I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE MARCH 2016
MONTHLY
Gay l e K i r sch en bau m
talks "L ook at Us N ow , M ot h er !"
An Act or 's Jour ney Chat wit h Julie Kendall "Bay w at ch " Fi l m ed i n S.Fl or i d a
Film Review: "Hello, My Name is Dor is" M i ch ael M oor e d eci d es "W h er e t o I n v ad e N ex t "
"Sh ad ow gl ad e"
Dir ect or Br et t Rat ner speaks in Sout h Flor ida Fi l m Fest i v al s! www.independent st reakmagazine.com
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
L- Dub Film Fest ival March 18 - 20 The L-Dub Film Festival not only shows films, but also has workshops, parties and more at the Stonzek Theatre at the Lake Worth Playhouse (713 Lake Ave., Lake Worth, FL) from March 18 to 20. The guest of honor is Israel 1 Horovitz, acclaimed author of
M ar ch 2016
Congrat s more than 70 plays, as well as being a producer, screenwriter, to theater and film director, and Christ ian founder and inspiration for numerous acting companies and Ochoa theaters around the globe. He will speak with guests. This South There will be free workshops to Florida actor filmmakers and participants is set to be a throughout the festival. This year, series regular they raise the bar with some in the AMC exciting new presenters. drama pilot An awards ceremony and wrap party will be held Sunday, March "The Death of 20. Jury awards will be given for Eva Sofia Best Feature, Best Documentary, Valdez" from Best Short, Best Music Video, Best writer Charise Student Film, Best Foreign Film and Castro Smith others. Location to be announced. and In addition, audience choice awards will be given for Best Feature, Best producers Documentary, Best Short, Best Music Michele Fazekas and Tara Butters. He will play Video and Best Student Film. www.l akewort hpl ayhouse.org/ LDUBFF.ht ml .kk
Nicolas Valdez, Eva Sofia's son.
This sexy revenge drama has a supernatural twist. It is coined as "Macbeth with a Cuban twist". The pilot centers on Eva Sofia, who has a rags to riches story, but her ambition could destroy her family, and betrayal, and other issues from the past, could come back to threaten everything. Photo courtesy of ABC/Kramer Management
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Another unique aspect is the fact that they had the help of real police consultation thanks to executive producer Anthony Galizia Sr. of Area 14. The project is also executive produced by Salvatore Verini of Jericho Pictures and Mitchell Dean of Vision Trip Media. The project has already received some great reviews for their trailer from Tommy Lightfoot Garrett over at Highlight Hollywood, two-time Emmy Award winning director Carlos Sande, and the interest of the well known world-wide distributor
Maverick Entertainment Group. Imagine a police drama. Now, imagine the police officers, who are partners, also happen to be a vampire and a werewolf... and you have "Shadowglade." This unique show, which was made in Central Florida, taps into films like "Twillight" and shows like "True Blood" and combines them into a popular police show to come out with something completely different. These quirky characters who get on each other's nerves solve crimes and just happen to be supernatural.
The cast of the project, which was showcased at the Ft. Lauderdale Intl. Film Festival in 2015, includes Salvatore Verini, Danny Klapadoras,Val Simpson, Michael Kantor, Daniel Wachs, Al Burrows, Nick Dombrowsky, Anthony N. Galizia Sr., Robert Cooney, Max Ortiz Jr., Bill Crow, Dave Chernin and Jonathan Schelmety. For more inf ormat ion,visit t heir IMDB or Facebook page.
