July, 2010

Interview with Actress Ceallach

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- It is with the greatest pleasure to introduce Actress Ceallach from the land down-under,  Australia. Ceallach, we are both of Scots/ Irish decent, so for me this is a personal pleasure. We understand that you have many GREAT talents, none the least of which you are actually a Doctor. Tell us of your early days at the University of Queensland and Griffith University.

C- I loved campus life, not all study I must say…I was performing more in choirs and bands and stage performances when I should have been studying. I have always had an academic side to me, an inquisitive nature if you will. I have 4 honor degrees which I gathered over 8 years full-time and then specialized as a Surgeon. I started my surgical training in Obstetrics & Gynecology and then generalized later and have been until last year working in Neurosurgery assisting with skull base tumor microsurgery. Even now I perform Plastic Surgery assisting Australia’s’ leading Nip/Tuck Surgeon to keep my skills up, but just one operating list a week as my time is being devoted to my passion for film. The time is now coming that I will be soon laying down my scalpel and I feel honored to have been part of Medicine and Surgery as it is the ultimate service of beneficence I believe.

ED- This is an amazing accomplishment. What encouraged you to join the world of Entertainment?

C- I have been in the entertainment industry since I was around 8 years of age. To me performing is the ultimate form of self expression and self actualization. I can’t remember a time when I have not had a play or performance to prepare for. I also am a choreographer in hip-hop and contemporary dance which keeps me reaching for new heights in personal creation .

I have always been involved heavily in dance, music, and theatre and I also enjoy the production side as well. I was fortunate to have a family of performers and “Drama Queens” and was raised by my mother who loved a classic vintage diet of “ Classic Old Hollywood Movies and Stars – Cary Grant, Rock Hudson, Robert Redford, Audrey Hepburn, Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis, Robert Mitchum, Sidney Poitier ,Gregory Peck, Paul Newman. I also like Directors like Orson Welles, Alfred Hitchcock. .As a medium, I enjoy film the most. My secret hideaway and safe haven is a movie cinema. As soon as I enter, just the lighting and atmosphere immediately makes me feel like I am home, and once the lights go out, I am transported into another realm. (more…)

Interview with Steve Doran

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

– The Eerie Digest promotes writing as well as those rising stars in the entertainment field. This said we are proud to introduce someone who has done much to contribute so much to this field, Steve Doran. Steve, Shiloh Productions is an Arizona-based media company that specializes in TV, Radio, and Broadcast commercials. Tell us about the show that you write, and host, with this media company.

SD- Trail Boss was born for two reasons, the first and most important was persons were getting hurt and or putting themselves at risk by watching so called experts on TV do things incorrectly. I wanted to put something together that was technically correct, but that was also entertaining.

Second nothing I do or anyone else does in the outdoors is rocket science. Anyone can learn bush craft, be safe and experience the outdoors at every level.  I have been training military, civilian law enforcement and civilians for years and keep it simple, I want people to learn and enjoy themselves. So I use methods that allow persons to lean quickly and retain the information forever.  Basically I have suffered in the wilderness and weeded through the good and the bad so you do not have to.

ED- Tell us all about The Fast Track Radio Show and its content.

SD- Fast Track was an accident, I have probably appeared on every talk radio show in the country at least once, and have appeared on all of the major networks and national television  programs like the O’ Reilly Factor, Gerardo, CNN, FOX News, NBC, ABC,  and CBS Evening News just to name a few as a guest numerous times. So I was asked to do my own show. I finally agreed.

I basically did an on air variety show and covered everything from current events, to Bigfoot and interviewed celebrities about their television show, new music release or movie role.  I am currently on sabbatical, long story, the station sold several times, the owner died. So we pulled the plug for a while.

However I still guest host other programs and appear as a guest on other programs. I do voice over acting and commercials.  I am even asked to do special additions of Fast Track for radio stations to cover major events. I still am asked to MC and do personal appearances. (more…)

Interview with Beau Nelson

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- There are some great members of the cast for the show ‘The Resolve’ and we are excited to introduce another to our readers. Beau Nelson is one of the cast members for the show and he is quite active in the film industry. Beau, tell us about your earliest experiences in the upcoming show ‘The Adventures of Roman & Jorge’.

