Interview with Jocko Sims (Tucker) of “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” on NBC by Suzanne 3/19/25
This was a fun interview. Jocko was very entertaining just to speak with. He’s an amazing actor as well. I hope this show survives, and that he doesn’t get killed. I want to see more of Tucker, Catherine’s husband!
“Grosse Pointe Garden Society” follows four members of a suburban garden club who find their lives intertwined by scandal, mischief and a shared secret – a murder no one wants to talk about. As dark truths begin to rot their lives under the surface, they struggle to remain as perfect as the flowers blooming in their garden above.
The cast includes Melissa Fumero, Aja Naomi King, Ben Rappaport, AnnaSophia Robb, Matthew Davis, Alexander Hodge, Nancy Travis and Felix Wolfe.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society is written and created by Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs. They serve co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Casey Kyber.
Jackie “Jocko” Sims III is an American actor, known for playing Anthony Adams in Crash and later playing Carlton Burk in the series The Last Ship. On the NBC TV show New Amsterdam, he portrayed Dr. Floyd Reynolds. More at Wikipedia
Interview with Paul Guilfoyle and Eric Aronson of the film “Any Day Now” by Suzanne 3/13 and 3/14/25
This is a good indie movie about a real-life art museum heist that happened in 1990…but really, it’s about two (fictional) men (one older) that meet and get involved in a plot to steal the art. Marty (Paul Guilfoyle) ropes Steve (Taylor Gray) into helping him with the job. Marty is a career criminal with loads of bad advice for Steve, who is used to people walking all over him. The character studies and the acting are great to watch, and the basic story is unusual and enjoyable. Don’t miss this one! It premieres Friday, 3/21/25 in theaters – 35 years after the real-life museum robbery happened!
It was great speaking to both of these gentlemen about the movie. I’ve long-admired Guilfoyle’s work on CSI and other shows. Aronson not only came up with the idea for this movie, but he wrote, directed and produced it. Both he and Guilfoyle are from Boston, where the movie takes place (and where the real heist happened). See more info below. Enjoy the videos!
*Winner – Audience Favorite Feature Award – 2024 Boston Film Festival**
Starring: Paul Guilfoyle (L.A. Confidential) Taylor Gray (Saturday Night) Alexandra Templer (“Only Murders in the Building”) Thomas Kee (Blow the Man Down) Armando Rivera (Wolves)
Written and Directed by Eric Aronson
Produced by Eric Aronson, Mark Donadio, Dana Scott, Emily Sheehan
Executive Produced by Jan Egleson, Paul Guilfoyle
Steve (Taylor Gray) is a night watchman in his early 20s but his life is already getting away from him: his band is falling apart, he owes a ton of money, and he’s in love with his best friend’s girl. When Marty Lyons (Paul Guilfoyle) comes along and ropes Steve into a world of misfits, oddballs, and lost souls as dirty as the Charles River, Steve wonders if this is a change for the better of if he’s about to make the worst mistake of his life.
ABOUT STAR TAYLOR GRAY
Taylor Gray is a versatile actor, best known for his appearance as Al Franken in Jason Reitman’s Saturday Night as well as voicing Ezra Bridger in Star Wars Rebels. With Any Day Now, Gray is making his feature star debut.
ABOUT STAR PAUL GUILFOYLE
Paul Guilfoyle commands the screen as Marty Lyons in Any Day Now. Born in Boston, is best known for his role as Captain Jim Brass on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.” His film credits include L.A. Confidential, Air Force One, and Spotlight, while his TV roles range from “Miami Vice” to “Star Trek: Discovery’s Guardian of Forever.”
ABOUT DIRECTOR ERIC ARONSON
Eric Aronson is a Boston-based writer/director with 22-years of experience as a Hollywood screenwriter. He’s written numerous high-profile projects for Warners, Disney, Miramax, Lionsgate, and has worked closely with the likes of Sacha Baron Cohen, etc. Any Day Now is not only a labor of love to Boston, but also his directorial debut.
RT: 81 Minutes (the exact duration of the robbery)
FBI Confiscated Stolen Rembrandt! ANY DAY NOW Unique Activation for Upcoming Heist Film | Directed by Eric Aronson
Based on a true-ish art heist of Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum and the thieves who walked away with hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of art – the single largest unsolved property theft in the world.
The team behind the upcoming heist film ANY DAY NOW
staged a unique art gallery experience in NY in a guerilla-marketing stunt that was captured by numerous influencers causing a social media commotion
leading to 6.8M+ views across platformsOf these influencers, @davidwma shared his coverage to his 1.3M Followers and his video currently sits at 3M views. Similarly, @kaylakrasnow shared with her 27K Followers and her video is sitting at 1M views; @itsnickholiday 541K Followers and 76.9K views; @definitely_kai_13 16.9K followers and 19.3K views.
The gallery exhibition, which was titled “13 Masterpieces, An Exclusive One-Weekend-Only Exhibition in Chelsea”, appeared to the general art gallery crowd – who lined up outside for entrance and packed the space on opening night – simply as any other gallery.
However, it was be revealed that the art was in fact fake and the security protecting the precious artifacts were actually from Improv Everywhere who partnered with the film to set up this special event.
Interview with Enrico Colatoni of “Suits LA” on NBC by Suzanne 3/13/25
It was quite an honor to interview Enrico because I’ve long admired him as an actor. He seemed surprised but pleased when I told him that I’d first seen him 30 years ago in the show “Hope & Gloria,” which was also his first regular TV role. The show didn’t last long, but he went on to do many good roles, such as playing the alien Mathesar in the now-classic scifi comedy movie “Galaxy Quest,” and then in the long-running sitcom “Just Shoot Me”. He’s done so many wonderful roles since. I particularly loved his role in “Veronica Mars,” where he played Keith, Veronica’s father.
This Sunday, March 16th, he’s guest-starring on an episode of “Suits LA” on NBC. He’s playing himself…or rather, a more quirky and irascible version of himself. I hope you can tune in just for his role on the episode, but that’s not the only thing in store for viewers because there is another famous guest-star that will be seen (I won’t spoil it for you, but if you scroll down to the bottom of this page, you’ll see who it is). It’s not exactly a spoiler because the photo was all over social media already. It’s a very good episode and very fun. I wasn’t sure, at first, if I would like this version of “Suits” as much as the original, and the jury is still out (pardon the pun). However, I am definitely enjoying the intrigue, the office politics and the quirky humor. Don’t miss this one! “Suits LA” airs Sundays, 9/8c on NBC and then streaming on Peacock.
I completely forgot that I had interviewed Enrico back in 2013 for “Warehouse 13!” Wow! That’s what happens when you’ve been doing this for 18 years, I guess! The interview here is short, but it was fun. He was in a bit of a playful mood. Please watch and enjoy…
Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, has reinvented himself representing the most powerful clients in Los Angeles. His firm is at a crisis point, and in order to survive, he must embrace a role he held in contempt his entire career. Ted is surrounded by a stellar group of characters who test their loyalties to both Ted and each other while they can’t help but mix their personal and professional lives. All of this is going on while we slowly unravel the events that years ago led Ted to leave behind everything and everyone he loved.
The series stars Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt and Bryan Greenberg.
Aaron Korsh is creator and executive producer. David Bartis, Doug Liman, Gene Klein, Anton Cropper, Genevieve Sparling, Rick Muirragui and Jon Cowan also executive produce.
“Suits LA” is produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group.
104, “BATMAN RETURNS” (Sunday, March 16 at 9 p.m. ET/PT)
Ted and Erica take on Samantha to save Lester’s movie, but the battle may hurt his murder trial. Rick enlists Stuart’s help when a difficult actor is arrested. In the past, the danger of going against a mob boss sends Ted to an old friend.
About Enrico Colantoni:
Enrico Colantoni most recently co-starred on the FX comedy series “English Teacher,” opposite Brian Jordan Alvarez. He’ll also recur opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the upcoming season 2 of Netflix’s action comedy “FUBAR.”
Colantoni is currently in the CBC police drama “Allegiance” and the Crave comedy series “The Trades,” both shooting their second seasons.
TV credits include “The Hot Zone: Anthrax,” “Station Eleven,” “Ghosts,” the revival of “Veronica Mars,” “Just Shoot Me,” The Good Fight,” “Westworld,” “Madam Secretary,” “iZombie,” “Hot in Cleveland,” “Warehouse 13” and “American Gothic.”
Film credits include “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Galaxy Quest,” “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” and “Contagion.” He has also enjoyed success as a writer/director with two short films – “The Bike” and “Issues” – the latter of which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
Colantoni’s theatre credits include Neil LaBute’s “The Distance from Here” at the Almeida in London, “The Merry Wives of Windsor” at the New York Shakespeare Festival’s Delacorte Theater in Central Park, “Arabian Nights” at the Manhattan Theatre Club, “The Triumph of Love” at the Guthrie Theatre and “Dracula” at San Diego’s famed Old Globe Theatre. He also played the title role in Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” at the Matrix Theater and “Uncle Vanya” at the Lillian Theatre in Los Angeles.
Interviews with Alexander Hodge and Matt Davis of “Grosse Pointe Garden Society” on NBC by Suzanne
I had a blast speaking with both of these amazing artists. Alexander plays Alice’s husband, Doug, who’s an artist. Matt plays a world-weary cop. Both actors were a lot of fun to chat with – the complete opposite of their somewhat-dour characters. I hope you watch the show, which twists and turns with many mysteries and has lots of humor, too. It reminds me of “Desperate Housewives,” with a little bit of “Devious Maids” and “How to Get Away with Murder” thrown in. The show airs Sundays 10/9C or streaming on Peacock.
“Grosse Pointe Garden Society” follows four members of a suburban garden club who find their lives intertwined by scandal, mischief and a shared secret – a murder no one wants to talk about. As dark truths begin to rot their lives under the surface, they struggle to remain as perfect as the flowers blooming in their garden above.
The cast includes Melissa Fumero, Aja Naomi King, Ben Rappaport, AnnaSophia Robb, Matthew Davis, Alexander Hodge, Nancy Travis and Felix Wolfe.
Grosse Pointe Garden Society is written and created by Jenna Bans and Bill Krebs. They serve co-showrunners and executive producers alongside Casey Kyber.
Alexander Hodge
Doug, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society”
Alexander Hodge plays Doug on the new NBC drama “Grosse Pointe Garden Society.”
Hodge is well known to audiences for role on Issa Rae’s groundbreaking, Emmy Award-winning HBO series “Insecure.” Other credits on Hodge’s resume include the films “Joy Ride,” “She Taught Love,” “Adult Best Friends,” “Which Brings Me to You” and the TV series “Wellmania.”
He will soon appear on the Netflix series “The Madness,” opposite Colman Domingo.
Matthew Davis
Joel, “Grosse Pointe Garden Society”
Mattew Davis plays Joel on the new NBC drama “Grosse Pointe Garden Society.”
Davis previously co-starred in the CW fantasy drama “Legacies,” a role he originated on the hit series “The Vampire Diaries” and portrayed for eight seasons. He also previously starred in the ABC comedy-drama series “What About Brian” and the CW mystery series “Cult.” He had recurring roles on “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation” and “Damages.”
On the film side, he will next be seen in the independent feature “Held Hostage in My House” and is well known for co-starring in “Legally Blonde,” opposite Reese Witherspoon. Other film credits include “Blue Crush,” “Tigerland” and “Bloodrayne.”
Interview with Candi Milo of the film “The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie” by Suzanne 3/11/25
It was so much fun to chat with Candi about this movie, playing Petunia, and more. She was delightful! I hope you enjoy the video and you can see how she has so much enthusiasm, and we laughed a lot. If you grew up loving the Warner Bros. cartoons like Porky Pig, Daffy Duck, Bugs Bunny and the rest, you should love this new movie! It’s very funny, entertaining and zany, with a good story. It premieres March 13th nationwide in theaters.
Ketchup Entertainment will release THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE in theaters nationwide on March 14, 2025
SYNOPSIS
That’s not all folks! From Ketchup Entertainment, Warner Bros. Animation, director Peter Browngardt, and the creative team behind the award-winning “Looney Tunes Cartoons” comes THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE, a brand new buddy comedy starring one of the greatest comedic duos in history–Porky Pig and Daffy Duck! This richly-crafted, hand-drawn 2D animated adventure marks the first fully-animated feature-length film in Looney Tunes history, told on a scope and scale that’s truly out of this world.
Porky Pig and Daffy Duck venture to the big screen as unlikely heroes and Earth’s only hope when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Faced with cosmic odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)… that is if they don’t drive each other totally looney in the process.
Featuring the voices of acclaimed actors Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Wayne Knight, and Laraine Newman with the laugh-out-loud gags, vibrant visuals, and beloved characters that make the Looney Tunes so timeless and iconic. Ketchup Entertainment will release THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE wide in theaters on March 14, 2025.
CREDITS
Director: PETER BROWNGARDT
Line Producer: MICHAEL BAUM
Supervising Producer: ALEX KIRWAN
Executive Producers: PETER BROWNGARDT, SAM REGISTER
Written By: DARRICK BACHMAN, PETER BROWNGARDT, KEVIN COSTELLO,
ANDREW DICKMAN, DAVID GEMMILL, ALEX KIRWAN, RYAN KRAMER,
JASON REICHER, MICHAEL RUOCCO, JOHNNY RYAN, EDDIE TRIGUEROS
Music By: JOSHUA MOSHIER
Edited By: NICK SIMOTAS
Art Director: NICK CROSS
Production Designer: AARON SPURGEON
Production Company: WARNER BROS. ANIMATION
Run Time: 91 MINUTES
MPA Rating: PG FOR CARTOON VIOLENCE ACTION AND RUDE
Interviews with Josh McKenzie and Patrick Sabongui of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne
I enjoyed speaking with both of these actors. I interviewed Josh a few times previously, for the show “La Brea,” also on NBC. He’s very popular due to his previous roles. I’m very glad I got to speak with Patrick because not only is he doing a bang-up job on this show, but he was amazing in “The Flash” as Captain Singh (a small but notable role). I hope they get a second season!
Josh McKenzie stars as Shane Florence, former solider and current prison guard, on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
He first broke out in native New Zealand in the acclaimed feature “Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell,” for which he won the Oscar equivalent for Outstanding Feature Film Debut.
He’s familiar to audiences for his starring role on the NBC series “La Brea.” Prior to that, he was featured in the Australian series “Five Bedrooms.”
Other credits include roles in the international series “Shannara Chronicles” and “The New Legends of Monkey” on Netflix. He can be seen in season two of the Australian series “The Twelve.”
Patrick Sabongui
Jacob Hassani, “The Hunting Party”
Patrick Sabongui stars as CIA agent Jacob Hassani on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
Sabongui’s most recognizable television credits include “Homeland,” “Shameless,” “Firefly Lane,” “Shooter” and CW’s “The Flash,” where he played Captain David Singh for nine seasons.
On the big screen, his credits include “Godzilla,” “300,” “Drone,” “Between Borders” and the upcoming feature film “In Cold Light,” with Oscar winners Helen Hunt and Troy Kotsur. Other films include Zack Snyder’s “Watchmen” and “Sucker Punch,” “Tron: Legacy” and “Interrogation.”
On stage, credits include the Canadian premiere of Ayad Akhtar’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play, “Disgraced,” and, most recently “Art” by Yasmina Reza at The Guthrie Theatre.
Sabongui earned a BFA in drama for human development from Concordia University, Montreal; a collegiate degree in drama from Vanier College, Montreal; a certificate from the National Theatre Conservatory Intensive, Colorado; and a Master of Fine Arts degree in acting from the University of California.
Sabongui is an advocate for underrepresented voices and professor of theater and head of the BFA acting program at CUNY: Brooklyn College.
The Hunting Party
Series Premiere Monday Feb 3 on NBC (10 pm ET/PT)
A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.
Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.
“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Interview with Nikohl Boosheri and Amber Afzail and with activists/writers Roya Mahboob and Elaha Mahboob from the film “Rule Breakers” by Suzanne 2/13/25
This is a truly inspiring story that everyone should watch. It’s based on the real story of how Aghani entrepeneur Roya Mahboob taught young women in Afghanistan and put together a female robotics team that entered in world-wide robotics competitions for students during war and oppression in Afghanistan. Besides the drama, it has moments of fun, too, and you’ll be cheering on the women, no matter what. I enjoyed speaking to two of the actresses: Nikohl Boosheri (who played Mahboob) and Amber Afzail, who played Esin (one of the young women), and real-life heroines Roya Mahboo, and her sister, Elaha, who co-wrote the movie. Usually, I only interview actors, producers, etc. but this is one of the few times I’ve interviewed the real-life people whose story has been brought to life. It’s always fascinating. I have to say that all of these women are beautiful, inside and out. Don’t miss the movie, which premieres today, Friday, March 7, in theaters everywhere. Buy tickets here!
