Interview with Paul Guilfoyle and Eric Aronson of the film “Any Day Now” by Suzanne 3/13 and 3/14/25
This is a good indie movie about a real-life art museum heist that happened in 1990…but really, it’s about two (fictional) men (one older) that meet and get involved in a plot to steal the art. Marty (Paul Guilfoyle) ropes Steve (Taylor Gray) into helping him with the job. Marty is a career criminal with loads of bad advice for Steve, who is used to people walking all over him. The character studies and the acting are great to watch, and the basic story is unusual and enjoyable. Don’t miss this one! It premieres Friday, 3/21/25 in theaters – 35 years after the real-life museum robbery happened!
It was great speaking to both of these gentlemen about the movie. I’ve long-admired Guilfoyle’s work on CSI and other shows. Aronson not only came up with the idea for this movie, but he wrote, directed and produced it. Both he and Guilfoyle are from Boston, where the movie takes place (and where the real heist happened). See more info below. Enjoy the videos!
*Winner – Audience Favorite Feature Award – 2024 Boston Film Festival**
Starring: Paul Guilfoyle (L.A. Confidential) Taylor Gray (Saturday Night) Alexandra Templer (“Only Murders in the Building”) Thomas Kee (Blow the Man Down) Armando Rivera (Wolves)
Written and Directed by Eric Aronson
Produced by Eric Aronson, Mark Donadio, Dana Scott, Emily Sheehan
Executive Produced by Jan Egleson, Paul Guilfoyle
Steve (Taylor Gray) is a night watchman in his early 20s but his life is already getting away from him: his band is falling apart, he owes a ton of money, and he’s in love with his best friend’s girl. When Marty Lyons (Paul Guilfoyle) comes along and ropes Steve into a world of misfits, oddballs, and lost souls as dirty as the Charles River, Steve wonders if this is a change for the better of if he’s about to make the worst mistake of his life.
ABOUT STAR TAYLOR GRAY
Taylor Gray is a versatile actor, best known for his appearance as Al Franken in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night as well as voicing Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels. With Any Day Now, Gray is making his feature star debut.
ABOUT STAR PAUL GUILFOYLE
Paul Guilfoyle commands the screen as Marty Lyons in Any Day Now. Born in Boston, is best known for his role as Captain Jim Brass on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” His film credits include L.A. Confidential, Air Force One, and Spotlight, while his TV roles range from “Miami Vice” to “Star Trek: Discovery’s Guardian of Forever.”
ABOUT DIRECTOR ERIC ARONSON
Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer/director with 22-years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written numerous high-profile projects for Warners, Disney, Miramax, Lionsgate, and has worked closely with the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, etc. Any Day Now is not only a labor of love to Boston, but also his directorial debut.
RT: 81 Minutes (the exact duration of the robbery)
FBI Confiscated Stolen Rembrandt! ANY DAY NOW Unique Activation for Upcoming Heist Film | Directed by Eric Aronson
Based on a true-ish art heist of Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the thieves who walked away with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of art – the single largest unsolved property theft in the world.
The team behind the upcoming heist film ANY DAY NOW
staged a unique art gallery experience in NY in a guerilla-marketing stunt that was captured by numerous influencers causing a social media commotion
leading to 6.8M+ views across platformsOf these influencers, @davidwma shared his coverage to his 1.3M Followers and his video currently sits at 3M views. Similarly, @kaylakrasnow shared with her 27K Followers and her video is sitting at 1M views; @itsnickholiday 541K Followers and 76.9K views; @definitely_kai_13 16.9K followers and 19.3K views.
The gallery exhibition, which was titled “13 Masterpieces, An Exclusive One-Weekend-Only Exhibition in Chelsea”, appeared to the general art gallery crowd – who lined up outside for entrance and packed the space on opening night – simply as any other gallery.
However, it was be revealed that the art was in fact fake and the security protecting the precious artifacts were actually from Improv Everywhere who partnered with the film to set up this special event.
Interviews with Kat McNamara, director James Bamford and producer Steven Paul of the film “High Ground” by Suzanne 3/10 and 3/17/25
Here are two interviews…one I did with James Bamford and Steven Paul on March 10th, and one I did with Kat McNamara on March 17. I enjoyed speaking to all three of them.
Katherine (or “Kat” as she’s called) was great fun to chat with. I learned something today. She is not only beautiful and multi-talented, but she’s also very smart, kind and dedicated to making change in the world (as well as in her own life). I learned that from reading about her, as well as from speaking with her. I would have like to ask her about how she deals with actor’s disappointments (such as not getting the “Arrow” spinoff, or having her other show canceled after one season), but I’ll bet she handles them very well.
The director and producer have clearly been working on movies and TV shows for a long time. Bamford worked on “Arrow “, so he and Kat know each other very well. They also did some previous movies together. They were both very good about answering my questions.
“High Ground” is an action-packed modern western, but I noticed that it was also similar to some horror movies I’ve watched. Kat (“Arrow,” “Walker: Independence”) plays a local waitress, the girlfriend of the new sheriff, Jake (Charlie Weber, “How to Get Away With Murder”). Jake’s father, Ezra (Oscar-winner Jon Voight) is the old wise man who’s trying to help Jake become the great sheriff that he knows he can become. A stranger, played by Henry Thomas (“E.T.”, “The Fall of The House of Usher”) comes to town, arrested by the deputy for speeding. Some gangsters are hunting the stranger and are willing to do whatever’s necessary to get him. It’s an exciting movie, with amazing actors, and it’s worth watching if you like action films or westerns. It premieres tomorrow, 3/18/25, on various digital platforms and OnDemand. I prefer Amazon Prime, myself, but I’m sure it will be in other places as well.
When a mysterious prisoner lands in his jail, a border town sheriff faces the wrath of a brutal cartel in this action-packed thriller starring Charlie Weber, Katherine McNamara, and Academy Award® winner Jon Voight.
RELEASE DATE: Available to Buy on Digital March 18, 2025
DIRECTED BY: James Bamford
STORY BY: Bill Sondheim
SCREENPLAY BY: John Thaddeus
PRODUCED BY: Steven Paul
EXECUTIVE PRODUCED BY: Scott Karol, Charlie Weber, Bernard Kira
STARRING: Charlie Weber, Jon Voight, Katherine McNamara, Dustin Ingram, James Oliver Wheatley, Henry Thomas, Skyler Shaye
DISTRIBUTED BY: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label)
GENRE: Thriller, Independent, Western
RATING: R for strong violence, and language
SYNOPSIS: When a mysterious prisoner lands in his jail, a border town sheriff faces the wrath of a brutal cartel in this action-packed thriller starring Charlie Weber, Katherine McNamara, and Academy Award® winner* Jon Voight.
KAT MCNAMARA is a singer, dancer, songwriter, actress and producer. Her first big role was in “Shadowhunters” on ABC Family. Then she was in the 2nd and 3rd Maze Runner movies. She appeared in the last two seasons of “Arrow” on The CW as Oliver and Felicity’s daughter, Mia, from the future. Following that, she starred in the western spinoff of “Walker” on The CW, “Walker: Independence,” which, unfortunately, lasted only one season. She’s been making movies, like “High Ground,” ever since.
JAMES BAMFORD, also known by the nickname “BamBam”, is a Canadian film & television director, who was the sole “directing producer” of the series Arrow and directed 17 episodes of the series including multiple premieres, season finales, crossovers and the series finale. He started his career in the film and television industry as a stuntman and fight choreographer with his martial arts experience as his entry skill set. He continued on in his career to become a stunt coordinator, 2nd unit director, then director, and directing producer/executive producer. (From Wikipedia)
STEVEN PAUL is a prominent independent film producer with credits including Marvel’s ‘Ghost Rider’ and the more recent ‘Ghost In The Shell’ for Paramount Pictures. Paul also heads SP MEDIA GROUP, made up of the leading independent film studio SP ENTERTAINMENT, international sales agency CRYSTAL SKY, worldwide distribution arm SP RELEASING, and home entertainment distributor ECHO BRIDGE. Most recently, SP MEDIA GROUP acquired a majority stake in the Atlas Comics library in partnership with Paramount Pictures. (From https://www.spreleasing.net)
Interview with Candi Milo of the film “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” by Suzanne 3/11/25
It was so much fun to chat with Candi about this movie, playing Petunia, and more. She was delightful! I hope you enjoy the video and you can see how she has so much enthusiasm, and we laughed a lot. If you grew up loving the Warner Bros. cartoons like Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and the rest, you should love this new movie! It’s very funny, entertaining and zany, with a good story. It premieres March 13th nationwide in theaters.
Ketchup Entertainment will release THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE in theaters nationwide on March 14, 2025
SYNOPSIS
That’s not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Peter Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning “Looney Tunes Cartoons” comes THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE, a brand new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history–Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly-crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that’s truly out of this world.
Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)… that is if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process.
Featuring the voices of acclaimed actors Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Wayne Knight, and Laraine Newman with the laugh-out-loud gags, vibrant visuals, and beloved characters that make the Looney Tunes so timeless and iconic. Ketchup Entertainment will release THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE wide in theaters on March 14, 2025.
CREDITS
Director: PETER BROWNGARDT
Line Producer: MICHAEL BAUM
Supervising Producer: ALEX KIRWAN
Executive Producers: PETER BROWNGARDT, SAM REGISTER
Written By: DARRICK BACHMAN, PETER BROWNGARDT, KEVIN COSTELLO,
ANDREW DICKMAN, DAVID GEMMILL, ALEX KIRWAN, RYAN KRAMER,
JASON REICHER, MICHAEL RUOCCO, JOHNNY RYAN, EDDIE TRIGUEROS
Music By: JOSHUA MOSHIER
Edited By: NICK SIMOTAS
Art Director: NICK CROSS
Production Designer: AARON SPURGEON
Production Company: WARNER BROS. ANIMATION
Run Time: 91 MINUTES
MPA Rating: PG FOR CARTOON VIOLENCE ACTION AND RUDE
Interviews with Josh McKenzie and Patrick Sabongui of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne
I enjoyed speaking with both of these actors. I interviewed Josh a few times previously, for the show “La Brea,” also on NBC. He’s very popular due to his previous roles. I’m very glad I got to speak with Patrick because not only is he doing a bang-up job on this show, but he was amazing in “The Flash” as Captain Singh (a small but notable role). I hope they get a second season!
Josh McKenzie stars as Shane Florence, former solider and current prison guard, on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
He first broke out in native New Zealand in the acclaimed feature “Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell,” for which he won the Oscar equivalent for Outstanding Feature Film Debut.
He’s familiar to audiences for his starring role on the NBC series “La Brea.” Prior to that, he was featured in the Australian series “Five Bedrooms.”
Other credits include roles in the international series “Shannara Chronicles” and “The New Legends of Monkey” on Netflix. He can be seen in season two of the Australian series “The Twelve.”
Patrick Sabongui
Jacob Hassani, “The Hunting Party”
Patrick Sabongui stars as CIA agent Jacob Hassani on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
Sabongui’s most recognizable television credits include “Homeland,” “Shameless,” “Firefly Lane,” “Shooter” and CW’s “The Flash,” where he played Captain David Singh for nine seasons.
On the big screen, his credits include “Godzilla,” “300,” “Drone,” “Between Borders” and the upcoming feature film “In Cold Light,” with Oscar winners Helen Hunt and Troy Kotsur. Other films include Zack Snyder’s “Watchmen” and “Sucker Punch,” “Tron: Legacy” and “Interrogation.”
On stage, credits include the Canadian premiere of Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Disgraced,” and, most recently “Art” by Yasmina Reza at The Guthrie Theatre.
Sabongui earned a BFA in drama for human development from Concordia University, Montreal; a collegiate degree in drama from Vanier College, Montreal; a certificate from the National Theatre Conservatory Intensive, Colorado; and a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of California.
Sabongui is an advocate for underrepresented voices and professor of theater and head of the BFA acting program at CUNY: Brooklyn College.
The Hunting Party
Series Premiere Monday Feb 3 on NBC (10 pm ET/PT)
A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.
Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.
“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Interview with Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Peter Gadiot and Lydia Wilson of “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” on MGM+ by Suzanne
Interview date: 2/26/25
I enjoyed speaking with these talented actors. I’ve loved their previous work, and they all do a wonderful job in this intriguing drama. I only had about 10 minutes to speak with them, but it was well worth it. I can’t wait to see the last two episodes of this 6 part miniseries! It premieres March 2nd on MGM+.
Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue is a strikingly original and taut thriller series with a jaw-dropping reveal waiting at the end. A light aircraft with nine passengers crashes in the Mexican jungle – and everyone survives. But then, one after another, they begin to die in strange and violent ways and very soon they begin to realize that, for some inexplicable reason, somebody wants them dead. As the story unfolds in flashback, we meet the survivors as they fight against the heat, a shortage of supplies, the many dangers of the jungle – and each other. The setting becomes increasingly tense and claustrophobic until finally the identity of the killer and the truth are revealed.
Credits
Written, Created, and Executive produced by
Anthony Horowitz CBE
Executive Produced by
Anthony Horowitz, Jill Green & Eve Gutierrez for Eleventh Hour Films
Produced by
Eleventh Hour Films, a Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) backed company
Richard Burrell
Directed by
Brian O’Malley, Viviane Andereggen
Cast
Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Lydia Wilson, Peter Gadiot, Siobhán McSweeney, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Adam Long, Jan Le
Interview with Sara Garcia of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne 2/14/25
This was fun, but short. It was nice to speak to Sara, whom I interviewed (in a group) 2 years ago for the family drama “Ride” on Hallmark. This new series is quite a different show, about a team of FBI agents that chase down serial killers that have escaped from a high-tech prison. She plays the army tech person that helps the field agents. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but it’s got a wonderful cast and solid action. It seems a little bit like “The Blacklist” crossed with “Criminal Minds,” but it’s got its own original take.
A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.
Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.
“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Sara Garcia
Jennifer Morales, “The Hunting Party”
Sara Garcia stars as Jennifer Morales, an intel officer and major in the Army, on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
Ontario-born and Toronto-raised, Garcia applied and was accepted to one of Toronto’s most prestigious arts schools, the Etobicoke School of the Arts. When it came time for college, Garcia chose to attend the renowned Queen’s University, where she double majored in global development and theater.
Her first foray on TV was a role on FX’s “Man Seeking Woman.” Other television credits include CW’s “The Flash” and “Reign,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” Hallmark’s “Ride,” the USA series “Falling Water,” the SYFY movie “Stickman” and the action series “X Company” for the CBC.
Most recently Garcia had a leading role in the animated Netflix series “Unicorn Academy,” which garnered her a Canadian Screen Award nomination; a recurring part on Netflix’s “My Little Pony” franchise; Amazon’s “Gary & His Demons”; and the Apple TV/Dreamworks project “Pinecone & Pony.”
Outside of film and television, she has displayed her acting skills with major roles in two incredibly successful video game franchises, “Far Cry 6” and “Starlink: Battle for Atlas.”
Interview with Kathleen Gati of “General Hospital” on ABC by Suzanne 2/8/25
It was a lot of fun to speak with Kathleen! She’s not only an amazing actress (as “General Hospital” viewers saw), but she’s very good to her fans. She’s acted in many other wonderful shows, such as “24,” “Arrow” and “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462.” I was very tired during the interview because I hadn’t slept much the night before, so I apologize if I seem low-key. Don’t miss the two Zoom fan events below!
Two great events where you can see Kathleen on Zoom!
The second event is in May 3rd and 4th with other daytime actors!
BIO: Two time Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Actress (2020, 2016), and winner of seven Best Actress awards, a Best Supporting Actress Award and a Best Actress Nominee, Kathleen Gati is very well known as the stewardess on AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead: Flight 462; for her role as Raisa on (CW) Arrow; Zora on S.W.A.T. (CBS), eleven seasons (522 episodes) as Dr. Liesl Obrecht on (ABC) General Hospital (1963) and as the CEO on (BET) Being Mary Jane. She is also very popular for her two seasons on 24: Redemption (2008) as Anya Suvarov, the First Lady of Russia. She has garnered nine Audiofile Earphones Awards for her over 80 audiobook narrations.
Gati was born and raised in Canada by Hungarian immigrants and was brought up in an artistic environment. Her father was a symphony conductor and her mother an opera singer, so performing was in her blood. She started acting at the age of three, wrote, directed and starred in her first play at the age of eight. After high school, she moved to New York to pursue her dream, where she studied and performed in dozens of plays both on and Off Broadway, as well as working in numerous roles on television and in film. Gati was invited to Hungary to be in the feature Goldberg variácók (1992), for which she won the Television and Film Critics Best Supporting Actress award.
