Primetime TV Review: “Murder In a Small Town”

TV Review!

 

"Murder In A Small Town" on The CW key art

“Murder In A Small Town” on FOX Review by Suzanne 10/7/24

I love the actors in this show. I’m a huge fan of “Smallville,” and I’ve watched all of the shows Kristin Kreuk has starred in since.  I really enjoyed Rossif Sutherland’s work in the Prime show “Three Pines.”  It’s wonderful to see them paired together in this series. They have amazing chemistry together.

This series really reminds me of those Hallmark movies, or series of movies, which usually take place in a small town. The heroine falls for a guy, or her old boyfriend, and sometimes, like in several of the Hallmark movie series, they solve murders together. The heroines, such as Hannah Swensen, Aurora Teagarden, or Ruby Herring, are generally smarter than everyone around them, including the boyfriend.  Now, this series on FOX (based on the Alberg and Cassandra Mysteries, a series of B.C.-set crime novels by L.R. Wright.) is a Canadian show about a detective named Karl Alberg (Sutherland) who’s new to town, and he meets up with the town’s librarian, Cassandra (Kreuk).  The murders are the focus of the show, but their romance is what ties the show together and makes it worth watch.

The small town, in this case, is Gibsons, a small coastal town that most of us in the U.S. have no doubt never heard of. It’s in the area called the Sunshine Coast. It sets a moody tone that you may be familiar with from watching shows like “The Killing” or “True Detective.”  The romance between the two, and the quirky characters, keep the show from getting too dark.

Each episode has a different murder, and the murder is solved within the show’s 42 minutes.  Whether there will be many long-term stories (besides the romance) remains to be seen.  Alberg is aided in his detective work by stalwart policeman Sergeant Sid Sokolowski (Aaron Douglas of “The Watchful Eye”). Guest stars include James Cromwell, Erica Durance, Lucas Bryant, Greyston Holt, Nathan Witte, Stana Katic, and Paula Patton.

I think the stories and characters are worth watching.  Even if you don’t like the show, you may enjoy the beautiful British Columbia scenery.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site  Trailer

Kristin Kreuk (Cassandra) and Rossif Sutherland (Karl) star in "Murder in a Small Town" (photo from trailer)All new murder mystery series Murder in a Small Town is based on the Edgar Award-winning, nine-book Karl Alberg series by acclaimed novelist L.R. Wright, and stars Rossif Sutherland (Reign, The Handmaid’s Tale) and Kristin Kreuk (Smallville, Beauty and the Beast). Murder in a Small Town follows Karl Alberg (Sutherland), who moves to a quiet, coastal town to soothe a psyche that has been battered by big-city police work. He’ll quickly learn that this gentle paradise has more than its share of secrets and will need to call upon all the skills that made him a world-class detective in solving the murders that, even in this seemingly idyllic setting, continue to wash up on his shore. Kreuk stars as Cassandra Lee, a local librarian who becomes Karl’s muse, foil and romantic interest.

Mya Lowe (My Life with the Walter Boys, Yellowjackets), Savonna Spracklin (Two-Spirit Odyssey, Wildhood), Aaron Douglas (Battlestar Galactica, The Watchful Eye) and Fritzy-Klevans Destine (The Boys, Superman & Lois) recur in the series, which also features special guest stars James Cromwell (Babe, Succession), Stana Katic (Castle, Absentia), Paula Patton (The Perfect Match, Precious) and Noah Reid (Schitt’s Creek).

Murder in a Small Town is produced by Sepia Films in association with FOX Entertainment and Jeff Wachtel’s Future Shack Entertainment. The series is produced in British Columbia with Ian Weir (Arctic Air, Edgemont) serving as head writer/executive producer, Milan Cheylov (24, The Cleaning Lady) executive-producing and directing multiple episodes of the program, and Nick Orchard (Soapbox Productions), Morris Ruskin and Sharon Wisnia (Mojo Global Arts) and Jon Cotton also serving as executive producers.

 

Kristin Kreuk (Cassandra) and Rossif Sutherland (Karl) star in "Murder in a Small Town" (photo from Kreuk's Instagram)

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Primetime TV Review: “Matlock”

TV Review!

 

Kathy Bates as Mattie in "Matlock" on CBS (photo from IMDB)

“Matlock” on CBS Review by Suzanne 10/5/24

I wasn’t sure whether I would like this show or not because I didn’t really care for the original series, starring Andy Griffith. It was just another show, similar to “Diagnosis: Murder” or “Murder She Wrote,” where an older person helps solve crimes in their every-day life.  Of course, “Matlock” was more like “Perry Mason” in that he was a lawyer that would help find the real murderer (so that his client would go free).  It’s basically the same idea, though.

This version of “Matlock” is not really a reboot at all.  The main character is played by a woman (Kathy Bates), and she is not what she seems, which we find out at the end of the first episode. Bates is always fascinating to watch, and she really excels here because the writing is top-notch.  She mentions the original show “Matlock” many times, so we know that this is not set in the original show’s “universe.”  What they’ve done with it is very interesting, though, and anyone who stays through the end of the first episode will figure that out.

Besides the great lead actress, there is a wonderful cast of people, including Beau Bridges, Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, David Del Rio and Leah Lewis. There are some fun guest stars each week as well. I can’t wait to see what else they do with this series. Do yourself a favor and tune in ASAP because this is already the best new show of the Fall season.

MORE INFORMATION: Official Site  Trailer

Kathy Bates, Jason Ritter, Leah Lewis, David Del Rio, and Skye P. Marshall of "Matlock" on CBS (key art)

MATLOCK stars Emmy and Academy Award winner Kathy Bates as Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a brilliant septuagenarian who achieved success in her younger years and decides to rejoin the work force at a prestigious law firm where she uses her unassuming demeanor and wily tactics to win cases. Matty is assigned to Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a senior attorney and key rainmaker with a thirst for justice, Olympia’s ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the head of the firm, is intrigued by Matty and her clever skills. As Matty endeavors to establish herself in her new high-stakes world, she works alongside the firm’s younger associates – the charismatic Billy (David Del Rio) and the uber ambitious Sarah (Leah Lewis). MATLOCK is inspired by the classic television series of the same name.

Premieres Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 (8:00-9:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network and available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.

ON AIR:

ORIGINATION:

Thursdays (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT), beginning Oct. 17, 2024

Los Angeles

FORMAT:

Drama (Filmed in HD)

STARRING:

Kathy Bates

(Madeline “Matty” Matlock)

Skye P. Marshall

(Olympia)

Jason Ritter

(Julian)

David Del Rio

(Billy)

Leah Lewis

(Sarah)

PRODUCED BY:

CBS Studios

EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS:

Jennie Snyder Urman, Joanna Klein, Eric Christian Olsen, John Will, Kat Coiro and Kathy Bates

Honored numerous times for her work, Kathy Bates is an undeniable force on stage, screen and television. Bates won an Academy Award® and a Golden Globe® for her portrayal of obsessed fan Annie Wilkes in Rob Reiner’s 1990 hit “Misery,” based on Stephen King’s novel. In 1995, Bates appeared in the title role of King’s “Dolores Claiborne.”

Currently, she can be seen in the Lionsgate feature adaption of Judy Blume’s classic novel “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” alongside Rachel McAdams.

Additionally, Bates will also star in the Netflix rom-com “A Family Affair” with Nicole Kidman, Joey King, Liza Koshy and Zac Efron. The film will release on the platform later this year. She is set to star in the independent feature film “Thelma,” which recounts the real-life story of the mother of John Kennedy Toole, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of A Confederacy of Dunces. Bates will star alongside John Malkovich and Lewis Pullman in the film, which is penned by Black List screenwriter Andrew Farotte and will be directed by Ken Kwapis.

Upcoming, Bates will star in the highly anticipated, reimagined CBS series MATLOCK as a new incarnation of the Andy Griffith character from the original hit series. She also serves as an executive producer on the show. Additionally, Bates recently wrapped production on Castille Landon’s comedy “Summer Camp” opposite Diane Keaton and Alfre Woodard.

Bates recently received the National Board of Review Award as well as an Oscar® and Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actress for her portrayal as Bobi Jewell in Clint Eastwood’s “Richard Jewell.” Starring alongside Paul Walter Hauser, Sam Rockwell, Olivia Wilde and Jon Hamm, the WB film is based on Marie Brenner’s 1997 Vanity Fair article “American Nightmare: The Ballad of Richard Jewell.”

In 1999, Bates received Oscar, Golden Globe and BAFTA nominations and won a Screen Actors Guild (SAG) Award® and a Critics Choice Award for her performance in Mike Nichols’ “Primary Colors.” Bates earned her third Oscar nomination for her role in Alexander Payne’s “About Schmidt,” for which she won a National Board of Review Award for Best Supporting Actress and garnered Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations.

Her film work has also been recognized with Golden Globe and BAFTA Award nominations for Jon Avnet’s film adaptation of Fanny Flagg’s “Fried Green Tomatoes,” and she also shared a SAG Award nomination with the ensemble cast of James Cameron’s blockbuster “Titanic,” as well as a nomination for the ensemble of Woody Allen’s biggest success, “Midnight in Paris.”

Bates received her star on the legendary Hollywood Walk of Fame on Sept. 20, 2016.

Her additional film credits include: “The Blind Side” with Sandra Bullock; Stephen Frears’ period drama “Cheri,” in which she starred with Michelle Pfeiffer; Sam Mendes’ drama “Revolutionary Road,” which reunited her with Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet; Adam Sandler’s “The Waterboy”; Robert Altman’s “Come Back to the Five & Dime Jimmy Dean, Jimmy Dean”; “Straight Time” with Dustin Hoffman; and Milos Forman’s “Taking Off.”

On television, Bates has received 14 Emmy® nominations, winning her first award in 2003 playing the ghost of Charlie Harper in Chuck Lorre’s TWO AND A HALF MEN. Bates won rave reviews and her second Emmy as the deliciously evil Madame LaLaurie in Ryan Murphy’s “American Horror Story: Coven” on FX. She received two more Emmy nods for her respective performances in “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and “American Horror Story: Hotel.”

For the 1996 HBO film “The Late Shift,” Bates won a Golden Globe and a SAG Award and earned an Emmy nomination. Her television honors also include Emmy, Golden Globe and SAG Award nominations for her performance as Miss Hannigan in The Wonderful World of Disney musical “Annie.”

Bates has also been honored for her work behind the camera as a director. She helmed the A&E telefilm “Dash and Lily,” starring Sam Shepard and Judy Davis, which earned nine Emmy nominations, including one for Bates as Best Director. She also directed five episodes of the acclaimed HBO series “Six Feet Under,” earning a Directors Guild of America Award® nomination for the episode “Twilight.” Her directing credits also include episodes of “Oz,” “Homicide: Life on the Street” and PBS’ “Great Performances.”

Bates first gained the attention of critics and audiences on the New York stage starring as Joanne in Jack Heifner’s “Vanities” – one of the longest-running plays in Off-Broadway history. She was nominated for a Tony Award® for her portrayal of the suicidal daughter in the original Broadway production of Marsha Norman’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “‘night, Mother.” She has been honored with an Obie Award® for her performance as Frankie in the original Off-Broadway production of Terrence McNally’s “Frankie and Johnny in the Clair de Lune.” She portrayed Elsa Barlow in Athol Fugard’s “The Road to Mecca” alongside Fugard and Yvonne Bryceland.

For the past several years, Bates has served as the national spokesperson for the Lymphatic Education and Research Network (LE&RN). LE&RN is an internationally recognized non-profit organization founded in 1998 to fight lymphatic diseases and lymphedema through education, research and advocacy. With chapters throughout the world, LE&RN seeks to accelerate the prevention, treatment and cure of these diseases while bringing patients and medical professionals together to address the unmet needs surrounding lymphatic diseases, which include lymphedema and lipedema.

Bates currently resides in Los Angeles, Calif.

 

Jason Ritter, Kathy Bates and Skye P. Marshall star in "Matlock" on CBS.

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Interview with Arlen Escarpeta

TV Interview!

 

Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke Wallace on "Found" on NBC -- (Photo from Arlen's Instagram)

Interview with Arlen Scarpeta of “Found” on NBC by Suzanne 9/10/24

This was such an enjoyable interview with Arlen, who plays Zeke on “Found” and seems like a great guy. If you aren’t that familiar with the show, Zeke is the one that has agoraphobia (is afraid to leave his place).  He has some great scenes at the beginning of this season. No spoilers here! I hope you enjoy our video. Don’t miss the season premiere October 3rd on NBC!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Arlen Escarpeta

Zeke Wallace, “Found”

FOUND -- Season: 2 -- Pictured: Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke Wallace -- (Photo by: Kwaku Alston/NBC)

Arlen Escarpeta stars as Zeke on the NBC drama “Found.”

Escarpeta is best known for co-starring in the OWN series “David Makes Man,” from executive producers Oprah Winfrey and Michael B. Jordan. Previous TV credits include “Grimm,” “Extant,” “American Dreams,” “Boston Public,” “House,” “Law & Order: SVU” and the Lifetime film “Whitney.”

On the film side, Escarpeta earned critical acclaim for his breakout role in the IFC drama “American Gun,” making its premiere at the 2005 Toronto International Film Festival and starring Forest Whitaker, Marcia Gay Harden and Donald Sutherland. Earlier film roles include Carl Franklin’s courtroom thriller “High Crimes,” opposite Morgan Freeman and Ashley Judd.

He has also appeared in “High Crimes,” “Brotherhood,” “Friday the 13th,” “We Are Marshall,” “Final Destination 5” and “The Ten.”

Escarpeta moved to Los Angeles from his native country of Belize.

FOUND -- Pictured: "Found" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)Found

Season 2 Premiering Oct 3 on NBC (10-11p.m. ET/PT)

In any given year, more than 600,000 people are reported missing in the U.S. More than half that number are people of color that the country seems to forget about. Public relations specialist Gabi Mosely (series star and producer Shanola Hampton), who was once herself one of those forgotten ones, and her crisis management team make sure there is always someone looking out for the missing. Gabi, however, has a chilling secret: In the midst of grief, she imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose, and her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.

The cast includes Shanola Hampton, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi.

In addition to Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Sonay Hoffman serves as executive producer, along with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman and Lindsay Dunn.

The series is produced by Berlanti Productions and Rock My Soul Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

In any given year, more than 600,000 people are reported missing in the U.S. More than half that number are people of color that the country seems to forget about. Public relations specialist Gabi Mosely (series star and producer Shanola Hampton), who was once herself one of those forgotten ones, and her crisis management team make sure there is always someone looking out for the missing. Gabi, however, has a chilling secret: In the midst of grief, she imprisoned her childhood kidnapper, Sir (Mark-Paul Gosselaar). Now Sir has escaped and is on the loose, and her biggest secret is now her biggest threat.

 

The cast includes Shanola Hampton, Mark-Paul Gosselaar, Kelli Williams, Brett Dalton, Gabrielle Walsh, Arlen Escarpeta and Karan Oberoi.

In addition to Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Sonay Hoffman serves as executive producer, along with Greg Berlanti, Sarah Schechter, Leigh London Redman and Lindsay Dunn.

The series is produced by Berlanti Productions and Rock My Soul Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.

Arlen Escarpeta as Zeke Wallace -- (Photo by: Fernando Decillis/NBC)

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Interview with Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar

TV Interview!

 

Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar of "Women in Blue" on Apple TV+

Interview with Bárbara Mori and Fernando Rovzar of “Women in Blue” AKA “Las Azules” on Apple TV+ by Suzanne 9/18/24

This is such a wonderful series, and everyone should watch it. It takes places in 1970, when women were encouraged to join the police department in Mexico City, only to find that they’re being used for political reasons. The women then have to prove themselves in the search for a serial killer targeting young women. María, Valentina, Gabina and Ángeles are the focus of the show as we learn about each of them and how they work together. It’s intriguing both as a look back on how women were treated then, and as a riveting police drama.  Mori starts as María, so I was delighted to speak with her and Rovzar. He created and wrote the show, as well as directed some of the episodes. I didn’t know (until María mentioned it in this interview) that the two of them are married.  I was fascinated to learn more about the creation and filming of show after watching many of the episodes. I hope you enjoy our interview as well! Tomorrow is the series finale, so don’t miss it! It’s worth binge-watching.  If you don’t like to read subtitles, and you don’t know Spanish, you can watch it in English (dubbed). They have all of those options for you on Apple TV+, which is great. I prefer dubbed, myself.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"Women in Blue" key art

Apple TV+ shares first-look at “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”), new Spanish-language crime drama from International Emmy Award winner Fernando Rovzar

Set to debut globally July 31, 2024 on Apple TV+, new series featuring Ariel Award nominee Bárbara Mori is inspired by the thrilling true stories of Mexico’s first female police force and stars Ximena Sariñana, Natalia Téllez and Amorita Rasgado 

Apple TV+ today unveiled the premiere date and a first-look at “Women in Blue” (“Las Azules”), its upcoming ten episode Spanish-language crime drama featuring an entirely Hispanic cast and crew led by Ariel Award nominee Bárbara Mori (“Perdidos en La Noche,” “La Negociadora,” “La Mujer De Mi Hermano”). Created by International Emmy Award-winning showrunner and director Fernando Rovzar (“Monarca,” “Sr. Ávila”) and Pablo Aramendi (“Tijuana,” “Los Elegidos”), “Women in Blue” will make its global debut with the first two episodes on Wednesday, July 31, 2024 on Apple TV+, followed by one episode weekly through September 25.

Set in 1970 and inspired by true events, “Women in Blue” tells the story of four women who defy the ultra-conservative norms of the time and join Mexico’s first female police force, only to discover that their squad is a publicity stunt to distract the media from a brutal serial killer. As the body count grows, María (Mori), whose determination to catch the killer becomes an obsession, Gabina (Amorita Rasgado), whose father is a renowned cop, Ángeles (Ximena Sariñana), a brilliant fingerprint analyst, and Valentina (Natalia Téllez), a young rebel, set up a secret investigation to achieve what no male officer has been able to do and bring the serial killer to justice.

The series stars Mori, Sariñana, Téllez, Rasgado, Miguel Rodarte, Leonardo Sbaraglia, Christian Tappan, and Horacio García Rojas.

