager signals for me to make my way across toward the mirror. A reporter from GQ is following me and asking me questions about who I’m going to sign with and whether or not my past will affect my future. I get her number, tell her I’ll call her later, and then blow her off as I approach the mirror. Always leak your press, never tell. This is secret number three on how to be famous.

Four widescreen televisions are fastened to the wall behind the bar. All are showing TMZ. An orange haired girl wearing a Betsey Johnson dress sees me staring at the television sets. She walks over and whispers in my ear, “It’s the new CNN.”

A waiter carrying a tray of wine from 1980 is walking by. Every 15 minutes another waiter, another tray, another year will walk by. Welcome to the world of fashion parties. Ten percent content, ninety percent presentation.

A man who goes by the name Dontay hands me a coffee cup that is full of scotch. My manager tells me to sip it and not cheers anyone. Any buzz that insinuates I’ve been in rehab and have put my porn career in the past is good press and can only help my modeling career. As scheduled, I’m approached by someone with the last name Hilton.

The Hilton is wearing a blouse that is considered the color Ocean, the new blue, but since Aquamarine blue was in fact the new blue for last season and last season is in this season, no one should be caught dead in Ocean. Unless of course she is being ironic. If so, she will have to mention this to at least three people during the course of the evening.

“Mickey, you’re back! I mean, uh…” Hilton looks at the coffee cup. “Welcome back!” She tips her coffee cup to me.

I glance around at the guest list, wondering who has the most juice at the party, but am distracted by the waiter walking through with wines from 1990.

“Good year for cabernets,” Hilton says, then grabs her blouse. “Last season is the new season, huh? Fuck that.” She laughs and looks fidgety as lights pop around us. At one point Hilton puts her arm around me and kisses me on the cheek. FLASH. Mission accomplished.

“I miss you, Mickey. We should get together sometime, you know, have a cup of coffee, fuck, or something.”

Sure, I tell her and then she leaves because she has a rule about spending over forty hours a week on the Lower East Side and this season many Fashion Week parties have been in LES, the new SoHo.

According to my manager, I need to make my way to a reserved table next to the bar where Paul Johnson is sitting. My manager also says to ignore the temptation of champagne. I have a job to do tonight.

When I approach, Paul gets up from his table and gives me a hug. “Welcome back, Mick. We’ve missed you.” I tell Paul great show and congratulations on the new line, then look at the table and see they are all drinking 1986 chardonnay and there’s a small mountain of cocaine in the center of the table. Paul looks at my cup and asks me if I need another coffee and I tell him I’m okay and then he proceeds to introduce me to the guests at his table, which include Lindsay Lohan, Jay Z, John Stamos, and four models I’ve never met but have bumped into during my previous job. One is a brunette with piercing blue eyes that I may have even shot a scene with but am not positive since I never saw much of her face. I pull out a pack of Camel non-filtered cigarettes and light one up. Paul asks me to join them. My manager agrees, so I grab a seat. The brunette tells me I look familiar, John Stamos says the same, and I grab a random razor from the ashtray and cut a line for myself.

Paul follows my lead, does a line and then lifts his head. There are still remnants of powder on his nose, but judging from his smile, he doesn’t care. “Mickey, I want you to be my feature model, and I want to use you for my next project. What do you say?”

No one has ever turned down an offer from Paul Johnson, one of the top two designers in New York City. I consider saying no, just to make history, but my manager doesn’t agree with this decision, so I put some cocaine on the razor blade and turn toward the brunette. On cue she lowers her dress, revealing her left nipple. I dump the coke onto the top of her left breast, move in, and snort it. She giggles and then says, “Now I remember you.”

I excuse myself from the table because my manager has me scheduled to bump into Sandy Johnson near the men’s restroom in three minutes. On my way to my spot, Dontay walks past and hands me a full coffee cup and slips me the number of John Stamos, “Just in case,” he says.

Sandy exits the bathroom with his fly unzipped, hand in hand with Stan, his boy toy for the night, laughing and then flagging down a waiter holding a sign: 2002. My manager has strategically placed me between Sandy and the waiter so Sandy notices me and walks over. “Mickey! My God, you look fabulous!” Sandy gives me half-hug and cups my buttocks, then mentions that he has heard a lot of rumors involving me and the porn industry. I just laugh and tell him there’s nothing wrong with franchising my body.

“Amen to that.” Sandy turns to Stan and tells him to fetch him a glass of 2002 because he needs to talk business. Sandy surveys the scene and leans in to me. “Fabulous, isn’t it?” I nod and then Sandy says, “Just murderous!”

Sandy moves next to me and puts his arm around my shoulder. “Did you see my show today?” It was great and congratulations I tell him but am cut off as he tries to say something, pauses, then finally says, “So I see you were talking with Paul.”

I take a drink of Johnnie Walker and then say, “Yeah, actually he just offered me a job.”

Sandy grabs his heart. “Oh, the betrayal! I think I’m going to faint.” Stan appears out of nowhere with a chair for Sandy to sit down in and hands him a glass of wine. Sandy takes a drink and agrees that it is indeed 2002 and this seems to settle him. “Mickey, baby, we go way back. Your first runway, I believe. Honey, you need to come work for me, not that…” Sandy flickers over toward Paul, “beast!”

My manager tells me that I need to step outside because Juanita, my girl, can’t get inside because she refuses to wear shoes and has just put out a joint on the bouncer’s arm.

I tell Sandy thank you, and he says he’ll be in touch. I lean into his ear and let him know his pants are unzipped and he says, “I know, it’s the new sign.”

I finish my cup of scotch and walk outside where Juanita is not only not wearing shoes but is also not wearing any pants, only a light purple Versace thong. The bouncer notices me and tells me that he doesn’t have a problem with the thong, but there’s a policy regarding the shoes. I let him know I understand and then buy a gram of cocaine off of him. I put Juanita in my limo and give her the gram to keep her busy. “I need to go inside and finish some business. I’ll be right back,” I tell her but she doesn’t hear a word, already ripping open the gram and cutting three lines. “Thanks baby!” I hear her yell as I shut the door.

Back inside, my manager wants me to be on the right side of the bar because the glow from the light accentuates my features best. I look over and see Paul Johnson telling a story that I’m guessing involves a Hollywood movie star, too much champagne, and no panties while he decides which two models he is going to take home tonight. On the other side, Sandy Johnson is whispering into the ear of Stan and undoubtedly outing many of the stars here tonight. Presently, in between sips of three-hundred-dollar glasses of wine, they are pointing at Andy Garcia and nodding.

Paul Johnson versus Sandy Johnson, the two top designers in the city, fighting for the top spot. Fashion Designer of the Year. Earlier today Paul introduced a new line of furs despite the protest of PETA outside their tents at Bryant Park. At the end of the show Paul had all of his models come out onto the stage wearing nothing but fur and had a man with a wiry mustache throw goat blood all over all of them as Paul screamed, “It’s the new red!”

Meanwhile, across the park, Sandy Johnson displayed his new men’s line on the runway by having his male models hold the garments as they strutted naked and hard. Rumor has it there was no “fluffer” required. Sandy Johnson can be hands-on when required.

Both shows received standing ovations. The debate over which show was better continues. Paul versus Sandy, good versus evil, although in this case it is not clear who is playing which role. There was talk at one point that for Paul’s next line, Eternal, a model would be executed on the runway.

As I light a Camel, my manager notifies me that Paul is approaching. “Mickey, be in my office first thing tomorrow.” When Paul says tomorrow, he means 8AM tomorrow.

Too quick for even my manager to notice, Sandy comes up and asks me if I’m seeing anyone and I mention Juanita, which leads to a disappointed face and he tells me to stop by in the morning to discuss working for him. When Sandy says tomorrow morning, he means never.

My manager is noncommittal but pleased. We have accomplished our goal for the night. I glance over at Paul Johnson, then over at Sandy Johnson, the two kings, bitter rivals and not related. Simply known around the city as The Johnsons.

Walking out of the Grand, I look over at my limo. The window is rolled down and Juanita appears to have passed out. I walk over to my driver and tell him to take her home. As I turn back toward the club there is a TMZ camera in my face. “Mickey! Mickey! Who are you going with?” I light a Camel, remove my aviators, and look into the camera. “I’m going with Johnson! You can use that!” FLASH.

I reach into my pocket and grab the number of the GQ reporter and call her. We agree to meet at Lucky Sevens at Rivington and Stanton.

After we talk, she sends me a text message that reads: CAN’T WAIT TO GET MY LIPS AROUND YOU.

I go back to the doorway of the Grand (where I can hear “Mama Said Knock You Out” over the speakers), score another gram, stop off in the bathroom for a line, and then catch a cab to Lucky Sevens. In the cab the song “Suspicious Minds” by Elvis is playing. I cut a line and offer it up to the cab driver, who can’t snort it fast enough. I do a line and sit back, smiling.

Act like you’ve lived this moment a hundred times over. This is the forty-third secret on how to be famous.

My Days on “Tonight” with Newcomer Jay Leno - The Barrett Company Tour and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Hollywood Book Publicist Charlie Barrett of The Barrett Company

Long before I became a book publicist…I was Jay Leno’s very first publicist at NBC’s

“Tonight Show” when he was named guest host in 1987 for Mr. Johnny Carson. In those days of my career in Hollywood, I served as the network’s staff PR director for

“Tonight.” Monday was Mr. Johnny Carson’s day-off from the “Tonight Show” and for years NBC had numerous guest hosts “fill in” for Johnny. In 1987, Jay shared the duties as “temp” Monday night guest host with Gary Shandling (“The Larry Sanders Show”) -- after the abrupt departure of Joan Rivers, who for years was the show’s permanent Monday night guest host.

Lately, I have been reading and re-reading Jay’s most popular book, “Leading With My Chin.” It is a very funny, curious and sometimes painfully honest account of his early life in Massachusetts, his parents and how he made it big in the entertainment biz after years and years of struggling. For a good read, I totally recommend this book (with co-author Bill Zehme) from Harper Collins publishers. See www.amazon.com for copies.

