Chicago African-American Millenial Sets an Example With His Art

I had the pleasure of interviewing 29-year-old Chicago artist Anthony Amos who was brave enough to share his love and passion for art and how he makes money out of it. "My family is known for music and sports, not art. I am the second artist in the family in nearly 100 years. As an African-American you are told to think about your education and that you can't make money out of art and I shouldn't have listened to the negative talk. I would have been way ahead if I didn't," he said.

The first time Anthony fell in love with drawing was when he was 4-years-old. It was his mom who introduced him to a pen and a piece of paper as it was her way of making him stay quiet. Little did she know, she was creating a true artist. Fast forward few years later, his grandmother took him to take art classes at the Art Institute of Chicago. This was the beginning to a whole new career for Anthony and a life-changing experience.

"Art kept me off the streets," he says. "I thank my mother and grandmother for the support and introducing me to art."

Art kept Anthony occupied and happy through the years as he experienced tough upbringing. He started with crayons and slowly continued to using more advanced water colors. He even worked as a tattoo artist briefly but because of "a racist" experience he decided to quit and stay focused on his own art.

Anthony finds inspiration in people and animals. His theme is "realism. "My work reveals something about me personally. It represents a longing for connection, a truth about myself and other people," he said. "It reveals there is a desire to be a whole by people, to feel complete. I created my identity through my art," he said.

Anthony's most favorite thing to paint are stars like Mohamed Ali and Mike Tyson as they represent who he looks up to and strives to be, as well as super heroes. "They were people who didn't take shit from anybody and I like that," he said.

Anthony's view of the current state of the art scene is that Social Media is shifting the way art is being viewed. He says that art is being distorted by places like Instagram, etc where the market is over saturated with content and likes. "Artists have to shift from the traditional approach and try other avenues to be successful," he said. "Artists shouldn't assume that following the traditional route is the key to success but believing in yourself and becoming a business savvy artist is key.


He took private lessons and went to the Art Institute of Atlanta for college. But he didn't have enough money to finish so he had to drop out and start working. But even that didn't stop him from following his true passion - his art. 

Believe it or not, Anthony wasn't always as confident in his art as he is now. He suffered a major depression after he dropped out of college, which made him question who he is and what he wants from life. What brought him back is his passion for art and the desire to make a change. This is his first year where he proved to himself and everyone else that he can make not just money as an artist but be remembered. "My goal is to be remembered and leave a legacy behind," he said.


His advice to other artists is: "Fight through it. Keep your head up. Get around some people who aren't talking to you in a negative way. That language is going to ruin you if you accept it and this is what I did."

You can check out Anthony's next exhibit at the Conception Art Show on Dec. 1 at Dovetail Brewery, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, Chicago, IL.

Follow Anthony on Social Media:

Facebook: facebook.com/ahmoseclothing

Instagram: ahmose_nkosi_art

Website: ajrell27.wixsite.com/ahmosefineart

Chicago based artist wants positive change through his new web series "Lucidity"

Recently, I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing inspiring Chicago based artist - Kiba Yeshua Keyy. His story is truly inspiring and I appreciate that he shared it with me.

Kiba is a boxer, yoga teacher, singer, actor, video editor and "a jack of all trades" as he puts it. He is the creator and lead actor in the new web series, "Lucidity." The web series is about unusual super heros with super powers and one ordinary hero who helps humanity and human kind. It is a very original story with original characters and I personally enjoyed watching it.

"My job is to make people happy," said Kiba. "I want to leave a mark for people like me who want to be positive. You can be a positive person and make a living out of it. Just be yourself."

Kiba is originally from Detroit where he grew up under harsh conditions. he came to Chicago to try to make it in the music industry because as he puts it "if you can make it in Chicago as a musician, you can make it anywhere. My job in music is to try to make songs about loving and uniting people and make them sound dark."

Kiba has his own production company called Bvlck Wolf Productions. He created it from the bottom up and he keeps on going. He sees himself as an inspiring entrepreneur. He stared acting as an extra on shows like Empire and Shameless where he met a a lot of talented and like-minded people who helped him create the series.

Kiba's inspiration and a change comes from his tough upbringing. He grew up with a single mother and siblings who fled from his abusive father away to a different city. "One time he tried to kill me," he recalls. So they moved to a safer place in a rural area, which turned out to be as he says "racist". He remembers his family being the only black family in town so he got picked on a lot by a "racist group the cowboys." Because of the many instances where he had to fight and stand up for himself and his siblings, he wasn't allowed to finish high school and he gave up on college. But his strong nature didn't stop him from fighting and finding his own ways to succeed, finding inspiration in music, boxing, yoga and acting.

What I found intriguing about his story is that despite his upbringing and tough life, he takes everything with positivity and love. He is not hostile, angry or negative - in fact quite the opposite. This passion and love he feels towards life and himself can even be seen in his series "Lucidity," which he also edits himself. He is also a self-taught video editor on top of everything else.

"The only reason I made it is because I love myself and I see everyone as myself and I want to help me," he said. "I wanted to have a hero with superpowers that you can see him in everyday life. A person in everything and not stopped by anything. He isn't scared."

In the future he wants to make more money and bring positive change in the world as "people listen to people with money," he says. He is very spiritual and believes in the power of self-love and being free. He also exhibits this belief in his music, which he says is not the typical "gangsta" style rap and hip hop but a positive message in a darker themed songs.

