Joe O'Donnell, Jr.

People go to see motion pictures for different reasons. Some people love the movie trailers that are shown on television or the internet. Others go because they had read the novel, or graphic novel. Still some want to compare the original movie to the remake. I’m going to be talking about both the 1959 and 1999 versions of House on Haunted hill.

In the introduction of the original film, the screen is black, and then you hear moans of man and the rattling of chains; all of a sudden, blood curdling screams from a woman.  A floating head appears on the screen, he introduces himself as Watson Pritchard, the caretaker of the House on Haunted Hill. He tells the audience that the house is haunted because of murders taking place inside the house, including the murder of his brother and sister-in-law. Watson then vanishes. Another floating head of a different man appears. He announces his name as Frederick Loren; he tells the audience that he has rented the house for a haunted theme party for his wife.Frederick has invited five guests to stay at the house for one night and each guest will get $10,000 if they stay the entire time. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is very excited to introduce actor Anthony DeLongis to all of our readers. Anthony, you have been in many popular movies and television shows for quite a few years. Please tell us about your training for this profession and what influenced you the most to take up acting as a career.

AD- I began as an actor performing Shakespeare in the 1970’s at one of the finest repertory companies in the country, the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego. I continue to do theater as my schedule permits because I love the challenge, rewards and instant feedback from the audience that only theater can offer. Performing live theater is a bit like the old Hollywood studio system, the broader your training and the more varied your skills, the more often you’ll work. My favorite role has been playing Iago in Shakespeare’s OTHELLO, a wonderfully complex and layered role.

I love acting and I also love action. My favorite roles are ones where I get to combine both. To me IT’S ALL ACTING, whether I’m telling my character’s story with words or with deeds. Action is a dialogue of movement instead of words and can be subtle as a whisper or as dynamic as a shout. Such opportunities dramatically define character and invigorate the story, providing the actor commands the skills to deliver a safe, exciting, believable performance and the director can bring those images to the screen. Good action articulates character, anything less is just eye candy. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has gained quite an interest in Canadian acting and actors. Most Americans assume that all actors come from the States, but we are finding a great treasure trove of talented actors come from across our northern border. One such actor is Michael A. Miranda, who is a familiar face on the silver screen as well as television. Michael, tell us of your early training and the recognitions you gained at the time.

MAM- My earliest training was in high school back in the 1970’s. My teacher, who I still consider my mentor in many ways, instilled in me a sense of magic that surrounds the theatre and performance; to perform for someone was an honour and a privilege. I went on to train at two universities in Toronto- York and Ryerson. It was at Ryerson that I was bestowed with the Best Actor Award upon graduation

TAEM- Who was your greatest inspiration that led to your decision to pursue acting as a career?

MAM-It may sound cliché, but after watching both Godfather movies, I was fascinated  by watching the likes of Al Pacino, Robert Duvall, Marlon Brando, Robert DeNiro and John Cazale. They seemed to be doing nothing yet their performances to this day stand the test of time. Such powerful performances that were intriguing. I was inspired to try and reach those heights. So there wasn’t a single inspiration, but a collective one. (more…)

TAEM – The Arts and Entertainment Magazine has the pleasure of introducing one of the most versatile producers in the movie industry.  Producer June Daguiso has performed many of the tasks that strengthened his abilities behind the camera, including acting.  He also has arranged many of the top Independent Musical and Film festivals in the U.S. and Canada , and we introduced June to our readership in the article about the Washington , DC WMIFF event in our September 1st issue.  June, tell us about your earliest performance before the camera in “Deadlands:  The Rising”.

JD – I played one of the survivors at a rescue center that is slow to respond to people’s needs for food and security and, eventually, they take matters into their own hands.  The outcome is dismal, as the shelter soon becomes overrun by the walking dead.

TAEM – Please give us some of the details about the movie, and the theme behind it.

JD – “Deadlands: The Rising” (2006)
Budget:  $10,800.00
Writer, Director and Editor:  Gary Ugarek
Producers:  Herb Mollman, Darlene Barbour, Brian Wright, Lisa Brandt, Gary Ugarek and Paul Volpe
Composers:  Brian Wright and Gary Ugarek
(more…)

TAEM- Hollywood is forever changing, both in context of films and additions of new faces to fill the screens. This is a good thing for moviegoers as variety, and changes, are the spice of life. One such new look for Hollywood is actor Michael Santi. Michael, please tell our readers what first interested you in a career in acting, and who was your greatest influence.

MS- Acting was always an “escape” for me. No matter what was going on in my life good or bad, when we went to the movies everything was just perfect. Watching the “Hero” save the “Damsel in distress” was a rush for me even at the ripe young age of 6.  I remember watching Chuck Norris, Al Pacino , and Robert De Niro and I would just be in awe of the presence that they bring to the screen. I was hooked and knew I wanted to be an actor.

TAEM- As we have many Students of the Arts who follow our magazine for tips in their careers what training did you undertake to reach for your dreams?