I found Jay in those late 1980’s days at NBC to be very easy going, always eager and ready to do whatever media interviews I asked him to do. That worked out well for me since Mr. Carson rarely did any media interviews whatsoever. Jay was as quick-witted as they come and, as many of you may recall, a comic Mr. Carson invited on the show many times before he became a guest host. Jay’s wry and sharp-witted sense of humor that he has developed so well over the years has served him well as evidenced by his continued long run and late night popularity as host of “Tonight.”

When Mr. Carson retired, Jay assumed the late night throne on “Tonight” in 1992. Jay eagerly invited my new PR client - Mr. Ed McMahon - on the show in 1993, just before Ed and I were scheduled to cross the USA in Ed’s specially-equipped tour bus to publicize his series “Star Search” which was produced at Walt Disney World in Orlando. Jay was so gracious, warm, respectful and hospitable to Ed that day when he returned to

“Tonight.” Ed even started to tear-up a bit, since the last time he sat in that “famous chair” next to “the desk” was the night of May 22, 1992 when he and Mr. Carson bid their audience good-bye after nearly 30 years at NBC. Since those days I have returned to the “Tonight Show” green room (the back stage lounge) numerous times to watch Jay and his guests even if I did not have a client with me as a billed performer.

I particularly recall one very humorous incident in 1990 with Jay. His alma mater, Emerson College sent an emissary to the show to present Jay with a citation for being a “famous alumni.” When the NBC photographer took the photo of Jay and the Emerson man for the college newspaper, Jay quipped, “My professors at Emerson told me I should forget show biz….hmmm.”

# # #

~ ~ ~ GIVEAWAY ~ ~ ~

Pump Up Your Book and The Barrett Company are teaming up to give you a chance to win a Kindle Fire!

This giveaway is part of the Barrett Company Hollywood Publicity Tour hosted by Pump Up Your Book. There are a lot of great blogs participating in this Kindle Fire giveaway. After you enter, check out the other stops on the Barrett Company Hollywood Publicity Tour and enter there too!

Here’s how it works:

Each person will enter this giveaway by liking, following, subscribing and tweeting about this giveaway through the Rafflecopter form below.
The Kindle Fire promotion will run March 5 – 23, 2012. Winner will be chosen randomly by Rafflecopter, contacted by email and announced on March 24, 2012.

To find out who else is participating and more chances to win, visit http://www.pumpupyourbook.com/2012/02/09/the-barrett-company-hollywood-virtual-book-publicity-tour-march-2012-kindle-fire-giveaway/.

Contest is only open to U.S. and Canada residents.
Good luck everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

About The Barrett Company:

Media expert & advisor Charles Barrett formed The Barrett Company in 1991 as a full service media relations and media marketing/communications agency. The Los Angeles headquartered firm offers 21^st century integrated media outreach and media marketing expertise with an emphasis on the entertainment and leisure time industries serving authors/publishers, Hollywood celebrities, motion pictures, and television. Since inception, TBC has served such companies as Simon & Schuster, Globe Pequot Press, Norton Publishers, Warner Brothers Studios, American Movie Classics cable channel, ABC TV, CBS TV, Fox Television, self-published author publishers such as Xlibris, Author House, I-Universe and numerous celebrities from Johnny Carson to Ed McMahon to Kevin Costner to Oprah Winfrey (Oprah’s Big Give television series on ABC).

The Barrett Company also assists attorneys and their clients, managing media coverage in civil and criminal cases from California to New York in both state and federal courts.

Mr. Barrett formed the firm after serving in top public relations positions with the National Broadcasting Company (NBC) for more than ten years, where he was in charge of media relations for The Tonight Show and Today, among other well-known NBC shows such as Unsolved Mysteries, Fame and numerous highly-rated NBC specials, including The American Film Institute Awards and The American Movie Awards.
Mr. Barrett has also held executive media relations posts with 20^th Century Fox Film Corporation in New York and Capitol Records in Hollywood, New York and London, where he helped launch recorded music by The Beatles, The Band and many other music artists.

When earlier basing in New York City, Mr. Barrett assisted major publishers with publicity campaigns for a number of New York Times best-selling authors, serving such publishers as Scribner’s, Simon & Schuster, Norton, John Wiley & Sons, Warner Books and Golden Books, among many others.

The Barrett Company serves major publisher and self-published authors with Harper Collins, Little Brown, Penguin Press, i-Universe, Oxford University Press, Viking Press, Xlibris, Random House, Holm Press, Ben Bella Books, Author House, SMU Press, NYU Press, creating and performing a range of publicity services and media outreach for both fiction and non-fiction book releases.

Charles Barrett began his media career as a reporter with The Associated Press in New Haven, CT and later served on the editorial staffs of both The Hollywood Reporter in Los Angeles and Billboard Publications in New York. He has also authored numerous articles for magazines and newspapers on the performing arts and travel as well as appearing as a contributor on major U.S. radio talk shows discussing celebrities, films, television and books. He was voted the Book Publicist of the Year award by the Southern California Book Pub Society recently. Charles is a member of The Publishers Association of Los Angeles, The Academy of TV Arts and Sciences (Emmy Award) and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences (The Oscars ®).

The Barrett Company is well known and regarded among the world’s media outlets for its credibility and creativity. Through years of client assignments we have developed remarkable and successful campaigns for our wide range of authors/publishers, Hollywood creatives, companies and celebrities, which have paved the way for us to produce media, consumer and trade events of all descriptions both in the United States and overseas, from Book Expo to NATPE (the renowned annual television program executive conference) to Los Angeles Times Festival of Books, The Frankfurt Book Fair to filmdom’s Show West as well as MIP in France, The Beverly Hills Film Festival and The Cannes International Film Festival.

TBC’s experience, skills and knowledge in various professional disciplines have enabled the company to offer programs we are proud of, including trade and consumer publicity campaigns, Internet publicity campaigns, crisis communications management, new company and celebrity launches, trade show media awareness, marketing communications solutions, and consultancy to in-house publicity firms in publishing, film and television. No assignment is too big or too small. TBC possesses a keen awareness of the workings of the global media – - including but not limited to print, broadcast and digital – - and has demonstrated over the years the ability to create stunning and effective media outreach models for valued clients, be they well established, or start-ups, or beginning careers as authors and celebrities.

Barbara Wall, a specialist in media marketing and media research, serves as Vice President of TBC. She has accomplished extensive assignments, ranging from technology to entertainment to printing/publishing and has working relationships with a wide circle of book media contacts including reviewers at major US newspapers to Internet book reviewers including NY Times, USA TODAY, Midwest Book Review, BookPleasures.com, BookReview.com, writers at select men and women’s’ magazines and online social media bloggers covering authors and publishers. Ms. Wall formerly served as an executive in two Fortune 500 companies (Xerox, Experian) and has worked with a range of clients including BMG Music Service, The Fox Network, Eddie Bauer, Levi’s, Starbucks, and Jamba Juice. She holds both BA and MBA degrees and formerly taught high school English in Colorado.

A key professional on The Barrett Company team is Vice President John Michaeli, who offers international and domestic public relations/communications expertise with a proven track record of developing, implementing and directing strategic marketing campaigns. Mr. Michaeli is a crisis communications specialist, having served many studios and networks dealing with a range of public issues in both personnel to products areas. Mr. Michaeli has held senior management posts with PR agencies and companies in the entertainment, technology, new media, network TV and public relations industries, including Walt Disney Studios, Fox Family Channel, Warner Brothers, Pax TV and Hanna-Barbera, the renowned animation studio in Hollywood where he served as VP of Marketing.

Representing TBC in New York is publicist and author Ward Morehouse III, who served as media contact at NBC for NBC Nightly News and was also was a Vice President at Jack Raymond & Associates, a top New York public relations firm. Mr. Morehouse has authored several books on the world’s top hotels from The Plaza to The Waldorf Astoria and most recently released his latest book, London’s Grand Hotels. He also created and maintains the New York City web portal www.broadwayafterdark.com.
TBC is proud of its association with renowned film marketing professional Jerry Pam. Mr. Pam’s accomplished film marketing career ranges from his days with The Beatles on their hit films, A Hard Day’s Night and Help, to films like Chocolat, Cinema Paridiso, Cider House Rules, the Oscar ® winner Shakespeare in Love and Good Will Hunting, among many, many other pictures. He earlier created remarkable film marketing campaigns for Apocalypse Now, Last Tango in Paris, American Graffiti, The Conversation and Midnight Express. Jerry has represented numerous screen and television personalities, including Michael Caine, Roger Moore, Jaclyn Smith and Robert Stack, in addition to well known authors such as Sidney Sheldon, Jackie Collins, Judith Krantz and Morris West. His corporate clients have ranged from Rolls Royce to Mouton Cadet Wines, and Faberge to General Mills.

Books…
The Barrett Company represents author Carla Malden (who co-wrote her father Karl Malden’s biography When Do I Start?) for her forthcoming book Afterimage from Globe Pequot Press. TBC created the media marketing campaign for film producer/agent Marty Jurow (Breakfast At Tiffany’s, The Pink Panther and Terms of Endearment) and his tales of Hollywood’s Golden Age — Marty Jurow Seein’ Stars: A Show Biz Odyssey, a hardbound work published by Southern Methodist University Press. In his book, Mr. Jurow tells riveting vignettes and stories about Jack Lemmon, Karl Malden, Frank Sinatra, Ava Gardner, Audrey Hepburn, Marlon Brando, author Truman Capote, Katharine Hepburn, Elvis Presley and Gary Cooper, among others. Mr. Malden said about the book, “Anyone who wants to know what happened behind the scenes in theatre, film, and TV during the 30s, 40s and 50s must read this book.” Other author clients include Julie Sinatra author of Under My Skin, entrepreneur Gary Fong’s The Accidental Millionaire and Do You Really Need Back Surgery by noted Santa Monica neurosurgeon Dr. Aaron Filler to Before You Say I Do Again by California family law and divorce expert attorney Ben Berkley.