Nikohl Boosheri as Roya Mahboob (“Supergirl,” “Altered Carbon”) + Amber Afzail as Esin (“Dear Home”) (Paired)
Executive Producer and Subject of the Film Roya Mahboob + Co-Writer Elaha Mahboob (Paired)
Synopsis: In a nation where educating girls is seen as a rebellion, a visionary woman dares to teach young minds to dream. When their innovation draws global attention, their success sparks hope-and opposition. As threats loom and sacrifices are made, their courage and unity ignite a movement that could forever transform the world.
Directed by: Bill Guttentag
Produced by: Bill Guttentag and Samudrika Arora
Written by: Jason Brown, Bill Guttentag, Elaha Mahboob
Cinematography: John Pardue (The Girl; Resistance; And Then There Were None)
Cast:
Nikohl Boosher (“Circumstance”) as Roya Mahboob
Ali Fazal (“Death on the Nile”)
Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“Fleabag”)
BIOS
Nikohl Boosheri is a Canadian actress based in Los Angeles. She made her film debut in 2011 with the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner, “Circumstance.” Her acclaimed performance in the film won Best Performance at three other Film Festivals: LA Outfest, International Rome Film Festival, and the Noor Film Festival.
At the Tribeca Film Festival, 2013, Nikohl was named among the 10 Actors to watch for by IndieWires for her performance in Meera Menon’s feature “Farah Goes Bang.”
Nikohl’s credits include acting opposite Thandie Newton in DirectTV’s “Rogue”, and portraying the colorful character Sara in Daniel Grove’s “The Persian Connection.” This has been a busy year for Nikohl, she is playing a wide range of roles across several Networks this fall. Nikohl is also a songwriter, frequently collaborating with LA artist Wild the Coyote.
Born in Las Vegas, Nevada, Amber Afzali discovered her passion for acting at an early age. After moving to Southern California with her family when she was eight, Afzali’s parents enrolled her in acting classes to help her overcome her shyness. It didn’t take long for Afzali’s natural talent to shine through and, when her teacher presented her with an award for best commercial skit, her confidence began to flourish. While she loved the creative freedom that performing afforded her, Afzali soon found it difficult to balance the demands of acting classes with her school work and made the decision to focus on her education as she pursued her dream of attending an Ivy League University. She channeled her energy into academics and other pursuits including serving as school president and in student government, among many other activities. After graduation, her Ivy League dreams came true when she enrolled at The University of Pennsylvania to study Political Science with an emphasis in International Relations. It wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic forced Afzali to return to California and continue her studies remotely, that she began to realize her creative spark was missing. As the world began to reopen, she sought out a local acting class and once again found her love for performing. With her passion reignited, Afzali decided to seriously pursue a career in acting which would ultimately lead to an audition that would change her life forever.
Her big break came when she went on her first audition after returning to acting and landed a lead role in the upcoming Angel Studios film Rule Breakers. The movie chronicles the inspiring true story of the first all-girls robotics team from Afghanistan founded by Roya Mahboob, which would defy cultural expectations and go on to compete in competitions around the world. Afzali stars as Esin, a member of the team, alongside a talented cast including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Nikohl Boosheri, and Ali Fazal just to name a few. It is set to be released in theaters March 7th.
Roya Mahboob is Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO and entrepreneur, making a significant impact beyond the business world. She leverages her tech success to foster education and empowerment for Afghan women and girls and champions their rights. Mahboob founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF) to improve Afghan women’s technological and financial literacy. She is also the co-founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team and supports their endeavors while promoting robotics education through the Inoura platform. Additionally, she started a robotics company and is launching her educational project called Roby Robot, which is set to hit the market on July 25. She is also launching Zalla, an online platform to elevate the voices of Afghan women and journalists.
Roya Mahboob’s commitment to STEAM education and economic opportunities for women, with a strong emphasis on human rights, has earned her global recognition. She was named among TIME’s 100 Most Influential People in 2013, received the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award in 2014, and received other prestigious accolades, such as the Advancement of Gender Equality through Education Award. She was a Young Leader at the World Economic Forum in 2015, an Asia Game Changer in 2019, and received the Doha Forum Award in 2022. Her contributions have been honored with the Lantos Human Rights Awards, the Presidential Leadership Scholarship, and an honorary Doctorate of Science from McMaster University.
Elaha Mahboob is a tech entrepreneur, social impact advocate, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Finalist in Social Entrepreneurship. She co-founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF), an organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for Afghan women and children through technology education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training. Among DCF’s innovative programs was the creation of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, whose remarkable journey is the subject of the feature film Rule Breakers. Through its IT centers across Afghanistan, DCF has equipped thousands of women with essential skills in technology and entrepreneurship, building pathways to economic independence.
As the co-writer of Rule Breakers: The Story of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, Elaha brings to life the resilience and determination of young women breaking barriers in science and technology.
Elaha is also the founder of Teamix, a platform that connects startups in emerging technologies—AI, Web3, and Robotics—with top talent to drive innovation and scale. Teamix is on a mission to create meaningful, human-centric jobs that AI and automation cannot replace, while addressing the growing demand for skilled professionals in these industries.
With expertise in driving growth and forging strategic partnerships, Elaha has been instrumental in delivering impactful solutions within the tech sector. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Herat University in Afghanistan and a Master’s in Public Administration from Cornell University, combining her technical expertise with a deep understanding of leadership and public policy.
Interview with Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Peter Gadiot and Lydia Wilson of “Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue” on MGM+ by Suzanne
Interview date: 2/26/25
I enjoyed speaking with these talented actors. I’ve loved their previous work, and they all do a wonderful job in this intriguing drama. I only had about 10 minutes to speak with them, but it was well worth it. I can’t wait to see the last two episodes of this 6 part miniseries! It premieres March 2nd on MGM+.
Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue is a strikingly original and taut thriller series with a jaw-dropping reveal waiting at the end. A light aircraft with nine passengers crashes in the Mexican jungle – and everyone survives. But then, one after another, they begin to die in strange and violent ways and very soon they begin to realize that, for some inexplicable reason, somebody wants them dead. As the story unfolds in flashback, we meet the survivors as they fight against the heat, a shortage of supplies, the many dangers of the jungle – and each other. The setting becomes increasingly tense and claustrophobic until finally the identity of the killer and the truth are revealed.
Credits
Written, Created, and Executive produced by
Anthony Horowitz CBE
Executive Produced by
Anthony Horowitz, Jill Green & Eve Gutierrez for Eleventh Hour Films
Produced by
Eleventh Hour Films, a Sony Pictures Television (“SPT”) backed company
Richard Burrell
Directed by
Brian O’Malley, Viviane Andereggen
Cast
Eric McCormack, David Ajala, Lydia Wilson, Peter Gadiot, Siobhán McSweeney, Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, Adam Long, Jan Le
Interview with JJ Bailey, co-creator/showrunner of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne 2/20/25
This was a nice interview. I always enjoy talking to writers and producers because they know more about the background and creation of a show than the actors do. I was supposed to speak with his co-creator/showrunner, Jake Coburn, but I was told at the last minute that he wasn’t feeling well. It was a short interview, but I asked most of my questions, so I was happy with it. It’s an interesting show, so I hope it gets a second season.
A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.
Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.
“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
J Bailey
Executive Producer/Co-Showrunner, “The Hunting Party”
JJ Bailey is the creator, executive producer and co-showrunner on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
After receiving a degree in business and economics from Westmont College in Santa Barbara, Bailey made the left turn into entertainment, moving to Los Angeles in order to pursue a career in screenwriting. Since 2017, he has developed several projects with UTV/NBC, which include two pilot orders for “Echo” and “Getaway.”
Now working under an overall deal with NBCUniversal, Bailey has his first series order with “The Hunting Party” along with another project currently in development.
He currently lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.
Interview with Sara Garcia of “The Hunting Party” on NBC by Suzanne 2/14/25
This was fun, but short. It was nice to speak to Sara, whom I interviewed (in a group) 2 years ago for the family drama “Ride” on Hallmark. This new series is quite a different show, about a team of FBI agents that chase down serial killers that have escaped from a high-tech prison. She plays the army tech person that helps the field agents. It sounds a bit far-fetched, but it’s got a wonderful cast and solid action. It seems a little bit like “The Blacklist” crossed with “Criminal Minds,” but it’s got its own original take.
A high-concept crime procedural about a small team of investigators who are assembled to track down and capture the most dangerous killers our country has ever seen, all of whom have just escaped from a top-secret prison that’s not supposed to exist.
The cast includes Melissa Roxburgh, Nick Wechsler, Patrick Sabongui, Josh McKenzie and Sara Garcia.
Co-showrunners JJ Bailey (creator) and Jake Coburn are writers and executive producers. Thor Freudenthal is director and executive producer. Keto Shimizu is writer and executive producer.
“The Hunting Party” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Sara Garcia
Jennifer Morales, “The Hunting Party”
Sara Garcia stars as Jennifer Morales, an intel officer and major in the Army, on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
Ontario-born and Toronto-raised, Garcia applied and was accepted to one of Toronto’s most prestigious arts schools, the Etobicoke School of the Arts. When it came time for college, Garcia chose to attend the renowned Queen’s University, where she double majored in global development and theater.
Her first foray on TV was a role on FX’s “Man Seeking Woman.” Other television credits include CW’s “The Flash” and “Reign,” “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist,” Hallmark’s “Ride,” the USA series “Falling Water,” the SYFY movie “Stickman” and the action series “X Company” for the CBC.
Most recently Garcia had a leading role in the animated Netflix series “Unicorn Academy,” which garnered her a Canadian Screen Award nomination; a recurring part on Netflix’s “My Little Pony” franchise; Amazon’s “Gary & His Demons”; and the Apple TV/Dreamworks project “Pinecone & Pony.”
Outside of film and television, she has displayed her acting skills with major roles in two incredibly successful video game franchises, “Far Cry 6” and “Starlink: Battle for Atlas.”
Interview with Kathleen Gati of “General Hospital” on ABC by Suzanne 2/8/25
It was a lot of fun to speak with Kathleen! She’s not only an amazing actress (as “General Hospital” viewers saw), but she’s very good to her fans. She’s acted in many other wonderful shows, such as “24,” “Arrow” and “Fear the Walking Dead: Flight 462.” I was very tired during the interview because I hadn’t slept much the night before, so I apologize if I seem low-key. Don’t miss the two Zoom fan events below!
Two great events where you can see Kathleen on Zoom!
The second event is in May 3rd and 4th with other daytime actors!
BIO: Two time Emmy Nominee for Outstanding Actress (2020, 2016), and winner of seven Best Actress awards, a Best Supporting Actress Award and a Best Actress Nominee, Kathleen Gati is very well known as the stewardess on AMC’s Fear The Walking Dead: Flight 462; for her role as Raisa on (CW) Arrow; Zora on S.W.A.T. (CBS), eleven seasons (522 episodes) as Dr. Liesl Obrecht on (ABC) General Hospital (1963) and as the CEO on (BET) Being Mary Jane. She is also very popular for her two seasons on 24: Redemption (2008) as Anya Suvarov, the First Lady of Russia. She has garnered nine Audiofile Earphones Awards for her over 80 audiobook narrations.
Gati was born and raised in Canada by Hungarian immigrants and was brought up in an artistic environment. Her father was a symphony conductor and her mother an opera singer, so performing was in her blood. She started acting at the age of three, wrote, directed and starred in her first play at the age of eight. After high school, she moved to New York to pursue her dream, where she studied and performed in dozens of plays both on and Off Broadway, as well as working in numerous roles on television and in film. Gati was invited to Hungary to be in the feature Goldberg variácók (1992), for which she won the Television and Film Critics Best Supporting Actress award.
She subsequently stayed on in Hungary for six years, during which time she starred in numerous films, television series and several movies of the week, winning multiple additional awards along the way, including the Film and Television Critics award for her story and lead role for A színésznö és a halál (1995) (The Actress and the Death). Her performance in Hungary’s biggest hit of the 1990s, Sose halunk meg (1993) (We Never Die), which made the final 35 films selected for Best Foreign Film entries for the Academy Awards, made her an extremely popular actress in eastern and central Europe. She won Best Actress at the Los Angeles Hungarian Film Festival in 2011 for her lead role in Retrace (2011) and was nominated for Best Actress at the New York International Film Festival in 2015 for A Play on Words (2015). Her lead role in Lifeline (2015) has garnered Gati five Best Actress awards.
Interview with Selina Ringel and Ritesh Rajan of the film “You, Me & Her” by Suzanne 2/7/25
It was fun to speak to these two actors (even though I was having a very bad hair day! LOL!). The film is sexy, fun, entertaining, and it shows marriage in a real way. Make sure to catch it when it opens tomorrow, February 14, in theaters nationwide.
The romantic comedy YOU, ME & HER, presented by Two Hands Productions, starring Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead), will be released in 250+ theaters nationwide as the Alpha Test film for The Fithian Group’s new platform Attend on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025.
The film is directed by Dan Levy Dagerman and written by Selina Ringel, a husband-and-wife powerhouse.
“A thoughtful, provocative and ultimately moving marital drama that feels more realistic and more honest than any number of Hollywood romcoms.”
– Action Reloaded
ABOUT YOU, ME & HER
94 minutes | Comedy | 2025 | English | USA | MPA Rated R for sexual content, nudity, drug use, and language
SYNOPSIS | For Mags and Ash, marriage has become a series of arguments and compromises, leaving them both yearning for more. On their first vacation alone since becoming parents, their arguments threaten to ruin the trip—until they meet Angela, a free-spirited digital nomad who stirs unexpected feelings in Mags and gives her permission to be a version of herself she has not been in years, fun! Intrigued by Angela, the couple flirts with the idea of a threesome, but it’s never as simple as it seems.
LOGLINE | A chronically married couple flirts with a threesome to rediscover themselves.
TAGLINE | Don’t Make it Weird.
THEATRICAL RELEASE | Valentine’s Day, February 14th, 2025
DIRECTED BY | Dan Levy Dagerman
WRITTEN BY | Selina Ringel
PRODUCED BY | Selina Ringel, Dan Levy Dagerman, Fernando Lebrija, Pablo Lebrija, Ritesh Rajan, and Cameron Fife
STARRING | Selina Ringel (Single Mother By Choice), Ritesh Rajan (Definition Please, Russian Doll), and Sydney Park (First Love, The Walking Dead).
PRODUCTION COMPANY | Two Hand’s Productions
IN PARTNERSHIP | Fifthian Group and Attend
BIOGRAPHIES:
ABOUT DAN & SELINA: Dan Levy Dagerman and Selina Ringel are a filmmaking husband and wife team. Their last movie Single Mother By Choice sold directly to HBOMax. Their newest film You, Me & Her has partnered with the Fithian Group as the Alpha Test for their new platform called Attend which might reshape the independent theatrical model. Their film will be in over 200 theaters nationwide on Valentine’s Day! They both graduated from AFI.
SELINA RINGEL, Mags (Lead Actress, Writer, Producer): A dynamic Mexican-American filmmaker, has carved a niche in the independent film scene with her compelling narratives and unique voice. An award-winning writer, producer, and actress, her recent project, “You, Me & Her,” has won 15 awards, including Best Picture at the Mexican-American Film & Television Awards, and boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Selina’s groundbreaking film “Single Mother by Choice” captured her real-time pregnancy journey during COVID-19 and premiered on HBO Max. She is also known for her engaging comedy special on Amazon Prime, “2 Moms 1 Mic,” and her internationally recognized film “The Best People,” distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Selina’s work continues to resonate globally, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.
RITESH RAJAN, Ash (Lead Actor): A graduate of NYU Tisch, you can see Ritesh’s work as the lead in Sujata Day’s new film “Definition Please” produced by Mindy Kaling & Ava DuVernay, as Farran in the Emmy award-winning hit “Russian Doll” and as the voice of Ken in “Barbie: Dream House Adventures”: and more all on Netflix. Other credits include recurring on Shonda Rimes “Station 19,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book, FreeForm’s “Stitchers,” “NCIS LA,” “Star Wars,” “Rebels,” “Beavis & Butthead” and the Hulu original, “Dollface.”