2
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
SEESO All t he com edy you ca n wa t ch
24/ 7 Congrat s, Amy Schul t z f or winning Best Act ress At t he Miami Int l . Fil m Fest , hel d March 4-13, Amy Schul t z (a f riend of I.S.) won best act ress f or "Fade In, Fade Out ," a f il m direct ed by Marvin Aguado f or Cinema Sl am. For information on this festival, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com 3
Onl y $ 3.99 I nfo.: www.seeso.com
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
FILM REVIEW: "Hel l o, My Name is Doris" By Rachel Gal vin Sally Field shines in "Hello, My Name is Doris" as a quirky older woman who falls for a younger, much younger, co-worker, John, played by Max Greenfield. Doris is stuck in a rut. Living in her now late mother's hoarded home and working day in and day out doing data entry in a dead end job has seemed comfortable. But when John steps into her world, life is never the same. With a unique sense of style, this sprightly elder puts a spring in her step every day as she pines over her dreamboat, fantasizing about making their friendship something more substantial. In the meantime, she prompts her best friend's (Tyne Daly) granddaughter (Isabella Acres) to give her some dating advice and enter the world of social media. Unfortunately, Facebook proves to be a double edged sword. As Doris discovers more of John's preferences, she tries to adopt them into her life and build a connection between them. But will she go too far? This film is both funny and at times heartbreaking. It has a perfect character arc for Doris and has a bittersweet but uplifting quality. It may make you laugh and cry but you are sure to leave with a sly smile after watching. Cat ch t he f il m at Cinema Paradiso in Ft . Lauderdal e on March 18. For more inf ormat ion, visit www.f l if f .com.
4
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Let t er f rom t he Publ isher It's a time of renewal and Spring Cleaning. What do you need to get rid of in your life to move to the next step? Are there people in your life holding you back? Are you dealing with people who are not working with you, have betrayed you or not kept their end of the bargain? Now is the time to reassess those relationships and have those tough conversations. Don't hold on for dear life to situations that are not working. Move on and have faith other people will come along. That goes for business dealings and also personal relationships. Hey, I.S. readers, I am currently seeking writers and advertisers. If you are interested, email me at ravenprods@yahoo.com
--Rachel Gal vin Any times mentioned in the magazine are Eastern Standard Time (EST) unless noted otherwise. The publisher does not necessarily endorse any advertisements in the mag.
5
St ay i n -t h e-k n o w : - www.independent st reakmagazine.com
Want t o advert ise? Get an ad as l ow as $25! Cont act us at ravenprods@yahoo.com
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
"I Bef or e Thee" pr emier s On Feb. 18, Aaron M. Abelto premiered his film "I Before Thee" at the Regal Cinema at Sawgrass Mills Mall in Sunrise, FL bringing out large crowds. The film stars Abelto , as well as Massiel Checo, Randell J. Jackman, Brandi Patterson, Kristi Huetter. Reana Ramlogan, Soriba Benjamin Spencer and Jamil Malik. Find t he f il m on Facebook or visit
www.abl e2f il mproduct ions.com.
6
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Hollywood Film Fest Did you go to the 1st annual Hollywood Film Fest? Located in Hollywood, FL, this event ran Feb. 10 through 14. Founded by Minh Collins, CEO and Head of Production at OIC Productions, Inc., this festival included film screenings, seminars and parties. See the next page for a list of winners. Here are a few photos shared by filmmaker Michael Chasin, whose film "Greater Goode" won Best Drama Short. He also served as a presenter. For more information, visit www.hollywoodfloridafilmfestival.com.