Rovzar, Emmy Award nominee Wendy Riss (“Yellowstone,” “Genius,” “The Killing”), Erica Sanchez Su (“Monarca,” “La Venganza de Las Juanas,” “Paramédicos”), Sandra Solares ( “Point Break,” “Y Tú Mamá También,” “Instructions Not Included”) and International Emmy Award winner Billy Rovzar (“Monarca,” “Control Z,” “Sr. Ávila”) serve as executive producers. The series is produced for Apple TV+ by Lemon Studios.

Apple TV+ offers premium, compelling drama and comedy series, feature films, groundbreaking documentaries and kids and family entertainment, and is available to watch across all of a user’s favorite screens. After its launch on November 1, 2019, Apple TV+ became the first all-original streaming service to launch around the world and has premiered more original hits and received more award recognitions faster than any other streaming service in its debut. To date, Apple Original films, documentaries and series have earned 488 wins and 2,143 award nominations and counting, including multi-Emmy Award-winning comedy “Ted Lasso” and historic Oscar Best Picture winner “CODA.”

Natalia Téllez, Amorita Rasgado, Ximena Sariñana and Bárbara Mori in "Women in Blue (Las Azules)," now streaming on Apple TV+.

About Apple TV+

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billion screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day free trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV or Mac can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.*

*Special offer is good for three months after the first activation of the eligible device. One offer per Family Sharing group. Plans automatically renew until canceled. Other restrictions and terms apply; visit apple.com/promo for more information.

Cast & Crew

  • Bárbara Mori
  • Ximena Sariñana
  • Natalia Téllez
  • Amorita Rasgado
  • Miguel Rodarte
  • Leonardo Sbaraglia
  • Christian Tappán
  • Horacio García Rojas

Executive Producers

  • Fernando Rovzar
  • Wendy Riss
  • Erica Sánchez Su
  • Sandra Solares
  • Billy Rovzar

Natalia Téllez, Bárbara Mori, Fernando Rovzar, Amorita Rasgado and Ximena Sariñana at the premiere of "Women in Blue (Las Azules)," now streaming on Apple TV+.

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Interview with Tim Rozon, Melanie Scrofano and Emily Andras

TV Interview!

 

Tim Rozon, Melanie Scrofano and Emily Andras of "Wyatt Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi - San Diego Comic-Con 2024 (screengrab from Andras' video on Instagram)

Interview with Tim Rozon, Melanie Scrofano and Emily Andras of “Wyatt Earp: Vengeance” on Tubi by Suzanne 9/5 and 9/10/24

I just love chatting with these actors, which I’ve done several times now; it was great to also meet Emily (the creator/writer).  They’re all extremely nice and fun. Emily has an amazing enthusiasm that I’ve rarely seen in anyone I’ve talked to, let alone a writer, producer or showrunner.  Don’t miss Tim and Mel’s return to this delightful universe that Emily created. I hope this special is very successful, so that they can do another special, movie or TV series.  You should be able to enjoy it even if you’ve never seen it before, I’m told.  I apologize that the videos are on speaker mode and not gallery like usual… This was some glitch with the PR and not with me! I always prefer gallery mode. Enjoy!

Tim Rozon and Melanie Scrofano

Tim Rozon and Melanie Scrofano of "Wyatt Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi (photo from Scrofano's Instagram)

Emily Andras

Melanie Scrofano and Emily Andras of "Wynonna Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi (from Andras' Instagram)

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Wynonna Earp key art

Wynonna Earp – spicy, hard-living, demon-slaying anti-heroine and great-great-granddaughter of legendary lawman Wyatt Earp – must return, once again, to her hometown of Purgatory to battle her greatest foe yet: a psychotic villainess hellbent on revenge against Wynonna… and everyone she loves.

VENGEANCE features original cast members, Melanie Scrofano (Wynonna Earp), Tim Rozon (Doc Holliday), Dominique Provost-Chalkley (Waverly Earp) and Katherine Barrell (Nicole Haught).

WYNONNA EARP – VENGEANCE  is produced by SEVEN24 Films in association withCineflix Studios, written, created and executive produced by Emily Andras and directed by Paolo Barzman. SEVEN24’s Jordy Randall and Tom Cox with Cineflix’s Peter Emerson and Brett Burlock serve as Executive Producers along with Todd Berger and Rick Jacobs. “Wynonna Earp” is based on the IDW Tim Rozon and Melanie Scrofano of "Wyatt Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi (photo from Tubi press site)Publishing graphic novel created and written by Beau Smith.

Follow all WYNONNA EARP: VENGEANCE news on social here:

Twitter: @Tubi  

Instagram: @Tubi 

TikTok: @Tubi

Facebook: @TubiTV

#Vengeance

 

Tim Rozon and Melanie Scrofano of "Wyatt Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi (photo from Rozon's Instagram)

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Tim Rozon, Melanie Scrofano and Emily Andras of "Wyatt Earp: Vengeance" on Tubi (Fan Art)

Interview with Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick

TV Interview!

 

Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson and Wendie Malick (from Instagram)

Interview with Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson and Wendie Malick of “The Chicken Sisters” on Hallmark+ by Suzanne 8/19/24

These were two fun interviews! I was so glad to speak to the legendary actresses, Wendie and Lea, whose work I’ve enjoyed so much over the years. The other two young actresses also do a great job in the show.  Everyone was very nice. Fun fact: Schuyler Fisk is the daughter of movie star Sissy Spacek!  Anyway, the show is not only funny but heart-warming. However, it’s not sappy or saccharine. I enjoyed the episodes I’ve seen so far.  Hallmark is starting their first streaming channel, Hallmark+, and this is one of their first original series on it. You can only watch this series on Hallmark+. It begins Tuesday, Sept. 10, and new episodes will premiere every Thursday beginning on September 12. I hope you enjoy the series as much I do! It’s worth adding another streaming service for this. You can always try it with the free trial and see if you like it.

Schuyler Fisk & Lea Thompson

Genevieve Angelson & Wendie Malick

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"The Chicken Sisters" key art - Sisters Amanda and Mae reunite when reality show “Kitchen Clash” comes to their town of Merinac, heating up the competition between their feuding fried chicken restaurants – and families. Based on the NY Times bestseller and Reese’s Book Club selection of the same name.

Sisters Amanda and Mae are reunited when reality show KITCHEN CLASH comes to their town, and the competition between their two feuding restaurants heats up. Starring Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson, Lea Thompson and Wendie Malick.

Now Streaming Exclusively on Hallmark+

About THE CHICKEN SISTERS

The Chicken Sisters is a new original series based on the NY Times Bestseller of the same name and Reese’s Book Club selection penned by KJ Dell’Antonia. Coming home to roost on Hallmark in September, the eight-episode series from Showrunner and Executive Producer Annie Mebane stars Schuyler Fisk (Sam & Kate, Orange County), Genevieve Angelson (The Handmaid’s Tale, Good Girls Revolt), Lea Thompson (Switched at Birth, Back to the Future) and Wendie Malick (Young Sheldon, Shrinking, Just Shoot Me!).

The Chicken Sisters is a family drama dipped in southern charm and served up with a saucy side of romance. The setting is the fictional town of Merinac, where a generations-old rift between dueling fried chicken restaurants – Mimi’s and Frannie’s – has left the founders’ families fractured and the locals taking sides. When popular cooking competition show Kitchen Clash comes to town, this could be the recipe for ending this feud once and for all. But things are fixing to heat up both inside and outside of the kitchen as the reality show spotlight causes sparks to fly as secrets are spilled and feathers get ruffled.

The series will premiere in September on Hallmark’s recently announced streaming service and membership rewards program, Hallmark+.

THE CHICKEN SISTERS

Cast Bios

Schuyler Fisk of "The Chicken Sisters" on Hallmark+SCHUYLER FISK (Amanda Moore Hillier) – Schuyler Fisk’s long and respected acting career began at the age of 11 years old when she starred in (the now cult-favorite film) The Baby-sitter’s Club. Most recently, Fisk starred in the titular role of Kate in the well-received indie film (and Austin Film Festival audience award winner), Sam & Kate. Deadline film reviewer Pete Hammond said, “Fisk is just terrific here, and like her real-life mom seems incapable of a false note.” Other feature films of note include, include Orange County with Jack Black and Colin Hanks, I’m Reed Fish with Jay Baruchel, Gus Van Sant’s film Restless and The Best of Me.

With her vibrant voice and honest songwriting, Fisk also draws legions of fans to her music, both onstage and online, where she enjoys an active grassroots following as a top indie artist. After a decade of touring, songwriting and collaborating with other artists, she came onto the scene with a bang in 2009, when her first album The Good Stuff debuted on Billboard’s Heatseekers Chart and at #1 on the iTunes Singer/Songwriter Chart. She then went on to release a number of records and singles under her own moniker as well as a few with side-projects, including her duo FM Radio, with whom she performed as a musical guest on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno. Fisk’s latest album, We Could Be Alright, produced by Colin Killalea, was released at the end of 2022. Fisk has performed and toured with artists including Sheryl Crow, Rachael Yamagata, Cary Brothers, Joshua Radin and Ben Taylor. She has numerous collaborations and a songwriter and a singer, including the immensely popular song “Paperweight,” written and performed with Joshua Radin for the film The Last Kiss. Fisk continues to contribute original songs to many other film and television projects, including, most recently, “Life After” in Sam & Kate.

Genevieve Angelson of "The Chicken Sisters" on Hallmark+ (photo from the Hallmark press site or Instagram)GENEVIEVE ANGELSON (Mae Moore) – Actress Genevieve Angelson has built a strong reputation for starring in a diverse array of memorable roles across film, television and theater.

Angelson is most-well known for her starring role as Patti Robinson on Amazon’s critically-acclaimed series Good Girls Revolt. The series followed a group of women at a 1960s magazine who pushed back against gender boundaries.

This past year, Angelson has starred in a number of memorable roles, and can currently be seen as Alanis Wheeler on the fifth season of Hulu’s The Handmaid’s Tale. Additionally, she starred as Indigo on Apple TV+’s The Afterparty with Tiffany Haddish and Ike Barenholtz, as well as Dr. Mia Castries on NBC’s New Amsterdam and Sally on This is Us.

Other past television roles include Anna Paquin’s sister Ruth on Flack, Detective Nicole Gravely, opposite Rainn Wilson on Backstrom, House of Lies, Titans, The Good Wife and Blue Bloods.

In film, Angelson recently co-starred in the romantic comedy, Which Brings Me to You opposite Lucy Hale and Nat Wolff, for BCDF Pictures.

Angelson originated the role of Nina in the Broadway production of NinaVanya and Sonya and Masha and Spike on Broadway opposite Sigourney Weaver, which won the Tony Award for Best Play. She also starred in the Off-Broadway production of The Cake at the Manhattan Theater Club.

Angelson is a published writer and has been featured in outlets including Elle, Town & Country and

Refinery29.

Angelson is a Graduate of the Tisch School Graduate Acting Program.

Lea Thompson in "The Chicken Sisters" on Hallmark+LEA THOMPSON (Nancy Hillier) – Lea Thompson has had a remarkable career as an artist of many colors over the last four decades. She is probably best known for Back to the Future and Switched at Birth, but her career has encompassed acting, directing, singing, dancing in ballet, theatre, films and television.

Thompson started in ballet at the Minnesota Dance Theater and the Pennsylvania Ballet. She moved into acting an has amassed more that 50 feature films to her credit such as Red Dawn, Back to the Future, Some Kind of Wonderful, Howard the Duck, Little Rascals, Dennis the Menace, Beverly Hillbillies, All the Right Moves, J Edgar, Little Women and The Trouble with the Truth. In television series, highlights are starring in Caroline in the City, Jane Doe and Switched at Birth along with many guest star spots in series such as Friends, Tales from the Crypt and Scorpion. Now a veteran director now in television, Thompson has helmed Jane Doe, Switched at Birth, The Goldbergs, Star Girl, Star Trek: Picard, Resident Alien and Will Trent. She made her feature film directorial debut with The Year of Spectacular Men on which she collaborated with her daughters Madelyn and Zoey Deutch. Stage singing and acting credits include I love My Wife and as Sally Bowles in Cabaret on Broadway.

Lea often performs at events for the Alzheimer’s Association, Michael J Fox Foundation and breast cancer charities. She lives in Los Angeles with her husband of 35 years, Howard Deutch, and a menagerie of dogs, fish, horses and chickens.

Wendie Malick in "The Chicken Sisters" on Hallmark+WENDIE MALICK (Augusta “Gus” Moore) – Wendie Malick has graced screens with an illustrious film and television career for decades. She received four Cable Ace awards for her role in HBO’s groundbreaking comedy, Dream On and garnered a Golden Globe and two Emmy Nominations for her iconic role, Nina Van Horn, in Just Shoot Me! Malick also starred in Hot In Cleveland, for which she and her cast mates earned a People’s Choice Award, and a SAG nomination for Best Ensemble. Other series included Frasier, Big Day, Good Company, and Rush Hour, as well as recurring roles on The Ranch, American Housewife, This Is Us, Pitch, Darrow & Darrow and NYPD Blue.

Malick recently recurred on Physical, Young Sheldon, and opposite Harrison Ford on the Apple TV+ series, Shrinking and also appeared in the last season of Dear White People. She’s made guest appearances on Billions, Mom, Seinfeld, Grace and Frankie, CSI, L.A. Law, The X Files, and many

more. Animated television credits include “Jimmy Neutron,” SpongeBob SquarePants, Bojack Horseman (Annie nomination), Rugrats and the Peabody award winning show, The Owl House.

Big screen credits include: Endings, Beginnings, Adventureland, Fifty-Nothing, Jerome, Confessions of a Shopaholic, Waiting, Racing Stripes, The American President, Trojan Wars, Raising Genius, Mr. Mikes Mondo Video, A Little Sex, The Goods, Bugsy, The Emperor’s New Groove, Alvin and the Chipmunks: the Squeakquel, The Surrogate, Mack and Rita, About Fate, The Re-Education of Molly Singer, 7000 Miles and Mother of All Shows.

On stage, Malick’s work included BURLEIGH GRIMES, NORTH SHORE FISH (Off-Broadway), Big Night (Kirk Douglas Theater),The Engagement Party and The Underpants (Geffen), Don’t Blame Me, I Voted For Helen Gahagan Douglas (Wooly Mammoth), Santaland Diaries (Coast Playhouse), Love Letters (Laguna Playhouse), The Guys (Studio Arena), Blithe Spirit and What is The Cause of Thunder (Williamstown) and Closure (New Jersey Rep).

Malick is on the Board of the Environmental Media Association, and the Advisory Board of Return To Freedom, a wild horse sanctuary and advocacy group. Through their charitable gift fund, A Drop in the Bucket, she and her husband, Richard Erickson, support a medical center in Congo. They live on a ranch in the Santa Monica mountains, with two dogs, three horses and a miniature donkey.

Lea Thompson, Schuyler Fisk, Genevieve Angelson and Wendie Malick of "The Chicken Sisters" on Hallmark+

Interview with Arkie Kandola of “How to Die Alone” and “Chicken Sisters” 8/27/24

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Interview with Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis

TV Interview!

 

Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+

Interview with Doug Jones and Elias Toufexis of “Star Trek: Discovery” on Paramount+ by Suzanne 8/15 and 8/21/24

I’m a lifelong Trekkie, so I’m always happy to speak with anyone from the franchise. I’ve spoken with Doug (who played Saru) before, but he’s just such a nice and fun guy to chat with, that I was happy to speak with him again about the release of the show’s final season, as well as the complete series, on DVD, Blu-Ray™ and Limited Edition Blu-Ray™ Steelbook. We had a great chat. Then, the following week, I spoke at length with Elias, who played the last season’s villain, L’ak (along with Moll).  Both actors have been in many great scifi, fantasy and horror movies, TV shows and video games. They’re both amazing actors. Honestly, I could have spokne with them both for hours.  I hope you enjoy our video interviews!

Win a free copy of “Star Trek Discovery: The Final Season” Blu-ray (Season 5) – we have 2 to give away…
Email us with the subject line “Let’s Fly!” to enter! Ends 9/6/24.

Doug Jones

Elias Toufexis

 

"Star Trek: The Final Season" Blu-Ray Cover artMORE INFO: Trailer

Buy the Final Season DVD, Blu-Ray or Limited Edition Blu-Ray Steelbook or Complete Series DVD or Blu-Ray

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™ THE FINAL SEASON ARRIVES AUGUST 27
ON DVD, BLU-RAY™ AND LIMITED EDITION BLU-RAY™ STEELBOOK

With Nearly 2 Hours of Special Features, Including Featurettes, Audio Commentary, a Gag Reel, and More!

LOS ANGELES – June 10, 2024 – Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery return when STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™ THE FINAL SEASON arrives with even more “incredible action sequences and truly breathtaking visuals” – Collider (Samantha Coley) August 27 on DVD, Blu-ray™ and Limited Edition Blu-ray™ Steelbook from Paramount Home Entertainment.

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™ THE FINAL SEASON cast members include Sonequa Martin-Green (Captain Michael Burnham), Doug Jones (Saru), Anthony Rapp (Paul Stamets), Mary Wiseman (Sylvia Tilly), Wilson Cruz (Dr. Hugh Culber), David Ajala (Cleveland “Book” Booker), Blu del Barrio (Adira), and Callum Keith Rennie (Rayner). The final season also features recurring guest stars Elias Toufexis (L’ak) and Eve Harlow (Moll).

These 4-disc DVD and Blu-ray™ collections include every adventure-filled episode and nearly 2 hours of special features, including featurettes, audio commentary, a gag reel, and more!

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™ THE FINAL SEASON is also available on Digital August 26*

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™: THE COMPLETE SERIES will also be available on August 27 on Blu-ray and DVD, featuring all 65 episodes and over 15 hours of special features including a BONUS DISC that takes you on a never-before-seen journey through all five seasons with the cast and crew.

SYNOPSIS

STAR TREK: DISCOVERY™ follows the voyages of Starfleet on their missions to discover new worlds and new life forms. The fifth and final season will find Captain Burnham and the crew of the U.S.S. Discovery uncovering a mystery that will send them on an epic adventure across the galaxy to find an ancient power whose very existence has been deliberately hidden for centuries. But there are others on the hunt as well… dangerous foes who are desperate to claim the prize for themselves and will stop at nothing to get it.