She subsequently stayed on in Hungary for six years, during which time she starred in numerous films, television series and several movies of the week, winning multiple additional awards along the way, including the Film and Television Critics award for her story and lead role for A színésznö és a halál (1995) (The Actress and the Death). Her performance in Hungary’s biggest hit of the 1990s, Sose halunk meg (1993) (We Never Die), which made the final 35 films selected for Best Foreign Film entries for the Academy Awards, made her an extremely popular actress in eastern and central Europe. She won Best Actress at the Los Angeles Hungarian Film Festival in 2011 for her lead role in Retrace (2011) and was nominated for Best Actress at the New York International Film Festival in 2015 for A Play on Words (2015). Her lead role in Lifeline (2015) has garnered Gati five Best Actress awards.
Interview with Selina Ringel and Ritesh Rajan of the film “You, Me & Her” by Suzanne 2/7/25
It was fun to speak to these two actors (even though I was having a very bad hair day! LOL!). The film is sexy, fun, entertaining, and it shows marriage in a real way. Make sure to catch it when it opens tomorrow, February 14, in theaters nationwide.
The romantic comedy YOU, ME & HER, presented by Two Hands Productions, starring Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead), will be released in 250+ theaters nationwide as the Alpha Test film for The Fithian Group’s new platform Attend on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025.
The film is directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by Selina Ringel, a husband-and-wife powerhouse.
“A thoughtful, provocative and ultimately moving marital drama that feels more realistic and more honest than any number of Hollywood romcoms.”
– Action Reloaded
ABOUT YOU, ME & HER
94 minutes | Comedy | 2025 | English | USA | MPA Rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language
SYNOPSIS | For Mags and Ash, marriage has become a series of arguments and compromises, leaving them both yearning for more. On their first vacation alone since becoming parents, their arguments threaten to ruin the trip—until they meet Angela, a free-spirited digital nomad who stirs unexpected feelings in Mags and gives her permission to be a version of herself she has not been in years, fun! Intrigued by Angela, the couple flirts with the idea of a threesome, but it’s never as simple as it seems.
LOGLINE | A chronically married couple flirts with a threesome to rediscover themselves.
TAGLINE | Don’t Make it Weird.
THEATRICAL RELEASE | Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2025
DIRECTED BY | Dan Levy Dagerman
WRITTEN BY | Selina Ringel
PRODUCED BY | Selina Ringel, Dan Levy Dagerman, Fernando Lebrija, Pablo Lebrija, Ritesh Rajan, and Cameron Fife
STARRING | Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead).
PRODUCTION COMPANY | Two Hand’s Productions
IN PARTNERSHIP | Fifthian Group and Attend
BIOGRAPHIES:
ABOUT DAN & SELINA: Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel are a filmmaking husband and wife team. Their last movie Single Mother By Choice sold directly to HBOMax. Their newest film You, Me & Her has partnered with the Fithian Group as the Alpha Test for their new platform called Attend which might reshape the independent theatrical model. Their film will be in over 200 theaters nationwide on Valentine’s Day! They both graduated from AFI.
SELINA RINGEL, Mags (Lead Actress, Writer, Producer): A dynamic Mexican-American filmmaker, has carved a niche in the independent film scene with her compelling narratives and unique voice. An award-winning writer, producer, and actress, her recent project, “You, Me & Her,” has won 15 awards, including Best Picture at the Mexican-American Film & Television Awards, and boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Selina’s groundbreaking film “Single Mother by Choice” captured her real-time pregnancy journey during COVID-19 and premiered on HBO Max. She is also known for her engaging comedy special on Amazon Prime, “2 Moms 1 Mic,” and her internationally recognized film “The Best People,” distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Selina’s work continues to resonate globally, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.
RITESH RAJAN, Ash (Lead Actor): A graduate of NYU Tisch, you can see Ritesh’s work as the lead in Sujata Day’s new film “Definition Please” produced by Mindy Kaling & Ava DuVernay, as Farran in the Emmy award-winning hit “Russian Doll” and as the voice of Ken in “Barbie: Dream House Adventures”: and more all on Netflix. Other credits include recurring on Shonda Rimes “Station 19,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book, FreeForm’s “Stitchers,” “NCIS LA,” “Star Wars,” “Rebels,” “Beavis & Butthead” and the Hulu original, “Dollface.”
DAN LEVY DAGERMAN (Director): Dan is a distinguished director, producer, and innovator in the film industry, known for blending poignant narratives with groundbreaking cinematic techniques, establishing himself as a formidable force in modern independent cinema. After earning an MFA in Directing from AFI Conservatory, Dan co-founded Two Hands Productions with his wife, Selina Ringel. Their most recent feature, “You, Me & Her,” has garnered significant success on the film festival circuit, winning 15 awards, including Best Picture at the 2024 Mexican-American Film & Television Festival, and achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ahead of its 2025 theatrical release. Their previous feature, “Single Mother by Choice,” documented Selina’s real-life pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and was acquired by HBO Max, receiving critical acclaim and the Best Indie Feature award at Film Threat’s Annual AWARD THIS! in 2022, showcasing Dan’s directorial sensitivity to intimate, real-life stories. Dan founded High Concept Entertainment, a production company at the intersection of cannabis and entertainment, pioneering content marketing and distribution strategies that reflect the evolving demands of digital-age audiences. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, storytelling excellence, and a keen understanding of cultural trends, whose work continues to inspire and drive change.
SYDNEY PARK, Angela (Supporting Actress): Sydney got her start at the age of 6 doing stand-up comedy at the Hollywood Improv. At the age of 8, she competed on reality competition show “America’s Got Talent” as “Syd the Kid,” the youngest stand-up comic to compete. She went on to guest star on hit Disney Channel series “That’s So Raven” and “Hannah Montana,”, in addition to HBO’s “Entourage,” “Comedy Central’s “The Sarah Silverman Program” and CBS’ “CSI: NY.”. Continuing her versatile work, Sydney starred in Nick at Nite’s “Instant Mom,” AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the Netflix animated series, “Spirit Riding Free” and Freeform’s spin-off series “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.” Her performance was highlighted as “the standout of the young cast” by Variety magazine. Sydney‘s credits also include season 3 of the hit Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet,” the 2017 horror film “Wish Upon” and the Netflix slasher film “There’s Someone Inside Your House.”
FILMMAKERS STATEMENT
As a husband and wife team, we write stories that are a hyperbole of our lives. We believe that this approach allows us to create films that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, sparking conversations about love, relationships, and the human condition. You, Me & Her is a romantic comedy that draws on our personal lives and influences as diverse as Knocked Up, Scenes from a Marriage, and Force Majeure to bring the audience into the exploration of Mags and Ash’s relationship.
It’s fair to say everyone in a relationship has fantasized about what it would be like to be with someone else and on the surface the idea of a threesome seems like the ultimate loophole for a couple. In our film, we were determined to explore these complex emotions honestly and authentically within the characters and ourselves. The film poses the question of whether this ‘relationship band-aid’ can save a relationship or if festering issues buried under the surface have become too deep of a wound to fix.
You, Me & Her is the first film for the Fithian Group’s experimental Alpha development phase of its recently announced online theatrical digital distribution and marketing platform, Attend. (The Hollywood Reporter).
The release will allow the parties to harness the conversations between filmmakers and theater owners into automated tools that will combine with the industry’s leading data set to form Attend.
The Fithian Group and the groundbreaking distribution platform Attend, are endorsed by over 90 significant filmmakers and producers including Damien Chazelle, Patty Jenkins, Steven Soderbergh, Sean Baker, and many more.
You, Me & Her is actively partnering with influencers, content creators, and brands that authentically resonate with the themes of the film. Their brand partners to date include Lindt Chocolate, Lyft, Lalo Tequila, Zomoz Mezcal, The Pleasure Chest, PleasureMed, Candier by Ryan Porter, Simmr, Potli, PYM Mood Chews, FemmeFun and La Nua.
The You, Me & Her team will be activating unique experiences in different theaters all over the nation. In partnership with Riviera Nayarit, Hotel Ysuri and Casa Selva audience members will even have the chance to win a trip to Mexico.
Selina and Dan will participate in a Panel at Sundance 2025, Revolutionizing Theatrical Distribution to Expand the Range and Impact of Independent Films. Speakers include, Elizabeth Woodward (Founder and CEO, Willa) Selina Ringel (Screenwriter, You, Me & Her) Dan Levy Dagerman (Director, You, Me & Her), Jackie Brenneman (Co-Founding Partner, The Fithian Group). Please see the recorded Q&A here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Selina identifies as a bisexual woman and is married to Dan who identifies as a straight man
The film was sparked by a moment that made Selina question her sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with her husband, Dan.
Selina is Mexican-American and was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The movie was shot in Spanglish and half of it was shot in Nayarit, Mexico.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS:
Grand Jury Award Best Feature Film Comedy Sherman Oaks Film Festival 2023
Grand Jury Award Best Performance by a Cast 2023
Grand Jury Award Best Screenplay 2023
Best RomCom Amsterdam World Canvas Film Festival 2024
Best Picture Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
Best Original Story Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
Best Comedy Festigious 2/6/2024
Best Romantic Comedy Los Angeles Film Awards 2023
Best LGBTQ+ Film Athens International Film Festival
Best Picture New York Film Awards 2023
Best Actor New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
Best Actress New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
Best Picture Mexican American Film Festival 2024 (5/18/2024)
Best Queer Feature Film Lone Wolf International Film Festival 2024
Best Director Paris Awards Film Festival 2024
PRESS QUOTES & REVIEWS
“Attend allows for an unprecedented collaboration between filmmakers, theater owners and marketers in expanding the reach of theatrical moviemaking. With You, Me & Her, and Dan and Selina’s embrace of experimentation, we think we have an ideal projet to build the tools that will become Attend.”
“We tell stories inspired by our lives. This film was sparked by a moment that made me question my sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with your husband [Dagerman]” said Ringel.
“Dagerman and Ringel walk the line masterfully between titillation and meditation. There’s no reason a film can’t do both, but generally, filmmakers don’t even try to approach sex thoughtfully or with any emotional depth. The beautiful Mexican beach and Latin party music for the trip provides a visual feast, serving as a getaway for the audience as well as the characters.”
“With a compelling storyline, strong performances, and a tasteful approach to adult themes, You, Me & Her succeeds in offering a refreshing perspective on love, laughter, and the unconventional paths that relationships may take.”
“What looks to be a raunchy sex comedy eventually turns into something more substantial, as Ringel’s nuanced script finds surprising depth as well as humor in a strained domesticity nearing the breaking point.”
“Attend expands possibilities for filmmakers and non-studio movies to reach audiences and to expand the reach and efficiency of existing distributors. Over many years of grappling with the challenges and opportunities facing the theatrical market worldwide, as industry leaders we have sought solutions that grow the business for all stakeholders.”
January 16, 2025: “’You, Me & Her’ Releases First Trailer; Romantic Comedy Will Test Fithian Group’s Digital Distribution Marketplace (EXCLUSIVE)” https://x.com/Variety/status/1879966894402294260
*Please note, this was shared with VARIETY’s X (2.9M Followers).
Interview with Gary Anthony Williams, Nyambi Nyambi and Lacretta of “Night Court” on NBC by Suzanne 2/6/25
It’s always great fun to speak to these actors from “Night Court!” They are hilarious. I was paired with another journalist this time, Russ Milheim of The Direct. It’s always nice to meet fellow members of the press. We each asked very different questions, which is great. I hope you enjoy these fun interviews!
Tuesdays on NBC (8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT); Season Premiere: Nov 19
Eternally optimistic Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch) follows in the footsteps of her revered late father, Judge Harry Stone, as she takes on the challenge of overseeing the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court.
In her quest to bring order and dignity to the court and reign in its colorful crew of oddballs, Abby enlists former night court district attorney Dan Fielding (John Larroquette) to serve as the court’s public defender. Still exceedingly self-confident, Fielding must adjust to a new boss and a new job – defending the downtrodden. And, beneath his arrogant demeanor, there is an empathetic side to Fielding that Abby is determined to unearth.
They both must contend with Julianne Walters (Wendie Malick), a reformed convict and former love interest of Dan, who is the new prosecutor. A sophisticated, savvy woman and accomplished attorney who also knows how to make a shank out of a spoon, she’ll keep everyone in the courthouse on their toes. Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous (Lacretta) is the night court’s sharp-witted bailiff. Gurgs takes her job very seriously and is fiercely protective of her night court colleagues. Wyatt Shaw (Nyambi Nyambi) is the court’s clerk. He’s a jack of all trades and devoted single dad trying to make it all work as a law student at the same time.
From executive producer and writer Dan Rubin (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), “Night Court” is based on the original hit series that ran for nine seasons on NBC. Executive producers also include Melissa Rauch, Winston Rauch, John Larroquette, Mat Hawawitz, Lon Zimmet, Lindsey Shockley and Mona Garcea.
“Night Court” is produced by Rauch’s After January Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
BIOS
Lacretta
Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous, “Night Court”
Lacretta stars as Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., Lacretta made her stage debut at 14 at the Coterie Theater – an institution in which she holds great affection. It was there where she starred in numerous performances throughout the ’90s, such as “A Wrinkle in Time” and “101 Dalmatians.”
In 2011, she appeared in “Hairspray” at Broadway Rose in Portland. She then originated the role of Levora Verona in the Off-Broadway run of “Disaster!” in 2012 at the Triad in New York, and made her Broadway debut with the same role in 2016.
Following her on-stage success, Lacretta guest starred on “Law & Order,” “30 Rock,” “Broad City” and “Gotham.”
In film, Lacretta appeared in the romantic comedy “Second Act” before making her return to the stage in “Avenue Q” in the closing cast of their Off-Broadway run at New World Stages. She was also featured in the first national tour of “The Book of Mormon.”
In her off time, Lacretta loves gaming and is very active on Twitch TV. In 2022, she helped announce the first Streamers for Education Scholarship for Black Women going into the fields of STEM, Digital Media and film. She is also an avid cook and often shares recipes from “Cretta’s Kitchen” on her Instagram.
She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Nyambi Nyambi
Wyatt Shaw, “Night Court”
Nyambi portrays Wyatt Shaw on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
Nyambi most recently co-starred as investigator Jay DiPersia in Paramount+’s “The Good Fight” and co-starred for six seasons alongside Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy in the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly.” Nyambi can be seen in the Billy Crystal and Alan Zweibel film “Here Today” as well as starring in the indie film “The Sleepless,” available on Amazon Prime.
Nyambi’s TV resume includes “Mercy Street,” “Blindspot,” digital series “American Koko” and “Titans.” Additionally, Nyambi had voiceover roles in “The Death of Superman” and “Reign of the Supermen.” He also narrated the three-part PBS nature documentary “Primates.”
Nyambi has participated in New York’s Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Working alongside Al Pacino and Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Nyambi starred in “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Winter’s Tale.”
Additional theater credits include the first Broadway revival of August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and the Classic Stage Company’s “The Tempest,” opposite Mandy Patinkin. He has worked with the Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Williamstown Theater Festival, and is a proud member of the Labyrinth Theatre Company.
Alongside Danai Gurira, Nyambi serves on the board for Almasi Collaborative Arts, an organization dedicated to developing emerging African artists.
Nyambi is a first-generation Nigerian-American and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bucknell University before earning his Masters of Fine Arts from NYU. He played basketball for four years at Bucknell and made the ESPN Dick Vitale “All-Name Team,” which honors the best names in college basketball. Post-college, Nyambi took on the role of coach and led basketball teams at teen camps.
Gary Anthony WIlliams
Judge Flobert, “Night Court”
Gary Anthony Williams is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He has voiced the character Uncle Ruckus on The Boondocks, General Horace Warfield in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and Dr. Richard Tygan in XCOM 2, portraying Anton “Bebop” Zeck in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
Interview with Sean Kanan of “The Bold and the Beautiful” on CBS and “Cobra Kai” on Netflix by Suzanne 2/4/25
This is my second Zoom interview with Sean Kanan. It’s always great to speak with him because he’s an interesting guy, and an amazing actor, and he always has a lot of things going on. Soap fans know Sean from his role as Deacon on both B&B, Y&R and GH; others may know him from “Karate Kid 3” and the “Cobrai Kai” series, or his Emmy-winning series “Studio City” on Prime. Right now, Sean is busy promoting a new line of hot sauces, some personal appearances, and the latest in his motivational Way of the Cobra book series with his wife, Michele: “Way of the Cobra: Couples“. If you’re a fan of the soaps or of the “Cobra Kai” series or “Karate Kid” movies, you should enjoy this chat!