DAN LEVY DAGERMAN (Director): Dan is a distinguished director, producer, and innovator in the film industry, known for blending poignant narratives with groundbreaking cinematic techniques, establishing himself as a formidable force in modern independent cinema. After earning an MFA in Directing from AFI Conservatory, Dan co-founded Two Hands Productions with his wife, Selina Ringel. Their most recent feature, “You, Me & Her,” has garnered significant success on the film festival circuit, winning 15 awards, including Best Picture at the 2024 Mexican-American Film & Television Festival, and achieving a 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ahead of its 2025 theatrical release. Their previous feature, “Single Mother by Choice,” documented Selina’s real-life pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic and was acquired by HBO Max, receiving critical acclaim and the Best Indie Feature award at Film Threat’s Annual AWARD THIS! in 2022, showcasing Dan’s directorial sensitivity to intimate, real-life stories. Dan founded High Concept Entertainment, a production company at the intersection of cannabis and entertainment, pioneering content marketing and distribution strategies that reflect the evolving demands of digital-age audiences. His career is marked by a commitment to innovation, storytelling excellence, and a keen understanding of cultural trends, whose work continues to inspire and drive change.
SYDNEY PARK, Angela (Supporting Actress): Sydney got her start at the age of 6 doing stand-up comedy at the Hollywood Improv. At the age of 8, she competed on reality competition show “America’s Got Talent” as “Syd the Kid,” the youngest stand-up comic to compete. She went on to guest star on hit Disney Channel series “That’s So Raven” and “Hannah Montana,”, in addition to HBO’s “Entourage,” “Comedy Central’s “The Sarah Silverman Program” and CBS’ “CSI: NY.”. Continuing her versatile work, Sydney starred in Nick at Nite’s “Instant Mom,” AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” the Netflix animated series, “Spirit Riding Free” and Freeform’s spin-off series “Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.” Her performance was highlighted as “the standout of the young cast” by Variety magazine. Sydney‘s credits also include season 3 of the hit Netflix series “Santa Clarita Diet,” the 2017 horror film “Wish Upon” and the Netflix slasher film “There’s Someone Inside Your House.”
FILMMAKERS STATEMENT
As a husband and wife team, we write stories that are a hyperbole of our lives. We believe that this approach allows us to create films that resonate with audiences on a deeper level, sparking conversations about love, relationships, and the human condition. You, Me & Her is a romantic comedy that draws on our personal lives and influences as diverse as Knocked Up, Scenes from a Marriage, and Force Majeure to bring the audience into the exploration of Mags and Ash’s relationship.
It’s fair to say everyone in a relationship has fantasized about what it would be like to be with someone else and on the surface the idea of a threesome seems like the ultimate loophole for a couple. In our film, we were determined to explore these complex emotions honestly and authentically within the characters and ourselves. The film poses the question of whether this ‘relationship band-aid’ can save a relationship or if festering issues buried under the surface have become too deep of a wound to fix.
You, Me & Her is the first film for the Fithian Group’s experimental Alpha development phase of its recently announced online theatrical digital distribution and marketing platform, Attend. (The Hollywood Reporter).
The release will allow the parties to harness the conversations between filmmakers and theater owners into automated tools that will combine with the industry’s leading data set to form Attend.
The Fithian Group and the groundbreaking distribution platform Attend, are endorsed by over 90 significant filmmakers and producers including Damien Chazelle, Patty Jenkins, Steven Soderbergh, Sean Baker, and many more.
You, Me & Her is actively partnering with influencers, content creators, and brands that authentically resonate with the themes of the film. Their brand partners to date include Lindt Chocolate, Lyft, Lalo Tequila, Zomoz Mezcal, The Pleasure Chest, PleasureMed, Candier by Ryan Porter, Simmr, Potli, PYM Mood Chews, FemmeFun and La Nua.
The You, Me & Her team will be activating unique experiences in different theaters all over the nation. In partnership with Riviera Nayarit, Hotel Ysuri and Casa Selva audience members will even have the chance to win a trip to Mexico.
Selina and Dan will participate in a Panel at Sundance 2025, Revolutionizing Theatrical Distribution to Expand the Range and Impact of Independent Films. Speakers include, Elizabeth Woodward (Founder and CEO, Willa) Selina Ringel (Screenwriter, You, Me & Her) Dan Levy Dagerman (Director, You, Me & Her), Jackie Brenneman (Co-Founding Partner, The Fithian Group). Please see the recorded Q&A here.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Selina identifies as a bisexual woman and is married to Dan who identifies as a straight man
The film was sparked by a moment that made Selina question her sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with her husband, Dan.
Selina is Mexican-American and was raised in Guadalajara, Mexico.
The movie was shot in Spanglish and half of it was shot in Nayarit, Mexico.
AWARDS & NOMINATIONS:
Grand Jury Award Best Feature Film Comedy Sherman Oaks Film Festival 2023
Grand Jury Award Best Performance by a Cast 2023
Grand Jury Award Best Screenplay 2023
Best RomCom Amsterdam World Canvas Film Festival 2024
Best Picture Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
Best Original Story Festigious 2024 (2/6/2024)
Best Comedy Festigious 2/6/2024
Best Romantic Comedy Los Angeles Film Awards 2023
Best LGBTQ+ Film Athens International Film Festival
Best Picture New York Film Awards 2023
Best Actor New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
Best Actress New York Film Awards 2024 (1/10/2024)
Best Picture Mexican American Film Festival 2024 (5/18/2024)
Best Queer Feature Film Lone Wolf International Film Festival 2024
Best Director Paris Awards Film Festival 2024
PRESS QUOTES & REVIEWS
“Attend allows for an unprecedented collaboration between filmmakers, theater owners and marketers in expanding the reach of theatrical moviemaking. With You, Me & Her, and Dan and Selina’s embrace of experimentation, we think we have an ideal projet to build the tools that will become Attend.”
“We tell stories inspired by our lives. This film was sparked by a moment that made me question my sexuality, societal conventions, and honesty in relationships, which, needless to say, was quite a journey to experience with your husband [Dagerman]” said Ringel.
“Dagerman and Ringel walk the line masterfully between titillation and meditation. There’s no reason a film can’t do both, but generally, filmmakers don’t even try to approach sex thoughtfully or with any emotional depth. The beautiful Mexican beach and Latin party music for the trip provides a visual feast, serving as a getaway for the audience as well as the characters.”
“With a compelling storyline, strong performances, and a tasteful approach to adult themes, You, Me & Her succeeds in offering a refreshing perspective on love, laughter, and the unconventional paths that relationships may take.”
“What looks to be a raunchy sex comedy eventually turns into something more substantial, as Ringel’s nuanced script finds surprising depth as well as humor in a strained domesticity nearing the breaking point.”
“Attend expands possibilities for filmmakers and non-studio movies to reach audiences and to expand the reach and efficiency of existing distributors. Over many years of grappling with the challenges and opportunities facing the theatrical market worldwide, as industry leaders we have sought solutions that grow the business for all stakeholders.”
January 16, 2025: “’You, Me & Her’ Releases First Trailer; Romantic Comedy Will Test Fithian Group’s Digital Distribution Marketplace (EXCLUSIVE)” https://x.com/Variety/status/1879966894402294260
*Please note, this was shared with VARIETY’s X (2.9M Followers).
Interview with Gary Anthony Williams, Nyambi Nyambi and Lacretta of “Night Court” on NBC by Suzanne 2/6/25
It’s always great fun to speak to these actors from “Night Court!” They are hilarious. I was paired with another journalist this time, Russ Milheim of The Direct. It’s always nice to meet fellow members of the press. We each asked very different questions, which is great. I hope you enjoy these fun interviews!
Tuesdays on NBC (8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT); Season Premiere: Nov 19
Eternally optimistic Abby Stone (Melissa Rauch) follows in the footsteps of her revered late father, Judge Harry Stone, as she takes on the challenge of overseeing the night shift of a Manhattan arraignment court.
In her quest to bring order and dignity to the court and reign in its colorful crew of oddballs, Abby enlists former night court district attorney Dan Fielding (John Larroquette) to serve as the court’s public defender. Still exceedingly self-confident, Fielding must adjust to a new boss and a new job – defending the downtrodden. And, beneath his arrogant demeanor, there is an empathetic side to Fielding that Abby is determined to unearth.
They both must contend with Julianne Walters (Wendie Malick), a reformed convict and former love interest of Dan, who is the new prosecutor. A sophisticated, savvy woman and accomplished attorney who also knows how to make a shank out of a spoon, she’ll keep everyone in the courthouse on their toes. Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous (Lacretta) is the night court’s sharp-witted bailiff. Gurgs takes her job very seriously and is fiercely protective of her night court colleagues. Wyatt Shaw (Nyambi Nyambi) is the court’s clerk. He’s a jack of all trades and devoted single dad trying to make it all work as a law student at the same time.
From executive producer and writer Dan Rubin (“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”), “Night Court” is based on the original hit series that ran for nine seasons on NBC. Executive producers also include Melissa Rauch, Winston Rauch, John Larroquette, Mat Hawawitz, Lon Zimmet, Lindsey Shockley and Mona Garcea.
“Night Court” is produced by Rauch’s After January Productions in association with Warner Bros. Television and Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
BIOS
Lacretta
Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous, “Night Court”
Lacretta stars as Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
Born and raised in Kansas City, Mo., Lacretta made her stage debut at 14 at the Coterie Theater – an institution in which she holds great affection. It was there where she starred in numerous performances throughout the ’90s, such as “A Wrinkle in Time” and “101 Dalmatians.”
In 2011, she appeared in “Hairspray” at Broadway Rose in Portland. She then originated the role of Levora Verona in the Off-Broadway run of “Disaster!” in 2012 at the Triad in New York, and made her Broadway debut with the same role in 2016.
Following her on-stage success, Lacretta guest starred on “Law & Order,” “30 Rock,” “Broad City” and “Gotham.”
In film, Lacretta appeared in the romantic comedy “Second Act” before making her return to the stage in “Avenue Q” in the closing cast of their Off-Broadway run at New World Stages. She was also featured in the first national tour of “The Book of Mormon.”
In her off time, Lacretta loves gaming and is very active on Twitch TV. In 2022, she helped announce the first Streamers for Education Scholarship for Black Women going into the fields of STEM, Digital Media and film. She is also an avid cook and often shares recipes from “Cretta’s Kitchen” on her Instagram.
She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Nyambi Nyambi
Wyatt Shaw, “Night Court”
Nyambi portrays Wyatt Shaw on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
Nyambi most recently co-starred as investigator Jay DiPersia in Paramount+’s “The Good Fight” and co-starred for six seasons alongside Billy Gardell and Melissa McCarthy in the CBS sitcom “Mike & Molly.” Nyambi can be seen in the Billy Crystal and Alan Zweibel film “Here Today” as well as starring in the indie film “The Sleepless,” available on Amazon Prime.
Nyambi’s TV resume includes “Mercy Street,” “Blindspot,” digital series “American Koko” and “Titans.” Additionally, Nyambi had voiceover roles in “The Death of Superman” and “Reign of the Supermen.” He also narrated the three-part PBS nature documentary “Primates.”
Nyambi has participated in New York’s Public Theater’s Shakespeare in the Park. Working alongside Al Pacino and Ruben Santiago-Hudson, Nyambi starred in “The Merchant of Venice” and “The Winter’s Tale.”
Additional theater credits include the first Broadway revival of August Wilson’s “Joe Turner’s Come and Gone” and the Classic Stage Company’s “The Tempest,” opposite Mandy Patinkin. He has worked with the Classical Theatre of Harlem and the Williamstown Theater Festival, and is a proud member of the Labyrinth Theatre Company.
Alongside Danai Gurira, Nyambi serves on the board for Almasi Collaborative Arts, an organization dedicated to developing emerging African artists.
Nyambi is a first-generation Nigerian-American and earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Bucknell University before earning his Masters of Fine Arts from NYU. He played basketball for four years at Bucknell and made the ESPN Dick Vitale “All-Name Team,” which honors the best names in college basketball. Post-college, Nyambi took on the role of coach and led basketball teams at teen camps.
Gary Anthony WIlliams
Judge Flobert, “Night Court”
Gary Anthony Williams is an American actor, comedian and filmmaker. He has voiced the character Uncle Ruckus on The Boondocks, General Horace Warfield in StarCraft II: Wings of Liberty and Dr. Richard Tygan in XCOM 2, portraying Anton “Bebop” Zeck in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows.
Interview with Sean Kanan of “The Bold and the Beautiful” on CBS and “Cobra Kai” on Netflix by Suzanne 2/4/25
This is my second Zoom interview with Sean Kanan. It’s always great to speak with him because he’s an interesting guy, and an amazing actor, and he always has a lot of things going on. Soap fans know Sean from his role as Deacon on both B&B, Y&R and GH; others may know him from “Karate Kid 3” and the “Cobrai Kai” series, or his Emmy-winning series “Studio City” on Prime. Right now, Sean is busy promoting a new line of hot sauces, some personal appearances, and the latest in his motivational Way of the Cobra book series with his wife, Michele: “Way of the Cobra: Couples“. If you’re a fan of the soaps or of the “Cobra Kai” series or “Karate Kid” movies, you should enjoy this chat!
If you live in the SoCal area, go see Sean Kanan, his wife, and his co-star Kimberlin Brown (who plays Sheila) this Saturday, February 8th at Barnes & Noble in Palm Desert 2 PM! Sean will also be appearing at the Pasadena Comic-Con May 24th. You can find out about Sean’s future events on his Instagram. Wait him daily on “The Bold and the Beautiful,” too. Sounds like he has some great story coming up.
Incidentally, if you haven’t watched “Cobra Kai” or the “Karate Kid” movies, I would suggest you check them out because they’re a lot of fun to watch. I just binge-watched them all in the past few months. The last five episodes of “Cobra Kai” drop Feb. 13! Then there’s a new movie, “Karate Kid: Legends” coming out in the summer, starring Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan! It looks good.
Emmy® award-winner Sean Kanan portrays irresistible bad boy “Deacon Sharpe” on The Bold and the Beautiful.
After the character’s success on The Bold and the Beautiful, “Deacon Sharpe” also appeared on sister show, The Young and the Restless. Kanan’s first role in Hollywood was of iconic villain “Mike Barnes” in the blockbuster film Karate Kid III, which he reprised for season five on Netflix’s pop-culture classic Cobra Kai in 2022. He also played the role of “AJ Quartermaine” on General Hospital. His many film credits include two 2021 films with Bruce Willis, Survive the Game and The Fortress, and the Lifetime movie Sinister Society.
In 2021, Kanan won the Daytime Emmy® award for Outstanding Limited Series as the Executive Producer and Creator of Studio City (Amazon Prime), for which he was also Emmy® nominated in the categories of Outstanding Lead Actor and Outstanding Writing Team. Kanan previously won the Indie Series Award for Outstanding Lead Actor for portraying Studio City protagonist “Sam Stephens.”
Kanan has authored four books. His latest, Welcome to the KUMITE, is the second in the Way of the COBRA (WOTC) series, which draws on intimate personal stories to illustrate his strategies and philosophy for achieving success: “Transform yourself, and you can transform the world.” Sean’s first book, The Modern Gentleman: Cooking and Entertaining with Sean Kanan, received rave reviews. His second, Success Factor X, became an Amazon New Release Best Seller after less than one week and was named one of the twenty most inspirational books in the last two decades by Book Authority.
To give back, Kanan has turned his personal success and the knowledge about his approach to achieving goals for a healthy, happy, and successful life into a successful and highly sought-after life coaching program.
Whether lobbying on Capitol Hill to raise awareness about bullying or performing stand-up comedy in Bosnia to entertain the troops for the USO, Kanan remains active in numerous charitable organizations, including The American Cancer Society, various animal advocacy groups, and serving as the international youth ambassador for Boo2Bullying.
In 2016, Kanan received the 400th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Fame for his creative work and acts of charity in Hollywood.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and raised in New Castle, PA, Kanan resides with his wife, Emmy®, award-winning producer and writer Michele Kanan, in California. He celebrates his birthday on November 2.
SEAN KANAN aka “Karate’s Bad Boy”
Kanan has unleashed a line of artisan crafted small batch hot sauces that hit harder than a spinning back kick.
DON’T LET YOUR HOT SAUCE BE A JOKE
Say goodbye to bland and hello to bold with knockout flavors like:
These aren’t your average sauces— they’re weapons of mass deliciousness, packing Scoville heat levels from a solid 4/10 to a face-melting 10/10. Buy Now!
Interview with Josh Stamberg, Jacqueline Christy and Miriam Shor of the movie “Magic Hour” by Suzanne 2/5/25
This is a very entertaining and interesting film, especially for women, or for anyone who wants to make movies. It’s premiering today at the Santa Barbara Film Festival and will also show there tomorrow. I really enjoyed speaking to the writer/director/producer, who seems very down-to-earth, and the film’s main star, Miriam Shor, as well as the actor who plays her husband, Josh Stamberg. We had a couple of great chats. I hope that they will make the movie available outside of the film festival at this point, so you can all see it!
