The Predator and Actor Boyd Holbrook - a Challenging Role in the Making

On September 14, a new PREDATOR is coming to town - better and stronger than before. Shane Black directs an extraordinary cast from the script he penned with Fred Dekker. THE PREDATOR is produced by John Davis, who brought the seminal Predator franchise to life. Boyd Holbrook heads the ensemble, which also stars Trevante Rhodes, Jacob Tremblay, Keegan-Michael Key, Olivia Munn, Thomas Jane, Alfie Allen, Augusto Aguilera, and Sterling K. Brown. Now, the universe's most lethal hunters (“the Loonies”) are stronger, smarter and deadlier than ever before, having genetically upgraded themselves with DNA from other species. When a young boy accidentally triggers their return to Earth, only a ragtag crew of ex-soldiers and a disgruntled science teacher can prevent the end of the human race. 

Boyd Holbrook stars as Quinn McKenna, a retired Special Forces army ranger turned mercenary who is also the head of the “Loonies” team. 

So this movie will be a sequence of the other PREDATOR movies. How has it evolved since the other movies and what new can we expect to see in it? 
BH: I am so excited to be working with such an incredible group of writers and cast. They are “badass.” This time there is a lead actress in the film and is an iconic mascot - no movie like the other PREDATORS. It's a reinvention of it all. It’s cool. I am surprised how funny it is. It is a thriller and action, packed from start to finish, classic with humour. 

What makes this a different alien movie in comparison to the many other alien movies out there - is it the human element we see in the predator? 
BH: There is a human element to it. The “Loonies” are relatable. They are guys that are broken down, from the military, but there is depth to the characters. 

You play a very complexed, multi-layered character who is a soldier and a father at the same time. You battle on the field but also battle with your feelings about your son’s autism. How does your character deal with that and what journey does he have to go through to overcome these battles? 
BH: Quin is dealing with two battles. It's really reflective. Being a soldier and what it leads to, estranged from your wife and child. He is strong masculine, a tough guy but it takes a different kind of toughness with a child with special needs. He is also dealing with the big predator guy. It's a complex ride but it's fun. It's a blast. 

Tell me about the family dynamic in the movie and how important of a role it plays in your character’s success? 
BH: It is really what drew me to the character. The character is a bit more evolved, sophisticated and there is a depth to the character and what he has to go through. I look for in the art in characters, where they start and where they finish. It was a challenging role but I was having a good time. 

Who are “The Loonies” and how does your character identify with them? BH: The term is derived from lunatic. They are all in a group therapy when I meet them. They are all trying to get treatment. It shows you how far the story has come - a bunch of misfits unlikely to save the world but yet together they can do it. What were of the hardest days for you on set and what were some of the best? 
BH: I think being an actor on this level you are like an endurance athlete. You work crazy hours and for very long extensive periods of time. It looks like it's a lot of fun but it is a lot of hard work. It is also one of the most fun experiences. 

Do you do your own stunts? 
BH: I do as much as I can. If somebody breaks something we have to stop production. That’s why I like to go as far as I can but with logic. 

What is your advice to your fans?
BH: Being yourself is sometimes a struggle in life but being you is the best gift that you can give yourself. Never get too comfortable. Always push yourself. Take yourself out of the equation and help others.

Watch the new red band trailer HERE:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50_Ala5BKBo

THE PREDATOR arrives in theaters on September 14, 2018!

Disney's "CHRISTOPHER ROBIN" in theaters August 3, 2018!

Out of the Wood. Into the city. Watch the brand new trailer for Disney's Christopher Robin. See the film in theatres August 3. In the heartwarming live action adventure Disney’s “Christopher Robin,” the young boy who shared countless adventures with his band of lovable stuffed animals in the Hundred Acre Wood is now grown up and living in London but he has lost his way. Now it is up to his childhood friends to venture into our world and help Christopher Robin rediscover the joys of family life, the value of friendship and to appreciate the simple pleasures in life once again. Disney’s “Christopher Robin” is directed by Marc Forster from a screenplay by Alex Ross Perry and Allison Schroeder and a story by Perry based on characters created by A.A. Milne and E.H. Shepard. The producers are Brigham Taylor and Kristin Burr with Renée Wolfe and Jeremy Johns serving as executive producers. The film stars Ewan McGregor as Christopher Robin; Hayley Atwell as his wife Evelyn; Bronte Carmichael as his daughter Madeline; and Mark Gatiss as Giles Winslow, Robin’s boss. The film also features the voices of: Jim Cummings as Winnie the Pooh and Tigger; Brad Garrett as Eeyore; Toby Jones as Owl; Nick Mohammed as Piglet; Peter Capaldi as Rabbit; and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/DisneyChristopherRobin Twitter: https://twitter.com/DisneyStudios Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/disneystudios Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/disneymovietrailers Hashtag: #ChristopherRobin