If you live in the SoCal area, go see Sean Kanan, his wife, and his co-star Kimberlin Brown (who plays Sheila) this Saturday, February 8th at Barnes & Noble in Palm Desert 2 PM! Sean will also be appearing at the Pasadena Comic-Con May 24th. You can find out about Sean’s future events on his Instagram. Wait him daily on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” too. Sounds like he has some great story coming up.
Incidentally, if you haven’t watched “Cobra Kai” or the “Karate Kid” movies, I would suggest you check them out because they’re a lot of fun to watch. I just binge-watched them all in the past few months. The last five episodes of “Cobra Kai” drop Feb. 13! Then there’s a new movie, “Karate Kid: Legends” coming out in the summer, starring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan! It looks good.
Emmy® award-winner Sean Kanan portrays irresistible bad boy “Deacon Sharpe” on The Bold and the Beautiful.
After the character’s success on The Bold and the Beautiful, “Deacon Sharpe” also appeared on sister show, The Young and the Restless. Kanan’s first role in Hollywood was of iconic villain “Mike Barnes” in the blockbuster film Karate Kid III, which he reprised for season five on Netflix’s pop-culture classic Cobra Kai in 2022. He also played the role of “AJ Quartermaine” on General Hospital. His many film credits include two 2021 films with Bruce Willis, Survive the Game and The Fortress, and the Lifetime movie Sinister Society.
In 2021, Kanan won the Daytime Emmy® award for Outstanding Limited Series as the Executive Producer and Creator of Studio City (Amazon Prime), for which he was also Emmy® nominated in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Writing Team. Kanan previously won the Indie Series Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for portraying Studio City protagonist “Sam Stephens.”
Kanan has authored four books. His latest, Welcome to the KUMITE, is the second in the Way of the COBRA (WOTC) series, which draws on intimate personal stories to illustrate his strategies and philosophy for achieving success: “Transform yourself, and you can transform the world.” Sean’s first book, The Modern Gentleman: Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan, received rave reviews. His second, Success Factor X, became an Amazon New Release Best Seller after less than one week and was named one of the twenty most inspirational books in the last two decades by Book Authority.
To give back, Kanan has turned his personal success and the knowledge about his approach to achieving goals for a healthy, happy, and successful life into a successful and highly sought-after life coaching program.
Whether lobbying on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about bullying or performing stand-up comedy in Bosnia to entertain the troops for the USO, Kanan remains active in numerous charitable organizations, including The American Cancer Society, various animal advocacy groups, and serving as the international youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying.
In 2016, Kanan received the 400th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame for his creative work and acts of charity in Hollywood.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Castle, PA, Kanan resides with his wife, Emmy®, award-winning producer and writer Michele Kanan, in California. He celebrates his birthday on November 2.
SEAN KANAN aka “Karate’s Bad Boy”
Kanan has unleashed a line of artisan crafted small batch hot sauces that hit harder than a spinning back kick.
DON’T LET YOUR HOT SAUCE BE A JOKE
Say goodbye to bland and hello to bold with knockout flavors like:
These aren’t your average sauces— they’re weapons of mass deliciousness, packing Scoville heat levels from a solid 4/10 to a face-melting 10/10. Buy Now!
Interview with Josh Stamberg, Jacqueline Christy and Miriam Shor of the movie “Magic Hour” by Suzanne 2/5/25
This is a very entertaining and interesting film, especially for women, or for anyone who wants to make movies. It’s premiering today at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and will also show there tomorrow. I really enjoyed speaking to the writer/director/producer, who seems very down-to-earth, and the film’s main star, Miriam Shor, as well as the actor who plays her husband, Josh Stamberg. We had a couple of great chats. I hope that they will make the movie available outside of the film festival at this point, so you can all see it!
Public 1 (Premiere) Screening – Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00pm PST at Film Center Auditorium #1
Public 2 Screening – Thursday, February 6 at 8:20am PST at Film Center Auditorium #2
RUN TIME
94 minutes
SYNOPSIS
Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating
husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school. She leads a double life
and loves the grueling yet exhilarating world of student filmmaking. But, when she gets fired off her own
film and found out by her daughter, Harriet must decide if her life’s ambition is pure folly or a dream
worth saving.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Six years ago, at the age of not-22, I decided to go to film school – and this movie is what happened.
OK, Magic Hour is not precisely what happened. The film is a highly fictionalized account of what
happens when, after many years of procrastination and self-recrimination, one puts their dream to the
test. The adventures and self-reckoning I experienced going back to film school with classmates half my
age are at the root of my inspiration for Magic Hour. Beginning again is exciting but humbling, and no
reality can live up to the imagined perfection of a dream. Ultimately, I found the beautiful, supportive
film tribe I had hoped for, and in this film, I attempt to depict all of that with love (and gentle satire).
When I had my first few brushes with the professional filmmaking world, I pined (as the protagonist
Harriet does) for the love-fest of film school. On professional film sets, I witnessed forms of bullying and
misogyny that I had seen in the corporate world, but I had found blissfully absent at film school. I knew it
was possible – and better – to create films without that bullying culture. Magic Hour posits a world in
which kindness rules the day, “even in the goddamned film business.”
While Harriet’s estranged husband, her boss, her cinematographer, and the rival Lacrosse coach all
believe they live in a “dog-eat-dog” world in which kindness equals weakness. Harriet challenges that
idea with leadership that is fuelled by creativity and collaboration.
This movie is for timid, neurotic people with a huge dream that they are absolutely certain they can
never achieve. I hope my audience will see themselves in the hopeful and hapless lead character, and
feel the excitement of their own untested dreams; the lure of unknown adventure and the endless
potential within them. I’d love the audience to leave the theater awake and glowing with a reignited
connection to their own powerful destiny.
The magic hour is a time of transition. The beloved beauty of “magic hour” light comes from this
transition into the mysterious unknowability of what might come next.
—Jacqueline Christy
ABOUT THE CAST
MIRIAM SHOR | “Harriet”, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Miriam Ruth Shor is an American actress. She gained prominence for her performance in the
Off-Broadway rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch (1998–2000) and in the 2001 film adaptation of
the same name. She later starred in a number of short-lived television series, including Swingtown
(2008) and GCB (2012). From 2015 to 2021, Shor starred as Diana Trout in the TV Land/Paramount+ comedy-drama series Younger for which she received Critics’ Choice Awards nomination for Best
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Shor played Madelaine True in the Encores! production of The
Wild Party at the New York City Center in 2015 alongside Younger co-star Sutton Foster. She has
appeared in the films Bedazzled (2000), The Cake Eaters (2007), Lost Girls (2020), Maestro (2023) and
American Fiction (2023). She is directing the upcoming documentary film, My NDA. Shor plays the
starring role of Harriet in the upcoming feature film Magic Hour which will premiere at the Santa Barbara
International Film Festival February, 2025.
JOSH STAMBERG | “Bob”
Josh Stamberg works steadily in television, film, and theatre. He can currently be seen in BASED ON A
TRUE STORY and TED on Peacock, and opposite Claire Danes in the FX limited series FLEISHMAN IS IN
TROUBLE. He also recently appeared in the HBO series THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, as well as the
Marvel/Disney+ series WANDAVISION opposite Elizabeth Olsen. Other recent credits include the
Showtime Roger Ailes series THE LOUDEST VOICE, THE AFFAIR, NASHVILLE, PARENTHOOD, and
DISTRACTED, a play in which he starred opposite Cynthia Nixon at Roundabout Theatre Company. Last
year he also starred in EXCLUSION at Arena Stage, directed by Trip Cullman.
Stamberg will next be seen in the films MAGIC HOUR and ISAAC, which he also produced. He also
recently joined the cast of the Paramount+ limited series JONBENET RAMSEY. He works frequently with
LA Theaterworks and the Ojai Playwrights Conference, and lives in Los Angeles.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
JACQUELINE CHRISTY | DIRECTOR, WRITER
Jacqueline Christy is a writer, director, and founder of Access Theater. She received her MFA from the
NYU Graduate Film Program at Tisch and received grants from the NYC Women’s Fund, the NY State
Council on the Arts, the Hollywood Foreign Press grant, and the Sloan Foundation.
Through Access Theater’s 33-year history, she has produced hundreds of plays, including The Killing Act
starring Peter Dinklage, written and directed by Tom McCarthy; Aasif Mandvi’s Sakina’s Restaurant;
Stephen Belber’s Tape; and Bedlam’s acclaimed production of Saint Joan.
She was Assistant Director of the feature films Radium Girls and Equity and the short film Jungle, which
premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She was Assistant Director of the short film Fry Day, which
premiered at SXSW.
Her directorial film work includes short films Rehearsal (Austin Film Festival), Other People (St Louis
International Film Festival), and The Dependents (LA Shorts International Film Festival). Christy was
recently selected by SHOOT magazine for their New Directors Showcase.
Magic Hour, starring Miriam Shor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Austin Pendleton, is her feature debut.
EVA MINEMAR | PRODUCER
Eva Minemar is an award-winning producer of over 50 plays, one-woman shows, branded content, TV,
and film. She is a member of the Actors Studio Director’s Unit and has also conceived and directed the
touring women’s theatre staple, ‘Angry Jello Bubbles’, which was performed at the United Nations for
International Women’s Day. Eva is also the Co-founder and Artistic Director of both the LA LUPA Italian
Cultural Arts Festival (LA LUPA FEST), and served as the Artistic Director of The Piano Store Theatre in
NYC. She is a producer of the upcoming feature film Magic Hour, starring Miriam Shor, Sendhil
Ramamurthy and Austin Pendleton. In her work, she continues to fulfill her lifelong desire to provide
opportunities and support for women in the theatrical arts, giving women writers a voice and the
opportunity to have their work performed worldwide, without the pressure of commercial concerns.
JOSÉ RIVERA | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
José Rivera is a playwright, screenwriter, and director. His screenplay The Motorcycle Diaries was
nominated for 2005 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar—making him the first Puerto Rican writer ever
nominated for an Academy Award—as well as a BAFTA and Writers Guild Award and received top
screenwriting awards in Argentina and Spain. He has written 18 episodes of the acclaimed Netflix series
based on One Hundred Years of Solitude. Other films include On the Road, Trade and The 33. Rivera
co-created and produced Eerie, Indiana, (NBC) and was a consultant and staff writer on Penny Dreadful:
City of Angels (Showtime). Rivera wrote and directed the short films The Fall of a Sparrow and The Civet.
He is the recipient of two Obie Awards for Marisol and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. His
other plays include Cloud Tectonics, Boleros for the Disenchanted, Massacre (Sing to Your Children),
Another Word for Beauty, Sueño, The Untranslatable Secrets of Nikki Corona, Sonnets for an Old Century,
School of the America, Brainpeople, Adoration of the Old Woman, The Maids, The Kiss of the
Spiderwoman (Menier Chocolate Factory, London); Each Day Dies with Sleep, Lovesong (Imperfect) and
The Street of the Sun . He has served on the boards of TCG and the Sundance Institute and was a Creative
Advisor at Sundance Screenwriting Labs in Utah, Jordan and India.
MIRIAM SHOR | “Harriet”, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
See bio above.
JONATHAN GRAY | CONSULTING PRODUCER
Jonathan Gray is highly regarded in the independent film community as an attorney, producer, and
advisor to filmmakers, producers, financiers, and distributors. He has acted as production counsel on
noted documentary films including One Child Nation (2019 Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize);
American Factory (2019 Sundance Documentary Directing Award); and Life, Animated (2016 Sundance
Documentary Directing Award; 2017 Academy Award Nomination for Best Documentary Feature); as
well as seminal independent narrative films such as The Station Agent, Black Swan, and Precious,
providing filmmakers with legal and creative consultation from acquisition of rights through delivery to
the distributors. His producing credits include Blue Caprice (2013 Sundance); Words with Gods (2014
Venice International Film Festival); Nightingale (HBO – 2015 Primetime Emmy Nomination for
Outstanding Television Movie); and Dark Night (2016 Sundance). A former adjunct professor at Columbia
University School of the Arts, Gray earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
NANCY COLLET | ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Nancy Collet is a seasoned entertainment professional with over three decades of experience in the film
industry. Her career is marked by significant contributions to film programming, festival management,
and strategic consulting.
As Director of Programming at AFI FEST for 10 years, Collet played a pivotal role in the festival’s growth
and international recognition. During her tenure, she secured premieres of numerous Academy
Award-winning films, including Life Is Beautiful, Monster, The Lives of Others, and Pan’s Labyrinth,
solidifying its status as a world-renowned event, and curated a diverse selection of critically acclaimed
films, such as Hotel Rwanda, Talk to Her, and City of God.
Following her success at AFI FEST, Collet founded Cinema Collet, a strategic consulting firm. Her client
portfolio includes major film festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival, educational institutions
such as NYU, cultural organizations like The French Consulate, distribution companies and independent
filmmakers seeking festival guidance.
Collet’s expertise is widely recognized in the film community, evidenced by her roles as a juror,
moderator, and panelist for international film festivals and events. Collet’s career is characterized by her
ability to identify and promote groundbreaking cinema, foster industry relationships, and elevate the
profile of film festivals and organizations. Her work continues to shape the landscape of independent
and international film, supporting emerging talents and established filmmakers alike.
LASSE ULVEDAL TOLBØLL | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Lasse Tolbøll is an Oscar-nominated director of photography from Odder, Denmark. He was the
cinematographer for Knight of Fortune, which was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2024
Academy Awards. Lasse shot seven features including Alendre Rockwell’s Sweet Thing which won the
Crystal Bear at Berlin. Lasse’s work has been recognized at film festivals across the world, including the
British Film Awards, Asian Cinematography Awards, and Seattle International Film Festival among others.
Short films Under the Heavens and Pale Saint each won the award for best cinematography at the
HollyShorts film festival in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Lasse completed the graduate film program at the
NYU Tisch School of the Arts and became an HBO-sponsored BAFTA Scholar. Lasse was the 2018 recipient
of the ARRI Volker Bahnemann Award for outstanding cinematography.
https://www.lassetolboll.com/cv
CARLA PATULLO | MUSIC COMPOSER
Carla Patullo is a GRAMMY®-Winning artist who works as a film score composer, solo artist, songwriter,
and multi-instrumentalist. Following a near-death experience, Carla recorded So She Howls, a
self-produced and self-released album that is both cathartic and cinematic. In 2024, So She Howls won
the GRAMMY® Award for “Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.”
Carla is a lifelong musician who earned a bachelor’s degree in songwriting and a master’s of film music
from Berklee College of Music. Some of Carla’s recent film scores include the feature film Bitterroot,
which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024; the Disney+ film Maxine, starring
Margaret Cho; Everybody Dies . . . Sometimes, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; Magic Hour,
an upcoming dramedy starring Miriam Shor; My Name Is Maria De Jesus, an HBO Latino film; Porno,
Fangoria’s recent SXSW hit; and the IDA shortlisted documentary Lotte that Silhouette Girl.
She is a Sundance Film Music and Sound Design Lab alumna, and four-time Hollywood Music in Media
Award Nominee. This past year, because of Carla’s work related to animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, two
of Carla’s film scores were presented at The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences Museum. She is
also a prolific songwriter, having written over 100 songs with placements on film and TV shows, such as
the Sundance award-winning film Spa Night, Teen Titans Go (Cartoon Network), The Ellen DeGeneres
Show, Skins (UK), Sabrina the Teenage Witch, L.A. A Queer History (PBS), and many more.
LEW GOLDSTEIN | SOUND DESIGNER
Lew Goldstein is a 3-time Emmy nominated sound editor and re-recording mixer. Lew has over 100 film
credits and a career that spans over 30 years. Some of his recent work includes Mean Girls, In the
Heights, Black Bear, Hereditary, and The Greatest Showman. Lew was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding
Sound Mixing For a Variety Series or Special in 2021, Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy or Drama
Series (Half-Hour) And Animation in 2019, and Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series
(Half-Hour) And Animation in 2019 for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and Russian Doll respectively.