Motion Pictures…
In motion pictures, The Barrett Company’s numerous client accomplishments include media outreach for the Showcase for Oscar ® Nominated Shorts that played to full theatres in Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., as well as publicity for movie openings and key industry awards for top feature films from Warner Brothers, MGM (Tomorrow Never Dies with Pierce Brosnan)), Paramount, Sony, Universal and Columbia Pictures. TBC as also served national theatre chains, feature film distributors and alternative cinema theatres with special regional movie openings and promotions including The Kids Are Alright, September Dawn, It’s Complicated, The Scoundrel’s Wife, Million Dollar Baby, Insomnia, The Aryan Couple, Master of the Game, Never Again, Blair Witch Project, multi film festival winner Smoke Signals and many film festival winners in various award categories.

TBC has served filmmakers at a wide variety of film festivals, including The Cannes Film Festival, The New York Film Festival, The Hollywood Film Festival, The Sundance Film Festival, The Toronto Film Festival, The Sarasota Film Festival, and the San Diego World Film Festival. TBC introduced the world media to the inaugural Beverly Hills Film Festival in 2001 with director/author Henry Bromell (Panic with Donald Sutherland).

Television…
Our notable TBC television projects include campaigns for reality-based TV productions such as Oprah Winfrey’s Oprah’s Big Give on ABC and CBS’ The Amazing Race to shows on American Movie Classics (Mad Men) to Bravo’s Millionaire Matchmaker to NBC’s Unsolved Mysteries to Paramount TV’s Wild Things to Fox TV’s Cops and numerous other productions. We also launched the success of Ed McMahon’s Star Search at Walt Disney World in 1995. Our PR campaigns for various television productions resulted in across-the-board media attention and awareness in a wide range of outlets from USA Today to the New York Times as well as The Wall Street Journal, Daily Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Multi Channel News, Entertainment Tonight, Access Hollywood, E! TV, Today, Good Morning America and The Tonight Show just to mention a few.

Take George Clooney Home With You on Blue Ray or DVD March 13

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Sun, 04 Mar 2012 21:28:00 +0000

TAKE GEORGE CLOONEY HOME

IN ONE OF THE YEAR’S MOST CRITICALLY ACCLAIMED FILMS

Experience the Heartbreak and Humor When the

Academy Award® and Golden Globe® Winner

Comes to Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD March 13

From director Alexander Payne creator of the Oscar® winning Sideways comes one of the Best Pictures of the year, THE DESCENDANTS, featuring a stunning cast including Best Actor nominee George Clooney (Ides of March) and Shailene Woodley (The Secret Life of the American Teenager) in her Golden Globe nominated and Independent Spirit Award winning role. Take home this wonderfully warm and witty film and go behind the scenes of THE DESCENDANTS with all-new exclusive content on Blu-ray Disc Combo Pack and DVD March 13 from Fox Searchlight and Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Students of film classes at online universities love the cinematography and storyline of this movie.

Based on the best-selling novel by Kaui Hart Hemmings and set in Hawaii, THE DESCENDANTS is a sometimes humorous, sometimes tragic journey for Matt King (George Clooney) an indifferent husband and father of two girls, who is forced to re-examine his past and embrace his future when his wife suffers a boating accident off of Waikiki. The event leads to a rapprochement with his young daughters while Matt wrestles with a decision to sell the family’s land handed down from Hawaiian royalty and missionaries.

Nominated for five Academy Awards® and winner for Best Adapted Screenplay, THE DESCENDANTS is a must-have on Blu-ray and DVD. The release is packed with must-see deleted scenes, behind the scenes extras and exclusive featurettes to bring you even further into the story.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment, LLC (TCFHE) is a recognized global industry leader and a subsidiary of Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation, a News Corporation company. Representing 75 years of innovative and award-winning filmmaking from Twentieth Century Fox, TCFHE is the worldwide marketing, sales and distribution company for all Fox film and television programming, acquisitions and original productions on DVD, Blu-ray Disc Digital Copy, Video On Demand and Digital Download. The company also releases all products globally for MGM Home Entertainment. Each year TCFHE introduces hundreds of new and newly enhanced products, which it services to retail outlets from mass merchants and warehouse clubs to specialty stores and e-commerce throughout the world.

Seventeen Timeless Films Make DVD Debut This Month

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 02 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

Announces Film Classics Available Through Online Retailers

During the Month of March

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment’s “manufacturing on demand” (“MOD”) program continues to expand with the newest selection of films as part of MGM’s Limited Edition Collection. These 17 films will be available through major online retailers in March. This group of releases features classics from 1957 to 2002 including performances by Hollywood’s greats –Frankie Avalon, Buster Keaton, Jane Kaczmarek, Martin Sheen, and Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz, to name just a few.

***

Enjoy your favorite movies from across the decades including:

1950’s and 1960's

Pharaoh’s Curse (1957) - Archaeologists in Egypt discover one of their crew has been turned into a blood-sucking mummy after they unintentionally unleash a three thousand year curse by entering Pharaoh's tomb. Stars Mark Dana, Ziva Rodann, Diane Brewster. Directed by Lee Sholem.
Vice Raid (1959) –1950's "sex bomb" Mamie van Doren plays a hooker who is called to help frame a cop whose good work has been giving the mob a tough time. Things get more interesting when her younger sister is thrown into the mix. Stars Mamie Van Doren, Richard Coogan. Directed by Edward L. Cahn.
Sergeant Deadhead (1965) – Girl-shy/accident-prone Sgt. Deadhead (Frankie Avalon) accidentally goes into orbit with a chimp! When they return to Earth after their orbit, it is discovered that the chimp has the brains of the astronaut, and the astronaut has the brains of the chimp. Complications ensue. Stars Frankie Avalon, Deborah Walley, Cesar Romero, Fred Clark, Gale Gordon, Eve Arden, Reginald Gardiner, Buster Keaton. Directed by Norman Taurog.

1970’s

Pieces of Dreams (1970) – A young Catholic priest begins to have doubts about the Church when he meets a social worker and falls in love. Stars Robert Forster, Will Geer, Lauren Hutton. Directed by Daniel Haller.
Underground (1970) – An American intelligence agent attempts to kidnap a top Nazi general. Stars Robert Goulet, Daniele Gaubert, Lawrence Dobkin. Directed by Arthur H. Nadel.
The Million Dollar Rip-Off (1976) – Comedian Freddie Prinze plays an ex-con who happens to be an electronic genius. Along with four young women, he sets out to rob the Chicago Transit Authority payroll. Stars Brooke Mills, Freddie Prinze, Christine Bellford. Directed by Alexander Singer.

1980’s

Cocaine: One Man's Seduction (1983) – In a frightening portrait, Dennis Weaver plays the man-next-door who gets trapped in the insidious web of cocaine addiction. As his dependency takes over his entire life begins to crumble. Stars Dennis Weaver, Karen Grassle, Pamela Bellwood. Directed by Paul Wendkos.
Pray For Death (1985) – A gentle Japanese immigrant endeavors to quietly run a business in America. When gangsters refuse to leave him alone, he reveals that he is in reality, a highly skilled Ninja master. Stars Sho Kosugi, James Booth, Donna Kei Benz, Norman Burton, Parley Baer, Kane Kosugi, Shane Kosug. Directed by Gordon Hessler.
Modern Girls (1986) – Three young ladies who are looking for love begin to realize that their friendship is more important than romance. Stars Cynthia Gibb, Virginia Madsen, Clayton Rohner, Daphne Zuniga. Directed by Jerry Kramer.
Right of the People (1986) – When the wife and daughter of District Attorney Christopher Booth are among ten victims shot to death during an attempted robbery of a restaurant, the citizens are stunned and outraged. As a result, the town votes to allow a mass arming of the community. Stars Michael Ontkean, Jane Kaczmarek, Billy Dee Williams, John Randolph, M. Emmet Walsh, Jamie Smith Jackson. Directed by Jeffrey Bloom.
Samaritan: The Mitch Snyder Story (1986) - Mitch Snyder, portrayed by Martin Sheen, successfully convinces city officials to deal with the problems of the homeless. Stars Martin Sheen, Roxanne Hart, Cicely Tyson. Directed by Richard T Heffron.
Saving Grace (1986) - A down-to-earth Pope tries to balance bureaucratic duties of his position with the secular world. Frustrated with his lack of freedom he flees to the Italian countryside to get in touch with real people and get back to helping them out one-on-one. Stars Tom Conti, Fernando Rey, Edward James Olmos, Giancarlo Giannini, Erland Josephson. Directed by Robert M. Young.
Viper (1988) - A young woman's husband is murdered by a band of Middle Eastern terrorists. However, her investigation uncovers a CIA military plot against an Arab nation tied to his death. Stars Linda Purl, James Tolkan, Jeff Kober, Chris Robinson, Ken Foree, David Sterling. Directed by Peter Maris.
Lost Angels (1989) - Beastie Boy Adam Horovitz plays a troubled teen who is sent against his will to a psychiatric clinic which is filled with kids who are in much worse shape than he is. Donald Sutherland plays a compassionate psychiatrist who is the sole sympathetic voice in this teenage "snake pit." Stars Donald Sutherland, Adam Horovitz. Directed by Hugh Hudson.
The Siege of Firebase Gloria (1989) - Sergeant Major Hafner leads his recon patrol on a hellish trek through enemy territory, encountering the Viet Cong and fighting for their lives as they wait for rescue from the army. Stars R. Lee Ermey, Wings Hauser, Robert Abevalo, Gary Hershberger, Albert Popwell. Directed by Brian Trenchard Smith.

1990’s and 2000's

Vietnam, Texas (1990) – Father Thomas McCain learns that he fathered a child during his tour of duty in Vietnam, and she’s in the custody of the most powerful gangster and drug runner in Houston's Little Saigon. The priest goes up against a brutal network of thugs, pushers and killers to reclaim his daughter. Stars Robert Ginty, Haing S. Ngor, Tamlyn Tomita, Tim Thomerson. Directed by Robert Ginty.
Fish Don't Blink (2002) - A young couple, on the run from the mob, take refuge in a run-down desert restaurant. However, they soon find out that the crazy dysfunctional family running the place is worse than the Mafia! Stars Lea Thompson, Richard Grieco, Wil Wheaton, Tonie Perensky, Dee Wallace-Stone. Directed by Chuck DeBus.

Important Note: These films have been manufactured from the best-quality video master currently available and have not been remastered or restored specifically for these DVD releases.

About Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music, and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world’s largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in domestic and international TV channels reaching over 130 countries. For more information, visit www.mgm.com .