Trailer: https://youtu.be/0URpDxIjZrQ

MURDER IN THE WOODS WITH DANNY TREJO WILL HAVE ITS COLORADO FESTIVAL PREMIERE AT THE 20TH ANNUAL XICANINDIE FILM FEST IN DENVER

Denver will get to witness how Luis Iga's LatinX award-winning horror / slasher is already becoming a cult classic and breaking the diversity barriers in Hollywood with an All-Latino cast in non-stereotypical roles.

Denver, CO, March 20, 2018 - Luis Iga's “Murder in the Woods” has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, New York and Portland. Now Colorado can experience this film at the 20^th Annual XicanIndie Film Fest in Denver.  Critics give it “4.5 out of 5 stars” and call “Murder in the Woods” a fun, popcorn film" with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps.”

The award-winning film is directed and produced by Mexican filmmaker Luis Iga, written and produced by Chicana filmmaker Yelyna De Leon, stars José Julián (A Better Life) and features distinguished actor Danny Trejo (Machete).

The film will play on Friday April 6^th at 7:45pm with a Q&A session with the filmmakers to follow. Get your tickets now before they sell out again. They are available here: http://bit.ly/mitwXicanpr

“I’m humbled and honored to be part of XicanIndie Film Fest. I want to thank ‘Su Teatro’ and Festival Director Daniel Salazar for being pioneers in reshaping how the world sees Chicanos and Latinos in cinema. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to showcase ‘Murder in the Woods’ in such an iconic venue for Chicanos and Latinos. My goal with this film is to showcase and empower the amazing LatinX talent that we have in our communities in the US,” said director and producer Luis Iga. “My vision is to create content by Latinos that is universal in theme and crosses over to the general market transforming how Chicanos and Latinos are viewed around the globe,” he added.

For over 40 years, “Su Teatro” has established a national reputation for displaying homegrown productions that speak to the history and experience of Chicanos. “We’re exhilarated to premiere ‘Murder in the Woods’ at the 20^th anniversary of ‘Su Teatro’ XicanIndie Film Fest.  We’re the third oldest Chicano Teatro in the US; our audience is 75% Latino. The all-Chicano cast featured injects a distinct spin that keeps it real for us. We’re privileged to welcome the fresh young talent, faces we know we’ll be seeing more of in the future,” said Festival Director Daniel Salazar.

“As a Chicana, who majored in Chicano Studies and Film and TV at UCLA, I am so honored to be able to bring a film with Latino and Chicano leads to Denver.  Growing up, I always loved the arts but the lack of content and great roles for Chicanas were far and few between, which is why I decided to create better roles and projects that could star people of color. Because although there is a lot of talk about the diversity and inclusion problem that Hollywood has, the projects being made for us and by us, are still only a handful, so we decided to make a film to help solve that issue. Because representation matters and the truth is that brown is beautiful. I am so very grateful for the opportunity to screen in Denver at the XicanIndie Fest and can’t wait to meet aspiring actors at ‘Su Teatro’ to hopefully help inspire them, because we need more projects being made for us, by us,” added writer and producer Yelyna De Leon.

“Murder in the Woods” distinguishes itself as being an All-American horror / slasher film in English, with an All-Latino cast in non- stereotypical roles, created by Latinos with a story that is of universal interest. The award-winning film had its Festival Premiere at the legendary “Festival Internacional de Cine de Guadalajara en LA” (FICG in LA) at the TCL Chinese Theatres in Hollywood. The film will also be playing at the renowned 34^th Annual Chicago Latino Film Festival (CLFF) on Saturday April 7^th at 9:15pm and Monday April 9^th at 8:45pm with Q&A sessions with the filmmakers to follow.