"Lucidity" on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/luciditythewebseries/

More on Blvck Wolf Productions:

https://www.facebook.com/bwpchicago/

Kibi's music page:

https://www.facebook.com/theblvckprince/

Kibi's Facebook"

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100011863437751

Kibi's Instagram:

@Keyynuyasha

@Teesocray

@Blvckwolfproductions

@Luciditythewebseries

Michael Colyar's One Man Show Comes to Chicago in December

I had the pleasure of interviewing Chicago actor, comedian and author Michael Colyar who is coming to the Windy City for three days (Dec. 21-23) to perform his One Man Show ("Michael Colyar's Momma") about his love for God, his mother, his life and how he overcame his 23 years of drug addiction.

What shook me the most about meeting him and talking to him for an hour was his positive thinking, his energy, wisdom and his outlook on life. You rarely meet such people who posses all of those qualities in one. The way he made me feel in this one hour and the way he inspired me is how he will touch the ones who will come and check out his show, which will be performed in 100 cities across America.

Michael's goal is to have charity and church organizations, shelters buy tickets for the drug addicts so that they can benefit and hopefully change their lives from seeing the show and hearing first hand how Michael overcame his addiction.

"A lot of people won't go the other way until they hit their bottom. I had reached my personal low - I was sick and tired of being sick and tired, trying not to wake up my wife, sneaking out watching her cry, feeling bad about myself and feeling guilty about blowing my money and my integrity. I was tired of being that person. I started praying. I said God I want you to make me sick if I try to go near that drug or I think about it and I got to the point where when I thought about cocaine my stomach would bubble up and I would get terrible headaches. I couldn't drive near the street where I would get my drugs. I was physically ill. It was the power of the mind. Now you can put all cocaine in front of me and I won't touch it. I am not tempted. I don't miss it and it doesn't attract me. I am attracted to being a better person," said Michael.

During my interview Michael didn't mostly talk about himself as I expected but he also focused on giving me great advice about the relationship with my mother and what he did to have a great relationship with his. "I love my momma. My mother died 8 years ago (tearing up about his mom). I think about how great she is. Everywhere I go she is with me," he said.

Michael Colyar and his mother / Courtesy of Michael Colyar

In addition to comedy, Michael is in the peak of his life as he puts it. He is busy working on several projects, TV shows, his clothing line, his book and he is in love with a beautiful woman. As he puts it "He is hard to ignore but impossible to forget" and "living the dream." "We all have a choice. If you don't like where you are choose again. I just chose differently for myself," he said.

Michael gives us all a great advice: "As actors when we are on stage we are not supposed to act for the audience we act for ourselves. If you try they see you. Your life is the stage. You are the creator of all of it." His kindness never stops . Michael loves to help the homeless and do what's right. He has been broke 17 times and rich 3 times. He says the secret is to be content with what you have and know that you are already rich now and build from there instead of complaining about "how broke you are." Michael consistently performed every weekend, 5 shows a day on Venice Beach and was dubbed the "King of Venice Beach" while performing 9 years straight. He shared his Star Search prize with the homeless. "I did it because I wanted to help people and I love people. I would feed the homeless and buy them 10 meals. When I gave away $37,000 to a homeless shelter I couldn't touch the ground, I was floating. It was a great feeling," he said.

Michael is best known for his starring roles in Blackish, House Party III, Norbit, The Princess & The Frog, and his role as Mr. Whitaker on the hit television series “Martin”.

His mission for the One Man Show is "to bring to stage a powerful, healing, funny, loving story about redemption, recovery, family, God and the overwhelming energizing liberating power of our Mothers. It will make you laugh, cry and even cheer with Joy as you walk through the life of a true artist, a funny dude and a passionate loving man who will never give up on Life or You. A man who loves who he looks at in the mirror everyday because of his Mother and God."

What was interesting in our conversation is that Michael said he didn't get into his addiction because he had an alcoholic father or an addicted family. "I got into my addiction because I have an addictive personality and I like to have what I want to have. Next thing you know I am stuck in it. I had fun when I was getting high. I was partying but I lost so much from it - jobs, opportunities and friends. I can change my life any point I choose to but which point should I choose. If you don't like where you are choose again and choose different. It is really that easy," he said.

Michael also has a blog for celebrities where they share their personal stories of sobriety called The Happy Beginnings Podcast: https://thehappypod.fireside.fm/.

To purchase tickets to his One Man Show, go to: https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3234768 and  http://therealmichaelcolyar.com/shows2/

You can find out more about Michael Colyar and what he is up to at his website: http://therealmichaelcolyar.com/.

Genuinely You - The Genuine Approach to Self Help and Fulfillment with Gina Gardiner

Gina Gardiner, CEO Genuinely You

I had the enormous pleasure of talking to Gina Gardiner, CEO and Founder of the Genuinely You  movement. She is also an author with the most current self-help book, called "Thriving Not Surviving." What stroke me the most about Gina is how genuine and caring she is and how the advice she gives to one is more of a look inside the self and soul, which is a rather different approach then many mentors and coaches have. She also had an accident when she was young at a ski trip where she was paralyzed and lost the ability to walk. But even that didn't stop her from empowering and changing the lives of many.