FINAL SEASON SPECIAL FEATURES

  • Audio Commentary (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Deleted Scene (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Being Michael Burnham (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Character Development (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Gag Reel (Exclusive to Home Entertainment)

  • Star Trek: Discovery™: The Voyage of Season 5

  • A Team Effort

  • Discovery‘s Creative Force

 

The series is produced by CBS Studios in association with Secret Hideout and Roddenberry Entertainment. Alex Kurtzman, Michelle Paradise, Heather Kadin, Aaron Baiers, Olatunde Osunsanmi, Sonequa Martin-Green, Frank Siracusa, John Weber, Rod Roddenberry and Trevor Roth serve as executive producers. Alex Kurtzman and Michelle Paradise serve as co-showrunners.

*Special features available at select digital retailers with the purchase of full season

About CBS Studios:

CBS Studios is one of the world’s leading suppliers of entertainment programming with development and production for broadcast, cable networks, streaming services, and other emerging platforms. The Studio’s expansive portfolio spans a diverse slate of commercially successful and critically acclaimed scripted programming, which includes genre-defining franchises such as NCIS and the ever-growing Star Trek universe, award-winning late night and daytime talk shows, as well as an extensive library of iconic intellectual property. The Studio also develops and produces local language and international content originating outside of the US for viewers around the world.

Paramount Home Entertainment (PHE) is part of Paramount Pictures Corporation (PPC), a global producer and distributor of filmed entertainment.  PPC is a unit of Paramount (NASDAQ: PARA, PARAA), a leading global media and entertainment company that creates premium content and experiences for audiences worldwide.  The PHE division oversees PPC’s home entertainment and transactional digital distribution activities worldwide. The division is responsible for the sales, marketing and distribution of home entertainment content on behalf of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Animation, Paramount Television Studios, Paramount Players, MTV, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central and CBS and applicable licensing and servicing of certain DreamWorks Animation titles.  PHE additionally manages global licensing of studio content and transactional distribution across worldwide digital distribution platforms including online, mobile and portable devices and emerging technologies.

Final Season Specifications:

Blu-ray™ Specifications:

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French (Parisian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, German 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Italian 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Japanese 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Spanish (Castilian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3

Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (Parisian), German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish (Castilian), Swedish

Blu-ray™ Steelbook:

Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio, French (Parisian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, German 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Italian 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Japanese 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, Spanish (Castilian) 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3

Subtitles: English SDH, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French (Parisian), German, Italian, Japanese, Norwegian, Spanish (Castilian), Swedish

DVD Specifications:

Audio: English 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3, French 5.1 Surround Dolby Digital AC3,

Subtitles:English SDH, French (Parisian)

U.S. Rating:

Not Rated

Canadian Rating:

PG – Violence, Mature Theme

Run Times:

9:36:40 (Final Season)

54:50:39 (Complete Series)

Actor Doug Jones (Saru) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+Doug Jones

October 2020

While famous for working under prosthetics in iconic feature film roles, Doug Jones is also a versatile character actor who has performed as himself in guest star roles on shows like “Arrow,” “The Flash,” “Teen Wolf,” “Z-Nation,” “The Neighbors,” “Criminal Minds,” “C.S.I.” and NBC’s horror anthology “Fear Itself.” A veteran of over 100 commercials, Doug was Mac Tonight, the moon-headed piano player in the long-running 1990s McDonald’s campaign. He also starred as the lead villain in “Hush,” an Emmy-winning episode of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” long considered a fan favorite. Doug was also a semi-regular guest judge on the hit SyFy Net reality series “Face Off.”

In 2005 he played the title role of Pan (as well as the nightmare character known as The Pale Man) in Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning Spanish language fantasy/horror feature “Pan’s Labyrinth.” But it was his sensitive and elegant performance as Abe Sapien in del Toro’s 2004 box office hit “Hellboy” that brought Doug’s unique work to a wider audience. He went on to voice that same character for the Emmy-nominated Cartoon Network animations “Hellboy: Sword of Storms” and “Hellboy: Blood and Iron.” In 2007 Doug’s title role performance in “Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer” was hailed by fans and critics alike. 2008 saw Doug reprise his starring role (as well as two other characters) in “Hellboy II: The Golden Army,” once more under the direction of del Toro. He also starred in “Gainsbourg,” a stylized biopic of the famous French poet/singer/composer Serge Gainsbourg, in which he plays Gainsbourg’s dark alter ego. The film has won three Cesar Awards. Doug has also had prominent creature roles in “Crimson Peak,” “The Watch,” “The Bye Bye Man,” “Legion,” “Hocus Pocus” and many others.

Jones was a series regular on three seasons of TNT’s Spielberg-produced sci-fi series “Falling Skies” and recurred on Guillermo del Toro’s FX series “The Strain.” Upcoming, Jones will star opposite Sally Hawkins in del Toro’s “The Shape of Water.

Follow him on Instagram!

Elias Toufexis (L'ak) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+ Photo from Toufexis' Twitter/X accountElias Toufexis is a Canadian actor. He has played characters on television and in video games, mostly in science fiction and fantasy genres.

He has played dozens of major characters on television in shows like: Star Trek: Discovery, FBI, FBI Most Wanted, Shadowhunters, Criminal Minds, Bitten, Lost Girl, Alphas, Stargate: Atlantis and particularly memorable characters on: Supernatural and The Expanse.

He is one of the busiest Performance Capture actors in the world, with characters in video games, films, and television. Variety has called him “The Canadian Andy Serkis”

In the video-game world, he’s played leading characters in many multi-million dollar projects. The Assassin’s Creed Series, The Deus Ex Series, Gotham Knights, The Call Of Duty Series, The Fortnite Series, The Splinter Cell Series, The Far Cry Series, The Immortals Fenyx Rising series, and dozens more. He has a cult following around the world for his work in Performance Capture and Voice in Videogames.

Forbes Magazine called him a “voice-acting heavyweight”. In Animation, you can hear Elias is multiple animated series and films. Most recently in the Netflix Animated series Blood Of Zeus and in Adult Swim’s Blade Runner Black Lotus. You can also hear him as the voice of Yellow Pages, McDonald’s, Lexus Cars, Taco Bell, and many many more radio and TV voice-over commercials.

Visit his website

Doug Jones (Saru) and Elias Toufexis (L'ak) of "Star Trek: Discovery" on Paramount+ Photo from Toufexis' Instagram

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Interview with David Arquette

TV Interview!

 

Robert Schwartzman and David Arquette of "The Good Half," out in theaters now (photos from their Instagrams)

Interview with director Robert Schwartzman and actor David Arquette for the film,”The Good Half” by Suzanne 8/6 and 8/8/24

This movie is one that everyone should watch. It does deal with family drama and grief, but it’s also heartwarming and funny, and it has some romance. To my mind, it’s not morbid, nor is it overly sentimental. It’s out in theaters now, and you shouldn’t miss it. Nick Jonas stars and shows us that he is a fine actor (and not just the great singer he has proven many times over).  There are many lovely performances in the movie. It has a great cast. David Arquette has a small but important role as Nick’s stepfather. He plays it masterfully.  It was so interesting to speak with these two about this movie. Don’t miss it!

Robert Schwartzman

Key art for film "The Good Half" with David Arquette

David Arquette

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"The Good Half" key art

UTOPIA Presents logo

THE GOOD HALF

In Theaters August 16th

**LA Premiere Screening on August 13th**

Starring Nick Jonas, Brittany Snow, David Arquette,
Alexandra Shipp, Matt Walsh and Elisabeth Shue
Directed by Robert Schwartzman 

**Official Selection – 2023 Tribeca Festival**

Directed by: Robert Schwartzman (The Unicorn)

Written by: Brett Ryland
Produced by: Russell Wayne Groves, Robert Schwartzman, and Brett Ryland
"The Good Half" star Nick Jonas with director Robert Schwartzman
Starring:
Nick Jonas
Brittany Snow (Pitch Perfect)
David Arquette (Scream)
Alexandra Shipp (Anyone But You)
Matt Walsh (“Veep”)
Elisabeth Shue (Leaving Las Vegas)

Renn Wheeland returns home to Cleveland for his mother’s funeral. Once there, he forges new relationships while healing old ones, before confronting his problems and trying to face his grief.

RT: 100 Minutes

 

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Interview with Tim Reid

TV Interview!

 

Actor/Director/Producer Tim Reid (from his Facebook page)

Interview with Tim Reid of “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall” on Lifetime by Suzanne 8/6/24

This is my second one-on-one interview with actor/director/producer Tim Reid; he’s always so fun and interesting to speak with. He knows a lot about history, black history, and more, as well as the entertainment industry.  He directs this movie, so it was great to get his perspective on it, and on Miss Cleo herself. If you remember her, or even if you just like to watch biopics, you should definitely watch it because it’s fascinating, and you’ll probably learn a lot.

 

MORE INFO:  Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall" on Lifetime

Lifetime Announces Biopic “Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall” Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen Premiering 8/10

LIFETIME CHANNELS ICONIC TELEVISION PSYCHIC IN NEW BIOPIC
MISS CLEO: HER RISE AND FALL
PREMIERING SATURDAY AUGUST 10

 STARRING ROBIN “THE LADY OF RAGE” ALLEN,
SHANE JOHNSON AND IAN BOHEN
DIRECTED BY TIM REID

WATCH TRAILER NOW

LIFETIME WILL ALSO AIR THE DOC CALL ME MISS CLEO
IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE MOVIE

LOS ANGELES, CA (July 15, 2024) – Lifetime expands the network’s summer movie slate with all-new biopic about beloved television personality and cult icon, Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall, premiering on Lifetime Saturday, August 10 at 8/7c, followed by the documentary Call Me Miss Cleo at 10/9c. Starring Robin “The Lady of Rage” Allen (On Ten, Tha Dogg Pound & Snoop Dogg: Who da Hardest) along with Shane Johnson (Power) and Ian Bohen (Yellowstone) and directed by Tim Reid (Sister, Sister) the epic journey picks up in the late 90s’ when, single mom Youree Dell Harris finds herself desperate to take care of her family and takes a job at the Psychic Readers Network — only to become one of the networks most beloved personalities, Miss Cleo. But her challenges don’t end there and when the network faces allegations of fraud and deception, they turn their sights on Miss Cleo.  For the first time ever, Miss Cleo’s side of the story will finally be told.

Known for her work during the late 1990’s and early 2000’s with the Psychic Readers Network, this professional telephone and television psychic Youree Dell Harris (Allen) was launched into the pop culture zeitgeist when the network’s infomercials took off, making her a cult icon as the TV persona Miss Cleo.  Fondly remembered for donning a colorful turban in a candlelit room, Miss Cleo dutifully listened to callers detailing the most intimate details of their lives. Miss Cleo ultimately became the face of the Psychic Readers Network, earning the trust and loyalty for those that called her.  Years later, Harris’ world was turned upside down with complaints that the Psychic Readers Network was fraudulent and spread false advertising. Facing angry fans, Harris was forced to defend her reputation to clear her name and escape financial devastation.

Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall also stars Daphne Maxwell Reid, Cocoa Brown, Dwayne Boyd, Towanda Braxton, Jaida Standberry, Marley Taylor, Amelia Young, Stevie Baggs Jr., and Leslie Black.  Miss Cleo: Her Rise and Fall is produced by Hillionaire Productions for Lifetime and produced by Jami McCoy-Lankford and Samone Norsworthy, Anthony Standberry, Ahmed Hussain and Jami McCoy-Lankford serve as executive producers and William J. Cone serves as consulting producer. Tim Reid directs a screenplay by Camara Davis.

Call Me Miss Cleo the documentary chronicles the icons rise, fall, and reinvention of the ’90s TV psychic Miss Cleo.  Known for her larger-than-life persona and memorable accent, Miss Cleo, born Youree Dell Harris, garnered a nationwide cult following on the Psychic Readers Network, a popular telephone hotline that later came under fire for its alleged deceptive practices. Featuring interviews with celebrities and those closest to the self-proclaimed voodoo priestess, the film explores the many layers behind a complicated and charismatic figure. Call Me Miss Actor/Director/Producer Tim Reid (from his Facebook page)Cleo was produced by Gunpowder & Sky for HBO Max.  Van Toffler, Floris Bauer, Barry Barclay, Anne Loder, Jennifer O’Connell, and Lizzie Fox serve as executive producers.  The documentary is directed by Celia Aniskovich and Jennifer Brea.

Timothy Lee Reid Sr. is an American actor, comedian and film director best known for his roles in prime time American television programs, such as Venus Flytrap on WKRP in Cincinnati, Marcel “Downtown” Brown on Simon & Simon, Ray Campbell on Sister, Sister and William Barnett on That ’70s Show.

Previous interview with Tim Reid

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Interview with Trent Dawson

TV Interview!

 

Trent Dawson of As The World Turns, Katonah Classic Stage and more!

Interview with Trent Dawson of “As The World Turns” on CBS by Suzanne 8/5/24

I really enjoyed this interview with Trent. I just loved his character on “As The World Turns,” where he played Henry Coleman. You may have also seen him in “The Marvelous Miss Maisel,” “General Hospital,” or in one of his guest-starring roles. He’s an amazing actor, and now he’s also a producer, director and so much more with his Katonah Classic Stage (NY regional theater). Besides producing two plays a year, his group also puts on a film festival in the summer; this year’s is tomorrow, August 10 in Katonah (in Westchester, near New York).  This season’s play, “A Case for the Existence of God” premieres in October.

If you can make it to his film festival or his plays, you can buy tickets here. Otherwise, if you can support the upcoming theater season by donating to his theater, please do so. I hope you enjoy our chat!

 

Trent Dawson (photo from IMDB)MORE INFO: Katonah Classic Stage  – Film Festival  – Donations

Trent Dawson is an actor, director and writer based in New York. His acting highlights include Broadway (The Herbal Bed), Off Broadway (Playwrights Horizons, Theatre Row) and at countless regional theatres across the country. He has also starred in film and television, including Homeland, The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, NCIS, The Good Wife, NCIS: LA, Castle, and more. He received three Emmy Nominations for his 11-year run as Henry Coleman on As the World Turns.Trent Dawson (photo from IMDB)

Trent is the Founding Artistic Director of Katonah Classic Stage, a non profit, professional theatre company in Katonah, NY: https://www.katonahclassicstage.com

Trent’s plays have been performed at Manhattan Rep. and The Barrow Group. He has directed both plays and films in and around NYC.

See Trent’s Donations Appeal!

Trent’s Web Site  IMDB Wikipedia

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Interview with David Caspe, Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman

TV Interview!

 

David Caspe, Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman of "Mr. Throwback" on Peacock

Interview with David Caspe, Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman of “Mr. Throwback” on Peacock by Suzanne 8/5/24

It was great fun to speak to a few of the writers and producers for this show. It’s a very funny series that you should watch! Even though it involves Steph Curry, who plays himself, it’s not really about basketball.  Don’t miss it! We need a second season, for sure.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Mr. Throwback

Streaming Thursday, August 8 on PEACOCK

“Mr. Throwback” follows a down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer who looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, NBA legend Stephen Curry.

SERIES DETAILS

Synopsis: A down-on-his-luck memorabilia dealer looks for redemption by reuniting with his sixth-grade teammate, NBA legend Steph Curry.

Writer / Executive Producer: David Caspe (Happy Endings, Black Monday)

Writers / Executive Producers: Matthew Libman and Daniel Libman (Happy Endings, Champaign ILL)

Executive Producer / Star: Stephen Curry

Executive Producer / Star: Adam Pally (Knuckles, Happy Endings)

Executive Producer: Erick Peyton (Unanimous Media)

Executive Producer/ Director (101-106): David Wain (Wet Hot American Summer)

Series Regulars: Stephen Curry, Adam Pally, Ego Nwodim and Ayden Mayeri

Recurring Guest Stars: Tracy Letts, Layla Scalisi, Tien Tran and Rich Sommer

Production company: Unanimous Media

Studio: Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group

Format: Comedy, 6 x 30 min episodes

"Mr. Throwback" Episode 101 -- Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Curry as himself, Ego Nwodim as Kimberly, Adam Pally as Danny -- (Photo by: David Moir/Peacock)

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Interview with Gloria Hampton

TV Interview!

 

Gloria Hampton of "Dance Moms: A New Era" on HULU.

Interview with Gloria Hampton of “Dance Moms: A New Era” on HULU by Suzanne 8/1/24

If you enjoyed episodes of the original “Dance Moms,” you should love this one as well.  Gloria seems very nice, and the kids are great to watch. It was great to speak with her! Don’t miss the show, premiering now on HULU.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

"Dance Moms: a New Era" key artGloria Hampton is known for Dance Moms: A New Era (2024), Dance Moms (2011) and Tyler: A Real Hero (1994).

Glo has a long history in the dance world, and she currently leads the Bleu Junior Elites from Studio Bleu in Ashburn, Virginia. Over the course of her career, she has helped guide students to dance professionally on Broadway, in music videos, on tours and in movies.

Additionally, Glo has served as a national judge for Dance One.

PREMIERE DATE: August 7th, 2024

EPISODES: 10

SYNOPSIS: Dance Moms: A New Era is a reboot of the ever so popular Dance Moms. This time, with a new coach, new dancers and new mama drama. Introducing beloved dance coach, Glo Hampton, who wants to take her students and prestigious dance school Studio Bleu to the next level – competing nationally every week. But the road to glory won’t be an easy one. Coach Glo must juggle her tiny but mighty dancers, their scheming moms, and ensuing meltdowns, all while ruling with a tender but tough iron fist. Will Glo and her dance team persevere amidst the dramatics?

CREDITS: “Dance Moms: A New Era” is produced by the A+E Factual Studios™ group for Hulu and Lifetime. The project is helmed by original series Executive Producer Bryan Stinson, alongside Sharon Scott, Steve Ascher, Kristy Sabat, Allie Breslin and Natalie Feldman who serve as executive producers from A+E Factual Studios.™ Kimberly Chessler and Brie Miranda Bryant executive produce from Lifetime.