ELIE AKOKA | COLORIST
Elie Akoka made his debut as a colorist in 2009 with Nader T. Homayoun’s Tehroun (International Critics
week award in VENICE). He has gone on to work with Abdellatif Kechiche on the Palme D’Or winning
Blue is the Warmest Color, Gaspar Noe (Love), Pablo Larrain, Claire Denis (High Life). Elie loves to work
with directors from around the world, among them Lui Bingjian’s (The Back- China) Jen Lien (Sons of
Norway- Norway), Brillante Mendoza-Captive (Philippines). Elie’s work runs the gamut from big budget
US films like Immortals to independent films such as Give Me Liberty, Dark Night, Sollers Point,
Meditarenea, A Ciambra, A Chiara, and Bonne Mere. Recently, he worked as the colorist on Sukkwan
Island, which had its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
CREDITS
Production – DGA
Unit Production Manager Dolores Diaz
First Assistant Director Jacqueline Dow
First Assistant Director Natalia Shaufert
First Assistant Director Joseph Sackett
Second Assistant Director Gabrielle Rice
Cast
HARRIET Miriam Shor
EMMA Cameron Morton
HANK Sendhil Ramamurthy
BOB Josh Stamberg
BEATRICE Anna Suzuki
FELICITY Delissa Reynolds
JOSEPH Austin Pendleton
TED Michael Panes
BILL John Harrington Bland
MICHAEL Patrick Breen
TRISH Joy Suprano
KLAUS Richard Lowenburg
MOTH GUY Louis Mustillo
MOMMOM Renee Taylor
PROFESSOR WOODS Alastair Boag
ANNA Morgan Wolk
YOUNG BOSS Adit Dileep
MONICA Nadia Dajani
JAYDEN Josh Salt
ALISON Danielle Davenport
TOMMY Gilles Geary
MARGARET Jane Elias
PROFESSOR JAMES Asa James
PROFESSOR MILES Amy Staats
JUSTIN Sam Gilroy
TOUGH COACH Jason Nuzzo
STUDIO FRONT DESK GUARD Patrick McGuinness
MADELINE Jenson Smith
MADELINE (VOICE IN FRENCH) Cristina Spina
SOUND MIXER Jasir Romero
ANDY Adam Bryant
KEVIN Marlon Quijije
VANNA Vanna Pilgrim
JAMIE Brough Hansen
JAMIE (VOICE IN FRENCH) James Christy
CHARLES DEREK HANDEL Derek Ragin
LAURA ING Ivana Sabar
STREET CREW PA Elliot White
CHILD BOB Jacob Morrell
CHILD HARRIET Avery Emerson
CHILD BULLY Giuseppe Virzi
AIRBNB HOST Walid Chaya
LACROSSE AMY Amanda Jane Stern
STREET CREW CINEMATOGRAPHER Ariel Dreicer
STREET CREW DIRECTOR Jacqueline Christy
SUPPORTIVE 1950S ACTRESS Nancy Pop
NERVOUS 1950s ACTRESS Alina Mihailevschi
GEORGE Ed Witt
KIND FELLOWSHIP PANELIST Mizuo Peck
AMANDA Jan Jalenak
FELLOWSHIP PANELIST Cristina Spina
SMILING LACROSSE PLAYER Celia Cumiskey
FRANCOIS EVENT BICKERING WOMAN Francine Christy
VOICE OF FRANCOIS GUEST Christine Renee Miller
MOPEY ART PA Emily Gleeson
STUDENT CAMERA ASSISTANT Lizzy Harding
STUDENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Katherine Lane
ACTRESS IN HARRIET’S MOVIE Laura Lee
MOVER #1 Tim Brunnock
MOVER #2 Arti Finn
Mover #3 Thomas Heban
JAMES Isaiah Zeavin-Moss
Monica’s baby Ada Bland
Trish’s Baby Helena
CRYING COLLEAGUE McKenna Cox
COLLEAGUE Hannah Atkinson
WAITRESS Molly Barrett
CLERK Elizabeth Pepe
BOUNCER Gillette
FATHER ACTOR Tom Bozell
DAUGHTER ACTRESS Brinda Dixit
STUDENT PRODUCER Stella Pejo
YOUNG HARRIET Zoë Van Tieghem
LUNCH WAITRESS Liana Feliciano
RUDE COLLEAGUE Jenny Zerke
Background Actors
Harriet Lacrosse Player #2 Yulia Kez
Harriet Lacrosse Player #3 Sadie Rose Darwish
Harriet Lacrosse Player #4 Christy Hillebrecht
Harriet Lacrosse Player #5 Ero Christy
Mom in bleachers #1 Kara Smith Cumiski
Mom in bleachers #2 Julie DeVuono
Paramus Lacrosse Number 3 Cate Osborne
Paramus Lacrosse Number 7 Baldwin Classmate’s daughter
Paramus Lacrosse Number 6 Celia Cumisky
Students Josh Catubig
Natalia Shaufert
Co-Producer Laura Lee
Co-Producer John Rafanelli
Associate Producer Miriam Shor
Associate Producer Janet Antich
Associate Producer Colin Stackpole
Associate Producer Ann Clark
Associate Producer Nancy Collet
Associate Producer Jaqueline Dow
Associate Producer David Allen
In Association with Good Violet
Camera
Camera Operator Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll, DFF
First Assistant Camera Edna L. Biesold
First Assistant Camera Kerstin Ebert
Second Assistant Camera Sehee Kim
Second Assistant Camera Skyla Page
Second Assistant Camera Lydia Marie Smith
Digital Imaging Technician Josh Catubig
Second Unit Director of Photography Joel Wolter
First Assistant Camera Aniket Desai
First Assistant Camera Alice Shcherbak
Still Photographer Dennis P. Mong Jr.
Still Photographer Coordinator Cheryl Mong
Continuity
Script Supervisor Natalia Shaufert
Secondary Script Supervisor Tuesday Blue
Production Sound
Production Sound Mixer/Boom Operator Rebecca Martos
Second Unit Production Sound
Production Sound Mixer Sam T. Wilson
Production Sound Mixer Robbie Kush
Art
Production Designer Lorenza Astengo Fefer
Art Director Kelvin Pater
Art Department Assistant Jessica Hudspeth
Art Department Assistant Grace Crummet
Art Department Assistant Emily Steiker
Art Department Assistant Christina Krioutchkova
Assistant Costume Designer Sadie Rose Darwish
Assistant Costume Designer Sabrina Kridler
Set Costumers Yulia Kez
Hair & Makeup
Hair & Makeup Department Head Rita Mae Sylvester
Hairstylists Christine Kennedy
Paula Salas Bloise
Gina Petruzzi
Makeup Artists Christine Kennedy
Paula Salas Bloise
Gina Petruzzi
SFX Makeup
SFX Makeup Artist Rita Mae Sylvester
Construction
Master Carpenter Greg Brown
Carpenter Jill Brown
Grip
Key Grip Gabriel Eduardo Solorzano
Key Grip Jonathan Tang
Key Grip Brandon Zheng
Key Grip Matt P. Andersen
Electric
Gaffer Ruochen Liao
Gaffer Tannie Xin Tang
Gaffer Jacob Mallin
Gaffer Anthony Saxe
Gaffer Jared Diaw
Swing Aaron Argomido
Swing Maria Nazarouk
Production
Key Production Assistant Thomas Heban
Production Assistants Sean Brogan
Production Assistants Cate Osborne
Production Assistants Phillip Pyle
Script Coordinator J.D. Stewart
Legal Counsel
Legal Services provided by Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Production Counsel Ann Brigid Clark
Production Accounting
Payroll Accountant ABS Payroll
Post Production
Post Production Production Assistant Harrison Jeffs
Post Production Intern Adriana Ellis
Post Production Intern Mati Rogers
Editorial
Editor Edward Chin
John Rafanelli
Alan Wu
Consulting Editor Lee Percy
First Assistant Editor Wadeh Arraf
Picture Finish
Colorist Elie Akoka
Sound Post
Post Production Sound Services Parabolic NY
Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer Lewis Goldstein
Dialogue Editor/Re-Recording Mixer Vinny Alfano
Assistant Sound Editor Julia Skubisz
Additional Post Production Sound by Gigantic Studios
Re-Recording Mixer Tom Paul
Supervising Sound Editor Andres E. Marthe Gonzalez
Dialogue Editor Peter Russell
Sound Effects Editor Ai Miyatake
Sound Effects Editor Ignacio Bonet
Additional Sound Editor Julie Hu
ADR Mixer Greg Crawford
ADR Mixer Nathan Hasz
ADR Supervisor Tristan Baylis
ADR Recorded at Gigantic Studios
ADR Supervisor Greg Crawford
ADR Recorded at Smart Post Atlanta
ADR Supervisor Carla Patullo
ADR Recorded at The Soundry
Loop Group
Loop Group Coordinator Katie Fabel
Loop Group Sebastian Beacon
Loop Group Jeffrey Auer
Loop Group Carol Todd
Loop Group Kimberly Yates
Original Score
Music by Carla Patullo
Original Score Production
Orchestra Recorded at The Soundry
Original Score Performers
Musicians Patti Kilroy
Lisa Liu
Drew A. Forde
Ro Rowan
VFX Management
Visual Effects Consulting Artist Colin Stackpole
Visual Effects Supervisor Jo Shaffer
Compositor Adam DeSantes
Titles
Title Design Janet Antich
Title Producer John Rafanelli
End Titles supported by Endcrawl.com
Transportation
Transportation Coordinator Tony Lepore
Choreography
Choreography Lisa Schwartz
Catering
Catering provided by EatLikePaul
Head Chef Paul Cavalcante
EPK
EPK Producer Natalia Shaufert
Safety
COVID Compliance Officer Arielle Dreicer
The Producers Wish to Thank Kaufman Astoria Studios
New York University Graduate Film Program
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Financial Solutions Partners
Anthology Film Archives
DVDepot
Dee’s Restaurant
Eastern District Camera
Special Thanks Noelie Hillebrecht
Christopher Hillebrecht
James & Francine Christy
Jim Christy
Erica Freed Marker
Alex Steyermark
Andy Hafitz
Barbara Ghammashi
Ashley Alexander
Ellen McGinnis
Rachel Gordon
Gail Segal
Jatin Dasgupta
Jerry Reen
Jessica Boucher
Joel Figueroa
John Sloss
Jonathan Gray
Hilary Stabb
Joshua Foster
David F. Schwartz
Stephen Guirgis
Julie Rottenberg
Kate Stahl
Kevin Wilson
Lawrence Mattis
Spike Lee
Maddy Seidman
Mandy Ward
Tom Mangan
Matthew Tynan
Michael Hillebrecht
Michael Hollinger
Michael Taylor
Nancy Collet
Natalia Kaniasty
Natalia Shaufert
Natalie Eakin
Neil Cuthbert
Nic Ratner
Noelie Hillebrecht
Nyssa Couto
Oliver Agger
Pam Katz
Patricia Gibson
Peter Mossel
Peter Newman
Peter Saraf
Ralph McAvoy
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Rebecca Ellsworth
RJ Coleman
Roderick Richardson
Sadie Rose Darwish
Sara Koviak
Shilpa Bisaria
Stefon Bristol
Tom Hillebrecht
Tom Mangan
Tom McCarthy
Tommaso Fiacchino
Wendy Lobel
Yulia Kez
Mac Concannon
Rachel Gordon
Rachel Hannah Kahan
Codie Lagotte
Plymouth Rock Foundation
Grace Richardson Trust Foundation
Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Good Violet
NYU Grad Film Faculty
Alex Rockwell
Alicia Edwards
Amy Fox
Andrew MacLean
Anthony Jannelli
Barbara Schock
Billy Kent
Carol Dysinger
Colin Brown
Dean Allyson Green
Erica Freed Marker
Ezra Sacks
Gail Segal
Gigi DeMent
Ian Harnarine
Jeff Stolow
Jenn Ruff
Jess dela Merced
John Tintori
Jon Shear
Julia Solomonoff
Karen Kasi Lemmons
Ken Friedman
Lara Shapiro
Lauren Zalaznick
Lisa Millinazzo
Michael Burke
Mick Casale
Peter Schneider
Rosalind Lichter
Rosanne Limoncelli
Sandi Sissel
Sheril Antonio
Spike Lee
Stacie Passon
Tom Mangan
Seed & Spark Supporters
Aisha Sultan
Alik Barsoumian
Alle Hsu
Alli Trussell
Amanda Bullis
Amanda Khoury
Amy Staats
Angela Dohrmann
Ashley Michel Hoban
Aude Cuenod
Berenice Odriozola
Beth Bostwick Ortolano
Bethany Geraghty
Bill Schaumberg
Bob Jaffe
Bonny Chan
Bradley Bixler
Brian Fithian
Caleb b. Kuntz
Celeste Holben
Celia Peters
Chanel James
Cheryl Furjanic
Christina Raia
Christine Bruno
Clarence Deng
Dale DeLetis
David Zax
Devon Padley
Dominic Comperatore
Dominik Waldstätten
Ed Herbstman
Elizabeth Donnelly
Ellen Daschbach
Ellen McGinnis
Emily Cohn
Eric Finkelstein
Eve M Cohen
Francine Christy
George Larkin
Gerry Maravilla
Ginny Mohler
Grace Merriman
Grainne Coen
Hannah Leshaw
Heather Robinson
Isabelle Granahan-Field
Jacqueline Brogan
James Christy
Jamie Dack
Jan Jalenak
Jane Elias
Janet Harvey
Jean Marie McKee
Jenny Wang
Jessica Boucher
Jim Christy
Jisun Jamie Lee
John Bland
John Daschbach
John Granahan
John Overbeck
Jon Levenson
Jon Shear
Jono Chanin
Joseph F. Leonardo
Joshua Stamberg
Kara Cumiskey
Kate Harvie
Kathy Granahan
Katy-May Hudson
Keith Edward Szarabajka
Kelsey Hillerud
Kevin Vu
Laura Granahan
Laura Lee
Laura Moss
Lisanne Sartor
Liz Warner
Logan Roberts
Lou Liberatore
Lydia Chammas
Major Dorfman
Marc Etienne
Margherita Arco
Maria Altamirano
MaryClare McHugh
Max Rissman
Merdyce McClaran
Michele Caterina
Michele Remsen
Michelle Donnelly
Mykee Steen
Nagham Osman
Neil Cuthbert
Nicole Gabriella Scipione
Noelie Hillebrecht
Patricia Gibson
Peter Haig
Rachel Lynn Jackson
Ralph Lewis
Randall McNeal
Rita Scordamalgia
Rob Neill
Rosanne Limoncelli
Sally Brooks
Sarabeth Boak
Shanna Riker
Sheila Mccullough
Stacy Salvette
Stephanie Donnelly
Susan Busa
Tawny Sorensen
Tessa Keimes-Kim
Tom Devaney
Tom Hillebrecht
Tom OBrien
Tony Mendoza
Vanessa Bretas
Wayne Wilderson
Wendy Concannon
Woonjae Park
Access Theater Writers Group
Abigail Deser
Adit Dileep
Amy Staats
Arya Kashyap
Asa James
Ava Paloma
Chris Ryan
Christine Renee Miller
Cristina Spina
David Blasher
Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Hieu Bui
Jacqueline Brogan
James Christy Jr.
Jan Jalenak
Jane Elias
John Bland
Katie Fabel
Laura Lee
Laura Moss
Matt Biagini
Michele Remsen
Patrick Breen
PJ Sosko
Reginald Lochard
Rob Walsh
Siobhan Brown
Stephanie Anuwe
Tessa Borbridge
Tori Ernst
Jose Rivera’s Writing Group
Naked Angels Tuesdays @9
Jean Marie McKee
Rachel Casparian
Take Action Workshop
Jon Shear
NYU Grad Film Classmates
Adel Morales
Alik Barsoumian
Asantewaa Prempeh
Ashish Ravinran
Bradley Bixler
Brittany Fennell
Cenk Erturk
Charles A Childers
Chelsea Grayson
Elizabeth Nichols
Ella Bishop
Emily Cheeger
Emily Nan Iason
Eric Cohen
Eric Hsiao
Erin Vassilopoulos
FaradayOkoro
Felipe Prado
Jacqueline Dow
James K Ferguson
Jono Chanin
Joseph T Street
Lara Sfire
Laura E Valladao
Laura Valladao
Lucia Vidigal de andrade reis
Lucien Jacob Follini Press
Luiza Parvu
Lydia chammas
Martín Blaquier
Matias Maumus
Mia Cioffi Henry
Natalia Kaniasty
Ogheneochuko Esiri
Onthatille Peele
Oscar A Sharp
Pau Suris
Rajat Sharma
Rezwan Shahriar Sumit
Shan Jin
Stephanie Donnelly
Woonjae Park
Xinzheng Wang
With support from: The NYC Women’s
Fund for Media, Music and Theatre by theCity of
New York Mayor’s Office of Media and
Entertainment in association with The New York
Foundation for theArts
Magic Hour is made possible by the New York
State Council on the Arts with the support of the
Office of the Governor and the New York State
Legislature
Fiscal Sponsorship Provided by: New York Foundation for the Arts
Women Make Movies
Pitcher Productions
Artwork courtesy of Janet Antich
Joe Walsh
MADE IN NYC
SAG-AFTRA
Camera and Lenses Provided by ARRI
Grip & Lighting Equipment Provided by New York University
Grip & Lighting Equipment Provided by Kaufman Astoria Stages
Insurance Provided by Fractured Atlas Insurance Program
Digital Cinema Mastering by Elie Akoka
Sound Stages provided by Kaufman Astoria Stages
Happy New Year and Happy National Gluten Free Day!