What inspired you to start the Genuinely You movement and what is this movement? 
I have become more and more concerned about the numbers of people I meet and work with who feel isolated or alone, unseen and unheard in their personal life. Some of these are feeling this way because they are single or are recently separated, divorced or bereaved but there are others who despite being in a significant relationship feel they have no one to share their vulnerabilities and dreams with. Others feel isolated professionally. They are fearful of letting their guard down at work in case it is seen as a sign of weakness or they feel under-valued and unheard. Some fear failure whilst others hide their light as they fear success. Many people are using food, alcohol and drugs to numb their pain and this is having a disastrous impact on their physical well being. Anti-depressants now account for 50% of the prescriptions written in the UK. I am passionate about helping people recognize that they have the choice to be happy, to be successful and to live a life full of joy and fulfillment. To help them recognize that they are not broken, that they are enough and to help them access their inner resources to live life fearlessly. I believe my life’s purpose is to be of service. To support as many people as I can has required that I look to do things differently and so I have written ‘Thriving Not Surviving – The 5 Secret Pathways To Happiness, Success and Fulfillment’ and created the Thriving Not Surviving programme. I have created a membership group called ‘The Thrive Together Tribe.’ It is designed to offer people a safe place to belong, to be seen and heard and to feel supported in their journey to happiness, success and fulfillment. Members have access to a structured programme full of tried and tested principles and strategies which are easy to incorporate into daily life. A major purpose of the tribe is to support members of the group, to create and sustain lasting success. We live in incredibly troubled times. Difference and a sense of separation are constantly reported in the media. Many people live in a state of constant fear, which leads to a great deal of stress, unhappiness and depression. This in turn leads to an ever-greater sense of isolation. I believe it is incredibly important to recognize that we are all connected, to look at how we can support and help one another from a place of love, for people to step into their genuine, authentic power.


Often we hear coaches and people speaking about the self-love concept but it always echoes from one ear to the other. Your approach is very genuine. Tell us how and why is it different? 
I think it comes from being authentic and coming from a desire to make a positive difference to others. Over the years, I have learned that to feel happy, to experience love from others and achieve true and lasting fulfillment you have to have a great, loving relationship with yourself. A loving relationship is not pink and fluffy – it is not about being indulgent. It is about recognizing that you are enough – wobbly bits and all. It is about recognizing our vulnerabilities and realizing that these do not diminish us – unless we choose for them to do so. It’s about recognizing that everything we do is a choice – and every choice has consequences. Even not choosing is actually a choice, and it is often when we allow things to drift that the consequences are the most far reaching. It is also about taking responsibility for our own emotional well being, for our actions and our words – or lack of them.

You had an accident when you were young and left you paralyzed and in a wheelchair. What did it take for you to come out as strong and inspiring as you are today changing lives of many? 
I recovered from the paralysis; it was later following two sets of Failed Back Surgery Syndrome that I became wheelchair bound and learned to walk twice as an adult. This is quite hard to answer as I don’t think it was one thing. However, I’d been taught as a child when things feel tough a great way to feel better is to look outside yourself and to do something positive for others. I’d just become the Principle of a school and was determined that the pupils and staff should have the very best learning experience. I’d been very unhappy at school and didn’t want this to be the case at my school. Staying at home would have been torture – it is there that I was at my most limited. I lived on my own – was dependent on carers and couldn’t do anything much other than read, write and watch TV. The alternative was to go to school where there were people who could help with the practical stuff, do a job I loved, make a positive difference to others. It was a no brainer for me.

What is your goal for the Genuinely You approach?
My goal through Genuinely You is to help people recognize that when they choose to step into their real power they can have the courage to live fearlessly. That they have the capacity to love themselves and through that create loving, inter-dependent relationships with others both personally and professionally. That they can be successful and find their true purpose in life. I hope to help people recognize that they are on a spiritual journey – life is an opportunity to learn and grow personally. To help develop the spiritual matriarchs and patriarchs who will help combat the tide of hate, fear and division, which is overtaking many parts of the world. To help our children learn to be confident and open to the possibilities life offers so they can live full and loving lives. (No pressure there then!)

You also have a great book you published called Thriving. How easy to read and how life changing is the book? 
"Thriving Not Surviving – The 5 Secret Pathways To Happiness, Success and Fulfillment" has been designed to be an easy read. It is practical and based on my own experience and that of the many, many clients I’ve worked with. The book has the potential to change lives hugely for the better. Within the book I cover the themes, which have come up time and again. HOWEVER,  the book will only make a difference if the reader chooses to take action. If you always do what you have always done you will simply continue to live life exactly as it is. The grand gesture doesn’t work as it is rarely sustained. Think about how many people join a gym with the express idea of losing weight – yet their membership is not used after the first couple of weeks. Simple things done consistently can and do make a difference. Incorporating one or two of the principles or strategies in the book will make a positive difference. Collectively they can have a HUGE and positive impact on your life and that of those around you. All the research shows that change is far easier to achieve when you are surrounded by ‘like-minded’ positive people. This is one of the major reasons for setting up the Thrive Together Tribe. Membership also gives access to the structured, comprehensive personal and spiritual development programme of videos, activities, themed journal and inter active Internet group coaching sessions. It is a way of deepening and speeding up progress.


What can we do to bring the Genuinely You movement from Britain to the US? 
I’ve already started although at the moment it is on a very small scale. I was in the US in June where I made a TV series – The Genuinely You Show, which is available free from my website www.genuinely-you.com. I also did some TV interviews on NBC and ABC. Please share the link with others – the more people watch, engage and share the better. I have featured on several podcasts, I’m a host on Passionate World Radio – all of these are based in America. I’m available to be a guest on shows, anyone who has a show or could introduce me to other hosts. Any help in spreading the word to others, signing up to be part of the Genuinely You Facebook group and sharing posts would be hugely appreciated. Reading the book and sharing what you liked or found useful. Listening to The Genuine Chats, podcasts, reading the articles and interacting. Better still become a member of The Thrive Together Tribe and help me make a positive difference. For a limited time we are offering a year’s membership for the cost of 1 month. Here is the link.