7
2016 HOLLYWOOD FLORIDA FILM FESTIVAL WINNERS
SQUAD
KEITH DAVID ? SECRETS OF THE
3. BEST DRAMA IN A SHORT FILM ? GREATER GOODE
3. BEST UP AND COMING YOUNG ACTOR ? DOGAN IZCI ? SIVAS
4. ACCOLADE AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN FILM MAKING ? SHOE
4. BEST DIRECTOR IN A FEATURE FILM ? DMITRIY MESKHIEV ?
STUDENT FILM CATEGORY
5. BEST DIRECTOR OF A SHORT FILM THE EVE ? LUCA MACHNICH
5. BEST FEATURE FILM ? BATTALION
1. BEST DIRECTOR IN A STUDENT FILM BEN MANLEY ? MOST WELCOME 2. BEST STUDENT FILM ? THE RUNNER 3. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST STUDENT FILM ? THE RUNNER WEBISODE CATEGORY 1. BEST ORIGINAL WEB SERIES ? THE VAGINA DIARIES
6. BEST SHORT FILM ? RED FLAG 7. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST SHORT FILM ? RED FLAG DOCUMENTARY CATEGORY 1. MOST IMPACTED TOPIC IN A DOCUMENTARY ? TRAL BY FIRE
2. BEST WEB SERIES ? FAUX SHOW
2. BEST DIRECTOR OF A DOCUMENTARY ? CHARLES MATTOCKS ? TRIAL
3. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST WEB SERIES ? FAUX SHOW
3. BEST DOCUMENTARY ? ROAD TO HOPE
TV PILOT CATEGORY
4. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST DOCUMENTARY ? ROAD TO HOPE
1. BEST ORIGNAL TV PILOT ? 25 & COUNTING 2. BEST TV PILOT ? LIFE ON MARS 3. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST TV PILOT ? LIFE ON MARS
6. GRAND JURY AWARD FOR BEST FEATURE FILM ? BATTALION HFFF AWARDS 1. BEST SOUTH FLORIDA FILM ? Best festival film with local cast & crew from local S. Florida and/ or filmed in S. Florida -- THE SECRETS OF THE MAGIC CITY 2. JOSEPH YOUNG FESTIVAL SPIRIT AWARD ? A film that best captures the spirit of the Hollywood Florida Film Festival ? DELRAY, MAGIC CITY, BATT ALION
--BREEZES: THE STORY OF MARION MANLEY --DOM LENOIR --BY FIRE
SHORT FILM CATEGORY
FEATURE FILM CATEGORY
1. BEST SCREENPLAY IN A SHORT FILM ? INSTANT ZERO
1. BEST ACTRESS IN A FEATURE FILM ? MARIA ARONOVA ? BATTALION
2. BEST ORIGINAL SHORT FILM ? PPH
2. BEST ACTOR IN A FEATURE FILM ?
8
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
2nd A nnual Wi de Screen f i l m & M usi c V i deo Fest M arch 24-27 The event kicks off on Thursday, March 24 at the Open Stage Club (2325 Galiano St, Coral Gables, FL 33134) with a screening of "Love & Hostages." On Friday, join the Party Bus from Kitchen 305 (16701 Collins Ave, Sunny Isles Beach, FL 33160) to an undisclosed location. On Saturday, sit and watch movies day and night long at the Aventura Mall's AMC Aventura 24 Theater (19501 Biscayne Blvd # 3001, Aventura, FL 33180). Don't forget the awards show on Sunday. www.widescreenfest.com.
Upcoming Dat es: --Friday March 18, 8 p.m. - LAKE PARK --Thursday March 24, 7:30 p.m. - BOCA
The Jove Comedy Experience "South Florida's Premiere Improv and Sketch Comedy Troupe" 9
About The Jove brings its unique brand of improvised, sketch and musical comedy all throughout South Florida. High energy, theatrical and a ton of laughs. Come support them as they expand to our new venues.
Locat ions of upcoming shows: The New Kel sey Theat er 720 Park Ave., Lake Park, FL 561-771-1641 Tickets: $18/ Adv FAU Theat re Lab Florida Atlantic University Parliament Hall, Boca Campus 777 Glades Rd., Boca Raton, FL 561-297-4784 TheatreLab@fau.edu Ticket s: $15/ Adv
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Cel ebrit y Sight ings Hollywood Director Brett Ratner is known for directing movies like "Rush Hour", "Red Dragon", "Tower Heist" and "Hercules", among so many others; but also he has produced countless projects, including the Oscar award-winning "Revenant." This powerhouse just came from LA back to his home state of Florida to give a talk on March 3 for the Jewish Federation of Palm Beach County at the Kravis Center in West Palm Beach. Using humor and humility, Ratner entertained the crowd. He also donated to the federation. Besides talking to the guests who had gathered there, he also relished in the idea of spending time with his "favorite cousin" Gregory Ratner, who provided these photos. Ratner, besides working with his cousin's Rat Pac Entertainment, has his own online social media magazine, Palm Beach Live (http:/ / PalmBeachLiveMagazine.com), and is often seen doing photography locally .