BN- This is a fabulous project for TBN where I play a series regular role as Pastor Bobby.  It’s a face-paced and off-beat comedy with an underlying positive message.  The show is scheduled to air this fall

ED- Tell us about the characters that you played in the films, ‘Ogles with Goggles’ and ‘Better The Devil You Know’.

BN-  ‘Better The Devil You Know’ was a really fun project and I played an arrogant bully who never grew up, even after high school.  In ‘Ogles with Goggles’, I played a homosexual man who lusts over other men.

ED- Can you tell us a little about the films?

BN- You bet,‘Better The Devil You Know’ is a comedy about 4 guys who find themselves back in their home town years after leaving.  Unknown to all of them, forces of evil are the root cause for their return.  They must now face their fears in order to go on with their lives.  ‘Ogles with Goggles’ is the story of a drunken one night stand as if told from Dr. Seuss.  I suppose that’s where I got the name, ‘Twink 1’… in reference to ‘Thing 1’. (more…)

Interview with Stephanie Rigizadeh

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest is really excited to interview a close neighbor of mine, young actress Stephanie Rigizadeh. Stephanie, it is really great to interview such a new face in East Coast acting. What influenced you towards this career?

SR- My Mom always says that in the beginning it was her idea; but as I’ve grown older, I’ve realized it’s been really only my idea to pursue a serious film and television career.  My first experience in showbiz was when I was 9 months old.  My mother registered me to participate in a talent show in Baltimore.  I was one of the five finalists in the baby category.  Although I was a preemie when I was born, I was always a happy baby who loved to dance and sing in front of others.

When I was about 4 years old, my parents took me to a restaurant that had been set up with a stage for musicians.  When I saw the stage, I ran up, took the microphone, and started to sing.  I loved the attention I received from people dining there. I knew from an early age, that I love to entertain people. I would sing, dance or act anywhere in order to perform in front of others.

My biggest treat was to watch “Barney and Friends”, and at that tender age, I had memorized all of the songs and dances in their shows.  I think watching the Barney kids gave me the inspiration to be an actor and singer myself.  I know, it sounds weird, but what else can a kid watch on television when they are 4 years old?

I am grateful to have a mother who supports me in every way as I couldn’t live without my passion of acting and singing.  I strive every day to improve my craft because I love to own my performances, but most of all, I love to see my audience totally happy and satisfied. (more…)

Interview with Wolfgang Weber

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest would like to introduce actor Wolfgang Weber to all our readers. Wolfgang, you have been in many TV shows and film productions. What enticed you most about your career in film?

WW- The fact the job never gets old and there’s always a new challenge.  Traveling is definitively a perk in the business, and I’m not opposed that, I love hopping on planes, to head to the next set.

ED- You have been in many productions that our readers surely enjoy. Tell us about the projects ‘H2O’ and ‘The End’ that you worked with.

WW- Oh yes good old H2O.  Upon completing school at A.C.T. Ottawa in Canada, H2O was a four hour mini series that was just starting production.  My coach/teacher at the time Claudia Jurt was also casting for the series.  Since I was very new to the business and straight out of school, I was hired as an extra. But then showing up for my first day, the director Charles Biname was constructing a scene, and needed someone to arrest actor Kenneth Welsh who was portraying the character Randall Spear the villain. Out of about 100 people or so he had picked me, so I then earned a co-star credit, which was unexpected, but very cool for my first day on the job.  The End was a short that I just wrapped on last week.  It was written and directed by Saravut Frank Sopapunta, the short will be hitting the film festival circuit later this year, so be sure to check it out.

ED- You have also been on many well known television shows. Some of them are ‘CSI- Miami’ and ‘Nip Tuck’. How did these strengthen your career and how was your relationship with the rest of those casts?

WW- I lucked out by playing some co-star parts on some pretty major shows, co-star roles are small but its still a tough battle achieve.  Working on CSI Miami and Nip Tuck was a blast, meeting the cast was amazing, I was so use to seeing these stars on screen and it felt kind of weird meeting them.  So I mentally convinced myself that I was one of them, to avoid being star struck and to help blend in.  I felt that its strengthen my career by giving me the confidence, that if I can book roles on shows like these, I can book anywhere.  It was such a great experience, so motivating for being out in Hollywood for such a short time, I felt as if I were covering a lot of ground on my journey. (more…)

Interview with Harriet Law

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- We are happy to present to our readers at The Eerie Digest with the talented British Actress, Harriet Law. Harriet, how different is British acting venues from those in America ?