What other projects are you working on? 
In the short term I’ll be releasing the Personal Empowerment Plan – or PEP talks - a 6 month programme to help people deal with stress and anxiety. Every week a video or PEP talk with share an insight, principle or strategy to help you deal with life when things get tricky. Every one of these has been tried and tested by myself and clients and they work if you use them consistently. Of course, some strategies will suit more than others but having a go will in itself help the user take control of their lives. That in itself is an important step towards feeling less stressed and anxious. I’m currently working to get accreditation for a Leadership programme from CIPD – the biggest organization in the UK to accredit training programmes in the UK. It offers a very different approach to the development of enlightened leadership. I am very concerned about how many people are stressed and made ill because the quality of leadership is bullying or down right toxic. It doesn’t need to be like this. You can have extremely high expectations, which are consistently met by your team if you use the right approach. Leadership has to start with you. So, the programme incorporates the Thriving Not Surviving Personal and Spiritual Development Programme with a leadership programme utilizing the well over 30 years’ experience I have of developing effective, compassionate leaders who bring the best out in others. I am being assisted by Danielle who has many years’ experience in developing leadership too. Those on the programme will be supported throughout by experienced mentors, there will be 1:1 sessions, videos, activities and group sessions. This should be available early next year. Because it can be delivered over the Internet it will be made available in America. If anyone is interested in being on the Pilot or would spread the word that would be great. In the longer term once the Thriving Together Tribe and the Leadership Programme (Name yet to be finalized) It is my plan to set up a Parents and a Young People’s programme. Both of which I hope will be subsidized by the Leadership programme revenue. I have extensive experience in helping youngsters and parents feel empowered and confident and know it has the capacity to make a huge difference. The numbers of youngsters on anti–depressants, self-harming or committing suicide is incredibly worrying and such a waste of potential.

How can people sign up for the Genuinely You movement and find you?
You can sign up through the website or the free app Genuinely You
You can find me on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, Podcasts, YouTube

Jennifer Hill Breakes Stereotypes and Pushes Forward With Her Music

Photo by Mandi Martini designs by Kristin Costa

I had the pleasure of interviewing Jennifer Hill or as we know her as Murderous Chanteuse - an inspiring artist, singer, female and mom who not only creates awesome music but also helps other female artists as well at SWAN Day CT. She is also a survivor of domestic violence, sexual assault and gun violence and that only made her stronger to inspire and change with her music.

Photo by Mandi Martini at SWANDAYCT 2018

1. Who is Murderous Chanteuse? Why did you choose that name? 
Well, Murderous Chanteuse is a different form of myself as a singer/musician. It’s still the music of me, Jennifer Hill, but in this particular incarnation it’s my pop loving self. The guilty pleasure parts of my music that I felt didn’t have a voice in my previous projects. I chose that name after working hard on some music and a friend said “you killed it.” It’s also in a way taking back a word that terrified me. I have had close experiences with death due to the abuses I have endured and I wanted to make any connotations to that act positive so I could move on from the weaknesses I felt being an abused partner.

2. What inspired you to do music? 
It was born into me. The first song that I knew by heart was Janis Joplin Bobby McGee. My mom taught me that when I was three years old. By the time I was five years old I was singing the songs from the movie Annie in the playground,at the request of my friends. They used to make me sing it over and over to the point I would try to hide on them during recess. I ended up going to college with a scholarship for vocal performance and have a degree.

3. How would you classify your music - a mix of what artists?
That is such a hard question to answer as an artist. I think a lot of my music shapes my experiences in life and the musical backdrop that came with them. Bjork and Madonna are two huge influences in my life as well as Phoebe Snow and Tori Amos. Two current artists that I love are Billie Eilish and Florence and the Machine.

4. What makes your music unique? 
It is genre bending. It doesn’t have one unique formula it sticks to. I write what I feel. That may be electro or rock, dark pop, or an alternative ballad. I write what I feel and the music moves me.

Photo By LSG original 

5. How has music changed your life and the life of others around you? 
Well, it’s helped me to connect and meet a lot of people. It has also taught me a lot about growing a business and sustaining it. As soon as you graduate from college or decide to start the path of becoming a musician, you are your own business. That is something that was not really talked about during college. I guess we all expected to either get the amazing auditions or become famous and that is not really a reality for many musicians and songwriters. But you can make a living if you are smart and you put yourself in all different directions music wise. I am always learning as a musician and I am always evolving because of that. I think that it has also changed my life for the fact that I look younger than I am and a lot of people around me do. I believe working within art and music, although it is not easy, enriches your soul, which in turn makes you look like you are younger and more vibrant person.

6. Favorite female artists? 
Madonna, Bjork, Billie Eilish, Phoebe Snow, Portishead, Sia, Florence and the Machine, Joni Mitchell, Janis Joplin, TOO MANY TO LIST!

7. How many albums, EPs and songs have you written by now? 
I have written more than a hundred songs in my life time.. many haven’t been released or are not recorded. I’m working on fixing that now. Recording is not cheap and I’m not rich 😆 so far I have three EPS out and two singles.

8. What inspires your lyrics and style of music? 
What ever moves me in life. I went to college for music so I’m also a trained opera and musical theatre singer so I can hear some of those influences in my writing styles at times but truly my inner playlist is so diverse that I just write what the radio in my head hears.