10
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Where t o Invade Next Controversial filmmaker Michael Moore's latest installment -- "Where To Invade Next" takes a look at policies followed by other countries that he wished were implemented in the United States. As he travels from country to country, what he unveils is absolutely eye-opening and really makes the audience wonder "why can't we do these programs?" or maybe "perhaps we should move to that country." He examines how Europeans view everything from work and school to taxes and prison reform. The differences between there and America are astonishing. One country emphasizes sex education at a young age and the result is a lower teen pregnancy rate. Another offers workers a chance to go home and have a four-course gourmet meal during their hour or more lunch break (or long vacations) and has very effective and happy workers. Yet another country gives prisoners a bucolic home to live in when they lose their freedom, rather than the caged atmosphere found often in the states and they have a much lower rate of recidivism. From free college to no penalties for drug use, programs that may seem impossible or imprudent to us in America seem to work for these people. How is that possible? Moore employs beautiful cinematography as he documents his travels interviewing people interspersing with clarifying graphics as he discusses these programs and claims them for America. Whether you are a Michael Moore fan or not, this film is worth watching and will definitely make you think. For more inf ormat ion, visit www.wheret oinvadenext .com
11
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
BNFF seek s v ol unteers The Buffalo Niagara Film Festival is now seeking volunteers, interns and festival director's (someone who is self motivated, creative and well-organized) for April 2016 events which take place around the Buffalo / Niagara Falls Area from April 1st through April 17th. Special highlights this year will be a Comic-Con event, Awards Ceremony, Fallen Soldiers Event, many celebrities and high-profilers attending and presenting, and more.
Vol unt eer/ Int ernship Responsibil it ies: Students and volunteers will act as a liaison between the Film Festival, and festival sponsors and organizers. Coordinate and run events with local theaters. Correspond with filmmakers, production companies and media outlets. Shoot, edit, design and produce promotional materials, videos and web content. Assist with the day to day running of the Film Festival.
Fest ival Direct or's Responsibil it ies: To oversee volunteers, interns, give creative input and everyday festival activities, and to help us ensure that the festival is successful and well attended. To assist us and put an interesting and appealing festival program together. This may involve collaborating with a committee or other people connected with the festival. Scouting and recruiting good talent, themes and underlying ideas for the festival. The director needs to be able to bring creative and new ideas to the job. Originality and a go-getters attitude is a must! If you think you got what it takes - call 716-693-0912 or e-mail bcowell@thebnff.com.
Pal m Beach Int ernat ional Fil m Fest ival April 6-14 The Palm Beach International Film Fest has undergone huge changes. They are not only in a new location, now at the Palm Beaches Theatre in Manalapan, but they also have new administration and staff. President and CEO is now Jeff Davis and Executive Vice President is Larry Richman. Voices of Local Film is April 10 at the Palm Beach Theatre. There is also screening of music videos as well as many different genres of films from around the world, VIP parties, seminars, galas and more. 12 For al l t he det ail s, visit www.pbif il mf est .org.
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
Avail abl e on Googl e Pl ay or f or rent : "Hollow Creek" stars a South Florida cast. Co-starring Academy Award-nominee Burt Reynolds ("Boogie Nights," "Deliverance"), "Hollow Creek" is a terrifying, thrilling mystery guaranteed to send shivers down your spine. Trying to find inspiration for his next horror novel, Blake Blackman (Steve Daron, "Shadow Fighter") retreats to a remote cabin in the Appalachian Mountains. He is secretly accompanied by his mistress Angelica Santoro (Guisela Moro, "Seven Deadly Words"), a book illustrator. Upon arrival they hear an amber alert on the radio and first learn about the case of several boys missing in the local area. A twist of fate turns the romantic retreat into an abduction-murder case after Angelica follows a lead to one of the missing boys and mysteriously disappearance. Blake then becomes the No. 1 suspect in her disappearance.
13
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
"BAYWATCH" FI LMED I N SOUTH FLORI DA Recently, Deerfield Beach, FL was transformed into Emerald Bay for the filming of ?Baywatch?, a new movie based on the TV show that was filmed here, as well as in Boca Raton and Hallandale . The film, which is set to be released in 2017, stars Dwayne ?The Rock? Johnson and Zac Efron, among others. I.S. publisher, Rachel Galvin, was on set snapping some pics.