Public 1 (Premiere) Screening – Wednesday, February 5 at 5:00pm PST at Film Center Auditorium #1
Public 2 Screening – Thursday, February 6 at 8:20am PST at Film Center Auditorium #2
RUN TIME
94 minutes
SYNOPSIS
Harriet, a once-promising filmmaker, is stuck in the suburbs of New Jersey. Alienated from her cheating
husband and spurned by her teenage daughter, she secretly enrolls in film school. She leads a double life
and loves the grueling yet exhilarating world of student filmmaking. But, when she gets fired off her own
film and found out by her daughter, Harriet must decide if her life’s ambition is pure folly or a dream
worth saving.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
Six years ago, at the age of not-22, I decided to go to film school – and this movie is what happened.
OK, Magic Hour is not precisely what happened. The film is a highly fictionalized account of what
happens when, after many years of procrastination and self-recrimination, one puts their dream to the
test. The adventures and self-reckoning I experienced going back to film school with classmates half my
age are at the root of my inspiration for Magic Hour. Beginning again is exciting but humbling, and no
reality can live up to the imagined perfection of a dream. Ultimately, I found the beautiful, supportive
film tribe I had hoped for, and in this film, I attempt to depict all of that with love (and gentle satire).
When I had my first few brushes with the professional filmmaking world, I pined (as the protagonist
Harriet does) for the love-fest of film school. On professional film sets, I witnessed forms of bullying and
misogyny that I had seen in the corporate world, but I had found blissfully absent at film school. I knew it
was possible – and better – to create films without that bullying culture. Magic Hour posits a world in
which kindness rules the day, “even in the goddamned film business.”
While Harriet’s estranged husband, her boss, her cinematographer, and the rival Lacrosse coach all
believe they live in a “dog-eat-dog” world in which kindness equals weakness. Harriet challenges that
idea with leadership that is fuelled by creativity and collaboration.
This movie is for timid, neurotic people with a huge dream that they are absolutely certain they can
never achieve. I hope my audience will see themselves in the hopeful and hapless lead character, and
feel the excitement of their own untested dreams; the lure of unknown adventure and the endless
potential within them. I’d love the audience to leave the theater awake and glowing with a reignited
connection to their own powerful destiny.
The magic hour is a time of transition. The beloved beauty of “magic hour” light comes from this
transition into the mysterious unknowability of what might come next.
—Jacqueline Christy
ABOUT THE CAST
MIRIAM SHOR | “Harriet”, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Miriam Ruth Shor is an American actress. She gained prominence for her performance in the
Off-Broadway rock musical Hedwig and the Angry Inch (1998–2000) and in the 2001 film adaptation of
the same name. She later starred in a number of short-lived television series, including Swingtown
(2008) and GCB (2012). From 2015 to 2021, Shor starred as Diana Trout in the TV Land/Paramount+ comedy-drama series Younger for which she received Critics’ Choice Awards nomination for Best
Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series. Shor played Madelaine True in the Encores! production of The
Wild Party at the New York City Center in 2015 alongside Younger co-star Sutton Foster. She has
appeared in the films Bedazzled (2000), The Cake Eaters (2007), Lost Girls (2020), Maestro (2023) and
American Fiction (2023). She is directing the upcoming documentary film, My NDA. Shor plays the
starring role of Harriet in the upcoming feature film Magic Hour which will premiere at the Santa Barbara
International Film Festival February, 2025.
JOSH STAMBERG | “Bob”
Josh Stamberg works steadily in television, film, and theatre. He can currently be seen in BASED ON A
TRUE STORY and TED on Peacock, and opposite Claire Danes in the FX limited series FLEISHMAN IS IN
TROUBLE. He also recently appeared in the HBO series THE TIME TRAVELER’S WIFE, as well as the
Marvel/Disney+ series WANDAVISION opposite Elizabeth Olsen. Other recent credits include the
Showtime Roger Ailes series THE LOUDEST VOICE, THE AFFAIR, NASHVILLE, PARENTHOOD, and
DISTRACTED, a play in which he starred opposite Cynthia Nixon at Roundabout Theatre Company. Last
year he also starred in EXCLUSION at Arena Stage, directed by Trip Cullman.
Stamberg will next be seen in the films MAGIC HOUR and ISAAC, which he also produced. He also
recently joined the cast of the Paramount+ limited series JONBENET RAMSEY. He works frequently with
LA Theaterworks and the Ojai Playwrights Conference, and lives in Los Angeles.
ABOUT THE FILMMAKERS
JACQUELINE CHRISTY | DIRECTOR, WRITER
Jacqueline Christy is a writer, director, and founder of Access Theater. She received her MFA from the
NYU Graduate Film Program at Tisch and received grants from the NYC Women’s Fund, the NY State
Council on the Arts, the Hollywood Foreign Press grant, and the Sloan Foundation.
Through Access Theater’s 33-year history, she has produced hundreds of plays, including The Killing Act
starring Peter Dinklage, written and directed by Tom McCarthy; Aasif Mandvi’s Sakina’s Restaurant;
Stephen Belber’s Tape; and Bedlam’s acclaimed production of Saint Joan.
She was Assistant Director of the feature films Radium Girls and Equity and the short film Jungle, which
premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. She was Assistant Director of the short film Fry Day, which
premiered at SXSW.
Her directorial film work includes short films Rehearsal (Austin Film Festival), Other People (St Louis
International Film Festival), and The Dependents (LA Shorts International Film Festival). Christy was
recently selected by SHOOT magazine for their New Directors Showcase.
Magic Hour, starring Miriam Shor, Sendhil Ramamurthy, and Austin Pendleton, is her feature debut.
EVA MINEMAR | PRODUCER
Eva Minemar is an award-winning producer of over 50 plays, one-woman shows, branded content, TV,
and film. She is a member of the Actors Studio Director’s Unit and has also conceived and directed the
touring women’s theatre staple, ‘Angry Jello Bubbles’, which was performed at the United Nations for
International Women’s Day. Eva is also the Co-founder and Artistic Director of both the LA LUPA Italian
Cultural Arts Festival (LA LUPA FEST), and served as the Artistic Director of The Piano Store Theatre in
NYC. She is a producer of the upcoming feature film Magic Hour, starring Miriam Shor, Sendhil
Ramamurthy and Austin Pendleton. In her work, she continues to fulfill her lifelong desire to provide
opportunities and support for women in the theatrical arts, giving women writers a voice and the
opportunity to have their work performed worldwide, without the pressure of commercial concerns.
JOSÉ RIVERA | EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
José Rivera is a playwright, screenwriter, and director. His screenplay The Motorcycle Diaries was
nominated for 2005 Best Adapted Screenplay Oscar—making him the first Puerto Rican writer ever
nominated for an Academy Award—as well as a BAFTA and Writers Guild Award and received top
screenwriting awards in Argentina and Spain. He has written 18 episodes of the acclaimed Netflix series
based on One Hundred Years of Solitude. Other films include On the Road, Trade and The 33. Rivera
co-created and produced Eerie, Indiana, (NBC) and was a consultant and staff writer on Penny Dreadful:
City of Angels (Showtime). Rivera wrote and directed the short films The Fall of a Sparrow and The Civet.
He is the recipient of two Obie Awards for Marisol and References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot. His
other plays include Cloud Tectonics, Boleros for the Disenchanted, Massacre (Sing to Your Children),
Another Word for Beauty, Sueño, The Untranslatable Secrets of Nikki Corona, Sonnets for an Old Century,
School of the America, Brainpeople, Adoration of the Old Woman, The Maids, The Kiss of the
Spiderwoman (Menier Chocolate Factory, London); Each Day Dies with Sleep, Lovesong (Imperfect) and
The Street of the Sun . He has served on the boards of TCG and the Sundance Institute and was a Creative
Advisor at Sundance Screenwriting Labs in Utah, Jordan and India.
MIRIAM SHOR | “Harriet”, ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
See bio above.
JONATHAN GRAY | CONSULTING PRODUCER
Jonathan Gray is highly regarded in the independent film community as an attorney, producer, and
advisor to filmmakers, producers, financiers, and distributors. He has acted as production counsel on
noted documentary films including One Child Nation (2019 Sundance Documentary Grand Jury Prize);
American Factory (2019 Sundance Documentary Directing Award); and Life, Animated (2016 Sundance
Documentary Directing Award; 2017 Academy Award Nomination for Best Documentary Feature); as
well as seminal independent narrative films such as The Station Agent, Black Swan, and Precious,
providing filmmakers with legal and creative consultation from acquisition of rights through delivery to
the distributors. His producing credits include Blue Caprice (2013 Sundance); Words with Gods (2014
Venice International Film Festival); Nightingale (HBO – 2015 Primetime Emmy Nomination for
Outstanding Television Movie); and Dark Night (2016 Sundance). A former adjunct professor at Columbia
University School of the Arts, Gray earned his J.D. from Fordham University School of Law.
NANCY COLLET | ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
Nancy Collet is a seasoned entertainment professional with over three decades of experience in the film
industry. Her career is marked by significant contributions to film programming, festival management,
and strategic consulting.
As Director of Programming at AFI FEST for 10 years, Collet played a pivotal role in the festival’s growth
and international recognition. During her tenure, she secured premieres of numerous Academy
Award-winning films, including Life Is Beautiful, Monster, The Lives of Others, and Pan’s Labyrinth,
solidifying its status as a world-renowned event, and curated a diverse selection of critically acclaimed
films, such as Hotel Rwanda, Talk to Her, and City of God.
Following her success at AFI FEST, Collet founded Cinema Collet, a strategic consulting firm. Her client
portfolio includes major film festivals like the Toronto International Film Festival, educational institutions
such as NYU, cultural organizations like The French Consulate, distribution companies and independent
filmmakers seeking festival guidance.
Collet’s expertise is widely recognized in the film community, evidenced by her roles as a juror,
moderator, and panelist for international film festivals and events. Collet’s career is characterized by her
ability to identify and promote groundbreaking cinema, foster industry relationships, and elevate the
profile of film festivals and organizations. Her work continues to shape the landscape of independent
and international film, supporting emerging talents and established filmmakers alike.
LASSE ULVEDAL TOLBØLL | DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
Lasse Tolbøll is an Oscar-nominated director of photography from Odder, Denmark. He was the
cinematographer for Knight of Fortune, which was nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the 2024
Academy Awards. Lasse shot seven features including Alendre Rockwell’s Sweet Thing which won the
Crystal Bear at Berlin. Lasse’s work has been recognized at film festivals across the world, including the
British Film Awards, Asian Cinematography Awards, and Seattle International Film Festival among others.
Short films Under the Heavens and Pale Saint each won the award for best cinematography at the
HollyShorts film festival in 2021 and 2020 respectively. Lasse completed the graduate film program at the
NYU Tisch School of the Arts and became an HBO-sponsored BAFTA Scholar. Lasse was the 2018 recipient
of the ARRI Volker Bahnemann Award for outstanding cinematography.
https://www.lassetolboll.com/cv
CARLA PATULLO | MUSIC COMPOSER
Carla Patullo is a GRAMMY®-Winning artist who works as a film score composer, solo artist, songwriter,
and multi-instrumentalist. Following a near-death experience, Carla recorded So She Howls, a
self-produced and self-released album that is both cathartic and cinematic. In 2024, So She Howls won
the GRAMMY® Award for “Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album.”
Carla is a lifelong musician who earned a bachelor’s degree in songwriting and a master’s of film music
from Berklee College of Music. Some of Carla’s recent film scores include the feature film Bitterroot,
which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in 2024; the Disney+ film Maxine, starring
Margaret Cho; Everybody Dies . . . Sometimes, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival; Magic Hour,
an upcoming dramedy starring Miriam Shor; My Name Is Maria De Jesus, an HBO Latino film; Porno,
Fangoria’s recent SXSW hit; and the IDA shortlisted documentary Lotte that Silhouette Girl.
She is a Sundance Film Music and Sound Design Lab alumna, and four-time Hollywood Music in Media
Award Nominee. This past year, because of Carla’s work related to animation pioneer Lotte Reiniger, two
of Carla’s film scores were presented at The Academy of Motion Pictures and Sciences Museum. She is
also a prolific songwriter, having written over 100 songs with placements on film and TV shows, such as
the Sundance award-winning film Spa Night, Teen Titans Go (Cartoon Network), The Ellen DeGeneres
Show, Skins (UK), Sabrina the Teenage Witch, L.A. A Queer History (PBS), and many more.
LEW GOLDSTEIN | SOUND DESIGNER
Lew Goldstein is a 3-time Emmy nominated sound editor and re-recording mixer. Lew has over 100 film
credits and a career that spans over 30 years. Some of his recent work includes Mean Girls, In the
Heights, Black Bear, Hereditary, and The Greatest Showman. Lew was Emmy-nominated for Outstanding
Sound Mixing For a Variety Series or Special in 2021, Outstanding Sound Mixing For A Comedy or Drama
Series (Half-Hour) And Animation in 2019, and Outstanding Sound Editing For A Comedy Or Drama Series
(Half-Hour) And Animation in 2019 for Last Week Tonight With John Oliver and Russian Doll respectively.
ELIE AKOKA | COLORIST
Elie Akoka made his debut as a colorist in 2009 with Nader T. Homayoun’s Tehroun (International Critics
week award in VENICE). He has gone on to work with Abdellatif Kechiche on the Palme D’Or winning
Blue is the Warmest Color, Gaspar Noe (Love), Pablo Larrain, Claire Denis (High Life). Elie loves to work
with directors from around the world, among them Lui Bingjian’s (The Back- China) Jen Lien (Sons of
Norway- Norway), Brillante Mendoza-Captive (Philippines). Elie’s work runs the gamut from big budget
US films like Immortals to independent films such as Give Me Liberty, Dark Night, Sollers Point,
Meditarenea, A Ciambra, A Chiara, and Bonne Mere. Recently, he worked as the colorist on Sukkwan
Island, which had its premiere at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival.
CREDITS
Production – DGA
Unit Production Manager Dolores Diaz
First Assistant Director Jacqueline Dow
First Assistant Director Natalia Shaufert
First Assistant Director Joseph Sackett
Second Assistant Director Gabrielle Rice
Cast
HARRIET Miriam Shor
EMMA Cameron Morton
HANK Sendhil Ramamurthy
BOB Josh Stamberg
BEATRICE Anna Suzuki
FELICITY Delissa Reynolds
JOSEPH Austin Pendleton
TED Michael Panes
BILL John Harrington Bland
MICHAEL Patrick Breen
TRISH Joy Suprano
KLAUS Richard Lowenburg
MOTH GUY Louis Mustillo
MOMMOM Renee Taylor
PROFESSOR WOODS Alastair Boag
ANNA Morgan Wolk
YOUNG BOSS Adit Dileep
MONICA Nadia Dajani
JAYDEN Josh Salt
ALISON Danielle Davenport
TOMMY Gilles Geary
MARGARET Jane Elias
PROFESSOR JAMES Asa James
PROFESSOR MILES Amy Staats
JUSTIN Sam Gilroy
TOUGH COACH Jason Nuzzo
STUDIO FRONT DESK GUARD Patrick McGuinness
MADELINE Jenson Smith
MADELINE (VOICE IN FRENCH) Cristina Spina
SOUND MIXER Jasir Romero
ANDY Adam Bryant
KEVIN Marlon Quijije
VANNA Vanna Pilgrim
JAMIE Brough Hansen
JAMIE (VOICE IN FRENCH) James Christy
CHARLES DEREK HANDEL Derek Ragin
LAURA ING Ivana Sabar
STREET CREW PA Elliot White
CHILD BOB Jacob Morrell
CHILD HARRIET Avery Emerson
CHILD BULLY Giuseppe Virzi
AIRBNB HOST Walid Chaya
LACROSSE AMY Amanda Jane Stern
STREET CREW CINEMATOGRAPHER Ariel Dreicer
STREET CREW DIRECTOR Jacqueline Christy
SUPPORTIVE 1950S ACTRESS Nancy Pop
NERVOUS 1950s ACTRESS Alina Mihailevschi
GEORGE Ed Witt
KIND FELLOWSHIP PANELIST Mizuo Peck
AMANDA Jan Jalenak
FELLOWSHIP PANELIST Cristina Spina
SMILING LACROSSE PLAYER Celia Cumiskey
FRANCOIS EVENT BICKERING WOMAN Francine Christy
VOICE OF FRANCOIS GUEST Christine Renee Miller
MOPEY ART PA Emily Gleeson
STUDENT CAMERA ASSISTANT Lizzy Harding
STUDENT ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Katherine Lane
ACTRESS IN HARRIET’S MOVIE Laura Lee
MOVER #1 Tim Brunnock
MOVER #2 Arti Finn
Mover #3 Thomas Heban
JAMES Isaiah Zeavin-Moss
Monica’s baby Ada Bland
Trish’s Baby Helena
CRYING COLLEAGUE McKenna Cox
COLLEAGUE Hannah Atkinson
WAITRESS Molly Barrett
CLERK Elizabeth Pepe
BOUNCER Gillette
FATHER ACTOR Tom Bozell
DAUGHTER ACTRESS Brinda Dixit
STUDENT PRODUCER Stella Pejo
YOUNG HARRIET Zoë Van Tieghem
LUNCH WAITRESS Liana Feliciano
RUDE COLLEAGUE Jenny Zerke
Background Actors
Harriet Lacrosse Player #2 Yulia Kez
Harriet Lacrosse Player #3 Sadie Rose Darwish
Harriet Lacrosse Player #4 Christy Hillebrecht
Harriet Lacrosse Player #5 Ero Christy
Mom in bleachers #1 Kara Smith Cumiski
Mom in bleachers #2 Julie DeVuono
Paramus Lacrosse Number 3 Cate Osborne
Paramus Lacrosse Number 7 Baldwin Classmate’s daughter
Paramus Lacrosse Number 6 Celia Cumisky
Students Josh Catubig
Natalia Shaufert
Co-Producer Laura Lee
Co-Producer John Rafanelli
Associate Producer Miriam Shor
Associate Producer Janet Antich
Associate Producer Colin Stackpole
Associate Producer Ann Clark
Associate Producer Nancy Collet
Associate Producer Jaqueline Dow
Associate Producer David Allen
In Association with Good Violet
Camera
Camera Operator Lasse Ulvedal Tolbøll, DFF
First Assistant Camera Edna L. Biesold
First Assistant Camera Kerstin Ebert
Second Assistant Camera Sehee Kim
Second Assistant Camera Skyla Page
Second Assistant Camera Lydia Marie Smith
Digital Imaging Technician Josh Catubig
Second Unit Director of Photography Joel Wolter
First Assistant Camera Aniket Desai
First Assistant Camera Alice Shcherbak
Still Photographer Dennis P. Mong Jr.