# # #

Follow TCFHE on Twitter @foxhomeent

March Movie Releases to Blu-ray and DVD

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 08:01:00 +0000

America's past-time is watching movies and for all those movie buffs some of these are a fans favorite. Below is the list of releases to either Blue-ray, DVD or both released in March. As the famous movie critic duo of Ebert and Roeper, "We'll see you at the movies."

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Brick Road & Bloomin' Berry Garden - Releases on DVD March 6

Immortals - Releases on Blu-ray and DVD March 6

Tooth Fairy 2 - Releases on Blu-ray and DVD March 6

Wizards – Releases on Blu-ray March 13

The Killing Season 1 – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 13

Breakout Kings Season 1 – Releases on DVD March 13

The Sitter – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 20

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked – Releases on DVD & Blu-ray March 27

If Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys Let Them Be Nick Barkley

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 06:45:00 +0000

Actor Peter Breck

Actor Peter Breck, who played the hot headed, rough cowboy personality of Nick Barkley on the television show The Big Valley, has passed away at the age of 82.

He was one of my favorites on the television show and when he entered a room the room seemed to become smaller. He was a big man with an even bigger personality on The Big Valley, always coming in from the ranch that he managed for the family in his leather jacket and gloves. Many times, he would go head-to-head with his brother, Jarrod Barkley, played by Richard Long, over what he thought was the right way to go about doing something. On the television show, Nick was a man of his word and lovingly respected his mother, Victoria Barkley played by Barbara Stanwyck, the widowed matriarch of the Barkley clan. He loved to tease his sister Audra on the show, played by the beautiful and talented Linda Evans, who later starred in televisions night-time drama show Dynasty, playing opposite Joan Collins.

The Cast of the Big Valley

Breck was one of those men that played the part of the cowboy with ease. It was the 1960’s the era of television cowboys. My brother and I watched Westerns that had gone into repeats during the 1970’s, it was certainly a welcome change from the wholesome goodness of The Brady Bunch. These included Bonanza, The Virginian and all the John Wayne movies we could find. Willie Nelson sang in his song, “Mama don’t let your babies grow up to be cowboys,” but an exception could be if they grew up to the highly talented, respectful Nick Barkley.

Whitney Houston Dies in Beverly Hills

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 06:18:00 +0000

Just like Princess Diana, and Elvis, Ricki Nelson, Natasha Richardson, Gilda Radner and so many others the news of their death came as a shock. It is no less shocking to hear the news that Whitney Houston has died. Her career and her troubled marriage were fodder for the tabloids, but she left a powerful legacy for many to follow in her footsteps. Accredited online music schools should also be able to teach you how Whitney Houston's powerful voice changed the music industry. As Elton John sang in his tribute to Princess Diana at her funeral, so I imagine the same words for Whitney, "the candle blew out long before the legend did." Rest in peace Whitney, We Love You!

To Kill A Mockingbird - 50th Anniversary Edition

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:08:00 +0000

Oscar^® Winner Gregory Peck Gives the Performance

of His Career in the Timeless Classic Available on Blu-ray™

for the First Time

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

50^TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Digitally Remastered and Fully Restored with Over Three Hours of Bonus Materials Including Two Full Length Documentaries

On Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack,

Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD

Available January 31, 2012

To Kill a Mockingbird, one of the screen’s most beloved and critically acclaimed films, celebrates its 50^th anniversary with a commemorative Limited Edition Collector’s Series Blu-ray™ Combo Pack as well as on Blu-ray™ Combo Pack and DVD from Universal Studios Home Entertainment on January 31, 2012. The powerful and poignant adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel hits the half-century mark, digitally remastered and fully restored from high resolution 35MM original film elements, plus more than three-and-a-half hours of bonus features chronicling the making of the cinematic masterpiece.

The Limited Edition Collector’s Series Combo Pack of To Kill a Mockingbird: 50^th Anniversary Edition will include a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy of the film, packaged in a hardcover book featuring exclusive movie memorabilia including script pages with Gregory Peck’s handwritten notes, storyboards, poster art and much more.

Released theatrically in 1962, To Kill a Mockingbird won instant accolades for its nuanced performances, splendidly crafted narrative and bold endorsement of racial tolerance, fairness and honor, a combination that still resonates with audiences today. It earned eight Academy Award^® nominations and three wins including a Best Actor statuette for Gregory Peck in one of his most iconic roles asthe principled Alabama lawyer Atticus Finch, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Art Direction. The prestigious American Film Institute lists To Kill a Mockingbird as one of the 100 Greatest American Films and also names Atticus Finch as the No. 1 Film Hero of All Time. Accredited online film colleges can teach you what makes this classic film a masterpiece. A timeless, enduring classic that remains as relevant and impactful today as it was at its release, To Kill a Mockingbird’’s appeal continues to span generations.

Click the link below to view the official trailer for the To Kill a Mockingbird 50^th Anniversary Edition Blu-ray™ release:

http://universal.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=de63fe7c0c348f500d6a2a476a96a02d

Blu-ray™ and DVD Bonus Features:

Fearful Symmetry— A feature-length documentary on the making of To Kill a Mockingbird with cast and crew interviews and a visit to author Harper Lee's home town.
A Conversation with Gregory Peck— An intimate feature-length documentary on one of the most beloved actors in film history with interviews, film clips, home movies and more.
100 Years of Universal: Restoring the Classics— An in-depth look at the film restoration process
Academy Award^® Best Actor Acceptance Speech— Gregory Peck's speech after winning the Academy Award^® for his performance as Atticus Finch.
American Film Institute Life Achievement Award— Gregory Peck's memorable remarks upon receiving the AFI Life Achievement Award.
Excerpt from “Tribute To Gregory Peck”— Cecilia Peck's heartwarming farewell to her father given at the Academy in celebration of his life.
Scout Remembers— Actress Mary Badham shares her experiences working with Gregory Peck.
Feature Commentary with Director Robert Mulligan and Producer Alan Pakula
Original Theatrical Trailer

SYNOPSIS

Experience one of the most significant milestones in film history like never before with To Kill a Mockingbird 50th Anniversary Edition. Screen legend Gregory Peck stars as courageous Southern lawyer Atticus Finch - the Academy Award®-winning performance hailed by the American Film Institute as the Greatest Movie Hero of All Time. Based on Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel about innocence, strength and conviction and nominated for eight Academy Awards®, this beloved classic is now digitally remastered and fully restored for optimum picture and sound quality and boasts hours of unforgettable bonus features. Watch it and remember why “it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

Working as an Extra on Cosby Mysteries Television Series with Bill Cosby

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Alexia Fraser

In 1995, I worked with an agency that sent me out on calls for extra work on television shows and movie sets.

I enjoyed working as an extra at first. However, over time, I enjoyed less and less the long hours spent waiting around for scenes to be shot. I wanted to be a principal actor. Then, I wouldn’t have minded the wait. And since I had a full-time job at the time, my availability was more constrained than most of the other extras that were devoting full time to their acting careers.

The agency sent me to do extra work on television shows like “New York Undercover,” “Central Park West” and of course “Cosby Mysteries.”

“Cosby Mysteries” was an American television series that starred the one and only Bill Cosby. It was the first television series to star Cosby since the “Cosby Show” (Wikipedia). Bill Cosby played the lead character Guy Hanks, a criminologist, who worked for the New York Police Department.

I remember always watching the weekly series and wishing that I was a member of the cast. The character I envisioned playing, besides playing Guy Hanks sister-in-law, was his secret stalker who lived in the same apartment building just across the hall from his apartment. He would see me every day in the hallways or on the elevators and would say hello, but had no idea that I was his secret stalker. I would watch him and follow him whenever I could. I had my character’s lines all written in my head. J

You will then understand my shock upon learning from my agency that I was to report to the Cosby Mysteries set to work as an extra. I could not believe it! This was a dream come through. I started thinking out loud what I would say to Mr. Cosby on the set. There was a burning question that I just had to ask him. It was simultaneously an unbelievable and believable moment for me. JUST AMAZING!!!

I was very excited to go on set. I packed my bag with my change of clothing for the different scenes the night before. I was always organized and ready. I do not remember the title of the episode. I do remember that the actor Paul Anthony Sorvino was in the episode. The scenes were shot in lower Manhattan at the City Hall Building.

In one of the scenes, Bill Cosby had to walk by me to get to his location and I remember staring at him because I had that question to ask him. Cosby apparently felt my penetrating stare and looked at me, smiled, lifted up his right hand, pointed and shook his index finger at me and said “youuuuuu” with a smile. I looked at him and smiled back. Oh Boy! The pressure mounted. I wanted to ask my question but did not. I was afraid to approach him. Actually it was not allowed. So I was told. It was overall a great, memorable experience. Mr. Cosby was fun to watch, he took his work seriously.

The question I had for Mr. Cosby was how does someone like me get to be a regular on the show? I missed my opportunity.

I am so happy I am able to write about it now. Unbelievable! Life is truly a circle.

Alexia Elizabeth Smart-Fraser was born in the beautiful island of Jamaica. After marrying her high school sweetheart Edward, she migrated to the United States. She is the proud and loving mother of two children, son Sean and daughter Paige. Alexia studied acting at H.B. Studio. She worked as an extra on the set of “Cosby Mysteries” with Bill Cosby, “New York Undercover” with Malik Yubo, “Central Park West” with Lauren Hutton, and the series “Prince Street” with Mariska Hargitay. As well, Alexia Fraser has written and produced three original non-fiction one act plays both off-Broadway and off-off-Broadway. “The Ryans,” “Dope the Endeavor” and “Blind Trust.” Her fourth play “Our God is Awesome” is not yet produced, but will be in the near future. Alexia is the original founder and partner of her production company, Paige Unlimited, LLC (www.paigeunlimitedllc) of which she is the Creative Arts VP. Memories of Mom is Alexia Fraser’s first published book. She was driven to share her story after seeing her mom suffered unacceptable nursing home and hospital care. Her second book is already partially scripted. “Write what you know” is what she believes.
Visit her website at http://www.alexiafraser-memoriesofmom.com.
Blog | Twitter | Facebook | Amazon | Amazon Kindle | Lulu | Barnes & Noble

About Memories of Mom

Memories of Mom (M.O.M.) is a poignant story about an extraordinary mother, written by a daughter who loved and cared for her during her last lap of life. This story is written from the heart, and will inspire love and affection in millions of daughters and sons who will someday be caring for their elderly parents or loved ones. It is about undying love, unyielding sacrifices and compassionate role reversal. The circle of life.