9. What and when is the next album or EP coming out? 
Well, I'm hoping for a full length album by the end of March.

10. Your message to your fans? 
Thank you for believing in me and my music, and if you follow me personally on my various social media platforms then please know that I am out there telling my stories for you. I have been told by a few people that I gave them the courage to leave abusive situations and I want to give kudos to all of you that have done that and I want to give strength and support to those who are not ready to leave yet. It is an important time for women to stick together and women in the arts especially because the arts are where humanity lies.

Photo by Jill Hart

To follow Jennifer Hill and listen to her music:

https://www.reverbnation.com/jenniferhill

https://jenniferhillandco.bandcamp.com/

Http://www.murderouschanteuse.com

Http://www.instagram.com/murderouschanteuse 

Http://www.twitter.com/MurderChanteuse

Http://www.facebook.com/MChanteuse

https://open.spotify.com/artist/254NLVyd1F7BP8lPPCrNDd?nd=1

https://open.spotify.com/artist/40JZHehLHsShX1Kn5kTOHb?nd=1

             Album art by James Polisky

Bullitt County Comes to the Windy City This Friday

Ten years ago, four college friends set out on the Bluegrass Bourbon Trail to visit their favorite Kentucky distilleries. But their exciting adventure took a dark turn when a terrible tragedy struck, something that would haunt them for the rest of their lives. Now, ten years later in 1977, the friends reunite for Gordie’s bachelor party. Keaton, his best man, figures there’s no better way to celebrate than to relive the good ol’ days by finishing the Bourbon Trail. But ever since the tragedy in college, Gordie’s life has been especially rough. Their shared secret continues to plague him, and after being injured in Vietnam, he hit the bottle pretty hard. Now that he’s sobered up and gotten his life back together, he’s in no shape to visit a bunch of distilleries. Luckily, Gordie discovers a way out during their distillery tour. He hears of the Bullitt Treasure—buried prohibition money out in the woods of Bullitt County. And legend has it that the Bullitt Family protects the money at all costs. Looking for any reason to hop off the Bourbon Trail, Gordie plays the groom card, and soon the friends are digging for treasure in the middle of nowhere. But something much worse than the Bullitt Family awaits them in Bullitt County. This reunion has begun to erode Gordie’s years of repression, and that dark secret they all share is about to resurface in violent and terrible ways; ways that may rip the friends apart for good.

Bullitt County was written and directed by David McCracken and produced by Josh Riedford. Mike Nelson is Gordie. Jennie Meler is Robin. David McCracken is Keaton. Napoleon Ryan is Wayne. Dorothy Lyman is the Mrs. Richard Riehle is the Mr.

Official Film Website: www.BullittCountyFilm.com 
Production Company Website: www.MrPicturesFilm.com
Official Theatrical Trailer: https://vimeo.com/278106182

Bullitt County will be released in AMC theaters this Friday in Chicago, LA, New York, Phoenix and Houston. The film will be available on DVD and VOD in February.

Interview with Mike Nelson (Gordie): 

Tell me about your role as Gordie?
I was really excited to be the lead actor in a feature film and carry a movie. I put a ton of pressure on myself. I was nervous. After reading the script I was excited to play it. I don't normally audition for such roles as I do comedy so getting this opportunity and show a different side of myself was really exciting. What helped me to get in the head of this character... One dimensional is easy so I tried to tap into the guilt of what happened years ago, the survivor's guilt and being a recovering alcoholic. I did a lot of research on that from the mid 70s and talked to friends who went through addiction. What's great about the film some people know right away something is weird about Wayne. There's so much to the movie that it doesn’t get spoiled with Wayne’s character.

Is Gordie in love with his friend Robin? 
There is an unrequited love from a friend you are into. He has always been infatuated with her but 10 years have gone by - the takes of how he is looking at her, his feelings for her, the stuff at the tent where he is imagining stuff. We all make mistakes. Robin’s character is a feminist and a professor. 

We never see or hear anything about Gordie’s wife. Why?
I think the reason is he is trying to live a normal life and get over his skeletons in the closet and trying to act like a normal human being and try to move on. The wedding isn't that important, almost like a convenience thing trying to adapt and make things better.

What did you like most and least about playing this character? 
There is not much I didn’t like - it was challenging and a lot of work. Thinking back it was great working with the crew that cared about every detail. We all got along.

Tell me about the last scene. Why did it end in a bar? 
These were flashbacks right before the incident in 1967 - 10 years prior right after the car accident. The end is the beginning of Wayne and Gordie’s relationship. Things are messy, relationships are hard.

What is next for you?
I shot a movie for Nickelodeon this past summer. Earlier this summer I also produced a feature film. I am also writing a screenplay. Chicago is always home for me. I grew up in Northwest Indiana. 

Interview with Director, Actor and Writer David McCracken: 

Bullitt County is your first feature film. What have you learned about yourself as a director from it and what has been your experience like? 
I think the biggest lesson I learned is to surround yourself with like-minded people. You are only as good as the people you surround yourself with, the crew and cast and so that is the big takeaway. You can have all the ideas but you need have to have a team that is set on the same goal and gets along and is making the same movie.

What inspired you to write Bullitt County and why did you choose that to be your breakthrough film? 
I think a lot of it it all started when I came home for the holidays. I asked my best friend Josh what do you think of a production company? We started Mr. Pictures and then came our first movie. We wanted to make a movie like the movies we liked and put a personal spin on it. That's why we filmed it around our hometowns. It started with the characters. Josh and I have alcoholism in our families and this is a movie that has a soft touch on alcoholism. We felt that it would be an interesting angle. We just didn’t want to make it the message of the movie. It is a very complex story with a twist of humor, comedy, drama and thriller.