From social media
14
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
M ar ch 2016
An A ctor's Journey Int erview wit h Jul ie Kendal l By Bryan Hayes
Q: Did you f ind act ing, or did act ing f ind you? A: Acting found me. I was a Regional Sales Manager working for a vitamin manufacturer. One of my job responsibilities was to train staff at the stores where we sold our products. I would be very relaxed and comfortable when it was a small group. I would be animated and connected. I?d have a lot of fun, and my personality would shine through; but, when I had to do it front of 20 to 30 people - or even just 10 people, I would stand there and get the most terrible panic attacks and stage fright. My heart would pound [so hard that] I couldn?t hear my voice. Then, I would break out in a cold sweat, and I literally would shake. I would forget my words and lose my train of thought. 15 One of my trainings I did, 12 years ago, I stood there
in front of everyone and had such a panic attack that my hair was pasted to my head. It was from perspiration, because I was so nervous. I was drenched so much it was almost like I jumped into a pool. I got into my car and cried my eyes out. I just screamed out loud to the universe, ?Why is this happening to me? What is wrong with me? This is not congruent with who I am as a person. It is not how I see myself. What can I do? ? I could take a speech class but that sounded so uninteresting to me. ?What else I can do??I thought. Then, I heard this voice that proclaimed, ?Take an acting class.? I was like what the heck? A what? I had never acted a day in my life. It sounded bizarre, but, I thought, "Ok, I will check it out". The next day, I got up and started calling around to different acting schools. I happened to find one that sounded the most interesting that was located in Hollywood, FL and enrolled in my first acting class. After taking the class, all the way home I screamed with such excitement that I had never felt in all my life. That began my journey. I started enrolling in more and more classes and then found myself on camera for the first time. Everyone in the class was picking themselves apart, and I just sat there and smiled, thinking, "I love this." Afterward, I promptly went out and got headshots, submitted them to agents, several accepting me, and I started auditioning. I started acting in student films, infomercials and commercials. At the same time, I kept praying that my company would reduce my territory. I don?t know why.
There was no reason they would, but I kept putting it out to I called the company and gave them my notice. Later, the the universe. CFO called me back and demanded, ?Who is offering you what and what do we need to do to match it?? About a year into it, I get a call from my National Sales manager. She explained, ?We are going to be restructuring ?No.? I interjected. ?I am leaving to pursue my dreams?. territories.? He scoffed. ?Come on, no one does that. No one walks This was the moment I had waited and prayed for, so I was away from $80,000 a year to go pursue their dreams.? really excited. Instead, she informed me, ?We are "Guess what?? I proclaimed. ?You just met your first EXPANDING your territory.? She continued. ?You will be person.? covering the southeast and mid-Atlantic as well.? I left, and I never looked back. That was it. That was the Once the shock wore off, I scheduled my first trip into my start. new territory. I met with a representative who I was Q. What compel l ed you t o move? And what compel l ed you working with for the first time. We met at a Whole Foods in t o move t o At l ant a? Baltimore, MD where she remarked, ?I hear that you are an A. I had been thinking of making a transition for quite some actress.? She asked me how I could juggle being an actor time. Florida was just not offering me what I needed. I felt and a Regional Sales Manager then told me a story. ?In like I exhausted everything possible in Florida, but, at the college, one of my majors was drama, and I?ll never forget same time, I was married, so I thought felt stuck in regard to in one of my very first drama classes the teacher for our moving. very first assignment told us to write our own obituaries.? I did spend a brief stint in Louisiana for about a month. I looked at her curiously and said, ?That is a strange That was just a tease. I should have stayed longer, at least exercise.? to really give it a shot. Going there though was really the ?Yes, but it makes you think about what is important to you, doesn?t it?? She responded back quickly. ?What would you write in your obituary?? she asked me. Jul ie as Viol et in "So Dark" It was like a kick in the stomach. I went into my hotel room that night and cried myself to sleep. I got up the next morning and called my now ex-husband and told him, ?We need to talk. I don?t want to be a Regional Sales Manager for the rest of my life. I am fortunate enough to find something that makes me feel so happy and fulfilled. I want to do that. I don?t want to do anything else. I want to act?. We sat down together a couple of months later and reviewed at our finances. ?We are going to have to make some really big adjustments, but if you want to do it, go 16 for it.? he announced.