Body Parts Found at Hollywood Sign

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:54:00 +0000

Lights! Camera! Action!

The last few days at the Hollywood Sign could easily have been mistaken for the filming of an episode of any one of the CSI television shows. Unfortunately, the discovery of a human head at the sign on Tuesday, January 17, followed with the hands and feet a day later do not belong to any script, this is a real life homicide. Cadaver dogs were brought to the scene after the discovery of the head, which was reported by a hiker. The dogs found the hands and feet a day later, January 18 not far away from the head.

Not since the discovery of the body of Broadway actress Peg Entwistle, in September 1932, who committed suicide by jumping off the Hollywood Sign has there been such horror at the sign.

Hollywood Children Celebrate Birthdays in Tinseltown

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 05:04:00 +0000

Birthday wishes go out to two very famous children of Hollywood. Our first birthday wishes goes to former Full House Star Jodie Sweetin. Sweetin, age 30, was the middle sister Stephanie Tanner on this sitcom Full House. Set in San Francisco, the show chronicles widowed father Danny Tanner, who, after the death of his wife, enlists his best friend Joey Gladstone and his brother-in-law Jesse Katsopolis to help raise his three daughters, D.J., Stephanie, and Michelle. The show originally ran in primetime from September 22, 1987 to May 23, 1995 on ABC. After lots of ups and downs with career, marriage and drug addiction Sweetin seems to look better than ever. She seems to have overcome the Hollywood downfall of a lot of child actors succumb to.

Our second birthday wishes goes out to Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise’s adopted son, Conner, now 17. Connor and sister, Bella, adopted at birth spent the night celebrating at Staples Center. It was in the younger days of Cruise and Kidman that I can remember them being photographed in Tinseltown with the kids. Now, at 17 and 19 both children seem like well adjusted successful adults. Cruise and Kidman divorced after 10 years of marriage and each re-married, Cruise to Katie Holmes and is now proud papa of the best dressed 5 year old Suri. Kidman married country singer Keith Urban and have two daughters.

Author Braxton Cosby Gives Thanks to Uncle Bill Cosby for Inspiration

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 08:01:00 +0000

By Braxton Cosby

Thank you for hosting me on this interview with Hollywood Daze. I want to share with you some of things that inspired me to write The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar and what it has been like being one of the “Cosby Kids” growing up.

Well, first of all I must give all the credit to God for the vision he bestowed upon me with Protostar. I got the inspiration one Sunday during a church service. My Bishop was preaching and said that God was speaking to him and said there was someone that He wanted to do a great work in but that nobody was asking for the vision. I immediately began to pray and ask God is He wanted me to do anything for Him. Once I was finished, I heard a voice tell me to write a book. I laughed at the idea at first because I’ve been through three college degrees and never once thought of writing, much less creating an original story.

As I began to have a conversation with God, I asked Him what I should write about and He told me to create a series that entails Science Fiction (which I love) and also Romance. I started to sketch out the plot right there in church. I went home that night and started o research exactly how this “publishing thing” worked. I was overwhelmed by the process and somewhat discouraged, but I continued to hear a voice tell me to “just finish the book”. So I did.

Three months later, I was staring at a 99,000 word transcription and wondering what to do with it. I submitted query letters to multiple agents and finally directly submitted the first five chapters to a local publisher here in Atlanta name Firefly Publishing and Entertainment. They liked it, offered me a contract and the rest is history.

Protostar has been book an amazing testimony for me and a blessing for many others aspiring to do great things. I’m so grateful to be used by God in this process and it is only the beginning. I’m currently working on another series separate from The Star-Crossed Saga while Protostar continues to gain momentum.

On the flip side, my uncle Bill has been such a motivating force in my life. It’s crazy growing up as a youngster and seeing your relative on television, winning awards and inspiring so many people to achieve their goals. His commitment to learning and dedication to education has helped encouraged me to strive for better things than just the hand that life deals you. I have always had to deal with the question of “Are you related to Bill Cosby?” when people see my last name and half the time I just say no. Especially since most people don’t believe you anyway. I think that I would’ve had a hard time believing someone as well, so I don’t blame them one bit. Now, all of his service and words of wisdom have come full circle and we are currently planning co-book signings on his book tours for my first novel and his new release: I Didn’t Ask to Be Born: (But I’m Glad I Was). Everyone, please keep your eyes open for dates in 2012. The first two are planned for Harlem, NY and Durham, NC this month. Please check my website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com for details. Thank you.

About Braxton A. Cosby

Braxton A. Cosby is a dreamer with a vision of continuously evolving and maximizing the untapped potential of the human spirit. Braxton received a lot of his inspiration from watching the accomplishments and exploits of his famous uncle, comedic legend Bill Cosby. A physical therapist by background, Braxton received his Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate from the University of Miami. Braxton’s fascination of science grew into an obsession of Sci-fi and on one unassuming Sunday, this self-proclaimed romantic decided to pursue a “calling” to create a new genre of writing; Sci-Fance- mixing science fiction and romance. Braxton lives in Georgia with his wife and two children. He believes that everyone should pursue joy that surpasses understanding and live each day as if it were the last.
His latest book is the young adult science fiction novel, The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar.
You can visit his website at www.braxtonacosbygodson.com or connect with him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/cosbykid84 or Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000215860223.

About The Star-Crossed Saga: Protostar

It Starts With Choice! What would you choose: love or irrefutable duty?
On the brink of Civil War, the Torrian Alliance continues with its mission to obliterate Star-children across the universe in order to suppress an intergalactic evil. Following the recommendations of his Council, King Gregorio Derry has agreed to send his only son on a mission to restore honor to his family. Bounty Hunter Prince William Derry has crossed thousands of light-years to planet Earth, in order to fulfill this age old prophetic practice. The quiet days of Madisonburg, Tennessee are officially over as Sydney Elaine now knows the full meaning of the phrase Be careful what you wish for when she is confronted by this strange visitor. As an unforeseeable event delays his assassination, William decides to study his target more closely and begins to form a connection with Sydney that challenges his inner being. But this conflict is the least of his problems, as a conspiracy back on his home planet Fabricius threatens the lives of those he loves and his father s royal legacy. Along with that, he must unravel a hidden menace here on Earth that seeks to secure a vested interest that threatens both his and Sydney s safety. Will William be able to complete his mission or will he choose love, sacrificing everything he stands for?

How Writers Can Benefit From Participating In Community Theater

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:41:00 +0000

by Glen C. Strathy

These days I think of myself as a writer. Commercial writing has been my main source of income for the past decade. I have co-authored two non-fiction books, one of which was a bestseller, and most recently I published a children's novel, Dancing on theInside.

However, there was a time in my life when my primary interest in life was the theater. I won't bore you with the reasons I did not become a world famous actor or director (and there are several good reasons for that). However, as a young man I performed in a lot of plays – in community theater, university theater, and professional non-union companies. I also directed a few plays and spent a brief time in theater school. Overall, I managed to do around seven productions a year over the course of roughly fifteen years. So that's over 100 shows under my belt.

Looking back on that period, I have sometimes felt that I had made a huge detour in my life. Maybe I should have spent all those evenings and weekends writing instead of rehearsing and acting in shows. Maybe my writing career would be a lot further along by now and I'd have finished more some more books.

On the other hand, I feel that the time I spent treading the boards has helped my writing in several ways.

First, it exposed me to a wide range of stories. University theater was especially good for that. Most of the plays at my university were put on by the English Department. We did outstanding works from every literary period from pre-Shakespearean drama to modern plays by writers like Pinter, Beckett, and Tom Stoppard. My community theater work naturally included Broadway plays. And I also worked with some noted Canadian playwrights such as James Reaney and R. Murray Shaefer.

Of course, one can also familiarize oneself with stories by reading. But there's something different about standing up and speaking the lines over and over. They sink in a little more profoundly. You develop a feeling for good dialogue, scene structure, and conflict. I feel that this awareness has made me a better writer.

Acting is also a good exercise for your imagination. Learning to take on a character and see the world through his or her eyes helps you imagine how the people in your novel would think and feel.

Theater also gives you the chance to meet a lot of people on whom you can base characters. Like many writers, I am somewhat shy by nature. I found that working in community theater expanded my list of friends and acquaintances exponentially. Community theater is unlike many workplaces or clubs where you see the same people everyday for years. In theater, a cast will come together to work on a production for only a few months at a time. Then you're on to the next show and the next cast, so you're always meeting new people. If you do several shows a year, you will spend a lot of time hanging out backstage with many people of differing ages, backgrounds, and occupations. The environment is more social than most workplaces as well, so you see more of people's true personalities.

Directing plays is also valuable, because it teaches you to look at the big picture. When you read a novel, it's easy to get lost in the minutiae of good prose. But as a director, you have to focus on the overarching dramatic structure. You must think about how each scene transitions into the next, how the conflicts and emotional tensions build, how to satisfying crisis and conclusion. You get to experiment doing scenes different ways with live actors. This is especially true if you are developing a new play. It's similar to how a writer will re-write a scene different ways, except that you get to see each version acted out before you. You have the creativity of the other people and their sense of emotional truth to help you decide on the best version.

Most importantly, in theater you get immediate feedback from the audience. Whether you're on stage performing, working backstage, or (if you're directing) sitting in the house, you can hear the audience's emotional reaction to what is happening at each moment in the performance. You know if the story is grabbing them or not. You seldom get that level of feedback as a novel writer, but it teaches you a lot about what works and doesn't work in a story.

Okay, maybe you don't have to do seven shows a year. Maybe you're not ready to direct. But if you want to be a writer, I suggest you give theater a try. Take a little acting course. Perhaps volunteer for a minor role in something. If nothing else, it will give you a break from the keyboard and a chance to meet other creative people. And it could even inspire you to try writing a play yourself.