I’ve been gluten-free (GF) for a few decades now. I was sick for years before an allergy doctor helped me figure out what was causing my IBS-like symptoms. Quite a few people have Celiac, or wheat allergies, or more. Some people just feel better avoiding it.
If you don’t know what gluten is, that’s pretty common, too. Gluten is in wheat, rye or barley, and these foods can be found in many store-bought products, and those used in restaurants. It’s very easy for those of us who are sensitive to the stuff to get “poisoned” by accident when we eat out or buy food anywhere. Gluten is in many products you wouldn’t think of, such as gum, soy sauce, potato chips, candy and even McDonald’s French fries.
Some people eat gluten-free because they think it will help them lose weight. Well, if you do eat a lot of starchy foods like pasta, bread, cookies, crackers, cake, etc. then, yes, cutting those things out will help you. However, if you just find replacement products that are gluten-free, you’re still not going to lose weight. In fact, you may gain weight because many gluten-free products substitute rice, potato or corn flour for wheat flour, which generally has more carbs and calories. They also tend to add more sugar, to make it taste better.
Many celebrities eat GF, such as “Kardashians” star Kourtney Kardashian, movie/TV star Jessica Alba, reality star and TV show host Elizabeth Hasselbeck, “New Girl” star Zooey Deschanel, movie/TV star Ryan Phillippe, actress/reality star Denise Richards, and actress Jennifer Esposito, as well as soap stars Sarah Joy Brown, Courtney Hope, Tracey E. Bregman, and Arianne Zucker. Quite a few celebrities also eat dairy-free, vegan or vegetarian – often for health reasons.
Unfortunately, a lot of comedians make fun of eating GF, as well as other disorders such as peanut allergies and IBS. I hope one day that they’ll be more sensitive to their audience members.
HOW TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL GLUTEN FREE DAY (JAN 13, 2025)
Mightylicious Gluten Free Foods Founder Tells You How to Ditch the Gluten & Improve Your Health
· 15% off with PROMO code GFDAY
· Many Top Celebs on Gluten Free Diets*
· Benefits of Eating Gluten Free
(Woodbridge, NJ JAN 8, 2025) — In today’s world of food allergies and celiac disease, eating a special diet that is free of gluten can be a challenging way to live that impacts every day and every meal.
More than 1.3 million Americans are on Gluten Free Diets, and according to US MAGAZINE, they include some of our *favorite celebrities – including Kourtney Kardashian, Jessica Alba and Zooey Deschanel, and many more. We can support them all by observing National Gluten Free Day! JAN 13, 2025
History of National Gluten Free Day
Gluten, a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, rye and triticale, is a substance that many people struggle to digest, creating sensitivity in some people or even seriously dangerous health problems in others. One serious complication, called Celiac disease, is an autoimmune problem that prevents the absorption of nutrients in the body, which means that gluten needs to be cut out of their diet completely. National Gluten Free Day got its start in 2014 to raise awareness for the cause of eating gluten free, and it is observed on the second Monday of January each year.
In 2012 Carolyn Haeler was diagnosed with Celiac disease, and it changed her life forever. After 9 months of illness, she became passionate about functional ingredients, nutrition, and living a gluten-free life. When she couldn’t find any good tasting gluten free foods on store shelves, she decided to leave her position in the financial world and devote herself to developing delicious Gluten Free products, and hence MIGHTYLICIOUS Gluten Free Foods was born. Her line of artisanal and allergen-friendly cookies (7 varieties) and gluten flour blends have received accolades from the food industry and consumers alike and are available at retailers nationwide. Here’s why she says you should consider a gluten-free diet:
Benefits of Eating Gluten Free
While most people may not have celiac disease, having a sensitivity or intolerance for gluten may be more common. This means that cutting out gluten in the diet might actually be beneficial even for some people who have not been diagnosed with celiac. (Of course, it is important to consult a medical professional or dietician about any health issues.)
Consider these benefits of a gluten free diet for those who have sensitivity:
1. Clear Skin
One of the most common symptoms of sensitivity to gluten is the appearance of a rash on various parts of the body, including the face, back, elbows, knees, and buttocks. These small red bumps are caused by dermatitis herpetiformis, an immune system response to eating gluten. Removing gluten from the diet can help clear things up, but some additional medication may be necessary depending on how extensive the skin rash is.
2. Better Gut Health
Many of the key issues caused by gluten occur in the digestive system, including bloating, gas, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting (7). When switching to a diet of gluten-free foods, most of these symptoms should disappear and gut health improve drastically. You may find that your bowel movements are more regular, abdominal pain and discomfort subsides, and that your digestive system is running more smoothly.
3. Decreased Headaches
Headaches and migraines are common complaints among those who can’t tolerate gluten, along with brain fog (8). Cutting out gluten-containing foods from your diet can help stop migraines and help you think more clearly.
4. Improved Energy Levels
Feeling tired after eating gluten-containing food is another common complaint from those suffering from celiac disease (9). This is why some may find that switching to a gluten-free meal plan improves their overall energy levels and mood.
5. Decreased Joint Pain
In one study, arthritis patients that have a gluten sensitivity or celiac disease eliminated gluten from their diet and found that their arthritis symptoms improved (10). For those who are prone to sore joints and cannot tolerate gluten, switching up your eating may decrease joint pain.
6. Improved Food Choices
If you are focused on choosing more naturally gluten free foods in your meal plan, you may find that your nutrition improves from better food choices. This is because naturally gluten free foods are typically whole foods like meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables. Additionally, many gluten free grain alternatives tend to be simple, whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, and many ancient grains.
7. Weight Loss
Unexpected weight loss is a symptom of celiac disease due to many of the associated digestive concerns. However, switching to a gluten free meal plan can lead to more intentional weight loss when it is included as part of a balanced, calorie-controlled diet. This is typically the result of improved food choices and decreased calorie intake when cutting out certain foods.
How to Celebrate National Gluten Free Day – Try Eating Gluten Free
In solidarity with those in the world who must eat a gluten free diet, consider taking National Gluten Free Day as a time to experiment with what it would be like. Choose to avoid foods that contain gluten, such as pasta, bread, crackers and more. Cut out all wheat, as well as foods that may have been prepared in facilities that contain wheat, such as oatmeal. Instead, go for gluten free substitutes for bread, or simply avoid grains altogether and eat a diet that consists more of fresh fruits, vegetables, rice, potatoes and dairy products.
MIGHTYLICIOUS
The award-winning gluten free cookie company offers 7 cookie varieties of mouthwatering flavors including vegan and vegetarian options. Mightylicious hand-crafted cookies truly have it all: amazing flavor, perfect texture, clean ingredients.
Mightylicious Gluten Free Flour Blends – These three game-changers are made from top-quality, superfine rice flour for a neutral flavor. Milled specifically for baking, they deliver a soft, airy texture to all your favorite recipes.
• All-Purpose Flour
• Vegan All-Purpose Flour
• Vegan Chocolate Brownie Mix
All MIGHTYLICIOUS products are certified gluten-free varieties are kosher, non-GMO verified, and free from key allergens.
Find Mightylicious online and in retail outlets including Walmart (231 outlets nationwide), Whole Foods, Costco, King’s, Price Chopper, and more.
This show has an interesting concept: Amy Larsen, a middle-aged doctor and Chief of Internal Medicine (played by Molly Parker) seems to care more about figuring out medical mysteries at her Midwestern hospital than being nice to patients or co-workers (shades of “House!”); then she gets into a terrible car accident in the rain. When she wakes up, she doesn’t remember the last 8 years of her life. On the one hand, she seems to be a much nicer person, but she also doesn’t remember a lot of bad things that happened, such as her young son’s death, and divorcing her husband, Michael (Omar Metwally) – who’s also her boss. She has to learn all of that and deal with it. She also doesn’t remember that she and her daughter are at odds, or that she’s in love with one of the other doctors, Jake Heller (Jon Ecker), who’s younger and very handsome.
Scott Wolf (“Night Shift,” “Nancy Drew”) has a small role as a doctor that she’s had problems with. He’s clearly supposed to be incompetent, or worse. When she’s injured, he’s made interim Chief of Internal Medicine, much to his weaselly relief.
I have to admit that, while I find the show intriguing and will keep watching it, I think that Parker was miscast. She’s a very good actress (and she’s been in many movies and shows, so she’s also very experienced), but she seems very bland to me and doesn’t have a ton of chemistry with anyone. Her character appears to be very unlikable as well (even when we see her nicer version). The actors around her have much more charisma, in my opinion. Perhaps she will grow on me. I hope so because I enjoy medical dramas.
Inspired by a true story and based on the hit eponymous Italian drama series, Doc is a new life-affirming medical drama, starring Emmy nominee Molly Parker (House of Cards) as hard-charging, brilliant Chief of Internal Medicine Dr. Amy Larsen, who suffers a brain injury that erases the last eight years of her memory.
After a late-night car crash results in severe head trauma, Amy wakes up from surgery with no recollection of the patients she’s treated, the colleagues she’s crossed and the tragedy that caused her to push almost everyone away. The relief that Amy gets from seeing her family post-accident is fleeting when she learns the incomprehensible – that she and her beloved husband, Dr. Michael Hamda (Omar Metwally, Big Sky, Lisey’s Story) have been divorced for four years. In fact, her entire family is not at all as she remembers them, rocking her foundation to the core.
Amy’s best friend, neuropsychiatrist Dr. Gina Walker (Amirah Vann, A Jazzman’s Blues, How To Get Away With Murder), has little guidance to give her for this new reality since matters of the brain are, even to the experts, still a big mystery. While Gina is hopeful, she does not know if Amy will ever recover her memories. In Amy’s fragile state, Gina must choose carefully what information from the past eight years to reveal to her, scared that too much too soon could prove more harmful than good. This includes her secret romance with Dr. Jake Heller (Jon Ecker, The Watchful Eye, Firefly Lane), since Amy now has no recollection of ever meeting him before, let alone being in a passionate relationship with him. Certain other memories, those close to her believe, would perhaps be too painful to relive and are best left forgotten.
In a fateful irony, that’s the fervent hope for Amy’s colleague, Dr. Richard Miller (guest star Scott Wolf, Nancy Drew, Party of Five), who has now been promoted to take over as Chief of Internal Medicine after Amy’s accident. Richard is desperate for Amy’s memories to never return since she was the only person to uncover his career-ending mistake – another thing she now doesn’t recall. And Richard isn’t alone in relishing Amy’s predicament – her previously contentious and unkind behavior left her with more than a few enemies at the hospital, including Dr. Sonya Maitra (Anya Banerjee, The Blacklist). While she does remember Dr. TJ Coleman (guest star Patrick Walker, Lessons In Chemistry), she does not recall that he became a doctor – nor that it was she who inspired him to do so.
Feeling completely off balance and having to piece together what happened through the prism of other people’s subjective points of view, practicing medicine remains the one constant for Amy, and she is determined to become a doctor again. While she may never get back what she’s lost, Amy knows she’s been given a second chance to do things differently and she will not take that gift for granted.
Doc is co-produced by Sony Pictures Television and FOX Entertainment Studios. Barbie Kligman serves as showrunner and executive producer. Hank Steinberg, Erwin Stoff and Judith McCreary are executive producers. Doc is based on the globally acclaimed Italian series, Doc — Nelle tue mani, which was created and is produced by Lux Vide, a Fremantle Company.
On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, my all time favorite, Andrew W Walker, in *all* his Hallmark Christmas movies.
On the 2nd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Kristoffer Polaha in “Small Town Christmas”, “Rocky Mountain Christmas”, “A Biltmore Christma”, and “Hearts of Christmas”; and Tyler Hynes in “Three Wise Men and a Baby”, “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas”, and “An Unexpected Christmas” (I couldn’t decide between these two men so they’re tied for the 2nd day of Christmas).
On the 3rd day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Ryan McPartlin in “A Veryhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0267511/ Vermont Christmas”, “The Holiday Fix Up”, and “Twinkle All the Way.”
On the 4th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Luke MacFarlane in “Maggie’s Christmas Miracle.”
On the 5th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Sean Faris in “Christmas with Holly” and “A Veteran’s Christmas.”
On the 6th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Wes Brown in “Haul Out the Holly Lit Up” and “Check Inn to Christmas.”
On the 7th Day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Jon Cor in “Picture a Perfect Christmas” and “Christmas on the Vine.”
On the 8th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Marcus Rosner in “Flipping for Christmas.”
On the 9th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Cameron Mathison in “A Christmas to Remember.”
On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Corey Sevier in “Northern Lights of Christmas” and “Noel Next Door.”
On the 11th day of Christmas my true love gave to me, Chandler Massey in “Mystic Christmas.”
On the 12th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, Steve Bacic in “Time for Him to Come Home for Christmas” (he does not play the male lead, but his character is an integral part of the story, and he was fabulous).
MORE INFORMATION:
Owned and operated by Hallmark Cards, Inc., Hallmark Media is entertainment’s leading destination for feel-good content. Hallmark Channel features an ambitious slate of new, original movies, scripted series, and the popular annual holiday franchise, Countdown to Christmas. Hallmark Mystery features a unique mix of movies and acquired series focused on the lighter side of the suspense and mystery genres, as well as its own seasonal programming event, Miracles of Christmas. Hallmark Family showcases timeless storytelling for the whole family centered around faith, love, and community. The company’s subscription streaming service and membership program Hallmark+ delivers the very best of Hallmark all in one place, featuring a distinctive blend of all new, exclusive original series and movies plus monthly discounts and rewards for shopping at Hallmark retail stores and at hallmark.com
Interview with Bailey Chase, Jesse Hutch and Dawn Olivieri of the movie and TV series “Homestead” on Angel Studios by Suzanne 12/11/24
This is a really good movie, and I look forward to seeing the TV series that comes next. I really enjoyed Bailey Chase’s work, ever since I saw him in “As The World Turns” years ago, but he has grown into an amazing actor. It was nice to speak with all three of these gifted performers after watching them in the movie. I was originally supposed to speak to the show’s creator/director/showrunner, Ben Smallbone, but he had to leave at the last minute. Dawn was a real trouper to answer what she could of my questions for him as well.
Angel Studios Launches the companion HOMESTEAD: FAMILY SURVIVAL Series
Exclusively on Angel.com and the Angel App on December 20th.
Synopsis: A nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, and the nation devolves into unprecedented chaos. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: how long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep?
Directed by: Ben Smallbone (Documentaries: Stone Cold Country + Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon)
Written by: Phillip Abraham, Leah Bateman, Ben Kasica Produced by: Ben Kasica, Andrea Royer and Ben Smallbone Starring: Neal McDonough (Minority Report), Dawn Olivieri (1883), Bailey Chase (Longmire)
Jesse Hutch (FBI: International), Currie Graham (Assault on Precinct 13), Olivia Sanabia (NCIS)
Bailey Chase (Jeff Ericksson)
Bailey was born in Chicago but moved to Florida after his parents divorced at a young age. He attended Duke University on a football scholarship and majored in Psychology. After graduation, Bailey moved to LA to pursue his boyhood dream of acting which encompassed a training stint in London (LAMDA). His first film break came in Adam Shankman’s Cosmo’s Tale (1998), which screened at both Sundance and Cannes. Bailey’s career blossomed in television starting with Buffy, the Vampire Slayer then working with Oscar-winners in Saving Grace and Damages before his own critically acclaimed performance in Longmire. Bailey has starred in various projects since including Batman V Superman, Chicago PD, Grimm, 24: Legacy, Twin Peaks and Queen of the South. He was recently nominated for Best Lead Actor for his performance in Far Haven and is currently shooting Homestead (2024). Bailey resides in North Carolina with his wife and three children.