HL- Thank you so much for having me, it’s a real pleasure. I haven’t had experience in terms of acting in America ….yet! I’m planning a trip this year to get a feel of what’s going on with you guys. I’ve been to New York and Miami a few years back and LOVED the vibe in America . In fact, strangely, New York almost felt like home, as if I belonged there somehow? I can’t wait to go back as an actor and become a part of all the amazing talent as well as be in such a great country. Although, I can say that I’m sure the British venues are much smaller than those in America – but full of the same raw talent and love for the art! 😉

ED- What most interested you into becoming an actress?

HL- I think it was more of a realization for me. Almost a need! I was a bit wild growing up and had my mother up stitches! I matured quite quickly and had a lot going on emotionally that I didn’t know how to deal with, as well as having had certain experiences in life that are hard for a young girl to go through. Like so many people (actors especially) I am highly sensitive and was/am prone to depression. I was almost tipped over the edge when my older brother died unexpectedly in 2004. My world was torn apart and being in and out of hospital at the times when I was taking my GCSE’s was difficult, but somehow, as if guided, I found release in drama (a lesson that I never really took too seriously before or had the confidence to let myself go in.)

Acting for me is about release, a chance to connect, empathize with others and understand more about yourself which means constant development…..best therapy I ever had! 😉 (more…)

Interview with actress/model/comedian Ameona Almund

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest is happy to introduce actress/model/comedian, Ameona Almund to our readers. Ameona, you were  an entrant in a very famous pageant. Tell us about this aspect of your career.

AA- Yes, I was in the 2006 Miss California Pageant. As a model I do runway and print. I view being in the Miss California Pageant as runway. It was a great opportunity and I thoroughly enjoyed representing Beverly Hills, a  prestigious city that is known all around the world.  After the Miss California Pageant I had the opportunity to be in several magazines. Recently I was featured in The Scoop LA.  Some of the other magazines that I have been featured in are Essence Magazine in a Verizon Print Advertisement, The Black Star News Magazine, The Harlem Business News Magazine and on the Cover of Urban Sophisticated Beauty Magazine. I also model for the Sodalicious clothing line, owned by famous soda chef, Tom Fraila, who has been seen on NBC and ABC. I also modeled for celebrity designer, Chochi Fiamengo, accessory fashion show launch at the 2009 Pre American Music Awards celebration party at Falcon in Hollywood.

ED- How did this experience entice you into strengthening your acting commitment?

AA- In the entertainment industry anything that you do goes hand in hand. By modeling it opens doors that helps me land roles in the acting field.  The bigger you are in one field  just makes it even easier to cross over in this entertainment industry. Acting is my first love, but sometimes people only pay attention to my beauty. So, if I have to use my beauty as a way to get to do what I love, I will. (more…)

Interview with Ryan Barton-Grimley

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest is really excited to interview Producer Ryan Barton-Grimley to all our readers. Ryan, tell us your days before coming to the states.

RBG- Actually I’m a writer/director first and a producer third, and mainly out of necessity I might add. Anyway, I was born in Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe, in southern Africa in the mid-seventies. I lived there until the mid-eighties and saw it transform from an apartheid-esque country into a free democratic country. Unfortunately, soon after we left it regressed into a brutally despotic regime run by the dictator Robert Mugabe.

Life there as kid was pretty scary and sad at times. Wars for independence and poverty are never easy or pretty. Segregation and blatant racism were very real and very ugly. But on the flip side, it was also very exciting. I mean we could travel just outside of town and see Lions, Elephants, and Giraffes in their native habitats. The raw spirit of Africa is very real and alive and affects everyone who lives there. There’s nothing like it. Life and death are right there. Civilization is merely millimeters thick. My experiences there were very formative.

ED- How have you adjusted to the life-style here?

RBG- I can honestly say that I didn’t feel comfortable in my skin here until I actually laid down some roots and started my own family. That being said, the United States is incredible and I’m so thankful for the freedoms it affords. You really can do whatever you want here, you just have to work your way through it.  It’s weird, but there’s just so little structure here that you can get lost if you don’t stay focused. There’s so much going on, so much stimuli here, it took me a while to build up my filters so that I could hone in on my voice and process it all. Time would be the answer I guess. (more…)

Interview with Dana Zatkova-Gordon

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest is happy to introduce a new actress originally hailing from Slovakia. Dana Zatkova-Gordon is that new talent and has studied in London to start on her path to stardom.