About Dancing on the Inside

Ever since her grandparents gave her a DVD of Swan Lake, twelve-year old Jenny Spark has wanted to be a dancer. But on her first day of ballet class, she suffers a panic attack and makes a horrifying discovery. She’s terrified of dancing in front of the other kids, and as for actually performing for an audience? Forget it.
Yet Jenny refuses to give up her dream. With determination and a little ingenuity, she finds ways to observe ballet classes without actually participating. She trains in the safety of her room, while hiding the truth from her parents. Then Jenny meets her exact opposite: Ara Reyes, an outgoing, spontaneous, and accident-prone girl who loves dancing but has always been overlooked.

The girls’ friendship blossoms as they help each other uncover their real talents. Ara’s dancing takes a leap forward and Jenny discovers she has an amazing gift for choreography. With the support of the school’s newest teacher, Jenny’s original ballet might just make it on stage … but will she?

Book Excerpt:

As she was getting ready for bed that night, Jenny bent down and picked up a pair of pyjamas that had fallen on the floor—without bending her knees. Straightening, she suddenly realized that, two months ago, she couldn’t have done that. She looked down at her legs, which had been firmed by hundreds of rélevés. She had changed in these past two months. And yet, she was just beginning. How much more was there to discover? How much further could she change if she had the chance?

There was something missing in her. A hole that dance promised to fill. It had called to her that first time she saw the DVD of Swan Lake, and it was calling even more strongly now.

Jenny decided that somehow she had to get back into that studio, and with her parents blessing next time. She didn’t know exactly how to do it. She just knew she would.


Author Glen Strathy

Glen C. Strathy started writing stories when he was 11 years old and too shy to have a life. He eventually found a life when he started acting in community theatre and met other writers, actors, dancers, and artists. He discovered that the best thing about performing arts (and other arts too) is that they give people more freedom to be who they want to be. After spending time as an actor, teacher, and freelance writer, he returned to his first love, fiction and wrote Dancing on the Inside, a novel for ages 9-12.
Glen earned an M.A. in English from the University of Western Ontario, and graduated from the Artist in Community Education program at Queen’s University, Kingston. He co-authored two non-fiction books, one of which (The Coming Economic Collapse, Warner Business Books, 2006) became a New York Times Bestselling Business Book. He belongs to the Professional Writers Association of Canada (PWAC) and the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators (SCBWI). His website www.how-to-write-a-book-now.com provides advice to budding authors.

Glen lives with his wife, fellow writer Kaitlin Rainey, and their daughter in Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
You can visit his website at www.glen-c-strathy.com. Visit him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/glencstrathy and Facebook at www.facebook.com/Glen.C.Strathy.author.

A Global Hollywood by Nancy Stewart, author of Sea Turtle Summer

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Our guest Nancy Stewart author of the children’s picture book, Sea Turtle Summer, talks about her adventures seeing movies in exotic places. She is on virtual book tour from December 5 - 16, 2011 on her second virtual book tour with Pump Up Your Book!

Nancy’s web and blog sites are: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com and http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

About Sea Turtle Summer

Bella and Britt think living by the beach is the coolest thing ever. When they discover a Loggerhead Sea Turtle laying her eggs in broad daylight, the girls go into action to help.

No one, though, seems to care about the nest. The beach is a busy place and is getting busier by the minute on such a beautiful summer day. What can they do? Who will help, and what do they learn about themselves?

As a bonus, Sea Turtle Summer contains kid appealing facts about sea turtles.

A Global Hollywood

From Capetown to Morocco and Paris to Tel Aviv, I’ve been a film fan and have seen movies in those places and many others. Today my mission is to speak a bit about my travels and films I’ve seen along the way.

I’ve been fortunate to have been around the world and back again. I’ve also had the great good fortune of living in London for eight years. So, where do I begin? London.

The UK in general and London in particular, have played a huge role in my adult life. We loved to go to the Odeon Theatre in Leicester Square, heart of London’s entertainment world. Another great movie house we attended was the Odeon Marble Arch. Our favorite, though, was in Whitley’s mall in Bayswater. So many Sunday afternoons, we’d see a film with our dear friends, the Elliotts, there; great memories.

One of the most memorable films I’ve seen is Out of Africa. The film was good, but where we saw the movie made it spectacular, Nairobi, of course. There was something magical about viewing it there, within almost walking distance of the suburb of Karen, named for Karen von Blixen, heroine of the true story. The film came alive for me and I cannot see it without reliving the magnificent experience of Kenya.

Another memorable film was The Green Mile. We saw it in a movie theater in the Galilee area in Israel. It was a wee day, and we were the only people in the theater. In the middle of the showing, the film suddenly stopped. My husband and I thought there must be a problem with the projection. Within a few seconds, a woman walked down the aisle and stood facing us in the row of seats ahead and smiled. She politely told us it was Intermission, and they had a full range of refreshments. Of course, we went out, got a Coke Light and popcorn and returned to our seats. Within a few minutes, the same woman came down the aisle, stood where she had before, and said the film would be resuming. Ever since, I’ve had a soft spot for The Green Mile. I can’t say I particularly enjoyed the film, but the experience was fantastic!

The Lives of Others is a marvelous German film about the Stasi and the Cold War. We were fortunate to have seen it in Berlin. Again, what a backdrop for a film about the secret police in a time before the Berlin Wall fell. The movie was a masterpiece, perhaps all the more so, as later that evening, we walked down the Unter den Linden Boulevard and through the Brandenburg Gate, where so much German history has occurred.

These are but a few of the film experiences my family and I have had over the years, as we’ve traveled this beautiful planet. In my blog, http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com I address many places I’ve been and the impact they’ve had on me and others.

In writing children’s books, I try to incorporate travels and the education I’ve received from being a citizen of the world. I always call it “coinage in my head.” Once the experience is there, it grows and becomes part of the collage of other travel memories. And that becomes part of the whole person, ready to be visited to make a richer book. How marvelous is that!

About Nancy Stewart

After having been both an elementary school teacher, a university professor of education and a consultant for New Options, Inc. in New York City, Nancy Stewart writes children’s books full time. She, her husband and three sons, lived in London for eight years, where she was a consultant to several universities, including Cambridge.

Her travels take her extensively throughout the world, most particularly Africa. Nancy is US chair of a charity in Lamu, Kenya, that places girls in intermediate schools to allow them to further their education.

Nancy is the author of the Bella and Britt picture book series, One Pelican at a Time, Sea Turtle Summer, Bella Saves the Beach and Mystery at Manatee Key. All are published by Guardian Angel Publishing. Pelican was nominated for a Global eBook Award. Pelican also won the Literary Classics Seal of Approval.

She was featured in the PBS Tampa (WEDU) series, Gulfwatch. It concerned the writing of One Pelican at a Time: A Story of the Gulf Oil Spill.

She and her family live in St. Louis and Tampa.

Nancy’s web and blog sites are: http://www.nancystewartbooks.com and http://www.nancystewartbooks.blogspot.com

Love Begins - DVD Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 22 Nov 2011 08:01:00 +0000

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

Win a copy of LOVE BEGINS, out on DVD November 22

Based on the novel, Love Finds a Home, discover how Janette Oke’s touching “Love Comes Softly” series began in LOVE BEGINS, arriving on DVD November 22 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment.

After their father passes away, Ellen Barlow (Julie Mond) and her sister Cassie (Abigail Mavity) struggle to maintain their family’s farm. When Clark Davis (Wes Brown) finds trouble in their town on his way to California, Ellen agrees to hire him at the farm to work off his debts. Before long, Clark and Ellen unexpectedly develop feelings for each other. Ultimately, the pair begins a legacy of love and faith together in this heartwarming family drama.

For your chance to win a copy of LOVE BEGINS on DVD, simply answer the following question below and leave your email in a the comment:

What is the name of the character that has to work off his debts in LOVE BEGINS?

· Wes Brown

· Clark Davis

· Ellen Barlow

This contest will run from November 22 – November 27, 2011. A winner will be notified by email. Giveaway open to residents in the United States and Canada.

Follow Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment on: Twitter @FoxHomeEnt

Hollywood Stories – Book Giveaway and Book Excerpts

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Mon, 14 Nov 2011 08:01:00 +0000

Our guest today, Stephen Schochet, author of Hollywood Stories; Short, Entertaining Anecdotes about the Stars and Legends of the Movies is starting his book tour with Pump Up Your Book and at the end of the tour on December 16 will be giving away a copy of his book.

JOIN THE GIVEAWAY

To become eligible to win, all you have to do is ask a question or leave a comment any day until December 15. One lucky reader who comments with their email address will have a chance to win the book.

To recap:

· ask a question or leave a comment through Dec 15, 2011.

· leave your email address

· optional to subscribe for email updates

· A winner will be picked on Dec 15, 2011, and be notified by email

· The winner of the contest will be announced on this blog

· You will receive a copy of Hollywood Stories, 1 – 2 weeks after the winner is announced

About Hollywood Stories

At high noon on a cold November day in 1974, sixty-seven-year-old John Wayne faced off with the staff of the Harvard Lampoon on the famous campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The students had issued their challenge by calling the beloved American icon a fraud. Wayne, who had his new movie McQ to promote, responded by saying he would be happy to show his film in the pseudo-intellectual swamps of Harvard Square. After the screening, without writers, the former USC footballer delivered a classic performance. When one smart young man asked where he got his phony toupee, Wayne insisted the hair was real. It wasn't his, but it was real. The appreciative underclassmen loved him and after the Q and A session, they all sat down to dinner. Later Wayne, who was suffering greatly from both gout and the after effects of lung cancer (sadly the Duke only had five years to live), said that day at Harvard was the best time he ever had.

Just when you thought you've heard everything about Hollywood comes a totally original new book -- a special blend of biography, history and lore.

HollywoodStories is packed with wild, wonderful short tales about famous stars, movies, directors and many others who have been a part of the world's most fascinating, unpredictable industry!

What makes the book unique is that the reader can go to any page and find a completely engaging and illuminating yarn. Sometimes people won't realize that they are reading about The Three Stooges or Popeye the Sailor until they come to the end of the story. The Midwest Book Review says Hollywood Stories is, "packed from cover to cover with fascinating tales." A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen," The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."Full of funny moments and twist endings, Hollywood Stories features an amazing, all-star cast of legendary characters and icons and will keep you totally entertained!