Still Photographer Coordinator Cheryl Mong
Continuity
Script Supervisor Natalia Shaufert
Secondary Script Supervisor Tuesday Blue
Production Sound
Production Sound Mixer/Boom Operator Rebecca Martos
Second Unit Production Sound
Production Sound Mixer Sam T. Wilson
Production Sound Mixer Robbie Kush
Art
Production Designer Lorenza Astengo Fefer
Art Director Kelvin Pater
Art Department Assistant Jessica Hudspeth
Art Department Assistant Grace Crummet
Art Department Assistant Emily Steiker
Art Department Assistant Christina Krioutchkova
Assistant Costume Designer Sadie Rose Darwish
Assistant Costume Designer Sabrina Kridler
Set Costumers Yulia Kez
Hair & Makeup
Hair & Makeup Department Head Rita Mae Sylvester
Hairstylists Christine Kennedy
Paula Salas Bloise
Gina Petruzzi
Makeup Artists Christine Kennedy
Paula Salas Bloise
Gina Petruzzi
SFX Makeup
SFX Makeup Artist Rita Mae Sylvester
Construction
Master Carpenter Greg Brown
Carpenter Jill Brown
Grip
Key Grip Gabriel Eduardo Solorzano
Key Grip Jonathan Tang
Key Grip Brandon Zheng
Key Grip Matt P. Andersen
Electric
Gaffer Ruochen Liao
Gaffer Tannie Xin Tang
Gaffer Jacob Mallin
Gaffer Anthony Saxe
Gaffer Jared Diaw
Swing Aaron Argomido
Swing Maria Nazarouk
Production
Key Production Assistant Thomas Heban
Production Assistants Sean Brogan
Production Assistants Cate Osborne
Production Assistants Phillip Pyle
Script Coordinator J.D. Stewart
Legal Counsel
Legal Services provided by Greenberg Traurig, LLP
Production Counsel Ann Brigid Clark
Production Accounting
Payroll Accountant ABS Payroll
Post Production
Post Production Production Assistant Harrison Jeffs
Post Production Intern Adriana Ellis
Post Production Intern Mati Rogers
Editorial
Editor Edward Chin
John Rafanelli
Alan Wu
Consulting Editor Lee Percy
First Assistant Editor Wadeh Arraf
Picture Finish
Colorist Elie Akoka
Sound Post
Post Production Sound Services Parabolic NY
Supervising Sound Editor/Re-Recording Mixer Lewis Goldstein
Dialogue Editor/Re-Recording Mixer Vinny Alfano
Assistant Sound Editor Julia Skubisz
Additional Post Production Sound by Gigantic Studios
Re-Recording Mixer Tom Paul
Supervising Sound Editor Andres E. Marthe Gonzalez
Dialogue Editor Peter Russell
Sound Effects Editor Ai Miyatake
Sound Effects Editor Ignacio Bonet
Additional Sound Editor Julie Hu
ADR Mixer Greg Crawford
ADR Mixer Nathan Hasz
ADR Supervisor Tristan Baylis
ADR Recorded at Gigantic Studios
ADR Supervisor Greg Crawford
ADR Recorded at Smart Post Atlanta
ADR Supervisor Carla Patullo
ADR Recorded at The Soundry
Loop Group
Loop Group Coordinator Katie Fabel
Loop Group Sebastian Beacon
Loop Group Jeffrey Auer
Loop Group Carol Todd
Loop Group Kimberly Yates
Original Score
Music by Carla Patullo
Original Score Production
Orchestra Recorded at The Soundry
Original Score Performers
Musicians Patti Kilroy
Lisa Liu
Drew A. Forde
Ro Rowan
VFX Management
Visual Effects Consulting Artist Colin Stackpole
Visual Effects Supervisor Jo Shaffer
Compositor Adam DeSantes
Titles
Title Design Janet Antich
Title Producer John Rafanelli
End Titles supported by Endcrawl.com
Transportation
Transportation Coordinator Tony Lepore
Choreography
Choreography Lisa Schwartz
Catering
Catering provided by EatLikePaul
Head Chef Paul Cavalcante
EPK
EPK Producer Natalia Shaufert
Safety
COVID Compliance Officer Arielle Dreicer
The Producers Wish to Thank Kaufman Astoria Studios
New York University Graduate Film Program
Haynes and Boone, LLP
Financial Solutions Partners
Anthology Film Archives
DVDepot
Dee’s Restaurant
Eastern District Camera
Special Thanks Noelie Hillebrecht
Christopher Hillebrecht
James & Francine Christy
Jim Christy
Erica Freed Marker
Alex Steyermark
Andy Hafitz
Barbara Ghammashi
Ashley Alexander
Ellen McGinnis
Rachel Gordon
Gail Segal
Jatin Dasgupta
Jerry Reen
Jessica Boucher
Joel Figueroa
John Sloss
Jonathan Gray
Hilary Stabb
Joshua Foster
David F. Schwartz
Stephen Guirgis
Julie Rottenberg
Kate Stahl
Kevin Wilson
Lawrence Mattis
Spike Lee
Maddy Seidman
Mandy Ward
Tom Mangan
Matthew Tynan
Michael Hillebrecht
Michael Hollinger
Michael Taylor
Nancy Collet
Natalia Kaniasty
Natalia Shaufert
Natalie Eakin
Neil Cuthbert
Nic Ratner
Noelie Hillebrecht
Nyssa Couto
Oliver Agger
Pam Katz
Patricia Gibson
Peter Mossel
Peter Newman
Peter Saraf
Ralph McAvoy
Rashaad Ernesto Green
Rebecca Ellsworth
RJ Coleman
Roderick Richardson
Sadie Rose Darwish
Sara Koviak
Shilpa Bisaria
Stefon Bristol
Tom Hillebrecht
Tom Mangan
Tom McCarthy
Tommaso Fiacchino
Wendy Lobel
Yulia Kez
Mac Concannon
Rachel Gordon
Rachel Hannah Kahan
Codie Lagotte
Plymouth Rock Foundation
Grace Richardson Trust Foundation
Hollywood Foreign Press Association
Good Violet
NYU Grad Film Faculty
Alex Rockwell
Alicia Edwards
Amy Fox
Andrew MacLean
Anthony Jannelli
Barbara Schock
Billy Kent
Carol Dysinger
Colin Brown
Dean Allyson Green
Erica Freed Marker
Ezra Sacks
Gail Segal
Gigi DeMent
Ian Harnarine
Jeff Stolow
Jenn Ruff
Jess dela Merced
John Tintori
Jon Shear
Julia Solomonoff
Karen Kasi Lemmons
Ken Friedman
Lara Shapiro
Lauren Zalaznick
Lisa Millinazzo
Michael Burke
Mick Casale
Peter Schneider
Rosalind Lichter
Rosanne Limoncelli
Sandi Sissel
Sheril Antonio
Spike Lee
Stacie Passon
Tom Mangan
Seed & Spark Supporters
Aisha Sultan
Alik Barsoumian
Alle Hsu
Alli Trussell
Amanda Bullis
Amanda Khoury
Amy Staats
Angela Dohrmann
Ashley Michel Hoban
Aude Cuenod
Berenice Odriozola
Beth Bostwick Ortolano
Bethany Geraghty
Bill Schaumberg
Bob Jaffe
Bonny Chan
Bradley Bixler
Brian Fithian
Caleb b. Kuntz
Celeste Holben
Celia Peters
Chanel James
Cheryl Furjanic
Christina Raia
Christine Bruno
Clarence Deng
Dale DeLetis
David Zax
Devon Padley
Dominic Comperatore
Dominik Waldstätten
Ed Herbstman
Elizabeth Donnelly
Ellen Daschbach
Ellen McGinnis
Emily Cohn
Eric Finkelstein
Eve M Cohen
Francine Christy
George Larkin
Gerry Maravilla
Ginny Mohler
Grace Merriman
Grainne Coen
Hannah Leshaw
Heather Robinson
Isabelle Granahan-Field
Jacqueline Brogan
James Christy
Jamie Dack
Jan Jalenak
Jane Elias
Janet Harvey
Jean Marie McKee
Jenny Wang
Jessica Boucher
Jim Christy
Jisun Jamie Lee
John Bland
John Daschbach
John Granahan
John Overbeck
Jon Levenson
Jon Shear
Jono Chanin
Joseph F. Leonardo
Joshua Stamberg
Kara Cumiskey
Kate Harvie
Kathy Granahan
Katy-May Hudson
Keith Edward Szarabajka
Kelsey Hillerud
Kevin Vu
Laura Granahan
Laura Lee
Laura Moss
Lisanne Sartor
Liz Warner
Logan Roberts
Lou Liberatore
Lydia Chammas
Major Dorfman
Marc Etienne
Margherita Arco
Maria Altamirano
MaryClare McHugh
Max Rissman
Merdyce McClaran
Michele Caterina
Michele Remsen
Michelle Donnelly
Mykee Steen
Nagham Osman
Neil Cuthbert
Nicole Gabriella Scipione
Noelie Hillebrecht
Patricia Gibson
Peter Haig
Rachel Lynn Jackson
Ralph Lewis
Randall McNeal
Rita Scordamalgia
Rob Neill
Rosanne Limoncelli
Sally Brooks
Sarabeth Boak
Shanna Riker
Sheila Mccullough
Stacy Salvette
Stephanie Donnelly
Susan Busa
Tawny Sorensen
Tessa Keimes-Kim
Tom Devaney
Tom Hillebrecht
Tom OBrien
Tony Mendoza
Vanessa Bretas
Wayne Wilderson
Wendy Concannon
Woonjae Park
Access Theater Writers Group
Abigail Deser
Adit Dileep
Amy Staats
Arya Kashyap
Asa James
Ava Paloma
Chris Ryan
Christine Renee Miller
Cristina Spina
David Blasher
Elizabeth Gonzalez James
Hieu Bui
Jacqueline Brogan
James Christy Jr.
Jan Jalenak
Jane Elias
John Bland
Katie Fabel
Laura Lee
Laura Moss
Matt Biagini
Michele Remsen
Patrick Breen
PJ Sosko
Reginald Lochard
Rob Walsh
Siobhan Brown
Stephanie Anuwe
Tessa Borbridge
Tori Ernst
Jose Rivera’s Writing Group
Naked Angels Tuesdays @9
Jean Marie McKee
Rachel Casparian
Take Action Workshop
Jon Shear
NYU Grad Film Classmates
Adel Morales
Alik Barsoumian
Asantewaa Prempeh
Ashish Ravinran
Bradley Bixler
Brittany Fennell
Cenk Erturk
Charles A Childers
Chelsea Grayson
Elizabeth Nichols
Ella Bishop
Emily Cheeger
Emily Nan Iason
Eric Cohen
Eric Hsiao
Erin Vassilopoulos
FaradayOkoro
Felipe Prado
Jacqueline Dow
James K Ferguson
Jono Chanin
Joseph T Street
Lara Sfire
Laura E Valladao
Laura Valladao
Lucia Vidigal de andrade reis
Lucien Jacob Follini Press
Luiza Parvu
Lydia chammas
Martín Blaquier
Matias Maumus
Mia Cioffi Henry
Natalia Kaniasty
Ogheneochuko Esiri
Onthatille Peele
Oscar A Sharp
Pau Suris
Rajat Sharma
Rezwan Shahriar Sumit
Shan Jin
Stephanie Donnelly
Woonjae Park
Xinzheng Wang
With support from: The NYC Women’s
Fund for Media, Music and Theatre by theCity of
New York Mayor’s Office of Media and
Entertainment in association with The New York
Foundation for theArts
Magic Hour is made possible by the New York
State Council on the Arts with the support of the
Office of the Governor and the New York State
Legislature
Fiscal Sponsorship Provided by: New York Foundation for the Arts
Women Make Movies
Pitcher Productions
Artwork courtesy of Janet Antich
Joe Walsh
MADE IN NYC
SAG-AFTRA
Camera and Lenses Provided by ARRI
Grip & Lighting Equipment Provided by New York University
Grip & Lighting Equipment Provided by Kaufman Astoria Stages
Insurance Provided by Fractured Atlas Insurance Program
Digital Cinema Mastering by Elie Akoka
Sound Stages provided by Kaufman Astoria Stages
Interview with Bailey Chase, Jesse Hutch and Dawn Olivieri of the movie and TV series “Homestead” on Angel Studios by Suzanne 12/11/24
This is a really good movie, and I look forward to seeing the TV series that comes next. I really enjoyed Bailey Chase’s work, ever since I saw him in “As The World Turns” years ago, but he has grown into an amazing actor. It was nice to speak with all three of these gifted performers after watching them in the movie. I was originally supposed to speak to the show’s creator/director/showrunner, Ben Smallbone, but he had to leave at the last minute. Dawn was a real trouper to answer what she could of my questions for him as well.
Angel Studios Launches the companion HOMESTEAD: FAMILY SURVIVAL Series
Exclusively on Angel.com and the Angel App on December 20th.
Synopsis: A nuclear bomb is detonated in Los Angeles, and the nation devolves into unprecedented chaos. Ex-Green Beret Jeff Eriksson and his family escape to The Homestead, an eccentric prepper’s fortress nestled in the mountains. As violent threats and apocalyptic conditions creep toward their borders, the residents of The Homestead are left to wonder: how long can a group of people resist both the dangers of human nature and the bloodshed at their doorstep?
Directed by: Ben Smallbone (Documentaries: Stone Cold Country + Johnny Cash: The Redemption of an American Icon)
Written by: Phillip Abraham, Leah Bateman, Ben Kasica Produced by: Ben Kasica, Andrea Royer and Ben Smallbone Starring: Neal McDonough (Minority Report), Dawn Olivieri (1883), Bailey Chase (Longmire)
Jesse Hutch (FBI: International), Currie Graham (Assault on Precinct 13), Olivia Sanabia (NCIS)
Bailey Chase (Jeff Ericksson)
Bailey was born in Chicago but moved to Florida after his parents divorced at a young age. He attended Duke University on a football scholarship and majored in Psychology. After graduation, Bailey moved to LA to pursue his boyhood dream of acting which encompassed a training stint in London (LAMDA). His first film break came in Adam Shankman’s Cosmo’s Tale (1998), which screened at both Sundance and Cannes. Bailey’s career blossomed in television starting with Buffy, the Vampire Slayer then working with Oscar-winners in Saving Grace and Damages before his own critically acclaimed performance in Longmire. Bailey has starred in various projects since including Batman V Superman, Chicago PD, Grimm, 24: Legacy, Twin Peaks and Queen of the South. He was recently nominated for Best Lead Actor for his performance in Far Haven and is currently shooting Homestead (2024). Bailey resides in North Carolina with his wife and three children.