What is the message you were trying to convey with the plot?
I do write better when I have a theme because it allows me to filter. This started from a point of that nostalgia for the past - it always affects our present in ways that we don't expect. Set in the 1970s the characters go visit their favourite Bourbon Distilleries in attempts to reconnect and relieve the good old days. The buried treasure came from the nostalgia idea, burying the past in a way to get the adventure started. I do love adventure stories and Indiana Jones movies. But it is about something deeper.

How did you go about the casting and finding the stars as Mike Nelson, Richard Riehle and Dorothy Lyman?
I had worked with Mike before. I wanted to work with a darker material in the hand of comedic actors. When I wrote the lead part I wrote it for Mike. It is his first lead role in a feature film. I met Richard over 10 years ago in a writers’ retreat. I told him I wanted to work with him. I wrote to him, he reached out and accepted. We got a lot of audition tapes. We shot in Indiana, New Harmony.

What is your goal for Bullitt County? How far are you going to take it? What’s next? 
We are coming out in theaters nationwide this Friday in NY, Chicago, Phoenix, Houston, LA. We will run for a week or more and then it is going to be released on VOD and DVD in February. Also on Amazon, Itunes, and Redbox.

How did you go about funding for the film? 
We raised a bunch with private investors prior to shooting. The movie got bigger and bigger as we kept going. More investors come on board as the film has been successful.

Any other feature you are working on or you have in mind? 
We have about 5 or 6 scripts that I wrote. Next one is a full horror movie - a female driven ghost story that takes place over 3 generations. We love 1977 so much! We will hopefully shoot early next year.

Do you like directing or writing better? 
I like them all in different ways. The writing is solidarity. They are in the opposite ways of the spectrum. I like writing and directing together, which makes the rehearsal process very fluid.

What advice will you give to young directors/writers trying to emerge in this business?
Never give up - just outlast everyone else. If you stay in the game and keep hustling and keep working hard, and believe in what you are doing, it will be infectious and other people will believe in it too.

Chicago Native Yelyna De Leon Leon Raises Immigrant Issues as Blanca in “Will and Grace”

Chicago’s Native Yelyna De Leon landed a remarkable role as Blanca in Episode 3 ("Tex and the City") on NBC’s Emmy award winning sitcom, “Will and Grace” Second Season. The character’s remarkable journey and presence allows us to see a special bond and transformation between her and Karen (Emmy award winner Megan Mullally) where drama and comedy merge into one, addressing one of the nation’s leading issues - immigration.

Yelyna De Leon/ Photo by Katie Cleese Photography

In Texas, Karen arrives to visit the border where she makes remarks about sponsoring the wall and illegal drugs and meets Beverly Leslie (Emmy award winner Leslie Jordan) whom she argues with over sponsorship of the wall. Both end up in the detention center with Blanca. Blanca is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador who gets captured after trying to cross the border. She was a professional in her country and a mom who snuck across the US border fleeing the brutal gangs. She had traveled over 2,000 miles and spent her life savings paying off the cops and hiding from the cartels. In order to save her family, she let her daughter and husband escape first and now she wants to reunite with them. Blanca ends up in a Texas cell with Karen and Beverly Leslie, where she has a chance to share her personal story of grief with Karen where we, the audience, become first hand witnesses of the humane side of Karen as she shows empathy for Blanca’s deep painful story. “I have studied law and all I can say is that it is a slippery slope, as the laws affect everyone which is why Karen and Leslie end up in the detention center where I am being held. I am sitting there listening to their conversation but we are all in the holding cell together. Karen is still grieving over Rosario. She is telling me about it and I am there to listen to her story and she is there to listen to mine. There was definitely a bond between me and Karen and we bonded as human beings,” said Yelyna De Leon. “The writing on the show is truly amazing and so timely. When I read it, and booked it, I was so happy that this was an opportunity to humanize the immigration experience, something we don’t often get to see. This is what is really happening right now, all over the world and I look at it as a forced migration. I also loved that the role of Blanca was completely in line with my purpose, which is to represent the Latino community in non-stereotypical roles with counter narrative stories that are relatable and humanize us, so I am very grateful to the show for this amazing opportunity."

Blanca’s scenes were so touching and very important, and relevant scenes especially with the current political climate, so bravo to NBC and the show’s writers for this heart wrenching deep yet funny storyline. But we were left wondering what will become of Blanca? Will Karen help her get out of jail and be reunited with her family? It would be great to see the future return of Blanca as the writers have a lot to play with the special bond between Karen and her, especially after Rosario’s death and immigration is a subject that has many stories that need to be told.

If you liked Blanca’s character as much as I did on “Will and Grace” please tweet, instagram and shout out on Facebook @nbcwillandgrace.

To follow Yelyna De Leon on Social Media: @yelynadeleon.
To watch the episode, go to NBC and the NBC app:
https://www.nbc.com/will-and-grace/video/tex-and-the-city/3811158Also, episode now streaming on Hulu.