MS- It’s a lifelong process like staying physically fit; you have to make it a lifestyle not a seasonal thing. You have to always seek knowledge to condition your “acting muscle”.  I was told very early in this business that you have to have unconditional love for it. You have to be willing to do it for free. If you’re that passionate about anything in life and have complete respect for your craft, then you will find a way to become the best you can at it. Acting is a journey of constant self exploration….sometimes you find things that you never knew where inside of you, you just have to be willing to accept what you find.  I studied performing art, and took classes at reputable acting schools all my life. I believe that no matter what school you go to, or what “World Famous Teacher” you have, none of that matters if you don’t have a real passion to reveal the truth on Camera.  Its called being “Private in Public” and no school can teach you to allow yourself to be vulnerable.  To me acting is being able to show complete honesty. My motto is, you can never fool the audience. The second the audience sees an “Actor playing a role in a scene” your dead in the water and you failed to tell your story. You have to learn and be willing to learn, to give yourself unconditionally to the truth in every scene. Then you’re acting! (more…)

TAEM- As a New York City boy, and publisher of The Arts and Entertainment Magazine, I always look forward to the many talent people that hail from The Big Apple, as it is known. One of my latest discoveries is the very talented actress and author, Laurie Graff. Laurie, tell us about your early days of performing on New York stages, and some of the plays that you were in.

LG- Straight out of college (Binghamton University) I did summer stock in Thomaston, CT.  We did twelve shows in thirteen weeks, and I had the time of my life doing roles like Charity (Sweet Charity), Ado Annie (Oklahoma), Carrie Pepperidge (Carousel) followed by dinner theater Corie Bratter (Barefoot in the Park).  But right after that, a dream came true when I got my Equity card playing Frenchy, the beauty school dropout, in Grease on national tour and then Broadway. Other wonderful gigs Off B’way, regionally and on national tour included Lala (The Last Night of Ballyhoo), Chrissy (In the Boom Boom Room), Nunsense, A… My Name is Alice, and Laughter on the 23^rd Floor.

TAEM- Many actors say that stage performances strengthen an actor’s ability. With many Students of the Arts who follow our magazine, can you tell us about this aspect of acting and how it has helped you in your career.

LG- Dialogue.  You know how it works, when it works, how the words fit in your mouth, and how they land.  I love dialogue and capturing the specific voice and speech pattern of every character.

TAEM- You have also performed in many commercials as well. Please tell us of some of the sponsors whose ads you were in.

LG- My first spot was for Odor Eaters.  I played a college student.  And that night I had my first performance of Grease on Bway when I took over the role of Frenchy.  It was an exciting day.  I loved doing commercials, and did bunches for products like Maxwell House Coffee, Scope, Burger King, Red Lobster, TJ Max, AT&T, Arby’s, Kleenex.  Also did a lot of radio and voice over too. (more…)

TAEM- The Arts and Entertainment Magazine is excited to present an author of one of our best loved genres, Thrillers. William Beck is an author our readers will love to learn about. His background enhances his writing style and adds authenticity to his stories. William, Tell us about your early days in the Army and the Medical field in which you practiced.

WB- I joined the Army during the latter years of the Viet Nam war. After my initial training, I was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA.  My first assignment was with the 2^nd Combat Support Hospital, a M.A.S.H. unit in the 34^th Medical Battalion. Keep in mind this was during the infancy of the “Volunteer Army.” As the war’s end drew near, the military had difficulty enticing enlistees. Those who did enlist received a guarantee to stay in the States for sixteen months before heading overseas. Our medical unit had many similarities to the TV show, M.A.S.H. The only things missing were Hawkeye Pierce and Trapper John. I can not even begin to recount all the tales. Suffice it to say, my memories are filled with much laughter. However, it was not all fun and games. I learned much from my days there, and it set the course for my future life. After my discharge, I became a registered nurse, and have mainly practiced in the critical care arena. And on a final note, I would like to add I am very proud of my service to this country.

TAEM- In your early years you actually wanted to write children’s books. Why did you decide to write Thrillers instead?

WB- I remember literally blurting out to my wife one day, “I want to write children’s literature.” I never had any thoughts of writing before that moment. She threw down the gauntlet and said, “Then do it.” After a three year educational process, I was ready to tackle the world. Naivety is a wonderful thing. It keeps us dreaming. I soon discovered I had little time to contemplate writing with demanding work hours and younger children. My zeal for writing never left and five years later I found myself at a small medical conference in Atlanta.  When asked by the moderator what is the one thing about you no one else knows, I blurted out, “I’m going to write a book.” I shocked myself by what I said. Her smile quickly evaporated when I replied I had no idea about what I would write. Three months later I read an article about the military’s HAARP project, in Alaska. I knew then this would become the topic of my first novel.  I thoroughly enjoy writing thrillers, but still toy with the idea of children’s books. However, for the moment, Bryson McGann keeps busy enough. (more…)