Dana, tell us about your early years in your Homeland.

DZG- I danced on stage many times, usually to live music and always felt it was a “natural environment” for me, something I still feel today.  The dances were eg.: Polka, Waltz & Cha Cha and added to these were stories from our traditional “Folklore”, so it was very multi-cultural expression.   We went on for many years…..

ED- What made you choose acting for your life-long career?

DZG- I always wanted this!  I love to perform on stage, entertain others and express     myself.  It was natural to migrate from dancing to acting and I also love to sing.

ED- What influenced you the most in your decision?

DZG- The old films which Slovakia used to make (in black & white) and my enjoyment  of dance and music combined on stage and also my love of Shakespeare. (more…)

Interview with Edward Bach – Hard to Be Me Pilot

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Check out the trailer for “Hard to be Me” under the New The Eerie Digest Promo Reels Section

ED- The Eerie Digest is excited to introduce Edward Robert Bach and the new TV Pilot ‘Hard to be Me’ for all our readers. Edward tell us something about yourself and the production company.

(Edward Robert Bach: Series Creator; Producer; role of Kevin Hamilton) I’ve been an actor on the stage since seventh grade; I got into film and TV work in 2006 and really love this story-telling medium. Partly because I’m a bit of a perfectionist and with TV and film you can keep doing it until it’s exactly the way you want it. With stage, if you mess up, or miss your mark, you’re pretty much done for. Although, the theater certainly has it’s charms – the instant gratification, the continuous story (film is always shot out of order), and the audience’s energy and reactions. I live in Northern Virginia, and really have a love for Washington, DC, that’s why I wanted to set Hard to Be Me in DC. We tried to really showcase the softer, non-political side of DC and the people who live here.

The real need for Art in Real Life (The Production Company) came because we wanted Hard to Be Me to be produced, from beginning to end, with the highest possible quality and attention to detail. And we wanted to make sure we had all our creative, technical, and legal “i’s” dotted and “t’s” crossed so that this Pilot could simply be handed to any Network, that wanted to employ us to produce future episodes, and put on the air the next day!! I’m exaggerating a little, but that’s really what we set out to do, and that’s exactly what we’ve done. And the picture and sound quality both stand up next to, and in some cases surpass, what you’d see on regular Prime-time television (thanks largely to Gene Ertel, Director of Photography, and Will Fortune, Sound Designer). Now Virginia Ryker can give you the nuts and bolts of the Production Company.

(Virginia Ryler: Producer, Legal) The mid-Atlantic regionally based production company Art in Real Life, LLC (physically located in Annapolis, MD), is the brainchild of Edward Robert Bach and Virginia Ryker. Established in 2009, initially specifically for the production of Hard To Be Me – TV Pilot/series, the company is considering other projects to develop its portfolio.  Its founding Members, Edward Robert Bach, Robert P. Bach, and Virginia Ryker have been able to tap into talent and resources unparalleled in the region, and intend to continue to do so with the aim of making the MD/DC/VA region the top producer of independent film/video content after LA and NY. While [Edward and I] work on other projects individually, it is [our] collaboration which is Art in Real Life.

(Edward) Plus there’s a good story, and in the end it all comes down to the story. (more…)

Interview with Actor/Producer Suniil Sadarangani

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- The Eerie Digest is really thrilled to introduce actor/ producer Suniil Sadarangani to our readers. Suniil, please tell us about your work in India and the start of your career there in filmmaking.

SS-  I started my career in Filmmaking at MTV India as a production assistant trainee. Thereafter I assisted filmmakers before branching out as an Independent line producer. My landmark project as a line producer was the indie American Sundance hit, September Tapes which was my 1st co-starring role.  It was distributed by First Look Media theatrically and now airs on Showtime Extreme.

ED- Tell us about your work with MTV/ India.

SS- At MTV, India I was a production assistant trainee and worked on several shows with various producers during production and post production. Appeared on a few shows as a performer as well.

ED- Tell us all about the projects that you supervised the visual effect for and the company that you worked for on these.