“Murder in the Woods” has received six nominations and has won six awards including Best Film at the LA Skins Film Festival; Best Supporting Actor (Kade Wise), Best Sound Design and Best Soundtrack at the Macabre Faire Film Festival in New York; the Panavision New Filmmakers Grant and the Luminys Grant. The ensemble lead cast includes actors Jose Julian (A Better Life, Shameless), Jeanette Samano (ISA, Female Fight Squad), Chelsea Rendon (Vida), Catherine Toribio (Jane the Virgin), Jordan Diambrini (The Outfield) and Kade Wise (Empire). It also features Danny Trejo (Machete), Soledad St. Hilaire (Beatriz at Dinner), Kurt Caceres (Lawless Range) and Rolando Molina (American Dad!).

“Murder in the Woods” is a production of REZINATE Entertainment, founded by Luis Iga. REZINATE partnered up with Yelyna De Leon to produce this film. Both graduated with an MFA in Film and Television Production from the esteemed School of Cinematic Arts at the University of Southern California (USC) where they met.

About REZINATE Entertainment:

REZINATE is an entertainment company founded by Luis Iga. The company is involved in the Production and Financing of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality. REZINATE has a global presence and clients and projects that are developed around the world.

www.rezinate.com

For more information on “Murder in the Woods:”

IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146/

Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com

Trailer: http://bit.ly/mitwXicantrailerpr

Facebook: @MITWMovie

Instagram: @murderinthewoods

Twitter: @MITWMovie

Snapchat: @MITWMovie

Press Contact:

Andy Arriaga

andy@rezinate.com

C. 310-439-9029

Chicago Designer’s New Collection Makes a Statement Honoring Autistic Daughter

Fashion is for all regardless of age or status and emerging Chicago fashion designer Cori Davis creates with that motto in mind. On Feb. 24, Cori invites everyone to take a front row look at her new winter collection, which features sweater knits, faux furs suedes and leathers inspired by visuals of the 80s movie “Mad Max Beyond the Thunderdome.” It will emphasize on the strength of women from that era and how it continues on.

Cori’s strength to create this collection in 30 days comes from her 8-year-old daughter, Reign, who was diagnosed with autism.  “I am a designer that designs on the mood versus the age of the woman. I love the element of femininity with a hint of strength,” says Cori. “Every collection contains a mommy and daughter garment in honor of Reign that shows the bond that we have. We are like any other mom and daughter in everyday life.” The backdrop of her show will feature the first autism emoji that Cori created for autism awareness – AutMoji.

For Cori the love of fashion started early in her childhood when she was only 10-years-old. She started making her first outfits in fifth grade while at history class. Eventually that passion led her to take a home economic class in high school were she would learn to sew. Cori has a degree in fashion design from the Art Institute in Chicago. She even designed her own wedding dress.

“I have always loved art and making paper dolls was just to pass the time in class. I would always draw,” says Cori who gets ideas for her fashion from music, shapes and color. “When I was younger I would take my Barbie’s clothes apart until they were just pieces and would sew hand stitch them back together just to make new clothes.”

“With this collection I want to inspire everyone, including other parents with autistic children. Your dreams and life don’t stop because of autism. I obtained two degrees after Reign’s diagnosis. I never gave up on Reign or myself. Enjoy the bond you have.”

For more information on Cori Davis Fashion, visit: https://www.coridavis.com/

To get tickets for the upcoming fashion event: http://bit.ly/2Gy7uEL

“Pale Blue Eye” - a close to the heart movie that meets more than the eye

“Pale Blue Eye" is a movie written and directed by Keith A. Nixon, which is also the first movie he directed. It is a story about a woman named Norma Redmond, who is a schizophrenic surgical assistant for a crooked doctor. She becomes haunted by the sound of her employer’s heartbeat after she murders him. The story is inspired by "Tell-Tale Heart" by Edgar Allan Poe and by a play Keith saw at his school when he was younger.

It all started at St. Elizabeth Elementary School in Bronzeville, which Keith attended and where he saw a theatre company perform a stage play of the story for the students. “The sound of the story is what was horrifying, The story is about a man who murders another man and he could still hear his heart beating after death. For me that was the part of the story I wanted to capture. I started to ask the ‘what if’ questions, like what if the main character was a female. Norma Redman came out of that experience,” said Keith.

The movie is produced by Edwin Ruiz and director of photography is Josh Woo. The casting was done by Casting Peach, LLC.

When the casting director from Casting Peach, Lakita Montgomery, read the script she had to find the right actress to play Norma.  That’s how they found Tiffany J. Curtis. “As we chose talent for the film we wanted to make sure that the actors we chose were able to reach outside the box within their range of acting for this psychological thriller,” said Lakita.