Dawn Olivieri (Jenna Ross)
Dawn Orienne Olivieri is an American actress perhaps best known for her turn as Lydia in Heroes and Monica Talbot in House of Lies. She has appeared in the Showtime series House of Lies for 41 episodes, starting in 2012, playing the competitive management consultant and ex-wife of main character Marty Kaan and mother of their son, Roscoe Kaan. She acted as Janice Herveaux in the third season of the HBO series True Blood. She played a reporter and Damon Salvatore’s girlfriend Andie Star in the hit CW show The Vampire Diaries. Wrapping up the 4th season on Heroes, she has also completed parts on TBS’s My Boys, NBC’s Knight Rider, TNT’s Trust Me, and SyFy’s Stargate: Atlantis, and recurred on CBS’s How I Met Your Mother. Olivieri played a lead role in the SyFy movie Hydra, and she is the voice of Pepper Potts in the new Avengers animated series on Disney XD. She appeared in the October 2009 issue of Maxim. Olivieri appeared on HBO’s Entourage on September 13, 2009, and hosted a contest on Scripped. She voiced Lucy Kuo in a PlayStation 3 video game, Infamous 2, which was released in June 2011. As of March 2018, she has a recurring role in the CBS action-adventure series SEAL Team as Amy Nelson.
Jesse Hutch (Evan Lee)
Jesse Hutch was born in the same geographical location as the Marvel hero Wolverine. This could be nothing more then a fun fact, however, it does not excuse why Mr. Hutch is immune to Tylenol and Novocaine(most commonly used in dental practice). He drowned when he was 19 years old. Fell from a 25 foot rock quarry while free climbing in middle school. Had his stomach cut open by a barbed wire fence when he was 10, and he moved across the country(solo) when he was 21 to pursue acting. Mr. Hutch says he’s still working on his: “24 year overnight success story”.
With over 100 professional Television and Film credits to his name, You may have seen him in cult classics such as “Freddy vs Jason” and “The Butterfly Effect”. Maybe you saw him in the 60’s as Jimmy Riley on Dick Clark’s ”American Dreams”. FBI International, Dark Angel, Kyle XY, Smallville, Arrow, Almost Human, Supernatural, Batwoman and Project Blue Book are but a few of his television roles.
Jesse’s upcoming theatrical releases include: “MEMEC” a dark thriller comedy where he plays the main antagonist. And “HOMESTEAD” a present day post apocalyptic series by Angel Studios. When asked what his best role has been to date, his response: “My best roles will always be that of husband and father. I believe that giving your life for others is one of the greatest gifts you can strive for. Turns out this is also the best acting class you will ever take…life”.
As for new Television in 2024: Jesse recently was a producer and actor on “A Little Women’s Christmas” where he acted alongside his daughter Charlize. He co-stars alongside Jill Wagner in their new Christmas Film which will also air on Great American Family.
Keep an eye out for Mr.Hutch. His performances range from Drama, to action, to comedy and back again. We are always in a state of mystery as to what his next role will be. His ability to be extremely grounded allow depth, yet he can be funny, charming, dangerous and unpredictable at times. He can play a large range of roles with believability. His stunt ability is backed by a consistent and regimented style of training. Hutch commands the screen regardless of wether he is speaking or listening.
Mr. Hutch is married to his beautiful Wife Loreili, and they have 3 wonderful children.
As a final note, His social media presence is fun, genuine and family friendly.
Interview with Josh Lawson on “St. Denis Medical” on NBC by Suzanne 12/12/24
Josh couldn’t have been nicer in our short interview, and it was awesome to hear his wonderful Aussie accent. Don’t miss the latest episode, which you can watch on NBC Dec. 17 or later Peacock. It returns after the winter break Jan. 14. Both of these episodes are hilarious and feature Josh.
Tuesdays on NBC (8:00 p.m. ET/PT). Series Premiere on November 12
A mockumentary about an underfunded, understaffed Oregon hospital where the dedicated doctors and nurses try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity.
Wendi McLendon-Covey, David Alan Grier, Allison Tolman, Josh Lawson, Kahyun Kim, Mekki Leeper and Kaliko Kauahi star.
The series is co-created and executive produced by Eric Ledgin and Justin Spitzer. Simon Heuer, Ruben Fleischer (pilot director), Bridget Kyle and Vicky Luu also executive produce. Eric Ledgin serves as showrunner.
“St. Denis Medical” is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, and Spitzer Holding Company.
Credits
The cast includes:
Wendi McLendon-Covey
David Alan Grier
Allison Tolman
Josh Lawson
Kahyun Kim
Mekki Leeper
Kaliko Kauahi
Josh Lawson
Bruce, “St. Denis Medical”
Josh Lawson portrays Bruce on the new NBC comedy “St. Denis Medical.”
The Australian-born Lawson co-starred on Showtime’s “House of Lies” and also had a recurring role on NBC’s critically acclaimed comedy “Superstore.”
On the film side, Lawson was Oscar nominated for the short film “The Eleven O’Clock,” in which he wrote and co-starred. His other credits include “Mortal Kombat,” “Bombshell,” “Anchorman 2” and “Long Story Short,” which he also wrote and directed.
In 2014 Lawson made his directorial debut with “The Little Death,” which he wrote and starred in. The film was met with critical acclaim, winning the Audience Award and Narrative Spotlight at the 2015 SXSW Film Festival.
Lawson was born and raised in Brisbane and attended St. Joseph’s College, Gregory Terrace. He graduated from the National Institute of Dramatic Art and studied in Los Angeles at the Second City, the Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre and I.O. West.
Lawson currently splits his time between Queensland and Los Angeles, and enjoys traveling the world with his dog, Moose.
Interview with Alix Villaret of the movie “Utopia” by Suzanne 12/11/24
Alix seems very nice, and we had a pleasant chat. She is a gifted young actress who did well with her part in this violent action flick. Available to Buy on Digital December 10, 2024
Moe Dunford, Charlotte Vega, Jason Flemyng, Daniel Bernhardt, Alix Villaret, Wanda Banda, Michael D. Xavier, Lucy Akhurst, Maddy Ambus, Jade Coatsworth, Sean Sutton, Joe Carmichael, Mercer Boffey, Philipp Boos
DISTRIBUTED BY:
Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label)
GENRE:
Thriller, Sci/Fi, Action
RATING:
R for strong violence, sexual content, graphic nudity and language.
SYNOPSIS:
A soldier searching for his missing wife breaks into a high-tech facility, believing she’s been caught in a human trafficking ring. But beyond its walls, he finds a surreal, futuristic fantasy park where reality and illusion blur. As he navigates this seductive and dangerous world, a shocking truth pulls him deeper into a deadly game where nothing is as it seems.
Alix Villaret is an ingenue French actress of Japanese ancestry born in the heart of Paris. She is fluent in French and English. Alix has always been obsessed with Cinema since she was 6 years old, having attended the neighborhood movie theatre with her father seeing such classics as An American In Paris, Sabrina, Gigi. She has wanted to be an actress as far back as she can remember and started studying drama and finally be asked to do the leads in over 12 theatre productions in her neighborhood theatre. She is proficient in Krav Maga.
Interview with actors Madison Wolfe, Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson and Gavin Warren, and Director Warren Skeels of the film “The Man In The White Van” by Suzanne 12/2/24
This is a very suspenseful and chilling thriller, set in the early 1970’s. You don’t want to miss it when it opens tomorrow, 12/13/24, in theaters. Madison Wolfe stars as a young women, Annie, targeted by a serial killer. Brec Bassinger stars as her sister, Margaret. Skai Jackson plays Patty, Annie’s friend. Gavin Warren plays Annie and Margeret’s younger brother, Daniel. Sean Astin and Ali Larter play Margaret and Annie’s parents. I hope you enjoy our video interviews! I was particularly glad to speak to Brec Bassinger, since I was a huge fan of her show, “Stargirl.”
STARRING: Sean Astin (The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, The Goonies), Ali Larter (Final Destination, upcoming Taylor Sheridan series, Landman), Madison Wolfe (The Conjuring 2, Malignant), Brec Bassinger (CW’s Stargirl, Final Destination: Bloodlines), Skai Jackson (Disney’s Jessie and spinoff Bunk’d), Gavin Warren (Night Swim)
SYNOPSIS: Based on true events. In 1975 Florida, a series of violent disappearances go unnoticed, and young Annie (Madison Wolfe) is targeted by an ominous white van that stalks her every move. As the menace escalates, her parents dismiss her fears, and Annie is soon plunged into a terrifying nightmare that shatters her world. Also starring Brec Bassinger, Skai Jackson, Ali Larter, and Sean Astin. Directed by Warren Skeels.
GENRE: Thriller
Madison Wolfe was born in New Orleans, Louisiana. She began acting at the age of seven, and made her debut alongside Kristen Stewart and Amy Adams in “On The Road.” In the years following, Wolfe landed many roles in various critically acclaimed films and television shows such as Jessica Brady in “The Campaign,” starring Will Ferrell and Zach Galifianakis, Audrey Hart in “True Detective,” opposite Woody Harrelson and Matthew Mcconaughey, and Young Poppy in “Mr. Church,” starring Eddie Murphy. She can also be seen playing Bryan Cranston’s daughter in “Trumbo,” and acting alongside Robert DeNiro, Jennifer Lawrence, and Bradley Cooper in David O. Russell’s “Joy.”
Wolfe is best known for her lead role in James Wan’s “The Conjuring 2.” Starring opposite Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson, she plays Janet Hodgson: a young girl from Enfield, England who is traumatized and haunted by the possession of demonic spirits. Wolfe is also well known from her lead role in Oscar winner Anders Walter’s “I Kill Giants.” Rotten Tomatoes names Madison’s “powerhouse performance” as troubled teen Barbra Thorson one of the highlights of the film.
Most recently, Wolfe can be seen playing Tessa Mayfair opposite Alexandra Daddario in AMC’s “The Mayfair Witches.” She has completed production for her next true crime thriller, Warren Skeel’s “Man in The White Van.” Set in 1974, Wolfe portrays the lead role of Annie Willains: a free spirited teen from a small town in Florida who becomes the obsession of a horrific stalker. Being a musician, Wolfe also wrote and recorded an original song for the film’s soundtrack to be released. The film is not yet rated.
Brec Bassinger, born May 25, 1999, is an American actress best known for her leading role as ‘Bella Dawson’ on the Nickelodeon series “Bella and the Bulldogs,” her role as ‘Catherine’ in the “47 Meters Down” sequel, her recurring roles in “School of Rock” and “The Goldbergs,” and her starring role in the DC Universe series “Stargirl” (2020).
Brec grew up in a small town in Texas, and first went to Los Angeles for acting when she was 13 years old. Growing up she enjoyed gymnastics, cheerleading, volleyball, and natural-beauty pageants. She was crowned the 2009 World’s Our Little Miss. Her acting career started with a recurring role on Nickelodeon’s “Haunted Hathaways.” She graduated high school at 16 and continues to expand her education. A Type-1 diabetic, she has become a huge advocate for diabetes research and is a national ambassador for JDRF. She had the leading role of Stargirl for the CW for two years, and then she plays the titular role in the miniseries “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn” on Lifetime..
Gavin Warren is an American model and actor. As a child he played the piano and did gymnastics before, inspired by Adam Sandler, he decided he wanted to become an actor. In 2015, Warren won an acting and modeling competition, after which he was accepted into a local artist agency. This was followed by his first roles in the short film Two Wongs Make a White and in the film drama Back Roads, before Warren was seen in Damien Chazelle’s film biography Awakening to the Moon alongside Ryan Gosling in 2018.
In order to focus on his acting career, Warren switched from public school to home schooling. In subsequent years, he made guest appearances in the television series Daybreak and NCIS: New Orleans, while he took on supporting roles in the films Mack (2019), A Hard Problem (2021) and 12 Mighty Orphans (2021). In 2023 he appeared in the eighth season of the horror series Fear the Walking Dead before playing a leading role in the horror film Night Swim the following year.
His other announced film projects include the thrillers The Descendant and Geechee, the drama film Unbreakable Boy and the crime film The Man in the White Van.
Interview with Alexander Ludwig, Jessica Frances Dukes, Aaron Tveit, Todd Komarnicki and Kearie Peak of “Earth Abides” on MGM+ by Suzanne 11/20/24
This is a very exciting 6 part miniseries on MGM+. I hope you can watch it because it’s fascinating. Although it takes place in a post-apocalyptic world, it’s not too gross, gory or depressing. The acting is very good. Alexander Ludwig stars as “Ish,” a man who survives the pandemic that has destroyed most of the world’s population. Then he finds a wonderful woman, Emma (Jessica Frances Dukes), and they start their life together. Other people find them, and they start re-building the world. It’s got a very positive message about the future of the world, how people can adapt and get along, and about how the earth can heal. It was great to speak with the two stars, Ludwig and Dukes, as well as Aaron Tveit, who plays a pivotal character named Charlie, and the show’s creators and showrunners. The series is based on an old scifi book but modernized. I think they did a great job. We put up Tveit’s interview later because there are spoilers in it.
Alexander Ludwig (Ish) and Jessica Frances Dukes (Emma)
In “Earth Abides,” when a plague of unprecedented virulence sweeps the globe, the human race is all but wiped out. In the aftermath, as the great machine of civilization slowly and inexorably breaks down, only a few shattered survivors remain to struggle against the slide into extinction. The series is based on George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel of the same name.
A Note from Todd Komarnicki (Executive Producer/Writer/Showrunner)
Earth Abides was ahead of its time. George Stewart’s novel, despite being written in 1949, has cohered brilliantly with our current moment. Long before nature began to suffer at the hands of man’s inability to live in harmony with her, Stewart knew that the Earth never needed us. We are more of a pestilence she has survived. As the world within the novel starts over, the earth has a chance to reassert herself. It is now man who must be the survivor. But what if those chosen to be humanity’s second chance aren’t suited for each other or the task at hand. They are a mixed blend of personalities, the kind that might have never joined forces prior to the apocalypse. But the life altering thing that they all discover…is that their differences might become the only thing enabling them to persevere. The story is a stark reminder that our differences should not separate us but unite us. A lesson we could all pay closer attention to in these times so riven by strife.
When adapting this novel for television, it was Stewart’s brilliant story that remains the infrastructure for keeping the audience on the edge of their seats. We shed new light through a deeper level of intimacy introduced in our show. While the intent of the original remains untouched, the tenderness and vulnerability of its characters and their journey over the years has been heightened in a fundamental way. Showing that journey of over twenty years together without losing the narrative thread and the audience’s connection to the characters was one of the biggest challenges we faced in the adaptation. Letting the series be guided by Ish’s own voice and the characters sharing their story not only kept the narrative intact but made them relatable and deeply human. That human aspect is what I hope audiences connect with most. The show lives in the shadow of a society torn down to cobblestone, but that is just the stage for a thrill ride that is utterly human. It is full of perseverance but also doubt, rage, addiction, murder and rebirth. No matter how dark the road gets for these characters, there is always a sliver of light calling them forward…love. What I hope audiences take away from our show is that love…really does win.
About MGM+
MGM+, an Amazon company, is a premium linear channel and streaming service delivering a broad lineup of exclusive original series and docuseries, current movie releases, and classic film franchises—all available in the U.S. on TV, on-demand, online, and across devices. MGM+ is a destination for premium content, with original series including sci-fi horror series FROM, Emmy-winning Godfather of Harlem, the Western adventure Billy the Kid, suspense thriller Emperor of Ocean Park, crime drama Hotel Cocaine, and upcoming sci-fi drama Earth Abides and horror thriller The Institute, along with limited series A Spy Among Friends and cinematic dramatic series Rogue Heroes, Belgravia and War of the Worlds. The network is also the home of acclaimed docuseries, including the critically acclaimed In Restless Dreams: The Music of Paul Simon, Emmy-nominated Laurel Canyon, My Life as a Rolling Stone, and NFL Icons, as well as the anticipated docuseries Hollywood Black and The Wonderland Massacre & The Secret History of Hollywood. Premium movies are also available, including Challengers, IF, Mission Impossible – Dead Reckoning, The Beekeeper, The Boys in the Boat, American Fiction and Mean Girls.
MGM+ is available nationwide through cable, telco, satellite, digital distribution channels and the MGM+ app. For more information about the current MGM+ lineup, go to www.mgmplus.com or follow us on X,Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
Alexander Ludwig
Alexander Ludwig is a multi-talented performer who continues to make his mark in Hollywood and beyond.
Ludwig can next be seen in the leading role of the upcoming MGM+ limited series Earth Abides, premiering December 1. Helmed by acclaimed creator and showrunner Todd Komarnicki and based on George R. Stewart’s best-selling novel, the 6-episode limited series story follows Ish (Ludwig) through the aftermath of a global plague as he tries to set the survivors on the road back to civilization.