SS- I worked as an Associate Producer for Binc, VFX based in Thailand and India, out of their Bombay office where I coordinated the visual effects activities for 3 Sc-Fi horror films for Hallmark Television. This was the first time I worked in VFX, so it was an amazing learning experience actually how work flow is coordinated in that world.
(more…)

“Torment” – A Short Story by Guest Author Bryan Cassiday

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

“What is the name of this organization?” asked Boss Frank.

“There is no love here,” the workers answered in unison.

“I thought it was ‘Divide and Conquer,’” Marvin wisecracked sotto voce to Jack.

Jack smirked despite himself.  What a place to work, he thought.  He found himself wondering for the umpteenth time why didn’t he just quit?

The sixtyish Marvin, who had twenty-odd years on Jack, ran his fingers ever so gently through his sparse white hair that was turning yellow.  If Marvin was gentle enough, maybe his tallowy white hair might not fall out, decided Jack.

Jack glanced at Marvin, who rolled his eyes.

Standing in front of them and the other workers, a conveyor belt behind him, Boss Frank blew his nose.  Blood spewed out on his handkerchief.  He balled up the mess.

“With that in mind, let’s kick ass, you bums!” he went on.  “That’s why my father named this organization ‘Smash.’  Because smashing the competition is what we’re all about!”

Nobody cheered.  You could have heard a pin drop, decided Jack.

Most of the workers looked sick.  Others exchanged hostile glances. (more…)

Interview with Author Bryan Cassidy

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

ED- Our magazine, The Eerie Digest, is thrilled to introduce author Bryan Cassiday to our readers. Bryan does a great deal of writing that our readers cherish dearly. Bryan tell us a little about yourself.

BC- Hi.  I’m Bryan Cassiday.  I write thrillers.

ED- We understand that your book, ‘Blood Moon’, captures the tales that our readers thrive on. Please tell us something about it.

BC- My new book “Blood Moon: Thrillers and Tales of Terror” is a collection of thirteen and one of my stories from the dark side; including, thriller, horror, suspense, mystery, and noir tales.  For instance, my story “I Kill for Your Blood” is about a CIA director who is informed that one of his agents is a vampire or thinks he is.  The director dispatches another field operative to find out what is really going on and to clean up the matter.

ED-Who is the publisher, and where can we find the book?

BC- I self-published “Blood Moon” in September 2009.  Since then, CreateSpace has decided to publish “Blood Moon” under their imprint (December 24).  Their imprint is available at https://www.createspace.com/3420977.  My imprint is available at https://www.createspace.com/339113 and at Amazon at http://amzn.com/0615318207. CreateSpace tells me that “Blood Moon” will soon be available at other online bookstores and retail bookstores, as well as at libraries. (more…)

Press Release: “Artists Meet The Industry” Benefiting Hope 4 Children Foundation

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

For Immediate Release Tuesday, July 6, 20105, 2010 A&G Entertainment Productions Presents

Shine On 2! Hollywood: A Music Showcase;

“Artists Meet The Industry” Benefiting Hope 4 Children Foundation

Press Release (PDF) : AGEP & Hope 4 Children – Shine On 2, A Music Showcase Press Release July 6, 2010

Application (Word): MEDIA CREDENTIAL APPLICATION FOR 7-15-2010 Shine On 2 A Music Showcase

Hosted by Gary Spears, former KIIS, KBIG & B-96 FM radios personality

WHAT:       Shine On 2! Hollywood: A Music Showcase; “Artists Meet The Industry”

A&G Entertainment Productions (AGEP) presenting: The ShineOn 2! Showcase, July 15, 2010. This is a unique grassroots music showcase, that is not your typical venue, specifically designed for the unsigned indie artist, band and musician with two stages where the best local unsigned indie artists, will be able to showcase their talents in the: Hip Hop, R&B, Urban, Rock and Dance categories, in front of conference attendees and a panel of music industry experts to gain maximum exposure at a minimal cost. The event will be “Live” e-video streamed across the country, with many music industry executives in the audience, to review the solo and band performances and possibly offer additional career opportunities. All singers have the option to enter the singing contest ‘Bring It On’ Los Angeles this coming September 2010. (more…)

‘The Truth’ – A new movie from RBG Films

Thursday, July 1st, 2010

Press Kit: Click Here (PDF)

Flyer: Click here (PDF)