Watch the book video

Hollywood Stories Book Excerpt

The Universal Maniac

In 1999, an Australian gentleman told me about an interesting experience he and his family had at Universal Studios. They were on the backlot tour passing one of the theme park’s main attractions, the Bates Motel used in the 1960 horror classic Psycho, about a murderous young man named Norman Bates who loved his mother a little too much. As the guide gave out information about how director Alfred Hitchcock shot the picture, a tall man, dressed in drag and carrying a large knife, emerged from behind the old set and

charged toward the tram. The narrator seemed to know nothing about the Norman Bates look-alike and clammed up completely. The make-believe killer wore such a convincing maniacal expression that some of the paying customers were frightened and screamed when he raised his weapon. Then the “fiend” pulled off his wig and he turned out to be comic Jim Carrey; the thirty-seven-year-old star was clowning around during a work break. After his laughing “victims” calmed down, Jim was happy to pose for pictures and sign autographs.

The Lazy Super Dad

Marlon Brando wanted to work as little as possible when he played Jor-El, the Kryptonian father, in the 1978 movie Superman. The fifty-three-year-old actor told the film’s producers that he only needed to do a voiceover and some object could stand in his place. After all, he would be part of an alien race; nobody knew what they looked like. Perhaps the extraterrestrial could appear as a green bagel. His bosses were both bemused and alarmed. They pointed out that Marlon’s son would look human and be played by an earthling. A grinning Brando agreed to show up on the set. For his ten minutes of screen time, the star made an estimated nineteen million dollars while not bothering to learn his lines. In his most dramatic scene, Marlon held his baby above his head, speculated on the child’s future, and then placed him on the space ship to escape the doomed planet. Brando hadn’t bothered to learn his lines; his dialogue was penned on the bottom of the super infant’s diaper.

Extra: The first Superman movies were low-budget serials made in 1948 starring Kirk Alyn (1910-1999) in the title role. The cheaply made Saturday Matinee cliffhangers got surprisingly good reviews. Alyn was only given credit for playing Clark Kent; the studio claimed that no actor was qualified to play the Last Son of Krypton so he’d appear as himself. One scene required the Man of

Steel to rescue two would-be victims from a burning building. After the first take the director said, “That was great, Kirk. But could we do it again without you straining so much? I mean, you’re super strong, lifting a couple of humans should be easy.” Alyn, a body builder in real life, was indignant. “What do you expect? These

people are heavy!”

“People? Oh my goodness, baby, I’m sorry, we forgot to get you the

dummies!”

Extra: In 1973, Marlon Brando (1924-2004) starred in the controversial and sex-charged drama Last Tango in Paris. This time around, the actor wrote some of his not memorized lines on the bottom of his shoe, and in a few scenes hopped around awkwardly on one foot in order to read them.

Extra: Thirty-nine-year-old Jack Nicholson looked forward to working with the great Brando when they co-starred in the 1976 western, The Missouri Breaks. But Marlon, who eventually became Jack’s next-door neighbor in the Hollywood Hills, disappointed Nicholson by reading cue cards, thus not making eye contact in their shared scenes. Later Brando hired an assistant to read the dialogue out loud into a radio transmitter from Marlon’s trailer, which the actor

could then hear through an earpiece. Once, Brando was about to speak his lines when the device inadvertently picked up a police broadcast. The confused performer came out of character. “Oh my God! There’s been a robbery at Woolworths.”

Horror on the Cheap

In the 1930s, executives at Universal Studios found horror movies were a perfect antidote to the huge salaries demanded by film stars. Actors, hired to play mostly silent horrible creatures under several cakes of make-up, could be replaced without the public caring. British-born Boris Karloff was forever grateful when he landed the career-making role of Frankenstein’s Monster. The forty-four-year-old part-time truck driver’s legendary performance as the sometimes-sympathetic demon, paved the way for Boris to get more parts and a

better lifestyle. But in later years, Karloff revealed some unhappiness about the Frankenstein pictures. “I was only in three but I get blamed for all nine. Every time a new one comes out I get the fan mail and some other bloke gets the check.

”Each year on Halloween, Boris would sigh and then gently tell the many children who came to the door of his Beverly Hills mansion that he would not go trick-or-treating with them.

Extra: Boris Karloff turned down the chance to reprise his role as

Frankenstein’s Monster for the fourth time in Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. He feared the creature would lose his dignity in a comedy. Actor Glenn Strange (1899-1973), who played the demon in House of Frankenstein (1944) and House of Dracula (1945), donned the green make-up once again for Abbott and Costello. When Karloff died in 1969, newspapers around the world published obituaries of him accompanied by Strange’s picture.

Extra: Karloff’s influence was felt in Berkshire, England, during the making of Hammer Film’s The Curse of Frankenstein (1957). Fearing that any resemblance to Universal Studios’ version of the monster would cause a lawsuit, make-up artist Philip Leakey (1908-1992) worked hard to make thirty-five-year-old actor Christopher Lee’s version of the reanimated brute gruesome and unique. Lee, a former officer in the Royal Air Force, became so angry at Leakey’s painful experiments on his visage that he threatened to run Philip through with his sword. The fearful face artist disappeared for several days, which delayed the production. Later, a calmer Lee complained about his job to co-star Peter Cushing (1913-1984), who played Baron Frankenstein. “Being the creature is horrid. I have no lines.”

“You’re lucky. I’ve read the script,” replied Cushing. The Curse of Frankenstein was critically panned and highly profitable.

Walt Disney’s Daughters

Walt Disney’s two daughters, Sharon and Diane, grew up sheltered from the limelight. The children had no images of Mickey Mouse around their home. Their father didn’t go to many parties, preferring to stay in after a long day of work. Sometimes he would playfully chase the youngsters upstairs, cackling like the evil peddler woman in Snow White. When they behaved badly, Walt would admonish them with a raised eyebrow; his stern demeanor inspired the character of the wise old owl, in the 1942 animated feature Bambi. As toddlers, the brainy Diane and beautiful Sharon stayed blissfully unaware that their parents worried about them being kidnapped and allowed no pictures of the sisters to be publicly circulated. Once in 1939, a curious classmate questioned six-year-old Diane about her family. She went home and said, “Daddy, you never told me you were that Walt Disney,” and asked him for an autograph.

Author Stephen Schochet

About Stephen Schochet

A professional tour guide in Hollywood, Stephen Schochet has researched and told thousands of entertaining anecdotes for over twenty years. He is also the author and narrator of two audiobooks Tales of Hollywood and Fascinating Walt Disney. His latest book, Hollywood Stories: Short, Entertaining Anecdotes About the Stars and Legends of the Movies!

Tim Sika, host of the radio show Celluloid Dreams on KSJS in San Jose has called Stephen," The best storyteller about Hollywood we have ever heard."

For more information visit http://www.hollywoodstories.com

Visit the author’s tour page at Pump Up Your Book

Purchase the book in hardcover or kindle format at Amazon

Zsa Zsa Gabor Has Nine Lives

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 22:36:00 +0000

Does anyone remember in 1989 when Zsa Zsa Gabor was accused of slapping a police officer when he stopped her for a traffic violation? Unfortunately, for this once glamorous actress, now age 94 is in the hospital again due to medical complications with a feeding tube. I have to give Zsa Zsa Gabor a lot of credit for still being alive. After last year's stay in the hospital and her leg amputation this actress must have nine lives.

The three Gabor sisters (Zsa Zsa, Eva, Magda) and their mother were the glamorous gals of Hollywood back in the 1950's. They were everywhere and envied by everyone. It seems that even television host Merv Griffin described them as "glamour personified" in his autobiography. "All these years later, it's hard to describe the phenomenon of the three glamorous Gabor girls and their ubiquitous mother. They burst onto the society pages and into the gossip columns so suddenly, and with such force, it was as if they'd been dropped out of the sky."

Does this sound eerily similar to the Kardashians? With one exception is the fact that the Gabor sisters have more glamour in one of their little finger than the Kardashians have in their entire family.

Read more
Check out more on the life of this great actress.

Duggar Family Expecting Twentieth Child

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:51:00 +0000

The Duggar Family

Last week our nation marked the birth of the 7 millionth child. It seems the Duggar family wants to ensure that the world makes it to 8 million births. The Duggar’s will welcome their 20^th child next spring. Obviously, they did not have enough of a life-threatening scare when their last child was born premature at 25 weeks in December 2009. This is the family star of their own television show that examines their growing family.

I am all for loving families and very glad they are responsible parents, but when does this become too many kids and a terrible abuse to the mother. Mrs. Duggar is now in a high risk pregnancy and will likely have a “C” section for this birth; that might just end her baby making days since those surgeries are not worth repeating.

Do you think this family should stop having children?

Read the article here

The Jury Reaches a Verdict

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:43:00 +0000

The verdict announced on Monday, November 7, 2011 found Dr. Conrad Murray guilty in the death of Michael Jackson. Murray was placed in handcuffs and taken to jail, but not before the judge reprimanded him for taking the life of another human being. Was this verdict a surprise to anyone? We are talking the death of Michael Jackson, the King of Pop music and a cultural icon and someone had to be responsible for his death. However, was the doctor responsible for his death giving him that fatal injection or was Michael such a drug addict that he overdosed on the medicine that killed him?

How do you think Michael died?

Thursday Thirteen – Thirteen Things about Dancing

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:32:00 +0000

Every season on Dancing with the Stars the judges are really tough on the contestants. However, I wonder if they have ever experience some of the natural body wonders that musician/author Nemo James can tell you about, during his long career in music.

Just a Few Seconds Book Synopsis

Nemo James dreamt of becoming a professional musician from the first time he picked up a guitar following a talent content disaster. Thought of by his friends as being the person most likely to make the big time he turned professional but was continually side tracked by the need to earn a living from music. Just a Few Seconds, A Story From the Hidden World of Music and Beyond is an autobiographical account of his life in the music industry.

His journey takes him all over the world from private gigs for the rich and famous to the roughest pubs. Starting in the late sixties when heavy rock was born, through to the 1980’s and 90’s when discos and electronics decimated live music dance halls.