Dawn Olivieri (Jenna Ross)
Dawn Orienne Olivieri is an American actress perhaps best known for her turn as Lydia in Heroes and Monica Talbot in House of Lies. She has appeared in the Showtime series House of Lies for 41 episodes, starting in 2012, playing the competitive management consultant and ex-wife of main character Marty Kaan and mother of their son, Roscoe Kaan. She acted as Janice Herveaux in the third season of the HBO series True Blood. She played a reporter and Damon Salvatore’s girlfriend Andie Star in the hit CW show The Vampire Diaries. Wrapping up the 4th season on Heroes, she has also completed parts on TBS’s My Boys, NBC’s Knight Rider, TNT’s Trust Me, and SyFy’s Stargate: Atlantis, and recurred on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother. Olivieri played a lead role in the SyFy movie Hydra, and she is the voice of Pepper Potts in the new Avengers animated series on Disney XD. She appeared in the October 2009 issue of Maxim. Olivieri appeared on HBO’s Entourage on September 13, 2009, and hosted a contest on Scripped. She voiced Lucy Kuo in a PlayStation 3 video game, Infamous 2, which was released in June 2011. As of March 2018, she has a recurring role in the CBS action-adventure series SEAL Team as Amy Nelson.
Jesse Hutch (Evan Lee)
Jesse Hutch was born in the same geographical location as the Marvel hero Wolverine. This could be nothing more then a fun fact, however, it does not excuse why Mr. Hutch is immune to Tylenol and Novocaine(most commonly used in dental practice). He drowned when he was 19 years old. Fell from a 25 foot rock quarry while free climbing in middle school. Had his stomach cut open by a barbed wire fence when he was 10, and he moved across the country(solo) when he was 21 to pursue acting. Mr. Hutch says he’s still working on his: “24 year overnight success story”.
With over 100 professional Television and Film credits to his name, You may have seen him in cult classics such as “Freddy vs Jason” and “The Butterfly Effect”. Maybe you saw him in the 60’s as Jimmy Riley on Dick Clark’s ”American Dreams”. FBI International, Dark Angel, Kyle XY, Smallville, Arrow, Almost Human, Supernatural, Batwoman and Project Blue Book are but a few of his television roles.
Jesse’s upcoming theatrical releases include: “MEMEC” a dark thriller comedy where he plays the main antagonist. And “HOMESTEAD” a present day post apocalyptic series by Angel Studios. When asked what his best role has been to date, his response: “My best roles will always be that of husband and father. I believe that giving your life for others is one of the greatest gifts you can strive for. Turns out this is also the best acting class you will ever take…life”.
As for new Television in 2024: Jesse recently was a producer and actor on “A Little Women’s Christmas” where he acted alongside his daughter Charlize. He co-stars alongside Jill Wagner in their new Christmas Film which will also air on Great American Family.
Keep an eye out for Mr.Hutch. His performances range from Drama, to action, to comedy and back again. We are always in a state of mystery as to what his next role will be. His ability to be extremely grounded allow depth, yet he can be funny, charming, dangerous and unpredictable at times. He can play a large range of roles with believability. His stunt ability is backed by a consistent and regimented style of training. Hutch commands the screen regardless of wether he is speaking or listening.
Mr. Hutch is married to his beautiful Wife Loreili, and they have 3 wonderful children.
As a final note, His social media presence is fun, genuine and family friendly.
Interview with Josh Lawson on “St. Denis Medical” on NBC by Suzanne 12/12/24
Josh couldn’t have been nicer in our short interview, and it was awesome to hear his wonderful Aussie accent. Don’t miss the latest episode, which you can watch on NBC Dec. 17 or later Peacock. It returns after the winter break Jan. 14. Both of these episodes are hilarious and feature Josh.
Tuesdays on NBC (8:00 p.m. ET/PT). Series Premiere on November 12
A mockumentary about an underfunded, understaffed Oregon hospital where the dedicated doctors and nurses try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity.
Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper and Kaliko Kauahi star.
The series is co-created and executive produced by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer. Simon Heuer, Ruben Fleischer (pilot director), Bridget Kyle and Vicky Luu also executive produce. Eric Ledgin serves as showrunner.
“St. Denis Medical” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Spitzer Holding Company.
Credits
The cast includes:
Wendi McLendon-Covey
David Alan Grier
Allison Tolman
Josh Lawson
Kahyun Kim
Mekki Leeper
Kaliko Kauahi
Josh Lawson
Bruce, “St. Denis Medical”
Josh Lawson portrays Bruce on the new NBC comedy “St. Denis Medical.”
The Australian-born Lawson co-starred on Showtime’s “House of Lies” and also had a recurring role on NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy “Superstore.”
On the film side, Lawson was Oscar nominated for the short film “The Eleven O’Clock,” in which he wrote and co-starred. His other credits include “Mortal Kombat,” “Bombshell,” “Anchorman 2” and “Long Story Short,” which he also wrote and directed.
In 2014 Lawson made his directorial debut with “The Little Death,” which he wrote and starred in. The film was met with critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award and Narrative Spotlight at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival.
Lawson was born and raised in Brisbane and attended St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art and studied in Los Angeles at the Second City, the Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre and I.O. West.
Lawson currently splits his time between Queensland and Los Angeles, and enjoys traveling the world with his dog, Moose.
“Dexter: Original Sin” on Showtime Review by Suzanne 12/16/24
My original review is below. I didn’t like the casting, at first, but the show won me over. Gibson sounds more like Dexter than I had originally observed, and he plays a younger, more innocent version of the serial killer we all know and love. Christian Slater is always great, and he excels here as Harry. Molly Brown captures the essence of Deborah. After awhile, I could enjoy the show and forget that these two don’t really look anything like the actors on the mother ship. It’s a great show, and I’m sad that it’s over now. I sure hope we get a second season.
I loved “Dexter” and its sequel, mostly because of Michael C. Hall and his devilish grin. He’s a fantastic actor, and he’s – let’s just say – sexy. He has a lot of charisma, no matter which role he’s playing. The new actor playing the college-age Dexter, Patrick Gibson, doesn’t really look at all like Michael C. Hall. Moreover, he is not as good of an actor and is not as charismatic nor handsome. He’s handsome enough, I suppose, but he’s not going to make the female viewers swoon. He reminds me of the actor who starred in “Ugly Betty,” Eric Mabius. Mabius looks kind of dopey (he’s great at comedy), and so does Gibson. It doesn’t really work.
That would be bad enough, but the actors they chose to play Harry (Dexter’s adopted father) and Deb (his sister) don’t look or sound at all like the actors who played them in “Dexter.” Christian Slater plays Harry Morgan. He’s a great actor, no question, but he doesn’t look or act anything like James Remar (who played Harry). Molly Brown plays Deborah, and she’s a beautiful woman. She’s a good actress, but the original actress, Jennifer Carpenter was not beautiful. She is an amazing actress, but she has a big, pointy nose and is gangly, like she doesn’t know what to do with her arms and legs all of the time. For me, this part of the casting is terrible. I may get used to it, but I don’t know. It helps that Michael C. Hall narrates the show. The other actors, who play Masuka, LaGuerta and Batista, look and act enough like their “Dexter” counterparts. There are three new characters, played by familiar actors: Sarah Michelle Gellar (of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” fame) plays Dexter’s new boss at the forensics lab, Tanya. Patrick Dempsey (“Grey’s Anatony”) plays the chief detective, Captain Aaron Spencer. Lastly, Reno Wilson (“Good Girls”) plays Detective Bobby Wyatt, who is partnered with Harry (and his best friend).
In the first episode, Dexter was still in college and about to graduate. He told Harry that hunting animals no longer satisfied his “urges.” Because of a situation, Dexter has to get his first kill, and it goes well. Then he gets a job at the lab. I don’t want to give you any spoilers. It’s a good show; very well written by the same people who wrote “Dexter” and “Dexter: New Blood.” Prequels are very popular now on TV. We’ve had many, such as “Bates Motel,” “Young Sheldon,” “Young Rock,” and the new “NCIS: Origins.” There’s also a new “Dexter” series, “Dexter: Resurrection.” I hope they’ll have a better ending than the last one.
Check it out because it does drag you into the story. If you can look past the different-looking characters, you should enjoy it. It just started on Showtime with Paramount+.
DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN chronicles America’s favorite serial killer…in training.
Starring: Christian Slater, Patrick Gibson, Molly Brown, Patrick Dempsey, James Martinez
Dexter: Original Sin
Set in 1991 Miami, DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN follows Dexter Morgan as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry, he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcements’ radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.
Release
PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME UNVEILS TEASER AND PREMIERE DATE FOR SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN
PARAMOUNT+ WITH SHOWTIME® UNVEILS TEASER AND PREMIERE DATE FOR SHOWTIME ORIGINAL SERIES DEXTER®: ORIGINAL SIN
Series Set to Premiere on Friday, December 13, Streaming on the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME Plan Ahead of its On-Air Debut on Sunday, December 15
Produced by SHOWTIME Studios and Counterpart Studios
Photo Credit: Patrick Wymore/Paramount+ with Showtime
September 12, 2024 – Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® today revealed the premiere date and new teaser for the highly anticipated prequel DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN. The series will premiere Friday, December 13 on streaming and on demand for Paramount+ subscribers with the Paramount+ with SHOWTIME® plan, before making its on-air US debut on Sunday, December 15. The title will begin rolling out on Paramount+ internationally on December 13. Currently in production in Los Angeles, the 10-episode drama series chronicles America’s favorite serial killer in training.
Set in 1991 Miami, DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN follows Dexter (Patrick Gibson) as he transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can’t be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry (Christian Slater), he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcement’s radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.
DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN also stars Patrick Dempsey, Molly Brown, James Martinez, Christina Milian, Alex Shimizu, Reno Wilson and special guest star, Sarah Michelle Gellar. Michael C. Hall returns to voice the iconic inner monologue in Dexter Morgan’s head.
DEXTER: ORIGINAL SIN is executive produced by Clyde Phillips and produced by SHOWTIME Studios and Counterpart Studios. Executive producers also include Scott Reynolds (Jessica Jones), Michael C. Hall (DEXTER, Six Feet Under), Mary Leah Sutton (Resident Evil), Tony Hernandez (Emily in Paris) and Lilly Burns (Russian Doll), with the series being produced by Robert Lloyd Lewis (The Lincoln Lawyer). Michael Lehmann (Heathers) serves as directing executive producer.
For Showtime Studios, the series is being creatively overseen by Gary Levine and Urooj Sharif with production supervised by Tara Power. The series is distributed by Paramount Global Content Distribution outside of Paramount+ markets.
For more information on Dexter: Original Sin, follow along on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, YouTube and X and join the conversation using #DexterOriginalSin.
About Paramount+
Paramount+, part of Paramount’s (Nasdaq: PARA, PARAA) global portfolio of multimedia entertainment and news brands, is a direct-to-consumer digital subscription video on-demand and live streaming service, combining live sports, breaking news and A Mountain of Entertainment™. The streaming service features an expansive library of original series, hit shows and popular movies across every genre from world-renowned brands and production studios, including BET, CBS, Comedy Central, MTV, Nickelodeon, Paramount Pictures and the Smithsonian Channel. Paramount+ with SHOWTIME®, the service’s cornerstone plan, is also home to SHOWTIME® content, including scripted hits and critically acclaimed nonfiction projects and films. This premium plan includes unmatched events and sports programming through the local live CBS stream, including golf, basketball and more. All Paramount+ subscribers have streaming access to CBS News Network for 24/7 news and CBS Sports HQ for sports news and analysis.
For more information about Paramount+, please visit www.paramountplus.com, and follow @ParamountPlus on social media.
About SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks
SHOWTIME/MTV Entertainment Studios & Paramount Media Networks is a global network of media assets that reaches over one billion people in more than 180 countries featuring some of the most iconic brands in entertainment including SHOWTIME, MTV, Comedy Central and Paramount Network among others – and, its Studios arm which produces 120+ series annually, including some of today’s biggest hits such as Yellowstone, Yellowjackets, Emily in Paris, 1883, 1923, George & Tammy, South Park, Tulsa King, RuPaul’s Drag Race, The Challenge and Jersey Shore, to name a few.
It took me a while to warm to this show, but I enjoy it. It’s been a slow burn. At first, I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the actor who plays young Leroy Gibbs (Austin Stowell) because he looks nothing like Mark Harmon (who plays Gibbs in the present). We all know what Mark Harmon looked like when he was young because he was on TV at age 22. He was much more handsome and has more charisma than Stowell. Stowell is good-looking but has a longer face, a pointier chin and a larger nose. His eyebrows and ears are different. Harmon has piercing blue eyes, and Stowell does not. He has green eyes and wears blue contacts over the green ones. In short, it doesn’t quite work. However, he is a very good actor, and he has the same quiet intensity that Harmon has (especially as Gibbs). They have similar lips and are the same height. After a while of watching Stowell as Gibbs, it works. The other cast members do a great job, too. There are only two others playing characters we know from NCIS. One is Gibbs’ mentor and friend, Agent Mike Franks. He was originally played by Muse Watson, but now he’s played by Kyle Schmid, who is one of the best things about the show. The other is Special Agent Vera Strickland, played originally by Roma Maffia, now played by Diany Rodriguez. She appears to be a potential romantic interest for Gibbs.
Gibbs’ main story this season has been about grieving the murder of his wife and daughter, dealing with PTSD and injuries from the Gulf War, and fitting in with the new NIS squad in 1991 (they become NCIS in 1992). These events take place a decade before the main “NCIS” show’s events. Anyone who knows the history of the show will remember that Gibbs shot the cartel guy who killed his family, and all that he dealt with in the past, but we get to see it all again in this show. Gibbs’ dad was played well by the late Ralph Waite. Now he’s played equally well by Robert Taylor (“Longmire”). I hope we see more of him.
One of the main things that makes the show more interesting is that Mark Harmon narrates the series. It’s great to hear his voice again.
There have been many spinoffs from NCIS, but this prequel is worth watching. I think the stories are better and not as dull as some procedurals can be. One thing that’s fun about setting a show in the early 90’s is that the technology is different (no cell phones!), and the laws are also a little different. The show is set in Camp Pendleton near Oceanside, CA (about 40 minutes north of San Diego). I grew up in San Diego and then moved to Carlsbad (one of the towns near Oceanside) for high school, so it makes me laugh when they mention that area.
It will be interesting to see how Gibbs changes going forward, as they make him into the Gibbs we know from “NCIS.” I look forward to it.
NCIS: ORIGINS follows a young Leroy Jethro Gibbs (Austin Stowell) in 1991, years prior to the events of NCIS, and is narrated by Mark Harmon. In the series, Gibbs starts his career as a newly minted special agent at the fledgling NCIS Camp Pendleton office, where he forges his place on a gritty, ragtag team led by NCIS legend Mike Franks (Kyle Schmid).
Premieres Monday, Oct. 14 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.
Interview with Alix Villaret of the movie “Utopia” by Suzanne 12/11/24
Alix seems very nice, and we had a pleasant chat. She is a gifted young actress who did well with her part in this violent action flick. Available to Buy on Digital December 10, 2024
Moe Dunford, Charlotte Vega, Jason Flemyng, Daniel Bernhardt, Alix Villaret, Wanda Banda, Michael D. Xavier, Lucy Akhurst, Maddy Ambus, Jade Coatsworth, Sean Sutton, Joe Carmichael, Mercer Boffey, Philipp Boos
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label)
GENRE:
Thriller, Sci/Fi, Action
RATING:
R for strong violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language.
SYNOPSIS:
A soldier searching for his missing wife breaks into a high-tech facility, believing she’s been caught in a human trafficking ring. But beyond its walls, he finds a surreal, futuristic fantasy park where reality and illusion blur. As he navigates this seductive and dangerous world, a shocking truth pulls him deeper into a deadly game where nothing is as it seems.
Alix Villaret is an ingenue French actress of Japanese ancestry born in the heart of Paris. She is fluent in French and English. Alix has always been obsessed with Cinema since she was 6 years old, having attended the neighborhood movie theatre with her father seeing such classics as An American In Paris, Sabrina, Gigi. She has wanted to be an actress as far back as she can remember and started studying drama and finally be asked to do the leads in over 12 theatre productions in her neighborhood theatre. She is proficient in Krav Maga.