“I thought it was Tiffany when she walked in. I said she looks just like the character in my look book. Tiffany nailed the part right off the bat. She brought something extra to the part that brought it to life. It was no longer just words on a page anymore,” said Keith.

The story also resonated deep and personal with Tiffany who gave it not just a 100 percent but a little bit extra. “I read the script and it grabbed my attention because of the story line, because of the mental illness aspect of it because mental illness touches home in my family and I wanted to be respectful to the character and present it in a way that is respectful to the character. I did my research and I was able to find a voice for the character that resonated,” said Tiffany. “Why is she fragile and broken? I wanted to find the why.”

“Pale Blue Eye” is a great example that it doesn’t take a high budget to make a great movie. More than just a thesis project for Keith and Edwin, this movie turned out to be something very special that has the inspirations to end up in big film festivals, such as Sundance. “Before we had the money we had the love and support of the community, which is what I believe pushed the project further,” said Keith.

“This movie was definitely one of the most unique projects I’ve filmed. The story was so engaging and disturbing that I felt compelled to bring the visuals to the next level. Keith and I, who both have been in the film world for a while now, had very similar visions for this film from the start, it was a mixture between Mr. Robot and Hitchcock. My gaffer, Alex Halstead, who is also very established here in the Chicago community like the rest of us, brought many great lighting ideas to the table. Needless to say, “Pale Blue Eye” was a combination of a whole bunch of creative crew and cast,” said Josh.

It also took Depaul University’s support, community’s support and a great cast to pull off the production of the movie. “This project is Keith’s thesis film and mine as a producer. We are both MFA students at Depaul University. Depaul gave us the cameras and 80 percent of the production we needed for the film,” said Edwin.

But it is the location of this movie project that holds a special place in Keith’s heart. “As I began the search for one of the critical locations for “Pale Blue Eye,” St. Elizabeth immediately came to mind.  I called the church office and set a meeting with the board of trustees. We discussed my plans for the film and their plans to possibly reopen in the future. Later, they unanimously voted for us to shoot our film in the basement of the former church building. The old church was where I experienced "Tell-Tale Heart" for the first time. So, it felt surreal to return to my old stomping ground with the cast and crew of my new movie. The church's basement turned out to be the perfect location. It was a massive unfinished space and had the eerie look we needed to help compellingly tell the story,” said Keith.

“I really thought we had an interesting piece and room for storytelling visually,” said Johnny Griffiths, Production Designer for Pale Blue Eye.

The rest of the main cast: Tiffany J. Curtis, Michael Termine, Chris Colucci, and Arica Gale.

If you would like to help the team out, you can donate here: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/pale-blue-eye-post-production-fundraiser#/.

For more information on the movie: http://paleblueeyefilm.com/.

“Messipes” with actor, father and cookbook author Freddie Prinze Jr.

You may know Freddie Prinze Jr. from movies like “Scooby-Doo,” “I Know What You Did Last Summer,” and many more famous titles. But what you don’t know is that in addition to being a great actor (a retired actor unfortunately) and father he is a great cook! He created a series of "Messipes" – a.k.a messy recipes – to help families make mealtime more memorable. He partnered up with Palmolive Ultra Strength to help deliver that message. Palmolive and Freddie's one-of-a-kind twist on traditional recipes were designed to get kids involved every step of the way from recipe prep to taste testing, with handy clean-up tips throughout.

Freddie kicked off his partnership with the Palmolive brand by turning some of his kids' favorite recipes into 'Messipes,' including Mac and Cheese, New Mexico Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas, The Cinnamon Strawberry Pancakes of Power, Shrimp Scampi and The Sauce.

Freddie fondly remembers his mother’s famous recipes and his time spent with her around the kitchen table. He was inspired by her homemade recipes to create his own cookbook “Back to The Kitchen.” There he shares his most memorable meals and also offers parents great tips on kid meals, such as tomato soup add ons. “I wanted to share recipes that I had cooked my entire life,” said Freddie. “I remember my mom’s meals, the soup she would make from scratch, the cigarette smoke, her talks. She would always tell me how good guys don’t get nice girls (laughs).”

He was pushed to follow and do his passion in cooking by his wife, Sarah Michelle Gellar. He is also a father of two beautiful children, Charlotte and Rocky, who absolutely love his cooking! His daughter’s favourite dish is tomato soup, while his son loves stake!