Social:

Twitter: @Hulu

Instagram: @Hulu

Facebook: @Hulu

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Gloria Hampton of "Dance Moms: A New Era" on HULU.

Interview with Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas

TV Interview!

 

Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas of "Those About to Die" on AMC and AMC+

Interview with Gabriela Pessions and Dimitri Leonidas of “Those About to Die” on Peacock by Suzanne 6/28/24

It was fun to speak to these two actors. You don’t want to miss this epic series, which stars Sir Anthony Hopkins (among many others). It has a huge cast. It’s filmed more like a movie than a TV show. If you loved “Spartacus” or “Gladiator,” you should love this one as well. I love the characters, the politics and the action. It starts 7/18!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

All episodes premiering July 18 on Peacock, just in time for viewers to also watch the 2024 Paris Olympics (July 26 – Aug 11, 2024) 

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE is an epic drama set in the corrupt world of the spectacle-driven gladiatorial competition, exploring a side of ancient Rome never before told — the dirty business of entertaining the masses, giving the mob what they want most…blood and sport. The series introduces an ensemble of characters from all corners of the Roman Empire who collide at the explosive intersection of sports, politics, and dynasties.

Directors: Roland Emmerich (Ep 101, 102, 103, 109, 110), Marco Kreuzpaintner (Ep 104, 105, 106, 107, 108)

Created by: Robert Rodat (Wrote Ep 101, 102, 103, 109, 110)

Executive Producers: Roland Emmerich, Harald Kloser, Gianni Nunnari, Robert Rodat, Stuart Ford, Lourdes Diaz, Miguel A. Palos Jr., Marco Kreuzpaintner, Herbert G. Kloiber, Martin Moszkowicz, Oliver Berben, Jonas Bauer, Charles Holland, Namit Malhotra.  THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 104 -- Pictured: Dimitri Leonidas as Scorpus -- (Photo by: Reiner Bajo/Peacock)

Cast: Anthony Hopkins, Iwan Rheon, Sara Martins, Tom Hughes, Jojo Macari, Moe Hashim, Johannes Haukur Johannesson, Rupert Penry-Jones, Gabriella Pession, Dimitri Leonidas, Emilio Sakraya, David Wurawa, Pepe Barroso, Gonçalo Almeida, Eneko Sagardoy, Romana Maggiora Vergano 

Studio: AGC Television   

Production Companies: Centropolis Entertainment, Hollywood Gang Productions, Street Entertainment    

THOSE ABOUT TO DIE -- Episode 105 -- Pictured: (l-r) Rupert Penry-Jones as Consul Marsus, Gabriella Pession as Antonia -- (Photo by: PEACOCK)Format: Drama Series, 10 x 60 min episodes

Gabriella Pession plays “Antonia”. An American-Italian actress born November 2, 1977 in Florida, she starred in the TV show Crossing Lines 2013 to 2015. She was also best known for Wilfred (2011) and The Red Door (2017). In 2015, she received the America Award from the Italy–USA Foundation. In 2014 she had a son, Giulio, with her Crossing Lines co-star Richard Flood. They got married in 2016.

Dimitri Leonidas plays “Scorpus”. He was born on November 14, 1987 in England, UK to an English woman and a Greek father. He is an actor, known for Centurion (2010), Rosewater (2014), The Monuments Men (2014) and Riviera (2017).

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Interview with stars and EPs of “The Ark”

TV Interview!

 

Actors Christie Burke, Stacey Read and Ryan Adams, and EPs Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner of "The Ark" on Syfy

Interview with actors Christie Burke, Stacey Read and Ryan Adams, and EPTHE ARK -- "Failed Experiment" Episode 201 -- Pictured: (l-r) Christie Burke as Lt. Sharon Garnet, Jelena Stupljanin as Evelyn Maddox -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)s Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner of “The Ark” on Syfy by Suzanne 6/26/24

It’s always enjoyable to speak with these actors and producers! They’re a good crew, both on- and off-screen. I’m a huge scifi fan, and I like how Devlin’s shows always have a lot of fun and action as well as good characters and drama. Season Two has even more going on than season one. It’s the TV equivalent of a popcorn movie. Sit back and enjoy! Season 2 starts tonight, 7/17,  10/9c on Syfy.

First video: Christie Burke, Dean Devlin and Jonathan Glassner

https://youtu.be/jH-y21zDo-E

Second video: Stacey Read and Ryan Adams

https://youtu.be/L6mhLQi-R0o

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "The Ark" on Syfy

Season 2 Premieres Wednesday, July 17 on SYFY (10-11 p.m. ET/PT)

“The Ark” takes place 100 years in the future when planetary colonization missions have begun as a necessity to help secure the survival of the human race. In season two, after the brave crew of Ark One reaches their destination and finds it uninhabitable, they must survive long enough to locate a new home for themselves and all the ships that follow.

THE ARK -- “Everybody Wins” Episode 112 -- Pictured: (l-r) Stacey Michelle Read as Alicia Nevins, Ryan Adams as Angus Medford -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)

The series stars Christie Burke, Richard Fleeshman, Reece Ritchie, Stacey Read and Ryan Adams.
Dean Devlin (“Independence Day,” “Stargate”) and Jonathan Glassner (“Stargate SG-1”) are co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Marc Roskin and Rachel Olschan-Wilson of Electric Entertainment. Jonathan English of Balkanic Media and Mark Franco of Electric Entertainment serve as producers.

THE ARK -- Season:1 -- Pictured: Christie Burke as Lt. Sharon Garnet -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)Christie Burke

Lt. Sharon Garnet, “The Ark”

Christie Burke plays Lt. Sharon Garnet in the new SYFY original series, “The Ark.”

Christie Burke’s recent television credits include recurring roles on Netflix’s “Maid,” Netflix’s “The Haunting of Bly Manor” and CBC’s “Strange Empire.” Guest star credits include the CW’s “Two Sentence Horror Stories” and “Supernatural.” Burke can be seen in the upcoming EPIX series “Billy the Kid.”

Ryan Adams THE ARK -- Season:1 -- Pictured: Ryan Adams as Angus Medford -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)

Angus Medford, “The Ark”

Ryan Adams plays Angus Medford in the new SYFY original series, “The Ark.”

Ryan Adams graduated from ArtsEd in 2021 with a BA in acting. His theater credits include “All the Things” and “Dan in Totally Over You” at Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation Theatre, and “Ren in Footloose” and “Billy Casper in Kes” at Bury St Edmunds Theatre Royal.” He has had previous roles in short films, including “Orange Peel,” “Exposure” and “Asking Price.”

THE ARK -- Season:1 -- Pictured: Stacey Read as Alicia Nevins -- (Photo by: Aleksandar Letic/Ark TV Holdings, Inc./SYFY)Stacey Read

Alicia Nevins, “The Ark”

Stacey Read plays Alicia Nevins in the new SYFY original series, “The Ark.”

Stacey Read was born and grew up in Zimbabwe, the daughter of a Zimbabwean mother and British father. She first started acting in her Senior School drama club and it was there performing in school plays that she found passion. She soon came to the UK to train at Performance Preparation Academy.

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Interview with Lucian-River Chauhan, Abigail Pniowsky and Barry L. Levy

TV Interview!

 

actors Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky and creator/EP Barry L. Levy of "Me" on Apple TV+

Interviews with Lucian-River Chauhan, Abigail Pniowsky and Barry L. Levy of “Me” on Apple TV+ by Suzanne 6/26/24 and 6/27/24

This is a fun superhero series with some teenage angst that is very realistic and honest. The actors do a phenomenal job (both young and old). I was glad to interview both the two lead actors, as well as creator/executive producer Barry L. Levy. I hope you can check out this cool new show that premieres July 12th!

Barry L. Levy

Suzanne:  How did you come up with the idea for this show?

Barry: Absolutely. So I have three kids. I have a son named Ben, just like the lead in the show.

Suzanne:  Okay.

Barry: And my oldest are identical twin daughters…

Suzanne:  Oh!

Barry: And then, a couple of years younger, is my son. And so he was always a little tall for his age, and it looked like triplets.  but it was never quite triplets, right?

Suzanne:  Right.

Barry: And he could never figure out who he was supposed to be, because he couldn’t be them. And so it became a conversation… It became a bedtime story. And then it became the story we started working on as a family of, “Who does Ben want… if he could be anyone, who would he want to be in that, if he could be anyone transformed into… {by] shapeshifting?” And that’s really where it came from. And then this series, it’s not traditionally the kind of work that I do, but it was something that I could do as a love letter to my family,  and really capture their lives.

I’m glad that you looked down at a pet because I swear to God, mine is going to drive me nuts. [Laughs]

Suzanne:  Oh, mine has the “zoomies” at the moment. I forgot to give her allergy medicine this morning, I just realized…

Barry: That’s funny.

Suzanne:  So that’s great. And your son doesn’t mind that he’s, sort of, the subject of your show?

Barry: I think he’s gone through the whole roller coaster (of emotions), but once he got to meet River, when we were shooting, I think he felt like he was in great hands. And it just changed everything.  It really sort of put it to life, and I think (he felt that) it ceased to be him, and it started to become  the character that River had created, and that really was freeing for everyone.

Suzanne:  Oh, that’s great.  Yeah, the casting is great. The kids are awesome. And the adults… it’s just all really, really great.

Barry: Thank you.

Suzanne:  And I think it’s the kind of story that anyone can relate to, no matter what their age, because  we all were that age at one point, right?

Barry: Yep.  Well, we tried to find ways to sort of bring in a show that would be for the whole family, so that there are elements for parents, and there are things that are nostalgic, but there are also other elements of it that are really contemporary and speak to another generation.

Suzanne:  Good. Yeah. Well, I think it worked.  Are you the sole writer of the series, or are there other people who work on it with you?

Barry: So, I wrote four episodes.  The rest of the episodes were written by the staff.  So what had happened was that I was hired to write a pilot. They liked it. They wanted  some more, so I wrote a second.  And then, while we were building the room, I wrote a third to kind of get us going.  And then we actually went back over those first three and made sure that we were really happy with what they were and built it all the way through ten (episodes), together in a room. So that was great.

Suzanne:   I haven’t finished watching them yet because I’m moving (as I mentioned), but I like what I see so far.  Are you already planning ahead for season two?

Barry: I mean, I certainly planned for season two well before we had a season one. So,  we’ll have to see how audiences receive it, but I’m hopeful, and I’m excited for it.  I would love the opportunity.

Suzanne:  Yeah, I hope so.   You know, it struck me as funny that it’s on Apple. To me, it seems like something that would have been on the old ABC Family Network (struggles to remember the new network’s name) because it’s so kid-friendly, family-friendly, and science fiction.  They had a lot of shows like that in the past.

Barry: Yeah. Interesting. Freeform, right? Freeform.

Suzanne:  Yes. That’s the name. Yes. Is this your first time as showrunner?

Barry: It is, it is. I had run the writer’s room on another series, a few years back, and I really enjoyed it.  I didn’t expect that I would enjoy it and find it as rewarding, but it was (working with) a really gifted showrunner, in that regard. [I realized] “Ooh, this is, this is really exciting.  I’d love to do this.” And so here, here I am.

Suzanne:  Well, that’s good.  Were there any challenges in shooting the first season that you didn’t foresee?

Barry: I mean, there are always challenges. I think for us, trying tounderstand what everyone could do…because,  the truth is, we recognized from the table reads the weeks before production that this cast was so much  more on the ball than we ever could have imagined, and that we had to go back and write a lot of new material and sort of deepen things.  Ultimately, it paid [off in] dividends. But the challenge was making sure that we could give everyone their just desserts, and what it felt like, what’s going to make the show go.

Suzanne:  Right. And I was impressed by River, especially, at such a young age. I mean, how old was he when you started?

Barry: I think he was 13.

Suzanne:  Yeah.

Barry: Something like that.

Suzanne:  Yeah. It’s amazing. He seems like he’s got everything down.

Barry: Yeah. It’s also his personality. He’s so emotionally generous, and friendly.  I gather you, you may see that for yourself if you get to talk to him, that he seems like an old soul.  And I think we saw that (before we started). When I watched  the movie he did with Riz Ahmed,  Encounter, it was so clear that there was this sort of depth to him, and in his eyes, that we just knew [that] “This kid is incredible. We have to work with that.”

Suzanne:  And,  before you cast him, were you always looking for a particular,  ethnicity, or did it not matter?  Or were you going to cast whomever you thought was great?

Barry: It was entirely open.  The casting director is a near and dear friend, Josh Einstein. He had done, “This Is Us,” “Love Victor,” and a lot of different shows. We said we needed performers who could carry a real emotional depth.  And I think, even in the pilot, you see that, and what we found was extraordinary. And then the question, once we found River, was, who really felt like they could be the sibling to him? And Abby was just incredible.

Suzanne:  Yeah. She’s great, too.

Barry: Yeah. So we were really blessed there.

Suzanne:  Good. Well, I hope it’s a big success.  I love it when the show is– well, I love science fiction, anyway, but I love it when a show is fun, and it’s got a great cast and interesting characters. That’s… so, you accomplished that.

Barry: Thank you. Thank you so much.

Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky

Suzanne: All right. How are you two this morning?

River: We’re doing well, Suzanne.

Abby: Good, how are you?

River: Nice to meet you.

Suzanne: Good. Nice to meet you, too. Uh, I love talking about me! (laughs) Bad joke…bad joke. I’m sorry.

River: No, I love it.

Suzanne: I was talking  to Barry yesterday, and he raved about you guys… just raved about both of you, so he seems nice.

River: I have to say, “Thank you for the kind words, Barry.. If you’re watching.”

Abby: Thank you, Barry!

Suzanne: Well, I was raving about you, too, cause I watched a lot of the episode, but you guys did a great job. Definitely.  especially, and I’m sure it sounds condescending, “for your age.” So. Hey, enough compliments. So, what did you each enjoy most about filming?

River:  I think for me, personally, I had never done a show with a bunch of kids that were my age. And so, that was, that was really interesting, to get a chance to experience… because, from the other shows,  it’s a different atmosphere, and, with kids, you get a chance to play around a lot more and have fun. And it doesn’t always have to be so intense all the time. And I think that’s something that was really, really fun for me to experience. I think because I’m actually the only child.  I have never had any sort of a brother-sister experience before, and so I was sort of able to build that and learn about that with Abby.

Suzanne: Oh, that’s great. Abby. What about you?

Abby: Yeah, I have to say, I completely agree with Riv.  It was really fun bonding with all the kids on set, and especially bonding with Riv.  Creating that dynamic… It was really cool, and I feel like at the end of the day,  you, sort of, went home tired, but with a smile on your face. There was a lot of laughter on set.

Suzanne: That’s good Yeah, I’m sure you’ve heard the saying before: it’s not work if you love it.

River:  Exactly. Yep.

Suzanne: And what would you say was the most challenging part of doing the show?

River:  Ooh.  I think, because we were filming in the middle of COVID 19. I think that was probably the most challenging.  We sort of had to take all the precautions necessary, like testing every day, and wearing masks all the time, which definitely got annoying.  But in hindsight, I’m kind of glad that we did do that because it’s always better to be safe than sorry.

Suzanne: Abby?

Abby: I would say, probably, that we filmed by location (rather than in sequence), so we were kind of jumping between different episodes. So I think really staying present in the episode [and] understanding how I’m feeling between each episode, especially with the dynamic with Max and Ben, was really…it was a little difficult for me, but it was a nice challenge. I liked it.

Suzanne: Okay. And  before you filmed this, were you a fan of superheroes, and comic books, and that kind of thing?

River: Oh, yeah.

Abby: …A fan. .

River: Oh yeah, . Uh, I’m a, I’m a big superhero guy. I mean , a personal superhero that I really look up to is “The Flash.”  I love all things Flash , and  his superpower is also really cool.  So that would be a superpower [that] if I were to get one… that would be the one that I want. But no, I’m a big fan of watching  superhero shows, and origin stories.  But I think, with this one, it’s a little bit different because you get a chance to see it from a kid’s perspective, and not only just [with] the superhero aspect, but also something much deeper, like the relationship between Ben and Max.

Suzanne: What about you, Abby? Were you a fan of that kind of thing before?

Abby: Yeah, I think that superheroes are really cool.  My personal favorite is Spider-Man. Uh, love him. Love the guy. Um, but I agree with Riv. I think that this one is a little bit different… that the superpowers are a big point in the story, but they’re not the only plot point.

Suzanne: Sounds like we got a little Marvel-DC competition going on here, though.  (Laughs)

Have you heard anything about whether they would maybe make this into a real life comic book?

River: No, but now that you mention it, that Is like, like just, that just blew my mind, actually. Wow. That would be so cool.

Suzanne: They’ve done it with a few other shows. I can’t think of most of them [off the top of my head]. I know they did it with the character Nia from the “Supergirl” TV show. And I think she wrote part of it as well. She has her own comic now. So yeah, it can happen. Definitely.

River: Yeah,  we’ll see. You never know what’s going to happen.

Suzanne: That’s true. We’ll put that out. I thought of that when I was talking to Barry. He could probably get it done.

River: Hey, you never know. You never know. I think it would be interesting to write it too.  I’ve never actually written anything before.  but   it would be pretty interesting to get a chance to learn from, from Barry if he’s, if he’s up to that.

Abby: That’s what I was thinking.

Suzanne: All right. Okay. Well, thank you guys so much.

 

MORE INFO: Official Site    Trailer

Key art for "Me" on Apple TV+

“Me” follows a 12-year-old kid named Ben who is in the throes of middle school (complete with bullies, crushes and school dances!) as he adjusts to a newly blended family AND the realization that he has super powers. Throughout the 10-episode season, Ben goes on a journey of self-discovery and learns what having super powers truly means. He finds an ally in his stepsister, Max, who helps him harness these powers and uncover the secrets behind the mysteries and tragedies of his community … all while he tries to come to terms with what it means to be Ben.