Additionally, on television, Ludwig starred as Ace Spade in the Starz series Heels, which ran for two seasons and was recently licensed to Netflix after popular demand for a third season. The show, set in the world of independent wrestling, focuses on two rival brothers battling over their late father’s legacy. He is also recognized for his portrayal of Bjorn in the History Channel’s popular series Vikings.
On the big screen, Ludwig most recently reprised his role in the box office hit franchise Bad Boys 4: Ride Or Die alongside Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, and Vanessa Hudgens. Ludwig joined the franchise with Bad Boys for Life (2020), which stands as the most successful film in the franchise, breaking box office records. Ludwig will next appear in Killing Castro, directed by Eif Rivera, alongside Al Pacino, and will soon begin production on the horror thriller Night Comes, marking the feature directorial debut of veteran actor Jay Hernandez, set for release next year.
His additional film credits include Guy Ritchie’s The Covenant with Jake Gyllenhaal, National Champions featuring Uzo Aduba and J.K. Simmons, and the war epic Midway alongside Woody Harrelson and Dennis Quaid. He also starred in Peter Berg’s acclaimed Lone Survivor, blockbuster hit The Hunger Games with Jennifer Lawrence, and the hugely succesful Race to Witch Mountain opposite Dwayne Johnson and Carla Gugino.
Originally from Vancouver, Canada, Ludwig began his acting career at nine, landing his first major role as Will Stanton in the action-adventure film The Seeker: The Dark Is Rising in 2007. His earlier credits include Grown Ups 2 and When The Game Stands Tall.
Following his passions outside of acting and filmmaking; he is a gifted musician who recently released his debut full-length Country album Highway 99 via Broken Bow Records. A mixture of amplified guitars, climactic choruses, and heartfelt hooks, the 16-track collection offers universal stories about small towns, wild nights, broken hearts, and big dreams. A follow up to his 2021 self-titled EP and career-launching 2020 single “Let Me Be Your Whiskey,” Highway 99 was produced by Nashville heavy-hitters Kurt Allison and Tully Kennedy and proves Ludwig is making a permanent mark on Country music.
Jessica Frances Dukes
Jessica Frances Dukes is an accomplished actress set to star as the female lead in the upcoming MGM+ original limited series “Earth Abides,” alongside Alexander Ludwig. This imaginative adaptation of George R. Stewart’s classic sci-fi novel, created by showrunner Todd Komarnicki (Sully), explores a world ravaged by a deadly plague that nearly wipes out humanity. As civilization crumbles, a few survivors face the struggle for existence. In the series, Jessica plays Emma, a character who contrasts sharply with Ludwig’s character, Ish. The limited series, produced by Oscar winner Michael Phillips (The Sting) alongside Juliana Maio and Kearie Peak, is slated to premiere on December 1, 2024.
In addition to “Earth Abides,” Jessica is currently filming a recurring role in the third season of the Emmy-nominated series “The Gilded Age” on HBO.
Jessica is best known for her regular role as Special Agent Maya Miller in the multi-award-winning Netflix series “Ozark” (2020–2022). Her other notable credits include leading roles in HBO Max’s “Project Greenlight” (2023) and the award-winning film “Gray Matter” (2023).
A seasoned theater veteran, Jessica portrayed Millie Davis in the Tony Award-nominated “Trouble In Mind” on Broadway. She is an Obie Award winner for “Bootycandy” at Playwrights Horizons Off-Broadway and received an Audelco Award and a Drama League Awards Distinguished Performance nomination for her role as Vera in “By The Way, Meet Vera Stark” at the Signature Theatre.
Aaron Tveit
Aaron Kyle Tveit, born October 21, 1983) is an American actor and tenor singer. Tveit originated the lead role of Christian in the stage adaptation of Moulin Rouge! on Broadway, a performance for which he won the 2020 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical and received a 2020 Grammy Award nomination. His other work on the Broadway stage includes originating the roles of Gabe in Next to Normal and Frank Abagnale Jr. in Catch Me If You Can, as well as performing the roles of Fiyero Tigelaar in Wicked, Link Larkin in Hairspray, and the title role in Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. He also played John Wilkes Booth in an Off West End production of Assassins.
Tveit has also portrayed several musical theatre roles on screen, such as Enjolras in the film adaptation of Les Misérables (2012), as well as Danny Zuko in Fox’s Grease: Live (2016). Tveit is also known for his work in television, including the roles of Gareth Ritter on BrainDead, Tripp van der Bilt on Gossip Girl, Mike Warren on Graceland, and Danny Bailey/Topher in Schmigadoon!.
Todd Komarnicki
Todd Komarnicki is a prolific writer, producer, and director of film and television aswell as an acclaimed novelist. Komarnicki’s screenplays include SULLY directed by Clint Eastwood and starring Tom Hanks, which opened at #1 in the box office to rave reviews from critics and audiences alike. The film went on to earn over $240 million worldwide, and was a 2016 AFI Top Ten Film. Komarnicki has also written an adaptation of the international bestseller, THE PROFESSOR AND THE MADMAN, starring Mel Gibson and Sean Penn; and he wrote, produced, and directed, BONHOEFFER, the WW2 true story of legendary pastor turned assassin, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, which is being released theatrically worldwide November 22nd.
In television, Komarnicki has written EARTH ABIDES, for MGM+, an adaptation of the international sci-fi favorite, by George Stewart, the series premieres December 1st. In the literary world, his first novel, Free, was published by Doubleday in 1993 and his second novel, famine (Arcade 1997), received tremendous reviews and was subsequently translated into French, Italian, and German. His third novel, war, was published to exceptional reviews in July of 2008 by Arcade.
Komarnicki is the president & founder of the production company Guy Walks Into A Bar. Komarnicki and Guy Walks partner Jon Berg produced the Christmas blockbuster ELF, starring Will Ferrell and directed by Jon Favreau. The film has become a worldwide perennial favorite every Christmas season. All told, Komarnicki’s films have accounted for well over half a billion dollars at the box office.
Komarnicki lives in New York City with his wife, Jane, their daughter, Remy, 14, and son, Dashiell, 11.
Executive Produced by
Todd Komarnicki, Kearie Peak, Michael Phillips, Juliana Maio
Directed by
Bronwen Hughes (101, 102), Rachel Leiterman (103,104), Stephen Campanelli (105, 106)
Written by
Todd Komarnicki
Showrunner
Todd Komarnicki
Cast
Alexander Ludwig as “Ish”
Jessica Frances Dukes as “Emma”
Aaron Tveit as “Charlie”
Rodrigo Fernandez-Stoll as “Jorge”
Elyse Levesque as “Maurine”
Hilary McCormack as “Jean”
Luisa d’Oliveira as “Molly”
Birkett Turton as “Ezra”
Jenna Berman as “Evie”
Interview with actors Sara Silva, Sean Patrick Thomas, John Harlan Kim and Khobe Clarke; and writers/EP Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher of “Cruel Intentions” on Prime by Suzanne 11/13/24
I really enjoyed watching this show, and the actors I chatted with couldn’t have been nicer; it was the same with the two producers. You don’t want to miss this show! It’s not just any teen drama. The writing is top notch. Even if you never saw the movie(s) or book it’s based on, you should enjoy it; it dragged me into the drama!
Sara Silva (CeCe) and Sean Patrick Thomas (Hank)
John Harlan Kim (Blaise) and Khobe Clarke (Scott)
Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher (co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers)
All eight episodes of Prime Video’s highly anticipated series, Cruel Intentions, will premiere November 21 in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Twenty-five years after the iconic film captivated audiences with its provocative drama, sex, and scandal, this series introduces a new class of cruel characters who are ready to take their games and manipulation to a whole new level. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or new to the twisted tale, the series promises binge-worthy fun that audiences won’t want to miss.
In this new adaptation, Cruel Intentions follows the elite students of Manchester College, a Washington, D.C.-adjacent university, where reputation means everything, fraternities and sororities are the gold standard, and two ruthless step-siblings, Caroline Merteuil and Lucien Belmont, will do anything to stay on top of the cutthroat social hierarchy. After a brutal hazing incident threatens the entire Greek Life system, they’ll do whatever is necessary to preserve their power and reputation – even if that means seducing Annie Grover, the daughter of the Vice President of the United States. Hearts will be broken, loyalties will be tested, and secrets will be revealed in this modern-day royal court that is Manchester College.
Cruel Intentions stars Sarah Catherine Hook as “Caroline Merteuil”, Zac Burgess as “Lucien Belmont”, Savannah Lee Smith as “Annie Grover”, Sara Silva as “Cece Carroway”, John Harlan Kim as “Blaise Powell”, Khobe Clarke as “Scott Russell”, Sean Patrick Thomas as “Professor Hank Chadwick”, and Brooke Lena Johnson as “Beatrice Worth”.
The series is produced by Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film. Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher serve as co-showrunners, writers, and executive producers. Neal H. Moritz and Pavun Shetty of Original Film also executive produce along with Roger Kumble. Moritz produced the original film, which was written and directed by Kumble. Bruce Mellon along with Andrea Iervolino and Monika Bacardi of Iervolino & Bacardi Entertainment are producers.
SARA SILVA is a Brazilian-American actress from the San Francisco Bay Area. She studied acting at UCLA’s School for Theater, Film and Television, where she starred as Medea in Euripides’ titular play and Maritza in Tanya Saracho’s Mala Hierba.
Sara will star as ‘CELESTE “CECE” CALLOWAY’ in the Prime Video SeriesCRUEL INTENTIONS written by Phoebe Fisher, and based on the 1999 film by the same name, which starred Selma Blair in the same role.
Sara also recently starred opposite Colson Baker (Machine Gun Kelly) in the feature TAURUS written and directed by Tim Sutton, which premiered domestically at the 2022 Tribeca Film Festival. You can also spot Sara in the recent season of FX’s anthology series AMERICAN HORROR STORIES in episode ‘Necro’. Other recent television roles include the Freeform seriesGROWN-ISH, and Amazon’s THE BOYS. Sara also recently played the Sorority leader ‘Hunter’ in the short ‘Scotty’s Vag’ written & directed by Chaconne Martin-Berkowicz, which was nominated for the Grand Jury Award at the 2023 SXSW film festival.
Sara is drawn to provocative stories and loves finding empathy for the twisted characters she plays. When she’s not acting, she’s writing plays, making music with her band “Dance Arts Center” and cuddling with her black cat, Pepita.
Sean Patrick Thomas
Professor Hank Chadwick
Respected actor/producer, Sean Patrick Thomas, is continuing his hot streak. Recently wrapping production on the TV version of “Cruel Intentions,” Thomas is the only member of the original film to appear in the series. He is currently in production on the second season of fan favorite, “Gen V.” Previously he was seen in the critically acclaimed, award-winning feature, “The Tragedy of Macbeth” with Denzel Washington and Frances McDormand and the MGM/UA film “Till,” which tells the heartbreaking story of Emmett Till. Other projects include the Hulu limited series, “Reasonable Doubt,” reuniting him with Kerry Washington, who executive produced the series and directed its pilot episode along with a recurring role in “For All Mankind” on Apple+.
Previous film credits include “The Curse of La Llorona,” the ensemble hit franchise “Barbershop,” Darren Aronofsky’s “The Fountain,” John Sayles’ “Honeydripper,” “Cruel Intentions,” “Halloween: Resurrection” and the box office smash “Save The Last Dance,” for which Thomas won two MTV Movie Awards. On the small screen, Thomas starred in Kenny Leon’s “A Raisin in the Sun,” for which he earned a nomination from the NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a TV Movie. And on Broadway he conquered a different character, that of Nigerian suitor Joseph Asagai, in “A Raisin in the Sun” once again opposite Denzel Washington. He starred on the CBS series “The District” and recurred on “The Good Fight” as well as voicing the character of Professor Macalester on the animated series “Vixen.” Additional television credits include “Insecure,” “Madam Secretary,” “American Horror Story,” “NCIS: New Orleans” and “NCIS.”
John Harlan Kim
Blaise Powell
John Harlan Kim will next star in a series regular role as ‘Blaise Powell’ on Prime Video’s “Cruel Intentions,” the highly anticipated television adaptation of the 1999 feature cult classic. The series will be released globally on the streaming platform in November 2024. Previously, John appeared as ‘Bobby’ in the hit Apple TV+ series, “The Last Thing He Told Me,” opposite Jennifer Garner and Angourie Rice. Previous television credits include: the Ryan Murphy Fox series “9-1-1,” the CW series, “Nancy Drew,” and the TNT series “The Librarians.” His film credits include: Netflix’s “Purple Hearts” opposite Sofia Carson and the Warner Brothers’ thriller written and directed by John Lee Hancock,“The Little Things,” opposite Denzel Washington, Jared Leto and Rami Malek.
Khobe Clarke
Scott Russell
Khobe Clarke was born and raised in Alberta, Canada. His childhood was filled with incredible outdoor experiences, including a motorcycle trip across Mongolia, and a trek to the base camp of Mt. Everest. But despite his love for climbing the world’s tallest mountains and exploring the Canadian wilderness, acting was his true passion, and the only thing he wanted to do.
After graduating high school he picked up and moved to Vancouver, BC to pursue a career in film and television. Things started to move quickly for Khobe. Within 2 short years, after signing with his Vancouver agent, he landed a number of great roles. Most notably a major recurring guest star role on Netflix’s popular series Firefly Lane (S2), a lead role in a 4-part movie event series V.C. Andrews Cutler Series for Lifetime, and also recurred on the Emmy-Nominated Showtime series Yellowjackets. Khobe is so excited to be part of the Cruel Intentions cast, and can’t wait to see what type of adventure this brings.
Sara Goodman
She was born 1973, in Toronto, Canada. She’s known for her work in I Know What You Did Last Summer, Gossip Girl (2007), Preacher, Outsiders, The Detail, Rake.
Phoebe Fisher
Phoebe Fisher is known for Cruel Intentions (2024), Assassination Nation (2018) and I Know What You Did Last Summer (2021).
Credits
Produced by
Sony Pictures Television, Amazon MGM Studios, and Original Film
Co-Showrunners, Writers, Executive Producers
Sara Goodman and Phoebe Fisher
Executive Producers
Neal H. Moritz
Pavun Shetty
Roger Kumble
Producers
Bruce Mellon
Andrea Iervolino
Monika Bacardi
Cast
Caroline Merteuil played by Sarah Catherine Hook (First Kill; The White Lotus S3)
Lucien Belmont played by Zac Burgess (Boy Swallows Universe; Totally Completely Fine)
Annie Grover played by Savannah Lee Smith (Gossip Girl)
Cece Carroway played by Sara Silva (American Horror Stories)
Blaise Powell played by John Harlan Kim (The Last Thing He Told Me; 9-1-1)
Scott Russell played by Khobe Clarke (Firefly Lane; Yellowjackets)
Professor Hank Chadwick played by Sean Patrick Thomas (Till)
Beatrice Worth played by Brooke Lena Johnson (You)
Interview with Dennis Haysbert, John C. McGinley, Ser’darius Blain, Holland Roden, Noemi Gonzalez, Erin Cahill, Lindy Booth, Rachelle Lefevre and Osric Chau of “Holidazed” on Hallmark+ by Suzanne 10/18/24
These were three very fun interviews in the Hallmark+ junket. I was especially happy to speak with Dennis Haysbert (“24“), Holland Roden (“Teen Wolf“), Lindy Booth (“The Librarians”) and Osric Chau (“Supernatural“) because I already knew them and admired their work. I hope you enjoy our videos, and the show is worth watching if you love family, holiday or Hallmark movies and shows. This is Hallmark’s first holiday or Christmas TV series.
Dennis Haysbert, John C. McGinley and Ser’darius Blain
Brief description: New Episodes Thursdays. The series follows six families, all living on the same cul-de-sac, as they gather for the holidays when emotions are amplified and relationships tested. But in the end, all come together in heartwarming and funny celebrations that showcase what we do have in common: LOVE in all its different forms.
HOLIDAY REVELATIONS, FAMILY CONNECTIONS AND A BEVY OF STARS SHINE IN THE SERIES PREMIERE EPISODE OF HALLMARK MEDIA’S FIRST-EVER HOLIDAY SERIES HOLIDAZED PREMIERING NOVEMBER 14 ON HALLMARK+STUDIO CITY, CA – November 4, 2024 – Love, family and holiday surprises take center stage as introductions are made and secrets are unveiled in The Beginning, the first episode of Holidazed, a new Hallmark+ original limited series, premiering Thursday, November 14 (12 a.m. ET/PT) on Hallmark+. Loretta Devine (Grey’s Anatomy), Dennis Haysbert (24), Ser’Darius Blain (Jumanji), Virginia Madsen (Sideways), John C. McGinley (Scrubs), Holland Roden (Teen Wolf), Lucille Soong (Grandma Lin), Osric Chau (Supernatural), Noemi Gonzalez (East Los High), Lindy Booth (The Librarians), Rachelle Lefevre (Twilight), Ian Harding (Pretty Little Liars) and Erin Cahill (Power Rangers Time Force) star. In The Beginning, as the holiday season begins, families around The Oaks cul-de-sac embark on their yearly traditions, hoping to create the perfect celebration filled with joy and connection. However, as the families gather, unexpected confrontations and secrets arise, leading to a whirlwind of laughter, tears and heartfelt moments. Amid the chaos, each family must navigate their unique dynamics, discovering that while the holidays may not unfold as planned, the true spirit of the season lies in love, connection and the joy of being together.