"I love that 'Messipes' are recipes you can prepare, cook and clean up with your kids," said Freddie Prinze Jr. "My favorite memories and moments with my kids not only happen at the dinner table, but when we roll up our sleeves to make dinner together. There is so much fun, laughter and quality time to enjoy, and the best part is we don't shy away from making a mess because we know Palmolive® Ultra Strength™ is there to save the day and make clean-up easier!"

Freddie also encourages everyone, especially fathers, to spend time with the ones they love most because life is full of regrets and he doesn’t want anyone to have the regrets he once did as he also grew up without a father in his life. He was very close with deceased actor Robin Williams with whom he never got to do a project because he would always put it off until it was too late. “Even if you don’t feel like it force yourself to spend some time with the people you love because one day they won’t be there,” he says. Spending time together as a family, making food, is something Freddie and his family not only practice but firmly believe in!

For more on Freddie’s cookbook, visit: http://www.backtothekitchenbook.com.

Famed costume designer Jany Temime talks Harry Potter

I interviewed famed costume designer Jany Temime who designed some of the most amazing costumes for Harry Potter. She shares her secret of using Prismacolor to create her costume designs. Listen to what she had to say and check out her Harry Potter sketches and bio below:

http://www.extranews.net/2017/06/21/famed-costume-designer-jany-temime-talks-harry-potter/

"America the Beautiful" inspired by Colorado's mountains

If there is one place on earth that I can say is almost perfect, this will be Colorado. Set apart from the rest with its impeccable nature, clean air, history and mountains, this state will surely make you fall in love with it, just I fell in love with it!

I visited Colorado Springs in October of last year; a perfect time in fall to see colors and beauty in one. When I was driving through the state I couldn't help but wonder how magnificent this place really is! The fresh air was simply filling my lungs from the car window and with every breath I took I was falling more and more in love with Colorado. The sight in front of me, the mountains it was all majestic and powerful.

During my stay in Colorado Springs, which was only for three days, I experienced more than I had in a lifetime! I realized one of my biggest dreams there - I climbed on the top of the most beautiful mountain peak, 14000 ft above ground- Pikes Peak. What set this mountain apart was not just its beauty but history. A lot of history was in the air in the woods, rocks of Pikes Peak. The majestic sight had inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write "America the Beautiful" as she took the same ride I did many years before me. Even though I didn't climb it on foot, I was going up in the famous Pikes Peak Cog Train, which happened to be the most memorable and inspiring ride of my life! As we were going slowly up the peak I saw colors of red and yellow that were so bright and pretty that my eyes couldn't be taken of them. There were crystal clear lakes as well and it looked like an untouched peace of heaven! And here it was an hour later - we had reached the top and I set foot on the tallest peak of my life, heavily breathing, taking in the sight so high that no flower or grass grew on. This was the sight I was going to remember forever! Moments later I was on the ground again. I had left the beautiful clouds of the mountain only to end a bit dizzy and lightheaded from the infamous ride.

As I was walking the streets of Manitou Springs I stopped in the oldest castle full of history and magic. The whole city was magical too with its small shops, singing carolers and colorful historic houses. But its biggest treasure are the Manitou Springs Cliff Dwellings that echo Ancient Native American history and a little peace of historic nature heaven!

As I was driving around Colorado Springs' historic city a beautiful double rainbow crossed my way and made me smile. The positive vibe I got and the happy people I met in the little family owned stores along with its fresh air, made me feel at peace and happy with the universe, which is a feeling I don't get often living in Chicago.

Driving away from Colorado was a painful experience as my heart was sad to leave this state of joy, peace, beauty and history. Warm tears of love came down my face as I didn't know when I will feel like that again! I miss Colorado's happy vibe, friendly people, fresh air and mountains. I know I will
go back some day again but in the meantime the memory of this experience stays true to my heart forever!

Please Tell Me I'm Adopted - Interviews

If there is anything that drives success better that is love and passion. Chris Sobchack and Nichole  Sobchack know this best as the “baby” of their drive and love is the new Amazon Prime comedy sitcom “Please Tell Me I’m Adopted.” Season 1 has been written by Nicole and executive produced by Chirs who has also been working on Elton John’s team for 17 years now as the drum and percussion technician. They funded the production through a successful Indiegogo campaign and handled all of the post production themselves. Series guest stars include TV icon Marion Ross.With a great team behind them they are excited to share their story with you! Listen to my exclusive interview with Chris and Nicole here!