Cast & Crew

  • Lucian-River Chauhan
    as Ben Vasani
  • Abigail Pniowsky
    as Max Davis
  • Dilshad Vadsaria
    as Elizabeth Vasani
  • Amanda Reid
    as Carter Kennedy
  • Barry L. Levy

    Executive Producer

    Writer

    Story By

  • Michael Dowse

    Executive Producer

    Director

  • Amy Welsh-Hanning

    Executive Producer

  • Eben Russell

    Executive Producer

Lucian-River Chauhan and Abigail Pniowsky of "Me" on Apple TV+LUCIAN-RIVER CHAUHAN

‘Ben’

Lucian-River Chauhan can currently be seen in the recurring role of Teo in the Netflix series AVATAR: THE LAST AIRBENDER based off the hugely successful graphic novel of the same name. He will also next star as the title role in the Apple+ series ME which follows his character Ben as he navigates the complexities of 6th grade. The series will premiere this year. River was named a “must see performance” by EW for his lead role opposite Riz Ahmed in the Amazon feature ENCOUNTER from director Michael Pearce which premiered last year at Telluride and TIFF to rave reviews. The Hollywood Reporter also highlighted his performance in the film saying, “the astonishingly good Lucian-River Chauhan, who plays Malik’s adolescent son, Jay” and Screen International said “Both of the boys cast as Malik’s sons are impressive, but Chauhan, who plays the older Jay, is quietly remarkable.” Previously he recurred on the hit CBC series HEARTLAND for two seasons. He is also fluent in French.

ABIGAIL PNIOWSKY

‘Max’

Abigail Pniowsky is sixteen years old and has already built an impressive body of work. She will next be seen as the female lead of Apple TV’s first YA series, ME. She recently shot the lead role in the independent feature, AMERICAN BABY. Abby began her TV career as a lead in the Universal / Syfy show CHANNEL ZERO alongside Fiona Shaw and Paul Schneider. She appeared as a series regular opposite Kyra Sedgwick in the ABC series, TEN DAYS IN THE VALLEY. On the big screen, Abby played opposite Amy Adams and Jeremy Renner in Denis Villeneuve’s Oscar winning ARRIVAL, for which Abby attended both the Venice Film Festival and TIFF. She also starred opposite Yvonne Strahovki in the feature HE’S OUT THERE and opposite Heather Graham in THE REST OF US, which had its premiere at TIFF as well.

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Interview with Demetrius Grosse, Nika King, and Bishop and First Lady Donna Martin

TV Interview!

 

Photo of Demetrius Grosse, Nika King, and Bishop and First Lady Donna Martin from Angel Studios' Instagram

Interview with Demetrius Grosse, Nika King, and Bishop and First Lady Donna Martin of the film “Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot” by Suzanne 6/28/24

This is a very powerful and uplifting story of a couple who changed the lives of many children, as well as the other people in their town. These are religious people, but the film is not too preachy, so if you’re not that into religion, it shouldn’t bother you. Faith is definitely the motivation for these people, in everything they do.  Demetrius Grosse and Nika King turn in powerful performances as the real-life people Bishop and First Lady Donna Martin, who lived in a small town in Eastern Texas.  After a tragedy in Donna’s life, she decides to adopt children.  She and her husband not only adopt many children, but they get all of the people in their parish to do so as well.

It was a really interesting set of interviews. I’ve only interviewed the “real life people” in movies a few times.  I was a foster child myself, and my mom was adopted as a baby, so this is an issue that hits home for me. Some scenes in the movie were hard to watch because some of the troubled children reminded me of other foster kids I knew. I told the actors and their counterparts about this, and how much the movie touched me. It was interesting to see how each paired group reacted completely differently! It was very unusual, to say the least. Let’s just say that the two ladies were much more relaxed and fun, and the two men were very serious.

The movie premieres today, July 4th. I hope you can go see it. Maybe it will inspire you to adopt children or foster a child who needs you.  The foster care situation was bad 50 years ago when I was a child. It’s much worse today. I know that the Martins and everyone connected with this movie hope that their film gets people thinking about the foster care crisis.

This film is from Angel Studios. They produce the hit TV show “The Chosen” and many good, uplifting movies.  They make great films with positive messages and outstanding acting, without being preachy or boring. They tell amazing stories.

Demetrius Grosse and Bishop Martin

Nika King and First Lady Donna Martin

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

"Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" key art

Synopsis:

The fight for kids begins July 4. Inspired by the powerful true story, Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot, follows Donna and Reverend Martin as they ignite a fire in the hearts of their rural church to embrace kids in the foster system that nobody else would take. By doing the impossible–adopting 77 children–this East Texas community proved that, with real, determined love, the battle for America’s most vulnerable can be won.

Tagline:

The Fight for Kids Begins July 4

Rating:

PG-13 for thematic material involving child abuse, some violence, language and brief suggestive material

Run Time:

2 hours and 09 minutes

 

Fast Facts:

  • Inspired by the true story of Bishop and First Lady Donna Martin, and their tiny Bennett Chapel church, in the town of Possum Trot in the woods of East Texas.

  • Twenty two families linked arms and courageously adopted seventy seven of the most difficult-to-place children in the local foster care system

  • 76 kids were adopted between 1998-2000. Another was adopted in 2011. The Martins have 2 biological children and adopted 4 during this time period.

  • This act ignited a national movement for vulnerable children that continues today.

  • Executive produced by Letitia Wright (BLACK PANTHER)

  • Directed, written, and produced by Joshua Weigel (THE BUTTERFLY CIRCUS) for Peacetree Productions.

additional "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" key art

Social Media Accounts:

About the Cast

Nika King

Nika King (Donna Martin)

King’s talents as a comedian and actor are versatile and dynamic. She is best known for her comedic abilities, but in her breakout role playing Leslie on the Emmy winning HBO series Euphoria opposite Zendaya and Storm Reid, King showcases a much more dramatic side of herself. Nika also had her directorial debut in the short film, which addresses grief and mental health in the life of a Black married couple.

King’s comedy has landed her roles on Kevin Hart’s Guide to Black, the Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal, Canada, the Netflix Is A Joke festival, and hosting Nika King & Friends, a monthly show at the Improv Lab in Hollywood CA. She has also acted, written and produced on award winning webseries Funny Married Stuff, which is currently streaming on KweliTV.

Beyond acting, directing, and stand up, King co owns Blue Tree Cafe, a vegan soul food restaurant with her mother in Ft. Lauderdale Florida. King was also compelled to establish a non profit that helps to improve the quality of life for individuals and families from underserved communities by compassionately serving their mental health and wellness through healthy eating.

Demetrius Grosse

Demetrius Grosse (Reverend Martin)

Demetrius Grosse is an award-winning actor and producer. After graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a degree from its School of Drama and completed a visiting student program at the Howard University College of Fine Arts in his home city of Washington DC, Grosse took his craft to the international arena, studying and performing both classical and contemporary drama with the British American Drama Academy in Oxford, England. Grosse also performed in Cape Town, South Africa with UCT. At Portland Center Stage in Oregon, Demetrtius starred as Stanley Kowalski in Tennessee William’s American classic, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Off-Broadway, in 2010 performing Black Angels Over Tuskegee.

Grosse has appeared in the HBO series Westworld based on the 1973 film of the same name. He also appeared in Michael Bay’s feature film 13 Hours: The Secret Soldiers of Benghazi (2016). Grosse is known for taking on many complex characters from various backgrounds and from all different genres. His range is unparalleled. He made his TV acting debut in The Wire (2001), Numbers (2005), and is well known for his film roles in, Saving Mr. Banks (2013), This Is Martin Bonner (2013). His other television credits include AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead, Criminal Minds, ER, NCIS, Bones, Dexter, CSI: Miami, Frontier (Netflix), and Swagger for Apple+. Grosse also made appearances in The Inheritance (2011), and Hollywoo (2011).

Grosse has credits for producing Last Cry for Katrina (2013), Moonshiners, and A Quiet Fire (2009), and most recently, Survival. Demetrius stars as Clark Randall in the Hallmark Movies & Mysteries romantic comedy Spring Breakthrough. The film was produced under Hallmark’s Mahogany banner and had its on-air debut in 2023. Grosse resides in the US with his wife, their children, and a bearded dragon named ‘Shang-Chi.’

Demetrius Grosse, Nika King, and Diaana Babnicova in "Sound of Hope: The Story of Possum Trot" (photo from Angel Studios)

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Interview with Tahmoh Penikett

TV Interview!

 

Tahmoh Penikett, star of "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" on LIfetime. Photo from his Instagram.

Interview with Tahmoh Penikett of “The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story” on Lifetime by Suzanne 6/27/24

It was a lot of fun to speak with Tahmoh! He seems really nice and loves to chat. I’ve admired his work for a long time. He’s been in so many shows I’ve watched, so I’m a big fan.  Don’t miss this Lifetime movie tomorrow, Saturday, 6/29! It’s a good story, based on real life events that are pretty shocking.

MORE INFO:  Official Site  Trailer

Key art for "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" on Lifetime

The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story follows Ruth (Hatcher) and her husband, Ed’s (Tahmoh Penikett), tranquil life in Wichita, Kansas which is suddenly turned upside down when Ed suffers a heart attack.  As Ed fights for his life in the hospital, Ruth’s starts to receive mysterious threats, leaving her in a state of panic. With the city held hostage by the terror of the BTK killer, Ruth finds herself enveloped in paranoia, convinced that she will be the next victim, as the menacing phone calls escalate into chilling letters.  Amidst the frenzy of the police’s pursuit of BTK, Ruth is abducted, sending shockwaves through the community. Yet her sudden reappearance shortly after the kidnapping leaves investigators baffled and scrambling for answers. As suspicion mounts and new evidence comes to light, the authorities entertain the unsettling notion that the perpetrator may be someone intimately connected to Ruth.

The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story Images Search Icon Homepage A&E HISTORY Corporate Communications Lifetime LMN FYI, ViceTV A+E Studios A+E Factual Studios International Contacts Press Releases The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story Premieres Saturday, June 29 at 8p/7c Photos Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" L to R: Teri Hatcher & Tahmoh Penikett in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" A+E Networks logo Our Family of Brands A+E Networks logo Follow A+E Networks aetv logo history logo lifetime logo lmn logo fyi logo viceland logo Biography History en Espanol Military History Crime and Investigation LRW Advertise With Us Copyright Policy Privacy Policy Corporate Information Employment Opportunities Terms Of Use © 2024, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story | A+E Networks Tahmoh Penikett and Teri Hatcher in "The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story" The Killer Inside: The Ruth Finley Story is produced by Housewife Productions Inc. for Lifetime. Navid Soofi produces with Tim Johnson and Stacy Mandelberg serving as executive producers and Lisa Alford as co-executive producer. The film is written by Katie Gruel and directed by Greg Beeman.

Tahmoh Penikett is a Canadian actor. He is known for playing Karl “Helo” Agathon on SyFy’s 2004 television series Battlestar Galactica. He has appeared in TV series Supernatural, Dollhouse, the Showcase time travel show Continuum, and as the antagonist Darius in the 2006 racing video game Need for Speed: Carbon.

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Interview with Hunter King

TV Interview!

 

Hunter King, star of "Two Scoops of Italy" on Hallmark (Photo from her Instagram)

Interview with Hunter King, star of “Two Scoops of Italy” on Hallmark by Krista 6/18/24

Speaking with Hunter was so much fun.  It’s probably my favorite interview I’ve ever done because I was really familiar with her and her work on “Young and the Restless.” Seeing her in a different role in this movie was great.

She was so friendly and so much fun to talk to.  I could have talked to her for an hour.  She loves to read like I do, and so we shared our favorite books.  She was so interesting, and I loved hearing about her experiences on this movie and her challenges she faced as well.
The movie airs Saturday, June 22 on Hallmark Channel, or  streaming on Peacock.

Transcript (not edited yet)

Hunter King: Thank you so much for having me.

Krista Chain: Okay. My 1st question is, how did you decide to accept the part in 2 scoops of Italy? What was the audition process, or were you approached by someone to to look at the script? How did that all come about?

Hunter King: Hallmark approached me with the script, and immediately I heard Italy, and I was like, I’m in. Count me in but then I obviously went and read the script, and it was just so charming and such a

Hunter King: like such a sweet feel! Good love story! I love a Romcom such a sucker for a Romcom. So anytime I get the opportunity to do a Romcom, I immediately take it.

Hunter King: But I love the story arc. I love the character arc and obviously getting to take place in Italy is not not a bad day.

Krista Chain: That’s right. And so that answered my next question. I know sometimes when they film movies, they don’t actually film where it’s being set. So it was filmed in Italy.

Hunter King: It was filmed in Italy. I don’t know how I got so lucky to get to film a movie that is based in Italy and actually takes place in Italy. But I somehow I don’t know. I I won the lottery with this one. I really did. It was

Hunter King: more magical than you could even imagine. It was just

Hunter King: a dream come true.

Krista Chain: Well, the movie was excellent.

Hunter King: Thank you. Thank you so much. I’m so happy that you liked it. It was so much fun to film. It was really so like just a blast.

Krista Chain: It looks like it would have been a really good time.

Hunter King: Thank you.

Krista Chain: So what was your favorite part of the movie.

Hunter King: Oh, my favorite part of the movie there I mean, there were so many

Hunter King: fun scenes that we film Nicolet, my co-star. He was great. He was very patient with me, teaching me many Italian words in between in between takes. I just would constantly ask him what different things mean, and then somehow would not remember any of it. 20 min later would have to ask him all over again. A great patient teacher and a great Co star. But getting to film just in all these different amazing locations was just

Hunter King: just I don’t even know how to describe it. And some of the things that we did like. Vespa scenes were so fun because we couldn’t really ride the vesque class they needed to like get us

Hunter King: like the certain camera angles, so we’d be up on the back of a truck with the vespas drafted kind of on a trailer behind. It was just so much fun getting to shoot these different things, and there was so many fun experiences like that on this one.

Krista Chain: So you had never worked with your co-star before.

Hunter King: No, no! This was the 1st time.

Krista Chain: Oh, okay, we all had really good chemistry together.

Hunter King: Thank you. Thank you. Yeah, no, he was. He was lovely. He was great. And I give him major props because filming

Hunter King: a movie in your second language. I luckily only had to say a couple of Italian words, and that was difficult for me. So I was like, I don’t know how you’re doing this. That is so hard. And he handled it like such a pro. And just was, Yeah, I was. I was very impressed.

Krista Chain: Okay? And what was your biggest challenge in filming this movie?

Krista Chain: Did you have any obstacles or challenges.

Hunter King: I’m trying to think of my biggest. I mean, honestly, that sounds again, Mika having to film a whole movie in your second language, when I only had to say a couple of words, but I somehow always would botch the words, and the director would tell me, I’m like, Okay, wait, wait. Remind me how to say that like right before we would start filming.

Hunter King: And he’d be like, this is how you say this is how you say it. I’m like, Okay, okay? And then we’d go to film. And I somehow go back to saying it the wrong way. And I would do that so many times. Oh, my God! I felt so bad! And Mika is over here just handling it all like it’s a breeze, and I’m like I can’t even say 2 words in Italian without having to do it 5 different times. So that was probably the most challenging, and the most takes that I had to do was on the Times, that I would have to stay

Hunter King: forwards in Italian, and I would screw it up every time.

Krista Chain: So the biggest challenge was the language. Then.

Hunter King: Yeah, luckily I only had a little bit, but somehow it was still challenging for me. Yeah.

Krista Chain: I can imagine it would have been for me as well.

Hunter King: It was hard it was hard. But I’m I’m determined to get my Italian down, so that the next time I go there I can say more than how to order an espresso at a cafe.

Krista Chain: Is it was that the 1st time you had ever been to Italy.

Hunter King: I’d been to Italy once before, like

Hunter King: 1011 years prior and so now I feel like I appreciated it even more, and getting to be there for work was just

Photo: Hunter King, Sara Mondello Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Moris Pucciosuch an incredible opportunity that I will never forget.

Krista Chain: Well, I have also watched you and young and the restless.

Krista Chain: And so I was just wondering what is the differences in filming a movie and filming a TV show.

Hunter King: Well, I’d say the number one difference between the 2 is just the pace

Hunter King: with the young wrestles. We had to

Hunter King: an hour’s worth of a show in one day, and sometimes more, because we would film like a episode and a quarter or something like that every single day. And

Hunter King: the pacing was just so fast, and you had to. Some days. I had, I think, the most dialogue I ever had in one day was like 55 pages for the young, the restless. When you film a movie, you have, like, you know, 4 5 pages of dialogue that day so definitely the pace. And you get a lot more time and a lot more takes when you film a movie which is nice.

Hunter King: and that one, it’s almost like doing a play every single day is you got to know your stuff? You get one, maybe 2 takes, and then you’re moving on.

Krista Chain: Wow!

Hunter King: Yeah.

 

Krista Chain: That. That’s 1 reason I really wanted to talk with you today, because I have watched you for so long, and the young and the restless and then saw this movie. And so I really wanted to to have a chance to talk with you today.

Hunter King: Oh, I’m so excited that we’re getting to talk. Then I mean, I feel like the soap opera fans. It’s like

Hunter King: the best kind of fans because you guys are dedicated. You’re watching

Hunter King: single day, like you know the story you? I always said that the fans of the show know the show better than I do, cause they’ve watched for years that they’re like. No, this person was with this person, but then they cheated on this person, and now they have a baby with this person I’m like, Oh, my God! I didn’t even know that. So.

Hunter King: Major Boss.

Krista Chain: My grandmother got me into watching the soap operas.

Hunter King: I love that that’s so sweet. I love that.

Krista Chain: Yeah. When I was when I was young I used to stay with her some during the summer and stuff, and when I was sick from school, and she always had to watch Young and the restless.

Hunter King: Love that, and then they then you get hooked. You watch one episode. You’re like, now I need to know what happens, and.

Hunter King: That’s how they do it. Yep.

Krista Chain: That’s right. And so you I noticed in the movie that you were a chef. Do you have

Krista Chain: passion for cooking and baking yourself, or.

Hunter King: I’m learning. I definitely don’t have the same skills as Danielle for sure. Nowhere close. I have many different battle wounds, as I call them from cooking different burn marks or different cuts on my fingers and scars from accidentally cutting myself.

Hunter King: So I’m definitely nowhere near her level. But I do enjoy it, and I’ve started cooking more and more within this last year, and I’m getting better. It’s edible. That’s for sure. It’s edible, questionable. But we’re getting there slowly.