As the series kicks off, viewers will be introduced to a vibrant cast of characters:
Linda Johnson (Devine): Robert’s ex-wife, determined to embrace her independence and live her best life.
Robert Johnson (Haysbert): A retired attorney adjusting to life after divorce, slowly rediscovering the vibrant man he used to be.
Evan (Blain): Handsome and fit, Linda’s boyfriend, who exudes the exuberance of youth and is eager to embrace new experiences.
Connie Manetti-Hanahan (Madsen): The glamorous matriarch of the Manetti-Hanahan family, fiercely devoted to her loved ones.
Chuck Manetti-Hanahan (McGinley): Connie’s husband, a former marine with a tough exterior but a soft heart.
Katie Manetti-Hanahan (Roden): The youngest daughter of Chuck and Connie, dating Gaby’s brother Kevin, with a complex past of bullying Gaby.
Grandma Lin (Soong): The traditional family matriarch who brings a strong sense of family values.
Ted Lin (Chau): A focused and driven young man about to graduate with his MBA, navigating the pressures of family expectations.
Gaby Camarena (Gonzalez): A polished aspiring chef who confronts her past when she discovers her brother is dating her high school nemesis.
Lucy Woods (Booth): A dedicated single mom who runs a health-focused bakery and seeks balance in her life.
Sylvie Woods (Lefevre): Lucy’s adventurous sister, who brings a vibrant energy and spontaneity to the family dynamic.
Josh Hill (Harding): An accomplished architect re-evaluating what home means to him during the holiday season.
Nora Jacobs (Cahill): The local sheriff and widow, who juggles her responsibilities while seeking connection and love.
Holidazed is from Unity Pictures and Little Engine Productions. Executive producers are Ron French, Claudia Grazioso, Gina Matthews and Grant Scharbo. Ilene Rosenzweig is co-executive producer, Ben Mallin is co-producer and French is producer. Stacey N. Harding directed from a script by Claudia Grazioso.
Dennis Dexter Haysbert (born June 2, 1954) is an American actor. He is known for his roles as baseball player Pedro Cerrano in the Major League film trilogy, Secret Service agent Tim Collin in the political thriller film Absolute Power, Sergeant Major Jonas Blane on the CBS military action drama series The Unit, God on the Netflix show Lucifer, and President David Palmer on the first five seasons of 24. He has also appeared in the films Love Field, Navy SEALS, Heat, Waiting to Exhale, and Far from Heaven, as well as the science fiction series Incorporated.
John Christopher McGinley (born August 3, 1959) is an American actor. His best known roles include Perry Cox in Scrubs, Bob Slydell in Office Space, Captain Hendrix in The Rock, Sergeant Red O’Neill in Oliver Stone‘s Platoon, Marv in Stone’s Wall Street, FBI agent Ben Harp in Point Break, and the serial killer Edgler Foreman Vess in the TV miniseries of Intensity, based on the novel by Dean Koontz.
Ser’Darius William Blain (born March 10, 1987) is a Haitian-American actor. He is best known for his role as Anthony “Fridge” Johnson in the Jumanji film series, appearing in the sequel entries Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji: The Next Level. Blain is also recognized for his portrayal of Galvin Burdette in the first season of The CW series Charmed.
Noemi Artemisa Gonzalez (born July 3, 1988) is an American actress. She portrayed Soli Gomez in the Hulu series East Los High and portrayed the character of Mia Rosales on CBS Daytime soap opera The Young and the Restless from 2018 to 2019.
Interview with Isaiah Mustafa and Ben Watkins of “Cross” on Prime by Suzanne 10/29/24
I enjoyed speaking with one of the main actors, and the showrunner, of this great new series. I’ve spoken with the main star, Aldis Hodge, years ago (when he was in “Leverage”). Sadly, I did not get that chance this time.
Hodges stars as Alex Cross, the forensic psychiatrist and detective featured in James Patterson novels (and some movies). Aldis was one of my first one-on-one interviews, so it was memorable. He’s always very nice. I also spoke with him in 2011 and 2012.
Mustafa and Wakins, whom I interviewed recently, also were a joy to speak with. Mustafa is a former football player but has become quite a good actor. He plays John Sampson, Mustafa’s close friend and fellow detective. Ben Watkins created, wrote and executive produced the show. He’s worked on some of my favorites, including “Hand of God” and “Burn Notice”.
These are audio-only, even though I did speak with them on video. I didn’t realize that they were only going to send me the audio until yesterday (that was my mistake for not making sure). Oops!
You should definitely check out this series’ first season, which drops Nov. 14 and has already been renewed for season 2. It is a thrilling drama that everyone should enjoy. It also stars Ryan Eggold (“New Amsterdam”), Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill.
Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.
Credits
Produced by
Amazon MGM Studios, Paramount Television Studios, Skydance Television
Created by
Ben Watkins
Directed by
Ben Watkins
Executive Produced by
Ben Watkins
Sam Ernst
Jim Dunn
Craig Siebels
James Patterson
Bill Robinson
Patrick Santa
David Ellison
Dana Goldberg
Matt Thunell
Cast
Aldis Hodge
Isaiah Mustafa
Juanita Jennings
Alona Tal
Samantha Walkes
Caleb Elijah
Melody Hurd
Jennifer Wigmore
Eloise Mumford
Ryan Eggold
Ben Watkins was born on March 19, 1971 in San Francisco, California, USA. He is a producer and writer, known for Cross (2024), Burn Notice (2007) and Quest to Ref (2002). He has been married to Kandi Ali since June 1992. They have four children.
Interview with Molly Kunz of “The Irrational” on NBC by Suzanne 10/24/24
I really enjoyed speaking with Molly! I love her show, so it was very nice to speak with her about it, and about her character. Don’t miss the next episode, which airs Nov. 12!
The Irrational
Season 2 Premiering October 8 on NBC (10-11p.m. ET/PT)
“The Irrational” follows world-renowned professor of behavioral science Alec Mercer (Jesse L. Martin) as he lends his unique expertise to high-stakes cases and mysteries. His insight and unconventional approach to understanding human behavior lead him to work alongside varying clients ranging from the FBI to everyday people caught in perplexing situations desperate for answers. With the help of his trusted team and social-science experiments, Alec solves crimes and uncovers the truth to answer intriguing, and irrational, questions.
The cast also includes Maahra Hill, Travina Springer, Molly Kunz and Arash DeMaxi.
Arika Lisanne Mittman, Mark Goffman, Sam Baum, David Frankel and Robert Wolfe executive produce.
The show is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group.
Next Episode: “Anatomy of a Fall” Simon’s mother asks Alec to help stop a suicide contagion when a third student death strikes the campus; Alec asks Marisa to help when he thinks there might be more to the case; Phoebe struggles with her next career move.
Molly Kunz
Phoebe, “The Irrational”
Molly Kunz stars as Phoebe in the NBC drama “The Irrational.”
Kunz recurred on “Colony,” “Finding Carter” and Hulu’s original series “Battleground,” created by J.D. Walsh. She also co-starred in the Lifetime movie “The Marsh Sisters at Christmas.”
On the film side, Kunz will co-star in the thriller “Wild Eyed and Wicked” and was previously in “The Wolf and the Lion,” based on the French film “Mia and The White Lion.” Kunz also had a supporting role in Steve McQueen’s feature “Widows,” opposite Colin Farrell, as well as a role in the indie “The Wise Kids.”
Kunz is originally from Madison, Wisc., and began her career in regional theater. Productions include “The Nerd” (Memorial Theatre Company), “The Sound of Music” (Music Theater of Madison), “Carousel” (Madison Repertory Theater), “The Boxcar Children” (CTM Family Theater Company), “The Secret Garden” (University of Wisconsin Theater), “Annie” (Stagestruck Productions), “Tom Sawyer” (Madison Creative Arts Program), “Alice in Wonderland” (Shorewood Drama), “The Nutcracker Ballet” (Madison Ballet), and “Sleeping Beauty Ballet” (Performing Arts for Children).
Interview with Sarah Drew, star of “Mistletoe Murders” on Hallmark+ by Suzanne 10/18/24
It was a lot of fun to speak with Sarah about her new mystery series! We had a nice chat about the new show. Check it out. It premieres Thursday, 10/31/24 on Hallmark+ .
Stars: Sarah Drew, Peter Mooney, Sierra Marilyn Riley
Mistletoe Murders follows Emily Lane (Drew), the outwardly friendly, and optimistic shop owner of a charming year-round Christmas-themed store, Under the Mistletoe. However, her inner voice reveals a sardonic sense of humor, cunning intellect, and keen eye for details most people would miss…because Emily has a big secret. Residing in the quaint tourist town of Fletcher’s Grove, Emily finds herself compelled to investigate not-so-quaint local murders. And when Emily begins her personal investigations, Detective Sam Wilner (Mooney), a smart local cop – with a crush on Emily that is not completely unrequited – begins to wonder if there’s more to Emily than meets the eye.
Executive Producer/Showrunner Ken Cuperus (Carter), Executive Producers Michelle Melanson (The Next Step), Jocelyn Hamilton (Burden of Truth), Drew and Co-Executive Producer Grant Harvey (The Way Home) and producer Robbie David (Dark Matter).
The series comes from Lionsgate Canada and Headspinner Productions.
Mistletoe Murders is adapted from the Audible Original series Mistletoe Murders starring Cobie Smulders, Raymond Ablack and a full ensemble cast. Two seasons are currently available and season 3 will premiere on November 7, only from Audible.
Mistletoe Murders Season 1
With time running out to prove her friend’s innocence, Emily puts her own secret past on the line to find the real tree farm killer, raising suspicion from Detective Sam Wilner.
Sarah Drew
Multi-hyphenate actor, producer, writer, and director, Sarah Drew is best known for playing ‘Dr. April Kepner’ for nine seasons on the hit ABC series “Grey’s Anatomy” and Hannah Rogers in Warner Bros’ “Everwood”.
Her recent TV credits include Freeform’s hit series “Cruel Summer” which was the recipient of the Hollywood Critics Association Award for Best Cable Drama Series, and the critically acclaimed Apple TV+ series “Amber Brown,” written, directed and produced by Bonnie Hunt. Sarah released four films in 2023, producing and starring in Lifetime’s “The Girl Who Caught a Killer”, Sony Affirm’s “Birthright Outlaw”, and starring in Hallmark’s “Guiding Emily”. “A Cowboy Christmas Romance” marks Sarah’s second feature film that she’s written and executive produced for Lifetime, in 2022, Sarah produced and starred in her writing debut “Reindeer Games Homecoming” as part of Lifetime’s holiday slate. Sarah made her directorial debut in “Grey’s Anatomy: B-Team the Webisodes” which was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Awards for an Outstanding Short Form Comedy or Drama Series.
She recently directed a radio play for LA Theater Works called “Fever Syndrome” which is set to be released later this year. In film, some notable projects include her debut in Columbia Picture’s “Radio” alongside Ed Harris and Cuba Gooding Jr., as well as the lead in the hit Sony comedy “Moms’ Night Out” alongside Patricia Heaton and Sean Astin. In 2022, she received a Canadian Screen Award Nomination for her lead role in Lifetime’s “Stolen By Their Father”. She began producing with Provident Films’ “Indivisible,” in which she starred alongside Tia Mowry.
Sarah got her start in the arts at a young age before booking the lead role of the critically acclaimed production of Romeo and Juliet at McCarter Theatre Center, an award-winning regional theater, in her fourth year of university. The opportunity catapulted her career, opening doors thanks to rave reviews by critics. She went on to make her Broadway debut in Vincent and Brixton, a classic play based on Vincent van Gogh, at the Lincoln Center Theater, then London’s West End, before moving to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television and film. When she’s not working, Sarah spends time giving back to her community, donating to charities close to her heart such as Door of Hope in Pasadena and Lwala Community Alliance, an organization dedicated to improving health care in Africa.
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mob boss sends Ted to an old friend. 
Film credits include “A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood,” “Galaxy Quest,” “A.I. Artificial Intelligence” and “Contagion.” He has also enjoyed success as a writer/director with two short films – “The Bike” and “Issues” – the latter of which premiered at the Toronto Film Festival.
feature “Hopes & Dreams of Gazza Snell,” for which he won the Oscar equivalent for Outstanding Feature Film Debut.
Patrick Sabongui stars as CIA agent Jacob Hassani on the NBC drama “The Hunting Party.”
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Nikohl Boosheri is a Canadian actress based in Los Angeles. She made her film debut in 2011 with the Sundance Film Festival Audience Award Winner, “Circumstance.” Her acclaimed performance in the film won Best Performance at three other Film Festivals: LA Outfest, International Rome Film Festival, and the Noor Film Festival.
Roya Mahboob is Afghanistan’s first female tech CEO and entrepreneur, making a significant impact beyond the business world. She leverages her tech success to foster education and empowerment for Afghan women and girls and champions their rights. Mahboob founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF) to improve Afghan women’s technological and financial literacy. She is also the co-founder of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team and supports their endeavors while promoting robotics education through the Inoura platform. Additionally, she started a robotics company and is launching her educational project called Roby Robot, which is set to hit the market on July 25. She is also launching Zalla, an online platform to elevate the voices of Afghan women and journalists.
Elaha Mahboob is a tech entrepreneur, social impact advocate, and Forbes 30 Under 30 Finalist in Social Entrepreneurship. She co-founded the Digital Citizen Fund (DCF), an organization dedicated to advancing opportunities for Afghan women and children through technology education, digital literacy, and entrepreneurship training. Among DCF’s innovative programs was the creation of the Afghan Girls Robotics Team, whose remarkable journey is the subject of the feature film Rule Breakers. Through its IT centers across Afghanistan, DCF has equipped thousands of women with essential skills in technology and entrepreneurship, building pathways to economic independence.
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SELINA RINGEL, Mags (Lead Actress, Writer, Producer): A dynamic Mexican-American filmmaker, has carved a niche in the independent film scene with her compelling narratives and unique voice. An award-winning writer, producer, and actress, her recent project, “You, Me & Her,” has won 15 awards, including Best Picture at the Mexican-American Film & Television Awards, and boasts a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes. Selina’s groundbreaking film “Single Mother by Choice” captured her real-time pregnancy journey during COVID-19 and premiered on HBO Max. She is also known for her engaging comedy special on Amazon Prime, “2 Moms 1 Mic,” and her internationally recognized film “The Best People,” distributed domestically by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Selina’s work continues to resonate globally, pushing boundaries and sparking conversation.
RITESH RAJAN, Ash (Lead Actor): A graduate of NYU Tisch, you can see Ritesh’s work as the lead in Sujata Day’s new film “Definition Please” produced by Mindy Kaling & Ava DuVernay, as Farran in the Emmy award-winning hit “Russian Doll” and as the voice of Ken in “Barbie: Dream House Adventures”: and more all on Netflix. Other credits include recurring on Shonda Rimes “Station 19,” Disney’s “The Jungle Book, FreeForm’s “Stitchers,” “NCIS LA,” “Star Wars,” “Rebels,” “Beavis & Butthead” and the Hulu original, “Dollface.”
PRESS BREAKS:
Tuesdays on NBC (8:30 -9p.m. ET/PT); Season Premiere: Nov 19
Lacretta stars as Donna “Gurgs” Gurganous on the NBC comedy “Night Court.”
developing emerging African artists.
enjoy this chat!
Bailey Chase 
Jesse Hutch
Angeles at the Second City, the Groundlings, ACME Comedy Theatre and I.O. West.
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About MGM+
Alexander Ludwig
Jessica Frances Dukes
Aaron Tveit
Todd Komarnicki
ABOUT THE SERIES
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Starring Aldis Hodge, Cross is a crime thriller series that follows ALEX CROSS, a decorated D.C. homicide detective and forensic psychologist who faces a sadistic serial killer leaving a string of bodies strewn around the city. As Alex and his partner, John Sampson (Isaiah Mustafa), track this killer, a mysterious threat from Cross’ past appears, aiming to destroy what he’s done to keep his grieving family, career, and life together. Ryan Eggold, Alona Tal, and Johnny Ray Gill also star; Ben Watkins serves as showrunner.
The Irrational
Premieres: Thursday, October 31 on Hallmark+