catalyst that kind of wet my whistle and inspired me. Inside my heart I knew that I needed to bust a move, but I wasn?t able to do that at that moment. My marriage fell apart later (for a number of reasons) and, while this was a disappointment personally, it provided an opening professionally. Atlanta had been on my radar for a very long time. I had an agent there, and she was submitting me for quite a lot of projects, and I was getting requested quite a bit. Louisiana was on my radar. New York was on my radar, and Los Angeles was a consideration, as well. I wasn?t really sure which direction to go. What I did was I quieted my mind and allowed the universe to direct me. Interestingly enough, shortly after my divorce, I got booked in a feature film that was shooting in Florida ("Agoraphobia") with a really cool director that I had worked with before, Lou Simon. My first day of shooting my character was a real angry entitled bitch. I had to do a lot of digging down deep and pulling some stuff up that I had to look at to get into the role. We were in the midst of shooting, and I was doing my preparation. In walks the director and sees me crying. ?Is something wrong? Is everything ok?? she inquired softly. ?I just need to talk.? I sobbed through my tears and confided in her. ?I?m getting a divorce.? Ironically, she replied. ?Oh really? I just got divorced myself.? ?What?? I was shocked. ?You and your husband are divorced?? Calmly she interjected.?Yes, and we should get out of Florida and move to Atlanta. I have a house in Atlanta. We should go there. It is dirt cheap?. I looked at her and smiled. "Ding. Ding. Ding. 17 There?s my answer".
Atlanta, by the way, happens to be a very progressive fast and growing market in the film and television industry. It has proven to be an incredible decision as it is the third largest market in the nation and growing in leaps and bounds. It?s an up and coming professional market. There has been over 27 television shows filmed recently and it is continuing to grow with feature films being shot here left and right. It is on the fast track. I fortunately got in at a great time, and it?s been an incredible time being here. Q. What are some of t he most int erest ing project s you have been a part of ? A. One of my favorite, one of my biggest projects actually, was booking two separate roles on the television show, ?America?s Most Wanted?. The second booking was the most exciting, because I had to completely transform into the character. She was a drug addict, prostitute and skank. She was one of those people that when you saw her you would be like, ?Oh, my God. I need to get away from her.? She was a lesbian, too. What she really did though is allow myself to tap into all of the studying that I had done to prepare me for a role like this. I nailed the crap out of the audition, and, when I went in for the callback, they called me about 20 minutes after saying that I booked it. The girl that played my girlfriend, within 15 minutes of getting on set, we were lovers. We were both so method, and it was so cool, because we both completely immersed ourselves in our characters so much so that it was so difficult for us to say goodbye to each other and call each other by our real names when we finished shooting. It was really challenging. We couldn?t talk to each other for a few weeks because it was almost like we broke up. When we finally did talk, it was so weird hearing ourselves, instead of our characters. That is how special and intense the work was. Maybe a year after, I booked a role on the hit show, ?Under The Dome?, directed by Jack Bender, who also directed
?Lost?. I booked the role of one of the lead?s mothers, and they flew me up to North Carolina to shoot. I saw actors that I had been watching on TV forever that were on there. It was so mind blowing. I even had my own trailer. That was a pretty amazing experience. When I got the call that I was booked, I was in the Galleria Mall in Ft. Lauderdale, and I literally fell over on my knees with excitement. It was the most exciting thing. The adrenalin going through my body was insane. I was crying and laughing at the same time. It was so unbelievable. Fast forward to last year, I auditioned for a Tyler Perry series ("If Loving You is Wrong"), and I had no idea it was a guest star recurring role. The audition was on Wednesday. I was on a blind date the following day, on Thursday. He made a point about not having your phone out, so, out of respect out of him, I put my phone on the ledge. There was also music playing in the restaurant. I kept thinking I was hearing my phone ringing, but it was a Friday night, so I was not expecting anyone to be calling. All night, however, I kept looking at my purse. Finally, after I finished my last bite, I told him I was going to use the restroom. Sitting on the toilet, I look at my phone and there were like six text messages and several missed calls all from my agent. I called her, sitting in the stall, and she answers ardently questioning where I was. ?Where are you? Where are you?? she kept asking. I?ve been on a blind date.? I declared. ?I didn?t?want to be rude, so I put my phone away in my purse.? She scolded me.,?Don?t ever, ever put your phone away. I have been trying to reach you. It?s urgent.? My heart skipped a beat. ?What?s going on?? I inquired. ?You are booked!? she yelled. ?And, not only are you booked, but they are giving you guest star and recurring in