Krista Chain: That’s the main thing.

Hunter King: I just want to be good enough to eat. I don’t need to be Michelin Star just good enough to eat. That’s it.

Krista Chain: And that I have some. I have some burn marks, too, so.

Hunter King: You get it? Yeah, it takes time.

Krista Chain: So what are you? Some of your hobbies that you do in your free time, when you’re not working.

Hunter King: Oh, my gosh! I always feel so boring when people ask me about my hobbies. I’m like, I like my dogs. I love to read. I’m a really big reader. My boyfriend. And I, we love TV and movies. And so we do watch a lot of TV. We have a whole list of different things that we’ve been watching this year. And it’s

Hunter King: it’s a substantial amount. I’m like, okay, we need to slow down on the TV. Cause this is this is getting out of control. But we do love to watch. We have our favorite shows together. But I I’m a big, big reader, and surprise surprise. Most of the books I read are wrong coms, so I just I keep away from them. I love them so much.

Krista Chain: I love to read as well. What’s your favourite book?

Hunter King: Oh, I mean, I love Colleen Hoover. Just it starts with us. It ends with us, or it ends with us and starts with us. We’re both so good. Verity was incredible. Have you read any colleen Hoover books.

Krista Chain: I haven’t.

Hunter King: Oh, okay, you’re gonna be.

Hunter King: I’m telling you it’s gonna change your life. You’re gonna thank me. You’re gonna come back and you’d be like you were right. Go and read, it ends with us and then read, it’s it’s weird. It starts with it ends with us. Then it starts with us is the sequel, and then a totally different book. Verity.

Hunter King: another one of our books, which I think that that’s 1 of them is

Hunter King: oh, another good one but those are really good, so try those. But.

Krista Chain: Okay.

Hunter King: For you if you want some Romcom books. I got you.

Krista Chain: I I’ve been reading some freedom. Macfadden, have you read her.

Hunter King: No, I haven’t.

Krista Chain: The housemaid and the co-worker, the teacher.

Krista Chain: Those are. Those are the ones. I just finished the coworker, and it was really good. So I’m fixing about to start the teacher.

Hunter King: Ok, all right, I’ll put those on my list. I’ll definitely do that because I’m almost done with my book now, and I need a new one. Check out, Emily Henry, too.

Krista Chain: I’ve seen her, but I’ve never read any of hers either.

Hunter King: If you like. Hallmark, you’d love her books. They’re just so feel good and just make it just feels like you’re reading a warm hug it just they’re just delicious. You gotta read her books.

Krista Chain: I’ll definitely check her out.

Krista Chain: And have you ever worked with you said you had never worked with your co-star before.

Hunter King: No, I have not. This was our 1st movie together.

Krista Chain: Oh, wow! Well, who is someone that you would like to work with that? You’ve never worked with.

Hunter King: oh, my gosh! I mean there’s so many different

Hunter King: great people in Hallmark jonathan Bennett would be so fun. I’ve been a fan of his forever.

Hunter King: Tyler, big fan of his, would love to work with him. Well, I’ve said this before, and I’ve been so lucky with all of the people that I’ve worked with both men and women, just like some of the loveliest people. So if I ever got the opportunity to work with any of my co-stars again, and film either a sequel or another thing, I would jump at the opportunity, because I’ve been so fortunate to have made so many amazing friendships with the people that I’ve worked with, and they’re all not just like great actors, but great people as well.

Krista Chain: I I would think that would be one of the most fun parts of doing movies and stuff like that is getting to meet different people, and making friendships with different ones.

Hunter King: Yeah, no, that honestly, that’s probably my favorite part of getting to do movies and just meeting so many different people and people that you would never would have met, or that live in different places that live in Italy. Now.

Krista Chain: Rather.

Hunter King: In Canada. And so it does make you feel more connected to the.

Krista Chain: And go into different places.

Krista Chain: and I think I had one more question. Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

Hunter King: I have. Well, I don’t think I’m really allowed to say much about it. I haven’t filmed it yet, but I’m going to be filming a very fun homework movie soon that I cannot wait for. It’s like a dream job. I mean, all the ones that I’ve done have been amazing and just so much fun. And this one is gonna be no different. It’s just gonna be.

Hunter King: Oh, I can’t wait. I’m like bursting at the seams waiting to tell people about it, but it’s gonna be a good one, I promise.

Krista Chain: Oh, I can’t wait to see it!

Hunter King: Thank you.

Krista Chain: Well, thank you so much for talking with me today. And I really, I really did enjoy getting to meet you and talk to you today.

Hunter King: Thank you so much. Thank you for having me. I’m so glad that you got to watch the movie, and that you’ve watched the young the wrestlers for years, but it was so lovely to talk to you.

Krista Chain: Thank you so much. You take care of yourself and have a wonderful day.

Hunter King: Thank you. You, too. Have a good weekend.

Krista Chain: You too. Bye, bye.

 

MORE INFO:  Official Site  Trailer

"Two Scoops of Italy" key artHUNTER KING (Daniella) – Hunter King is best known for her work as a series regular on CBS’ Life in Pieces opposite Colin Hanks, Betsy Brandt and Thomas Sadoski. King can also be recognized as Summer Newman on The Young and the Restless, a role for which she earned two Daytime Emmys. In feature work, King starred in A Girl Like Her opposite Jimmy Bennett, which garnered incredible reviews for confronting bullying in schools. King was cast as the lead in ABC’s 2020 comedy pilot Prospect. Most recently, King wrapped shooting the lead in the indie feature Give Me Your Eyes. For Hallmark Channel she was last seen starring in The Santa Summit, as well as The Professional Bridesmaid, and A Royal Corgi Christmas. For Hallmark Mystery King also starred in Nikki & Nora: Sister Sleuths.

X: HunterHaleyKing Instagram: @hunterking

AN AMERICAN CHEF TRAVELS TO ITALY AND MEETS A HANDSOME GELATIERE HUNTER KING AND MICHELE ROSIELLO STAR IN TWO SCOOPS OF ITALY

A NEW, ORIGINAL MOVIE PREMIERING JUNE 22, ON HALLMARK CHANNEL

Shot Entirely on Location in Italy As Part of the Network’s June 2024 Passport to Love Programming Event

Chef Danielle Turner (King) is facing a dilemma of gastronomic proportions and might lose her restaurant unless she can come up with a new menu that will wow her investor. Desperate for epicurean inspiration she travels to Ostia Antica, an ancient Roman village. Danielle soon meets Giancarlo Donati (Rosiello), a charming local gelatiere facing his own crisis of the gelato variety. Giancarlo introduces Danielle to the flavors, the culture, the gelato and other charms of the quaint town and together they motivate and encourage one another. As Danielle’s falls for Italy, she discovers it might not be the only thing to capture her heart.

Two Scoops of Italy is from MarVista Entertainment in association with Cattleya. Larry Grimaldi, Hannah Pillemer, Fernando Szew and Todd Y. Murata are executive producers. Roger M. Bobb is co-executive producer. The movie is produced by Christina Giubbeti. Roger M. Bobb directed from a script by Eric Brooks and Nicole Baxter, from a story by Abdi Nazemian

Executive Producers: Larry Grimaldi
Hannah Pillemer
Fernando Szew
Todd Y. Murata
Co-Executive Producer: Roger M. Bobb
Producer: Christina Giubbeti
Production Credit: A MarVista Entertainment Production in association with Cattleya
Directed by: Roger M. Bobb
Written by: Eric Brooks and Nicole Baxter
Story by: Abdi Nazemian
Director of Photography: Patrizio Patrizi
Production Designer: Tiziana Liberotti
Edited by: William Lynch
Music By: Jamie Coleman
Costume Designer: Claudette Lilly
Casting by: Teresa Razzauti

Cast: Hunter King (Danielle Turner)
Michele Rosiello (Giancarlo Donati)
Sara Mondello (Elida)
Simone Colombari (Aldo Donati)
Ruby Kammer (Sarah Turner)
Michele Augusto Magni (Bruno)
Serge Pirilli (La Rana)
Alessia Franchin (Marta)
Davy Eduard King (Owen Bridges)
Lorenzo Padalino (Nico)
James Tumminia (Mario Chiellini)

Photo: Hunter King, Michele Rosiello Credit: ©2024 Hallmark Media/Photographer: Moris Puccio

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Interview with Jennifer Esposito

TV Interview!

 

Stars Jennifer Esposito, Annabella Sciorra and Domenick Lombardozzi of "Fresh Kills," which premieres today 6/14/24

Interview with Stars Jennifer Esposito, Annabella Sciorra and Domenick Lombardozzi of “Fresh Kills,” by Suzanne 6/6/24

This is a truly great movie, and I was honored to see it and interview three of its stars. Jennifer wrote, directed and starred in the movie. Annabella plays one of her relatives (aunt?), and Domenick plays her husband. I hope you can see this wonderful film.

Interview with Jennifer

Interview with Annabella and Domenick

"Fresh Kills" key artMORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

In her writing & directing debut, veteran actress Jennifer Esposito (Crash, Summer of Sam, Samantha Who, Blue Bloods) brings the late 1980s/early 1990s Staten Island to vivid life through the lens of Rose Larusso (Emily Bader), an inquisitive young woman who discovers her father (Domenick Lombardozzi) is an emerging mafia kingpin. Rose’s growing desire to break free from the path set before her soon threatens her existence and alienates her from her closest allies: her mother (Esposito), aunt (Annabella Sciorra) and sister (Odessa A’zion). Smart, thrilling, and nuanced, FRESH KILLS turns the classic mob movie inside out, by taking audiences on a journey with two teenage girls, living in a mafia life filled with violence, fear, and rage. A closed off world that dictates who these young women are destined to become… unless they fight to break free.

 

JENNIFER ESPOSITO (Director, Writer, Producer, & Francine Larusso)

With a career spanning over 25 years, Jennifer Esposito is a Screen Actors Guild, Critics Choice and Hollywood Foreign Press award recipient. She has appeared in over 60 films and television productions, most notably the Academy Award-Winning film CRASH by Paul Haggis, SUMMER OF SAM by Spike Lee and WELCOME TO COLLINWOOD, by The Russo Brothers. Some of her TV work includes SPIN CITY, SAMANTHA WHO, BLUE BLOODS, THE AFFAIR, THE BOYS. and NORA FROM QUEENS. Jennifer makes her writing and directing debut with FRESH KILLS, in which she also produced and plays a supporting role. She was also the first to incorporate NFTs as a fundraising tool for independent films.

Instagram: @jesposito
IMDB: www.imdb.com/name/nm0261170/
Website: www.arebelliousact.com

ANNABELLA SCIORRA (Christine)

Annabella Sciorra is best known for her powerful Emmy-nominated performance as ‘Gloria Trillo’ in HBO’s THE SOPRANOS. She can currently be seen opposite Sylvester Stallone in Taylor Sheridan’s recently renewed Paramount+ series, TULSA KING, as well as in the Apple limited series, TRUTH BE TOLD, opposite Octavia Spencer and Aaron Paul. Other television credits include GODFATHER OF HARLEM (Epix), GLOW (Netflix), Marvel’s DAREDEVIL (Netflix), NEW AMSTERDAM (NBC) Marvel’s LUKE CAGE (Netflix), THE L WORD (Showtime), and LAW & ORDER: CI (NBC), among others.

On the feature side, Annabella will next be seen opposite Jennifer Esposito in the indie feature FRESH KILLS, which is premiering at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival. Annabella also starred in the indie feature, BEFORE I GO, directed by Eric Schaeffer, as well as Fiona and Sophia Robert’s A VIEW OF THE WORLD FROM FIFTH AVENUE, opposite Whit Stillman and Logan Miller.

Annabella achieved leading lady status starting with Spike Lee’s JUNGLE FEVER and Curtis Hanson’s THE HAND THAT ROCKS THE CRADLE. Other feature credits include WHAT DREAMS MAY COME opposite Robin Williams and Cuba Gooding Jr., among numerous others. She received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Female Lead in Nancy Savoca’s TRUE LOVE.

Instagram: @iamannabellasciorra

"Fresh Kills" key art

DOMENICK LOMBARDOZZI (Joe Larusso)

Domenick Lombardozzi is an established actor known for his work on both the big and small screen alike with over sixty credits to his name, working with some of the world’s most talented filmmakers.

Lombardozzi starred as the head of the Genovese crime family, Anthony “Fat Tony” Salerno in Martin Scorsese’s critically acclaimed Netflix feature, THE IRISHMAN, opposite Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, and Joe Pesci about the rise and murder and subsequent disappearance of Teamsters president, Jimmy Hoffa. Lombardozzi completely transforms in the role from a man in his early 40s to a man in his late 60s. Lombardozzi credits De Niro and Chazz Palminteri for giving him his first acting role when he was just 15 years-old playing Nicky Zero in the classic 1993 film A Bronx Tale, which was De Niro’s directorial debut.

Of all his roles, Lombardozzi is perhaps most recognized for his role in the iconic HBO series, THE WIRE, where he portrayed ‘Detective Thomas ‘Herc’ Hauk,’ a loveably flawed Baltimore Police officer turned PI. Lombardozzi then took a comedic turn in HBO’s ENTOURAGE as ‘Dom’, one of the gang’s old friends who happens to be an ex-convict.

He also appeared in a season long arc on Showtime’s RAY DONOVAN as a troubled and damaged police officer, Courtney Kemp’s hit Starz series, POWER, as well as HBO/David

Simon’s WE OWN THIS CITY, and THE DEUCE where he plays legendary NY police detective ‘Jack Maple’. He most recently can be seen as Charles ‘Chickie’ Invernizzi on Taylor Sheridan’s TULSA KING for Paramount+, as Sylvester Stallone’s nemesis.

His other past television credits include: MAGNUM P.I., MRS. FLETCHER, MARVELOUS MS. MAISEL, YELLOWSTONE, MACGYVER, BILLIONS, SNEAKY PETE, THE GOOD WIFE, BOARDWALK EMPIRE, ROSEWOOD, and BREAKOUT KINGS. His other past film credits include: BRIDGE OF SPIES, FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME, FIND ME GUILTY, THE FAMILY, THE WANNABE, THE GAMBLER, BLOOD TIES, MIAMI VICE, and COLD PURSUIT.

He can next be seen in a season long arc in the second season of the hit Amazon series, JACK REACHER based on the Lee Child novels, and in Grant Singer’s Netflix feature crime thriller REPTILE opposite Benicio del Toro.

Instagram: @domenicklombardozzi

The women in "Fresh Kills"

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Interview with Jane Badler

TV Interview!

 

Jane Badler of horror film "Trim Season," which premieres June 7 in theaters and OnDemand.

Interview with Jane Badler of the film “Trim Season” by Suzanne 6/6/24

It was awesome to speak with Jane. She seems really nice and is an amazing actress. I admit that I did gush a little, since I’m a huge fan of her from her days back in the 80’s when she played “Diane” in the scifi movies and TV show “V.”  This is an entertaining horror film. Don’t miss it!

 

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

 

TRIM SEASON | The Ultimate Nightmare Blunt Rotation | Directed by Ariel Vida & Starring Jane Badler, Bex Taylor-Klaus, & Alex Essoe | In Theaters 6/7

Logos for Falco Ink and other groups

Presents

TRIM SEASON

The Ultimate Nightmare Blunt Rotation…

From Award-Winning Filmmaker & Production Designer 
Ariel Vida

* In Theaters and On Demand June 7th, 2024 *

Presents

TRIM SEASON

The Ultimate Nightmare Blunt Rotation…

From Award-Winning Filmmaker & Production Designer 
Ariel Vida

* In Theaters and On Demand June 7th, 2024 *

Trim Season key art

Directed by Ariel Vida (“Vide Noir”)
Written by David BlairSean E. DeMott,
Cullen PoythressMegan Sutherland, & Ariel Vida
Produced by Aaron B. KoontzSean E. DeMottPaul Holbrook, & Jane Badler
Executive Produced by Leal Naim & Jake Hearns
Co-produced by Cameron Burns

Starring:
Jane Badler (“V”, Ricky Stanicky)
Bex Taylor-Klaus (“Scream”)
Alex Essoe (Starry Eyes, “Midnight Mass”)
Bethlehem Million (Sick, “And Just Like That…”)
Ally Ioannides (Synchronic)
Cory Hart (“Fear the Walking Dead”)

Jobless and searching for purpose, Emma and a group of young people from Los Angeles drive up the coast to make quick cash trimming marijuana on a secluded farm in Northern California. Cut off from the rest of the world, they soon realize that Mona – the seemingly amiable owner of the estate – is harboring secrets darker than any of them could imagine. It becomes a race against time for Emma and her friends to escape the dense woods with their lives.

RT: 100 Minutes


Jane Badler of horror film "Trim Season," which premieres June 7 in theaters and OnDemand.

“A suspenseful, uniquely crafted story highlighting pain and sacrifice that should spark some powerful conversation around women and gender. Mesmerizing performances, an innovative story, beautiful stylistic choices, and a little bit of witchy weed make Trim Season a must-see horror film.”
– BLOODY DISGUSTING/Michelle Swope

“From Badler’s commanding performance that contributes to the uneasy atmosphere Vida expertly curates to the stomach-churning sequences of body horror, there is undeniable greatness here that’s well worth seeking out.”
– SCREEN ANARCHY/Kyle Logan


About Ariel Vida
Ariel Vida is a director and writer of the strange and fantastical, who has also production designed over a hundred shorts, music videos, and feature films. Her design work has received high honors, including ‘Best Production Design’ at Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival for Moorhead & Benson’s THE ENDLESS. Her music video directorial debut -Lord Huron’s The World Ender-was selected as a Vimeo Staff Pick and awarded ‘Best Music Video’ at several festivals. The videos for Lord Huron’s The Night We Met, which Ariel produced, and Childish Gambino’s Sober, which she art directed, have both been viewed over 100 million times on YouTube.A frequent collaborator with Rustic Films, Ariel’s most recent design work includes Amy Seimetz’s Neon Release SHE DIES TOMORROW, Spectrevision and Adam Egypt Mortimer’s ARCHENEMY, Alma Har’el and Bob Dylan’s SHADOW KINGDOM, and Moorhead & Benson’s SYNCHRONIC as well as their Sundance 2022 premiere SOMETHING IN THE DIRT, which Ariel also second unit directed.