Just a Few Seconds is an amusing and heartrending story of perseverance showing how the road to success can lead us down the strangest of paths.

You can find Nemo James at his website, www.nemojames.com

Visit his tour page at Pump Up Your Book!

Thursday Thirteen - Dancing with Nemo James

I was one of the most dedicated musicians that ever lived and practised to the point where I could play any piece of music put in front of me. The problem was most of the music put in front of me could have been played by first year guitar students. It is like mastering calculus and the only job you can get is copying out the times table. The one consolation (apart from the money of course) was that after putting my guitar playing fingers into autopilot I got to indulge in one of my favourite pastimes which is, to watch people dance .

You can tell a lot about people by the way they dance and I am surprised psychiatrists waste so much time talking to patients when all they need to do is watch videos of them dancing. Here are 13 types of dancers I discovered over the years.

The Alcoholic

He will interrupt his dancing and whisper something to his wife before walking towards the toilets. At the last minute he takes a detour to the bar and knocks back a couple of whiskies before returning to his wife via the toilets.

The Farter

His friends know he has a problem with flatulence so any nasty smells are likely to have emanated from him. His wife has given him strict instructions to control himself. Recognizable by his clenched buttocks and a reluctance to make any sudden movements.

The Exhibitionist

The dancer will be continually looking around to see if she is being watched. When she catches someone’s attention she will make a funny face and wave her arms effectively saying “look at me, I’m a real party animal.”

The Show Off
Thinks he’s John Travolta but looks more like John the pole vaulter.

The Tight-arse

He will spend most of the time on the dance floor and return to his table just after someone has bought a round of drinks.

The Professional

Serious but boring couples often found shouting at each other because one of them made a move that wasn’t rehearsed.

The Martial Artist

Usually a lower grade karate student who is desperate to show he does karate and so has superhuman powers. It is possible to predict the exact grade of a student by how subtly they blend punching or kicking into the dance. The more obvious the punching, the lower the grade

The Self Conscious

They are convinced that all 500 people at the venue are making judgments about their dancing. It never occurs to them that nobody cares how they dance.

The Press Ganged

Always male. He moves with short movements from side to side and hands in front of him like he is using a really wide keyboard. He hates dancing and only does it to please his wife.

The Flirt

This is usually found amongst the female of the species as men have trouble multitasking. The dancer will skilfully dance with her partner whilst giving the eye to someone else. The trick is to wait until her partner looks away, wiggle to the side, give the smile to her target and then spin around to face her partner again without him noticing. Advanced users of this method can even be seen giving out phone numbers to lip readers.

The Dysfunctional

There is nothing more painful to watch than someone dancing who has absolutely no sense of rhythm. If someone is unable to handle the rhythm of music they are unable to handle the rhythm of life.

The Fashion Conscious

Usually found in heels so high that dancing is almost impossible. Easy to spot as they are continually grimacing with pain.

The Gifted

This is a rare species and I have memories of their dance movements decades after seeing them. They have a true love of dancing and move to the music as if they were one with it but with movements that is entirely unique to them. They have a look of pure joy and happiness on their face as if that music is the most important thing in the world.

So which one are you?

Can you think of any other kinds of dancers?

Facebook your friends and tell them what kind of dancers they are!

Finding a Lost Angel - Book Review by Dick Jordan

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Wed, 19 Oct 2011 05:01:00 +0000

Empire of Light - author interview - Gregory Earls

noreply@blogger.com (Rebecca Camarena) — Fri, 14 Oct 2011 05:41:00 +0000

Hollywood Daze is always looking for local author and celebrities and this week we have had two authors local to Southern California. Marilyn Meredith, author of her latest novel, Bears With Us and today, Gregory Earls, author of Empire of Light. Both authors have revealed in their interviews some hidden secrets of California.

About Gregory Earls

When Gregory Earls isn’t eating at Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles, he pays the bills by taking up space at 20th Century Fox in the Feature Post Production Department. He’s a proud graduate of Norfolk State University and the American Film Institute, where he studied cinematography. He’s an award-winning director who has amassed a reel of short films, music videos, and (yes) a wedding video or two. Empire of Light is his first novel. Steadfastly butchering the Italian language since 2002, he hopes to someday master the language just enough to inform his in-laws how much he loves their daughter, Stefania, who was born and raised in Milan, Italy. Gregory currently resides in Venice, California where he goes giddy every time he spots that dude who roller skates and plays the electric guitar at the same time. During football season, he can be found at the Stovepiper Lounge, a Cleveland Browns bar in the Valley where he roots for the greatest football team in the history of Cleveland.
Visit his website at www.gregoryearls.com.

About Empire of Light

Jason Tisse is in over his head. As a young black cinematography student at LA’s notoriously tough American Film Institute, he’s got the vision, but not the balls to battle the ruthlessness that is Hollywood. After a failed year at AFI, which includes nearly electrocuting a fellow classmate, Jason embarks on a trip to Europe to hunt down the works of his favorite painter. Armed with an enchanted camera gifted to him by an eccentric film professor, Jason is prepared to master the art of light and shadow as depicted in the infamous baroque artwork of the original Emperor of Light known to the rest of the world as Caravaggio.

What Jason doesn’t expect, however, is that the innocent-looking Kodak Brownie camera he’s been given holds remarkable powers, capable of miraculously bringing his idol’s artwork alive with each snapshot. Caravaggio’s work, packed full of sex, religion, violence and some outrageous hilarity, explodes to life and sends Jason spiraling from one escapade to the next. Spanning the bright lights of Paris, the grand churches of Rome and the cutthroat alleys of Naples, Jason must overcome his inhibitions—even at the risk of life and limb—if he is to one day rule his own Empire of Light.

Interview

Q: Will you share with us a little about yourself?

What it comes down to is that I’m a frustrated artist. If I could do it all over again, I would’ve started studying drawing as soon as I could walk, spending my adult life in a studio painting or illustrating bitchin’ graphic novels. But neither of these options came close to happening, so I direct, shoot stills and write. I’m constantly trying to find some sort of creative outlet. Empire Of Light is very much a symptom of that frustration, albeit a fun symptom.

Q: I understand you are an award-winning director and how did you get your start as a director?

I went to AFI as a Cinematography Fellow, and I still love the craft, but I wanted more creative control so after graduation I quickly migrated into directing. However, I miss cinematography a great deal and not a week goes by that I don’t regret sticking with it. Maybe I’ll shoot again, if I could bribe somebody into letting me photograph his or her project.

Q: Will you share with us what made you decide to become an author?

Well, I just became a bit frustrated with the Hollywood game of trying to get a script to the screen; not to mention the strict three-act structure and having to keep in mind the logistics and cost of production. It was just incredibly liberating to write for the sake of writing. The experience was incredibly freeing and I look forward to the next one.

Q: Will you tell us about your book?

Empire Of Light is kind of a coming of age novel. It revolves around an insecure film school student named Jason and his first trip to Europe. His voyage flips into mad adventure when his vintage Brownie camera magically unleashes all the sex, violence, religion and humor captured on canvas by the infamous artist, Caravaggio. During the journey, he finds the tools he needs to become a confident man and an artist.

Q: Will you share with us how you came up with the idea for this book?

I actually took the same journey as my protagonist, Jason. My first trip to Europe entailed tracking down the paintings of my favorite artist, Caravaggio. I kept a travel blog talking about each painting - where I found it, the people I encountered, and posting a sketch I made of the painting.

One friend enjoyed the blog so much that she suggested I write a book! I was going to write a non-fiction travel log, but the desire to fictionalize and flip into fantasy was too much. I didn’t want to get involved with A Million Little Pieces type fiasco, so I just went straight up flights of fancy. I ‘m glad I did because Jason ended up having a much better time than I did! And so will the readers.

Q: It is said that authors write themselves into their characters. Is there any part of you in your characters; and what they would be?

If you only knew how many conversations I’ve had with my friends and family about this very issue. As an African American male, it reminds me of black stereotyping. All of them are false, except the one about brothas being well endowed! I want to take ownership of all the cool parts of Jason, but his journey is off the charts different from any I’ve taken. I didn’t get kicked out of film school, nor have I had sex in the Louvre bathroom. But hey, I ain’t dead yet. I’ve got time to top him.

Q: What is your most favorite part about this book?

There’s a very unorthodox part of the book where I imagined an argument between Caravaggio and a Vatican bishop, who is busting Caravaggio’s balls because he used a well-known prostitute as a model for the Virgin Mary, among other transgressions. I wrote that dialogue with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci in mind, specifically the scene the two actors performed in Casino, the argument in the desert. I let one friend read an early draft of the book and he got it immediately, the cadence and the insanity of it all. He texted me right after he read it, cracking up. I had fun writing it and I’m glad people dig the read.

Q: What has been the best part of being published?

My dad bought five copies as soon as it was available. My mom had a Barnes & Noble clerk bring up my book on their computer, so she could show it off to her reading group. Making mom and dad proud, it’s that little boy giving his parents the clay ashtray he made at school. You can’t beat the experience, and it seems to transcend age.

Q: Your bio states that you live in Venice, California and that you have seen the guy who roller skates and plays the electric guitar. I understand he’s been in a number of movies. Isn’t he great?

Harry Perry! I love that man’s celebrity. That guy is famous for just bringing a pleasant vibe into your life. You’re on the beach and he passes by you and you just feel frosty. I haven’t seen him on the boardwalk lately, but I don’t hang out there like I used to. By the way, Harry Perry has one of the best websites, ever. It’s exactly what you’d expect it to look like, with this cartoon icon of him zipping through space behind a UFO. How is that not gold?

Q: Have you seen the old man with the white beard, asking for money because Santa needs a new sleigh?

Ha! No! But that’s the kind of creativity that gets a dollar or two out of me. Let’s hope Santa isn’t using it spike his own eggnog.

What would Venice be without all these characters and all that medical marijuana being prescribed? There sure is a strange smell on that boardwalk, not to mention ideas for novels wherever you look. Thanks for visiting Hollywood Daze and I wish you all best.

Amen. Let’s hope that the gentrification of the boardwalk is a fly by night deal. Let crazy be crazy. Thanks for the hospitality. Ciao!