About Actress, Writer and Producer Yelyna De Leon:
Born and raised on the southside of Chicago, where she fell in love with storytelling through the theater, Yelyna has been in numerous plays, television shows, “Bones,” “Shameless,” “Ray Donovan,” and the feature films, “A Better Life,” and the GLAAD award winning film “East Side Story,” to name a few. And will soon be seen in the comedies, “Milfriend” and “Bride Plus One.” She is a “Br-ojan,” having received her BA from UCLA in Film/TV/Theater and Chicano Studies and her MFA from USC in Film and Television production. While at USC, she studied film, TV and comedy with director Barnet Kellman (George Lopez Show, Murphy Brown), writer David Isaacs (Cheers, Madmen), producers Gail Katz (Air Force One,) and Bonnie Bruckheimer, (Hocus Pocus, Beaches) and was the co-creator, head writer and showrunner for USC’s first single camera comedy pilot, “Teacher’s Lounge. Currently the award winning, slasher feature film she wrote, produced and is in, “Murder in the Woods,” starring Jose Julian (A Better Life), Chelsea Rendon (Vida) and Catherine Toribio (Jane The Virgin) with Danny Trejo (Machete), is doing the festival route and garnering rave reviews and a lot of buzz. The film premiered to a sold out audiences at the 2017 FICG in LA at the Chinese Theater, won the Best Film Award at the 2017 LA Skins Fest, and sold out every screening in Portland, NY, Denver and at the Chicago Latino Film Festival in April of 2018.

For more information: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0209680/.

LATINX HORROR FILM ‘MURDER IN THE WOODS’ WITH JOSE JULIAN AND DANNY TREJO TO MAKE ITS EUROPEAN PREMIERE

Belgium & Germany to screen Luis Iga's Latinx, award-winning slasher which is becoming a cult classic and breaking diversity barriers in Hollywood. 

Los Angeles, CA, October 08, 2018 – Luis Iga’s Latinx, award-winning film “Murder In The Woods,” starring José Julián (“A Better Life”) and featuring Latinx icon Danny Trejo (“Machete”), will have its European Festival Premiere at the Razor Reel Flanders Film Festival in Bruges, Belgium on Saturday October 27th (For more information go to: http://bit.ly/mitwrazorTixPR) and on Saturday November 3rd at the Obscura Filmfestival in Berlin, Germany (For more information go to: http://bit.ly/mitwobscuraInfoPR). The film from Mexican auteur Luis Iga was written by Latina writer Yelyna De Leon and has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Denver and Chicago. Now Bruges and Berlin will get its first taste of what critics have called, “a breakthrough,” “smart, funny & very effective horror” film with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps” and “recalls classics of the genre like ‘Friday the 13th’ and ‘Scream’ but has a voice and style all its own.” “Our goal was to make a horror / slasher film for a global audience to showcase ‘People of Color’ in lead non-stereotypical roles and we are excited that these two prestigious Horror Film Festivals in Europe agree with us,” said Director and Producer Luis Iga. “I want to thank Patrick Van Hauwaert (Razor Reel’s Managing Director) and David Ghane (Obscura’s Festival Director) for being pioneers in reshaping how the world sees ‘People of Color’ and Minorities in cinema,” he added. 

Writer and Producer Yelyna De Leon said, “I am very grateful to both festivals for the opportunity to have European audiences see our independent film as our goal was to make a universal horror film with a diverse cast that global audiences could enjoy.” The rest of the ensemble cast includes Jeanette Samano (“Female Fight Squad,” “Isa”), Chelsea Rendon (“Bright,” “Vida”), Catherine Toribio (“Jane the Virgin”), Kade Wise (“Empire”) and Jordan Diambrini (“The Outfield”). It also features Soledad St. Hilaire (“Beatriz at Dinner”), Kurt Caceres (“Dexter”) 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 School of Cinematic Arts (SCA) 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, financing and distribution of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality.

 REZINATE has a global presence with clients and projects that are developed around the world. www.rezinate.com 

For more information on “Murder In The Woods:” 
Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com 
Trailer: http://bit.ly/EUprmitw 
Facebook: @MITWMovie 
Instagram: @murderinthewoods 
Twitter: @MITWMovie 
Snapchat: @MITWMovie 
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146

The Legendary Hector Elizondo is back for the 7th Season of Last Man Standing

For over 45 years, award-winning actor Hector Elizondo has enjoyed a successful and prolific career in film, television, theater and radio. A native New Yorker, Elizondo first garnered recognition for his portrayal of “God” in “Steambath” on the New York stage, a role that earned him an Obie Award. High-praise continued on Broadway in Neil Simon’s “Prisoner of Second Avenue,” “The Great White Hope” and the critically celebrated revival of Arthur Miller’s “The Prince.”

Elizondo received a Drama Desk Award nomination for his performance in Broadway’s original run of the comedy “Sly Fox.” Nominated both for a Golden Globe and an American Comedy Award for his depiction of the hotel manager in the classic comedy “Pretty Woman,” Elizondo’s other film credits include “The Taking of Pelham 1-2-3,” “American Gigolo,” “Young Doctors in Love,” “Nothing in Common,” “The Flamingo Kid,” “Runaway Bride,” “Tortilla Soup,” “The Music Within,” “Love in the Time of Cholera,” “The Princess Diaries” and “The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement.” In 1997, Elizondo won an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of “Dr. Phillip Watters” in “Chicago Hope.” In six years on the show, he earned four Emmy Award nominations, an ALMA Award and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination. He also starred in the two-character drama “American Playhouse: Mrs. Cage,” for which he received an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Miniseries or Special. His numerous television appearances began with guest starring roles on “Colombo,” “All in the Family,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Kojak” and “The West Wing.” More recent guest appearances include recurring roles on “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Monk.” Elizondo has done many voice-overs, including for Ken Burns’ critically acclaimed documentary, “The West.”

He also served as the host for the network special “Mysterious Man of the Shroud.” He is especially proud of his involvement in the distinguished L.A. Theatre Works, a group of 40 top actors who devote their time and talent to revive classic radio dramas as a respected contemporary art form for National Public Radio (NPR).