Ariel’s feature directorial debut, VIDE NOIR – written and scored by the band Lord Huron – released in November 2022 through 1091 Pictures. Her first published short fiction will be printed in the upcoming genre anthology HAUNTED REELS alongside fellow filmmakers C. Robert Cargill, Gigi Saul Guerrero, Brea Grant, Owen Egerton, Gary Sherman, and more. TRIM SEASON marks Ariel’s second feature as director, and she’s currently developing many of her own scripts imbuing stylized action within vivid, fantastical worlds from dystopian sea-faring tales to warped, surrealist westerns.

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Bryton James

TV Interview!

 

Pictured: "50th Anniversary Episode" -- Coverage of the CBS Original Daytime Series THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Bryton James. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Interview with Bryon James of “The Young and The Restless” on CBS by Suzanne 5/21/24

It was so great to speak with Bryton! He’s nominated for another Daytime Emmy this year, so I hope he wins. He seems like a very nice guy, and we all know what a talent actor he is. Please enjoy the video!

TRANSCRIPT (not yet proofread)

Suzanne: So, did you just come back from New Orleans?

Bryton James: I did. I did. Just got back yesterday. We had a fantastic trip. We were, raising money for the cancer support community and for World War II veterans.

Suzanne: Oh, nice.

And, it was, it was awesome. It was, myself, Christian, LeBlanc, Eric Braden, Katherine Kelly Lang, and, Kimberlyn Brown.

Suzanne: Okay. And, did you get to go into New Orleans and do fun stuff at all?

Bryton James: Oh, yeah, I was, I was in Ardenville and, and then New Orleans the last day, but, I mean, I had fun throughout. We were, we were staying in this beautiful house out in the country, real close to the bayou. And, um, it was fantastic. It was the 2nd time I’ve been to Louisiana and, I, I have been wanting to go back since the 1st time just because of the food.

Suzanne: Right, right. And Christian’s from there, so he probably showed you some fun places, right?

Bryton James: He showed us all the fun places. He’s a walking encyclopedia when you’re there with him.

Suzanne: That’s great. That’s great. Um, so congratulations on being nominated again for an Emmy.

Bryton James: Thank you so much.

Suzanne: How does it feel?

Bryton James: Oh, gosh, it feels it’s it’s it’s an honor.

Bryton James: It’s it’s an honor. It feels like the very first time that never gets old. Um, and, like I always say that just any kind of nomination or recognition when it comes to awards and Emmys. It’s it just means that the people that I admire and respect so much in this medium who who understand what it takes to do what we do, um, think that I’m doing a decent job.

Bryton James: And it means the world to me.

Suzanne: That’s great. Now, I know a lot of the fans, love you, I was reading a lot of message boards, so even when they don’t like What Devon is doing or how he’s acting. They always say, Oh, he’s such a great actor. I love her so much. That’s

Bryton James: all I hope for. That’s all I hope for.

Bryton James: Whether they like me or hate me, as long as they believe what I’m doing. That’s all it matters. And

Suzanne: do you display your Emmys at home?

Bryton James: I have them. I, you know, they’re up in my, in my bedroom, just on my dresser for, for the first, I mean, for a long time, my, my first Emmy was with my mom. She had it for years and years.

Bryton James: And then, I ended up back with it when she was moving. Um, So, yeah, no, I don’t, I don’t put them out and about, but they’re upstairs for me to see.

Suzanne: Okay, well, if you get another one, you, you should get a display case or something.

Bryton James: I, I might, I just, you know, or I might, give this latest one, I’ll give this one back to my mom so she can, she can have it in her new place.

Bryton James: I’ve been telling, Christian and, and Peter Bergman, um, the ones who have three, that they got to get four so they can make a table.

Suzanne: That’s right. There you go. That’s right. An Emmy table. That would be funny. Let’s do an

Bryton James: Emmy copy table. Um,

Suzanne: so I’ve been watching the show a long time. In fact, I started watching it in 1986, the year you were born.

Suzanne: Oh, wow.

Bryton James: Wow.

Suzanne: I’m old.

Bryton James: I would never have guessed that you were back that far with us.

Suzanne: Yeah, I know. I was in my last year of college, and I had been watching all the ABC soaps, because, They didn’t have, you know, VCRs too much back then, and the student center had a little, all the colleges had a little student union or student center where there was a TV that was usually turned to the soaps during the day, and ours was always turned to ABC soaps.

Suzanne: But then my last year transferred, and they showed Young and the Restless before All My Children, so. It started on the hat. So

Bryton James: they got hooked on the good one. That’s great.

Suzanne: They get you hooked. I’m very easily hooked. So I remember when you came on the show, you’d always, you always were, that’s what I was saying earlier about watching the Eclipse.

Suzanne: You were always such a great actor, even when you were young. You could see it in your first episodes. You had such great dramatic material and you, you know, I can see why you’re still, why they still keep bringing you back. Who were your greatest, influences, would you say acting?

Bryton James: Oh, gosh. I mean, overall, you know, I, some of my favorite actors are like, I used to, I used to recite the scenes from like the shining, cause I was such a fan of Jack Nicholson and.

Bryton James: Guys like Robert Downey Jr. and, but I mean when I got, when I got on Young and the Restless was the first time I really, I consider that my first acting job because even though I had done Family Matters, it was, you know, it was only a couple of lines here and there and it was all about timing and stuff like that.

Bryton James: I didn’t really understand what it meant to get better. Um, and then when I got to Y and R, I mean, I was immediately surrounded by, you know, the, the masters in this medium. And in particular, yeah, my storylines was, you know, a foster care storyline, which has, you know, enormous weight and seriousness and, um.

Bryton James: So immediately, Victoria Rowell and Christophe St. John and even, you know, Crystal, even though she had only been on for a couple of years at the time, I saw no difference in the levels, you know, between her and August and, you know, I, I felt right away this, this need to get better fast when I got, um, when I got to YNR.

Bryton James: But, um, but mostly I’d say, you know, Victoria Rao in particular, just because, um, the majority of the storylines that Devon went through in the first couple of years were real, um, stories that happened to Victoria. Real things that she actually experienced in her life. Um,

Suzanne: Hopefully not the lion attacking her.

Bryton James: Not the lion, not the lion. No, that’s, that took a step into fantasy a bit, but yeah. No, no. But now she was there to, you know, she, she, she mentored me a lot about, about how Devon and, you know, would be feeling going through a lot of things that I went through. Um, and then, you know, to have Christophe also to, to admire and look at as, as, you know, the father, my other father figure there, um, they were my two biggest ones for sure.

Bryton James: That’s

Suzanne: great. No, I, I, I interviewed, Christophe over the phone in 2015 and he was the nicest. One of the nicest people I ever talked to, and he was out running errands and taking his dog to the vet, but he still had total concentration talking to me. Oh, yeah. He’s one of the few back then, you know, they were all phone for me back then, that gave me his number.

Suzanne: He, he’s called with his own cell and said, call me if you need any follow up. No one does that. They’re like,

Bryton James: they have

Suzanne: like, practically no one does it. You know, they do a publicist and, you know, I have to call into a number or something like that. So that was, that just blew me away.

Bryton James: Hey, I’ll give you my number so you can have any follow up.

Suzanne: It was just so amazing to me.

Bryton James: But he is, I mean, that sounds like him. He was, yeah, he was absolutely one of.

Suzanne: Yeah.

Bryton James: Sorry. We had to cut out for just a

Suzanne: second. Yeah, he was great. And, you know, I had watched him before Young and the Restless. On generations when he starred in that as a young guy, Adam. And so I love seeing him as an even better character on young.

Suzanne: The rest is because Adam was kind of boring. He was like always a nice kid and everything, but Neil had all these layers. And so,

Bryton James: Oh yeah. You know, it was really crazy too. When, when, They had Telma Hopkins who played my father on Family Matters come on and do a few episodes of YNR. She was telling me about how in that studio, and in particular, I believe it was on stage 33, which is right across from where we film, was the first soundstage she ever worked on, on a television show.

Bryton James: And they had this variety show that they did with Tony Lando and Don. Yeah, I

Suzanne: watched that. I was in, I watched that.

Bryton James: She showed me an episode and a scene that she did with Christoph when he was, I think, 11 or 12 years old.

Suzanne: That’s cool. That’s right. And,

Bryton James: yeah. So to get to see that, that they, it’s such a small world.

Bryton James: Yeah.

Suzanne: Well, especially in Hollywood, I guess.

Bryton James: Oh yeah.

Suzanne: and, actually, the, one of the things I really loved about when Drusilla came on, you know, she was like a real person, you know, she’d been a street kid and all that. And, I was a foster kid, so I really loved her story and yours and enjoyed it a lot.

Suzanne: And I’m always grateful for the charity work that you both do. For kids and foster kids. So thank you.

Bryton James: Absolutely. I thank you. I thank you for those kind of words. And I thank the show also for, for taking that, that, that leap into doing the storyline. Actually, it also learned that that, um, Victoria Rao had approached, Bill Bell about doing a foster care storyline in the mid nineties, and they weren’t quite ready for it yet, which I’m thankful they weren’t because I think there would probably be a different Devon.

Bryton James: So

Suzanne: that’s funny. Um, so, you’ve had a lot of stories over the years, which were your favorites. Do you have any favorites?

Bryton James: Um, and I apologize for the noise. I’m having construction done inside. Okay, good. Um, my favorite storyline over the years, I think would have to be my, losing my hearing, um, just because, you know, to, to have to portray losing a sense, you really, you know, Can’t understand what that’s like unless you go through it.

Bryton James: So you really just, you know, you do as much studying as you can and, and homework and, and try to do the best job that you can do, but, um, really just because the challenge of it. And then one of my best experiences with a fan was I was out having lunch one day. They came by and left a note on the table, they’d written on a napkin and didn’t say anything.

Bryton James: They just left it and walked away. And, it was someone who also was deaf. And they told me how they had lost their hearing very early on in life. And they’d always watched Young and the Restless. And just commended me on the job that I was doing and portraying that. And that was, it meant the world to me.

Bryton James: That’s great.

Suzanne: Yeah, I have a friend a few years back. I remember exactly how many years she, she got meningitis, from a cat scratch. She has a bunch of cats

Bryton James: and

Suzanne: she lost part of her hearing. She’s, she lives the whole, you know, all of it, but it’s like one year or something.

Bryton James: Did she ever get any kind of hearing aids or, or the, I don’t think she does

Suzanne: enough to really make a huge difference in her life, but she almost died.

Suzanne: So it was pretty serious at the time. Yeah. So that’s a lot more common than you think. Yeah. You know, the cat scratch fever, it’s a real thing. Apparently it’s a

Bryton James: real thing.

Suzanne: So, um, yeah, about the death story. Okay. You were, you were a singer. You’re a singer and a musician. You played guitar since you were young.

Suzanne: and I seem to recall that Devon was interested in doing that and then he got, he was deaf. That didn’t, disappoint you that you didn’t get to do singing and musical things on the show after that?

Bryton James: No, not at all because, actually the only reason that they started incorporating music into Devon’s story was because they found out that I did music in real life.

Bryton James: And, I never really wanted to do music. I never like to incorporate music into Devon. Um, I, I, I love the idea of him, you know, wanting to be a producer and being behind the scenes, but as far as me singing or anything like that, no, no, I didn’t mind at all. It could have been

Suzanne: the next Danny Romalotti.

 

Bryton James: Nah, nah, I’ll leave that to the professionals.

Suzanne: I saw some of, I saw your video. It was really good.

Bryton James: That was another lifetime ago. So if I kept up the practicing, I would, I’d be more confident. But

Suzanne: right. Yeah, it does. You do have to keep practicing. What can you tell us about what’s in store for Devon coming up? I, I saw yesterday’s episode where he didn’t like that Billy sent the flowers and he popped the balloon.

Suzanne: That was really good.

Bryton James: Yeah, there’s, I mean, there’s gonna definitely be some more, escalation to the tension between Devon and Billy and just the whole working dynamic between Chancellor Winters. Um, that I think is, is going to lead to a big shakeup in the company. Um, I, I honestly don’t even know where that storyline is going to go.

Bryton James: I know what I hope for in Devon’s future is to, is to let him kind of be settled for a good amount of time with his love life. And, and so I want to, you know, walk down the aisle with Abby and really, you know, take on, take on the challenges together, take on challenges together as a couple and be the kind of 1 couple in love that you can look at and say, oh, there’s, you know, they don’t do bad things to each other.

Pictured: "50th Anniversary Episode" -- Coverage of the CBS Original Daytime Series THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, scheduled to air on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Bryton James and Melissa Ordway. Photo: Monty Brinton/CBS ©2023 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Bryton James: And they’re, you know. They stay together. I really, I said in that interview and fans got on me about comparing us to Michael and Lauren, but I was saying that I want to eventually be the Michael and Lauren. I want Abby and Devon to be them because for such a long time, you couldn’t break those two up.

Bryton James: They didn’t cheat on each other. They didn’t do any, you know, so I’d like that. I’d like to see Abby and Devon. So. The romantic life grow.

Suzanne: Yeah, I was, I don’t want to be touched on a touchy subject here. But, you know, when, when they paired a long time ago, they paired, Neil and Victoria and then I guess fans in the South or something got upset about it.

Suzanne: And so they dropped it just like changed it completely.

Bryton James: Is that what happened?

Suzanne: Yeah, that’s, well, that’s what I read. I remember at the time, it seemed like they just dropped it abruptly. So, it’s, it’s such a different world today. And of course, for the better. And I doubt you get any hate mail for Tiff on,

Bryton James: no, I mean, if, if I do, I haven’t seen it, but, you know, even if there is, you know, you can’t, you can’t cater to, to that kind of thinking, you know, you, you gotta tell stories that, that evolve us, especially

Suzanne: in today’s world when there’s so much, I guess.

Suzanne: There and things are so of course, and, if you can bring back any character to the show, who would you bring? You can say more than one, if you don’t want to upset anyone.

Bryton James: Oh, sure. I, I would, um, I mean, I I’ve always, wanted. Victoria Rau to come back. I’ve always, you know, to see the, what happened to Drew.

Bryton James: We never found her body. So there’s always, even if you have found the body, there’s always an opening in soap operas to come back. Um, but no, I’d love to share the stage with Victoria again. And, and also, Daniel Goddard. He’s just such a great friend to me. And, um, um, always had so much fun on set and I know the fans love them too.

Bryton James: I’d love to see. Those two characters one day.

Suzanne: That would be great. I agree. And the actress, I can’t remember her name, is it? starts with an L. She played your sister and sang on the show. Oh, Lauren. Yeah, absolutely.

Bryton James: Gosh, Lauren, Lauren Lott. I, I want her to have her own show. That’s what I want. That girl is so insanely talented.

Bryton James: Isn’t

Suzanne: she?

Bryton James: She’s so amazing.

Suzanne: I, I interviewed her once for a, a potential Star Trek show that never came about, but we talked a lot about Young and the Restless and some other things. She’s just amazing.

Bryton James: Isn’t she fantastic? She’s just one of the best people I’ve ever met.

Suzanne: That’s yeah, she’s really nice.

Suzanne: She’s got a beautiful voice. Oh my gosh. So, um, let’s see. Nowadays, Devon is mostly involved in the corporate world. Um, are you content with that? Would you like, if he did something completely different? Like I remember when Neil, you know, just quit and went and opened a club. He’s done a lot. He did a lot of things like that.

Suzanne: Have something like that.

Bryton James: I agree. I can, I agree completely. We can bring back Indigo. no, yeah, that, that’s, For me, I’m, I mean, I’m always content with it. If they’re giving me storyline, regardless of what it is, if I’m working, I’m content and I love to be working. but I think any actor, um, always wants to be challenged.

Bryton James: So I would love to do something that’s completely out of the box, something that, you know, fans wouldn’t expect. And, Yeah. Something that. Come

Suzanne: the next Victor Newman.

Bryton James: We all want that. There’s only one. There’s only one. We all, we all aspire to. He

Suzanne: could, or he could have an evil twin, you know,

Bryton James: no more twins, no more twins.

Suzanne: Yeah. That was a little weird with Hillary and

Bryton James: Amanda.

Suzanne: So who else would you like to work on the show that you haven’t worked with very much?

Bryton James: Man, just about everybody. I mean, I know Josh Morrow, Nick and Devon are, you know, they’re, they’re friends on canvas and, and they, we’ve shared a couple storylines together a few years ago, but it hasn’t been much lately.

Bryton James: I’d love to see, you know, more of their friendship. Um, You don’t really see Devon and his friends, you know, he works with and love life and that’s it. Um, I’ve always loved working with and want to work more with Amelia. They had, they gave us a couple of scenes years ago, um, in, in the office and business dynamic that, but that was it.

Bryton James: And, we always have such so much fun off camera. I know we would be a blast to work on camera. Same with Josh. So.

Suzanne: Right. I think it would be great, especially since, Let’s see, I’m trying to remember the relationship, Abby.

Bryton James: Oh, Abby, they’re sisters. That’s my future sister in law. Yeah,

Suzanne: so you think they would interact, the Winters and the Newmans would interact a little bit more.

Bryton James: They’re in the family now, Dominic is a Newman slash Winters slash every other family.

Suzanne: Right, so, One more question. tell me about your app. I assume it’s pronounced disco. Yeah.

Bryton James: Yeah. Yeah.

Suzanne: Okay.

Bryton James: Let’s go. Let’s go. yeah, it’s, it’s, it’s an app that allows people to discover information and commonalities about the people around them in real time and then and be able to engage without having to physically approach.

Bryton James: So, for instance, like, if you, you know, you, you walk into a party or you go to, you know, any social setting, I realized a long time ago, the only option that 2 people have that any stranger has to get to know someone else is to have to walk up to them and shake their hand and introduce themselves and start a conversation.

Bryton James: You know, if you don’t have the time to do that, the ability, the confidence, um, you know, I wanted to, to try to figure out how to use technology to create a new bridge between strangers and

Suzanne: you and Daniel got and came up with this idea.