“Please Tell Me I’m Adopted!” follows the life of Tiffany Grant, who loses her boyfriend, job and house in a single day and is forced to move in with her newlywed sister, Emma, and Emma’s husband Bob. When Tiffany decides to regroup, she includes Emma and Bob into her crazy, often culturally current, escapades with outrageous and hilarious consequences. But no matter how hard Tiffany tries, she just can’t help getting lost on the way to finding herself – taking her family and all of us along for the comedic ride. Emma just wanting the best for Tiffany and Bob hoping for his guest bedroom and his sanity back!

Watch this fun sitcom on Amazon Prime now!

"Beyond Caring" premiers in Chicago

If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind theater production that not only makes you feel but let's you be part of the performance then "Beyond Caring" is your show. The show runs until May 7, 2017, at the Lookingglass Theatre in Chicago. It is written and directed by Alexander Zeldin. The press opening was on April 1.

What shook me about this production is how real it felt. Yes it was dark, sad, frustrating but that is because it reflected what happens in real life with people in real scenarios. It explores the working lives of four characters who work as low-wage cleaners at a factory in harsh conditions. With humor and sadness we witness the stress, abuse and struggle for money among these characters who simply want to make ends meet and feed their families.

The play was most recently produced at the UK's National Theater and re-imagined for Chicago by Zeldin who said in a press release that "looking at the lives of those working in the conditions of the temporary economy, the margins of society, says so much about the moral, spiritual, and emotional place that the country is in, much like it did the UK...But it says something else too - here in the US it tells us about race in this country."

The cast of the US premier is: Caren Blackmore (Ebony-Grace), J. Nicole Brooks (Tracy), Keith D. Gallaghar (Ian), Edwin Lee Gibson (Phil) and Wendy Mateo (Sonia). Community partners for "Beyond Caring" include: Chicago Humanities Festival, The Chicago Urban League, Chicago Worker's Collaborative, the Jewish Women's Foundation of Metropolitan Chicago, Latino Union of Chicago, Latinos Progresando, Leadership Greater Chicago, and Women Employed.

"Beyond Caring" is produced in association with Dark Harbor Stories, which is led by David Schwimmer and Tom Hodges. Schwimmer brought this project to Lookingglass Theater and has been working closely with Zeldin on the production.

Beginning in the spring of 2016, a year before the production, the lead artistic team including Schwimmer and Zeldin began conversations with organizations that work with temporary labor force in Chicago. The idea was to create conversations and site vists to staffing agencies, factories and plants where temporary workers were assigned. Lookingglass theater has allocated more than 330 seats to be given at no cost to workers and their families whose lives and experiences are similar to those portrayed in the production.

The Lookingglass Theater is located inside Chicago's historic Water Tower Water Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave. For more information visit www.lookinglasstheatre.org.

Academy Award Winner Jonathan Sanger talks about new movie, Hollywood and what it takes to make it big

I had the great pleasure to speak with writer and producer Jonathan Sanger who is currently working on a new movie production "Stentorians." It follows the remarkable story of six African American firefighters working in the Los Angeles Fire Department as they embark on a one-year odyssey to win basic labor protections from a racist system that had been the culture of the Los Angeles Fire Department since its inception. Currently Sanger has produced "Chapter and Verse," which is in the theaters now and the highly anticipated "Marshall" movie starring Chadwick Boseman, Josh Gad, and Kate Hudson to be released in Fall of 2017. Among his other endeavors, his new book entitled "Making The Elephant Man: A Producer’s  Memoir" was recently published and is  available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle and the author’s website www.JonathanSangerProductions.com.

In this interview Sanger talks a bit more about the new production, his book and what it took for him to make it big in Hollywood as an independent movie producer and writer. Enjoy!

Listen to Part 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the interview in this article.

In search of your Ruby Slippers straight from a therapist’s couch

Life is definitely not easy and we can’t do it alone. Life can throw some pretty harsh lessons at us and we must take it as we go. But if we had some sort of a guide to help us ease life’s lessons we would be better prepared to handle it. Even though therapy is great and has a lot of benefits it can be pretty expensive and not for everyone. What if you had a therapist book/journal that you carried with you every step of the way that helps you understand yourself and those around you better? One such book I found is “Finding Your Ruby Slippers: Transformative Life Lessons From the Therapist’s Couch” by psychotherapist Lisa Ferentz.