Interview with actors Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson and Gavin Warren, and Director Warren Skeels of the film “The Man In The White Van” by Suzanne 12/2/24
This is a very suspenseful and chilling thriller, set in the early 1970’s. You don’t want to miss it when it opens tomorrow, 12/13/24, in theaters. Madison Wolfe stars as a young women, Annie, targeted by a serial killer. Brec Bassinger stars as her sister, Margaret. Skai Jackson plays Patty, Annie’s friend. Gavin Warren plays Annie and Margeret’s younger brother, Daniel. Sean Astin and Ali Larter play Margaret and Annie’s parents. I hope you enjoy our video interviews! I was particularly glad to speak to Brec Bassinger, since I was a huge fan of her show, “Stargirl.”
STARRING: Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Goonies), Ali Larter (Final Destination, upcoming Taylor Sheridan series, Landman), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2, Malignant), Brec Bassinger (CW’s Stargirl, Final Destination: Bloodlines), Skai Jackson (Disney’s Jessie and spinoff Bunk’d), Gavin Warren (Night Swim)
SYNOPSIS: Based on true events. In 1975 Florida, a series of violent disappearances go unnoticed, and young Annie (Madison Wolfe) is targeted by an ominous white van that stalks her every move. As the menace escalates, her parents dismiss her fears, and Annie is soon plunged into a terrifying nightmare that shatters her world. Also starring Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin. Directed by Warren Skeels.
GENRE: Thriller
Madison Wolfe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began acting at the age of seven, and made her debut alongside Kristen Stewart and Amy Adams in “On The Road.” In the years following, Wolfe landed many roles in various critically acclaimed films and television shows such as Jessica Brady in “The Campaign,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, Audrey Hart in “True Detective,” opposite Woody Harrelson and Matthew Mcconaughey, and Young Poppy in “Mr. Church,” starring Eddie Murphy. She can also be seen playing Bryan Cranston’s daughter in “Trumbo,” and acting alongside Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell’s “Joy.”
Wolfe is best known for her lead role in James Wan’s “The Conjuring 2.” Starring opposite Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, she plays Janet Hodgson: a young girl from Enfield, England who is traumatized and haunted by the possession of demonic spirits. Wolfe is also well known from her lead role in Oscar winner Anders Walter’s “I Kill Giants.” Rotten Tomatoes names Madison’s “powerhouse performance” as troubled teen Barbra Thorson one of the highlights of the film.
Most recently, Wolfe can be seen playing Tessa Mayfair opposite Alexandra Daddario in AMC’s “The Mayfair Witches.” She has completed production for her next true crime thriller, Warren Skeel’s “Man in The White Van.” Set in 1974, Wolfe portrays the lead role of Annie Willains: a free spirited teen from a small town in Florida who becomes the obsession of a horrific stalker. Being a musician, Wolfe also wrote and recorded an original song for the film’s soundtrack to be released. The film is not yet rated.
Brec Bassinger, born May 25, 1999, is an American actress best known for her leading role as ‘Bella Dawson’ on the Nickelodeon series “Bella and the Bulldogs,” her role as ‘Catherine’ in the “47 Meters Down” sequel, her recurring roles in “School of Rock” and “The Goldbergs,” and her starring role in the DC Universe series “Stargirl” (2020).
Brec grew up in a small town in Texas, and first went to Los Angeles for acting when she was 13 years old. Growing up she enjoyed gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball, and natural-beauty pageants. She was crowned the 2009 World’s Our Little Miss. Her acting career started with a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s “Haunted Hathaways.” She graduated high school at 16 and continues to expand her education. A Type-1 diabetic, she has become a huge advocate for diabetes research and is a national ambassador for JDRF. She had the leading role of Stargirl for the CW for two years, and then she plays the titular role in the miniseries “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” on Lifetime..
Gavin Warren is an American model and actor. As a child he played the piano and did gymnastics before, inspired by Adam Sandler, he decided he wanted to become an actor. In 2015, Warren won an acting and modeling competition, after which he was accepted into a local artist agency. This was followed by his first roles in the short film Two Wongs Make a White and in the film drama Back Roads, before Warren was seen in Damien Chazelle’s film biography Awakening to the Moon alongside Ryan Gosling in 2018.
In order to focus on his acting career, Warren switched from public school to home schooling. In subsequent years, he made guest appearances in the television series Daybreak and NCIS: New Orleans, while he took on supporting roles in the films Mack (2019), A Hard Problem (2021) and 12 Mighty Orphans (2021). In 2023 he appeared in the eighth season of the horror series Fear the Walking Dead before playing a leading role in the horror film Night Swim the following year.
His other announced film projects include the thrillers The Descendant and Geechee, the drama film Unbreakable Boy and the crime film The Man in the White Van.
Interview with Alexander Ludwig, Jessica Frances Dukes, Aaron Tveit, Todd Komarnicki and Kearie Peak of “Earth Abides” on MGM+ by Suzanne 11/20/24
This is a very exciting 6 part miniseries on MGM+. I hope you can watch it because it’s fascinating. Although it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, it’s not too gross, gory or depressing. The acting is very good. Alexander Ludwig stars as “Ish,” a man who survives the pandemic that has destroyed most of the world’s population. Then he finds a wonderful woman, Emma (Jessica Frances Dukes), and they start their life together. Other people find them, and they start re-building the world. It’s got a very positive message about the future of the world, how people can adapt and get along, and about how the earth can heal. It was great to speak with the two stars, Ludwig and Dukes, as well as Aaron Tveit, who plays a pivotal character named Charlie, and the show’s creators and showrunners. The series is based on an old scifi book but modernized. I think they did a great job. We put up Tveit’s interview later because there are spoilers in it.
Alexander Ludwig (Ish) and Jessica Frances Dukes (Emma)
In “Earth Abides,” when a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction. The series is based on George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel of the same name.
A Note from Todd Komarnicki (Executive Producer/Writer/Showrunner)
Earth Abides was ahead of its time. George Stewart’s novel, despite being written in 1949, has cohered brilliantly with our current moment. Long before nature began to suffer at the hands of man’s inability to live in harmony with her, Stewart knew that the Earth never needed us. We are more of a pestilence she has survived. As the world within the novel starts over, the earth has a chance to reassert herself. It is now man who must be the survivor. But what if those chosen to be humanity’s second chance aren’t suited for each other or the task at hand. They are a mixed blend of personalities, the kind that might have never joined forces prior to the apocalypse. But the life altering thing that they all discover…is that their differences might become the only thing enabling them to persevere. The story is a stark reminder that our differences should not separate us but unite us. A lesson we could all pay closer attention to in these times so riven by strife.
When adapting this novel for television, it was Stewart’s brilliant story that remains the infrastructure for keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. We shed new light through a deeper level of intimacy introduced in our show. While the intent of the original remains untouched, the tenderness and vulnerability of its characters and their journey over the years has been heightened in a fundamental way. Showing that journey of over twenty years together without losing the narrative thread and the audience’s connection to the characters was one of the biggest challenges we faced in the adaptation. Letting the series be guided by Ish’s own voice and the characters sharing their story not only kept the narrative intact but made them relatable and deeply human. That human aspect is what I hope audiences connect with most. The show lives in the shadow of a society torn down to cobblestone, but that is just the stage for a thrill ride that is utterly human. It is full of perseverance but also doubt, rage, addiction, murder and rebirth. No matter how dark the road gets for these characters, there is always a sliver of light calling them forward…love. What I hope audiences take away from our show is that love…really does win.
About MGM+
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, current movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM, Emmy-winning Godfather of Harlem, the Western adventure Billy the Kid, suspense thriller Emperor of Ocean Park, crime drama Hotel Cocaine, and upcoming sci-fi drama Earth Abides and horror thriller The Institute, along with limited series A Spy Among Friends and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, Belgravia and War of the Worlds. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons, as well as the anticipated docuseries Hollywood Black and The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood. Premium movies are also available, including Challengers, IF, Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, The Beekeeper, The Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls.
MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X,Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Alexander Ludwig
Alexander Ludwig is a multi-talented performer who continues to make his mark in Hollywood and beyond.
Ludwig can next be seen in the leading role of the upcoming MGM+ limited series Earth Abides, premiering December 1. Helmed by acclaimed creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki and based on George R. Stewart’s best-selling novel, the 6-episode limited series story follows Ish (Ludwig) through the aftermath of a global plague as he tries to set the survivors on the road back to civilization.
Additionally, on television, Ludwig starred as Ace Spade in the Starz series Heels, which ran for two seasons and was recently licensed to Netflix after popular demand for a third season. The show, set in the world of independent wrestling, focuses on two rival brothers battling over their late father’s legacy. He is also recognized for his portrayal of Bjorn in the History Channel’s popular series Vikings.
On the big screen, Ludwig most recently reprised his role in the box office hit franchise Bad Boys 4: Ride Or Die alongside Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Vanessa Hudgens. Ludwig joined the franchise with Bad Boys for Life (2020), which stands as the most successful film in the franchise, breaking box office records. Ludwig will next appear in Killing Castro, directed by Eif Rivera, alongside Al Pacino, and will soon begin production on the horror thriller Night Comes, marking the feature directorial debut of veteran actor Jay Hernandez, set for release next year.
His additional film credits include Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant with Jake Gyllenhaal, National Champions featuring Uzo Aduba and J.K. Simmons, and the war epic Midway alongside Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid. He also starred in Peter Berg’s acclaimed Lone Survivor, blockbuster hit The Hunger Games with Jennifer Lawrence, and the hugely succesful Race to Witch Mountain opposite Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ludwig began his acting career at nine, landing his first major role as Will Stanton in the action-adventure film The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising in 2007. His earlier credits include Grown Ups 2 and When The Game Stands Tall.
Following his passions outside of acting and filmmaking; he is a gifted musician who recently released his debut full-length Country album Highway 99 via Broken Bow Records. A mixture of amplified guitars, climactic choruses, and heartfelt hooks, the 16-track collection offers universal stories about small towns, wild nights, broken hearts, and big dreams. A follow up to his 2021 self-titled EP and career-launching 2020 single “Let Me Be Your Whiskey,” Highway 99 was produced by Nashville heavy-hitters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy and proves Ludwig is making a permanent mark on Country music.
Jessica Frances Dukes
Jessica Frances Dukes is an accomplished actress set to star as the female lead in the upcoming MGM+ original limited series “Earth Abides,” alongside Alexander Ludwig. This imaginative adaptation of George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel, created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), explores a world ravaged by a deadly plague that nearly wipes out humanity. As civilization crumbles, a few survivors face the struggle for existence. In the series, Jessica plays Emma, a character who contrasts sharply with Ludwig’s character, Ish. The limited series, produced by Oscar winner Michael Phillips (The Sting) alongside Juliana Maio and Kearie Peak, is slated to premiere on December 1, 2024.
In addition to “Earth Abides,” Jessica is currently filming a recurring role in the third season of the Emmy-nominated series “The Gilded Age” on HBO.
Jessica is best known for her regular role as Special Agent Maya Miller in the multi-award-winning Netflix series “Ozark” (2020–2022). Her other notable credits include leading roles in HBO Max’s “Project Greenlight” (2023) and the award-winning film “Gray Matter” (2023).
A seasoned theater veteran, Jessica portrayed Millie Davis in the Tony Award-nominated “Trouble In Mind” on Broadway. She is an Obie Award winner for “Bootycandy” at Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway and received an Audelco Award and a Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance nomination for her role as Vera in “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark” at the Signature Theatre.
Aaron Tveit
Aaron Kyle Tveit, born October 21, 1983) is an American actor and tenor singer. Tveit originated the lead role of Christian in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! on Broadway, a performance for which he won the 2020 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and received a 2020 Grammy Award nomination. His other work on the Broadway stage includes originating the roles of Gabe in Next to Normal and Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, as well as performing the roles of Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked, Link Larkin in Hairspray, and the title role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He also played John Wilkes Booth in an Off West End production of Assassins.
Tveit has also portrayed several musical theatre roles on screen, such as Enjolras in the film adaptation of Les Misérables (2012), as well as Danny Zuko in Fox’s Grease: Live (2016). Tveit is also known for his work in television, including the roles of Gareth Ritter on BrainDead, Tripp van der Bilt on Gossip Girl, Mike Warren on Graceland, and Danny Bailey/Topher in Schmigadoon!.
Todd Komarnicki
Todd Komarnicki is a prolific writer, producer, and director of film and television aswell as an acclaimed novelist. Komarnicki’s screenplays include SULLY directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, which opened at #1 in the box office to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film went on to earn over $240 million worldwide, and was a 2016 AFI Top Ten Film. Komarnicki has also written an adaptation of the international bestseller, THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn; and he wrote, produced, and directed, BONHOEFFER, the WW2 true story of legendary pastor turned assassin, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which is being released theatrically worldwide November 22nd.
In television, Komarnicki has written EARTH ABIDES, for MGM+, an adaptation of the international sci-fi favorite, by George Stewart, the series premieres December 1st. In the literary world, his first novel, Free, was published by Doubleday in 1993 and his second novel, famine (Arcade 1997), received tremendous reviews and was subsequently translated into French, Italian, and German. His third novel, war, was published to exceptional reviews in July of 2008 by Arcade.
Komarnicki is the president & founder of the production company Guy Walks Into A Bar. Komarnicki and Guy Walks partner Jon Berg produced the Christmas blockbuster ELF, starring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau. The film has become a worldwide perennial favorite every Christmas season. All told, Komarnicki’s films have accounted for well over half a billion dollars at the box office.
Komarnicki lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, their daughter, Remy, 14, and son, Dashiell, 11.
Executive Produced by
Todd Komarnicki, Kearie Peak, Michael Phillips, Juliana Maio
Directed by
Bronwen Hughes (101, 102), Rachel Leiterman (103,104), Stephen Campanelli (105, 106)
Written by
Todd Komarnicki
Showrunner
Todd Komarnicki
Cast
Alexander Ludwig as “Ish”
Jessica Frances Dukes as “Emma”
Aaron Tveit as “Charlie”
Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as “Jorge”
Elyse Levesque as “Maurine”
Hilary McCormack as “Jean”
Luisa d’Oliveira as “Molly”
Birkett Turton as “Ezra”
Jenna Berman as “Evie”
Interview with actors Sara Silva, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Harlan Kim and Khobe Clarke; and writers/EP Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher of “Cruel Intentions” on Prime by Suzanne 11/13/24
I really enjoyed watching this show, and the actors I chatted with couldn’t have been nicer; it was the same with the two producers. You don’t want to miss this show! It’s not just any teen drama. The writing is top notch. Even if you never saw the movie(s) or book it’s based on, you should enjoy it; it dragged me into the drama!
Sara Silva (CeCe) and Sean Patrick Thomas (Hank)
John Harlan Kim (Blaise) and Khobe Clarke (Scott)
Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher (co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers)
All eight episodes of Prime Video’s highly anticipated series, Cruel Intentions, will premiere November 21 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Twenty-five years after the iconic film captivated audiences with its provocative drama, sex, and scandal, this series introduces a new class of cruel characters who are ready to take their games and manipulation to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or new to the twisted tale, the series promises binge-worthy fun that audiences won’t want to miss.
In this new adaptation, Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, a Washington, D.C.-adjacent university, where reputation means everything, fraternities and sororities are the gold standard, and two ruthless step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Greek Life system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation – even if that means seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Hearts will be broken, loyalties will be tested, and secrets will be revealed in this modern-day royal court that is Manchester College.
Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Catherine Hook as “Caroline Merteuil”, Zac Burgess as “Lucien Belmont”, Savannah Lee Smith as “Annie Grover”, Sara Silva as “Cece Carroway”, John Harlan Kim as “Blaise Powell”, Khobe Clarke as “Scott Russell”, Sean Patrick Thomas as “Professor Hank Chadwick”, and Brooke Lena Johnson as “Beatrice Worth”.
The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film. Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive produce along with Roger Kumble. Moritz produced the original film, which was written and directed by Kumble. Bruce Mellon along with Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Bacardi Entertainment are producers.
SARA SILVA is a Brazilian-American actress from the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied acting at UCLA’s School for Theater, Film and Television, where she starred as Medea in Euripides’ titular play and Maritza in Tanya Saracho’s Mala Hierba.
Sara will star as ‘CELESTE “CECE” CALLOWAY’ in the Prime Video SeriesCRUEL INTENTIONS written by Phoebe Fisher, and based on the 1999 film by the same name, which starred Selma Blair in the same role.