Due to his mother’s battle with the Alzheimer’s disease, Elizondo has become a strong voice in Alzheimer’s awareness, and currently acts as the celebrity spokesperson for The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA). Through public appearances, he helps to publicize the AFA’s National Memory Screening Day, which strives to inform, educate and screen as many people as it can reach. He has been honored with the Diversity Award’s prestigious Integrity Award, as well as Nosotros’ Lifetime Achievement Award for the roles he has chosen in his career and how these have improved the image of Latinos on screen. Elizondo also is an avid supporter of Amnesty International, American Cancer Society and the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. He resides in Los Angeles.


Last Man Standing is back with a 7th season. What's new? 
Hector Elizondo: It is the same old same cast except for one person. Same writers, the same crew and producers. We get a great support from the network who are behind us 100 percent. Enthusiastic huge following and great future. It is great to have a live audience watching the show.

You are the owner of Outdoor Man. What do you love about your character and how will he evolve in the new season? 
I am more than an owner. He is in the stage where he will make some changes and he is always falling in love with someone. This part of his life is more meaningful in terms of giving back; more philanthropic. He is the man who doesn't need money - he needs to found meaning. You only find real meaning when you give back. The rest is about being a good human being.

What do you think makes this show so successful and will there be an 8th season? 
We have the right chemistry and people see it. The show is very clear on values. We want to be part of the healing. We like to be part of the solution and not part of the problem. People can sense that. Probably there will be...

You are an avid supporter of Alzheimer Disease because of family battle with it. How has this mental illness impacted your life and what do you do now to make difference in other people’s lives? 
My father died from taking care of my mother. If you can survive, they get better. Not only my mother had it but also four of her sisters. Most of the victims are caretakers. You are not prepared for what is ahead. What I do is I talk about the caretaking. They need help and physical training. Caretaking is very import. We have to support them!

After 54 years working in the entertainment industry, what have you learned about it and yourself that if you could go back and see your younger self you will tell him? 
Pay more attention. I am very grateful to have the chance. I have a feeling of gratitude. You don't learn if you don't lose. Celebration is easy when you are victorious. When you are not victorious you have an opportunity to learn. Learn how we are connected to one another and how we are different. Learn to be prepared. You have to be ready! I am also looking forward to Princess Diaries 3 and Last Man Standing. We will be standing for a long time I hope!

 Last Man Standing premiered on September 28 on FOX.

"Murder in the Woods" with Danny Trejo Sweeps the 2018 FANtastic Horror Film Festival Award Nominations

Luis Iga's award-winning slasher continues to garner acclaim, as the film scores six nominations 

Los Angeles, CA, September 18, 2018 - Luis Iga’s ground-breaking Latinx feature film, "Murder in the Woods," makes its San Diego premiere at the FANtastic Horror Film Festival. The film stars José Julián (“A Better Life”) and features distinguished actor Danny Trejo (“Machete”). The award-winning film directed and produced by Luis Iga and written and produced by Yelyna De Leon has played to packed houses in Los Angeles, Portland, New York, Denver, Chicago, and now San Diego will get its first taste of what critics have called, “a breakthrough,” “smart, funny & very effective horror” film with a “phenomenal storyline” that “delivers on its promise in heaps.” "Murder in the Woods" has a total of six nominations at the prestigious festival.

The nominations are Best Feature Film, Best Actor: Jose Julian, Best Supporting Actor: Kade Wise & Danny Trejo, Best Score and Goriest Film. The film will play on Saturday, October 27 at 5:45pm at the Ultra Star Mission Valley Cinemas-Hazard Center located at 7510 Hazard Center in San Diego, California. Tickets are on sale now here: http://bit.ly/FANtastictixPR “I am truly honored and grateful to receive these nominations. I want to congratulate all the nominees and I want to thank the festival founders JoAnn Thomas, Mike Thomas and everyone involved in the festival for being pioneers in supporting the diversity change that Hollywood needs. Furthermore, this film would not have been possible without our award-winning cast and crew; I want to thank them for their hard work in making this film a reality” said director and producer Luis Iga. “I also want to thank Matt Chassin, the Festival’s Executive Producer for his support and for always being a fan of this film” Iga added. Writer and producer Yelyna De Leon said “I’m very grateful for the opportunity to screen the film for audiences in San Diego at Fantastic Horror Film Festival so they can experience our fun film and see beautiful brown faces up on the big screen in non-stereotypical roles.” The FANtastic Horror Film Festival in San Diego, CA is dedicated to bringing the latest and cutting-edge Indie Horror films to the local community; it is a three-day festival over Halloween and shows 30 plus Indie Horror Short and Feature films. Following the Fest they have an Award Ceremony to celebrate the award nominees and winners. 

“Murder in the Woods” distinguishes itself for being an All “People of Color” cast in non-stereotypical roles. The rest of the ensemble cast includes Jeanette Samano (“Female Fight Squad,” “Isa”), Chelsea Rendon (“Bright,” “Vida”), Catherine Toribio (“Jane the Virgin”), and Jordan Diambrini (“The Outfield”). It also features Soledad St. Hilaire (“Beatriz at Dinner”), Kurt Caceres (“Dexter”) 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 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, financing and distribution of audiovisual projects including Film, Television, Animation, Video Games and Virtual Reality.

REZINATE has a global presence with clients and projects that are developed around the world. www.rezinate.com 
For more information on “Murder In The Woods:”
Website: http://www.murderinthewoodsmovie.com
Trailer: http://bit.ly/FANtasticPRmitw
Facebook: @MITWMovie
Instagram: @murderinthewoods
Twitter: @MITWMovie
Snapchat: @MITWMovie
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt6083146

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!