at least three or four episodes.? I started screaming and crying so loud that other women in the bathroom started banging on the stall and asking, ?Are you ok in there?? I was screaming and crying so much that mascara was running down my face. I called my sister and told her the great news before finally walking out and getting back to my poor date that had been waiting all this time. He looked at me and instantly was taken aback. ?Is everything all right?? he asked. It had been at least 15 minutes so I am sure he was wondering what had taken me so long. I was standing there in front of him still crying, and I could hardly breathe. ?I think you should go As Nurse home," he advised, not knowing Jul es in what was going on with me, or why I Tyl er Perry's was crying. "If Loving ?I think I need to go home, too.? It You is was all I could muster in the moment. Wrong" It was an interesting beginning to a great experience. I actually ended up being in six episodes. It was amazing. I had my own waiting room. They sent me flowers. I played the role of Nurse Jules. 18 Since then, it has been an uphill climb. I have
auditioned and nothing has come through. But, I keep responsive. ?Awesome! I have a role that I thought of you auditioning and have gone all over the place to audition. for and want to submit you.? she said. And, she has already got me some phenomenal auditions. I?m so in love with what I do that last week I got onto a bus, a Greyhound bus, because the airfare was $550 round trip I realized that I was being held back. Things happen for to fly to New Orleans. I got on at 11 p.m. and it did not incredibly important reasons. I have learned that the most arrive until 7:55 a.m. Then, I got on the trolley before important thing to do is to trust and understand that every getting on another bus, all in order to get to a live audition. challenge, the bigger it is, the more important the lesson. The It is so rare to get to audition live, since most auditions are greater the challenge the more important it is also to listen, taped, and it?s so much more to go within, and to find out what the powerful to go in live. universe is trying to tell you. The information learned is what you need to "The Awakened" After the audition, I turned put yourself into the right position, place, around and came back that night. mindset, and it is what is directing you in I got in at 2 a.m., again on the a different direction. bus. That?s how dedicated I am, at my age, taking a freaking bus. Q. On your t ombst one, what is one sent ence t hat wil l be writ t en? It?s been quite a journey. I don?t want to make it sound like it?s A. Embrace every moment that you are been a bed of roses, because alive, and don?t think about anything but "Girl s Gone Dead" there?s been depression and this very moment, because you never disappointments. I have to know what is going to happen next. constantly pull so deep to drag myself back on track, because every time I get depressed I start thinking about other things I can do, and I realize that there is nothing else that I want to do. For more inf ormat ion on Jul ie's career, I love acting so much. It is like a drug for me. There is visit t he f ol l owing l inks: nothing that fulfills me as much as being on set, even Act ing reel : ht t ps:/ / yout u.be/ Kv2BSIl hS6E auditioning; there is nothing else like it. It?s like nothing IMDB: ht t p:/ / www.imdb.me/ Jul iekendal l I?ve experienced in my entire life. I can?t seem to get away from it. Twit t er: ht t ps:/ / t wit t er.com/ IAMJul ieKendal l This year has been one of my toughest years so far. It has Facebook: www.f acebook.com/ Jul iekendal l st ar been pretty challenging. I have been ready to throw in the towel, many times, and I just sit and meditate every single day. That keeps me centered. 19 I recently lost one agent but gained a new one. When I called her my new agent, she was so
I NDEPENDENT STREAK M AGAZI NE VOL 3, #3
?Look at Us Now, Mot her? A chat wit h direct or Gayl e Kirschenbaum By Rachel Gal vin Gayle Kirschenbaum didn't think she would ever forgive her mother. After all, her mom repeatedly has told her through the years that she had a big nose and needed a nose job. She berated Gayle for not having a man in her life. It seemed that everything Gayle did was wrong and that she was more of a hassle than a joy when she was a child.