Some of the issues that these self-help book deals with are abuse, eating disorders, self-worth, self-esteem, negative thoughts and poor choices. Having over 30 years of private practice and as the founder of The Ferentz Institute, Ferentz empowers those struggling with personal and professional obstacles with the strategies they need to grow and thrive, and provides compassion and guidance to overcome the issues, struggles and symptoms she’s been addressing in traditional therapy throughout her career. What she found out through her work is that while most people expend tremendous amounts of energy wondering and worrying about what others think or say about them, the most powerful messages are the ones that come from yourself about yourself.

Some of the important points that the therapists points out in the book are the practice of journaling for self-growth, positive self-talk and more. A lot of people struggle with addiction and it’s easy to reach for the alcohol, drugs, food, relationships, anything to make you forget the real problems you have to deal with. But addiction creates more problems rather than solves them. That’s why having a friend like this book is a great way for self-support in these difficult times.

“It is important to know that it is not your fault,” says Ferentz. “You have to fill in the blanks with an important information. Everyone deserves a long term therapy to heal the harm and wounds.”

Ferentz emphasizes the importance of self-talk in the relationship with yourself. She says you have to pay attention to how often you criticize yourself, self-blame and shame yourself and turn it around into a positive self-talk. Negative talk is “pervasive.”

“When you have a negative thought, stop and take a breath and say something kind to yourself. Can I say that in a kinder way, with less criticism. Think about someone who really cared about you and loved you. They gave you this loving inner wisdom inside of you. Access that loving positive voice. You have the answers - creativity, resilience and strength,” encourages Ferentz.

Dealing with abusive family, friends or partners is challenging and causes a lot of harm, self-harm because we tend to trust the words of those we love and are closest to us. The therapists suggest that in situations like that you can still love the person who causes the abuse but you have to create boundaries and choose not to accept the harm they cause with their words and actions. “You have to keep in mind that the person who does the abuse is limited and might has his own agenda. Limit your time spent with them. It’s part of being a grown up.”

Ferentz says that when self esteem is harmed we are more vulnerable in choosing toxic relationships and unsupportive work environments. We simply make poor choices. “You are not alone. Stay away from being isolated and connect with people who can relate to you. Connect with social groups. You need the right kind of help. There is nothing more powerful than the way you talk to yourself. In your own head you are beating yourself up and that voice can crump up the positive around you,” she says.

At the end we are our own best friends. We make the choice to accept or deny the negative that comes in. If you are in a toxic and abusive relationship you must get out because no one should say anything negative about your body or yourself. Stop sabotaging your own self as others are already doing that for you. Be safe. Stay safe. Go get your own Ruby Slippers as you might find that “you have been wearing them all along.”

Blend of country and Spanish with Danny Shain’s original music

If you thought that country and Latino can’t mix together, thing again! Danny Shain is a US born singer/songwriter from Oregon who currently lives between the States and the Peruvian Amazon. Danny is white American but he loves the Latino heritage and music and spreads the love through his country music in Spanish!  “As far as I know there are no other non-Latino, country boys doing what I am doing,” said Danny.

Danny came in touch with the Latino world through childhood friendships and his career, which has given him a much better understanding of the Latino culture and lifestyle. It is because of his long time history and appreciation of life ¨south of the border¨ that he decided to write country music with a Latin touch. ¨I dream to play a part in improving the mutual understanding and appreciation between Spanish speakers and non-Spanish speakers through our unique musical and lyrical style that blends both cultural flavors, highlighting the best of all of the Americas,” said Danny.

In his music he uses a poetic blend of English and Spanish in order to allow Spanish speakers to connect deeper with the meaning of his songs and the country musical expressions. Since very young Danny loved music and at the age of 13 he started his first band. Over the past 30 years he has played with various groups developing his skills as a singer/songwriter, guitar and bass player in the California, Oregon, Central and South America.

Danny was named Nashville Universe Nominee Best Singer of the Year in 2014 and Best Composer of the Year 2015, with his music playing at over 40 radio stations in six countries. He is making an impact worldwide with his unique style of country music in English and Spanish. Three of his songs continue to be counted among various Indie charts and his new album title song, “Two Good Friends” spent a record 52 consecutive weeks on the Top 40 Chart of VRadio Nashville.

You can get in touch with Danny and hear his music through social media:

Facebook: www.facebook.com/danny.shain.1

Website: www.dannyshainmusic.com

You Tube: ¨Danny Shain¨ channel

Twitter: DannyShain1