Sara also recently starred opposite Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly) in the feature TAURUS written and directed by Tim Sutton, which premiered domestically at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. You can also spot Sara in the recent season of FX’s anthology series AMERICAN HORROR STORIES in episode ‘Necro’. Other recent television roles include the Freeform seriesGROWN-ISH, and Amazon’s THE BOYS. Sara also recently played the Sorority leader ‘Hunter’ in the short ‘Scotty’s Vag’ written & directed by Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Award at the 2023 SXSW film festival.
Sara is drawn to provocative stories and loves finding empathy for the twisted characters she plays. When she’s not acting, she’s writing plays, making music with her band “Dance Arts Center” and cuddling with her black cat, Pepita.
Sean Patrick Thomas
Professor Hank Chadwick
Respected actor/producer, Sean Patrick Thomas, is continuing his hot streak. Recently wrapping production on the TV version of “Cruel Intentions,” Thomas is the only member of the original film to appear in the series. He is currently in production on the second season of fan favorite, “Gen V.” Previously he was seen in the critically acclaimed, award-winning feature, “The Tragedy of Macbeth” with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand and the MGM/UA film “Till,” which tells the heartbreaking story of Emmett Till. Other projects include the Hulu limited series, “Reasonable Doubt,” reuniting him with Kerry Washington, who executive produced the series and directed its pilot episode along with a recurring role in “For All Mankind” on Apple+.
Previous film credits include “The Curse of La Llorona,” the ensemble hit franchise “Barbershop,” Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain,” John Sayles’ “Honeydripper,” “Cruel Intentions,” “Halloween: Resurrection” and the box office smash “Save The Last Dance,” for which Thomas won two MTV Movie Awards. On the small screen, Thomas starred in Kenny Leon’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” for which he earned a nomination from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a TV Movie. And on Broadway he conquered a different character, that of Nigerian suitor Joseph Asagai, in “A Raisin in the Sun” once again opposite Denzel Washington. He starred on the CBS series “The District” and recurred on “The Good Fight” as well as voicing the character of Professor Macalester on the animated series “Vixen.” Additional television credits include “Insecure,” “Madam Secretary,” “American Horror Story,” “NCIS: New Orleans” and “NCIS.”
John Harlan Kim
Blaise Powell
John Harlan Kim will next star in a series regular role as ‘Blaise Powell’ on Prime Video’s “Cruel Intentions,” the highly anticipated television adaptation of the 1999 feature cult classic. The series will be released globally on the streaming platform in November 2024. Previously, John appeared as ‘Bobby’ in the hit Apple TV+ series, “The Last Thing He Told Me,” opposite Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice. Previous television credits include: the Ryan Murphy Fox series “9-1-1,” the CW series, “Nancy Drew,” and the TNT series “The Librarians.” His film credits include: Netflix’s “Purple Hearts” opposite Sofia Carson and the Warner Brothers’ thriller written and directed by John Lee Hancock,“The Little Things,” opposite Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek.
Khobe Clarke
Scott Russell
Khobe Clarke was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. His childhood was filled with incredible outdoor experiences, including a motorcycle trip across Mongolia, and a trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest. But despite his love for climbing the world’s tallest mountains and exploring the Canadian wilderness, acting was his true passion, and the only thing he wanted to do.
After graduating high school he picked up and moved to Vancouver, BC to pursue a career in film and television. Things started to move quickly for Khobe. Within 2 short years, after signing with his Vancouver agent, he landed a number of great roles. Most notably a major recurring guest star role on Netflix’s popular series Firefly Lane (S2), a lead role in a 4-part movie event series V.C. Andrews Cutler Series for Lifetime, and also recurred on the Emmy-Nominated Showtime series Yellowjackets. Khobe is so excited to be part of the Cruel Intentions cast, and can’t wait to see what type of adventure this brings.
Sara Goodman
She was born 1973, in Toronto, Canada. She’s known for her work in I Know What You Did Last Summer, Gossip Girl (2007), Preacher, Outsiders, The Detail, Rake.
Phoebe Fisher
Phoebe Fisher is known for Cruel Intentions (2024), Assassination Nation (2018) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021).
Credits
Produced by
Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film
Co-Showrunners, Writers, Executive Producers
Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher
Executive Producers
Neal H. Moritz
Pavun Shetty
Roger Kumble
Producers
Bruce Mellon
Andrea Iervolino
Monika Bacardi
Cast
Caroline Merteuil played by Sarah Catherine Hook (First Kill; The White Lotus S3)
Lucien Belmont played by Zac Burgess (Boy Swallows Universe; Totally Completely Fine)
Annie Grover played by Savannah Lee Smith (Gossip Girl)
Cece Carroway played by Sara Silva (American Horror Stories)
Blaise Powell played by John Harlan Kim (The Last Thing He Told Me; 9-1-1)
Scott Russell played by Khobe Clarke (Firefly Lane; Yellowjackets)
Professor Hank Chadwick played by Sean Patrick Thomas (Till)
Beatrice Worth played by Brooke Lena Johnson (You)
Interview with Isaiah Mustafa and Ben Watkins of “Cross” on Prime by Suzanne 10/29/24
I enjoyed speaking with one of the main actors, and the showrunner, of this great new series. I’ve spoken with the main star, Aldis Hodge, years ago (when he was in “Leverage”). Sadly, I did not get that chance this time.
Hodges stars as Alex Cross, the forensic psychiatrist and detective featured in James Patterson novels (and some movies). Aldis was one of my first one-on-one interviews, so it was memorable. He’s always very nice. I also spoke with him in 2011 and 2012.
Mustafa and Wakins, whom I interviewed recently, also were a joy to speak with. Mustafa is a former football player but has become quite a good actor. He plays John Sampson, Mustafa’s close friend and fellow detective. Ben Watkins created, wrote and executive produced the show. He’s worked on some of my favorites, including “Hand of God” and “Burn Notice”.
These are audio-only, even though I did speak with them on video. I didn’t realize that they were only going to send me the audio until yesterday (that was my mistake for not making sure). Oops!
You should definitely check out this series’ first season, which drops Nov. 14 and has already been renewed for season 2. It is a thrilling drama that everyone should enjoy. It also stars Ryan Eggold (“New Amsterdam”), Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill.
Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.
Credits
Produced by
Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, Skydance Television
Created by
Ben Watkins
Directed by
Ben Watkins
Executive Produced by
Ben Watkins
Sam Ernst
Jim Dunn
Craig Siebels
James Patterson
Bill Robinson
Patrick Santa
David Ellison
Dana Goldberg
Matt Thunell
Cast
Aldis Hodge
Isaiah Mustafa
Juanita Jennings
Alona Tal
Samantha Walkes
Caleb Elijah
Melody Hurd
Jennifer Wigmore
Eloise Mumford
Ryan Eggold
Ben Watkins was born on March 19, 1971 in San Francisco, California, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Cross (2024), Burn Notice (2007) and Quest to Ref (2002). He has been married to Kandi Ali since June 1992. They have four children.
Interview with Molly Kunz of “The Irrational” on NBC by Suzanne 10/24/24
I really enjoyed speaking with Molly! I love her show, so it was very nice to speak with her about it, and about her character. Don’t miss the next episode, which airs Nov. 12!
The Irrational
Season 2 Premiering October 8 on NBC (10-11p.m. ET/PT)
“The Irrational” follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise to high-stakes cases and mysteries. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him to work alongside varying clients ranging from the FBI to everyday people caught in perplexing situations desperate for answers. With the help of his trusted team and social-science experiments, Alec solves crimes and uncovers the truth to answer intriguing, and irrational, questions.
The cast also includes Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi.
Arika Lisanne Mittman, Mark Goffman, Sam Baum, David Frankel and Robert Wolfe executive produce.
The show is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Next Episode: “Anatomy of a Fall” Simon’s mother asks Alec to help stop a suicide contagion when a third student death strikes the campus; Alec asks Marisa to help when he thinks there might be more to the case; Phoebe struggles with her next career move.
Molly Kunz
Phoebe, “The Irrational”
Molly Kunz stars as Phoebe in the NBC drama “The Irrational.”
Kunz recurred on “Colony,” “Finding Carter” and Hulu’s original series “Battleground,” created by J.D. Walsh. She also co-starred in the Lifetime movie “The Marsh Sisters at Christmas.”
On the film side, Kunz will co-star in the thriller “Wild Eyed and Wicked” and was previously in “The Wolf and the Lion,” based on the French film “Mia and The White Lion.” Kunz also had a supporting role in Steve McQueen’s feature “Widows,” opposite Colin Farrell, as well as a role in the indie “The Wise Kids.”
Kunz is originally from Madison, Wisc., and began her career in regional theater. Productions include “The Nerd” (Memorial Theatre Company), “The Sound of Music” (Music Theater of Madison), “Carousel” (Madison Repertory Theater), “The Boxcar Children” (CTM Family Theater Company), “The Secret Garden” (University of Wisconsin Theater), “Annie” (Stagestruck Productions), “Tom Sawyer” (Madison Creative Arts Program), “Alice in Wonderland” (Shorewood Drama), “The Nutcracker Ballet” (Madison Ballet), and “Sleeping Beauty Ballet” (Performing Arts for Children).
Angela has been a busy realtor since her amicable divorce a couple of years ago to Dakota, a paleontologist whose adventures kept him anywhere but home. Now, she is a devoted if often harried, single mom to a smart and loving 10-year-old girl, Brooklyn. Angela’s busy schedule makes it hard for her to find time for much of anything…or anyone…else. As it is, she can barely get Brooklyn to her scout meetings on time, much to the disapproval of the other mothers. When Brooklyn gets the idea to have William, the owner of her favorite bakery, cater her scout troop’s posh annual holiday event, she asks Angela to work with him on pitching the idea to the moms in charge. Despite sensing that her daughter might be trying to play cupid, she agrees to help and finds herself enjoying time with him, but is reluctant to open her heart and life to someone new. When Dakota returns, missing her, Angela must decide what is best for her daughter and best for her heart. Starring Tamera Mowry-Housley and Carlo Marks.
Tamera Mowry-Housley is an Emmy award-winning host, actress, producer, and entrepreneur who has captivated audiences for over 20 years.
She started her career in Hollywood alongside her sister, Tia, on the hit show “Sister, Sister,” which aired over 100 episodes from 1994-1999 and has gone on to see a cultural revival over the past few years since it was released on Netflix. Mowry-Housley’s work on the show gained praise and recognition; she received an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actress in a Comedy Series and Kid’s Choice Award for Favorite Television Actress. She returned to the screen with Tia on the hit Style Network reality TV series “Tia and Tamera,” which chronicled her life as she balanced her acting career along with major life transformations of marriage and motherhood.
Mowry-Housely co-hosted the groundbreaking and Emmy-winning talk show, “The Real,” for six seasons. “The Real is the first syndicated talk show in years to be renewed for a sixth season. She worked alongside co-hosts Loni Love, Adrienne Bailon and Jeannie Mai. Together, the ladies won the Outstanding Entertainment Talk Show Host Emmy at the 45th Daytime Emmy Awards in April 2018.
In November 2020, it was announced that Mowry-Housley would be expanding her relationship with Crown Media Family Networks, parent company to Hallmark, in a new overall deal to star in and executive produce original films for the network. Her credits include the television movies “A Christmas Miracle” for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries, which she also executive produced, as well as “Christmas Angel,” “Something to Sing About,” and “Seventeen Again.” She was a series regular on “Strong Medicine,” “Roommates” (ABC Family) and “Melissa & Joey” (ABC Family). Mowry-Housley has voiced characters in the FOX hit “Family Guy” and Cartoon Network’s “Superhero Squad Show.” She also produced and starred in the Lifetime movie “Double Wedding.” On the big screen, Mowry-Housley co-starred in the Rob Schneider comedy The Hot Chick. Most recently, she starred in the Hallmark original movie “Christmas Comes Twice,” which premiered during the network’s annual “Countdown to Christmas” programming event in 2020.
In addition to co-hosting “The Real,” she hosted season one of Facebook Watch’s “Help Us Get Married, a 12-episode reality web television series that followed three couples trying to plan their weddings with the help of the Facebook community. Mowry-Housley was also a frequent guest host on Hallmark Channel’s “Home & Family.” In 2021, she also competed in season five of “The Masked Singer” and wowed audiences nationwide with her singing abilities as the beloved Seashell.
In June 2021, Hulu announced its upcoming baking competition series “Baker’s Dozen” with Mowry-Housley and former White House pastry chef Bill Yosses. Set to premiere in October, together, they’ll host the unscripted series which pits passionate amateur bakers against seasoned culinary experts. Contestants will compete in head-to-head challenges for a chance to win the golden rolling pin and a cash prize. Additionally, she will serve as a judge alongside Martha Stewart and Chris Hessney on HGTV’s new design competition show, “Table Wars.” In each episode, the competitors must deliver the ultimate themed party environment, including stunning tablescapes, lighting and displays in order to impress the judges and avoid elimination. The finalist who delivers the most over-the-top event space will win the Table Wars title and a $50,000 cash prize.
Born in Germany and raised in Southern California, Mowry-Housley graduated with honors from Pepperdine University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with an emphasis on Abnormal Childhood Development. After meeting at Pepperdine, she married FOX News correspondent Adam Housley in May 2011. They welcomed their first child, Aden John Tanner Housley, in November 2012, and their second child, Ariah Talea Housley, in July 2015. They live in Napa Valley, where they oversee Century Oak Winery. They also opened their own celebrated tasting room in the heart of Downtown Napa where they both can frequently be seen pouring their family wines for fans and visitors. They have also opened up their own coffeehouse and coffee line called Barnhouse Napa Brews in Downtown Napa. They have six brews of coffee at the shop, all of which are locally brewed and sourced and grown sustainably from all over the world. Additionally, 90% of the food and products they have for sale are women and minority owned.
MORE INFO: Official Website | Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Trailer
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KAT MCNAMARA is a singer, dancer, songwriter, actress and producer. Her first big role was in “Shadowhunters” on ABC Family. Then she was in the 2nd and 3rd Maze Runner movies. She appeared in the last two seasons of “Arrow” on The CW as Oliver and Felicity’s daughter, Mia, from the future. Following that, she starred in the western spinoff of “Walker” on The CW, “Walker: Independence,” which, unfortunately, lasted only one season. She’s been making movies, like “High Ground,” ever since.
feature “Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell,” for which he won the Oscar equivalent for Outstanding Feature Film Debut.
Patrick Sabongui stars as CIA agent Jacob Hassani on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
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SELINA RINGEL, Mags (Lead Actress, Writer, Producer): A dynamic Mexican-American filmmaker, has carved a niche in the independent film scene with her compelling narratives and unique voice. An award-winning writer, producer, and actress, her recent project, “You, Me & Her,” has won 15 awards, including Best Picture at the Mexican-American Film & Television Awards, and boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Selina’s groundbreaking film “Single Mother by Choice” captured her real-time pregnancy journey during COVID-19 and premiered on HBO Max. She is also known for her engaging comedy special on Amazon Prime, “2 Moms 1 Mic,” and her internationally recognized film “The Best People,” distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Selina’s work continues to resonate globally, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.
RITESH RAJAN, Ash (Lead Actor): A graduate of NYU Tisch, you can see Ritesh’s work as the lead in Sujata Day’s new film “Definition Please” produced by Mindy Kaling & Ava DuVernay, as Farran in the Emmy award-winning hit “Russian Doll” and as the voice of Ken in “Barbie: Dream House Adventures”: and more all on Netflix. Other credits include recurring on Shonda Rimes “Station 19,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book, FreeForm’s “Stitchers,” “NCIS LA,” “Star Wars,” “Rebels,” “Beavis & Butthead” and the Hulu original, “Dollface.”
PRESS BREAKS:
Tuesdays on NBC (8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT); Season Premiere: Nov 19
Lacretta stars as Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
developing emerging African artists.
enjoy this chat!
says you should consider a gluten-free diet:
Mightylicious Gluten Free Flour Blends – These three game-changers are made from top-quality, superfine rice flour for a neutral flavor. Milled specifically for baking, they deliver a soft, airy texture to all your favorite recipes.
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On the 10th day of Christmas, my true love gave to me, 
Bailey Chase 
Jesse Hutch
Angeles at the Second City, the Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre and I.O. West.
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About MGM+
Alexander Ludwig
Jessica Frances Dukes
Aaron Tveit
Todd Komarnicki
ABOUT THE SERIES
Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.
The Irrational
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