Bryton James: Yeah, yeah, he’s, I, I, I, was the, the idea spawned from me. I went to Daniel and got him on board and he became my business partner and we’ve been, we’ve been developing it and, we’re in the process of, of, getting it built.

Bryton James: We’ve, we built our, we self funded the build of a beta version that we tested over the, over a few years and, uh. And, yeah, it’s, it’s something to hoping people can expect. So,

Suzanne: you don’t have social anxiety, though.

Bryton James: I, no, I, I don’t. I don’t. I didn’t think so. You’re

Suzanne: pretty outgoing.

Bryton James: But, you know, I, I, um.

Bryton James: It’s funny because I was taught from a very young age of, and kind of coached on how to, you know, interact with people who would come up to me when I was starting on family matters. I was 3. 5 years old and people come up to me, you know, introducing themselves, you know, asking for autographs and asking me questions.

Bryton James: And I didn’t know at first, even how they knew me or what that was about until I learned what I did.

Suzanne: Right?

Bryton James: Um, and so, And then I, and so, you know, I was lucky enough and not everybody is lucky enough to have that kind of early age, you know, training on how to not, you know, to be confident. Um, but also I, I kind of had this realization that the people, any, the people who come up to, to, to me, or when I see them come up to other cast mates, they have this confidence when they feel like they know you because they do.

Bryton James: Sure. You know, in a sense, like we’re in their living rooms every day. So they, they. You know, and when you have a bit of information about someone, you know, you share commonality with somebody, you know, it gives them that that extra spark and extra bit of confidence to make a connection. And, um, I just wanted to be able to create that, for anybody.

Bryton James: So

Suzanne: you say it’s safe. How is it safe when you’re basically you’re meeting strangers and getting their information? How do you know that the person is giving you honest information and that they’re not trying to, I don’t know, scam you or something?

Bryton James: Sure. Well, well, like any app, we’ll have a verification process.

Bryton James: We’ll have anti catfishing, you know, um, features within the app and, and run the gamut of, of, of safety, you know, elements and features to make sure that, you know, who you’re engaging with is who they say they are. And again, you still. It’s up to the, at the end of the day, it’s up to the individual to make sure that they’re being responsible.

Bryton James: And there’ll be an age requirement to use the app and. Um, but yeah, we’re gonna, we’re gonna, we’re gonna make sure that we incorporate everything possible to make sure that we keep people safe on it.

Suzanne: Okay. And you said that you have several universities that are, um, what, investing in it or what are they doing?

Bryton James: Yeah, they, we’ve have several who’ve committed to, to adopting the app. Once we have it built, um, the last one we got was actually University of Kentucky. Um, to just agree to adopt and and and use it on campus for, um, for students who and faculty who may suffer from any form of social anxiety. And and have, you know, any kind of difficulties with making.

Bryton James: In person connections, we can all remember our 1st day of school, especially in college. You know, you, you, you’re on this campus and you’re, you’re everyone’s new. Your goal is to make, you know, you find your tribe and connections and your friends and it can be very, um, intimidating. And, yes, we, the schools have come on board to to adopt us as a tool for.

Bryton James: Students to use.

Suzanne: Well, it sounds very useful. I wish it had been around when I was first. We didn’t have phones and apps,

Bryton James: right? Yeah,

Suzanne: well, thank you very much for talking to me. I really enjoyed it.

Bryton James: Of course, thank you for taking time.

Suzanne: I have I met Victoria, when we were in Alabama, she. Was she’d written a book, one of her books, book tour.

Suzanne: And so I watched her speak and got an autograph and everything.

Bryton James: That’s fantastic.

Suzanne: And I’ve interviewed her a few times after that, but so I was

Bryton James: right.

Suzanne: Oh, she’s just so much fun. She just like, she’s a total character, you know, but in a good way, like a person, you know, I

Bryton James: do all the personality in the world.

Bryton James: And, and that’s why, you know, fans gravitated to her character so much. Cause she brought that to the table. So definitely.

Suzanne: Oh, and when I did interview Christop, because he was, he did a series of movies with her for the Up Network where they

Bryton James: Oh, yes, yes, yes. Yeah.

Suzanne: And we had talked mostly about that as well as young, the rest.

Suzanne: So that was, that was a lot of fun seeing them together again. And I, and I agree with you. I wish they would bring her back, but I don’t know. Somebody said somewhere yesterday, they could say she had been living somewhere else with Amnesia. Of

Bryton James: course

Suzanne: they’ve done that Fun

Bryton James: time. We found, we found Malcolm, right?

Bryton James: Malcolm was supposed to be off in bed and. Yeah,

Suzanne: that’s right. I forget about it.

Suzanne: That’s right. Well, thank you so much.

Bryton James: Thank you. I really appreciate it.

Suzanne: All right.

Bryton James: Take care.

Suzanne: Bye bye.

MORE INFO: Official Website for Y&R    Bryton James on Instagram    Fun video with Bryton and castmates!

Y&R 50th anniversary logo - The Young and The Restless Photo: CBS ©2022 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

THE YOUNG AND THE RESTLESS, the #1 daytime drama for 32 consecutive years, is a continuing drama revolving around the loves, enmities, hopes and fears of the residents of the fictional Midwestern town of Genoa City.

The series’ 50th season premiered Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, on the CBS Television Network, and is available to stream live and on-demand on Paramount+.

ON AIR: Weekdays (12:30-1:30 PM, ET; 11:30 AM-12:30 PM, PT)

ORIGINATION:Los Angeles

FORMAT:Daytime drama (HD)

ORIGINAL PREMIERE DATE:March 26, 1973

CAST (alphabetically):

Lauralee Bell (Christine Blair Williams)
Peter Bergman (Jack Abbott)
Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)
Tracey Bregman (Lauren Fenmore Baldwin)
Sharon Case (Sharon Newman)
Doug Davidson (Paul Williams)
Eileen Davidson (Ashley Abbott)
Sean Dominic (Dr. Nate Hastings)
Melissa Claire Egan (Chelsea Lawson)
Cait Fairbanks (Tessa Porter)
Conner Floyd (Phillip “Chance” Chancellor IV)
Rory Gibson (Noah Newman)
Camryn Grimes (Mariah Copeland)
Mark Grossman (Adam Newman)
Amelia Heinle (Victoria Newman)
Elizabeth Hendrickson (Chloe Mitchell)
Courtney Hope (Sally Spectra)
Bryton James (Devon Hamilton)
Christel Khalil (Lily Ashby)
Allison Lanier (Summer Newman)
Christian J. Le Blanc (Michael Baldwin)
Kate Linder (Esther Valentine)
Beth Maitland (Traci Abbott)
Michael Mealor (Kyle Abbott)
Mishael Morgan (Amanda Sinclair)
Joshua Morrow (Nicholas Newman)
Melissa Ordway (Abby Newman)
Greg Rikaart (Kevin Fisher)
Brytni Sarpy (Elena Dawson)
Melody Thomas Scott (Nikki Newman)
Zuleyka Silver (Audra Charles)
Michelle Stafford (Phyllis Summers)
Trevor St. John (Tucker McCall)
Jason Thompson (Billy Abbott)
Jess Walton (Jill Abbott)
Kelsey Wang (Allie Nguyen)
PRODUCED BY: Bell Dramatic Serial Company in association with Sony Pictures Television
CREATORS: William J. Bell and Lee Phillip Bell
CO-EXECUTIVE PRODUCER/

HEAD WRITER:

 

Josh Griffith

SUPERVISING PRODUCERS: John Fisher
PRODUCERS: Matthew J. Olsen, Jonathan Fishman, Vivian Gundaker, and Elizabeth LeBrun
On the web: http://www.cbs.com/daytime/the_young_and_the_restless/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/TheYoungandtheRestless
Y&R Twitter: @YandR_CBS and @YRInsider
Y&R Instagram @youngandrestlesscbs
CBS Twitter: @CBSTweet

 

Please check out Maurice Benard’s YouTube interview State of Mind with guest Bryton James! Very informative!

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Patton Oswalt

TV Interview!

 

Patton Oswalt, host of "The 1% Club" on Amazon Prime Video and FOX

Interview with Patton Oswalt, host of “The 1% Club” on Amazon Prime Video and FOX by Suzanne 4/30/24

This was a wonderful interview! I’ve enjoyed Patton’s work ever since I saw him in “Justified” (one of the best shows on TV), where he played Constable Bob. He’s done so many wonderful shows and movies, as well as his great standup act.   I don’t watch many game shows, but this new one is smart and funny. It’s very challenging. If you love “Jeopardy,” you should love this one, too. It airs tomorrow, May 23, on Prime Video, and then airs again on FOX, starting Monday, June 3.

They only gave me 6 minutes with him, so I was talking pretty fast. I hope you can understand me!  Enjoy!

MORE INFO: Official Site  Trailer

Patton Oswalt, host of "The 1% Club" on Amazon Prime Video and FOX

The 1% Club

Coming to Prime Video On May 23, 2024* *All new episodes of The 1% Club will be available for Prime Video customers weekly starting May 23, and will also air on FOX, on Mondays beginning June 3. *US, CAN ONLY

‘The 1% Club’, where the questions have nothing to do with remembering little known facts, endless reams of dates or obscure quiz trivia, as instead they are all about applying logic, reasoning skills and common sense. The show begins with 100 contestants, who are then whittled down as they compete to make it to the end and answer a question only 1% of the country can get right, in hopes of winning up to 100,000 dollars.

 

Patton Oswalt, host of "The 1% Club" on Amazon Prime Video and FOXPatton Oswalt continues to leave his distinctive imprint across all areas of entertainment, from his award-winning comedy specials to his many guest roles on television. His most recent comedy special We All Scream (which also marked his directorial debut) launched on Netflix in late 2022 and Oswalt was nominated for a Grammy for his comedy album. Last year, he also starred in the Magnolia Pictures comedy I Love My Dad, winner of the Grand Jury and Audience awards at the 2022 SXSW Film Festival.  
 
Oswalt was nominated for a Critics Choice Award for his performance in Jason Reitman’s film Young Adult, starring opposite Charlize Theron. In 2009, he also received critical acclaim for his performance in Robert Siegel’s Big Fan; the film was nominated for an Independent Spirit Award and Oswalt earned a Gotham Award nomination for his performance. 
 
Oswalt has appeared in many films, including The Circle, alongside Tom Hanks, The Secret Life of Walter Mitty and Zoolander, both directed by Ben Stiller, Steven Soderbergh’s The Informant with Matt Damon, and alongside Seth Rogen in Jody Hill’s Observe and Report, as well as Paul Thomas Anderson’s Magnolia and Todd Phillips’ Starsky and Hutch.
 
Oswalt’s past television work includes memorable roles on Parks and Recreation, which brought him a TV Critics Choice Award, A.P. Bio, Veep, United States of Tara, Seinfeld (his TV acting debut), and many more. He is also very well known for playing ‘Spence’ on The King of Queens for nine seasons.  Oswalt is also the narrator on ABC’s hit comedy The Goldbergs.  He provided the voice for ‘Remy’ the rat in Pixar’s Oscar® winner Ratatouille, and his other voice credits include ‘Max’ in The Secret Life of Pets 2, Sorry To Bother You, the SYFY series Happy!, Rick and Morty, Archer, and BoJack Horseman
 
In 2020, Oswalt’s Emmy nominated Netflix special I Love Everything was widely applauded upon release, and he received a Grammy nomination for his comedy album of the same name. In 2017, he received Grammy and Emmy nominations for his album and Netflix special Annihilation, which addresses his own devastating loss and dealing with the unexplainable, while making it all painfully funny.  In 2016, he won the Emmy for ‘Outstanding Writing for a Variety Special’ for his sixth comedy special Talking for Clapping and a Grammy Award in 2017 for his comedy album. He has been nominated for a total of six Grammys and four Emmys.  Oswalt has shot eight TV specials and released seven critically acclaimed albums — in 2009, Patton received his first Grammy nomination for his album My Weakness Is Strong

Credits

Executive Producers
Wes Kauble
Ryan O’Dowd
Krystal Whitney
Dean Nabarro
Andy Auerbach
Patton Oswalt
Craig Brooks
Ronnie Hysten

Directors
Carrie Havel

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine and Savannah Basley

TV Interview!

 

Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine and Savannah Basley of "Reginald the Vampire" on Syfy

Interview with Mandela Van Peebles, Em Haine and Savannah Basley of “Reginald the Vampire” on Syfy by Suzanne 4/30/24

It was fun to speak to these actors again! Last time I spoke with them was for the TCA panel before season 1. This time I had more time with them, so that was great (although, not with the main star, Jacob Batalon, unfortunately). The show is a lot of fun. Even though it’s horror, it has a lot of humor. If you haven’t checked it out yet, you should. Enjoy these videos and don’t miss the season 2 premiere May 8 on Syfy!

Mandela Van Peebles

 

Em Haine

Savannah Basley

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

Coming Soon to SYFY 

Reginald Andres finally got his life together – when he was turned into a vampire. While he doesn’t fit into the stereotypical expectations of what a vampire looks like – he’s not chiseled or classically handsome – Reginald has found his place amongst an unlikely cohort that includes the cool vampire who sired him, the former vampire chieftain turned unexpected ally (or is she?), and his co-worker/former girlfriend. A show with a lot of heart and just enough blood, “Reginald the Vampire” proves the undead life is just as complicated as life itself.

“Reginald the Vampire” is produced by Great Pacific Media Inc., Modern Story Company, December Films and Cineflix Studios and executive produced by Harley Peyton, Jeremiah Chechik, Todd Berger, Lindsay Macadam, Brett Burlock and Peter Emerson. The series is based on the book series by Johnny B. Truant.

Mandela Van Peebles

Maurice Miller, “Reginald the Vampire”

Mandela Van Peebles will play Maurice Miller on the new SYFY series “Reginald the Vampire,” which premieres Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Van Peebles most recently recurred on Taylor Sheridan’s drama series “The Mayor of Kingstown.” He recently guest starred on season 2 of “Wu-Tang: An American Saga” and appeared in the biopic “Salt N Pepa.”

Past film work includes a starring role in “Jigsaw,” the latest installment of the “Saw” franchise, and USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage.”

Other television work includes the 2016 Emmy Award-nominated miniseries “Roots.”

REGINALD THE VAMPIRE -- "The Pompatus of Love" Episode 201 -- Pictured: (l-r) Em Haine as Sarah Kinney, Jacob Batalon as Reginald Andres -- (Photo by: James Dittiger/SYFY)

Em Haine

Sarah Kinney, “Reginald the Vampire”

Em Haine plays Sarah Kinney in the new SYFY series “Reginald the Vampire,” which premieres Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Born in Vancouver, B.C., Haine is the only child of an Austrian father and French-Canadian mother. They eventually moved to London to study the Meisner technique at the Actors Temple. While in both New York and Los Angeles, Haine took up Improv at the Upright Citizens Brigade.

Haine’s first break came with the role of oddball Noreen Vanderslice in the critically acclaimed miniseries “Fargo.” Other TV credits include “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina” and “The Mighty Ducks: Game Changers.”

On the film side, Haine has appeared in “Deadpool,” “Tully” and the indie “Gregoire.”

Savannah Basley

Angela Hibbert, “Reginald the Vampire”

Savannah Basley plays Angela Hibbert in the new SYFY series “Reginald the Vampire,” which premieres Oct. 5 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

Basley’s first TV role was in “The Art of More and she has subsequently appeared in multiple series, including “Tales from the Hood,” “Coroner,” “Utopia Falls” and “Wynonna Earp.” She’ll soon return for the second season of “SurrealEstate.”

Her first film role was in the 2015 short “White Lock,” which won the Special Jury Prize at the Amsterdam Film Festival.

Basley is a dual Canadian-US citizen, the daughter of a Canadian mom and an American military veteran.

 

Proofread and Edited by Brenda

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Interview with Blake Crouch and Matt Tolmach

TV Interview!

 

Blake Crouch (Executive Producer, Writer, Showrunner) and Matt Tolmach (Executive Producer) of "Dark Matter" on Apple TV+

Interview with Blake Crouch (Executive Producer, Writer, Showrunner) and Matt Tolmach (Executive Producer) of “Dark Matter” on Apple TV+ by Suzanne 4/28/24

This is a really great scifi series with lots of twists and turns. The next-to-last episode is mind-bending, and the finale is very satisfying. You will enjoy it. The cast is phenomenal. I was honored to interview these two. Blake Crouch created the novel (and many others) that this show is based on, and he’s also the showrunner (that doesn’t happen too often).  He and Matt Tolmach are a great team. Enjoy the video below, but don’t miss this show!

MORE INFO: Official Site Trailer

"Dark Matter" key art

Hailed as one of the best sci-fi novels of the decade, “Dark Matter” is a story about the road not taken. The series will follow Jason Dessen (played by Joel Edgerton), a physicist, professor and family man who — one night while walking home on the streets of Chicago — is abducted into an alternate version of his life. Wonder quickly turns to nightmare when he tries to return to his reality amid the mind-bending landscape of lives he could have lived. In this labyrinth of realities, he embarks on a harrowing journey to get back to his true family and save them from the most terrifying, unbeatable foe imaginable: himself.

 

RELEASE DATE:

Wednesday, May 8, 2024 exclusively on Apple TV+

The nine-episode first season will premiere globally with the first two episodes on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 followed by one new episode weekly through Wednesday, June 26, 2024.

ABOUT APPLE TV+:

Apple TV+ is available on the Apple TV app in over 100 countries and regions, on over 1 billiEpisode 7. Joel Edgerton and Jennifer Connelly in "Dark Matter," premiering May 8, 2024 on Apple TV+.on screens, including iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Apple Vision Pro, Mac, popular smart TVs from Samsung, LG, Sony, VIZIO, TCL and others, Roku and Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast with Google TV, PlayStation and Xbox gaming consoles, and at tv.apple.com, for $9.99 per month with a seven-day trial. For a limited time, customers who purchase and activate a new iPhone, iPad, Apple TV, Mac or iPod touch can enjoy three months of Apple TV+ for free.

For more information, visit apple.com/tvpr and see the full list of supported devices.

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