M ar ch 2016
Gayle's feelings did not diminish over time. How could they when she had documented a lot of her mother's actions on film through the years through video diaries, as well as in her written journals. She did not know at the time that she would edit together these videos into a documentary about her relationship with her mother called "Look at Us Now, Mother!" Within this film, she not only has videos about her mother, who now lives in Boca Pointe in Florida, but also interviews with her other family members and friends. In addition, she includes information about her parents' family history and how issues that happened then have changed the way her parents raised her. Her mother truly is a force to be reckoned with, a real pistol. It took 1 to 1 1/ 2 years to edit together 250 hours of video. In the end, she took over the editing from her interns to make sure the final product was less dark and had some humor. "There was no reason to vilify my mother. I would let people see who she is for themselves." This is not her first film. It was inspired by another film she made called "My Nose," which also talked about her mother's feelings about her schnozz, but was more of a comedy. After the film, she said a lot of people came up to her and told her she had a nice nose, etc. But she never believed her mother's words. "I feel fine with how I look. A lot of people are abused and told they are ugly and stupid and they 20 believe it. I never believed it. I feel fine with how I
look. My self-esteem was not affected." But she added that it did leave her unable to trust, which has led to her not having a relationship through the years. "I have a knee-jerk reaction, wondering 'what will they do next?'" She hopes one day she will find a relationship, a "man who is in touch with his sensitive side". She has stopped working on producing TV to just focus on all aspects of this new film. She stopped to talk to I.S. about her production. When asked about what her mother thinks about the film, she said, "She is proud of me, happy with it. She trusts me that I didn't vilify her. I could have released it to the world sight unseen and she would have been fine. Kudos to my mother for being willing to do this, trusting me. " She added, "She is excited. She is a legend in her own time. We were in Washington D.C. last week and women came over and said to her, 'Were you in a movie?' [Someone else asked her for an] autograph. I have created a 'momster'. " Kirschenbaum created "seven healing tools" which she shares during the seminars she gives to people, teaching them how they can transform difficult relationships. She emphasizes that she has no training, but has learned how to deal with challenging relationships firsthand. "I never studied psychology. I have an intuitive knowledge about how people work," she said. "People love learning from people with life experience." "It doesn't matter how successful someone is ... if they haven't let go of their anger, it is affecting them," she said. The next step, she added, is writing a book. "My mission is to help people," she explained, adding that the film has seen success because it is so relatable. "[People] say you have no idea how the movie has 21 changed my life."
People who had not talked to loved ones for years found themselves forgiving them enough to give them a call following watching the film. Some have told her the film is "required viewing for the mental health and wellness field". It also has found a place in the women's empowerment field and among forgiveness coaches. She and her mother now have a wonderful relationship filled with laughter and plenty of traveling together in various places around the world. In addition to exploring the relationship with her mother in this film, she also touches on relationships with her father and her dog. Her canine has also been the subject of a previous film she did called "A Dog's Life: A Dogamentary" talking about human/ canine relationships. Kirchenbaum never went to film school and yet ended up winning an Emmy and her films have been all over the world. Her first film, "Hestia House" on homeless women and children won an award at the Chicago Film Festival. Her second film, which she wrote, produced and directed for PBS, Doumani House won an Emmy Award. Her third documentary earned an Emmy nomination. More recently, Gayle is an Executive Producer for 2010 TLC series "Our Little Life". Kirschenbaum wrote, directed and produced documentaries for several cable network series and wrote/ produced for Court TV, the Food Network, The Rosie O'Donnell Show and America's Most Wanted, among others. She also co-created a pilot for a new series called Judgement Day: Should The Guilty Go Free, which aired on HBO?s American Undercover. In addition, she wrote screenplays and developed dramatic films and other non-fiction television series.
"Look at Us Now, Mot her!" is showing on March 25 at t he f ol l owing Fl orida t heat ers: Regal Cinemas Shadowood 16, Boca Raton Living Room Theaters, Boca Raton Movies of Delray The Last Picture Show, Tamarac It also is showing in New York Cityon April 8: at Village East Cinema and in Los Angelesat the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Santa Monica and at the Laemmle Town Center Five in Encino. In addition, it will be showing at the Roslyn Cinemas (Bow Tie Cinemas) in Roslyn NY and in Long Island on May 6. For more inf ormat ion, visit : ht t p:/ / l ookat usnowmot her.com www.kirschenbaumproduct ions.com. Follow Gayle on Twitter, Facebook or connect on LinkedIn
22